Mini desktop to stay?

As the laptops shrunk in size, so do the desktops. They are getting smaller and smaller in size to target the wider and larger market which mostly comprises of causal computer users. Recently Dell have introduced their own Mini PC, although they are not the first to introduce it, they are keen to fight with Asus whom already launched their own Mini PC.

I will do a comparison between them both.

1) Design

Dells Hybrids

Nice colours
Ultra compact speaker-like design



Asus Eee Box B202



Sleek and ultra slim
Design looks more to a Wii



2)Technical Specification & Price

Dells Hybrids
Processor: Intel® Pentium® Processor T3400 (2.16 GHz) or Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.10GHz)
Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic/Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Chipset: Mobile Intel GM965 Express
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 SDRAM/3GB DDR-2 SDRAM
Monitor: No monitor/18.5" Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor (S1909WFP)
Hard Drive: 250GB* Hard Drive/320GB* Hard Drive
Optical Drive: DVD Burner*
Graphic Card: Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 Graphics Card
Networking: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN
Priced at $999/$1299

Asus Eee Box B202

Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz, FSB 533)
OS: Linux System / Hardware Compatible with Windows XP
Memory: DDRII 512 MB / 1 GB / 2 GB
Storage: 80 GB / 120 GB / 160 GB / 250 GB
Chipset: 945GSE + ICH7M
Graphics :
On-board Intel GMA 950, 1600 x 1200 maximum resolution
Networking:
10/100/1000 Mbps LAN, 802.11n WLAN, Bluetooth optional
Priced at USD$269-299

Pros and cons

1) Dells Hybrids

Pros :
DVD/CD functionality with Blueray support
Supports HDMI
Good Intel driven graphic card on a mini desktop
Spacious harddrive
Saves electricity

Cons :
No in built Wi-fi adaptor so you must buy your own
Slow processor on the core bundle unless upgraded to dual core
Little ports
Expensive for a desktop of this specification

2) Asus Eee Box B202

Pros :
Very slim and tiny, about the same size as a book
onboard wireless lan
adequate storage
Cheap, the same price as a Sony PSP

Cons :
Slow processor with small FSB
Slow Chipset
No CD/DVD drives
May come with Custom linux destro but can support XP OS

Conclusion
If i am a casual PC user i will choose the ASUS Eee Box even though the processor is slow and there is not CD/DVD drives because mainly i will just use it to do my spreadsheets or to surf the net. These does not require alot of processing power and the price is very reasonable. It might be too cheap to be honest. $299 for the best in the Eee Box B202 line. For Dell Hybrids even though it has CD/DVD drives, faster processer and blueray support it does not justify the price of $999, a $700 difference between the two. Using the $700 if i buy the Asus box i could have easily buy a portable DVD drive under $20. $999 is about the same price as a regular desktop which specification surpass those of the Hybrids.

Before you get "Con" by the Sales person that is promoting mini desktop, think properly as you might be throwing your money to waste.