News.blog: Asus Eee Box details released

Word got out a little early yesterday morning regarding Asus's small Eee Box, which will be available in early July.

The listed dimensions of the unit are 25 by 216 by 178mm, standing upright on its included stand. It can also lie down flat.

Official specs are as follows:

• Operating system: Linux System/ Hardware Compatible with Windows XP


• CPU: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz, FSB 533)


• Memory: 1 GB / 2 GB DDR2


• Hard drive: 80GB / 160GB 5,400 rpm


• Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7M


• Integrated graphics chip: Intel GMA 950


• Networking: 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN, 802.11n WLAN, Bluetooth optional


• Media card reader supporting: SD, SDHC, Mini SD, (microSD through adaptor); MMC, MMC plus, MMC4.x, RS MMC, RSMMC4.x (MMC mobile through adaptor); MS, MS PRO

For its rear ports you get two USB 2.0, one Gigabit LAN, a DVI output, left and right audio line out with S/PDIF, and an input for a Wi-Fi antenna. There is no optical drive, but the Eee Box does feature a user removable hard drive to simplify upgrades and repairs.

Asus is selling a variety of other Eee Box configurations around the world, but it will have three available in the U.S. One for $269 (£140) comes with 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive and an unspecified version of Linux. Another Linux-based model comes with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive for $299. Finally, a Windows XP-based version with 1GB or RAM and an 80GB hard drive will sell for $299.

The Eee Box will complement Asus' much-talked about Eee PC laptops. While none of those systems are exactly mainstream, they're all known for low prices and a surprising amount of features for the money.