Robovie-PC Packs Intel's Atom Processor

We've seen enough stuff powered by Intel's Atom to know something special when we see it.

Forget netbooks or nettops based on Intel's Atom CPU. Why not use the chip to power something way cooler than an mini-notebook? Plastic Pals today reports (via Engadget) that Vstone and ATR have unveiled the Robovie-PC, a 39cm (15-inch) tall, 2.2kg (4.8 lbs) robot packing a 1.6 GHz Atom Z530.

Given that the Robovie-PC is actually a computer – complete with VGA, WiFi, 2 x USB and a 1.3mp webcam  – custom programming of the cute little creature is made a helluva lot easier. Unfortunately, this is the perfect example of "convenience is never cheap." He might only be harnessing the power of your average, run of the mill netbook, but it's 399,000 JPY, which amounts to roughly $4,500.

Check out the video of Robovie in action.