ASUS Eee Box EB1501P-B016E Nettop PC - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've only owned this computer for 1 month, but feel compelled to offer a different viewpoint to the other reviewers. When I purchased this computer, it had no reviews, and I was not fully sold on the concept of a 'net top' (worried about intolerably slow performance). I have been building my own systems for work and personal use for 15 years and bought this system to replace a home-built system. I expected to be disappointed. I expected the system to only be usable for web browsing and to stutter a bit on video streaming.
My first impressions of the Asus EB1501P - it's cute! it's small! it's light! It's literally smaller than my wireless router.
Set up was a breeze. It took about 30 minutes to do everything -- starting windows for the first time w/ its configuration steps, removing some of the unnecessary software that was pre-installed, locking down some of the security settings & unneeded services, customizing settings, and backing up the system. It took a very short period of time to migrate my data and install the applications running on my previous system. Wireless networking worked immediately out of box, even with uncommon security settings, which was a pleasant surprise and has never been the case with any other computer or device I've used. It has a short wireless antenna and receives a much stronger signal from my router than any other device I have. The included wireless keyboard and mouse work well. I haven't tried the remote yet. Unlike my much more expensive computers, this worked out of box with a 5.1 channel audio receiver without any additional set up.
Out of box system performance is slower than your average NEW desktop but not unusable. This is due to the limited amount of memory (ships with 2GB). When running a number of very intensive applications, the system was consistently using 1.5GB of memory. This does not leave much overhead. Apps were slow to open (~10 seconds - I am impatient) and sometimes switching between apps froze the app for a couple of seconds. This is comparable or BETTER than any "net book" laptop I've used. Even with these limitations, the system lived up to my expectations based on its intended purpose and specifications and is completely usable for web browsing, music streaming, and video playback.
I made two modifications which made me exceptionally happy with this system:
1) Upgraded the memory to 4GB - if you are already spending this much on a net box, the memory upgrade is only another $75-80 and drastically improves performance.
2) Added a large USB drive for media file storage & backup.
With these changes, the system is performing well enough to replace my other computers for normal daily use. I was most concerned with multi-tasking. I have Firefox, Chrome, iTunes, Tivo Desktop & Service daemon, Norton Internet Security, Windows Media Player, most of Asus's apps, and a few other intensive things, all open and used concurrently without issues. Streaming music and video has not caused any substantial resource spikes. (Caveat, I've heard 1080p playback via HDMI is choppy, but that lower resolutions are just fine -- I've done HD internet streaming with no problem but mostly at 480i). Memory usage is consistently in the 2-2.5GB range (and has never gone over ~2.8GB), which is not a problem in a 4GB system. CPU usage is almost always very low.
Sidenote: all of my software was bought for a Windows XP 32-bit system, and I have had no problem at all with apps working on Windows 7 64-bit, which is pre-installed on the Asus.
Literally my only complaint was that I could not find clear specifications in order to confirm the type of memory used by the system. I had to wait until the system arrived to open the case.
Rating is -1 star for two reasons: 1) price... I think it's a lot for what you get, but that said, every other similar system I've looked at was more expensive without much advantage; and 2) I think this could have been built with 4GB memory for a very small incremental price and would have been a much better system.
Here is the upgrade kit that is needed to bring the system to 4GB. Upgrading the memory was easy and there are tutorials on the web for other Asus models with identical case design). Note the pre-installed memory is 1 - 2GB stick, but the existing memory is an off-brand and I didn't want to have to worry about potential problems with mismatched memory.
Crucial Technology Unbuffered Non - ECC DDR3-1066 1.5V 4 GB Memory Kit CT2CP25664BC1339

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Full HD Entertainment in a Box Featuring Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics and the Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor, the compact EeeBox PC EB1501P delivers Full 1080p HD entertainment and responsive multitasking performance in a small size.About the size of a paperback novel, you can now do more with less as you perform your day-to-day tasks while using 70-percent less energy than an average bulky desktop.1 Its VESA mount makes it the perfect fit behind a monitor in any home or office—eliminating messy cable clutter. HDMI ready, transform the EeeBox PC EB1501P into your personal media hub when you connect to HDTVs for super-sized high definition visuals and 5.1 channel surround sound. Boasting Super Speed USB 3.0, charge USB 3.0-enabled devices quickly and transfer files from USB storage devices up to 10 times faster than previous generation USB 2.0 speeds.2 Complete with a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, and media remote, you have everything you need to plug in and start experiencing simple, high-value computing right out of the box. The EeeBox PC EB1501P features 2GB DDR3 system memory, Gigabit LAN, 320GB hard drive, slot-in Super Multi DVD drive, S/PDIF audio out port, 5-in-1 card reader, eSATA port, and Windows 7 Home Premium.

Key Features
Next-generationNVIDIA ION graphics for full 1080p HD playback and casual gaming (Learn more)
Intel AtomD525 dual-core processor for responsive multitasking efficiency (Learn more)
HDMIconnectivity for high-quality video and audio on compatible HDTVs and displays (Learn more)
Ultra-compactsize and VESA-ready mount that fits almost anywhere you want (Learn more)
Slot-inSuper Multi DVD drive lets you enjoy your favorite movies andmovies (Learn more)
Greendesign—Energy Star 5.0 and EPEAT Gold certified—saves upto 70-percent in power consumption compared to generic desktop PCs1 (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfersthan USB 2.02 (Learn more)
Complimentarywireless keyboard, wireless mouse, and remote control

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Complete Home Theatre Package
Power in Connectivity
Mountable Compact Design
Cost-Saving Green Efficiency
Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources,3 readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. We tirelessly strive to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. We also back our commitment with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUS Warranty4
Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars tothe price of competing products:

1 year warranty
1-way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support

What's in the Box
EeeBox PC EB1501P
Quick Start Guide
AC Adaptor
Power Cord
Stylish Stand
VESA-Mount Kit
S/PDIF Adapter
Wireless Keyboard
Wireless Mouse
Remote Control
Warranty Information Card

Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
CPU: Intel Atom D525 processor (1.8 GHz)
Graphics: Next-Generation NVIDIA ION graphics with 512MB DDR3 VRAM
Wireless Data Network: 802.11 b/g/n (@2.4 GHz)
Network: Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mbps
Optical Drive: Super Multi DVD+/-RW
Memory: 2GB DDR3-1333 MHz RAM, 1 x SO-DIMM slot (expandable to 4GB)
Storage: 320GB 5400RPM hard drive
CardReader: 5-in-1 Card Reader (SD/SDHC/MS/MS Pro/MMC)
I/O Ports: 1 x built-in mini card, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x D-sub port, 1 x eSATA port, 1 x external microphone, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x RJ-45 (NIC), 4 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x WiFi antenna
Power Adapter: 65 watts
Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 1.54—inches
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Color: Black

All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models.Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images. 1 Max power consumption of the EeeBox PC EB1501P is 65W compared to traditional 250W desktop PC. 2 All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status.3 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2010. Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Q2 2010's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/2010-2nd-Quarter-Computer-Reliability-Report.html 4 Covers North America only. ASUS reserves the right to exclude certain SKUs; check with your retailer to confirm coverage of specific models. Valid for notebooks purchased in the US and Canada only. For complete details, please visit: usa.asus.com/event/ASUS360.

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