ASUS Eee Box gets... unboxed!

We've already seen the Eee Box out and about getting demoed and ripped apart, but if you've been waiting for a taste of the full box to Box experience that may be in your future, you can now hit up PC Authority for a suitably thorough gallery of pics. That helpfully not only includes the usual pictures of the always-fascinating unboxing process, but some comparison shots with an Eee PC 901, which is about the same size, and a PlayStation 3, which could crush the Eee Box without so much as breaking a sweat. Hit up the link below to see for yourself.

[Thanks, Geller]

[Dillon @ Aug 1st 2008 12:23PM]

Might be time to replace my crappy old mac mini.

[lu1de @ Aug 1st 2008 1:33PM]

buy that Dell studio hybrid...

[anna @ Aug 1st 2008 1:49PM]

want to sell your crappy mac mini? lol email me : [e-mail]

[The Dude @ Aug 1st 2008 4:07PM]

Spam bots scour the internet for e-mail addresses, anna. Prepare to get offers for Viagra and Nigerian money transfers.

[Dillon @ Aug 1st 2008 4:33PM]

Don't worry Anna, if you want to get "The Dude" back for that comment, just pee on his rug.

[OneLove @ Aug 1st 2008 5:32PM]

All it needs are 2 ATSC TV tuners (usb) and boom!...MCEee box. Maybe remove the usb in the back and add them internally.

[geo @ Aug 1st 2008 8:31PM]

People who are interested about this thing at this early stage of the game (i.e. before the media blitz) are likely to have a PS3 or at least come in contact with them often. And a PS3 is a media center with similar functionality, unlike Wii which is for most part a gaming machine so it's a fitting comparison. GEO satellites http://www.highspeedsat.com/geostationary-satellites.php

[TheGeektoriousBIG @ Aug 1st 2008 12:23PM]

Awesome. I was waiting on this! Need a new small DAW.

[Tony C @ Aug 1st 2008 12:26PM]

Alrighty then... Did they draw a size comparison to the relatively huge PS3 because soooo many people have one of those in their homes? How about a Wii, which it's probably a lot closer in size to, at least volume-wise.

[ALeX xD @ Aug 1st 2008 2:17PM]

That's what i was thinking.. Why compare a PS3 with Eee box???
I wanna see how cool it will look next to my wii (:P).

Btw, this color is awesome! Wish it didn;t have all those stupid stickers on it.

[Andrew @ Aug 1st 2008 12:57PM]

You jealous or something? People who are interested about this thing at this early stage of the game (i.e. before the media blitz) are likely to have a PS3 or at least come in contact with them often. And a PS3 is a media center with similar functionality, unlike Wii which is for most part a gaming machine so it's a fitting comparison. Plus, Wii is white, not black ;).

[Mark @ Aug 1st 2008 2:42PM]

@Andrew

Nobody is jealous Andrew. The author of this post was referencing information from the original story (read link), which shows (a photo) that the PS3 is HUGE compared to the Eee Box.

The Eee Box though is much more similar in size to the Wii. Everyone and their grandmother knows how compact a Wii is.

[Andir3.0 @ Aug 1st 2008 4:02PM]

While I've played one, I couldn't tell you big the Wii is. I only saw it from the front, and I don't plan on owning one...

[Tony C @ Aug 1st 2008 12:30PM]

And how about some photos of the power brick, since it doesn't seem to be integrated?

[Zeth Ethereal @ Aug 1st 2008 12:30PM]

I wanna see an umboxing video! lol

[Zeth Ethereal @ Aug 1st 2008 12:31PM]

unboxing* ...I should've proof read first >_> *offtopic* visit my deviatart! XD http://gotrixzeth.deviantart.com/gallery/

[OneLove @ Aug 1st 2008 12:39PM]

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsNpPHQbn0I

[Zeth Ethereal @ Aug 1st 2008 12:40PM]

random!! lol

[OneLove @ Aug 1st 2008 12:32PM]

specs please? hdmi, dvi?

[MRCUR @ Aug 1st 2008 12:42PM]

Well you can clearly see a DVI port in the pics...

[atbnet @ Aug 1st 2008 12:44PM]

It doesn't have HDMI. I was looking at the Eee Box and Dell Studio Hybrid. I think I will go with the Hybrid for HDMI and beefier system.

[OneLove @ Aug 1st 2008 12:45PM]

Name and Model: Eee Box

OS: Linux System/ Hardware Compatible with Windows XP

Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz, FSB 533)

Memory: DDRII 512 MB / 1 GB / 2 GB (see US configs below)

Storage: 80 GB / 120 GB / 160 GB / 250 GB (see US configs below)

Chipset: 945GSE + ICH7M

VGA: On-board Intel GMA 950, 1600 x 1200 maximum resolution

Networking: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN, 802.11n WLAN, Bluetooth optional

SD/MMC/MS slot: SD, SDHC, Mini SD, (Micro SD through adapter) ; MMC, MMC plus, MMC4.x, RS MMC, RSMMC4.x (MMC mobile through adapter);MS,MS PRO
Audio: Azalia ALC888 Audio Chip

Front Ports:
USB x 2
Card Reader x 1
Headphone-out jack (WO/SPDIF) x 1
MIC x 1

Rear Ports:
USB 2.0 x 2
Gigabit LAN x 1
DVI out x 1
Line-Out (L/R) with S/PDIF x 1
WiFi antenna

Accessories:
19Vdc, 4.74A, 65W power adaptor
Mouse (optional)
Keyboard (optional)
VESA mount (optional)
WiFi antenna
Stand

Dimensions: 8.5" x 7" x 1"
Net Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Gross Weight: 6.6 lbs.

