Puget sounds off with Echo, the first custom Nvidia Ion desktop

Boutique PC maker Puget Systems (Read: Deluge Mini review) is the first to offer Nvidia’s Ion platform as an option for custom desktops. Though they won’t challenge real video cards for performance, Ion’s wedding of netbook-class CPU with a bit of graphical grunt is perfect for cheap-running computers that won’t choke on HD video or a bit of light gaming.

This scenario is embodied by the Puget Echo I, which has an Intel Atom 330 CPU, an X25 SSD or 500GB hard drive, optional Blu-Ray, WiFi and up to 8GB of RAM. (A more powerful sister model, the Echo II, has Intel Core 2 Duo and standard plug-in video card options.)

Prices begin at $562 barebones, or $775 with basic components and Vista Home.

Configure an Echo I [Puget Systems]

1. [rak0ribz]

   Headline:
   Nicely done, Mr. Beschizza.

2. [Rob Beschizza]

   I am twirling my moustache and tapping my cigar.

3. [schmod]

   $562 is *hardly* cheap.