The Pitch: Computers are getting smaller and smaller all the time, but Asus takes it a step further with a “zero-footprint” PC, the Asus Eee Keyboard PC. Housed in the body of a brushed-aluminum, back-lit Apple-esque keyboard is a full PC.
And instead of toning down the package with minimal components, the Asus adds on a brood of features. The spec list starts with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and a conservative 30 GB hard drive, but it doesn’t stop there. The back of the keyboard is lines with ports, including a Wi-Fi antenna, 3 USB ports, Ethernet, VGA out, and even HDMI.
But the star of the show is an integrated touchscreen display right on the keyboard, hearkening back to old TRS-80s from Texas Instrument’s — but so much cooler. It has shortcuts to applications and web pages, but also chatting tools so you can chat on the keyboard while you “work” on your main display. You can update your Facebook or even learn a language through one of its mini apps.
Pro: Cool styling and innovative application of the mini display shows that Asus is going new directions in PC concepts. And who doesn’t like having an extra monitor?
Con: No optical disc drive. Even with a low-energy processor, that thing has to get hot.
Recommendation: This is a pretty functional, fun, and funky-seeming PC; we can’t wait to see it in action.





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