HP expands their netbook lineup today with the introduction of the new HP Mini 1000 line of netbook systems. The Mini 1000 consists of three new systems – the HP Mini 1000, the HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition, and the HP Mini 1000 with MIE (Mobile Internet Experience). Here’s what you need to know about these three new systems.

Common features across all three Mini 1000 netbooks:

• Less than one inch thick
• Weighs a little more than two pounds
• 92 percent keyboard size
• BrightView widescreen Infinity display (1024×600 resolution) with flush glass and LED backlight
• Built-in webcam and microphone
• Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor

First up, there’s the HP Mini 1000:

Key features of the Mini 1000 are as follows:

• Piano black finish with HP Imprint swirl design
• Windows XP Home
• Ethernet
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 3G versions coming in December
• Choice of either 8.9 inch or 10.2 inch display
• Choice of SSD or regular hard drives
• Prices start at $399

Here are the full specs:

• Windows XP Home with SP3
• Choice of 8.9 inch or 10.2 inch WSVGA HP LED BrightView Infinity Display
• 512MB or 1GB of RAM
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 8GB/16GB SSD or 60GB 4200 RPM PATA HDD
• HP Mini Webcam with HP Imprint Finish
• Wireless G card with optional Bluetooth support
• 3 cell Lithium Polymer Battery
• Measures 10.3 in (L) x 6.56 in (W) x 0.99 in (H)
• Only 1 DIMM slot for a maximum of 1GB of memory
• Weighs 2.23 lbs
• Integrated stereo speakers

Note – a fully decked out system can be as high as $549.99 – that’s including a 60GB HDD, 1GB of RAM, and a 10 inch display.

The Mini 1000 is available now for purchase.

Next, we have the HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition:

Key features for this netbook are as follows:

• Vibrant red with peony flower inspired design
• 10.2 inch BrightView display
• Windows XP Home
• Ethernet
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 3G versions coming in December
• MSRP of $699

You can reserve the Vivienne Tam edition today.

Finally, there’s the HP Mini 1000 with Mobile Internet Experience (MIE). What makes the MIE model particularly interesting is the fact that it’s an HP designed user interface for accessing digital content – including videos, photos, music, and email. The system runs a Linux OS and has Ethernet, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Prices for the Mini 1000 are expected to start at $379. This system will be coming out soon.

HP rounds out the new netbook announcements with several accessory announcements also including a new HP Mini Mobile Drive which comes in 2, 4 or 8GB storage capacities and an optional six cell lithium-polymer battery due out in January.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: HP, Mini 1000, Mini 1000 MIE, Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition

Yes.. another badly kept secret is finally official. This time it’s the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 netbook – a 12 inch Atom powered netbook that will initially be available in Japan. Japan you say? Yep.. never fear though – the netbook will be going global in November with prices hovering under or around $600 dollars.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 features an Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, your choice of either a 60GB or 80 GB HDD, built-in Bluetooth and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, a 12.1 inch WXGA display, a built-in webcam, and Windows Vista Home Basic. It measures a mere 0.92 inches thick at its thinnest point and weighs only 2.72 lbs. Dell also announced that it will offer Windows XP and Ubuntu as alternative OS choices.

The full specifications are as follows:

• Intel Atom Processor Model Z520 running at 1.33 GHz or 1.6 GHz with 512KB L2 cache, 533MHz FSB
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP1
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 12.1 TFT TrueLife WXGA (1280 x 800) display
• 60GB or 80GB SATA 4200RPM HDD
• 801.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Intel GMA 500
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 10/100 Ethernet
• VGA port
• 1 Line-out, 1 Mic-in
• 5-in-1 memory card reader with support for SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MS Pro
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Measures 299 x 229 x 23.3-27.6 mm  (11.77 x 9.01 x 0.91 ~ 1.08 inches)
• Weighs 1.24kg (2.7 lbs)

[Check out the press release via NetbookTech, Ubergizmo]

[Check out the Dell Japan product page]

Technorati Tags: Dell Inspiron Mini 12, announcement, Japan, netbook

It looks like a netbook but the Kohjinsha SX3KP06MS is actually classified as an ultra-mobile PC system. The netbook-like features include the use of an Intel Atom processor, an 8.9 inch display, a built-in HDD, wireless connectivity, and a media card reader but the UMPC features really make the device shine. It’s a convertible notebook system running Windows Vista which means you have a swivel touch-based LCD display. It also has a built-in SuperMulti DVD drive (how in the world did they fit a DVD drive in there is beyond me) – yes pretty sweet. AND it’s still small. Specs include

• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Intel Atom Processor Z520 running at 1.33 GHz
• 8.9 inch WXGAL Swivel LCD with touch screen
• 1GB RAM
• 60GB HDD
• Built-in SuperMulti DVD drive
• 2 Built-in webcams – a front cam with 0.3 megapixel resolution and a back cam with 2.0 megapixel resolution
• Ethernet/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• Media Card reader for microSD, SD, MS, and MMC
• ExpressCard slot
• Weighs only 2.76 lbs

Unfortunately, like traditional UMPCs, the system has a UMPC price. You can purchase the SX3KP06MS (ok the short name is SX3) through the Japanese gadget importer Dynamism for a price of $1299.

