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For the NSA project, see NetTop.
    .png) A nettop is a very small form factor, inexpensive, low-wattage desktop computer designed for basic tasks such as surfing the Internet, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.[1][2][3] The word nettop is a portmanteau of Internet and desktop, similar to the portmanteau netbook (Internet + notebook)[4] Compared to ordinary desktop computers, nettops are not only smaller, lighter and cheaper,[5] they also consume much less power. For example, CompuLab's fit-PC2 consumes no more than 8 watts of power[6] whereas a typical desktop would easily consume more than 100 watts of power. Consequently, nettops are often fanless with an external power supply. Some do not have an optical disk drive and use a solid state disk, making them completely silent. The trade off is that the hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced[7] and hence make nettops less appropriate for running complex or resource intensive applications.[8]
[edit] ModelsSome nettops are designed to have stylish cases and run Windows operating systems in order to attract ordinary customers. Others are designed more towards business and experienced computer users. These models typically run a version of Linux to allow better customization and cut costs. The following list identifies some computers that are designed and marketed as a nettop.
[edit] HardwareThere are three platforms that are primarily intended for nettops and netbooks: Some nettops have also adopted system-on-a-chip designs. Although many major parts such as chipsets, video cards and storage devices can also be found on desktops, the CPUs that are put inside nettops are the fundamental component that differ them from normal desktops. The list below contains a range of hardware components that a typical nettop may be assembled from.
Being first released to the market, Intel's Atom platform has been adopted by the majority of hardware manufacturers, such as ASUS, MSI, and Sony, for nettops. Nvidia has also released its first generation ION platform, which puts GeForce 9400M Motherboard GPU alongside Intel's Atom processor to provide better high definition video playback ability and lower power consumption.[29] In addition, Nvidia has announced that its will support VIA's CPUs this year.[30] To further reduce the manufacturing cost and improve power efficiency, many manufacturers and start-up companies have chosen to use CPUs that were originally targeted at embedded computing devices such as AMD's Geode and ARM Cortex-based CPUs. [edit] Operating systemsMany net-top models are X86-processor-based and as such are capable of running standard PC OSs. There are also operating systems designed specifically for nettops and other machines in the same performance class. Linux distributions of this type include Moblin and Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Windows XP has been one of the popular choices as its hardware requirements match nettop capabilities. Some high-end nettops and upcoming models are capable of running Windows Vista and Windows 7.[1] Linux has also been adopted by some nettop manufacturers as it costs little to no money to install and supports a wide range of CPU architectures. Google's Android operating system is another option. Although Google's Android was originally announced for smartphones, it has also taken a seat in the nettop market.[2] [edit] MarketNettops fall into Intel's category of "Basic PC", which usually cost from $100 to $299[31]. Intel describes nettops as a large potential market. Nettops can be the affordable first computer for people in developing countries and an environmentally-friendly choice as a secondary computer for people in developed countries[32]. [edit] See also[edit] References
[edit] External links
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