OQO announces the new model 2+ here at CES 2009 today. The model 2+ is the first OQO model to feature the new Intel Atom processor – coupling the energy efficient mobile processor with an OLED display, and worldwide 3G capabilities. In fact, the model 2+ is “the world’s first PC with an embedded OLED display” and folks – it’s one sweet display!

Features and specs to the model 2+ include the following:

• 1.86GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor
• Intel System Controller Hub US15W with integrated 3D graphics
• DirectX 9 and H.264 video decoder support in hardware
• 2GB RAM
• 3.5 hour battery life with standard battery and 7 hours with double capacity battery
• OLED display with 1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio, color gamut up to 110% of NTSC, 0.01 ms response time and viewing-angle free
• 800 x 480 resolution
• Qualcomm Gobi solution with support for CDMA2000 1xEV-DO and HSPA
• HDMI/DVI and VGA interfaces
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Measures 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches

Prices for the model 2+ start at $999

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: OQO, model 2 , Intel Atom, Mobile Internet Device, PC

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

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

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

[Check it out]

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

AVING is reporting that MSI expects to begin shipping the MSI Wind in the Japanese market starting on July 4th. For those of you in the U.S., the Wind is now available for purchase on Amazon.com though you can expect a three to five week wait before you actually get anything in the mail. The only systems available at Amazon for now are Windows XP based systems.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: MSI Wind, Japan

The second generation RazorBook 400 is due out at the end of July or early August. Finally – the picture above is of the first generation RazorBook 400 running CE Linux. We’re not sure what the second generation RazorBook 400 will look like as of yet.

Technorati Tags: 3K Computers, RazorBook 400, Windows CE

The folks at SlashGear have published a review of a pre-production model version of the new ASUS Eee PC 901 Linux Edition here on their website. The 901 is similar to the 900 although it does come with several new tweaks and additions – notably the Intel Atom processor in place of the Celeron processor. I won’t go into the details too much here since most of you are probably already familiar with (or sick of ) the Eee PC. Here’s the verdict:

The Eee 901 is our choice on specs alone – faster WiFi, more SSD capacity and Bluetooth as standard, together with a spare slot for future 3G WWAN expansion – but if it were our own money that decision would be a whole lot harder.  A great machine, yes, but a few months too late to be the convincing knock-out ASUS hoped it would be.

You can read the rest of the review at SlashGear.com. Note – I’m not going to be looking for the Eee PC nor the MSI Wind anymore – at least not for some time since I purchased the VAIO notebook at Best Buy this weekend.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ASUS Eee PC 901, Linux, SlashGear, Review

LaptopMag has published a review of the new ASUS Eee PC 1000h notebook here on their website. The 1000h is ASUS’s latest Eee PC iteration but comes with many of the same features as the Eee PC 901 such as an Intel Atom processor, an integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam, and 1GB of RAM. The 1000h sports a larger 10 inch display, has an 80GB HDD, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, and 2-in-1 media card reader.  The reviewed system had Windows XP Home which meant the overall price was $649 (which is a bit high for an Intel Atom processor system). Here’s what LaptopMag thought of it:

We like the Eee PC 1000H, but we’ll like it a lot more if the final pricing for the system winds up being less.

Yup.. at $649, this puts the Eee PC 1000h squarely in the sights of low end notebooks with more powerful processors. Sure – these very same systems will be a bit heftier than the 1000h, but I’ll trade heft for a dual core system. ASUS should take some notes from MSI and price the 1000h below $500 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ASUS, Eee PC 1000h, LaptopMag, Review

PC Magazine has published one of the first reviews of the new Acer Aspire One ultra-portable notebook. The Acer Aspire One features an Intel Atom processor and competes directly with the ASUS Eee PC and the MSI Wind notebook. If you need a refresher on the Aspire One, here are the major specs (at least for the reviewed model):

• 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor
• 512MB RAM
• 2.1 lb
• 8.9 inch screen
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 8GB SSD
• Wi-Fi

The verdict?

The Acer Aspire One is aggressively priced and will entice customers with an Intel Atom processor and a well-developed Linux operating system

The Aspire One is certainly a bargain at $399 – considering you get the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and an 8.9 inch display. Unfortunately PC Mag found the keyboard cramped, the battery a bit small, and the touchpad and mouse buttons awkward. It’s a sweet looking system though! In any case, this doesn’t really change my plans on waiting for at least the MSI Wind or perhaps even the upcoming Dell E.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Acer, Aspire One, PC Magazine, Review

Remember that small notebook that Michael Dell was seen carrying around at the All Things D conference? Well the folks at Engadget have managed to come up with some additional information on this notebook as well as a larger 12.1 inch brother (keep in mind – this could all change of course and there’s no confirmation whether these specs are for real or not). First, the new 8.9 inch model is tentatively called the Dell E (doesn’t at all sound like the Eee PC of course) and will actually be available in three verticals – the Dell E Class, the Dell E Video, and the Dell E Video+. The primary difference between the three models is the memory, hard drive space, and built-in webcam.

