ASUS Barebones: Multimedia Even Sans Hard Drive

technomegalomaniac writes "This new stylish barebones combo from ASUS (case+motherboard) is going to outdo Apple in 'the way it looks matters' department. Customizable to your heart content, no OS included (obviously, since you need to buy your own hard drive). Comes with 'Instant On' software that lets you play CDs, DVDs and MP3s without entering the primary OS thus bypassing the long boot process. Definitely a living room toy." Doesn't beat Apple hardware in my eyes, but still looks like a nifty box.

Comments

Re:Outdoing Apple??

[anagama]

• How do the looks of this thing outdo Apple's? This thing is just a black box with a handle and a color LCD display. Compare that to the current and previous iMacs.

Agreed. The issue with almost all PC hardware is that it is overpowered by a sort of "mechwarrior" sensibility. And while this might look cool in anime, it doesn't really translate well to real life. I'm typing this on a brand new ibook - the design is very clean. I would like it even better without the apple logo lighting up on the front. On the other hand, the featured case is at best OK - the handle on top looks overdone and would make stacking stuff on it hard - the design is definitely not enhancing function. The multicolored LCD display is gaudy and confusing - like many stereos in the late 80s (and likely newer ones as well - I stopped looking after college). Finally, even Mac has put out some butt ugly junk (round base imacs for example - looks like it is trying too hard to be stylish). Some of the best looking stuff around (and to be fair - some of the worst) is on the mini-itx projects pages.

Re:Outdoing Apple??

[ocelotbob]

It's small, it's functional, it's unobtrusive and decent looking and it's inexpensive. Outdoes apple on four counts right there - size, function, appearance, and cost.

Re:Outdoing Apple??

[Anonymous Coward]

I would like it even better without the apple logo lighting up on the front.

What, the "I'm Gay" Beacon?

Re:The windchill factor is still a psycholog myste

[TapeCutter]

You idiot, moving air is a better heat conductor than still air (achives thermal equilibrium quicker). Thus the "wind chills" you and you can "factor" how much faster you will freeze because of increased wind speed. Stop contemplating your navel and open a physics book.