Zotac is working on five new MAG nettops under its ZBOX series. Each of these "anywhere PCs" measure 18.8 (L) x 18.8 (W) x 4.4 (D) cm, and offer enough power for basic computing. The five new models are based on a variety of nettop platforms. As standard features, these have 160 GB HDDs, SDHC card reader, USB 2.0 and eSATA, Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi. Zotac's new nettops will debut next month. Specifications and expected price of each of these are as follows:

• HD-ID11 model - 1.66 GHz Atom 510 dual-core CPU / 1GB of RAM / Next-gen ION (GT218 GPU with 512MB dedicated memory) / $255
• HD-ND21 model - 1.3 GHz Processor SU4100 dual-core CPU /2GB of RAM / ION (first-gen) / $300
• HD-ND02 model - 1.6 GHz Atom 330 dual-core CPU / 2GB of RAM (DDR3) / ION (first-gen) / $217
• HD-AD01 model - 1.5 GHz Athlon X2 Neo L325 dual-core CPU / 2GB of RAM / ATI Radeon HD 3200 / $242.

In ASUS' latest entry into its EeeBox series of nettops, the company adds support for USB 3.0, with the unit featuring two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports. The EeeBox EB1501U is about the shape and size of any variant in its series. It uses first-generation NVIDIA ION platform, with Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, 2 GB of DDR2 memory, GeForce 9400M graphics, 320 GB hard drive, slot-in DVD writer, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and a USB 3.0 controller. Other connectivity features include eSATA, USB 2.0, and display connectivity including HDMI and D-Sub.

ASUS' Eee Box EB1501 nettop released late last year got a Blu-ray variant with the EB1501-B0367. This variant has a slot-in Blu-ray drive, and is geared to be an aesthetic HTPC companion when paired with an external HDD. The Eee Box EB1501 is based on the NVIDIA ION platform, it which makes use of an Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor along with NVIDIA ION chipset. The chipset embeds GeForce 9400M graphics, which accelerates HD video, and can handle Blu-ray playback, and 1080p displays. Other specifications include 320 GB of storage, 2 GB of DDR2 memory, HDMI and D-Sub for display connectivity, WiFi, and Windows 7 Home Premium OS. It is expected to be priced at $620.

Lenovo today unveiled 11 new IdeaPad laptops and IdeaCentre desktops at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show that demonstrate the company's re-energized commitment to personal computing design and engineering specifically for consumers. The new IdeaPad laptop PCs - S10-3t, S10-3, Y460, Y560, G460, G560, V460 and V360 and IdeaCentre desktop PCs - A300, C310 and K320 - include industry leading design and technology that will help enhance performance, style and entertainment capabilities across Lenovo's consumer products lineup.

"Our new Idea PCs are the next step in our exciting new worldwide product portfolio designed with the consumer in mind," said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. "These additions to our Idea portfolio demonstrate Lenovo's commitment to giving our customers the capabilities they expect, at prices they can afford, while showcasing our forward-thinking innovations."

To build on the popularity of its NVIDIA ION based nettops, ASRock plans to release a new Intel Atom + NVIDIA ION motherboard based on the mini-ITX form factor, in 2010. The motherboard will be one of the first of its kind, with a stronger memory sub-system. The NVIDIA ION chipset will drive dual-channel DDR3 1066 MHz memory. The board makes use of dual-core Atom 330 processor which is passively cooled, while the NVIDIA ION chipset is cooled actively. The chipset embeds DirectX 10 compliant NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics. It gives out four internal SATA 3 Gb/s ports and two Power-eSATA (eSATA+USB combo) ports making use of all its ATA channels. The lone expansion slot is a PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (full-bandwidth).

ASRock-exclusive features include Dura-Cap Japanese solid-state capacitors, Instant Boot, Instant Flash, OC DNA, and Night LED. Connectivity includes 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF driven by VIA VT2020 CODEC, gigabit Ethernet, six external and four internal USB 2.0 ports, and display connectivity which includes DVI-D, D-Sub, and HDMI. While the motherboard supports up to 4 GB of memory, the graphics processor supports full-HD display resolutions including smooth playback of HD video. It passes Windows 7 compatibility. ASRock is yet to reveal pricing and availability.

Multimedia-minded consumers who prize the portability of netbooks but lament the typical lack of processing muscle now have a reason to rejoice. ASUS has launched the Eee PC 1201N, a multimedia netbook sporting an Intel Atom 330 dual core processor and an NVIDIA ION graphics processor that delivers a level of performance never before seen on netbooks. The stylish Eee PC 1201N also offers exceptional typing comfort through a full-sized ergonomic chiclet keyboard, and comes with a total of 750GB hybrid storage to house and host massive multimedia collections.

