Intel advises its partners to use Atom nettop machines for instant messaging, email, web browsing and listening music.

The machine of choice for this task under $299 will come with Intel D510 dual-core Atom, NM10 southbridge. Graphics and memory controller are inside Atom D510 and graphics will end up branded as Intel GMA 3150.

The nettop should come with 160GB hard drive and 1GB memory. Intel suggest that it can come with a DVD drive and maintain this price while the OS of choice is either Windows 7 or Linux.

The nettops will still come with a small and nice chassis that might make them even more attractive. Beware as Intel still suggests that "Customers have sole discretion in setting system MSRP (Minimum suggested retail price)" which gives them freedom to charge more for the same stuff that can be sold for $299.