Inside the Eee Top ET1611PUT is Intel’s 1.8GHz single-core D425 processor, paired with GMA3150 graphics, 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard-drive. There’s a single-touch display, WiFi b/g/n, a 0.3-megapixel webcam and five USB 2.0 ports, along with gigabit ethernet and a pair of 2W speakers. It’ll be available either with Windows 7 preloaded or OS-free, priced at €449 ($641) or €369 ($526) respectively.

As for the larger Eee Top ET2011AUKB and ET2011AUTB, they both have a 1.6GHz AMD Fusion Brazos E350 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB 7,200rpm hard-drive and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. There’s also a tray-loading DVD burner, WiFi b/g/n, twin 2W speakers and four USB 2.0 ports. The ET2011AUKB and ET2011AUTB will be priced at €539 ($769) and €589 ($840) respectively, each preloaded with Windows 7.

[via NetbookNews; Thanks Marco!]

The display, meanwhile, runs at 1920 x 1080 resolution and supports multitouch input.  If you have a set of NVIDIA 3D Vision glasses you can watch 3D content, too, and there’s an integrated ATSC TV tuner as well.  Elsewhere there’s a 1TB 7,200rpm hard-drive, Blu-ray combo drive, gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0.

Ports include audio in/out, an HDMI input – for using the Eee Top as a display – plus VGA output, two USB 3.0 ports and three USB 2.0 ports.  As you might expect, none of this comes cheap; pre-orders are being taken for $1,899, and there’s no sign of a shipping date at present.

[via 3D-Display-Info]

The 1400 x 900 display uses an optical touchscreen technology that supports pinch-zooming, and the whole unit measures 1-inch thick.  Connectivity includes gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, a multiformat memory card slot, multiple USB 2.0 ports, HDMI input and audio in/out.

The ET2010PNT-BN024E and ET2010AGT-B015E each have two 2W speakers, while the ET2010PNT-B038E and ET2010AGT-B027E have three 2W speakers (we’re guessing they add in a subwoofer) together with being wall-mountable.  Pricing is £619.99 ($942) for the ET2010PNT and £629.99 ($957) for the ET2010AGT.  Full specs for all four of the models – together with some more images – in the gallery below.

Press Release:

A Touching Choice in Home Entertainment – ASUS Launch Next Generation Eee Top PC ET2010

ASUS have today announced the UK launch of the Eee Top PC ET2010 series – a superior all-in-one PC which brings everyday computing and outstanding multimedia performance together inside a minimalist and stylish package.

With a super-slim 1” profile, multi-touch 20” screen and impressive multimedia capabilities thanks to the latest processor and graphics technology, the ET2010 is the ideal solution for home users seeking the best of the computer and home entertainment worlds.

The ET2010 is available now from a range of retailers and e-tailers at a price of £619.99 SRP (inc VAT).

Next generation technology for a dazzling multimedia experience:

With the latest processors and graphics card technology, coupled with DirectX 11 for outstanding video playback, the new ET2010 series delivers flawless visuals to users.

“The ASUS Eee Top ET2010 delivers a rich multimedia and entertainment experience thanks to NVIDIA ION graphics*. Whether you’re watching HD videos online, tagging and sharing family photos or playing your favourite PC games, this system will do it all in style” said David Ragones, Director of ION and GeForce Product Marketing at NVIDIA.

The ET2010’s 20” wide-screen high definition plus (1200 x 600) display, HDMI compatibility and SRS virtual 5.1 surround sound allows users to enjoy mind-blowing multimedia either on the Eee Top or via a larger external television. Gone are the days where the model movie set-up required three or four separate devices – the ET2010 really is an all-in-one solution making it the perfect yet affordable contender as a home entertainment system.

Instant switch between PC and Monitor mode for optimum viewing:

Users can easily switch between PC mode or monitor mode with the ability to multi-task between the two environments – so you can be watching the latest movie in full screen HD quality whilst searching for files in the background – no more fuss trying to manage multiple windows at once.

Multi-touch offers users an easier way to navigate their computer:

The ET2010PNT and ET2010AGT models feature an optical 20” multi-touch screen – far more sensitive than alternative screens available today (such as resistive and capacitive). The result is easier and more accurate input when working with the fingertips.

