The Asus EeeBox EB1501 is a tiny PC that draws its strength from an
Nvidia Ion chip. In the absence of powerful processor, this solution is
dedicated to office use and, thanks to the Nvidia chip; you can even see
some HD videos in it. For this, we found an HDMI video port at the back
of the camera. However, there is no Blu-ray. Should we be tempted by
this attractive little machine, sold at $560 with his keyboard, wireless
mouse and remote control?
Design
On the design side, the EeeBox has not fundamentally changed from its
first generation. This is a rather flat box (3.9 cm), lightweight (1.2
kg), mounted here on a plastic oval foot (imitating metal). This new
version, however, wins quality finish. The optical drive at the front
panel (of type slot-in), the headphone jacks and microphone as well as
the memory card reader (SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MS PRO) offers everything you
need at your fingertips.
EeeBox PC is pretty quiet for the living room
The advantage of this EeeBox is that it is relatively quiet. And rightly
so: it is devoid of powerful components, prone to overheating. We have
measured for this small frame noise of 35.4 dB and 36.1 dB at rest
support. Same is applicable on power consumption side; with its 22.3
watts at rest and 30.4 watts at full load, it’s not that who will
inflate the bill.
In good little machine with multimedia lounge, the EeeBox EB1501 comes
with a great remote. The remote control is very handy for all Windows
Media Center interface, including DVDs, video files (DivX, Xvid,
etc…), music or photos.
Reviews mixed for devices
The EeeBox EB1501 also comes with a keyboard and wireless mouse. If one
has no particular criticism against the mouse (it is very classic), we
are just as disappointed that seduced by the keyboard. Small and light,
in a room, that moves and stores easily. However, without keypad, it
quickly becomes annoying to use.
Small machine, small claims
This EeeBox EB1501 is a small machine used mainly for basic office and
multimedia. The index base of Windows 7 overall 3.3 (out of a possible
7.9) and low score in PC Mark Vantage (1813 points), and not to mention
the score of 1404 points in 3DMark 06 shows the limitations of this
computer.
Based on scores from the various measurement tools used, we realize that
the graphics chip of Nvidia Ion PC offers this little time to run some
old games of strategy without too much pretension or managing a Sims
universe.
Nvidia Ion opens the doors of HD
The Nvidia ion graphics chip is interesting for HD video. We connected
this small PC with an HDMI output to a TV and a full HD (Asus Designo
LS246H). Of course, being devoid of Blu-ray, we looked at our HD files
from the hard drive. The record is perfect, with a Full HD decode
without problem. To prevent decoding problems of Windows Media Center or
any other solution you have to download (generic Media Player Classic
or VLC), Asus preinstall suite including ArcSoft TotalMedia Center and
TotalMedia Theater 3. An interface of Windows Media Center, which
operates the Nvidia ion chip, appears very comfortable to decode the HD
in 720 as 1080p.
Silent Features
Full HD Home Entertainment Center in a Box
The EeeBox PC EB1501 runs on the Intel Atom N330 Dual Core processor and
NVIDIA ION graphics platform and features a slot-load optical disc
drive (ODD) to let you enjoy multimedia content on your LCD TV in Full
HD 1080p.
The EB1501’s Total Media Center supports multiple media and codec file
formats while SimHD sharpens video and scales up your DVD/SD movies from
720x576p to HD quality at 1280x720p or higher.
Pint-sized Powerhouse – Using 70% Less Power Than Your Average
Desktop
Thanks to Intel’s energy efficient Atom processor, the E1501 gives you
up to 70% in energy savings when compared to traditional desktops. ASUS’
proprietary Super Hybrid Engine enhances system performance and allows
the EB1501’s power consumption patterns to be tailored according to your
required level of performance.
Right out of the box, the EeeBox PC EB1501 sets out to challenge the
traditional "watching of DVDs on an LCD TV" home entertainment concept.
With HDMI-output, a slot-load optical disc drive (ODD) and the ability
to play content from your own media library in Full HD, the EB1501 is
set to give your current home entertainment system a run for its money.
Adding a Touch of Style and Grace to Home Entertainment
The EB1501’s modern, contemporary design is inspired by the style and
grace of a ballerina. Its elegant, space saving (1.5L) "standing
diamond" form factor gives it the distinction of being one of the
world’s smallest PC to have a slot-in ODD; mount it on the back of an
LCD monitor to save even more space and create an all-in-one PC at the
same time.
Big things come in small packages and the EB1501 is no exception—with an
array of I/O ports ensuring full connectivity. HDMI and S/PDIF output
ports ensure a Full HD 1080p home entertainment experience with 5.1
channel surround sound; while the built-in 802.11n WLAN and Ethernet LAN
port keeps you connected to your home network. Additional I/O ports
include: D-sub, eSATA, card reader, headphone and mic jacks, and 6 USB
ports.
Specifications
- OS: Genuine Windows 7
Home Premium - CPU: Intel Atom N330 Dual Core
- Memory: 2 x So-DIMM Slots, DDR2-800 2G (UP to 4G)
- Storage: SATA 2.5” 250GB
- Optical Drive: Slim Slot-in Super Multi DVD-RW
- Chipset: NVIDIA ION
- Graphics: NVIDIA ION
- LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Wireless: 802.11b/g/n
- Front I/O port:
- Slot-in Super Multi DVD-RW
- Card Reader x 1
- USB 2.0 x 2
- Headphone-out jack x 1
- MIC x 1
- Rear I/O port:
- Wi-Fi antenna x 1 (built-in)
- USB 2.0 x 4
- D-Sub x 1
- HDMI out x 1
- eSATA x1
- Audio out (S/PDIF out) jack x1
- Giga Lan x 1
- Power Supply: 19Vdc, 3.42A, 65W Power Adaptor
- Dimension: 1.5 L (193mm x 193mm x 39mm)
- Weight: 1.2kg
- Accessories:
- Quick Start Guide
- Power Adapter(65W)+ Power Cord
- Stylish Stand
- S/PDIF adapter
- Warranty Card x 1
- VESA-Mount Kit
- Remote Controller x 1 (Option)
- Wired/Wireless KB+ Mouse(Option)
- Color: Noble White & Modern Black
Conclusion
So the final words on Asus EeeBox EB1501 are not critical, but far from
it. With its Atom processor N330 and small Nvidia Ion graphics chip, do
not ask too much to EeeBox EB1501 in terms of performance. In contrast,
very discreet and able to decode the HD, the machine is versatile and
can find its place in the lounge.
