[Reprinted from NetbookTech]

So here you are.. about to hit the road with two devices. In one hand you have an e-reader device like the Amazon Kindle or the newly announced Barnes & Noble Nook. In your other hand, you have a highly portable 10.1 inch netbook allowing you to surf the web, check your email, and work on various PC related activities. Taken separately, each device is highly portable and lightweight.. but taken together, it’s one device too many for travel. Wouldn’t it be great if one could merge the functionality of these two devices into a single platform?

Well that’s exactly what a company called enTourage has done with the formal introduction of their eDGe dualbook device. This portfolio-shaped device combines the functionality of an e-reader device with the functionality typically found on a netbook system into a single system.  With the eDGe in tow, you’ll be able to read books, surf the web, jot down notes, send and receive emails, watch and listen to multimedia clips etc.

What makes the eDGe so unique is its employment of dual displays. The left side display is a 9.7 inch e-paper display ideal for e-reader/note-taking activities while the right-side display is a 10.1 inch touch-screen LCD display ideal for netbook-like activities. Powering this convergent device is the Google Android operating system which ultimately translates to potential access to thousands of third party applications.

The eDGe’s e-reader screen and e-reader features include:

• 1200 x 825 resolution
• Glare-free screen
• Support for zooming
• Ability to read in sunlight
• e-Ink technology allows you to take notes right on the book you are reading
• Enter drawings with stylus or enter text using your hand or virtual keyboard
• Supports ePub and PDF file formats

The eDGe’s right-side display and netbook features include:

• 1024 x 600 resolution
• View images on the e-Book using the color display
• Type text using virtual keyboard
• Built-in audio recorder
• Built-in video recorder for capturing stills or movies in MP4 or 3GP file formats
• Plug in headphones or microphone
• Web browsing
• Email
• Contacts, Calendar, Alarm clock
• Library function to manage your books

Other features of the eDGe include:

• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Optional 3G connectivity via EVDO or HSDPA
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel camera
• Bluetooth support for external keyboards
• Weighs 2.5 pounds
• Measures 8.25 x 10.75 x 1 inch closed
• 3GB of internal memory
• Supports SD cards or USB flash drives
• Lithium Ion Polymer battery – lasts over 16 hours utilizing the e-reader screen and up to 6 hours running the LCD display

To support the launch of the eDGe, enTourage Systems has secured more than 200,000 trade books and is working with publishers to secure text books. The company will also have access to more than one million free public domain books digitized by Google as well as access to major magazines, newspapers and periodicals.

Expect the enTourage eDGe to be available in February of next year for a price of $490. You can pre-order the eDGe now by going to this webpage: http://www.entourageedge.com/entourage-edge.html

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: enTourage Systems eDGe dualbook

HP has two new netbooks for you to consider this fall – the 10.1 inch HP Mini 110 designed by Dutch designer, Studio Tord Boontje, and the first 11.6 inch HP netbook – the HP Mini 311 which is the third netbook to feature the NVIDIA ION (tho we’ve yet to see any shipping ION-based netbooks). Here’s what you need to know about each new model:

HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 1GB RAM
• Windows 7 Starter Edition
• Personalized with 15 wallpapers, screensaver, and Stardock MyColors desktop theme – all designed by Studio Tord Boontje
• HP Imprint 3D design – the industry’s first 3D PC surface technology which consists of multiple layers on the top cover giving the illusion that the art appears to float on the surface while casting shadows onto the lower layers
• 10.1 inch mercury-free LED display
• Measures just over an inch thin and weighs 2.68 pounds
• 92 percent keyboard
• VGA out, Ethernet, Multi-card reader, headphone jack, three USB ports, and webcam
• Mouse buttons to the left and right of the touchpad
• Expect to be available in October with a starting price of $399

HP Mini 311:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• NVIDIA ION platform
• 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 widescreen display
• 92 percent keyboard
• HDMI output, three USB ports, Ethernet, VGA out, and 5 in 1 media card reader
• 160GB HDD or 64 GB SSD
• 1GB RAM expandable to 2GB
• Six cell battery
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Starting price of $399 – expect to ship after Windows 7 ships

[Via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje, HP Mini 311

Yes, as if we didn’t need more netbook vendors out there, Nokia has decided to enter the space with the announcement of their Booklet 3G netbook. Powered by Microsoft Windows, the Booklet 3G specializes in offering 3G connectivity with its embedded HSPA chipset. Other features include:

• Intel Atom Z530 processor
• Aluminum body
• Weight of 1.25 kg
• Measures a bit more than 2 cm thin
• 3G/HSPA connectivity
• Wi-Fi networking
• Microsoft Windows
• Nokia Ovi services integration
• HDMI port for HD video output
• Front-facing webcam
• Built-in Bluetooth
• SD card reader
• 10 inch glass HD ready display
• Built-in A-GPS

