Samsung N150 Adidas and LG X140 World Cup edition netbooks announced

Two new football special edition netbooks have been announced, no doubt with the upcoming Football World Cup in mind. First of all we have the Samsung N150 Adidas that is powered by a 1.66GHz N450 Atom processor and sports a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) display. Other features include Bluetooth 3.0.

LG also has the X140 World Cup Edition netbook that has a 10-inch (1024 x 600 or 1366 x 768) display and is powered by either a N450 or N470 Atom processor. It comes with a World Cup logo on the lid and is available in black, white and pink.

Via Netbook News.it and Netbooked.

Intel’s Canoe Lake netbook gets switched on, first impressions [Video]

Earlier this week, Intel announced its Canoe Lake platform. This was a reference design that Intel was showcasing letting OEMs know just how thin a netbook can be complete with cutting edge components. It is only 14mm thick but manages to pack in a dual-core N550 Atom CPU, 2GB RAM and a 10-inch display.

Sascha from NetbookNews.de managed to get some hands-on time behind closed doors at Computex and says that it is one of the fastest netbooks he has used. Performance was “zippy” and whilst he managed to perform a Windows Experience Index (WEI) benchmark, he wasn’t able to divulge the score although he did say that we’ll “be pleased”. The price point will also be under $600, which appears to be well worth the premium over a typical netbook given the form-factor. Check out the hands-on video after the break. Read more

MSI La Mode chic netbook exterior; MSI Serene thermal tech for fanless netbooks

MSI has outlined a new 10-inch concept netbook called ‘La Mode’ that has a chic exterior design, most likely following Asus’ footsteps with its Karim Rashid designed Eee PC1008P-KR netbooks. It’s not clear from the press release whether this is a new netbook or accessory (both are referred to) but what we do know is that the netbook has a “stylish ebony cloth case with wave-pattern and luminescent MSI logo”.

The company also talks of its MSI Serene thermal technology that ultimately results in fanless 10-inch netbooks powered by Intel Atom processors. Not sure what’s too new here as some manufacturers already have fanless netbooks (like the Dell Mini 10). MSI says that this tech will be integrated into all future products. Read more

Samsung leaks image of Android ‘Galaxy Tab’ slate

Samsung is rumoured to launch at least three Android-powered tablet devices by the end of the year. The first will have a 7-inch screen with the nickname sPad, an 8-inch model will land in October whilst a 10-inch model is expected in December.

These rumours have gained further credence following Samsung South Africa’s official twitter channel leaking an image of the ‘Galaxy Tab’ tablet. This is a 7-inch model and has a high-resolution TFT screen. It also has a 3.5mm jack at the top. They also confirmed it will be Android powered and run its TouchWiz UI. Click through for a larger image. Read more

Asus Eee PC 1015T: AMD-powered 10-inch netbook

Another new 10-inch netbook the Asus Eee PC 1015 series cropped up today at Computex. The Eee PC 1015T looks very similar to the 1015P/PE range but will be powered by the AMD V105 processor and ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics.

It comes with a chiclet keyboard, large touchpad along with a matte lid and glossy 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) screen. As with the ION-powered 1015N there is only a single access panel to upgrade RAM. It will come with a 6-cell 56Wh battery good for 6 hours and USB 3.0 too. There are no details on price and availability right now.

Via Netbooked.

Google Chrome OS set for release in “late fall”

Google’s Chrome operating system is set to launch in “late fall” according to Google’s head of the Chrome project, Sundar Pichai. The only previous date that has been mentioned is H2 2010.

“We will be selective on how we come to market because we want to deliver a great user experience,” he said. “We’re thinking on both the hardware and software levels.”

Intel announces dual-core Atom processors and Canoe Lake platform

Intel has today formally announced its dual-core Atom processors that will move into production next week. No technical details were revealed, but we have previously heard of the 1.5GHz dual-core N550 Atom processor part. Devices using the new CPU are expected to be on shelves by the end of the year.

Intel also announced its Canoe Lake platform that enables super-sleek netbook designs. The reference design is 50percent slimmer than current netbooks and measures just 14mm in thickness. The design is good for either single-core or dual-core Pine Trail Atoms. Netbooks using this design are expected to appear “over time”. Read more

Qualcomm shipping 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon

If we ever do see smartbooks make a comeback, there is a likelihood that some may end up using some newly announced Snapdragon chipsets from Qualcomm. The 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8260 and MSM8660 Snapdragon chips support 1080p video and get 3D/2D engines for Open GLES 2.0 and Open VG 1.1 acceleration.

Other features include a dedicated low power audio engine, integrated low power GPS, and support for 24-bit WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution displays. Both are sampling to manufacturers right now, which is likely to mean that smartphones and potentially smartbooks using the new chips may arrive before the year is out.

LG X140 netbook gets official

The LG X140 recently passed through the FCC and now it has been officially announced. It is a 10.1-inch (1366 x 768) slim netbook that will be powered by a 1.66GHz N450 or 1.83GHz N470 Atom processor, 1GB RAM a 250GB/320GB HDD and Windows 7 Starter.

The company is touting its LG Smart POP application as a differentiating feature. This basically brings five functions to the home screen including file transfer, dial functions for SMS and Outlook sync functionality with a mobile phone. As with other LG netbooks it will also come with the Smart On 2.0 instant-on OS and should boot up within 5-seconds claim the company. Read more

Intel Oak Trail for slim netbooks and tablets landing in 2011

Intel has formally announced its “Oak Trail” platform that is the company’s SoC (system on chip) Atom platform designed with tablets and skinny netbooks in mind. There is little technical detail on the platform right now by we know that it should deliver around a 50 percent reduction in power consumption.

It will also be capable of full 1080p HD video playback and will support MeeGo, Windows 7 and Google’s Android and Chrome OS operating systems. It is expected to launch in early 2011. Click through for a large slide picture. Read more

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