Previously, Panache nettops have offered standard performance for office applications and good value for money. Now Panache, with its new Smile PC, goes a step further to offer a good design, slim form factor and superb build quality.

The three main distinguishing features of this nettop are the design, build quality and the new Windows 7 operating system. Even as far as the hardware is concerned, the Smile PC is stepped up a rung higher. While it features the standard Intel Atom N270 processor, it has 2 GB RAM and a roomy 250 GB hard drive. Furthermore, in addition to VGA. it also has a DVI port. Other ports include 3 USB and a LAN port. Although the unit isn't provided with Wi-Fi connectivity, there is a provision for inserting a WLAN module inside the machine. The spruced up hardware and pre-loaded Windows 7 Home Basic justifies the price tag of the machine. Considering the common processor used, not much difference can be expected in terms of performance. For testing we used standard benchmarks such as sisoft Sandra, file compression, audio and video encoding and so on.

On Windows 7. the scores are similar to those of other nettops featuring Windows XP and the same processor-which suffices for office and mainstream applications. Physically, the machine looks quite stylish and the form factor matches up with most slick nettops out there. The machine has an all-metallic heavy gauge alloy body with a black glossy exterior with brush-finish aluminum lining separating the two, top and bottom. halves. The earlier models, such as the PO Eco had a plastic body which was bulky and not much to look at. This one is the opposite and looks much better.