Net-tops - New computer trends

After Asus's success with the EEE mini laptop PC, manufacturers are racing to create mini-desktop computers, also called net-tops, with compact size and low cost.

Normally, using a laptop consumes a lot of power with its continuous movement, everyone understands that concept. If demand for cheap laptops increases, and manufacturers try to meet this demand, there will eventually be additional costs incurred during use.

But with desktop computers is different. The first is that cheap desktops are always rich and have been around for years, for no reason why smaller sized machines have higher costs. Dell, HP and Acer all offer discounts on these computers for only $ 300 - $ 500.

Second, when the laptop screen is also a factor affecting the price, the desktop allows you to buy big screens at low prices.

With those efforts, Dell, HP or any manufacturer does not need to move to ultra-small or slim desktop models like the Acer Aspire X1200. Like Apple's Mac Mini, while the iMac is constantly updated, the Mac Mini's hardware hasn't changed at all since August last year. Although demand has increased even more, Apple is expected to keep the Mac Mini's design as it is today.

Here are some recent net-tops models released recently. All are very compact and beautiful.

Dell's Studio Hybrid

Dell's new Studio Hybrid will be 80% smaller than a regular PC and will come out with 7 different colors. The device retails for $ 499 and $ 699 for the same screen. In addition, the device will be equipped with the latest Intel processor.

Dell has been promoting this product since April, is an environmentally friendly desktop computer, and compared to traditional desktops, the Studio Hybrid saves up to 70%. Dell also said the case is made of recycled materials. There is not much information about this product yet.

Shuttle launched a desktop mini for $ 299

After launching the mini desktop line - KPC 4500, Shuttle continues to release the next model in a very nice and affordable form.

Also quite similar to the previous product, the $ 199 KPC 4500 introduced at the beginning of the year, this 4800 model has the biggest difference is the addition of optical drive and support of 2 monitors. However, there is currently only one black for your choice.

The KPC 4800 runs Foresight Linux operating system, but can also be upgraded to a 32-bit version of Windows Vista. The Linux version starts at $ 279 and the price for Vista is $ 479. Monitors, mice, keyboards, speakers and other computer components are sold separately.

CherryPal C100

CherryPal C100 is about the size of a book, but not inferior to other large desktops. MobileGT 3-core processor delivers high performance when implementing multimedia applications and high user interfaces, while only consuming very small power (2W).

CherryPal uses 80% less components than a traditional PC, and because the components are fixed, it doesn't make noise and can run smoothly for 10 years or more.

ASUS EEE Box

Behind EEE there are 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Gigabit LAN port, 1 output line for DVI, left and right audio with S / PDIF, and 1 plug port for WiFi. It has no optical drive, but has a removable hard drive that can be upgraded and repaired.

Asus currently sells a lot of EEE with different configurations, but only 3 models in the US. One is a 1GB RAM configuration and an 80GB hard drive for $ 269, with an unspecified Linux version. Another configuration with Linux operating system, 2GB RAM and 160 GB hard drive with $ 299. And finally the Windows XP version with 1GB of RAM and 80GB hard drive sold for $ 299.

Looks aren't everything, but it's hard to say how big these net-tops desktops are. While all of these models are not mainstream, the most attractive thing is still affordable, compared to the features and convenience that it offers. And PC users will be the most excited when these products are sold widely.