Ever since Apple came out with the Mac Mini, PC manufacturers have been scrambling to come out with a “Mac Mini Clone” that will run Windows yet still have that “cool” factor that the Apple product has.

Hot on the heels of their great success with the Eee PC, Asus has come out with the Nova P22 series of computers to compete with the Mac Mini. Like most Windows PCs that try to compete with the tiny Mac Mini, the Nova P22 is just a bit larger. It weighs just over four pounds (a pound heavier than the Mac) and when you lay the Nova flat it measures 2.1 inches tall (just a hair taller than the Mac), 9.8 inches wide and 7.25 inches deep, making its overall volume larger (compared with the Mac Mini’s 2×6x6 inch measurements).

Sure it’s larger than the Mac Mini, but the Asus Nova P22 gives you a little more setup flexibility thanks to an included metal stand lets you stand it upright. Otherwise, your customization options are limited, as Asus offers no upgrade options for this system - what you see is what you get. Although nobody had a problem upgrading their Eee PCs, so the do-it-yourselfers out there can breathe a sigh of relief.

The system also comes with an IR Microsoft Certified Remote Controller, thus making it a potential machine to tie to your home theater equipment.

Full specs of the P22

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB

Chipset
Intel 946GZ + ICH7

Graphics
Intel GMA 3000

OS
Windows Vista Home Premium

Wireless LAN
802.11n

Bluetooth
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

Memory
1 GB DDR2 667

Hard Drive
160 GB SATA2, 5400 RPM

Optical Drive
Slim Slot-loading 16X DVD Super-multi

Ethernet
10/100/1000 Mbps

Front Panel
- HiFi Speaker
- Touch Sensor Power Switch (with LED Light)
- Touch Sensor Drive Eject Button

Rear Port Connector
- USB 2.0 x 4
- VGA out (adapter)
- Microphone x 1
- DVI-I Out
- RJ 45 x 1
- DC Power in x 1
- 5.1 Channel Digital Audio Optical Out x 1 (Sur. R/L)
- 5.1 Channel Digital Audio Optical In x 1 (Sub/Center)

Weight
3.92 lbs.

Intel ViiV Technology
Yes

Dimensions
9″ x 7.2″ x 2″

Accessory
- IR Microsoft Certified Remote Controller
- Stand for vertical placement
- SPIDF Adapter

[Asus Nova via Gizmodo]