[Check it out via NetbookTech, I4U.com]

Technorati Tags: Kohjinsha, SX3KP06MS, SX series, netbook, UMPC

[Reprinted from NetbookTech] If the current crop of netbooks are still a bit too large for your liking, then you should check out the upcoming IMOVIO iKIT Multimedia Messenger device. Billed as a “portable mobile companion”, the iKIT measures 95 x 85 x 15.5 mm, weighs a mere 113 grams, runs a Linux OS, and comes with all the major mobile/productivity apps that you’ll need including email, web browser, VoIP clients, and media players. In many ways, the iKIT is best described as a high end PDA system rather than a super small netbook device. (In fact, doesn’t it remind you of the now killed off Palm Foleo device?).

Here are a list of the included applications on the iKIT.

• Opera Mini 4.1
• Email with POP3 support
• IM client software
• PIM
• Photo album with support for JPG, GIF, BMP, and PNG
• VoIP client
• Music player with support for MP3, MID, WAV
• Video player with support for MPG4, 3GP, AVI
• Java support
• Synchronization with Microsoft Outlook

The specs include the following:

• Marvell PXA270 processor running at 312 MHz
• Plastic soft-touch external casing
• Hard cap with metal dome keypad
• Built-in webcam
• 240 x 320 2.8 inch TFT LCD display with support for 262K colors
• 128MB ROM, 64MB SDRAM
• QWERTY/AZERTY keypad
• Stereo speaker with microphone
• Support for microSD cards
• Lithium Ion battery for up to 250 hours standby time, 6 hours Wi-Fi use, and 6 hours of “gaming”
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Linux 2.4.19 (Windows Mobile or Android special order)

Evaluation samples of the iKIT are due this quarter while the commercial product is expected in Q1 of next year. Down the road, IMOVIO (who’s parent company is COMsciences) will be coming out with a touch version of the iKIT as well as a “TV Pro” edition of the system. Tom’s Guide reports that the iKIT will be priced around $170 dollars.

[Check it out via Tom’s Guide]

Technorati Tags: COMsciences, IMOVIO, iKIT, Pocket Mobile messenger

Samsung rolled out four new notebook systems for the U.S. today – one netbook, two ultraportable systems, and one high end multimedia notebook.

First up, on the low end is the Samsung NC10, the company’s first entry in the growing field of netbook systems. The NC10 features the following:

• Intel Atom processor at 1.6GHz
• Intel 945 GSE chipset
• 1GB RAM (with a max of 2GB)
• Weighs 2.8 lbs
• 10.2 inch widescreen LCD with 1024 x 600 resolution and anti-glare finish
• 160GB hard drive
• 89 percent keyboard
• Windows XP Home
• Measures 10.27 x 7.3 x 1.19 inches
• 3 W Stereo Speakers (2 x 1.5 w)
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 10/100 LAN
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 3 in 1 media card reader (SD, SDHC, MMC)
• VGA out
• Headphone out, microphone in

Only one configuration will be available in the U.S. with a retail price set for $499.

Moving up the list, we’ve got two new ultra-portable systems – the Samsung X360 and the Samsung X460. First off, let’s look at the Samsung X360 which will more than likely take on systems like the MacBook Air, and the Voodoo Envy 133:

• Intel Core 2 Duo U9400 processor running at 1.4GHz
• Intel Centrino 2 processor technology
• 3GB of memory
• 13.3 inch Widescreen LED backlit display
• 300 nits of brightness
• Intel GMX4500 graphics
• 120GB HDD or 128GB SSD
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• VGA, HDMI, Headphone, mic-in, 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 7 in 1 media card reader
• 83 key keyboard
• Measures 12.2″ x 8.9″ x .06″ - 1.2″ and weighs 2.8 lbs

According to PC Magazine, the 120GB HD version costs $1899, and the 128GB SSD goes for $2499.

If you’re looking for something a tad bit larger, you’ll want to look at the Samsung X460:

• Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor
• Intel Centrino 2 processor technology
• 3GB of memory
• 14.1 inch widescreen WXGA display
• NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS graphics with 256MB memory
• 320 GB HDD
• DVD burner
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• VGA, HDMI, Headphone, microphone-in
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 7 in 1 media card reader
• 83 key keyboard
• Measures 13.3″ x 9.7″ x 0.8″ - 1.25″ and weighs 4 lbs

The X460 with an Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 and a 250 GB HDD will cost $1599 while a system with the P8400 and a 300 GB HDD will go for $1699.