With the multi-touch screen, users can easily pinch, zoom or rotate images with just two fingers – or, scroll effortlessly through web-pages or text. Such an intuitive style of navigating data means the whole family – even younger children – can take part and enjoy the fun.

1” Slim design blends seamlessly into any home – big or small:

With a curvy 1” profile, the ET2010 is incredibly slim and lightweight compared with traditional desktop PCs. With the ability to wall-mount*, users with even the smallest living room can still enjoy computing in style without negating on precious space.

Designed to be tough – a scratch and damage-resistant option:

The ET2010 series is incredibly hardwearing to give users full peace of mind. The U-Bar can withstand a 30Kg pull, whilst the stand can handle up to 4Kg in push pressure without falling down. The 9H screen is reassuringly hard and scratch-resistant – so no matter how frantic things get in the household, you won’t need to worry about the Eee Top.

Tiny carbon footprint for an eco-friendly home:

Accredited by Energy Star 5.0, the ET2010 bears testament that superior multimedia performance does not have to mean a compromise on being green. With a power consumption almost as low as an energy-saving light bulb (19.96Wh) it helps save the environment as well as the pennies. The packaging is made from 100% recycled materials, and there are no more paper-heavy manuals included – a simple DVD is provided instead.

Eee Docking platform delivers content straight from the desktop:

The Eee Top PC comes with the exclusive ASUS Eee Docking platform – a one-stop solution offering users a range of useful services and content to enrich their day to day computing life. The Eee Docking platform includes Eee Amuse, Eee Sharing, Eee Xperience and Eee Tools.

What’s more, the ET2010 allows users to connect to ASUS cloud computing services such as:

* ASUS @Vibe – a portal to a variety of content including music, games, magazines, e-books, e-learning materials and live TV.
* ASUS WebStorage – users can access their files anytime, from anywhere. A simple drag and drop interface facilitates sharing with friends and family and backing-up data for safekeeping. Users have a 1-year free trial – visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details.

The ASUS Eee Top ET2010PNT and ET2010PN each us a 1.66GHz Intel Atom D510 processor, with NVIDIA Ion 2 graphics, 2GB of RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium.  The ET2010PNT has a 20-inch multitouch display running at 1400 x 900 and a 500GB hard-drive, while the ET2010PN drops the multitouch and gets a 320GB drive.  Each has gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n and a DVD burner.

Next, the ASUS Eee Top ET2010P has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom D410 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard-drive, along with a DVD burner, 1400 x 900 non-touchscreen 20-inch display and Intel NM10 graphics.  Connectivity includes gigabit ethernet and WiFi b/g/n, along with six USB ports and a DVD burner.

The last two 20-inch models, the ASUS Eee Top ET2010AGT and ET2010AG each have AMD Athlon X2 dual-core 250u 1.6GHz processors and ATI Radeon HD 5470 512MB graphics.  The ET2010AGT has a multitouch display, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard-drive, while the ET2010AG has a standard display, 2GB of RAM and a 500GB hard-drive.  Each also gets a DVD burner and HDMI connectivity.

As for the 15.6-inch model, the Eee Top ET1610PT (first tipped back in February), that has an Intel Atom 1.6GHz D410 CPU, Intel GMA 3150 graphics and 1GB of RAM, together with a 160GB hard-drive, gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n and Windows XP Home.

No word on pricing or availability for any of the models, but we previously heard that the ET2010AGT would drop in May 2010

[via Notebook Italia]

Each machine has an AMD Athlon X2 250u processor running at 1.6GHz, along with the AMD RX780 chipset, ATI Mobility Radeon HD5470 graphics with 512MB of dedicated memory, and 4GB of RAM. There’s also a 500GB 7,200rpm hard-drive (320GB on the non-touchscreen machine) and a side-mounted DVD burner.

The display itself comes in at 20-inches and 1400 x 900 resolution, while connectivity includes gigabit ethernet, HDMI, WiFi b/g/n, six USB 2.0 ports and audio in/out. There’s also a 1.3-megapixel webcam and a memory card reader, and there’ll be an optional VESA kit for wall-mounting the Eee Top.

