That’s not an external optical drive you’re looking at. It’s actually Shuttle’s upcoming Windows-based nettop that runs on Intel’s Atom D510 dual core processor. The fact that it measures only 3.3cm? That’s not what makes it awesome (although the size does add to its overall awesome-factor)—it’s that this small desktop kit comes with Nvidia’s ION2 graphics, making for a really compact desktop kit that can handle HD videos and streaming 3D.
MSI has announced that they will be showing off several new desktops on the CES showroom floor in January. Three models have been announced: the Wind Top AP1920, an All-in-one PC built around an 18.5-inch touchscreen display, and two Wind Box Mini PCs, the DE220 and DC500.
Intel has just officially announced new Atom processors that should be seen running next year’s batch of netbooks. Codenamed “Pine Trail”, the new processors are based on a 45nm process that’s listed to offer 20% less power consumption than the previous generation of Atom CPUs, which translates to less heat (and a reduced need for cooling) in a smaller package.
Acer has just announced that they’ll be coming out with the compact AspireReve 3610 nettop in the US by the end of the month. One of the first to run Nvidia;s ION platform, the US-headed system is also set to ship with a Windows 7 operating system.
Lenovo has just announced a new all-in-one PC along their value line of desktop systems, the C100. Technically a net-top, the C100 runs on Intel Atom processors and an entry-level configuration to keep the price down.
Asus has just announced three of its new EeeTop all-in-one PCs to the US market, the 20-inch ET2002 and ET2002T, and the 22-inch ET2203T. Both ET2002 models are basically energy (and space)-efficient nettops that run on Intel’s Atom processors and Nvidia’s ION integrated graphics, while the ET2203 is set up for high-end HD entertainment with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a dedicated ATI Radeon HD 4570 graphics card.
Acer’s Veriton Z280G is a space-saving all-in-one nettop that runs on a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and 2GBs of DDR2 memory. Designed for business use, the entire system is mounted on an 18.5-inch widescreen LCD, leaving only a three-piece stand (along with the detached mouse and keyboard) to save on desk space.
Acer has unveiled a new Veriton nettop called the N260G that features a very compact, almost-zero footprint (if mounted behind a VESA compatible display). Designed for office and classroom use, the N260G runs a power-efficient spec that includes a 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of memory (2GB max), integrated Intel GMA 4500M graphics, and a 160GB hard drive.
eMachines has launched its own NetTop PC – the EZ1601-01 all-in-one desktop PC. If you need a secondary computer at home, a NetTop could be a convenient solution. The machine is a space-saver, with the CPU lumped together with the display – just don’t expect the kind of performance you’ve gotten used to in a standard desktop.
All-in-one PCs have been coming out in droves recently, and with good reason. They’re neat, compact, easy to set up, easy to move, and they spare you from having to deal with multiple cables running along the back. Barebone PC manufacturer Shuttle Inc. has dipped its fingers into the monobody all-in-one market with the X50 series, which spares you from the clutter, but not from the decision process. It’s a build-your-own all-in-one PC that gives you a frame fitted with an Intel Atom 330 dual core processor, a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, a 1.3MP Webcam, and a 65-watt power supply, but the memory and storage is up to you.