[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 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

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

If you’re in the market for a svelte netbook, you’ll want to check out the new ASUS Eee PC Seashell (model 1008HA) netbook. Introduced back at CES 2009, the Seashell netbook is now available for folks here in the U.S.  This system is really a thing of beauty thanks to its “seashell-inspired design”. Physical features include a smooth opalescent glossy exterior sprinkled with light reflective specs, a profile of 1 inch thickness, and a weight of a mere 1.1kg. On the inside, you can expect fairly standard netbook components – here are the specs:

• 10 inch LED backlit WSVGA display with Color-Shine
• Windows XP Home or Linux
• Intel Atom N280 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB 2.5 inch SATA II 5400 RPM HDD
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• 6 hour Li-polymer battery
• 1.3 megapixel battery
• HD audio
• stereo  speakers
• Digital array microphone
• Mini VGA connector
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• Ethernet port
• Headphone and microphone in
• Card reader for MMC/SD/SDHC

The Eee PC Seashell is available in White, Black, Blue, Pink, Sapphire Blue, and Ruby Red.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1008HA

We’ll start things off with the new Dell Inspiron Mini 10v – a lower cost version of the Mini 10. Available in seven colors, the $299 Mini 10v is designed to be the “perfect Internet companion to help keep kids, tweens, bloggers, and travelers connected from just about any location at any time” The Mini 10v has the following specs:

• 92 percent keyboard
• Color choices including Obsidian Black, Alpine White, new Cherry Red, Promise Pink (US), Ice Blue, Jade Green and new Passion Purple
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 120GB, 160GB HDD or 16GB SSD (XP and Ubuntu), 8GB SSD (Ubuntu)
• 1GB RAM
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 576 resolution display
• Ubuntu or XP OS
• Built-in webcam
• Optional built-in Bluetooth
• Starting price of $299

For the desktop front, Dell announces the release of the new Inspiron slim and mini-tower systems for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America (Inspiron 537 and 537s in the U.S. and Canada, Inspiron 545 in Latin America). The systems have the following features/specs:

• Available in eight colors including Piano Black, Pure White, Plum Purple, True Blue, Formula Red, Tangerine Orange, Promise Pink (US) and Spring Green
• Ideal for every-day tasks
• Available in retail in time for back-to-school season
• Starting price of $299

Some of the specs for the Inspiron 537 (mini-tower) include:

• Choice of Intel Celeron up to Intel Core 2 Quad processor
• Windows Vista OS
• Up to 4GB RAM
• Up to 750GB HDD with one drive utilized
• Blu-ray or DVD burner
• Up to ATI Radeon HD 3450 graphics
• Built-in 5.1 audio
• Ethernet
• 6 total USB 2.0 ports
• Headphone/microphone connector
• VGA connector

Meanwhile, specs for the Inspiron 537s include:

• Choice of Intel Celeron up to Intel Core 2 Quad processor
• Intel G41 chipset
• Windows Vista OS
• Up to 4GB RAM
• Up to 750 GB HDD with one drive utilized
• Blu-ray or DVD burner
• Up to ATI Radeon HD 3450 graphics
• Integrated 5.1 channel audio
• Ethernet

Finally, back on the laptop front, Dell adds six new colors to the popular Inspiron 15 laptop – Jet Black, Alpine White, Ice Blue, Pacific Blue, Cherry Red and Promise Pink (US). Yes – it’s all about personalization folks.

Technorati Tags: Dell Inspiron Mini 10v, Dell Inspiron slim, Dell Inspiron mini-tower, Dell Inspiron 537, Dell Inspiron 537s, Dell Inspiron 15

Lenovo will introduce their second generation netbook tomorrow known as the IdeaPad S10-2. The followup to the fairly successful S10, the new S10-2 features enhancements such as a slimmer, lighter form factor, optional 3G connectivity, a new top cover design, Dolby Headphone technology and a longer battery life.

On the outside, the S10-2 surely won’t break your back as it weighs just a little over 2 pounds and measures less than an inch thick.  Other beauty enhancements include a new top cover design featuring a “modern and sophisticated ring pattern” personalized in grey, pink, white, or black.

