Ask Engadget: best nettop for family use?

Posted on 23/12/2012 by Daniel Cooper

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Robin, who wants to help the older generation get online. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"Hi Engadget, I'm looking for a desktop for my parents, and since they rarely play any 3D games, I think a nettop might be ideal. Anything that has an HDMI output would work, so what do you recommend? Thanks very much"

Lenovo's latest Q190 arrives in January, will set you back $350 and comes with Windows 8, while the eco-friendly (but less-powerful) ASUS EeeBox EB1030 is $370, but should do a similarly decent job with your parents early adventures in tweeting. But how about you out there? Can you suggest a nettop that's even more desirable? Now that the world hasn't ended (at least when the Mayans said it would) you can share your knowledge in the comments below.

Filed under: Desktops, HD

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Zotac’s ZBOX ID84 mini PC sports Cedar Trail CPU and optional NVIDIA, starts at $229

Posted on 10/08/2012 by Edgar Alvarez

As recent history would kindly tell us, Zotac really, really loves its tiny computing boxes. Now the outfit's introduced yet another one to its mini PC mix: enter the ZBOX ID84. The standalone unit -- which lacks an HDD and memory sticks -- is set to be priced at a not-too-shabby $229, while the "Plus" model will carry a more expensive $319 price tag, but does come sporting a decent 320GB (5,400RPM) hard drive, 2GB of DDR3 RAM, NVIDIA's GeForce GT 520M GPU alongside the dual-core Intel Atom D2550 CPU. Ports-wise the ZBOX ID84 Plus is pretty well-stacked, sporting two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, a notorious 6-in-1 card reader, gigabit Ethernet, plus DVI and HDMI. All in all, it looks like Zotac's latest miniature could get most anyone through the days, though we wouldn't blame you if you're interested in something with a little more power under the hood.

Filed under: Desktops

Zotac's ZBOX ID84 mini PC sports Cedar Trail CPU and optional NVIDIA, starts at $229 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DailyTech | source

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Foxconn fanless nano PCs get priced, dated and tweaked

Posted on 07/07/2012 by Alexis Santos

Remember those Foxconn built nano PCs that surfaced back in May? The giant manufacturer recently made them official, detailing a few unexpected tweaks in a Russian language press release. Now decked out in a sleek black finish, the nettops will sport the same I/O, but one image courtesy of FanlessTech hints that DVI might be thrown into the mix despite lacking a mention in the official press release. The AT-5250 model won't be walking the Cedar Trail with an Atom D2700 as originally planned -- instead, its sights are set on a 1.86 GHz D2550. On the other hand, the AT-5600 will pack a Radeon HD 6320 alongside the anticipated AMD E450 APU. Surpassing their presumed sub-$200 price tag, they're set to ring up at $260 and $280, respectively, when they launch this September. Journey past the break for the translated press release.

Continue reading Foxconn fanless nano PCs get priced, dated and tweaked

Foxconn fanless nano PCs get priced, dated and tweaked originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 18:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanlessTech | source

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ASUS’ Cedar Trail-loaded EeeBox EB1030 nettop keeps your desk clean, thumbs green

Posted on 29/06/2012 by Edgar Alvarez

We've seen a fair share of space-saving nettops pass through our very own crowded halls, so what's one more to add to the list? Especially when it's one being flaunted as the most eco-friendly, energy-efficient PC. That's exactly what ASUS thinks of its EeeBox EB1030, which aside from sporting a relatively minimalist design (as is usually the case with nettops), it's also boasting Intel's latest batch of Cedar Trail CPUs. To go along with those Atom processors (1.86GHz), ASUS is making this mini machine as configurable as it could get, giving users the option to load it with up to 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive combined with 32GB of SSD goodness. Ports-wise the unit's pretty standard, offering options such as an HDMI, VGA, microphone, audio jack, card reader and four USB two-dot-ohs. Of course, the amount of cash you'll have to shell out will depend on the setup of choice, with pricing set to start at €296, or around $370 in American dollars.

Gallery: ASUS EeeBox PC EB1030