Overall specs for the 8.9 inch model (Dell E) include the following (some of which are not available in the initial releases):

• 8.9 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor
• Measures 0.82-1.22 x 9.13 x 6.9 inches and weighing 2.2 lbs
• 3-5 color IMR options
• 4/8/16GB SSD
• 512MB or 1GB memory
• 3 USB ports
• microphone, headphone, VGA, SD slot
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMax, WWAN
• 4 cell 35 WHr (5 hours battery life) battery
• Supports Linux, Windows XP

The Dell E Classic will have 512MB RAM, 4GB SSD, and no camera. The Dell E Video will have 1GB RAM, 8GB SSD, and a webcam. The Dell E Video+ will feature 1GB RAM, 12GB SSD, and a webcam.

Meanwhile, the larger brother is known as the Dell E Slim (just call it the Slim Jim already!). There will be two models initially – the Dell E Slim and the Dell E Slim+ with the primary difference in the processor speed and memory/storage (the E Slim+ will feature a 1.6GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and 60GB HDD)

Specs for the 12.1 inch model includes the following (as with the 8.9 inch, not all specs will be available in the initial release):

• 1.3 GHz or 1.6GHz Intel Silverthorne processor (part of the Atom processor lineup)
• Measures 0.83 to 0.94 x 11.8 x 9.1 inches and weighing 2.6lbs
• 2-3 color IMR options
• 8GB flash or 40GB 1.8 inch HDD
• 512MB/1GB RAM
• 3 USB, microphone, audio, SD card, VGA
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMax, WWAN
• 3 cell 26 WHr or 6 cell 52WHr
• Linux or Windows XP OS

So it looks like the initial 8.9 inch model (Dell E) with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom, 512MB/1GB RAM, 4/8/16GB , Wi-Fi, Webcam, Linux/XP model will be available in August with an updated one featuring WWAN, Wi-Max sometime in or after October.

As for the 12.1 inch Dell E Slim timeframe, the initial release featuring a 1.3 to 1.6GHz SLT, 512MB/1GB RAM, 8/40GB storage, Wi-Fi, webcam, Linux/XP will be available sometime in August/Sept. An updated one is expected in October/November featuring WWAN, and WiMax.

The only word on pricing thus far- the Dell E will apparently start at $299. Nice

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Dell E, Dell E Slim, Engadget,

Acer is jumping into the ultra-low cost portable notebook market with the introduction of the new Acer Aspire one. Billed as an “all-new communication device”, the Aspire one measures 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.14 inches and features an Intel Atom processor as well as your choice of Linux or Windows XP Home. The full specs are as follows:

• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi built-in
• 8.9 inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display with 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Acer CrystalEye webcam
• Available initially in blue and white with brown and pink coming out later this year
• Intel Atom processor
• Linpus Linux OS or Windows XP Home
• 512MB or 1GB of RAM
• 8GB NAND flash or 80GB HDD
• Memory card reader for SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD Picture Card

If you’re up for Linux, then you might enjoy Acer’s new easy to use interface for the Linpus Linux OS. The system also comes with one Mail software suite which can manage up to six email accounts with a single application interface. Other software features include Messenger for IM, OpenOffice 2.3, Acer eRecovery Management, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Reader, McAfee Internet Security, Microsoft Office Trial 2007.

The new Acer Aspire one will become available during the third quarter with prices beginning at $379.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Acer Aspire one, Intel Atom

• Acer
• ASUSTek
• BenQ
• Dell
• First International Computer Inc.
• Gigabyte
• HP
• Inventec Corp.
• Lenovo
• Medion AG
• Micro-Star International Co
• Positivo Informatica
• Pegatron Corp
• Quanta Computer Corp
• Wistron Corp

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, nettop

Sick of ASUS Eee PC news? Well.. we are too .. if only just a little.. However, I felt obliged to post about what Hexus.net came across at Computex ‘08 in Taiwan. The crew captured a still of the spec-sheet for the upcoming ASUS Eee PC 1000 system (tho no pics of the system as of yet). Here’s the lowdown:

• 10 or 10.2 inch display
• Intel Atom processor
• Supports Linux or Windows XP Home
• Includes MMC/SD(SDHC capable) reader
• Up to 2GB DDR2 memory
• 80GB HDD (for Windows XP model)
• HD Audio support
• Stereo Speakers
• Array Microphone
• 10/100 LAN
• WLAN 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• 3.2 to 5 hours of battery and weighs 1.45 kg

[Check it out via I4U.com]

Technorati Tags: ASUS, Eee PC 1000