Though the unit got thinner and lighter, Lenovo decided to increase the keyboard size from 89% on the S10 to 90% on the S10-2. OK it’s still not the size of the Samsung NC10 (nor the NC120’s 97% keyboard size) but I suppose it’s better than nothing. Other enhancements and specs to the 10-2 include the following:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 10.1 inch LED display
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB HDD
• 3 – USB 2.0 ports
• 4 in 1 memory card reader
• VGA port
• Windows XP Home Edition
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• 6 cell battery for up to six hours of battery life
• Available in black, white, grey, and pink
• EnergyStar 5.0 and RoHS compliant
• Larger touchpad

Oh yes – on the sound side, the S10-2 features Dolby Headphone technology which means – plug in any pair of headphones and enjoy surround sound audio from 5.1 channels of sound.

The unit also comes with Lenovo’s QuickStart system which allows users to listen to music, view photos, send IMs or make Skype phone calls without waiting for the OS to boot.

Expect the S10-2 to be available on the Lenovo website at the end of this month with a starting price of  $349.

[Via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, Lenovo S10-2

[Republished from NetbookTech] – The story behind the “Lenovo Pocket Yoga” has finally surfaced courtesy of a blog posting by Johnson Li, Director of Lenovo’s Beijing Innovation Center and .. we’re sorry to say that the system was in fact a  2 year design concept that never saw the light of day from a production standpoint.

Boo.. Hiss….

According to the posting, the “Yoga notebook experiment is finished“. A real shame…

However the rest of the posting is certainly interesting if you’re into the design characteristics of the Pocket Yoga. There’s even a brief mention of a “similar form factor by one of [Lenovo’s] competitors” (ahem.. Sony VAIO P Lifestyle PC).

Here are some tidbits from the posting for your edification:

• Called the “Pocket Yoga” because it was an extension of their other folding concept design which was inspired by the practice of yoga. The design came from one of their New Zealand –based designers
• Shaped liked a large wallet – the system could be placed in your pocket
• Surfaced is covered with wallet leather which is designed to be soft and comfortable
• 360 degree soft hinge design. Supports three modes – which each mode lockable.
• One mode was to use it in “normal angle” similar to how you might use a laptop
• Second mode was to open it “360 degrees” – folding the top cover back on itself thereby converting the system into a tablet PC
• Full function keyboard
• Elegant belt which wrapped the system AND can be used as a mouse

Make sure to read the rest of the Lenovo blog posting to understand the nuances of the design. Unfortunately, the “Yoga” experiment, as we said in the beginning, is “finished”.

[Check it out via SlashGear, NetbookTech]

[Check out the complete Flickr feed]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and French

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, Lenovo Pocket Yoga

Woo.. what do we have here? A new model from Sony? A follow-up to the VAIO P already? Um NO.

This little device is in fact from the folks at Lenovo and is currently known as the “Lenovo Pocket Yoga” (Boy I hope they change the name!) Little is known about the device – other than it appears to have a touch-enabled display. Hopefully the “Yoga” (I really want to call it “Yoda”) won’t be priced into the stratosphere like the Lifestyle VAIO P.

[Check it out via GadgetHeat, NetbookTech]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and French

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, Lenovo Pocket Yoga

Dell rounds out their netbook product lineup by announcing the new 10 inch Inspiron Mini 10. The system is available for pre-order now over at QVC and will be available for purchase directly from Dell in the U.S. and other countries starting on Feb. 26th. Hitting up QVC makes a great deal of sense for Dell because it allows them to go after the stay-at-home population which is arguably hot for netbooks these days.

