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

Nova Mobility Solutions Inc. launched a new Ultra-Mobile PC product line today called the SideArm2 (SA2) series. One of the first models to come out of the new lineup will be the SA2I, an industrial grade UMPC device. The SA2I features:

• Intel Atom processor running at 1.1 GHz
• 1GB of RAM
• 800 x 480 resolution 7 inch daylight readable touch-screen display
• 4GB SSD and microSD card expansion
• 2 additional slots for SSD expansion
• 10+ hours of battery life
• Sealed magnesium enclosure
• Drop tested for rugged use
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• microphone, headphone jack
• GPS
• Choice of Windows or Linux
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Support for GSM cellular and 3G connectivity
• QWERTY keyboard
• Measures 7.6 x 7.7 x 1 inches

The SA2I will be making its appearance in November of this year. Nova also plans on releasing multiple versions of the SideArm2 tailored for different users ranging from industrial users to mobile professionals to folks in the military.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nova Mobility Solutions Inc, SideArm2 UMPC

Say hello to my little friend, the Wibrain i1 UMPC (sorry I couldn’t help it for some reason). This ultra-small system features an Intel Atom processor, support for HSDPA, either a 30/60GB HDD or a 64GB SSD, and your choice of Windows XP or Linux. Cute but I’d still rather have a netbook instead.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Wibrain i1, UMPC, Intel Atom

Ultra-mobile PCs are alive and well thank you very much.. at least at Samsung that is. The company announced two new UMPC models today - the Q1U-CMXP which is a Q1 ultra mobile model with integrated HSDPA 3G support, and the Q1UP-V, a Q1 Ultra Premium model featuring Microsoft’s Windows Vista Business OS. Let’s get right to the specs shall we?

For the Q1U-CMXP, you’ll get the following:

• Integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 10/100 BaseTX
• Integrated HSDPA 3G supporting AT&T’s Broadband Connect network
• Windows XP Tablet Edition
• Intel Ultra Mobile Processor A110 at 800MHz
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• 1GB DDR2 memory
• 7 inch WSVGA Touch Screen LCD with 1024 x 600 resolution and LED backlighting - 300 nits of brightness
• HD audio and two speakers
• 80GB 1.8 inch 4200 RPM HDD
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• 2 in 1 memory slot
• Measures 8.96″ x 4.88″ x 0.93″ and weighs 1.52 lbs

For the Q1UP-V, you’ll get the following:

• Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition
• V1.5 Split QWERTY key caps
• 1.33 GHz Intel Core Solo U1500 Pentium ultra low voltage CPU
• 2GB RAM
• Integrated 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 10/100 BaseTX networking
• 6 cell 57.7 watt Lithium Ion polymer battery for up to 7 hours of battery life
• 7″ WSVGA (1024 x 600), LED Back Light display
• Intel GMS945
• HD audio with 2 speakers
• 80GB 1.8 inch 4200 RPM HDD
• 2 in 1 memory card reader
• Measures 8.96” x 4.88” x 1.16” and weighs 1.9 lbs

The Q1U-CMXP will have an MSRP of $1499 while the Q1UP-V will have an MSRP of $1449.

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Q1U-CMXP, Q1UP-V, Ultra-Mobile PCs, UMCP

OK - just a forewarning folks - the next several postings are all about new Belkin products. So without further ado, here we go!

First off, Belkin announced several new products tailored for the ASUS Eee PC and mini-notebooks/netbooks in general - three types of cases and two types of mice.

The cases are as follows:

Mini Laptop Quilted Case (F8N085) - US: $19.99

• Quilted texture protects laptop from light wear and tear while on the go
• Lightweight
• Made with durable polyester
• Fits 7″ laptops

Mini Laptop Carrying Case (F8N084) - US: $24.99

• Protects laptop anywhere you go
• Includes detachable strap for carrying ease
• Outside pockets give extra storage room for accessories
• Made with durable neoprene

Neoprene Sleeve (F8N082) - US: $12.99

• Light and durable sleeve protects laptop from minor scratches en route.
• Stow it inside your own bag
• Made with durable neoprene

The two mice are as follows:

