14 DAY TRIAL // While Mac enthusiasts probably rejoice at the thought of the new and improved MacBook portable systems launched in Apple's all too famous style yesterday, there is good news for PC users as well, since they can now place their pre-orders for yet another non OS X-powered all-in-one desktop computer system. This time around, the spotlight is on ASUS, a company that has recently recorded an optimistic growth in sales, thanks to its vast Eee PC lineup. The Taiwanese manufacturer is yet to officially unveil the new all-in-one Eee Top, but it appears that some of the partners have already listed the system as available for pre-order, which can only mean that ASUS will soon give the official treatment to its new Eee product.
As some of you may remember from our previous articles related to the Eee Top, the yet-to-be officially introduced all-in-one system is powered by Intel's current money-maker, the Atom N270 processor, the same CPU that is powering most of the company's Eee netbooks, as well as many of the netbook systems coming from ASUS' competitors. What this actually means, in terms of performance and technical specifications, is that users will be able to take advantage of the benefits delivered by an all-in-one system, but with the power requirements currently featured in netbooks and nettops.
In terms of performance, you are actually looking at an all-in-one desktop version of a standard, Atom-powered netbook, which means you will get the same 1GB DDR2 memory, 160GB hard disk drive, 1.3MP webcam built in the 15.6-inch touch sensitive display, and a Windows XP Home operating system, although the company is likely to offer a Linux flavor as well. Unlike most netbooks, you will also get Gigabit Ethernet, and wireless 802.11 b/g/n network connectivity.
Given the Eee Top’s specifications, it obviously can't be compared with any of those high-power all-in-one desktop systems from Apple, Sony, Dell, or HP. With all that, it actually stands good chances of becoming one of ASUS' successful Eee-branded computer systems.
You can place your pre-order at Play, where the system is featured for £399.99 – delivery is free of charge. According to the listing, the Eee Top should become available on November 20 this year, so you will have to wait a bit more before you will finally enjoy all its features.