Still no word on when we can expect the ASUS Eee Top ET2010AGT to arrive in the US, however.

[via Gadgetmix]

The display itself is a 15.6-inch panel running at 1600 x 900 and with Intel GMA X3150 graphics.  Connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n and gigabit ethernet, along with six USB 2.0 ports, a multiformat memory card reader and a 0.3-megapixel webcam.

Pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed, and we can’t spot a product page either, only a mention on the ASUS support site.  That means no sign of official photos as yet, but we’re guessing the ET1610PT looks pretty similar to previous Eee Top models.

[via Netbook Italia]

The ET2002T has a touchscreen display, NVIDIA Ion graphics and a DVD burner, together with a 320GB hard-drive and up to 4GB of RAM (2GB standard).  Meanwhile the ET2203T gets a choice of DVD burner or slot-loading Blu-ray drive, either 320GB or 500GB of storage, ATI Radeon HD 4570 graphics and a touchscreen.

Each has WiFi b/g/n and gigabit ethernet, a webcam, and the larger has ASUS’ Total Media Center app too.  Both models will drop on October 22nd, along with Windows 7, with the Eee Top ET2002T priced from £559 ($891) and the Eee Top ET2203T from £819 ($1,305).

Press Release:

Touch Perfection Anywhere with the ASUS Eee Top ET2002/2203

Delivering the ultimate all-in-one multimedia touch-screen experience, the new ASUS Eee Top is space saving, user friendly, portable and HD home entertainment ready. The slim, elegant fully-featured desktop packs function neatly into the touch-screen itself.

The cool, chic original Eee Top proved a huge hit with the stylish home-owners and interior designers not only for it’s range of features and flexible connectivity but also for it’s contemporary good looks.

The new slender Eee Top ET2002/ET2203 series provide fingertip access to a wealth of technology and applications all intuitively designed to make entertainment and productivity more fun, simple and easy to use. Frameless high definition displays and dual Hi-Fi speakers combine to create an incredible sense of realism and clarity whether enjoying a Blu-ray** disc or the latest videogame.

Available from 22nd October 2009, in either 20” or 21.6” display sizes, they are priced at £559 inc. VAT (ET2002) and £819 inc. VAT (ET2203).

Key Features and Benefits:

* 20”/21.6” frameless HD display for stunning pictures
* Touch-screen* interface for intuitive fingertip control
* Dual Hi-Fi speakers with SRS Surround Sound
* Blu-ray** and 1080p media support for enjoying high definition movies
* Connections support a range of external devices for screen playback such as game consoles to keep the kids busy
* Bluetooth and WiFi for easy connection anywhere in the home
* Total Media Center (ET2203) makes it effortless to browse and view multimedia collections
* Eee Memo for fun sticky-note sharing amongst the whole family
* Eee Cam Real-time Response Webcam Technology (30 frames/sec) for high quality video conferencing, fun customisation and instant messenger support
* Eee Bar for a one-stop access to favourite applications
* Slim design and stand for seamless blend into the home
* Discrete carry handle for added portability
* Windows 7 Premium – cutting edge for touch-screen support

True-to-Life Audio Visual technology for the Ultimate Home Viewing Experience:
The Eee Top ET2002/ET2203 series use the latest graphics technologies to deliver mind-blowing home entertainment. With a choice of 20” or 21.6” sizes, the frameless touch-screen displays deliver high definition content in a widescreen (16:9) aspect for captivatingly clear images.

The real-life experience doesn’t end with the picture either – Dual Hi-Fi speakers with SRS Surround Sound™ provide crystal clear sounds for a truly cinematic feel.
High definition playback to a range of devices for no-compromise entertainment:

With built in Blu-ray** for playback of high definition movies and HMDI-in / SPDIF output for connections to a range of external devices, the Eee Top ET2002/ET2203 make it a breeze for the whole family to stay entertained and productive – whether it’s Dad working on a presentation on the computer, or the kids enjoying the latest racing car game.

