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Asus has unveiled the EeeBox EB1012 nettop computer, adding to its always expanding line of Eee Box computers.

The Eee Box EB1012 features the dual-core Intel atom 330 CPU, NVIDIA ION integrated graphics, HDMI output, eSATA port. Worth noting is that VGA output is back…

The EB1012 is powered by the Intel® Atom™ 330 dual core processor, which is built specifically for PCs like the EB1012. And with the accompanying NVIDIA® Ion™ graphics processor, the EB1012 treats you to an impressive multimedia performance with a low power consumption of just 40W.

The EeeBox EB1012 also gains some cosmetic changes (no more front cover),  and comes with Window Vista Home Premium.

EeeBox EB1012 specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom 330 CPU (1.6GHz dual core)
• Chipset: NVIDIA ION (MCP7A)
• RAM: 2 x 200-pin SODIMM, 2 GB of DDR2 800 RAM standard (up to 4GB)
• Display: NVIDIA ION Integrated Graphics, 1 x HDMI output, 1 x VGA output
• Audio:  5.1 Channel HD Audio (with S/PDIF out)
• Storage: 250GB 2.5in SATA hard drive, 1 x eSATA port
• LAN: 1 x Gigabit
• WLAN: 1 x 802.11b/g/n
• I/O: 6 x USB 2.0 (3 x front, 2 x read, 1 x top)
• Other: card reader, stand, remote controller (optional), keyboard + mouse (optional)

Product page here [via blogeee.net (French)].

Technorati Tags: 330, Asus, atom, EeeBox, eSATA, HDMI, Ion, mini motherboard, NVIDIA

In a previous article, I was recommending the Asus EeeBox B204 and B206 over the MSI WindBOX due to their better features.

Asus latest addition - the Eee Box B208 - adds one more compelling reason to go for the EeeBox family: the dual core Intel Atom 330 CPU. If still used with the 945GSE chipset, it should only maginally increase power consumption (Atom 330 Max TDP: 8W vs. Atom N270 Max TDB: 2.5W).

Here is a comparison table of the current Asus EeeBox models with Atom CPUs*:

*: note to overload the table, only Atom-based Eee Box models have been included. The Celeron-based Eee Box B201 and B203 models have been ignored.

Technorati Tags: 270, 330, 945gse, Asus, atom, dvi, EeeBox, HDMI, mini motherboard

Asus has unveiled the EeeBox B208 nettop computer.

The Eee Box B208 features the dual-core Intel atom N330 CPU, ATI Radeon HD 4350 discrete graphics, HDMI output, remote control, bluetooth and an integrated battery acting as UPS.

The EeeBox PC HD mini desktop PC is the latest addition to the EeeBox PC family. This newest incarnation now allows users to enjoy crisp and clear high definition content by means of a HD hardware decoder. Still retaining its svelte design, the EeeBox PC HD’s portability lets you turn virtually any space into a high definition entertainment zone for maximum enjoyment.

Worth noting is that the EeeBox B208 comes with Window Vista Home Basic or Business.

EeeBox B208 specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom 330 CPU (1.6GHz dual core)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 x 200-pin SODIMM, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM standard
• Display: ATI Radeon HD 4350 Discrete Graphics with 256 MB RAM, 1 x HDMI output
• Audio: Realtek ALC662 5.1 Channel HD Audio (with S/PDIF out)
• Storage: 160GB, 250GB or 320GB 2.5in SATA hard drive
• LAN: 1 x Gigabit
• WLAN: 1 x 802.11b/g/n
• I/O: 4 x USB 2.0
• Other: Bluetooth, built-in battery for UPS function, card reader, remote control, stand

Product page here.

[Update: The product page does not specify the chipset used for the EeeBox B208. Assuming at this stage that it is the Intel 945GSE chipset + ICH7M. The use of the Intel 945GC chipset - only valid combination according to Intel - may not fit within the TDP supported by the EeeBox.]

