We’ve been waiting excitedly for the Eee Top touchscreen desktop computer from Asus to launch in Australia ever since we first got a glimpse of it back in 2008, but today they’ve announced the local release. The 15.6-inch touchscreen desktop features an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 802.11n Wi-Fi, six USB ports, and runs Windows XP (Home). It will hit Harvey Norman shelves in February for $1,299.Now considering the Atom processor is designed for cheap, low powered machines, the $1300 price tag seems a bit stiff. Sure you get a touchscreen, but for a few hundred dollars more, you can pick up a much more powerful iMac with a 20-inch screen. Considering original reports had the Eee Top going for around $US500, this is either a case of the Australian tax getting out of hand, or Asus getting a bit over-confident in their Eee brand. We’d say mostly the former, but with a touch of the latter.
What do you guys reckon? 20-inch iMac for $1,549 or 15.6-inch touchscreen Eee Top for $1,299? Let us know in comments…
Livin’ the Eee Life – introducing the new Eee Top from ASUS
Slimline touchscreen adds a simple touch to home computingSydney, Australia, January 27, 2009 – ASUS, creators of the Eee PC, today announced the newest addition to the Eee Family, the touchscreen-enabled Eee Top.
The all-in-one Eee Top ET1602 boasts the full functionality of a regular desktop PC at just a fraction of the footprint. Equipped with a 15.6″ LCD and five-wired resistive touch panels, the Eee Top enhances interactivity and the simplicity of performing daily computing tasks by applying direct pressure with just a fingertip.
Adding a touch of class to the home, the Eee Top provides countless communication possibilities convenient for the whole family. With a comprehensive suite of touch-optimised applications, the Eee Top enables users to do virtually anything, easily. In the kitchen, a new recipe, online cooking class or just enjoying music while you cook is a touch away. In the living room, learn the art of relaxation, watch the news or a movie, with just a touch. In the bedroom, chat with a friend, surf the net to research or catch up on reading. Placed at the entrance it is touch and go with the Eee Top – ideal for quick access to information before leaving the house, purchasing movie tickets, checking the weather, time or map. Additionally, it is a welcome addition to leave convenient notes and reminders for family members.
Equipped with a myriad of features, the Eee Top displays large icons and tabs which provide easy access to applications such as Eee Manager for easy system management, out-of-box productivity with Microsoft Works and Star Office, handwriting recognition with Soft Stylus, Eee Memo scribble sticky notes, YouCam for video chat, exciting Eee Cinema media centre, and powerful web surfing that supports drag-and-drop functions, widgets and ‘speed dialing’ with Opera Touch.
Furthermore, the Eee Top packaged as a compact LCD monitor form factor, offers Wi-Fi 802.11n connectivity for speedy and reliable Internet access, built-in high fidelity speakers for crystal clear audio and an integrated 1.3 megapixel web camera and microphone array for convenient web conferencing. With ASUS Tranquiller Technology the Eee Top has a smart air flow design with quiet fans and unique heat dissipation materials to ensure it stays cool while operating at an extremely quiet 26 dB.
As an entertainment centre, the Eee Top 15.6″ widescreen (16:9) LCD is sharp and vibrant bolstered by Eee Splendid™ Video Intelligence Technology. Enjoy high quality audio throughout as well, without the need for additional speakers thanks to the integrated Hi-Fi speakers and SRS TruSurround HD™ technology. Tying in all of the Eee Top’s multimedia capabilities is Eee Cinema, a full-featured multimedia centre that enhances user’s enjoyment of photos, videos, music and movies.
The Eee Top is simple to set up, just plug in the power cord and it’s ready for use. Elegantly designed, the Eee Top is an attractive addition that complements the home. The compact form factor includes a carrying handle which doubles as a keyboard holder and with its silent operation can be placed anywhere in the house, office or commercial space without being obtrusive or distracting.
The touchy, feely Eee Top from ASUS is the ultimate in dynamic touchscreen computing.
The Eee Top ET1602 will be available in Australia from February 2009 at Harvey Norman. RRP: AU$1,299 inc GST.