Intuitive applications make computing simple, fun and easy:
The Eee Top ET2002/ET2203 comes with a range of technologies and applications designed to complement the touch-screen interface and make computing intuitive, fun and easy to use:

* The Total Media Center (ET2203 only) offers users a one-stop touch-enabled interface with which to browse, view and organise their multimedia collections – no more hunting around complicated computer directories or dusty shelves for that favourite movie!
* Eee Memo provides a fingertip controlled handwritten ‘sticky note’ interface for communicating with the rest of the family, whether it’s a shopping list or reminder to walk the dog.
* Eee Cam makes fun use of the integrated superior quality web camera, which delivers images at 30 frames-per-second and boasts enhanced low-light sensitivity. Users can add frames, doodles and special effects to their picture to send customised video messages by email or can even create custom emoticons for use on popular instant messenger applications.
* Eee Bar brings everything together into a desktop toolbar for speedy access to commonly used programs or for changing settings in a touch.

Perfectly Seamless and Connected anywhere in the home:
With a frameless screen and delicate yet robust stand on the rear bezel, the Eee Top ET2002/ET2203 series is classy, slim and will fit seamlessly into any home, big or small, whilst the thoughtful and discrete carry-handle makes it effortless to carry from room to room.

Integrated connectivity features mean the Eee Top ET2002/ET2203 can use Internet connection using WiFi or share files with Bluetooth from any room in the house, whether it’s upstairs in the bedroom or downstairs whilst cooking in the kitchen.

There’s also up to 4GB of RAM, a choice of 250 or 320GB 5,400rpm hard-drives and gigabit ethernet, together with WiFi b/g/n, a webcam, six USB 2.0 ports and a multi-format memory card reader.  ASUS have also squeezed in an HDMI input, which allows the ET2002T to be used as a standalone display; that makes it potentially ideal for a kid’s bedroom, where they could not only do their homework on it but hook up their games console.

Still unclear is when the Windows 7 PC will begin shipping in the US: there’s no official press release as yet, nor pricing for the US market, though the French model came in at €598 ($845).  Also on the cards is an ET2002 version which lacks the touchscreen layer, and a more powerful ET2203T which will apparently pack various Core 2 Duo processors, AMD’s ATI Radeon HD 4570 GPU, optional Blu-ray and of course a larger 22-inch touchscreen display.

The new Eee Top will have a 20-inch display and use Intel’s dual-core Atom 330 processor.  There’s no word on whether it will have the touchscreen panel of previous models, but it will apparently retail for around NT$22,000 (US$668).

As for the Eee Box, no hardware specifications beyond the Ion GPU have been revealed, but it seems reasonable to assume that it will use the same Atom 330 as its all-in-one sibling.  Having Ion will likely push ASUS to fit it with a 1080p-capable HDMI port, potentially making the Eee Box a suitable candidate for a HTPC media streamer.

ASUS are also tipped to introduce two new ultra-thin notebooks in its U/UX range, also expected in September.  They’ll go up against AMD Yukon based MSI ultra-thins, predicted to land in October, together with an AMD Tigris notebook later in the month.

There’s also a dual-core Atom 330 1.6GHz processor inside, paired with 2GB of RAM, and a 250GB 5,400rpm hard-drive. Connectivity includes gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, four USB 2.0 ports, a card reader, and an HDMI input which means the ET2002T can be used as an external display should you want to hook up your new PS3.

All that – along with the matching wireless keyboard and mouse – are being offered for €598 ($845), or at least they will be once the Eee Top ET2002T goes on sale.  We reviewed the all-in-one’s predecessor, the Eee Top ET1602, back in December last year, and this new model would seem to address all our main complaints: screen size, processing power and optical drive.  Color us excited about this new model.

[via Blogeee]

Updated with comment from ASUS after the cut

Neither of these use the N270: the 1101HA adopts Intel’s Z520 CPU, while the 1005HA has the N280.  You’ll also need to have a particular model in order to be eligible: the 1101HA must be running Vista Home Premium, while the 1005HA must be running either XP Pro or Vista Business.  Considering most of these netbooks are bought with Windows XP Home, that doesn’t bode well for existing customers.

There are also a few Eee Top all-in-ones and the Eee Box EB1501 nettop, but it’s generally a poor showing for the company’s budget range.  Full list of eligible models in the gallery below; more details on the upgrade program here.

