It has become somewhat of a trend for computer system makers to first introduce their own version of a low-power, Atom-based netbook computer system, and then to accompany it later with the release of a desktop version of that precise system.

 

These low-power, low-cost and Atom-powered PCs have been dubbed nettops and, although this segment of the market is not as successful as the netbook one, system makers continue to unveil versions of such a configuration. The latest to follow in the footsteps of the likes of ASUS and MSI is the Palo Alto, California-based HP, which has recently introduced its first nettop PC, at an event in Taiwan.

 

Launched under the company's Compaq brand, the new nettop has been dubbed the mini-Q 2030. It is, as expected, powered by Intel's 1.6GHz dual-core Atom 330 processor, and comes to offer 2GB of DDR2 memory, which marks a considerable boost from the 1GB available in most Atom-based portable computer systems. Additional features include a 160GB, 7200RPM SATA hard drive with a pre-loaded Windows Vista operating system, a dual-layer DVD burner, four USB 2.0 ports, two PS/2 ports, Ethernet port, and VGA jack.

 

According to available details, HP's mini-Q weighs just 4.4 lbs, which doesn't include the system's monitor or any other peripherals. The company's first nettop system, the dual-core Atom 330-based mini-Q 2030, is expected to become available in Taiwan for approximately $386.

 

Aside from the dual-core Atom 330-powered HP Compaq nettop, the company has also introduced a single-core Atom-based mini-Q 2020, which is featured with a 1.6GHz Atom 230 CPU, has only 1GB of RAM memory, and is running on a Windows XP operating system. This system is also expected to become available in Taiwan for a price tag that should settle around $296. Unfortunately, there are no details as to when these systems will become available in the US.