Wireless Travel Mouse (F5L017-USB) - US: $19.99

• Perfect for taking on the road–no messy cables to get tangled, and more comfortable to use than your laptop’s track pad.
• Features 3 programmable buttons: micro switch, mechanical scrolling wheel, and depressing function on wheel
• Features on and off switch to save power when not in use
• Works with USB
• Compatible with Windows(R) 2000, XP, and Vista
• Compatible with Mac OS(R) X v10.4

Retractable Mouse (F5L016-USB) - US: $14.99

• Retractable cable stays untangled and out of your way
• Powered via USB cable
• Compatible with Windows(R) 2000, XP, and Vista
• Compatible with Mac OS(R) X v10.4

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In case you missed it yesterday, MSI began shipping the new Wind netbook to major etailers here in the U.S. Unfortunately, the Wind is listed as being sold out at all these sites which include Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and Buy.co. GearLog is reporting that Frys Electronics has them also but the Frys website doesn’t list the Wind at all. I’ll have to give them a call later on today. Most stores will be carrying the three cell version of the Wind for around $499 while the six cell version should be hitting stores around the September timeframe.

[Check it out]

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It was only a matter of time before ECS announced its entry into the netbook market. Surely it couldn’t let ASUS, MSI, and GIGABYTE have all the glory thus the introduction of the G10IL netbook. The folks at LaptopMag managed to get some tidbits about the upcoming G10IL - here’s what you need to know:

• Support for EDGE, HSUPA, and HSPDA mobile broadband connectivity
• Available in two display sizes - 8.9 inches and 10 inches with the 10 inch model most likely for the U.S.
• 8GB SSD version will run Linpus Lite 9.4
• 80GB HDD version will run Windows XP
• Designed for business use
• Prices will start at $399 (without 3G support) and units should be coming out in Sept.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: ECS G10IL, netbook

GIGABYTE is taking a slightly different spin on the netbook concept with the introduction of the M912V Tablet PC. The M912V features the following specs:

• Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
• 8.9 inch LCD panel with WXGA resolution (1280 x 768) and LED backlight
• Convertible design
• Intel 945GSE chipset
• 2.5 inch SATA HDD available in 120GB to 250GB storage capacities
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 2 x 1.5 watt speakers
• 1GB RAM
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Measures 235 x 180 x 28-42mm
• 3.5 hour battery life
• Weighs 1.3kg
• Available in either Windows XP or Windows Vista Home Basic
• Available also in Linux

It’s certainly nice to see a company introduce a netbook that doesn’t look like a traditional notebook. The GIGABYTE M912V is due out later this month and will supposedly have a price tag of $699.

[Check it out via Daily Tech]

Technorati Tags: GIGABYTE, M912V, Tablet PC, netbook

Here’s another review of the MSI Wind notebook - this time it’s from the folks at CrunchGear and this is what they had to say about the system:

The price is right, the performance is right, and the portability is so right that it’s somehow wrong (in a right kind of way). I’m really impressed with this machine — MSI has a winner on its hands.

Awesome.. now if somehow someone could get their hands on this notebook here in the U.S.

Oh yes.. if you’re expecting to get the six cell battery version of the Wind, you’ll have to wait until August. Apparently the LG plant fire from March did a number on battery production. In the meantime, you can supposedly get the three cell version of the Wind but I’ve yet to find someplace that has them in stock.  Truth is, if MSI doesn’t get the stock issues straightened out, they’re going to leave themselves open to an onslaught from the likes of Dell (and really any other major vendor looking to break into the cheap ultra-portable market).

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: MSI Wind, CrunchGear, Review

Here’s an interesting news blurb for all you HP Mini-Note fans. the Fresno United School District is apparently deploying more than 7,000 HP Mini-Note PCs to their K-12 students. Yes.. it’s a good time to be a student there isn’t it? According to Kurt Madden, Chief Technology Officer of the Fresno United School District, “The HP Mini-Note is a powerful laptop that is small enough to fit on students’ desks along with their textbooks and papers, allowing them access to the Internet and educational content from around the world without leaving their seats”. Wait a second.. a school district has a CTO?

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HP Mini-Note, Fresno United School District