Update: ASUS’ John Swatton has been in touch to point out that the decision to limit Eee PC Windows 7 upgrades is, in fact, Microsoft’s doing rather than their own:

“ASUS have not chosen to restrict Windows 7 upgrade options for Eee PC customers – Microsoft are simply not offering netbook users a Windows 7 upgrade path. The decision has been taken out of our hands.” John Swatton, ASUS

The ET2202T gets a 20-inch 1,600 x 900 display, dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor and 2GB of RAM.  Graphics are courtesy of the NVIDIA Ion 9400M, complete with HDMI output, and there’s WiFi draft-n, a DVD burner and 250GB hard-drive.

As for the ET2203T, that steps up to a full Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 processor, with 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard-drive and a 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 HD-capable display.  Graphics are courtesy of ATI’s Radeon HD4570, and there’s a Blu-ray drive, WiFi draft-n and an HDMI input port for using the display with other sources.  It will be priced between $799 and $1,199, final specification depending, while the ET2202T will come in lower at between $599 and $799.

Finally, the ASUS Eee PC 1005HGo adds a 3G HSPA modem to the company’s 10.2-inch ultraportable.  No word on full specifications, but we’re expecting an Atom N-series processor, 1GB of RAM and user-replaceable battery.

[via eeepc.it 1 and 2]

Both the black and the white versions of the Eee Top will be available, each with Intel’s N270 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard-drive and Windows XP Home.  ASUS also provide their Eee Cinema media front-end, and handwriting recognition software to use with the Eee Top’s stylus.

You can find the black ASUS Eee Top here, and the white Eee Top here.  Both are priced at $599.99, and will begin shopping on March 9th.

Apple carved out its usual little niche of news and rumor this week, starting with a system update (1056) then surprising everyone with confirmation that Steve Jobs wouldn’t be presenting at the next MacWorld and, from the year after that, neither would Apple at all.  Still, that hasn’t stopped the rumors as to what they might be announcing: a $499 budget Mac mini is one suggestion, together with the perpetual talk of a netbook.  SlashGear will be at MacWorld, live-blogging the keynote announcement, to bring you all the details as they happen. 

Less impressive was the MacBook trackpad driver update, intended to fix stability issues on Windows but falling pretty flat.  As for the iPhone 3G, it and its iPod touch PMP cousin are getting a new Metal Gear Solid game (but don’t get too excited, it’s really just a simple point-&-shoot) and the Dev Team are promising a 3G unlock by the end of the year.  Future graphics capabilities for the devices were also questioned this week, as Apple bought up 3.6-percent of mobile graphics experts Imagination.  Still, if it’s the current iPhone you’re after, it looks like you’ll be able to pick it up from Walmart come December 28th.

Elsewhere in mobile devices, Samsung confirmed it would be launching an Android-based smartphone in Q2 2009 for Sprint and T-Mobile USA, while Sprint themselves debuted the U300 dual WiMAX and EVDO modem.  Motorola’s 2009 line-up for Verizon leaked, suggesting the manufacturer may not have lost its design mojo after all, while Sling finally announced a release date – December 30th – for their BlackBerry SlingPlayer app.

In notebooks and netbooks, there was news at both ends of the scale.  NVIDIA and Qualcomm both demonstrated their ultraportable platforms, with the latter’s perhaps somewhat more ambitious, while Lenovo’s massive dual-display ThinkPad W700ds graphics workstation sucked the air from the lungs of designers all over.  Meanwhile Dell’s Studio XPS 13 teased with its part-leather casing (and gave hints to the MacBook Air-challenging upcoming Dell Adamo). 

Here at SlashGear, our HP Magic Giveaway found its winner, but don’t despair if you weren’t lucky: there’s still time to enter our two new giveaways.  If you’re in the market for a set of high-quality headphones, we’ve two of Sleek Audio’s customizable SA6 in-ear earphones – one with the company’s lossless wireless adapter – up for grabs.  Meanwhile, if it’s hands-free Bluetooth you’re looking for, how about six – that’s almost $900-worth! – of Plantronics’ Discovery 925 headsets?  We’re accepting entries up until midnight central time on December 23rd, so act fast!

