smartech

Hey boys, hey girls, the moment your parents might started to think that netbooks are out of your reach, is exactly the time to prove them wrong, as PeeWee PC has just released a 1.6GHz Atom N270 tablet device, designed for elementary pupils around age ten who share passion for technology and seek for a 10-inch unit with 1GB of RAM, 60GB HDD, 1.3 megapixel camera, WiFi, Windows XP Home Edition and a 6-cell battery, which is also strong enough to handle their spill-and drop activities that under any circumstances reduce laptop’s lifespan in seconds, and while the easy part in your persuasion plot is telling them this machine includes a proprietary security suite, together with a batch of kids’ games and software, lets see how it goes once your parents hear they have to shell out $599.99 to get you this one. Checkout the full release after the break.

[PeeWee]

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For any of you Asian friends, who “anxiously” waited for yet another netbook to be released,  Asus is claimed to offer a fresh Eee PC version for Japanese users, starting on May 16th and priced at 69,800 yen ($720). The new 1003HAG will presumably pack the usual stuff, such as 10.1-inch display, Atom N280 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connection, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and 4.3-hours battery, but also an integrated wireless WAN module that supports NTT DoCoMo’s FOMA network with 7.2Mbps on the downlink. The last, will let you surf the internet from any place, anytime by adding an appropriate 3G sim card inside. However, if that’s not enough to justify the price, Asus will also provide black, white, or pink flavors to choose from.

[via ubergizmo]

From one Zen to another, Japanese top artist UFO-Hayashi has taken the netbook decoration assignment few steps forward by adding Kyo-Yu-ZEN pattern, which is one of the most traditional painting method in Kyoto, on top of Acer’s Aspire One unit, turning it into a lavish piece of cristal art that easily can be yours in case your pockets are loaded with $3000 of cash. If not, just hit the break and watch the presentation video, or jump straight to the eBay selling page to follow the auction.

[eBay via engadget]

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Creative is refreshing the lines, introducing a new Zen PMP which will go live in Japan on May 5th for ¥9,800 ($100) in case you’re into the 8GB model or ¥13,800 ($140) if 16GB will suit you better. Other than that, the Zen MX includes a 2.5-inch 320 x 240 display, a traditional SDHC expansion slot, and size that stands at 83.2 × 55 × 11.9mm, 66g. Different from previous Zen devices, this one can handle a limited codecs range, like MP3, WMA (DRM support), Audible 4, JPG, WMV, DivX and Creative’s own video-CMV format, so don’t expect miracles in this one for such a low price. On a different note, the company announces a substantial price cut in Zen X-Fi prices to make your recession just a little sweeter than it is right now — how thoughtful.

[via impress]

Truth is we’re not very surprised to hear that Kohjinsha embedded a TV-tuner inside a netbook, after all we’ve already seen it when first introduced the Gachapin and Mukku thing, few months ago. That said, the new MT series the company has just launched, looks totally attractive and includes a 10.1-inch display, Atom N270 processor plus  ExpressCard 3/4 slot for 3G usage. Unfortunately, we’re not going to catch this one outside Japan, still for 49,800 yen ($513) you should expect getting a 3-in-1 card reader, WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, VGA output with 1,920 x 1,080 upscaling capabilities and either 3-cell or 6-cell battery at your choice, so don’t bother waiting, there’s no scheduled release in other parts of the world — Sayonara.

[via eeepc.net]

If any of you wondered whether Samsung has any upgrading plans for its fancy YP-P3 PMP, the company has just got the answer we were looking for, announcing a 32GB edition to go live in Korea  right away for merely 389,000 won, which are just about $290. Still no word about Western availability, but like previous versions, be sure it’ll make a worldwide appearance short time after.

[Via PMP Today]

Following Toshiba’s 8.9-inch NB100 netbook, we’ve already seen in the past, the company announces a new 10.1 inch version that carries the sequel title of NB200 and packs an Atom N270 processor or Atom N280, in case you’re into the optional specs. Other than that, the new model which suppose to make a European debut somewhere around May starting at $319, packs just about everything you know, like 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, 0.3 megapixels webcam, integrated 802.11 b/g WiFi/Bluetooth connections and three USB ports – all expected to work longer than usual, thanks to the claimed 9 hours battery Toshiba has added to each of the flavors you get to choose from (Black, White, Brown or Pink).

