[bmfrosty]

There are probably better answers in future devices like the EEE Box. Intel is working on multi-core system on a chip for nettop devices:

The next generation of the Atom, "Lincroft," architecture will be launched in 2H 2009 and is code-named Pineview. It will be used in Netbook/Nettop systems, and feature a system-on-chip (SOC) with an integrated single-channel DDR2 memory controller and an integrated graphics core. Pineview, like Diamondville, will be available in single and dual-core versions. It will feature HyperThreading, and is to be manufactured on a 45nm[26] or 32 nm [27] process.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini has stated that, along with other improvements, Atom (specifically Silverthorne) will shrink to the 32 nm process in 2009.[28] It has been suggested that the Atom will be the first Intel chip to transition to 32 nm due to its small size and low complexity.[29] A 32 nm Atom is expected to be demoed at the upcoming San Francisco IDF.

Newer Intel chips have increased size and complexity due to things like Trusted Computing and Hardware Virtualization, which seem like things that would be of little use to this type of project, and of more use to those wishing to control what consumers can do with their purposes.

Hopefully the EEE Box is enough of a success to warrant a 2nd generation.