Dell Mini 9 back on sale for just $199
July 23, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Dell officially retired their popular Hackintosh Mini 9 netbook at the beginning of June. However, they must have some extra stock, as its back on offer on a limited four-day deal (US-only I’m afraid).
Dell is selling the Mini 9 with Ubuntu 8.04.1 from just $199. It’s also available with Windows XP from $269. The specs of the base version includes a 1.6GHz N270 Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 4GB SSD, 4-cell battery and Wi-Fi (b/g). If you want to run OS X, this is probably the most compatible netbook out there right now.
Via Gizmodo.
Samsung Go’s (N310) battery lasts nearly 8.5 hours
July 23, 2009 at 9:24 pm
The Samsung N310 netbook has been rebranded the ‘Samsung Go’ in the United States. The Samsung Go is near enough identical to the N310 sold in the UK, however one (crucial) area in which it differs is the battery included.
The US version comes with a high capacity 6-cell (8850mAh) battery, which the company claims to last over 10 hours although it does not sit flush with the case. This replaces the 4-cell battery found in the UK version.
Laptop Mag has reviewed the Samsung Go and under their tests, it lasted for 8 hours and 23 minutes. They claim that the battery isn’t too big either which is always a bonus. Considering that the relatively poor battery life in the European SKUs was one of the main areas of criticism (along with price), Samsung has done well in addressing this issue for the US market.
NEC VersaPro UltraLite VS netbook gets quick review [Video]
July 23, 2009 at 9:00 pm
The NEC VersaPro UltraLite VS-7 netbook is probably the lightest and thinnest 10-inch netbook on the market today. It weighs just 725g and is only 19.4mm (0.76”) at its thickest point. That alone would make the VS-7 sit at the top-end of the netbook segment in terms of pricing. However, that’s before you consider that it also includes a 1.86GHz Z540 Atom CPU, GMA 500 graphics, 64GB sold-state drive and a high-resolution 10.6-inch display with 1280 x 768 pixels.
The guys over at Akhibara News have been playing around with one for a bit now and posted a quick review of their thoughts. The performance was very good, with the VersaPro VS-7 being able to play any 720p divx file thrown at it (even in full screen!) They also installed Photoshop CS3, which could handle it very well (unheard of in a normal netbook).
Yes, it does cost more than twice your average netbook at over $1000, but it has the performance increase to match. It’s just a shame that it is only available in Japan (for now). Check out a video tour of the device after the jump. Read more
ViewSonic announces VNB100 & VNB101 netbook range
July 23, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Viewsonic is traditionally known for its LCD monitors, however it looks like they are throwing their hat into the already overcrowded netbook segment. The company will be launching two new netbooks under the VNB100 and VNB101 model names.
Whilst both model names are very similar, they do look quite different from each other. Ironically the cheaper model (VNB100) has more features than the more stylish VNB101, which bears more than a resemblance to the luxurious Asus Eee PC S101. Read more
Nvidia Firefly smartbook to launch in September?
July 23, 2009 at 9:51 am
Rumours of an Nvidia-branded Tegra netbook/smartbook launching later this year surfaced late last month. These rumours were quickly squashed by the company, denying any plans to sell its own brand of smartbooks. However, according to ODM sources, Nvidia will be releasing a Tegra-based device under the ‘Firefly’ name and it will launch in September.
Nvidia is already showing off a Firefly prototype to ODMs according to SemiAccurate. This device will come with the Tegra platform and Windows CE operating system. The Tegra platform is different to ION in that it pairs an ARM-based processor with an Nvidia GeForce GPU (ION pairs an Intel Atom CPU with the Nvidia 9400M graphics).
There’s little other information than that. The previous rumours talked of a Black Friday release in the United States, along with the device launching with a wireless carrier. I’d take all of this news with a pinch of salt, however it certainly seems like Nvidia is up to something. Whether this prototype sees the light of day is another thing.