Additional information (including pricing and availability) about the Nokia Booklet 3G will be made available at Nokia World on Sept. 2nd.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Nokia, Nokia Booklet 3G, Nokia Netbook

OK.. let’s try this again shall we? After launching their first Atom-based netbook err.. “Lifestyle PC” earlier this year, Sony has finally decided to announce a real netbook/mini-notebook in the form of the Sony VAIO W Series. Available in three colors, the VAIO W has your usual assortment of netbook specs – everything from the Atom N280 processor, 160GB HDD, 1GB of RAM, and of course Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

On the plus side, Sony one-ups most of the competition by rolling in a 1366 x 768 resolution 10.1 inch display – significantly larger than the standard 1024 x 600 resolution display seen on most netbooks. However, this advancement is countered with a ridiculous 2 hour standard battery pack. In a world of 8+ hour of netbook computing, having a 2 hour battery battery is just sheer nonsense – especially for a system priced at $499.99.

With that said, here are the rest of the specs:

• Intel Atom N280 processor (tho it’s not explicitly stated. Sony says “Intel Processor 1.66GHz. We read that as Intel Atom N280).
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 160GB HDD
• QWERTY keyboard – 86 keys with 1.2 mm stroke and 16.5 mm pitch
• Built-in MOTION EYE Camera and microphone
• Electro-static touch pad
• Memory Stick PRO Duo with MagicGate functionality
• SD memory card slot
• Atheros 802.11 b/g/n
• Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth
• 10.1 inch 1366 x 768 resolution LED backlit XBRITE-ECO LCD display
• Intel HD Audio
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• Windows XP Home

The VAIO W Series is available for pre-order right now over at the SonyStyle website. Expect systems to hit the stores next month.. but really.. are you going to get one?

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Sony VAIO W Series

Want a netbook with something other than the Intel Atom and integrated graphics (or the NVIDIA ION)? Check out Gateway’s newly announced 11.6 inch system – the LT3100 – featuring an 11.6 inch HD display, an AMD Athlon 64 L110 single core processor, and ATI Radeon X1270 graphics.

Other features and specs include:

• 11.6 inch LED backlit 1366 x 768 resolution display
• AMD Athlon 64 Single Core Processor L110 clocked at 1.2 GHz
• 2GB RAM
• Integrated ATI Radeon X1270 graphics
• 250GB SATA 5400RPM HDD
• Multi-in-1 media card reader
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Webcam
• Two built-in speakers
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• 6 cell Li-Ion battery
• Measures 11.26 x 7.99 x 1.03 inches
• Windows Vista Basic
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad
• Built-in digital microphone
• Up to five hours of battery life
• Weighs 3.14 pounds

The Gateway LT3100 is available in both NightSky Black and in Cherry Red with a starting price is $399.99.

[Via NetbookTech.com]

Technorati Tags: Gateway LT3100 11.6 inch netbook

The Android operating system is slowly picking up steam in the netbook industry as two netbook heavyweights, ASUS and Acer, announced plans this week to release systems based on the OS later this year.

According to BusinessWeek, ASUS’s latest Eee PC netbook will utilize the power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The system will also feature a 10 inch display, universal 3G radio, support for 720p video playback, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Currently being demoed at Computex, the new Eee PC model is expected later this year.

Acer also announced plans this week to release a new Aspire One netbook running the Android OS. While there was no mention of specs, the company did mention that the new Aspire One would be ready by Q3 of this year. In addition, this won’t be the only Acer netbook model running Android. The company announced that the majority of Acer netbook models would offer Android as an option over Microsoft Windows – giving users a choice in pre-installed OS’s.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ASUS, Eee PC, Acer, Acer Aspire One, Android netbook

[Republished from NetbookTech] HP continues their march into the netbook market with the introduction of three new netbook models – the HP Mini 110 XP Edition, HP Mini 110 Mobile Internet (Mi) Edition, and the HP Mini 1101. The Mini 110 XP and Mini 110 Mi are designed for “Internet-centric” consumers while the HP Mini 1101 is ideal as a “companion PC” for business users.

These new 10.1 inch netbooks have a starting weight of 2.33 pounds and measure just over one inch thick. You’ll can choose from either a 10.1 inch standard display or a 10.1 inch high definition LED widescreen display. Other common features include the Intel Atom N270 or N280 processor, a 92 percent keyboard, built-in webcam and microphone, built-in VGA port, and a 5 in 1 media card reader.