US Configurations and MSRP:
$269 1GB memory + 80GB HDD Linux edition
$299 1GB memory + 80GB HDD XP edition
$299 2GB memory + 160GB HDD Linux edition

[OneLove @ Aug 1st 2008 12:50PM]

Those prices are old. $299 to $429? damn.

[CosterMonger @ Aug 1st 2008 1:07PM]

I can get the 80GB XP edition for $364.95 CAD, but alas no optical drive :(

Operating System Windows XP® Home
CPU Intel® Atom™ Processor N270
1.60GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB
Chipset 945GSE + ICH7M
Memory 1 GB

VGA On-board Intel GMA 950
1600 x 1200 maximum resolution
DVI Out

Storage
HDD 80GB HDD 2.5"
Optical Drive N/A
Card Reader Card reader (SD\SCHC\MS\MS PRO)

Audio Azalia ALC888 Audio Chip

LAN Gigabit Lan
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

I/O Ports Front Ports:
USB x 2
Card Reader x 1
Headphone-out jack (WO/SPDIF) x 1 MIC x 1

Rear Ports:
USB 2.0 x 2
Gigabit LAN x 1
DVI out x 1
Line-Out (L/R) with S/PDIF x 1
WiFi antenna

Dimensions 223×178×16 mm (without stand)
Weight Net: 2.2 lbs
Gross: 6.6 lbs.

[Superevil @ Aug 1st 2008 3:28PM]

So just so I'm clear on this since its max res is only 1600x1200 that means it will not support WS 1680x1050?.

[Christian Scott @ Aug 1st 2008 12:42PM]

LOL!
The EEE box:
Dimensions- 8.5” x 7” x 1” or 59.5 cubic inchs
Weight- 2.2 lbs (just the box)

The PS3:
Dimensions- 3.8" x 12.8" x 10.8" or 525 cubic inchs
Weight-11 lbs (just the box)

Thats like compairing my 8GB,Phenom 9950, ATI 4850; Desktop computer to a PS3.

Tony C is right a Wii is a better compairision.

[Nickrick @ Aug 1st 2008 12:59PM]

The Eee Machine looks like a great way for first-time PC users or people who want a compact, eco-friendly machine.

Although the Dell may have more features, comparing both just isn't fair to be honest, since they both may fit in the same category (i.e. Mini-PC's) but still, both strive for one goal. A smaller size, a smaller carbon footprint, and a price that couldn't be more amazing.

I'll take one of each if I could, The Eee, (sorry but I have to say this) at a glance at first made me think that it was a black Wii.

Note: On the site where Engadget got this from, they say that the Dell Studio Hybird costs $999 without a monitor, which is not true, its $400 without the monitor. (correct me if i misunderstood that.)

Cheers,
Nick

[Jason @ Aug 1st 2008 1:17PM]

How is it not fair? Like you said, they're going after the same market. They've got similar form factors, low power consumption, etc. But the Dell has more features (HDMI), bigger/faster everything (2x RAM & HDD standard), is better looking (IMHO) and only $70 more (you're correct about the pricing, the Hybrid Studio starts at $499 sans monitor, not $999 as erroneously reported in the PC article).

[ebob9 @ Aug 1st 2008 1:00PM]

Darn, I need a box like this with HDMI Audio. Would be perfect for a Media player box if so.

[Kiteless @ Aug 1st 2008 1:13PM]

Gah, $429?! What happened to like $199 or what ever it was gonna be? To me $429 is a little steep. I think the main thing is that your paying for a computer that is really tiny. And since it is Asus I would expect top notch build quality. But most folks in the US don't know the Asus brand. They don't know that Asus is GOOD. Anyway I have an Eee 900 that I am super happy with. Anyway, while I was hoping this would come in a little cheaper, I am a little disappointed at the price point.

- Kiteless
(Who lives in the US)

[Hej @ Aug 1st 2008 8:47PM]

Keep in mind, that's an Australian site. Thus the prices are for AU, not the US. I made the same mistake initially. I suspect we'll still have a near $300 price point when it finally comes to the US.

[ridahgadgetguy @ Aug 1st 2008 1:13PM]

anyone tell me plz , EeE box or mac mini?
I think that the mac mini has better specs and the price aint too bad , and has a cd/dvd drive , but the Eee box has the new atom processor so wich one should i get???????????????????????????

[Kiteless @ Aug 1st 2008 1:20PM]

The mini will cost a lot more. I use both Mac and PC a lot. I like both Vista and OSX. Yeah I know there is something wrong with me. I would go with the Mini. You get a lot of really REALLY great software with the Mini. But if you don't care about that stuff, and are more concerned about price, go with the Eee Box.

