Nettop Computers

Low cost, low-power computers

The cheapest desktop computers of all are nettops -- small systems, often with all-in-one designs, that are relatively inexpensive but lack much in the way of computing firepower. Most are driven by versions of Intel's low-powered Atom processor, the same one found in netbooks. Because of that, most struggle if called upon to do much more than basic computing tasks. Some experts, such as CNET's Rich Brown, find these computers to have almost no redeeming qualities. Others, however, are more forgiving and say nettops might provide all of the computing power many users need, adding they are especially appropriate for use as a second or third computer, or for a child.

The Acer Aspire Revo is not only one of the least expensive nettops available, it's among the cheapest computers of any kind. Despite its low price, it fares pretty well in reviews, drawing an approved award from HotHardware.com and a backhanded recommendation from CNET, where Rich Brown says it "might be the first Nettop we don't actively dislike."

The Acer nettop is available with a single-core Atom processor as the Acer Aspire Revo AR1600 (*Est. $210 without monitor) and with a dual-core Atom processor as the Acer Aspire Revo AR3610 (*Est. $330).

The Acer Aspire Revo AR1600 comes with Windows XP Home pre-loaded and includes 1 GB of memory, a 160 GB hard drive, a multi-format card reader and Nvidia Ion LE graphics. The AR3610 kicks things up with Windows 7 Home Premium, Wi-Fi, wireless keyboard and mouse, and an additional GB of memory (2 GB total). The lack of an optical drive is a notable omission, though an external one can be added. You'll also need to add your own display as this is one of the few nettops that does not include an integrated one.

The use of Nvidia Ion graphics is a major plus, and it does help the Revo deliver visibly better performance than typical nettop/netbook computers -- certainly good enough to deliver excellent playback of locally stored files. HotHardware.com tests playback performance on the AR1600 using a variety of file and disc types, including Blu-ray, and found all to be good -- as long as you don't intend on using the computer to do something else during playback. Multitasking in general is a no-no, CNET says, though Brown adds that the AR1600 will get you online and handle basic computing tasks with relative ease.

While most experts test the single-core Revo AR1600, ComputerShopper.com tests the dual-core Acer Aspire Revo AR3610. John R. Delaney says that the main appeal will be to users with serious space constraints. He says the nettop can handle most basic tasks and even some light-duty gaming, but don't expect speedy performance. Delany points out that you can get more powerful standard PCs for around the same price, though PCs are much more physically imposing. User reviews for both the AR1600 and AR3610 are generally very good.

The Asus Eee Top ET2002 (*Est. $550) nettop all-in-one also draws some kudos. It earns a Recommended award from HotHardeware.com and a reasonably high rating from ComputerShopper.com, where Matt Safford says it "can do more than most budget all-in-one PCs." CNET's Rich Brown is less impressed, however. He says that despite being better than average for the category video -- thanks again to the Nvidia Ion graphics solution -- general computing performance is "atrocious."

The hardware lineup includes a dual-core Intel Atom processor, 2 GB of memory, a 320 GB hard drive, multiformat DVD burner, wireless keyboard, Wi-Fi and an integrated 20-inch display. It runs Windows 7 Home Premium, though some reviewers test it with Vista.

Though reviewers say that the ET2002 can handle some light-duty gaming, HotHardware.com's Jennifer Johnson points out that even moderately serious gamers won't be satisfied with the ET2002. However, multimedia performance is otherwise very good and the all-in-one can handle most basic tasks relatively well. Joel Santo Domingo at PCMag.com largely agrees, saying, "It's not going to replace a quad core system for a high-end multimedia maven, but it will keep the majority of the population who wants to surf sites and watch video, happy." It was edged out for Editors' Choice recognition at PCMag.com by the Lenovo C300, but that nettop is now discontinued.