In the box, ASUS include a wired keyboard and mouse, stylus and a printed manual, together with recovery DVDs and a microfiber screen cleaning cloth.  Two color versions of the Eee Top are available, white and black, with otherwise identical hardware specs.

First impressions are positive.  Despite the relatively budget price for the Eee Top, ASUS have managed to eke out more than a little style from its plastic casing.  Held upright by a strong, spring-loaded metal leg, the body of the Eee Top is white gloss-finish plastic sitting in a transparent tray.  Stand (and carry handle) aside, the nettop is just 4cm thick; along the back run gigabit ethernet, four USB 2.0, power, microphone, line-in and headphone ports, plus a Kensington lock hole.  On the left-hand side there are a further two USB 2.0 ports, plus a multiformat memory card reader.

Underneath the touchscreen there are buttons for brightness and volume on the left, while the power and screen toggle are on the right.  LEDs indicate WiFi and hard-drive activity, and in the bottom bezel there are stereo speakers.  A webcam and microphone are at the top above the screen.  The Eee Top has vents running across the top and in the center on the back.

Using the included peripherals and a WiFi internet connection, you can reduce cabling to just two wires: power and one USB for the keyboard.  The mouse, not entirely necessary if you’re devoted to the touchscreen, can plug into a USB port on the keyboard; on the opposite side there’s a pop-out stylus in a spring-loaded bay.  ASUS’ keyboard is surprisingly weighty and pleasant to type on.  It follows the same isolated keys as first seen on some Sony laptops, and although lacking a separate numeric keypad the rest of the keys are full-sized.  Several have Fn-triggered secondary features, including volume and music control, backlighting, sleep and WiFi, launching the webcam app, toggling through performance modes (more on that later) and changing the Eee Top’s blue underlighting.

The mouse is less impressive, a lightweight blue LED model with scroll-wheel.  It’s usable, and the design echoes the white & transparent plastic of the Eee Top’s build, but nothing special.  As for the stylus, it’s a basic 14cm stick of plastic with a tapered nib; the only thing worth noting is the strength of the bay spring, which is enough to launch the pen across the desk.

Despite looking a whole lot more grown up than any netbook (and taking up more of your workspace), the guts of the Eee Top are in fact on a par with any of the company’s more recent budget ultraportables.  That means a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard-drive.  WiFi is b/g/n, but the graphics still use Intel’s GMA 950 onboard chipset and there’s no optical drive.  Of course the primary difference is the 15.6-inch touchscreen display, running at 1366 x 768 resolution.

The display uses a resistive touchscreen, rather than either a capacitive panel such as on recent Tablet PCs from HP and Dell, or an active digitizer as on most other Tablet PCs.  That means the screen responds to any touch, rather than requiring a finger or a special stylus, but only one point of contact rather than multitouch.  Responsiveness in the Eee Top’s case is good, with only a light touch required, and it soon becomes second nature to stab at the screen rather than reach for the mouse.

Of course, the usefulness of finger-input depends largely on software, and here the Eee Top is a mixed bag.  ASUS preinstall Windows XP, the  Home version rather than the Tablet PC edition, which is not known for its touchscreen-friendliness.  To solve that, you get Easy Mode, a large-icon launcher which runs automatically when you start the PC.  Four tabs – Communication, Fun, Work and Tools – give access to the preloaded apps, including StarSuite for office tasks, Skype for VoIP, and both Internet Explorer and Opera.  There are also a number of ASUS-specific apps, including games, and software for on-screen keyboards, handwriting recognition and other touchscreen-control.  Unfortunately there’s no apparent way to add new apps to Easy Mode, nor to change which tab each shortcut is in.

Easy Mode certainly makes loading software straightforward; however the apps themselves vary in their usefulness with the touchscreen.  As is usually the case, the ASUS-specific titles are most user friendly, with large buttons and straightforward drag & drop usability.  Others, such as the calculator, drop you into XP’s standard GUI: controls sized for mouse use.  There’s a sense of ASUS stopping development when Easy Mode was just usable enough: the Eee Memo app, for instance, which lets you drag down virtual Post-It notes and write reminders and messages on them, would make far more sense if the notes were visible all the time.  As it is, leaving a message for someone relies on them starting up the Eee Memo app.

