search technology reviews, news, features, group tests
Popular Searches:   free , windows , asus
Mobile Edition  | 
 |  Register
 |  Newsletters  | 
Sitemap  |  RSS
RSS
Monday November 30, 2009 2:43 AM AEST
Skip Navigation LinksPC Authority > News > Intel IDF: Spotted, a Centrino 2 desktop
Intel IDF: Spotted, a Centrino 2 desktop
NEWS

Intel IDF: Spotted, a Centrino 2 desktop

by William Maher  on Aug 20, 2008
Tags: Intel | IDF | Centrino | Aopen
It looks the Asus Eee Box isn’t the only interesting mini-desktop around. Amid the swathes of Centrino 2 and small form factor notebooks at IDF this week, we spotted this – a mini Centrino 2 desktop.
We’ve been hearing about desktop “Montevina” (the codename for Centrino 2 laptops) since the Centrino 2 launch earlier this year, so it’s interesting to finally see one up close.

So what’s the big deal – you’ve seen small desktops before, right?

The first thing to notice (apart from the pink paint job), is this is markedly smaller than previous small form factor, Shuttle-type machines. The Aopen device pictured wasn’t marked with a model number, but specs of a similar Aopen system - the AOpen XC mini MP45 series – show dimensions of 50cm high, and 16.5cm wide with a 1.3L volume.

Granted, it’s not as tiny as the Asus Eee Box (see our photo gallery here), but the MP45 is on paper a very different beast. For one, there’s a Super Multi DVD drive. There’s also Intel’s X4500HD integrated graphics – not the fastest ticket in town, but likely a better candidate for Blu-Ray than the GMA 950 on the Eee Box. There’s also 5.1ch surround.

One possible reason for having a notebook-based desktop, is the small size offered by Centrino 2. Centrino 2 also has switchable graphics, and improved Blu-Ray playback. As we’ve mentioned before, 6 cell Centrino 2 systems have the ability to last the length of a full Blu-Ray movie – though we’re not expecting a battery version of this desktop anytime soon.
Not the Eee PC size, but close
Not the Eee PC size, but close


Not the Eee PC size, but close
Not the Eee PC size, but close




William Maher is reporting at the Intel Developer Forum this week in San Francisco.

Follow our Intel IDF 2008 coverage:
- IDF: Spot the Eee PC
- IDF: “Turbo mode” is back for PCs- Intel claims 5-year life for SSD
- IDF: The "Intel iPhone" not such a crazy idea
- Intel IDF: Spotted, a Centrino 2 desktop
- Intel promises “screaming performance” for Core i7- Live from Intel IDF - Atom, Centrino 2, Larrabee
Email a Friend Email this
Print Page Print this
Tweet This Tweet this
Feedback Send us your tips


Ads by Google

Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Login or register to submit a comment.
 

Top Stories

All I want for Christmas...Apple slapping on the discount stickers this Friday
If you're looking to buy an Apple product then this Friday is your lucky day, with Apple planning a "Black Friday" discount frenzy.
 
Telstra release slew of new plans, Earth fails to shake
New broadband plans from Telstra with bigger download quotas are welcome, though you'll still find better value with the competition
 
TiVo 2.0: Revamped content line-up could fuel box bust-up for pay TV competition, as IPTV era begins
TiVo have doubled their drive capacity, introduced IPTV capabilities, vast amounts of new content and better home networking options. But can the marketplace handle another content provider?
 


 
Intel
 
Popular
Most Discussed
PC Authority Featured Retailers
hot bargains from the mwave store
City Software, Australia's online computer store with up to 80% off RRP
special offers from dell
Special promotions from the Apple store - Redeem here
PC Authority Featured Retailers
 
Amazing Dell Coupons now available
 
Discover Apple
 

Plan Finder

Powered by WhistleOut

1) Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB35 plans 21%
2) Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB35 plans 2%
3) Blackberry Bold 900014 plans 3%
4) Nokia N9742 plans 7%
5) Blackberry Curve 85206 plans 14%
Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone
« 1 of »
1) iiNet32 plans 1%
2) Netspace33 plans 2%
3) Optus47 plans 5%
4) Internode34 plans 7%
5) Telstra BigPond41 plans 8%

Compare: Mobiles | Broadband

PC Authority