- Kiteless

[avester @ Aug 1st 2008 1:23PM]

Mac mini.

The CPU in Mac Mini is far greater than the new Atom in everything but the power consumption, and that isn't a problem with desktops.

[Eric @ Aug 1st 2008 1:26PM]

The Mini has a Core 2 Duo, which even the 1.83 GHz model is relatively fast, whereas the Atom in the Eee Box has a single-core 1.6 GHz Atom, which is around a 1.2 GHz Celeron, performance-wise.

The rest of the specs are similar.

[CosterMonger @ Aug 1st 2008 1:17PM]

I still see myself getting the Aspire One (XP, 1GB RAM, 120GB 2.5" HDD, 6cell battery, blue) when it comes out, and only at the rumored $430 CAD price.

the EeeBox will be a great thin client computer for: banks, businesses, corporations, cashiers. And a good tiny computer, but it still needs a disk drive.

[Ryan Karolak @ Aug 1st 2008 1:28PM]

Sexy... except for the stickers. Those need to get lost.

[freakmarket @ Aug 1st 2008 1:50PM]

I love the way the article kept bashing the Dell Hybrid which is superior in EVERY way then at the end of the article said that the Dell Hybrid was $999 without a monitor ...

check your facts PCauthority ... and by the way ... you aren't an authority if you print inaccurate fact.

[Jason @ Aug 1st 2008 3:17PM]

Dude, c'mon. The Dell....looks like a frickin' purse! I'm sure as hell not gonna touch it.

[Grant @ Aug 1st 2008 2:47PM]

I hear it can play doom.

[Skazer @ Aug 1st 2008 2:47PM]

How is the Dell Hybrid better in EVERY way? First, it costs $70 more. Second, though the hybrid has a Intel dual core T2390, it comes with Vista basic, which starts up considerably slower than XP (trust me, I tweaked and checked 2 test systems), especially considering it only has 1GB of ram. The Dell has a bigger HD, but what you going to be using the extra space for. It's a very basic computer for a market that values style and basic performance with average joes looking to browse the internet, watch movies and word process.

In addition, the Eee box has built-in wifi and Expressgate 7 second startup- which the Dell doesn't. In terms of style, the Dell Hybrid looks damn nice in the Dell-shopped pictures, but it looks much worse in the later pictures from PC magazine. Time will tell if it looks tacky later on with more hands on reviews.

[Maurice Hilarius @ Aug 1st 2008 3:55PM]

Up here in Canada the dealer cost is $349.99
With XP.
No word on the Linux version yet.
2 models now:
1) EBXB202-WT-X0023
Pure White

2) EBXB202-BK-X0023
Pure Black

Chipset Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
HDD "2.5" 80G SATA 5400rpm
Graphic Intel GMA 950
DRAM DDRII, 1G (1GBX1)
OS Windows XP Home
TV Tuner N/A
HDMI N/A
HD Support 720P
WIFI 802.11b/g/n
LAN 10/100/1000
Optical Drive N/A
Bluetooth N/A
Card Reader SD/SDHC/MS/MS Pro
USB 4
E-SATA N/A
Video Output DVI-I ( include DVI to D-Sub Converter)
Video Input N/A
Audio In SPDIF/Microphone port in/Line in port
Audio Out SPDIF/Speaker out
Power Supply 65W adaptor
Accessories Keyboard/Mouse/DVI-D-SUB Convertor/ SPDIF/STAND/VESA Mounting Kit
Dimension L x W x H L447*W292*H281 mm
Warranty 1 Year

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[icepop4who @ Aug 1st 2008 6:12PM]

interesting comparison to PS3. the price point is similar and the linux version of eee box is somewhat like a yellowdog ps3.

a 80GB PS3 will cost $399 (in september) which can be installed with linux. it bigger than bulkier (way bigger) than an eee box, but ps3 has a optical drive (alas, blu-ray too), and i'm pretty sure the cell is faster than the atom.

oh, the ps3 plays games too.

so for all purpose the linux eee box can do, the ps3 can do as well

i think for some people, buying a ps3 could be an alternative.

[CosterMonger @ Aug 1st 2008 6:38PM]

but I already have a PS3.
same argument can be held for desktops, 3 years ago you could get an emachine that would floor the EeeBox for ~$300, what your paying for is form factor and not much else.

[Hej @ Aug 1st 2008 8:45PM]

So is it some new fad to build up product hype by claiming it's going to have some really low price, and double it when the product is finally released?

[Hej @ Aug 1st 2008 8:50PM]

Never mind. I see that the prices are for AU dollars, not US.

[DeltaOpS07 @ Aug 1st 2008 9:19PM]

wow, just what i need, another dumb computer

[ToniCipriani @ Aug 1st 2008 10:48PM]

I'm not Anti-Wintel, in fact I don't even have a Mac, but the Intel Inside and Windows XP stickers really ruin the look. And what is it with Asus with stickers? The spec labels are overkill. Had to do so much sticker removing when I got my lappy.

[Ben @ Aug 1st 2008 10:59PM]

no disk drive this PC is useless!!