Dell has launched its smallest commercial desktop and appropriately labelled it the OptiPlex 160 Tiny Desktop.
The blink-and-you'll-lose-it system, pictured below, measures 22.9cm x 4.7cm x 22.5cm and weighs just 2.09kg. Inside is the good ol' 1.6GHz Intel Atom 230 processor, and a dual-core upgrade to the Atom 330 is expected in early 2009.
The OptiPlex 160 is available with up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, up to 160GB of hard-disk space and an optional external DVD drive. Its power supply is built-in and boasts 87 per cent efficiency, and in addition to the audio and USB ports on the front, the rear is fairly well equipped, too. Alongside the power connector are PS2 connectors for keyboard and mouse, four USB ports, Ethernet, VGA, DVI, a serial port and room for an optional wireless antenna.
Dell's shipping the system with Windows Vista Business as standard, but a free downgrade to Windows XP is available to those who insist.
As with ASUS' miniature Eee Box, the OptiPlex 160 can be left upright or mounted to the rear of any VESA-compliant display.
The problem, we feel, could be pricing. Dell's OptiPlex 160 starts at £329, and although aimed at business users, near-identical performance can be had with the ASUS Eee Box for £197. On the other hand, Dell's system promises "essential performance and flexibility to help keep your business running" and comes backed by its highly-regarded next business day on-site support service.
Official product page: euro.dell.com
