[DD] ASUS launches world's smallest desktop PC: the Essentio CS5110?

The trend towards smaller, low-power desktop PCs was popularised by Shuttle when it released the XPC line of barebones systems.

Since then, numerous companies have attempted to woo the space-conscious user with aesthetically-pleasing, small-form-factor computers that replicate much of what is found in the larger boring beige boxes.

ASUS is jumping firmly on the small-is-beautiful bandwagon by releasing the Essentio CS5110 mini-PC.

Touted by ASUS as the world's smallest PC, the CS5110 packs in quite a feature-list. A slim-slot Blu-ray SuperMulti drive lets you play high-definition content, which is accelerated by an MXM-based (laptop) GeForce 8600M GPU. The brains of the outfit are provided by an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU (user-provided) sat atop of a G35 chipset-based motherboard.

Continuing the laptop heritage of the product, there are two SODIMM slots, for a maximum of 4GiB, and all the gamut of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, gigabit LAN, and FireWire. There's an IR receiver and HDMI port for concurrently exporting audio and video, as well.

ASUS has opted for a 3.5in SATA drive, rather than the 2.5in shipping in most laptops, and thus opening up the possibility of including a 1TiB model, which is a sensible move.

Designed as a home-theatre PC, ASUS reckons the unit - which measures a scant 200mm x 290mm x 80mm (DxWxH - as pictured) and weighs 3.4kg - is whisper-quiet, too.

Small, quiet, and feature-rich, the CS5110 will be available in a number of pre-configured SKUs. No word on pricing or availability, but it looks as if ASUS is on to another winner.

Source: https://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=12718