What do you think about this system?

[pardal51]

hi all,

I would like the expert views on this machine.

Basically I want to buy a unit and take it to a relative abroad (mainly to be used for internet browsing, email, msn messenger and skype).

I have seen this unit based on Atom D510: http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE=PRODUCTVIEWPAGE&USG=PRODUCT&ENT=PRODUCT&KEY=787455

I have also thought about the Acer Revo R3610 from ebuyer based on Atom 330

What do you guys think?

I may even consider a desktop on a mini case, as it needs to fit in my luggage I am checking in with the airline.

Any thoughts or suggestions???

[jimbouk]

Where's abroad? Could you not pick something up there? Just concerned about customs/etc. You'll probably want to take heatsinks off/hard drives out/any expansion cards out for travelling so I'm not sure how good an idea it is...

Netbook might make sense, they can always be hooked up to an extra screen.

(sorry for sounding negative, I did have a good long think about taking computers abroad a few years ago when I was applying for a University exchange and I ended up thinking it would be a pain in the bum!)

[snubby]

Even if this is only a temporary thing (taking it to relative then bringing it back with you) if customs see it (and it looks brand new) they may think you're trying to smuggle a high value item. Laptops/netbooks are much more commonly taken on planes, so they won't give so much hassle over those.

Jimbouk's idea of a netbook is a good one: generally for the same cost as a nettop like the Revo you can get a netbook with similar memory, hard disk, with all the same ports, but portable too. The main things you lose switching to a netbook from the Revo is the dual core processor, the ION graphics, and an HDMI/DVI output.

Oh, and you're braver than me thinking about checking in luggage containing a computer. Those bags get thrown on and off baggage carts quite violently, and it's not unknown for things to go missing from bags (though I suspect it's really rare).

[pardal51]

Thanks for the comments....
Customs should be okay as usually you can take up to USD500 in goods from abroad.
Unit will be bubble-wrapped and wrapped on clothing to absorb the impact.....I am inclined to go revo R3610 route adding a 7200rpm HDD + another 2Gb RAM
Have been also looking at the Zotac and Dell Zino options

[pardal51]

*** MODS pls delete - worng forum ***