Computex 2008 saw the crowning of the long awaited desktop eee pc: the eeebox.

Specification

• Processor: Intel Atom N270 at 1.6GHz
• Ram: 1GB DDR2 memory
• Hard disk: 80GB or 160GB 2.5″ SATA, at 5400rpm
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wifi 802.11n, Bluetooth
• Graphic chipset: Intel GMA 950
• DVI connector, to transfer signal to an LCD or plasma TV
• An MS/MS pro/MMC/SD/SDHC memory card reader
• Two USB ports at the front and two at the back
• External Wifi antenna connector
• A Line connector (S/PDIF)
• Dimensions: 8.5″x1″x7″
• Price tag: From $269 (about 173€) for Linux and 1GB of Ram. For $299 (193€), the eeebox will feature Linux, 2GB Ram, 160GB HD – or WindowsXP, 1GB ram, 80GB HD.

Update, 10/05: hardware review

Eeebox purpose

The eeebox will be a great affordable device you can connect to your LCD television via DVI and reproduce multimedia material, record your favourite TV shows.

The Intel Atom processor, and the hardware backing it, is powerful enough to reproduce HD-Ready movies at 720p, but full HD requires more strength. That said, Asus has more powerful and more expensive similar devices in its portfolio, such as the EEE Station.

With the wifi connectivity, you can use the vast capacity of the hard disk as a network drive, accessing your files with your eee pc, or over the internet. After setting up multimedia server on the eee box, you will be able to stream your collection over your home network.

Off course, all your favourite internet applications for browsing or email purpose will be available. Other interesting uses can be mentioned, like webradio, p2p tv, browsing video streaming websites such as Youtube…

You can even use the eeebox as a security surveillance device, recording pictures and video feeds from wireless cameras, and sharing them over the internet.

The eeebox will be available in Linux and windows xp versions. As we witnessed with the eee, the dynamic GNU/Linux community will surely provide us cutting edge solutions, well adaptated to the eeebox hardware.

The bluetooth technology will expand the connectivity and allow the use of a wireless keyboard and mouse, or transfering files directly from your mobile phone and displaying your pictures and videos on your TV.

With the eee pc, Asustek started a wave of low cost computing, which will allow affordable computing in countries where having a PC is still a privilege. Let’s hope the eeebox will serve that purpose.