Asus Eee Moves From Laptop to Desktop

The Mac mini runs on Apple's user-friendly OS X. But the new Eee runs on two operating systems -- Linux and Windows XP Home -- right out of the box. When the Eee is starting-up, you can choose a quick boot into Linux with Asus's Express Gate feature, where you can browse the Web, play online games, chat, deal with photos and even make calls via Skype. Or, you can choose to have the machine start up with Windows.

Asus claims the Eee is usable with Linux booting within 7 seconds. It was more like 15 seconds on my test unit. If you choose Windows, that OS takes only 5 or 10 seconds more. Either way, the Eee Box is ready in about the same amount of time as the Mac mini.

The Eee comes with a nice selection of software programs as standard equipment, as well as both the Microsoft Works and Star Office 8 office suites (word processor, spreadsheet, database, calendar programs and more). Plus, with a speedy 80GB hard drive, there's room for the other software programs you might need.

The Eee Box comes with a cute, little, desktop computer stand -- and a mounting bracket to attach the Eee to the back of one's monitor. I've tried using it both ways.

I'm impressed with the Intel Atom processor. While not a speed demon, it does let me smoothly stream video over the Web and perform other functions at the same time. The Eee's built-in video card handles nearly any monitor you might use. We tried it with monitors capable of 1280 by 1024 pixels (HP L1706 - VGA connection) and 1680 by 1050pixels (Asus PG221 - DVI connection) with great success.

I've saved the best feature for last: The new Eee Box PC retails for only $349. As a comparison, the Mac mini starts at $599 (also with 1GB of memory). Even if you need to add an external USB 2.0 CD/DVD drive (figure $100-125) the Eee is very, very well priced. If you can mount it to the back of your monitor, you have a terrifically affordable all-in-one unit.

There's nothing like it in this price range from H-P(HPQ Quote), Dell(DELL Quote) Lenovo, or any of the majors -- and that's just what Asus is betting on.

After a few days of living with the new Asus Eee Box, I can recommend this inexpensive PC. It could be a big back-to-school seller.