DELL ZINO HD BETTER THAN YOUR TYPICAL NETTOP

The Dell Zino HD is finally available for pre-order in the US. In the UK it is already available. We have been hearing about this device for a while now. The Zino HD looks much like other nettops, but it is not a typical nettop. While nettops usually run on low power Intel Atom processors, the Zino HD comes with an AMD processor and ATI graphics. The machine is also fairly configurable with the base version starting at as little as $229.

Whether you configure the model with integrated graphics or Radeon discrete GPU, the AMD/ATI nettop will offer better graphics performance than Intel Atom nettops with GMA 950 graphics. Another cool feature is that the customizable lid comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

THE AOPEN XC MINI SMARTER THAN A TYPICAL NETTOP

In form factor, the AOpen XC Mini isn’t much different from other nettops currently available, but it is certainly more powerful. On the flip side it is pricier than most nettops.

Inside the glossy black shell, it packs an Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo (Penryn) processor which is significantly more powerful than the Atom processors found in most nettops. The Penryn processor also provides reasonably good gaming performance.

The nettop comes with an optical drive. It has the regular array of ports and slots. There are 6 USB 2.0ports, a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive slot, an HDMI output port, an eSATA port, gigabit LAN and Nvidia ION graphics port.

The XC Mini delivers impressive performance in benchmark tests. You can’t term it as an entry level gaming machine, but it isn’t quite a high-end nettop either.

LENOVO TO RELEASE ITS IDEACENTER C100 TOUCHSCREEN NETTOP

Lenovo will release its IdeaCenter C100 in a few weeks. This is an all-in-one nettop with optional touch screen. The machine will have a large 20 inches display and includes a DVD burner.

Configuration
Processor: Intel Atom N270 1.60 GHz CPU
Memory: 2 GB RAM
HDD: 80GB/160GB
Operating System: Windows Vista

Optional features include Wi-Fi and camera. The basic configuration without the touch screen will cost around $400. Lenovo plans to release it by August end. The touchscreen version will cost more. It will include the Windows 7 upgrade and is expected to be released in October.

A nettop is a type of mini desktop computer designed for performing basic tasks like web surfing.

MEET THE HP MINI-Q NETTOP

HP seems to be interested in beating Asus at their own game. While Asus was the first in the nettop business HP is hoping to break that with the introduction of their new Mini-Q nettop. The only thing is that it will be sold under the Compaq Presario 2030 /2020 brand. As for specs expect Vista or XP (respectfully) with an Atom 330 / 230 CPU, 2GB DDR2 RAM, 160 HDD, dual layer DVD and a 6 in 1 card reader.

Sorry I'd love to give you a release date because I was thinking of getting one for Christmas but so far there is none. We do know what the price will be when it hits Taiwan: NT$9,900 ($296) / NT$12,900 ($386).