So without further ado, here’s what you need to know about the new 10 inch netbook system:

• Starting weight of 2.86 lbs
• Intel Atom Z520 at 1.33 GHz or Intel Atom Z530 at 1.6 GHz
• Intel Poulsbo US15Wgraphics chipset
• Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 500
• 92 percent keyboard size
• Multi-touch gestures touchpad – navigate the screen using simple movements to rotate, scroll, and zoom
• 10.1 inch WSVGA edge to edge 16:9 aspect ratio display (1024×576)
• HDMI output
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Built-in webcam
• Windows XP OS
• 1GB RAM standard
• 160GB HDD
• Stereo speakers
• 3 cell 24WHr Li-Ion battery
• Available in Obsidian Black, Alpine White, Cherry Red, Promise Pink, Ice Blue and Jade Green.
• Dell online storage options – free plan comes with 2GB of space to paid plans with up to 100GB of space
• Measures 10.28 x 7.19 x 1.12~1.25 inches

Optional features and accessories coming to the Mini 10 include:

• Internal digital TV tuner
• External USB DVD player
• Ubuntu and Windows Vista options
• Bluetooth
• WWAN support
• Internal GPS
• 2GB RAM
• 250GB HDD
• Solid State Drives
• Design Studio images

It’s important to note that the Inspiron Mini 10 is indeed a late-comer to the 10 inch netbook market. In it’s current configuration, it’s actually hard to recommend the netbook – especially when you consider there are many other 10 inch  netbooks that offer similar if not better configurations. There are two “cool” features of the Mini 10 – one is the HDMI output and the other is the Menlow platform which should offer slightly better video performance.

However, the Mini 10 COULD be an interesting platform down the road once Dell unveils the planned enhancements and accessories. The two to watch out for is the planned panel upgrade (1366 x 768 is planned) and the larger 2GB memory footprint. The current 1GB is not expandable (a.k.a. that stinks..).

Nevertheless if you’re fine with the current panel’s resolution and the 1GB of memory, then perhaps the Mini 10 will be a good option for you. We’ll try and give it a spin one of these few months but in the meantime, we’re still fans of the Samsung NC10 (and it’s awesome 93% keyboard).

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Dell Inspiron Mini 10

[Reprinted from NetbookTech.com] Sony finally unveiled their mystery notebook product at CES 2009 this past week. Dubbed the VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC, it’s the lightest 8 inch notebook out on the market weighing in at a mere 1.4 pounds and measuring a mere 0.78 inches thick (full measurements are 9.65 x 0.78 x 4.72 inches).

The Lifestyle PC is definitely filled to the brim with features and specs including:

• Intel Atom processor running at 1.33 GHz
• 8 inch LED backlit display with a resolution of 1600 x 768 and XBRITE-ECO technology
• Up to a 60 GB hard drive as well as up to 128GB SSD
• Approximately 4 hours with standard battery or 8 hours with the large capacity battery
• A max of 2GB of RAM
• Built-in GPS
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n via Atheros chipset
• Bluetooth support including Stereo A2DP profile
• WWAN support
• Memory Stick PRO (Standard/Duo) media slot with MagicGate functionality
• MMC slot
• SD memory card slot
• Intel HD Audio Sound System
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator
• Built-in MOTION EYE webcam and microphone
• Windows Vista Home Basic for the base model. Windows Vista Home Premium for the higher end configurations
• Available in garnet red, emerald green, onyx black, crystal white and classic black

The Lifestyle PC also has a one-button quick-boot option allowing you to boot into a small Linux kernel. This mode features Sony’s xross media bar interface and provides access to web (Firefox browser), email, photos etc. A Sony rep told me the boot time for the quick-boot option was timed at around 17 seconds. It’s a great way to access your system without jumping into Windows (especially since Windows Vista is running on this device). Here are shots of the interface

Curious about the keyboard design? Here are shots of the keyboard:

Here’s a welcome change – there is no touchpad on the Lifestyle PC. Sony chose to go with a trackpoint-like device. Smart decision – I’ve always been a fact of trackpoints.

The base model sells for $899.99 and features the Intel Atom 1.33GHz processor, 8 inch display, 2GB RAM, 60GB HDD, GPS, integrated mobile broadband, Bluetooth and Windows Vista Home Basic.

The next model up sells for $1199.99 and replaces the hard drive with a 64GB SSD and replaces Vista Home Basic with Vista Home Premium.

Finally, at $1499, the 64GB SSD gets upgraded to a 128GB SSD.

Not exactly netbook-like pricing is it? Oh wait.. it’s not a “netbook” … it’s a “Lifestyle PC”. Sense a bit of annoyance on my part? You bet.. but more on this later on. For now we’ll stick with the product announcement on the Sony netbook err.. VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC.

