Need really small PC. Netbook, or Via Pico-ITX solution?

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PC Guy

I've got a situation where I need to run some demo software (windoze) on
a PC connected to a large monitor (20") and I need to have some minimal
amount of mousing and keyboard functionality. Network and wifi
capability are not needed.

In the past, this has been accomplished with a laptop that's been
connected to said monitor, mouse and keyboard, with the laptop itself
hidden out of view.

So I'm looking at the various netbook options ($300 to $450) and their
capabilities. Naturally, a VGA port is manditory (and able to support
up to at least 1600 x 1200), and I'm a fan of PS/2 connectors for
keyboard and mouse (vs USB) but USB will do if I have no choice.

I'm also looking at a VIA EPIA PX10000 Pico-ITX solution (with
appropriate enclosure) but I'm really not satisfied with the reduction
in overall volume by going the Pico route. Given that the Pico does not
have any battery, keyboard, display or wifi, I'm only achieving a volume
reduction of about 25% to 40% compared to a netbook.

Here's the Via pico:

http://www.mini-itx.com/reviews/pico-itx/default.asp?page=1

And here's pretty much the only enclosures I've been able to find for
it:

http://www.logicsupply.com/products/1688b
http://www.logicsupply.com/products/gs_l08?nw=newsletter&ty=1

The PX10000G is retailing for $260, and the above cases for $100 and
$160, so right off the bat we're talking $360+ so again the netbook has
the advantage. Then there's the uncertainty about how the CPU's compare
(VIA C7 vs Intel Atom). Most netbook specs don't list the display
capability of their external VGA ports.

So, anyone care to comment? Anyone have any experience with the Via
Pico (specifically) or the Via C7 generally?
 
PC said:
So I'm looking at the various netbook options ($300 to $450) and their
capabilities. Naturally, a VGA port is manditory (and able to support
up to at least 1600 x 1200)
Click to expand...

I gotta ask: why 1600 x 1200?
 
Toolpackinmama said:
I gotta ask: why 1600 x 1200?
Click to expand...

That's the pixel size of the Samsung 20.4" 4:3 flatscreen that I
typically use in these situations. It's the largest monitor (in terms
of screen area) that will fit in the travel case I have (and generally I
think wide-screen displays make for poor computer monitors anyways given
their display ratio's).
 
Steve said:
Too big?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856167037

MSI Wind Nettop 100 Intel 945GC
Click to expand...

Dimensions: 11.81" Height x 9.45" Width x 2.56" Depth

Most netbooks are roughly 9" x 7" x 1.5"

So yea, the MSI is larger than I want.

There is another type of micro-PC that stands upright (and sometimes
tilted forward or backward) that's roughly the size of a large paperback
book. Offhand the makes and models of those units escapes me.
 
A netbook where the display could be opened all the way such that it
becomes the bottom of the unit (swung open 360 degrees) or a display
that could be completely detached would be great. Either way, with the
display out of the way, you've got full access to the keyboard and then
you just plug your external monitor into it. That way you don't have to
travel with another keyboard.
 
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