Asus EeeBox PC EB1501P Review

The EeeBox PC EB1501P’s standard specs (an Intel Atom D525, 2GB of DDR3 memory, and NVIDIA Next-Generation ION graphics) provide enough power for basic tasks as well as watching high-definition video files. The system was virtually quiet when running – we hardly noticed any noise coming from the EeeBox PC EB1501P. Heat output was minimal as well. 

Both the included chiclet keyboard and compact wireless mouse were comfortable to use. If you’re going to put this system in your kitchen, on a small desk, or with your home theater system, you probably don’t have a lot of extra space, so we appreciate that Asus made both the mouse and keyboard compact.

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When loading multiple applications at once, we noticed a lag in system performance, though that’s to be expected for a nettop such as the EeeBox PC EB1501P. During basic use, the system performed smoothly. Although some heavy applications took a bit to load, once they were running performance was acceptable.

The system scored 3.6 on the Windows Experience rating, which is decent for this type of system. Our test system came with 2GB of DDR3 memory installed; the system can accept up to 4GB of memory.

Although this is a nettop, Asus didn't completely scrimp on accessories or applications. Asus includes a wireless chiclet keyboard and a wireless mouse with the EeeBox PC EB1501P. We also appreciated that the EeeBox PC EB1501P came with a Windows Media Center remote. It's a small thing, but a nice accessory nonetheless.  This remote makes it especially easy to access and play content using Windows Media Center when the system is connected to your home theater equipment.

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Compared to other nettops such as the Zotac model, the extras that come with the EeeBox also help justify the added cost of the machine. In addition to the stand, mount, remote, keyboard, and mouse, you'll also find a quick start guide, power adapter and power cord, S/PDIF adapter, and a warranty card in the box.

Our test model EeeBox PC EB1501P came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit preinstalled. In terms of software, Asus preloaded the system with ArcSoft TotalMedia Center, various ASUS tools, Microsoft Office Starter 2010, Trend Micro Internet Security, and a few other various programs and tools. We could have done without some of these programs, but of course, you're always welcome to uninstall them after you boot the system.

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