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, EeeBox, HDMI, mini motherboard, N330

MSI has recently released its WinBOX, targetting it for industrial/embedded use.

Some may consider it as a viable alternative to the Eee Box, given its similar size, performance and low power characteristics.

Here is a comparison table of the MSI WindBOX and current Asus EeeBox models*:

*: note to overload the table, only Atom-based Eee Box models have been included. The Celeron-based Eee Box B201 and B203 models have been ignored.

Looking at the comparison table above, the Eee Box models come with much better features (Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11n, S/PDIF output, DVI or HDMI output) than the WinBOX. The WinBOX may be sllent thanks to its fanless design (and provided it is equiped with a SSD drive); this is however not sufficient to compensate for the lower features it offers.

The Asus Eee Box models are a better choice; with the B204 and B206 models being the ones to go to take benefit of their discrete graphics in a small form factor and quiet (26dB) HTPC configuration.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, comparison, Eee Box, EeeBox, MSI, N270, Wind BOX, WindBOX

Asus has launched the EeeBox B203 nettop computer.

The Eee Box B203 uses a Celeron C220 CPU (1.2GHz) instead of the Atom N270 CPU present in the Eee Box B202, B204 and B206, for better performance. Worth noting is the use of the 945GC + ICH7 chipset (instead of the 945GSE + ICH7M) which is likely to result in higher power consumption.

It’s as small, eco-friendly, easy-to-use, and quick to boot up as the original Eee Box, but has a faster processor for all-around speedier performance. Programs start up faster, applications run more smoothly, and you can perform more tasks simultaneously!

Here is a comparison table of the EeeBox models - current and upcoming:

Product page can be found here [via Engadget].

Technorati Tags: 945gc, Asus, B203, C220, Celeron, dvi, Eee Box, EeeBox, mini motherboard

More details on the new EeeBox B204 and B206 are becoming available, following Asus announcement.

For example eeepc.it as some details based on the Eee Box user manual (download the user manual here).

Looking at the user manual, the remote control uses an external USB receiver (instead of an infrared received integrated to the Eee Box itself). There is also reference to a “TV function” in the manual - maybe Asus is going to offer an external TV tuner in the future?

Other than that, the only visible difference on the Eee Box itself is the presence of the HDMI port instead of the DVI port on the B202.

Here is a comparison table of the EeeBox models - current and upcoming:

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, Eee Box, EeeBox, HDMI, mini motherboard, N270

Asus has announced the EeeBox B204 and B206 nettop computers.

The B204 and B206 feature ATI Radeon HD 3400 discrete graphics, HDMI output, remote control, and a 160GB hard drive. The B204 also features bluetooth.

With the discrete graphics providing hardware acceleration, the new EeeBox is expected to play full hd - 1080p - which has been one of the weak points of the existing Atom based solutions, netbooks or nettops.

With the new Eee Box B204 and B206, users will be able to enjoy viewing hardware-accelerated HD content on LCD TVs, monitors and projectors via an HDMI output—making them ideal for families seeking a simple, space-saving home entertainment solution.

Other characteristics remain similar to the original EeeBox (B202).

EeeBox B204/B206 specifications:

• CPU: Intel Atom N270 CPU (1.6GHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
• RAM: 1 x 200-pin SODIMM, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM standard
• Display: ATI Radeon HD 3400 Discrete Graphics with 256 MB RAM, 1 x HDMI output
• Audio: Realtek ALC662 5.1 Channel HD Audio (with S/PDIF out)
• Storage: 160GB 2.5in SATA hard drive
• LAN: 1 x Gigabit
• WLAN: 1 x 802.11b/g/n
• I/O: 4 x USB 2.0
• Other: Bluetooth (B204 only), built-in battery for UPS function (B204 only), card reader, remote control, stand

Full press release here.

Technorati Tags: 945gse, Asus, atom, EeeBox, fanless, mini motherboard, N270