Finally, on the high end, there’s the new Samsung R610 with a nice 16 inch widescreen display featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio.  Specs include:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5800
• 3GB of memory
• NVIDIA GeForce 9200 GS graphics with 512MB memory
• 250GB 2.5 inch SATA HDD
• DVD burner
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• VGA, HDMI, Headphone, Mic-in
• 3 in 1 memory card reader
• 89 key keyboard
• 6 cell battery
• Measures 14.9″ x 10.4″ x 1.2 5- 1.51″(D) and weighs 6.2 lbs

Prices for the R610 will start at $1049.

via PC Magazine

Technorati Tags: Samsung, NC10, X360, X460, R610, notebooks

Vodafone UK will begin selling their mobile broadband services with a bundled Dell Inspiron Mini 9 netbook starting tomorrow. You’ll have two packages that you can choose from – a 1GB mobile broadband service with a two year contract for £25 a month or a 2GB service also with a 2 yr service agreement for £30 a month. Both packages come with a free Dell Inspiron Mini 9 netbook with a built-in modem.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Vodafone UK, Dell Inspiron Mini 9

Lenovo dropped the price of their white colored IdeaPad S10 netbook today - from $439 yesterday to $399 today. The red colored S10 which is now available within 3-5 days of shipping is still priced at the original $439 price. Yes it comes with the same specs as the white colored netbook which suggests you’re paying an extra forty bucks for the red chassis. The S10 comes with a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 512MB of RAM, Windows XP, 80GB HDD, Wi-Fi, webcam, and a three cell battery.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, IdeaPad S10, price cut

If you’re bored with the current selection of netbooks out on the market, you might be interested in the custom hand-painted “Smoothbook Slice” netbooks by the folks at Smooth Creations. Smooth Creations utilizes high grade automotive finishes, clear coats, and “special poly carbonate finishes” to make their netbook designs truly stand out. According to TweakTown, Smooth Creations now offers a 10 inch netbook model with an Intel Atom processor, a 120GB HDD, 1GB of memory, and integrated Wi-Fi.  From the pictures shown at TweakTown, the customized netbook appears to be a modded MSI Wind system.

Smooth Creations also lists an 8.9 inch netbook model for $549.99 which appears to be a modded Acer Aspire One netbook. Specs are an Intel Atom processor, an 8.9 inch display, 1GB of RAM, 120GB HDD, Intel GMA 950 graphics, Windows or Linux, and Wi-Fi networking.

[Check it out via NetbookTech, TweakTown]

Technorati Tags: Smooth Creation, Smoothbook Slice, Custom hand painted netbook

ASUS officially introduced their latest Eee PC today - the new ultra-slim Eee PC S101. The S101 measures a mere 1.8 cm thick, weighs around 1kg and comes in three colors  - Brown, Champagne, and Graphite, will have a weight of around 1kg and will be a mere 1.8cm thick. Spec wise, it’s really not all that different from other competing netbooks. You’ve got:

• Intel Atom processor
• Intel 945GSE / ICH7-M chipset
• 10.2 inch wide-screen LED backlit TFT with 1024 x 600, 252K color display
• 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller
• 802.11n Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 1GB DDR2 memory
• 16GB/32GB/64GB SSD
• 20GB Eee Online Storage
• 1 VGA port
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 RJ-45 port
• 2 audio jacks - headphone/microphone in
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• 4 in 1 media card reader with support for MMC, SD, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick PRO
• Multi-touch touchpad
• HD Audio
• Stereo Speakers
• Digital Array Microphone
• Polymer battery 36 W/hr
• Measures 264 x 180.5 x 18 ~ 25 mm
• Weighs 1kg

Thus what differentiates the S101 from other netbooks is the look and feel of the netbook - it’s slim form factor and sexy design. BUT it does come with a price. The S101 will be available in three versions:

• 16 GB SSD, Windows XP, inclusive of an additional 16 GB SD card: USD $699
• 32 GB SSD, Linux operating system: USD $699
• 64 GB SSD, Linux operating system: USD $799

This is certainly not a cheap netbook by any means. For me, it crosses that magical $500 dollar line that I’m pretty much not willing to cross for an Atom based system. Once you go into the high $600/700 dollar range, I’m expecting an Intel Core 2 Duo processor - forget the size and weight - I want performance for that money. BUT… ASUS is betting on the fact that there are some of you out there who will be willing to spend a pretty buck or two on this sexy system.

Do me a favor ASUS? Please remove the “Eee” logo from the top next time?

[Check it out via NetbookTech, Electronista]

[Additional pics at Eee PC News]

Technorati Tags: ASUS Eee PC S101

We’re pretty psyched around the office - the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 netbook finally arrived yesterday and preview/unboxing pictures are now up on NetbookTech.com (our sister site dedicated to everything netbooks). Here are my early impressions of the S10:

• Shipping packaging stinks!
• Bright beautiful display
• Comfortable keyboard though the right shift key is small and the left ctrl key is awkwardly placed
• Touchpad is a tad bit small but at least the mouse buttons are below the touchpad
• Feels responsive even though it comes with 512MB of RAM (we’ll be upgrading this)
• Comes with an ExpressCard slot
• Only has two USB 2.0 ports

Ah but the real taste test involved my coworkers in the office. Here are some excerpts:

• “Wow that’s small!”
• “I want one!”
• “I’d trade up my notebook for that”
• “Does it come in other colors?”
• “Can I have it?”

So far so good.. the IdeaPad S10 has some flaws but it’s a good alternative to the increasingly crowded netbook market. Here’s a comparison picture of the S10 and the Acer Aspire One netbook:

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Lenovo IdeaPad S10, netbook