Asus shares new details on its mini PC, leaves door open to customization

Dave LeClair

Posts: 75   +1

asus vivopc 16gb ram intel cpu intel cpu

Back at Computex, Asus announced a new ViVoPC mini, but details of the company's tiny Windows 8 computer were pretty scarce. At that point, we knew it featured some built-in SonicMaster speakers, 802.11ac wireless support, and a metallic metal design. But that was pretty much all the company revealed. Now, Asus has posted a full spec sheet on its website, and it turns out there is quite a bit to be excited about.

The biggest thing we've learned about Asus' upcoming PC is how much customization it offers. Basically, none of the specs is set in stone, users can pump up the power or stay light to (pressumably) keep it budget friendly.

In terms of RAM, the official spec sheet says it can handle two DDR3 sticks, for up to a total 16GB of memory. For the processor Asus simply lists Intel but apparently that will include a range from the new Haswell lineup, while on the storage front the ViVoPC can accomodate a single 3.5" or 2.5" HDD or SSD. 

Connectivity-wise, in addition to the aforementioned 802.11ac Wi-Fi, you also get Bluetooth 4.0 and an Ethernet jack. A decent array of ports round out the specs with two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, HDMI-out, VGA, three audio jacks, and SPDIF out. Not bad for a computer that's just 190mm long, 190mm wide, and 56.2mm tall.

Pricing and release details were not announced at this time, but hopefully Asus makes those last critical details available sooner rather than later. It's also unclear if the ViVoPC will be available as a barebones device but given the company doesn't mention any specific hardware components that might be the case.

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I was always thinking of either buying one of these or assembling it myself. The only thing that stopped me was the video system. I'm not a hard-core gamer, but I need to feed a 30" screen, and sometimes for something more than just 2D desktop, like SC-2 at max settings. And none of the embedded graphics come close to being acceptable in this area.

If I could order such small system with GTX 780M, I would buy it, it would be enough for my screen and all my tasks. But such video card doesn't even sell separately, and no-one will offer it in anything other than over-bloated gamer's laptop.

Why?....such injustice in the world...
 
I've always liked these little guys for deploying DNS/DHCP on remote sites, and maybe to provide file storage to small office users.
 
My considerations are exactly the same: while not a hardcore gamer myself, I'd like at least a decent 3D gfx performance for my HTPC. I suppose sth like the AsRock VisionX would fit the bill perfectly, but it's too darn expensive (at least here in Europe)...
 
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