The Eee PC 1201N marks a radical departure from other netbooks that usually feature single core Atom processors. With its Intel Atom 330 dual core processor, NVIDIA ION graphics, and two-DIMM, dual-channel DDR memory architecture, the Eee PC 1201N will set new netbook performance benchmarks. More importantly, this combination shatters today's netbook conventions by delivering a rich multimedia experience.

ASRock's ION NetTop series, thanks to its specifications, apparently has what it takes to be a home theater PC in itself. It already has a Blu-ray drive equipped model, the ION 330-BD to its credit. To further project it as a home theater product, its makers have decided to carve out two more variants: the ION 330HT, and ION 330HT-BD. What set these apart from the non-HT models, is the provision of the Windows MCE remote. The rest of the specifications remain the same. Also planned is the ION 330Pro, a lite version of the original ION 330.

Packed in its compact chassis measuring 195mm (W) x 70mm (H) x 186mm (L), is a full-fledged system based on the NVIDIA ION platform. It is powered by the Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, and the ION chipset, which embeds an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics. It is aided by 2 GB of DDR2 800 memory, and offers 500 GB of storage. On the connectivity front, it has gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi. While a standard DVD writer is available on the ION 330HT, the ION 330HT-BD has a Blu-ray Combo drive. ASRock also carved out the ION 330Pro, a lite version that is aimed to provide the bare essentials. It lacks the WiFi controller. The pricing and availability of these three models are yet to be known.

Following the success of its VPC100 All-in-One PC, ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual display and computing products, today introduced its VOT132 PC mini. A smarter and greener computing solution, the VOT132 uses up to 80% less energy and up to 45% less plastic than traditional tower PCs, offering consumers a viable alternative computing solution.

Weighing just over a pound, the VOT132 PC mini comes standard with the latest Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and Intel Atom 330 processor. Teamed with 2GB of internal memory and built-in Wi-Fi, the VOT132 is ideal for efficient, home office computing. For those seeking enhanced display performance, the VOT132 also comes equipped with the latest NVIDIA ION GPU, making it an excellent device for ensuring smooth, 1080p HD display quality for the ultimate multimedia entertainment experience.

Acer's flagship nettop, the Aspire Revo, received a specs update with the company embracing Windows 7 Home Premium as the operating system the unit ships with. As part of the latest press release where Acer unveiled AspireRevo R3610-U9012 to the US market, Acer detailed a list of hardware updates alongside changing the operating system. It includes WiFi 802.11b/g/n, 2 GB of DDR2 memory (the older version had 1 GB), and dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor. Standard specifications include NVIDIA ION platform technology, which integrates NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, a HDMI port, six USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA port, gigabit Ethernet, 160 GB of storage, media card reader, and wireless keyboard and mouse. The new AspireRevo R3610-U9012 sells for $330 in the US.

"ZOTAC is the leader when it comes to performing mini-ITX platforms. With the addition the new ZOTAC ION ITX Synergy Editions, we have the largest line up of high-performance mini-ITX motherboards with over a dozen different models," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "We see the demand for small form factors increasing and the future of computing will be mini-ITX platforms."

The new ZOTAC ION ITX Synergy Editions bring a full high-performance experience and features that has won the ZOTAC ION ITX platforms many awards, including the NVIDIA ION graphics processor with NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology for full HD 1080p Blu-ray video playback and high-performance video processing and editing capabilities with NVIDIA CUDA technology.

Combining a high-performance NVIDIA ION graphics processor with a choice of energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom 330 or single-core Atom 230 processors, the ZOTAC MAG delivers an eco-friendly computing experience that still packs a performance punch in a compact 186mm x 189mm x 38mm package.

"As users start equipping every room in their house with computers for a true networked digital home experience, space and power conservation becomes an issue, especially for larger houses," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "With the ZOTAC MAG series, we're providing users with a system suitable anywhere inside a house. The compact size, performance and energy efficiency makes the ZOTAC MAG perfect for all computing uses."

ASUS is preparing an addition to its EeeBox family of nettops with the EeeBox EB1501. The new EeeBox is based on the NVIDIA ION platform, and is powered by an Intel Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor, aided by NVIDIA ION chipset, 4 GB of DDR2 800 MHz memory, and a GeForce 9400M graphics processor embedded in the chipset, which makes it full HD capable. On the storage front, is a 250 GB hard drive, and a slot-in DVD writer. The front-bezel holds this, alongside a 5-in-1 card reader, a couple of USB 2.0 ports, and audio connectors.

