Nvidia wants to tell you that your GeForce 9400M graphics chip, known as Ion Nvidia technology, strip Asus Eee 'Top ET2002 from the depths of poverty by providing better Nettop the terrible graphics and video processing. We agree that the 9400 chip improves the visual chops ET2002, but a Nettop by any other graphics chip is still a nettop. Whether ion chip and some unexpected extra features, Eee Top ET2002 too slow, and the price of $ 600 is too high.

Apart from its hardware components, the Eee Top ET2002 features without the basic features we expect in an inexpensive all-in-one, along with some surprises. The 20-inch (no touchscreen), 1600 x 900 LCD screen has a standard built-in webcam, and DVD recorder are all more or less on a budget of $ 600 all-in-one. We have not seen an HDMI input on a sub-$ 1,000 all-in-one before, and usually do not see a wireless mouse and keyboard located at the lower end all-in-one, either. Credit Asus to add here.

The mouse and keyboard was decided to extract Apple-offs, it is fine, but the function key on the keyboard does not turn off. You would be wise to exchange some of their own. HDMI input is more interesting. By allowing HDMI, ASUS allows you to connect game consoles, HD camcorders and other HDMI-equipped devices external to the Eee Top ET2002. A clumsy but functional menu system lets you switch between video sources.

This brings us to the meat of the ET2002, the idea that it is an all-in-one with a respectable video chip that can serve as another center for digital media, where you can plug it in.

The Gateway also complicates the Eee Top's value for other kinds of digital entertainment. As you'll see in our benchmarks below, the Gateway is a much faster PC than the Asus in day-to-day applications. With cheap LCDs available for around $150, including those with multiple video inputs, you could set up the Gateway anywhere you could put this Asus all-in-one and get the same gaming and video experience, along with much faster computing performance, for the same price.

It's great that Nvidia's chip gives a boost to video processing, but that won't save you from frustration when the Eee Top ET2002 takes close to 15 minutes to convert a CD-worth of MP3 files.

Asus Eee Top ET2002 :

Price: $599
CPU: 1.6Ghz Intel Atom 330
Memory: 2GB 800Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
Graphics: 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400
Hard drives: 320GB, 5,400rpm
Optical drive: dual-layer DVD burner
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n wireless
Display: 20-inches, 1600x900
Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium

Fetures:

• CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Atom 330 dual core
• Graphics: NVIDIA ION
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 320GB hard drive
• Disc drive: DVD-RW burner
• Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Ethernet, 6 USB ports, 1 HDMI port
• Peripherals: Wireless mouse and keyboard
• Audio: Built in speakers with SRS Premium Sound

Specifications:

• Screen Size:20"
• Maximum Resolution:1600 x 900
• Colors:Black ,Silver
• Condition:New
• Lifestyle:All-In-One Entertainment
• Operating Systems:Windows Vista Home Premium
• Startup Operating System:Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home Premium
• Platform:PC
• Orientations Allowed:Vertical
• Form Factor:All-In-One