Top

BenQ’s Joybook Lite U103 netbook sports dual-storage

January 4, 2010 at 9:55 pm

BenQ Joybook Lite U103BenQ has announced the Joybook Lite U103 netbook, its first with the Intel Pine Trail platform. This particular device goes against the recent cookie-cutter netbooks we’ve seen by offering an optional dual storage solution as well as SRS TruSurround HD and SRS CS Headphone.

The U103 comes with a built-in 500GB hard drive and an optional 32GB SSD. Other features include Wi-Fi (b/g/n), a 92-percent keyboard, multi-touch touchpad, 1.3MP webcam, Windows 7 and optional Bluetooth/3G. The 10.1-inch 16:9 netbook comes in a super-slim chassis, measuring less than 1-inch in thickness and weighing just 1.1kg (2.4lbs). Read more

BenQ Joybook Lite U121 video unboxing

August 31, 2009 at 2:07 pm

BenQ Joybook Lite U121The BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco is an 11.6-inch netbook. The Eco part of the name refers to the fact that around 25 percent of the netbook uses recycled materials and this even extends to the packaging materials used. The U121 has the option of hybrid (HDD/SDD) storage. It also has a quick charge facility that allows you to charge 80 percent of the 6-cell battery in just 1 hour. On a fully charged basis, the battery will be good for 8 hours.

The guys at NetbookNews already had a quick preview of the unit last month but are now able to do a full unboxing. Sascha felt that keyboard was well made, but the tiny touchpad was a disappointment. There is also a sim card slot that makes it ready for 3G use. You can check out the full video after the jump. Read more

BenQ Joybook Lite U102 netbook video hands-on

July 21, 2009 at 5:54 pm

BenQ Joybook Lite U102BenQ 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

BenQ Joybook Lite U121 Eco hands-on video impressions

July 20, 2009 at 12:27 pm

BenQ Joybook Lite U121 EcoThe 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

BenQ intros super-slim Joybook Lite U102 netbook

June 30, 2009 at 6:44 pm

BenQ Joybook Lite U102BenQ has announced its latest netbook, the 10.1-inch Joybook Lite U102. Its claim to fame is ultra-portable dimensions, measuring under 1-inch in thickness and weighing 1.05kg (2.3lbs) along with a smaller than average AC adaptor weighing 200g.

The 10.1—inch LED backlit screen has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels and is powered by an Intel Atom 1.6GHz N270 CPU. It comes with 1GB RAM and a 250GB HDD (a break from the 160GB norm). Other features include Wi-Fi, webcam, microphone (with smart noise suppression and echo cancellation), three USB ports, 4-in-1 card reader and optional 3G.

The keyboard is 90 percent full-sized and has a hotkey that allows you to switch between the different types of wireless networks. It comes with a 3-cell battery that should be good for 3 hours of life. An optional 6-cell battery is also available which should double that battery life. The Joybook Lite U102 netbook should be available as we speak in Taiwan, China, and Thailand. No word on pricing or on a western release.

Via Electronista.

BenQ plans Android netbook for 2010

June 5, 2009 at 12:21 pm

BenQBenQ has confirmed that it will launch a smartphone and netbook running the Google Android operating system in 2010, according to Peter Chen, General Manager of BenQ’s Technology Product Centre.

This move would follow a number of companies pushing Linux-based operating systems, including Acer who plans to launch their own Android netbook in the next quarter (albeit with a dual-boot Windows option). BenQ already sells netbooks under its Joybook Lite brand running Windows XP. It also recently revealed the 11.6-inch Joybook Lite U121 Eco.

There are no details about availability, or pricing right now. This is not surprising given that its overall makeup is still on the drawing board. With a vague ‘2010’ release date, I imagine that by the time it is released, there will already be a number of manufacturers offering netbooks with Android and other OSes like Moblin or Jolicloud. It will be interesting to see what new stuff BenQ can bring to the table.

Via Digitimes.

Bottom