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What is a nettop?

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A nettop is a small, low-power and relatively inexpensive desktop computer. Nettops are sometimes called all-in-one PCs, thin clients or cloudtops. Like its mobile counterpart, the netbook, the nettop is designed for less demanding tasks, such as word processing, Web browsing, media playback and working with Web-based applications.

Most nettops feature an all-in-one form factor, meaning that all hardware components but the keyboard and mouse are integrated with the monitor. Because they consume as little as 8 watts of power, nettops may not include fans. Some have solid state drives. Most current nettops run on the Intel Atom processor and either Windows XP or some version of Linux.

Here are some of the features of one nettop, Asus' Eee Top:

  • Windows XP operating system.
  • Intel Atom processor.
  • 802.11n Wi-Fi.
  • 160GB hard drive.
  • 1GB RAM.
  • Touchscreen.
  • 15.6-inch display.
TigerDirectBlog has a demo for the Asus EEETop all-in-one touch screen nettop.

Learn More About IT:

> Wikipedia has an entry about nettops.
> For CNET, Erica Ogg reports that nettops could ressurect the desktop market.
> CNET also offers pictures and specifications for five all-in-one nettops.

This was last updated in July 2009
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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