Linux on Shuttle's dualcore Atom nettop

Shuttle has announced a complete nettop -based on its X27D barebone- earlier this week. The X270V, as its branded seems identical to the X2700B, but if we analyse the specifications of both devices, we see that the new nettop features openSUSE Linux as operating system. The X2700B, which has already been available for a while, runs Windows Vista Home Basic. Shuttle claims that the nettop has become even more efficient with the use of the Linux operating system.

The hardware in the X270V is as mentioned identical to the aforementioned model. The system features a mini-ITX motherboard based on Intel's 945GC chipset with ICH7 southbridge. The used processor is a dualcore Atom 330, which has both its cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. An Intel GMA950 and Realtek 5.1 HD Audio chip will respectively take care of video and audio. There's also a Gigabit networkcontroller present.

The small chassis offers room for a single DDR2 memory module with a frequency of up to 800 MHz, a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk and an optical drive. On the rear there's the 'classic' PS/2 and COM ports, as well as four USB-ports, DVI, D-Sub and audio-connectors. The front of the case has two more USB-ports, as well as two audio-connectors. A fanless external power supply is used which can provide the system with up to 60 Watt of power.

Shuttle reports that the prices for this new nettop start at €355, including a two-year warranty.