Synaptics ClearPad 3000 touchscreen brings 10-finger multi-touch [Video]
July 22, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Synaptics has unveiled a new line-up of touchscreen platforms for phones, PMPs and UMPC devices. The company is known for providing the touchpad technology in many of today’s netbooks. The new touchscreen platform has been nicknamed ‘Clearpad’ and comes in three different series (1000, 2000 and 3000).
The most expensive touchscreen is the Clearpad 3000 which features 48 sensing channels along with focused power management so that battery life doesn’t get drained too quickly. This particular screen will come in sizes up to 8-inches and will support up to 10 finger multi-touch. This particular screen is targeted for social handheld gaming and navigation devices. Read more
SmarTone Vodafone intros Vitesse netbook in Hong Kong
July 22, 2009 at 4:37 pm
SmarTone Vodafone, a Hong-based telecoms operator, is launching a new 10-inch netbook to its customers branded ‘Vitesse’. The netbook will be free for those who sign up to a 24-month data plan. The Vitesse appears to be a rebranded Onkyo Sotec C204 and has all of the same specifications.
The 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) display is powered by a 1.6GHz N270 Atom PCU, 1GB RAM and a 16GB SSD. Apart from a 3G module, it also comes with Wi-Fi (b/g) and a 3-cell (1800mAh) battery. The Vitesse weighs 1kg (2.15lbs) and measures just 0.9-inches in thickness.
Via UMPC Fever [via Portable Monkey].
Apple tablet to launch with Verizon?
July 22, 2009 at 4:03 pm
There have been many rumours over an Apple Tablet or netbook device, but there’s always room for one more. We have already heard that Apple may by releasing a ‘Media Pad’ with Verizon and now we are hearing that it may launch with a subsidy from the carrier.
According to The Street, the Media Pad will basically be a 9 to 10-inch touchscreen device. It will be subsidised by Verizon and arrive in time for the holidays according to an unnamed source. The report suggests that a prototype has been ready for nearly a year now, whilst Apple has considered exactly what market it is targeting with this high cost device. Read more
BenQ Joybook Lite U102 netbook video hands-on
July 21, 2009 at 5:54 pm
BenQ announced the 10.1-inch Joybook Lite U102 at the end of last month. The follow-on to the U101 differs by its very slim chassis, measuring just under 1-inch in thickness and weighing 1.05kg (2.3lbs). NetbookNews took the U102 for a quick video hands-on and the netbook certainly looks attractive.
It has a very glossy lid and display, which looks like it will be a fingerprint nightmare. You’ll find the usual array of ports, although you do get a dedicated Wi-Fi switch, which is always nice to have. Upgradability is well catered for with access to the HDD, RAM and a couple of Mini PCI-E card slots. The keyboard looks pretty comfortable with all the buttons in the right places and the touchpad has taken cues from the MacBook by having the mouse buttons integrated into the pad itself.
The BenQ JoyBook Lite U102 is on sale in Taiwan, Thailand and China. As with the bigger U121, there’s no word on a Western release right now. Check out the video after the break. Read more
LG Xnote Mini X120 netbook gets Levi Special Edition makeover
July 21, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Now I’m not sure how this partnership came together, nor do I understand why it came together, but LG Korea has partnered with Levi Jeans to create a ‘Levi’ themed netbook. The netbook in question is the well received 10.1-inch LG Xnote Mini X120, which now sports a Levi jeans graphic on the front cover as well as a denim netbook sleeve!
Personally, I’m not sure why anyone would want a picture of jeans on their netbook cover but there you go. The specifications remain the same including a 1.6GHz N270 Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD and the instant-on Splashtop OS. Other features include Bluetooth 2.0, Windows XP Home and a 6-cell battery. As an added incentive, only 2,500 of the Levi’s Special Edition netbooks will be sold, starting from July 24th and continuing for just 28 days.
Via Engadget.
Intel’s next-gen Atom ‘Pineview’ processor delayed to H1 2010?