The rear panel holds four more USB 2.0 ports, D-Sub and HDMI for display connectivity, gigabit Ethernet, an antenna for the 802.11b/g/n WLAN, and eSATA. The EeBox EB1501 comes with Windows 7 Home Basic pre-installed, and is expected to be launched at the earliest after October 22. It is expected to be priced around 400 EUR.

"ZOTAC always listens to user requests for features. End users loved our ION ITX series motherboards, but some requested PCI Express expansion. We listened and thus the ZOTAC ION ITX F series was born," said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "Our engineers managed to integrate PCI Express x16 expansion without sacrificing any of the award-winning features either."

The ZOTAC ION ITX-F series receives power from a high-performance NVIDIA ION graphics processor and energy-efficient dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor for a power packed combination that's ready to take on high-definition video playback and everyday computing tasks.

NVIDIA Partner Point of View today announced its new line of compact desktop PCs targeted at home users. The Mobii Family PC is an implementation of the company's recently announced motherboards based on the NVIDIA ION platform, powered by Intel Atom dual-core processors. It aims to provide essential features with good levels of multimedia performance, with power consumption well below 100W.

The Mobii Family PC comes in a somewhat cubical chassis with just enough room for the mini-ITX ION motherboard, a couple of hard drives including an exposed 3.5" drive bay, and one exposed 5.25" bay. Under the hood is an ION motherboard with either single-core Atom 230 or dual-core Atom 330 (both clocked at 1.6 GHz), 1 or 2 GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with HDMI output, 320 GB HDD, and either an 8X DVD-RW or a Blu-ray DVD-RW combo drive. The chassis comes in two colour schemes. Its pricing is yet to be known.

Shuttle Inc., market leader in the Mini-PC sector and manufacturer of Multi-Form-Factor solutions, is now supplying its X50 All-in-One PC platform with pre-installed Linux operating system.

The just 3.6 cm thin X500V complete system is fitted with the latest version (11.1) of openSUSE Linux and can be expanded with open-source applications from the openSUSE website. 1-click package installation allows the system to be customised specifically to a wide range of user requirements.

One of the first implementations of NVIDIA's ION platform, the Aspire Revo nettoop from Acer, is getting a timely update of its hardware specifications. Originally built with Intel Atom 230 single-core processor, the new variant uses the dual-core Atom 330 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. Apart from this, the system memory gets a healthy boost, with 4 GB dual-channel DDR2-800 of total memory. Finally, there's the 320 GB hard drive, and standard features including NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, and Windows Vista Home Premium OS pre-installed. The new Aspire Revo is priced in Europe at 350€.

ASUS' swiftly growing ULPC lineup has a new member in the form of EeeTop ET200T all-in-one nettop PC. The most district features of this machine include its 20 inch touchscreen, and being based on the NVIDIA ION platform that breathes life into an otherwise potent Atom processor. The main unit takes care of its aesthetics with glossy, glassy piano-black looks. The touchscreen comes with a native resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. A fixed 1.3 megapixel webcam neighbours it on the top. A low-noise keyboard and optical mouse are part of the package.

Under the hood are an Intel Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor, NVIDIA ION chipset that embeds GeForce 9400M graphics, 2 GB of dual-channel memory, a 5400 rpm 250 GB hard drive, and a slot-in DVD writer. Connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, and four USB 2.0 ports. Each unit comes with Windows Vista Home pre-installed, and a coupon that facilitates a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it's out. The ET2002T 20" releases in Europe soon, for under 600€.

ASUS finally decided to roll out an NVIDIA ION platform based mini-ITX motherboard, with the AT3N7A-I A330. As the name suggests, this motherboard embeds a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor running at 1.60 GHz. With two DDR2 DIMM slots, the chipset supports dual-channel DDR2-800 memory. Located at the center of the board is a big, fan-heatsink that is common to the chipset and CPU. The chipset embeds GeForce 9400M mGPU, which connects to its displays using D-Sub and HDMI. Storage is care of three SATA II ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD support.

The lone expansion slot is a PCI. Connectivity options on this board include gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, eSATA, and ten USB 2.0 ports in all. Audio is handled by a VIA 8-channel HDA codec that also provides optical and co-axial SPDIF outputs. The AT3N7A-I A330 hits stores in this month, at an expected price of 112 Euro.

