Shuttle Readies ION 2-Based Barebone Nettop

While there are indeed hard-core gamers and enthusiasts that constantly look for top-tier desktop parts, there are also consumers that want decent machines for web browsing and basic office tasks. Nettops are generally employed by such end-users, as they provide the intended functionality without unnecessary but cost-increasing features.

Such devices have not sold in such high numbers as other products, but their existence on the market is not threatened because they do not only offer entry-level computing at a low price, but they do so while taking up little to no desk space. Now that the ION 2 platform promises to improve the overall performance of such machines, Shuttle made haste in developing a model in time for CeBIT.

Codenamed XS35, the barebone nettop PC is the company's first device to be powered by NVIDIA's next-generation ION 2 platform and uses an Intel Atom D510 dual-core processor. This CPU has a clock frequency of 1.66GHz and is paired with the NVIDIA GT218 graphics processing unit. The system also features a multi-format card reader, an optical drive, five USB 3.0 ports, LAN and room for the insertion of a 2.5-inch hard drive or solid state drive.

Shuttle managed to compress this entire feature set into a compact frame that has a width of only 3.3 centimeters. The NVIDIA GPU enables smooth 3D and video playback and the HDMI allows the barebone to be connected to any flat panel display or TV. This performance is complemented by the energy-saving features of the chipset itself, a power consumption that is further reduced thanks to the fanless construction of the nettop. Needless to say, the lack of fans also enables a noiseless operation.

The company will be showcasing its device at CeBIT 2010 and will start selling it during the second quarter. Unfortunately, the price has not been disclosed as of yet.