ASUS Mini PC Nova Lite PX24 Review
“The World’s Smallest Mini PC” as ASUS calls it, is a compact multimedia and entertainment package housed in a 2L sized 242 x184 x 51mm cabinet. The ASUS Mini PC Nova Lite PX24 weighs just 1.5 kg, and promises loads of High Definition entertainment and gaming.
Designed for those who are stuck on entertainment, the PX24 can deliver high definition visuals using the HDMI and DVI ports which allow connectivity to the latest HD equipments. This enables output in both 1080i and 1080p display formats for smoother images, less motion blur and smooth edges. Graphics are handled by a dedicated ATI RV620LE graphic card, which runs apart from the 2GB RAM and provides an extreme gaming experience similar to the so called gaming PCs available.
The built-in Hi Fi speakers provide an enjoyable audio output to define every audible aspect of gaming and entertainment without any noticeable noise distortion. The PX24 has an optical fiber SPDIF output interface and the Realtek sound card supports Dolby Digital sound. The DTS connect function enables the user to connect the unit to his surround sound or home theatre system for enhanced listening and viewing pleasure.
The PX24 unit can be placed horizontally on a table-top or vertically on its classy stand on a study table to save space. It looks elegant and has a neat control panel with touch-sensitive buttons for power and DVD eject. The DVD drive slot is hardly noticeable. The four USB ports provided are more than sufficient.
The PX24 uses the Intel 945 series of chipset and is driven by Intel Celeron 220 CPU, which in combination with the 2GB DDRII RAM and the Graphic VGA card ensures hi-end performance and multitasking, whether it is listening to music, watching a movie or playing games. Moreover, ASUS’ Tranquiller technology limits hardware hum to 26db, provides noiseless optical drive operation, and heating control.
With its power saving capability the PX24 is said to optimize power consumption to a substantial extent as compared to conventional desktops, which require four times the power requirement of the PX24.
Loaded with the latest Window’s Vista Home Premium operating system, one can take advantage of the Media Center and browse through photo albums, listen to music, view images and enjoy the flexibility provided by Vista.
Storage is not a problem as the PX24 is fitted with a 160GB 5400rpm hard drive. The SATAII technology allows efficient data transfer and thinner cabling which is ideal for the slim design of the PX24. Storing large movie and music files should not be a problem. Users who are high on storage needs can opt in for a 250GB hard drive.
Although the PX24 is built for raw entertainment and not for computing, it allows Wi Fi connectivity with the help of 802.11b/g draft specification. On could ignore the absence of Bluetooth, but not having a slot for memory card for viewing digital pictures could be a bit disappointing.
The details of pricing and availability of the PX24 are known to ASUS only. In addition to proving that great things come in small packages, it looks like ASUS is all set to create a new trend, just as it did with its Eee products.