ASUS Eee Box EB1501-B0367 1080p Nettop Gets Blu-Ray

ASUS' Eee Box EB1501 was already standing out as a potentially decent HTPC, and the company have added another feather in its metaphorical cap by apparently introducing a Blu-ray version.  Announced back in October 2009 with Intel's Atom 330 CPU, NVIDIA Ion graphics and a slot-loading DVD burner, the new Eee Box EB1501-Bo367 with Blu-ray is now showing up with several European online retailers.

As for the rest of the specifications, they look generally unchanged.  That means you get 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard-drive, along with WiFi b/g/n and gigabit ethernet.  Other connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 memory card reader, audio in/out, S/PDIF and DVI.

According to one site, initial stock is expected on January 19th, with prices kicking off from €426.44 ($618).  That certainly makes it more expensive than a regular nettop, but we're leaning toward forgiving the EB1601 what with its 1080p HD capabilities and frugal power requirements.

[via Netbook Italia]