New Asus Desktop Computer Releases :

ASUS Eee Top ET2002 :

Asus' name is synonymous with netbook laptops, thanks to its success with the Eee PC. ASUS brings that experience and success to the desktop space with the Eee Top ET2002 ($599 list). The ET2002 is a 20-inch widescreen all-in-one nettop PC with a dual core Atom processor, Nvidia ION graphics, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi—all at an attractive price. It isn't quite as inexpensive nor as full featured as rivals; however, the Eee Top is worth a look if you're in the market for a budget all-in-one PC that lets you watch video and surf sites.

Features :

The ET2002 comes equipped with a dual core Intel Atom 300 processor, 2GB of DDR2 memory, 320GB hard drive, Nvidia ION graphics, dual layer slot-loading DVD burner, three-in-one card reader, six USB 2.0 ports and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. One notable feature is the HDMI-in port, which means you can hook up a cable/Satellite set top box or console game system like a PS3 or Xbox 360. The addition of the HDMI-in port makes the ET2002 more useful to people who have space constraints, like apartment dwellers or students in dorm rooms. The 20-inch screen is much larger than ones you can find on any netbook (which max out at 12-inch), and is big enough to show 720p games in addition to the movies I mentioned above.

The combination of the dual core Atom and Nvidia ION GPU make the ET2002 a good inexpensive PC for viewing Web video. YouTube HD videos were watchable, and you could view MPEG-4 and MPEG-2 encoded HD videos on the ET2002, which is a great improvement over earlier single-core nettops like the Eee Top 1602. Adobe has announced that the next version of Flash will have GPU acceleration built in, so HD video can only improve in the future. The combination of the ION GPU and dual core Atom make the ET2002 a good replacement for your TV, provided your favorite shows appear online on sites like TV.com or Hulu.

Our review unit Eee Top ET2002 came with Windows 7 and Vista dual boot, thanks to ASUS and Nvidia, but the shipping version comes with Vista and a coupon for Windows 7 upgrade. I tested the unit in Windows 7, since most users with the choice will skip Vista and move right to Windows 7. There's a little bloatware on the system: mainly the 60-day trial of Microsoft Office and a trial version of Trend Micro Anti Virus (I'd like to see a full 1 year version at least). On the whole it's not too bad, but I welcome the day that PC builders bundle links so you can download extra programs, rather than pre-loading all this software.

Specifications:

• Price as Tested: $599.00 List
• Type: General Purpose, Value, All-in-one
• Processor Family: Intel Atom
• RAM: 2 GB
• Storage Capacity: 320 GB
• RAID: No
• Graphics Card: nVidia ION
• Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
• Monitor Type: LCD Widescreen
• Screen Size: 20 inches