Motherboard manufacturer ECS (Elitegroup Computer Systems Co. Ltd.) has taken the wraps off a line of all-in-one PCs called Aio (geddit). The design incorporates an integrated flat-panel display into the body of the PC.
The company, which is one of the world’s largest PC motherboard makers, has recently made efforts to diversify its product line, expanding beyond motherboards into portable desktop PCs, small form-factor PCs and all-in-one PCs, such as the Aio.
If reports on The Inquirer website are to be believed, ECS has big plans for its dinky all-in-one PC. The site says that ECS told Economic News that it plans to sell 400,000 Aios. No mean feat in what is after all a depressed market for personal computers.
The Aio has compact dimensions, measuring 376x200x392mm. ECS plans to offer the silver-coloured unit in two configurations. Both offer a choice of either a 15 or 17in TFT monitor, use an SiS315 graphics chip and between 128MB and 2GB of DDR RAM.
Each is powered by a P4 processor – at the entry level speeds will be up to 2.4GHz, while the high-end model can support up to 3GHz. Although the P4’s current top speed is 2.53GHz, support for the faster processor is forward looking, as Intel has announced that it plans to roll out a 3GHz version by the end of the year.
There’s a choice of two drives – either a 24-speed CD-ROM or an eight-speed DVD-ROM. It will also include FireWire and USB 2.0 ports, integrated ethernet support and built in speakers and subwoofers.
The Aio is with distributors worldwide, but release dates and pricing for the UK market are not known.
Sumner Lemon is a Taipei-based Correspondent with the IDG News Service.