Pandora box follows Mac Mini lead

Acer subsidiary AOpen has unveiled a prototype small form-factor PC running Windows which has a strong resemblance to Apple's Mac Mini.

The company presented the Apple lookalike, codenamed Pandora, at the Computex tradeshow in Taiwan.

AOpen channel manager Edward Chen said that using Intel's Pentium M processor allows the vendor to cram the system into a small box without the overheating problems that have so far hindered manufacturers from designing small PCs. It also limits the need for noisy fans.

Designed as a home entertainment computer, Pandora uses Intel's 915G chipset to add support for surround sound and multiple video technologies. Originally designed for laptops, Intel has been pushing the application of its Pentium M chip in PCs targeted at the living room.

Although the mini computer is just a concept for now, it could end up in stores by the end of this year. AOpen did not provide pricing information.

Apple unveiled the Mac Mini this spring at the Mac World trade show in San Francisco.

Starting at $499 for the most basic configuration, Apple is targeting the device at consumers looking to install a second or third computer.