Asus adds a simple touch to computing with Eee Top ET16 series

Asus today unveiled the Eee Top ET16 series of all-in-one touchscreen computers that boast the full functionality of regular desktop PCs at just a fraction of the footprint. Equipped with 15.6-inch five-wired resistive touch panels, the new Eee Top ET1602 and Eee Top ET1603 enable users to manipulate what they see onscreen by applying direct pressure with their fingertips, greatly enhancing the interactivity and simplicity of performing daily computing tasks.

The benefits of having a foolproof, touch-responsive interface are myriad, allowing anyone in the family-regardless of computer proficiency-to experience the convenience and excitement of computing. For example, family members can scribble memos to each other, input text via handwriting recognition or a virtual keyboard, and navigate Web pages - all with just their fingertips! These examples only touch the surface of what the Eee Top ET16 series is capable of. Each Eee Top ET16 series computer comes with a comprehensive suite of touch-optimised applications spanning productivity, entertainment and communications-enabling users to do virtually anything, easily.

Although housed in a compact LCD monitor form factor, the Eee Top ET16 series offers a rich complement of features, such as WiFi 802.11n connectivity for speedy and reliable Internet access, built-in high fidelity speakers for crystal clear audio and an integrated 1.3 megapixel Web camera and microphone array for convenient Web conferencing.

Simple setup and ease of use

In keeping with the core tenet of Eee, which is ease of use, Eee Top ET16 series touchscreen computers are exceedingly quick and simple to set up-just attach a power cord, and they are ready for use. They are also exceptionally easy to use. Catering to users new to Windows who would appreciate the simplicity afforded by an icon-driven, touch-and-select interface, Eee Top ET16 series touchscreen computers feature an exclusive Easy Mode within Windows that allows users to locate and access commonly-used applications easily within streamlined and readily-accessible menus. This makes Windows immediately intuitive to users with the most meagre of computing experience, including children.

Contributing greatly to the Eee Top ET16 series' simplicity of use are its preinstalled applications, many of which are tailored for touch panels. Eee Memo, for example, enables users to write messages for their family members on desktop “stickies” with just their fingers. SoftStylus allows them to input text without requiring a physical keyboard - it recognises handwriting* and also offers a virtual keyboard as an alternative. Surfing the Internet is also possible without a mouse thanks to Opera Touch, a rich-featured Web browser enhanced for touchscreen use that supports drag-and-drop functions, widgets and “speed dialing”.

Optimised design and flexibility of placement

Owing to the need to fit full functionality into such a sleek casing, the designers behind the Eee Top ET16 series carefully considered the use of every iota of space. The result is an optimised product design that is as elegant as it is attractive. This philosophy of optimisation is best evidenced in details such as the system's carrying handle, which also serves as a keyboard** holder. Another example would be the cooling system - collectively known as Asus Tranquiller Technology - that utilises an optimised blend of astute air flow design, quiet fans and unique heat dissipation materials to ensure that the system stays cool while operating at an extremely quiet 26 dB***.

Given their compact form factor and near-silent operation, Eee Top ET16 series touchscreen computers can be placed virtually anywhere in a house, office or commercial space without being obtrusive or distracting. Their clean and modern looks ensure that they will blend in nicely with contemporary interiors, even functioning as talking pieces and points of convergence in home settings such as the kitchen, living room and study. They are also highly portable, and can be moved from room to room with the greatest of ease. A user surfing the Internet in the study could, for example, move it to the living room via its carrying handle and set it up in seconds for an online yoga class.

The beauty of the Eee Top ET16 series is that it not only enhances the interaction between user and computer, it also encourages more interactivity between users in household settings. Possible usage scenarios include homemakers searching for food recipes in the kitchen and friends browsing through their music collections in the bedroom. The Eee Top ET16 series is the key to unlocking the door to truly “touching” moments.

Powerful Multimedia Capabilities

Eee Top ET16 series touchscreen computers are fully-capable entertainment centres. The 15.6-inch widescreen (16:9) LCDs**** are sharp and vibrant, bolstered by Eee Splendid Video Intelligence Technology that ensures the Eee Top's display remains vivid and clear regardless of environmental lighting. Users will also enjoy high quality audio throughout - without the need for additional speakers - thanks to the integrated HiFi speakers and SRS TruSurround HD technology.

For added graphics power, the Eee Top ET1603 features a discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD3450 graphics solution, enabling the system to run graphically-intensive 3D applications and games more fluidly.

Tying in all of the Eee Top ET16 series touchscreen computers' multimedia capabilities is Eee Cinema, a full-featured multimedia centre that enhances the user's enjoyment of photos, videos, music and movies. Offering a user interface that is akin to that found in consumer set-tops, Eee Cinema puts the ability to browse, select and play all of the user's media at his or her fingertips.

Please click here to see the Eee Top Windows XP Specifications.