July 21, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Intel’s Pine Trail platform that incorporates the next-generation Atom ‘Pineview’ processor may be delayed until early next year to keep manufacturers happy. According to a report from Digitimes Research senior analyst Joanne Chien, the move would be made to let the netbook market ‘settle’ following strong shipment sales.
Her analysis suggests that worldwide netbook shipments will peak in the third quarter this year at 8.3 million units before falling marginally to 8.2 million units in the fourth quarter. She says that Intel has delayed the launch of the new N450 processor to get the most out of the current N270/N280 Atom processors and help clear inventory before the new chips are introduced. Read more
Point of View’s ION netbook gets official – Mobii ION 230
July 20, 2009 at 6:01 pm
We first heard that Point of View (POV) was planning to release a 10.2-inch ION-powered netbook around a month back. It turns out that those rumours were spot on. Point of View has now officially announced the Mobii ION 230, its first ION-powered netbook.
As the name suggests, the netbook is powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom 230 processor, normally found in nettops. This is paired with the Nvidia 9400M GPU which enables 1080p HD video and the ability to output content at this resolution from the netbooks HDMI port. Read more
Business-targeted HP Mini 5101 netbook now available
July 20, 2009 at 3:12 pm
The HP Mini 5101 netbook is now on sale in the US from $399. The Mini 5101 is marketed to the business segment and features a magnesium alloy chassis, a fast 7200RPM hard-disk drive, a 95 percent chiclet keyboard with HP DuraKey finish and a protective HDD system called HP 3D DriveGuard.
The Mini 5101 comes with a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) display powered by a 1.66GHz N280 Atom CPU and 1GB RAM. Various HDD and SDD storage options are offered along with a choice of Windows XP Home, XP Pro, Vista Home Basic, Vista Business, or SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 operating systems.
The listed model comes with XP Home, a 4-cell battery (good for 4.5 hours of use), Wi-Fi (Draft-N) and Bluetooth 2.0. You’ll also get three USB ports, a 2MP webcam and card reader. The 6-cell battery and high-resolution (1366 x 768) options do not appear to be available right now.
Via HP Mini Guide [via Slashgear].
Nokia Booklet: trademarked name for upcoming netbook?
July 20, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Over the weekend, a Finnish blog called Puhelinvertailu, unearthed a number of Nokia trademarks for possible upcoming handsets and devices. A steady flow of new devices were revealed including a new ‘C’ and ‘X’ series handset line-up as well as something called ‘Nokia Money’. However, from our point of view, the most interesting tidbit from Finland’s trademark database was the ‘Booklet’ name.
The trademark for the Booklet name was filed on 20 June 2009 using the following description: “Computers, laptops, smart phones; accessories for computers, laptops and smart phones.” A sensible guess would be that this may the brand that Nokia might be releasing its oft-rumoured netbook/smartbook device.
Companies often trademark words and model numbers, but it does not mean they are going to use them. However, rumours of a netbook-type device have been going on for a while now so it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise. Maybe we’ll find out more during Nokia World in Stuttgart from 2nd-3rd September.
Via IntoMobile.
BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco hands-on video impressions
July 20, 2009 at 12:27 pm
The BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco is an 11.6-inch netbook that lives up to its ‘Eco’ name. Around 25 percent of the netbook uses recycled materials and this even extends to the packaging materials used. Despite this, the U121 is still a fully featured model and even comes with the option of hybrid (HDD/SDD) storage. Microsoft is ‘banning’ netbooks with hybrid storage that use Windows XP Home, so I imagine the U121 Eco is using a different operating system.
NetbookNews managed to get hands-on with the netbook and we are treated to a video tour of the device. Unfortunately it wasn’t switched on, so we couldn’t see what OS it was running. It comes with a non-glossy lid, but the 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) resolution is very glossy indeed. You’ll find the usual array of ports on the device, although it does seem to be missing the HDMI-out that was listed from the original announcement. Read more
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