ASUS’ could also do with making common tasks like screen calibration more straightforward.  There’s a “Touch Utility” listed in the Tools tab, but users will have to guess that “9 points linearity” actually means “calibrate the screen for your finger”.  An option underneath that, to test the touch panel, is cryptically labelled “Please drawing”.  Motorola’s SoftStylus is preinstalled, for handwriting recognition and an on-screen keyboard.  The latter works as you’d expect, with a resizeable, translucent window and shortcut keys for things like www.; however the handwriting recognition is barely usable.  Only individual letters are recognized at a time, rather than full words, making for a painfully laborious experience.  We’d much rather have seen XP Tablet Edition, with its surprisingly adept handwriting and voice recognition, though Microsoft licencing issues probably prevented that.

In use, the 1.6GHz Atom processor means the Eee Top is not going to threaten machines with similar form-factors, such as HP’s TouchSmart or Apple’s iMac.  Nonetheless, it’s perfectly capable of sustaining a couple of web browser windows, each with multiple open tabs, without unduly slowing.  The absence of an optical drive means the ASUS is unlikely to be asked to do any serious media lifting; however it happily played back a 720p high-definition video from the hard-drive (anything higher resolution caused stuttering).  Screen quality is fair, although the panel tends to look washed out when viewed from the top.  One point of concern was a pixel-width blue line that appeared down the left-hand side of the display after the Eee Top had been switched on for a while, and which only a reboot would dismiss.  It’s unclear whether this is a graphics problem due to heat build up.

As on their netbooks, ASUS has given the Eee Top three different power modes: super performance, high performance and power saving.  These can be switched between either through the Easy Home interface or by the Fn+Space shortcut.  In practice, there’s little noticeable difference between the three; nothing can disguise the fact that the Eee Top is no media editing or 3D gaming machine.  As a media extender though, with a high-speed network connection, it comes into its own; another of the ASUS apps is Eee Cinema, a media-center style GUI for accessing audio and video.  It’s here you’ll most miss an optical drive, as Eee Cinema even has an option to watch DVDs.  Still, sound quality from the built-in speakers is reasonable.

Also preloaded is a webcam app, that lets you record video and take photos using the Eee Top’s 1.3-megapixel camera.  Image quality is as mediocre as you might expect from an integrated webcam, but the app has a number of effects and animated overlays to brighten things up.  These range from frames and color-effects, such as sepia, through Batman-style “Pow!” flashes, to being able to draw onto video and images. 

In the end, though, we’re surprisingly impressed by the Eee Top.  The display may be relatively small compared to what many people have on their desktop nowadays, but given you need to be sitting within comfortable prodding distance it’s less of an issue.  It also makes the Eee Top more portable; toting it between rooms is no hardship, and the next-generation model, tipped to have an internal battery, should make that even more straightforward.  Even sucking up your mains power, its frugal 27W demands mean the Eee Top is more economical than a standard desktop PC.

Similarly, as long as you’re not looking for high graphics performance, the Eee Top handles web browsing, office chores and media playback with little complaint.  ASUS, incidentally, are planning a separate ATI Radeon HD 3450 video option in the next-gen machine.  The touchscreen implementation may not be perfect, but it’s certainly usable and the price is far less than HP would ask for a TouchSmart PC.  For the same cost as the Eee Top you could obviously find a higher-spec standard desktop PC, but the ASUS’ design charms, touchscreen and general usability still make it a tempting buy.

The ASUS Eee Top ET1602 is available now, priced at around £400 in the UK; the US price is expected to be around $450.

Unboxing Video:

That will be followed by further new versions, though details on those are unknown.  It’s possible that ASUS could be looking to include high-definition capabilities, such as Blu-ray, in response to MSI’s recently announced Neton 22 all-in-one.

The 15.6-inch ASUS Eee Top will first launch in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the UK, with an initial volume of between 100,000 and 200,000 units.  The company expects to ship five million units in two years, presumably including the new variants, according to company chairman Jonney Shih.  Quanta have been suggested as ASUS’ manufacturing partner.