Software-solution provider eXpd8 has decided to try its hand at the hardware market and has come up with an interesting nettop-like-system that it's calling the GreenPC.

The GreenPC, pictured right, takes after ASUS' Eee Box with its ability to mount onto the rear of any VESA-compatible display. Very convenient, and it makes for a clean and clutter-free setup - you'd barely notice it when attached to a 50in Plasma.

Unlike the ASUS Eee Box, however, eXpd8's GreenPC packs a fair amount of wallop - despite its "green" ambition. The system will be available in three distinct configurations; Pulse, Tempo and Cogent, and come equipped with Intel Atom, Intel Pentium and Intel Core 2 processors, respectively.

GreenPC Pulse, equipped with the 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Atom 330, is available with 2GB of RAM, a 160GB 2.5in hard-disk drive, a DVD burner and Windows Vista Home Premium for a reasonable €394 (£333).

It'll utilise on-board Intel GMA 950 graphics, and provide Gigabit Ethernet as well as four USB ports. Not a bad little solution, and one of the better-priced nettops currently available.

If you're in need of a little more oomph, say for 1080p video playback, Tempo or Cogent configurations may better suit. Cogent raises the bar with a 3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (upgradeable to a Core 2 Quad), 3GB of DDR2 memory, a 320GB hard-disk drive and improved graphics courtesy of the on-board Intel GMA 4500.