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ACCC clears Optus to scrap HFC network and use NBN instead

The ACCC has cleared, provisionally, the proposed deal between Optus and NBN Co under which Optus is to be paid around $800m to shut down its HFC network and transfer customers onto the NBN. read more

ViewSonic VPC100: iMac styling, netbook grunt?

Opinion and Analysis

One area where the VPC100 does shine is in the provision of a four-way (xD, SD, MMC, Memory Stick) card reader.

As for software, you get XP Home and a bundle comprising SRS Sound Premium, WinRAR, Webcam AP, and antivirus and DVD burning software. Hardly a match for the iMac's iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand and more.

But then you can buy two VPC100s for the price of a 20in iMac, and still have a couple of hundred dollars left for the Home and Student edition of Office 2007 or whatever other software appeals to you.

The VPC100 - which perhaps could best be described as a all-in-one nettop rather than a full-function desktop PC - is ViewSonic's first computer, being best known for its monitors.

The company also touts the 'green' angle with the VPC100, claiming it contains 50 percent less plastic and consumes up to 50 percent less energy than the conventional 'PC plus display' arrangement.

iMac-style models from other manufacturers include Dell's Adamo and (more comparable to the VPC100) MSI's Neton.

While computers like the VPC100 may attract commercial buyers looking for inexpensive space- and power-saving PCs for run-of-the-mill applications, there has been a strong trend among consumers away from desktop models in favour of the greater flexibiliy provided by notebooks and netbooks.