14 DAY TRIAL // Since full-sized desktop PC aren't selling that well, most PC vendors are focusing their attention on smaller form factors, such as nettops and HTPCs, which pack low-power components, but deliver the performance of entry-level to mainstream PCs. Such is the case with one of the latest product from AOpen Japan, which has just announced the debut of a new nettop dubbed XC Mini GP7A-HD. Unlike some of the other nettops on the market, this small-sized PC combines a Core 2 Duo processor with the NVIDIA ION graphics chipset.
While NVIDIA has been promoting its ION chip as an alternative to Intel Atom-based system, the integrated GPU can also be coupled with other Intel processors, which provides system builders with more flexibility, giving consumers the advantage of a wider range of products. Inside the XC Mini GP7A-HD is a Core 2 Duo processor that has been coupled with the aforementioned ION graphics, according to the details that have recently surfaced on netbooked. The internal configuration requires a fan-based cooling solution, but the company claims that the system works at a noise level of just 26dB.
Aside from that, you'll also get a DVD burner, card reader, two DDR3 memory slots with support for up to 4GB of RAM, support for a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or Solid State Drive, two Mini PCI-Express slots, 6 USB 2.0 slots, Gigabit LAN, eSATA, HDMI, VGA, and audio jacks. The system will apparently be sold as a barebone machine, leaving you with the choice for the PC's CPU, memory, storage, and Operating System.
The nettop measures in at 61 x 166 x 180mm and is slated for debut sometime in mid-December, according to available information. Unfortunately, there are no words on the system's pricing, at this time.