MSI intros sub-$500 micro desktop, minus OS

Offering its own take on low-cost desktops, MSI has released the Titan, its early answer to ASUS' E-DT system. At 9.4 by 7.3 inches, the system is larger than some of its planned rivals but also includes a 250GB hard drive in its frame; size is kept down by using a 2GHz Via C7-M mobile processor at the Titan's heart and by using a notebook-sized DVD burner and hard disk. These also keep it quiet and greener than full desktops, MSI says. The system is also software-indepedent: rather than ship with Linux or Windows, the Titan comes as-is for users comfortable installing their own choice of operating system.

A taller design also lets MSI fit more expansion at the back, with both DVI and VGA outputs for multiple displays as well as the unusual choice of dual PS/2 and serial port connections for older peripherals.

MSI is shipping the Titan worldwide and expects prices to vary, but is selling the system for the equivalent of $459 after tax in the UK. MSI doesn't plan to preload the desktop with software in any variants of its own. [via The Register]