ASUS EeeBox PC EB1006 Nettop PC

Sep 30 2009 - For those looking at a low cost computer to attach to a HDTV for use with browsing the web or even streaming some online video, the ASUS EeeBox EB1006 is certainly a very attractive choice. The system benefits greatly over traditional nettops because it includes a dedicate graphics processor by ATI that allows this system to handle higher definition video streams and some 3D graphics. The downside is that it is still heavily limited by the Atom processor for dealing with HD video streaming.

Sep 30 2009 - One of the biggest advantages that nettops have is their small size and power consumption that allow them to be inexpensive additions to a home theater system for browsing the web or dealing with high definition video. The ASUS EeeBox EB1006 certainly pushes the platform further in this area but it still is restricted by the Windows XP licensing terms and the Atom platform.

The big feature on the EeeBox EB1006 is the graphics. Traditional nettops use the Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics that lack much performance for anything but basic web browsing. ASUS placed a dedicated ATI Radeon HD 4530 graphics processor in this unit that gives it some amazing performance for graphics and video. It also comes equipped with an HDMI video connector making it easy to connect to an HDTV. This opens up the ability to do HD video and basic 3D video games that nettops have previously been unable to do.

The problem is that the Intel Atom N270 and the Windows XP license restrictions prevent this from being a great HDTV platform. For example, the graphics card doesn't help with streaming video feeds that rely on the processor rather than the graphics. This prevents many high definition video streaming for truly working with the EeeBOX EB1006. And since the device also lacks a DVD burner or a Blu-ray drive, it relies more heavily upon streaming.

At $350 and under, the EeeBox EB1006 is still extremely affordable for bringing computer features to a home theater system. It just falls a bit short in being a truly great nettop for use with a home theater because of Microsoft's hardware restrictions.