Valore Japan introduced the country's first nettop barebone equipped with a Blu Ray drive. Based on the NVIDIA ION platform, the Valore ION 330-DB packs Intel's Atom 330 1.60 GHz dual-core processor paired with the ION chipset with embedded GeForce 9400M graphics that makes it ready to serve as a compact HD-ready media center PC. Being a barebone, it requires you to separately purchase the memory (up to 4 GB of DDR2 800 MHz), and a 2.5 inch SATA hard drive or solid-state drive. Connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet and 6 USB 2.0 ports, while A/V IO includes HDMI out, and SPDIF digital audio. The star attraction of course is its Blu Ray drive + CD/DVD RW combo drive. Each of these go for 39800 JPY (297 Euro).

Gateway is yet another in the league of hardware vendors interested in the NVIDIA ION platform. The Gateway QX2800 nettop resembles Acer's AspireRevo in more ways that one, topped with Gateway's own bunch of changes. Under the hood is Intel's Atom 330 dual-core processor, 2 GB of DDR2 800 MHz memory, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M mGPU, and a 500 GB hard drive.

Display outputs are care of DVI-D and HDMI. Apart from six USB 2.0 ports that provide virtually limitless removable storage options, the nettop features a 4-in-1 flash media card reader. Connectivity options include gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n). A six channel HD audio CODEC tops it up. The Gateway QX2800 comes with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed. It could be priced under 350 Euros.

Shuttle Inc., the market leader in the Mini-PC segment and manufacturer of Multi-Form-Factor solutions, is now shipping the All-in-One-PC X 5000TA that was shown at the Computex in Taipei as a barebone. Now users can decide for themselves which components should be installed in their All-in-One-PC.

Now individualists can really get their money's worth. With the Shuttle X50 Barebone the decision for HDD or SSD, 512 MB or 2 GB DDR2-memory is totally left to the purchaser of this little gem that is only 3.6 cm thin.

ASUS is preparing a new motherboard for DIY nettop builders. The AT3GC-I Mini-ITX motherboard, using an Intel Atom processor, takes care of the basics. The motherboard uses a common fan-heatsink to spread the heat between an Intel Atom 330 dual-core processor, Intel 945GC northbridge, and ICH7 southbridge. Memory support is covered by one DDR2 memory slot supporting a DDR2-533 module, and storage is care of two SATA and one IDE connectors. A standard PCI slot provides expansion. 6-channel audio and 10/100 Ethernet make for the rest of the mix. ASUS may use the Computex event as a launch vehicle for this entry-level motherboard.

Gigabyte added its entry to the league of Intel Atom-embedded mini-ITX motherboards, the GA-GC330UD. This motherboard features the typical combination of dual-core Atom 330 paired with Intel i945GC, with a pinch of the manufacturing technologies Gigabyte is known for. The Atom 330 dual-core is clocked at 1.60 GHz, and features 512 KB of cache. It remains passively cooled as against the northbridge which uses a fan-heatsink. A single DDR2 memory slot will accept up to 2 GB of DDR2 533/667 MHz memory, although 533 MHz is as far as the memory controller can support.

Storage is care of an IDE and two SATA connectors, supporting four storage devices in all. Basic 6-channel audio and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet make for the rest of the mix. Gigabyte used a 2 oz copper bi-layer PCB, and an all solid-state capacitor design that ups durability. Gigabyte looks to target the grass-root of the market, with this motherboard targeting businesses and internet kiosks.

POINT OF VIEW, well known for its range of NVIDIA based Graphics cards, is presenting today the first in a series of NVIDIA ION based mainboards: the mini-ITX POV/ION230 and POV/ION330.

Multiplying the performance level of Intel Atom based systems, the NVIDIA ION technology has been received with massive success in the market. A strong performance combined with the small form factor and extremely low power consumption; make this platform perfectly suitable for media center and family computer applications.

Super Micro Computer, Inc., a leader in application-optimized, high performance server solutions, today announced the launch of 4-watt and 8-watt Intel Atom processor-based Server Building Block Solutions. These extreme low-power and quiet solutions deliver the best expansion and storage features of any Atom-based platform and are designed for embedded industrial PC (IPC) applications.

These quiet, energy saving solutions make ideal storage and network appliances or print and email servers. In addition, Supermicro's mini-tower chassis with advanced user-friendly design features create a very cost-effective home or office workstation for basic computing including Internet usage, office and educational applications.