Ion

The Intel Atom processor has become a staple for the Netbook class laptop. The main problem with the atom processors bundled with Intel integrated video is that they lack the ability to render higher resolution video for example HDMI. well, that has all changed with the Nvidia Ion platform, while not yet in any manufactured netbooks it will be in one of Lenovo's new models of the S12. What is notable is the combination of an Atom Processor and a Nvidia Geforce 9600 and the ability to play HD video up to 1080p. This processor is already available on boards that are 6.7"x6.7" in size, they are tiny, could be a lot of fun for a small project computer, a media box, or even an arcade cab among many options. Enjoy, below is a link to one which features wifi, some don't. I am going to order one, so ill inform you of the awesome when it gets here!
Example here http://bit.ly/1L3v8v
Cheers!

I'm planning on picking one of these up in a month or so, but the Mk I case will be built using pawd's board.

It recently occurred to me how many pages I said that I would return to, yet when the time came I forgot to do it. So here it is, my first effort to try to tie up a loose end. I got my pc running the on the Nvidia Ion platform and for such a small pc it really does have quite a punch, it makes a great HTPC and almost makes the xbox useless (especially if you prefer a mouse and keyboard - and in the case you don't you could just buy that 20 dollar adapter that lets you use a controller with the pc.) All in all, its a great deal.

Conclusion - Cheap yet Effective.

If you want small computer that manages to pack a punch the Ion platform has a lot to offer - however it is now worth waiting for the Ion 2s, or even waiting to see AMD's new processors.

Pawd

[probabilityZero]

How is it on flash video playback? I know the latest Flash 10 beta uses the GPU for some rendering, but I have a feeling it's still completely unwatchable on anything with an atom cpu.

Honestly it is seemingly a bit choppy when it comes to Hulu, but everywhere else it is fantastic. But Hulu has been seemingly flipping the shit on all my PCs lately - no idea why, and honestly, there are plenty of other places to stream so whatever. I would recommend waiting for ION 2 if you are considering this platform, even though I have been nothing but pleased with it up until this point.

[probabilityZero]

I forgot to post here when I bought it, but I got a little Ion-powered nettop on sale at Fry's. I use it as a HTPC. It plays Flash video reasonably well with the latest 10.1 Flash beta.

Well, it runs great unless you plan on watching the ads.