Most nettops are pretty anemic devices, even for their limited duties as "kitchen PCs"/web machines/entertainment hubs. Occasionally though, one comes along that packs enough weight to be noteworthy. The Asus EeeBox EB1501 (via Gizmodo) is one such machine. It's packed to the brim with 2GB of RAM, a dual-core Atom N330 processor, a 250 GB HD, and Nvidia Ion graphics.

It also has an optical drive. While only a DVD-RW, the fact that it exists means a substantial amount of convenience in-and-of itself. The EB1501 also has 802.11n WiFi, 4 USB 2.0 ports (perhaps for USB monitors and speakers), an SD reader, and 5.1 audio. All in all, this EeeBox is a very solid desktop machine, in a very compact frame.

Pricing hasn't been announced for the US yet, but based on European prices it should cost around $580 here, if not less. Like all Win 7 devices, the EB1501 will launch in or around October 22.