Technorati Tags: Sony, VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC, Netbook, CES 2009

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 gets a small accessory in the form of the newly announced Dell USB digital TV tuner stick. Designed in conjunction with Siano Mobile Silicon and Hauppauge Computer Works, The stick will be available in region specific versions later this quarter with availability first in Europe followed by North America, Asia-Pacific, and China. Features of the stick include:

• Receive digital and high definition (HD) TV broadcasts where available
• ATSC support in the U.S., DVB-T in Western Europe, ISDB-T 1-seg in Japan, and CMMB in China
• Supported OSs including Dell customized version of Ubuntu Linux 8.04, Windows XP, and Windows Vista Basic
• Built-in telescoping and articulating antenna which retracts into the black case

Expect the Dell Digital TV Tuner for about $50 dollars.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

Technorati Tags: Dell USB Digital TV Tuner, Inspiron Mini 9

Specs for the VieBook are similar to other 10 inch netbooks. We have a system with:

• 10.2 inch display
• Intel Atom processor running at 1.6GHz
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB HDD
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• Bluetooth
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 4 in 1 card reader
• Windows XP Home Edition OS
• Three battery life

The VieBook will have an MSRP of $429 and is expected in February of this year. Stay tuned for live shots but in the meantime, enjoy these press release stills.

We did however get a chance to see first hand the new VPC100 ViePC all-in-one PC – and folks – this is one sweet looking system.

For $549, you get an 18.5 inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, 1.3 megapixel webcam, DVD+/-RW drive (built into the side), integrated stereo speakers, 3 in 1 card reader, and Windows XP Home Edition. I have to say – this seems like a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking for a second or third computer in the household. Plus – install Windows 7 on this baby and you’ve got yourself a decent performing modern system. The ViePC is due out in February and again – it’s $549!!

Finally, if you feel like converting your existing LCD display into an all-in-one PC, then the new LinkPC is for you. This small PC box attaches to the back of any VESA compatible monitor – turning the monitor into a cost effective, space saving system.

The LinkPC features an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, VGA output, serial port, four USB 2.0 ports, and Windows XP Home.

Price wise – it’s going to be sold for $399 and should be available in March. I have the perfect display for this bad boy too!

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, VieBook, ViePC, LinkPC

Not stopping with the Mini 1000 netbook, HP is introducing a new netbook designed for the mobile professional called the Mini 2140. Featuring an all-aluminum lightweight case and a starting weight of 2.6 pounds, the 2140 comes with several features ideal for mobile professionals including HP DuraKeys, HP 3D DriveGuard, and the HP Panel Protection System.

Now what makes the 2140 a bit unique from the rest of the competition is the 10.1 inch display. Instead of the near-standard 1024×600 resolution commonly found on nearly every netbook, the Mini 2140 comes with two resolution options – a standard display of 1024 x 576 or a high resolution display of 1366 x 768. Finally – a usable resolution for mobile professionals!

Other specs to the HP Mini 2140 include the following:

• 10.1 inch diagonal scratch resistant HP Illumi-Lite LED 16:9 display
• 92 percent of full size QWERTY keyboard
• HP DuraKeys featuring clear coat applied over notebook keyboard protecting the finish, printed letters and characters
• Range of hard drive options including optional 80 GB solid state drive
• Intel Atom processor
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Optional Bluetooth 2.0
• Built-in VGA webcam
• HP 3D DriveGuard featuring three axis digital accelerometer chip that sends signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock
• HP Panel Protection System with scratch resistant acrylic LCD cover and magnesium hinge bracket for added durability
• Three or six cell battery

Unfortunately HP hasn’t changed the location of their touch-pad buttons. They’re still placed left and right of the touch-pad.

You’ll also be able to purchase several optional accessories for the HP Mini 2140 including an HP USB Docking Station, a USB powered HP Mobile Audio Speaker system, and an HP USB optical disk drive.

The starting price for the Mini 2140 is $499 with available expected later this month.

Via NetbookTech.com

Technorati Tags: HP Mini 2140, Mobile Professional netbook