Here are additional details to the three new netbooks:

HP Mini 110 XP Edition:

• Up to 1GB of RAM
• Either 32 GB SSD or 160GB HDD
• Optional WWAN
• Optional Broadcom Crystal HD Enhanced Video Accelerator available in July which allows for 1080p HD content playback

HP Mini 110 Mi Edition:

• HP developed user interface on top of Linux
• Comes with apps for web browsing, email, and online video
• Up to 2GB of RAM
• Up to 250GB HDD

HP Mini 1101:

• Available in either Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, Windows Vista
• Two optional batteries – 3 cell or 6 cell
• Optional integrated HP Mobile Broadband

Both the Mini 110 XP and Mini 110 Mi editions will be available in your choice of Pink Chic, Black Swirl or White Swirl HP Imprint finishes, while the business oriented Mini 1101 will be available only in the Black Swirl finish.

OK.. now the pricing and availability:

• The HP Mini 110 XP Edition and the Mini 110 Mi will be available in Black Swirl in the US starting on June 10 with a starting price of $329.99 and $279.99 respectively
• The HP Mini 110 XP in Pink Chic and White Swirl will be available in the U.S. starting on July 8th. Pricing to be determined
• The HP Mini 1101 in high gloss black starts at $329 and will be available starting on June 1st.

Oh yes – if you want to pre-order the netbooks – call 800-230-5752 to reserve a unit.

[Check out the press release in PDF]

Technorati Tags: HP, HP Mini 110 Mobile internet Edition, HP Mini 110 XP Edition, HP Mini 1101

The new 2GHz Intel Atom Z550 processor has been sighted – except it’s not where we thought we’d see the processor.  One of the first vendors to offer the Z550 is in fact Sony (well specifically Sony Japan) with their thin VAIO P Lifestyle PC system. That’s right.. it’s not MSI, ASUS, Dell, or any other netbook vendor – it’s Sony. SonyStyle Japan is now offering the Atom Z550 as an option for their VAIO P model VGN-P91 as well as a new 256GB Solid State Drive. Everything else appears to be the same including the 2GB of RAM, the Intel GMA 950 graphics, and the usage of Windows Vista.  Will a 2GHz Atom processor change the impressions of the VAIO P? Too early to tell but you can be sure the system will still be darn expensive!

[Check it out via NetbookTech, Sony Insider]

Technorati Tags: Sony Netbook, Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC, Intel Atom Z550, SonyStyle Japan

Those of you into the netbook concept but wish the display and keyboard could be a tad bit larger will be thrilled to hear about Acer’s second generation netbook system – the Aspire One AO751h which features a full sized keyboard and a 11.6 inch widescreen high definition display. The AO751h can also be configured with an extended six cell battery capable of delivering up to eight hours of power. Specs for the Aspire One AO751h include:

• Intel Atom Processor Z520 or Atom Processor N270
• Microsoft Windows XP® Home (Service Pack 3)
• 11.6-inch WXGA 16:9 ratio Acer CrystalBrite High Definition LED back-lit TFT LCD (1364 x 768 resolution)
• Mobile Intel® US15W Express Chipset
• 1GB RAM
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 160GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader and Dedicated SD Card
• Acer InviLink 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
• Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• 6-cell Li-ion Battery (5200mAh)
• Measures 11.18” (W) x 7.79” (D) x 1” (H)
• Available in Diamond Black, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue and Seashell White
• One-Year Standard Warranty

The Acer Aspire One AO751h has a starting price of $349.99 with extended battery versions starting at $379.99.

Via NetbookTech.com

Technorati Tags: Acer Aspire One AO751h netbook

Dell continues their march into the netbook market with the introduction of the new Dell Latitude 2100 netbook series. Ideal for educational and business markets, the 2100 isn’t exactly a sexy beast but it’s designed to be somewhat rugged thanks to a new rubberized casing and an optional carrying handle (seen above). Other key features include a starting weight of 2.91 lbs, your choice of Windows or Linux, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet support, as well as a slew of options including solid state drives, touch-screen displays, and a webcam.

Key specs include:

• Windows Vista Home Basic SP1, Windows XP Home SP3, Ubuntu Linux 8.10
• Intel Atom N270 processor running at 1.6Ghz
• Intel 945 PM/GS Express Chipset
• Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 10.1 inch WSVGA (1024 x 576) LED display with optional touch-screen
• 512MB or 1GB integrated memory option with one memory slot for up to an additional 1GB of memory (total of 2GB)
• 3 cell or 6 cell “Smart” Lithium-Ion primary battery featuring Express Charge
• 65W AC adapter with cord wrapping
• Solid State Drives up to 16GB
• 5400RPM Hard Drives up to 250GB
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Dual Kensington Lock Slots
• Optional 8X DVD external burner
• 2 speakers
• Digital microphone, optional VGA camera
• 3 in 1 card reader
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• VGA
• Headphone/speaker out
• Touch-pad
• Measures 10.43 x 7.36 x 0.89 inches and weighs 2.91 lbs

Prices for the Latitude 2100 start at around $399

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

[Check out the Dell Latitude 2100 spec sheet]

Technorati Tags: Dell, Dell Latitude 2100 netbook