Asus Eee Box vs Dell SX280

[TimeKeeper]

Basically, I need a small pc that can behind my TV.
( use it for email, slingbox, web, word )

EEE box is very nice, but still around $300 shipped.
Sx 280 can be had for less than $200 shipped. ( reputable flea bay whole seller )

Which one should I go for, or is there other options?

 

[jpeyton]

Isn't the MSI Wind desktop only about $150-ish?

 

[jpeyton]

This thing.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
This thing.

Thanks!

But, wouldn't MSI more expensive after adding, RAM, HD, Optical Drive, no?

 

[jpeyton]

Well the CPU is built-in; it has an Atom, just like the EEE Box. RAM is ~$10 for a 2GB SODIMM. The EEE Box doesn't have an optical drive (no room for one either), but the MSI Wind has room in case you want to add a standard desktop 5.25" drive of your choice. The Wind also takes standard desktop 3.5" HDD, although you can put a notebook drive in their as well with a set of brackets or bungee-cord mount. Or use the built-in CF slot and go solid-state. Both the Wind and EEE Box use external power bricks to reduce noise.

The EEE Box is smaller, but the Wind gives you more options for expansion.

Although YMMV, for me the prices work out to:

MSI Wind $143.49 AR shipped (Newegg)
2GB SODIMM $9.99 AR (Fry's)
Samsung 22X SATA DVDRW $25 shipped (Newegg)
Your choice of desktop HDD, notebook HDD, or CF card: $40

I'd probably go with a cheap notebook drive to keep things quiet; the market is littered with new/used drives under $40 because capacities are rising so fast and prices are plunging.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

I'd probably go with a cheap notebook drive to keep things quiet; the market is littered with new/used drives under $40 because capacities are rising so fast and prices are plunging.

WOW, you are so right!!!!!! Just check my local CL, there are just endless used notebook ( w/ good spec ) for less than $200.

I will go that route!!!