Update1: Checkout the video from MegaWhatTV after the break.

Update2: the guys at PortableMonkey have managed to put their hands on this pretty boy, checkout their full review in here.

Update3: Full specs after the break.

Update4: Save the date, Toshiba will launch a new NB200 series, stuffed with Windows 7 OS on October 22. One of the coming models is the NB205, which packs a 10.1-inch display along with a nine hour battery life, up to 250GB HDD and different colors to choose from, starting at $399.99.

[via pocket-lint]

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With its alien capsule design, the new X-mini Happy PMP from XM-I can definitely win our “most bizarre look” of the year, as the grayish player reminds sort of a medical device rather than a multimedia package. And we say “package”, we refer to both player and speaker integrated inside the tower, which also houses a built-in SD card reader that seats next to a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB 2.0 port, to transfer your files. Battery wise, the Happy delivers up to 6 hours of playback, or 11 hours of speaker use, although you won’t be enjoying them, probably until Q3, when the new PMP is scheduled to be released.

[via Cnet]

We’ve recently seen a lot of action coming from MSI’s direction, specially within the netbooks world. However, the company proves to have myriad of values to share with, as a new PMP series has been announced in China, featuring five different platforms to choose from. Starting from the basic, the MV622, which will cost you only 198 yuan (US $29), features a 2.4-inch display, 2GB of internal storage and three flavors to be picked. the second one is the MV651, which boasts a 3-inch 400 x 240 screen, together with FM tuner, 4GB of storage and a TV-output, all priced at 299 yuan ($44). The third, MV652, offers either 4GB ($51) or 8GB ($58) capacities, while seems to be the only kid in the block which has an integrated touchscreen inside, as the fourth version, MV881 sports a 4.3-inch display (without a touchscreen) along with the same traits you get inside the previous device, for $58 (4GB) or $73 (8GB). Last but not least, is the MV882 that comes with an S-video output and 720P video support for high-def interaction, priced at merely $58 (8GB). Naturally, you get to play most of the common formats (available in the market) in all units and some can also handle your e-book files, still we can’t be sure those new cheap PMPs will ever find a place on Western shelves.

[via imp3]

Chinese company Skytone has jumped into the overcrowded scene of “I want to have my own branded netbook”, by introducing its half tablet half netbook device, which packs an ARM-based 533MHz processor and a 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen with those weirdo game keys on the sides, to let you handle Mortal Combat Vs. DC Universe anytime you’d like (We’re just guessing). Furthermore, the new machine houses only 128MB of RAM, that probably won’t hold any of the operating systems we all use, 1GB of storage, that won’t have enough room for all your media files, and an SD card slot that might be joining an optional 3G module inside the unit. Regretfully (or not), the Asian firm deprives us from getting info about availability, but at the same time says it might be selling this alpha-680 Android powered box for merely $100. Hot or Not – it’s your call.

Update1: According to Nixon Wu, Skytone’s co-founder, the new android-powered device is more likely to cost around $250, once it gets released in June.

Update2: Hit the jump to look at the videos, featuring Skytone’s user interface.

Update3: A Red hot edition Skytone’s Alpha 680 Android-powered netbook was spotted in the wild and you get a chance to take a look after the break.

[via computerworld]

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It started getting trendy nowadays, with multimedia companies showing off their top-notch HD devices, covered with lavish designs which contains impeccable capabilities inside. However, while most units support up to 720P, Cube has taken few steps forward by integrating 1080i video output and turned its latest H100HD PMP into one of the most advanced machines in the market, that plays myriad of formats in one small place. Sure, the new player can easily handle 720p as well, but the big thing is the 1920 X 1080 screen resolution this bad boy can handle. HD video aside, the new H100HD player packs an FM tuner, e-Book reader and a nice trait that lets you play flash games on the road. We’re not so sure if any of you, western users, will ever have a chance buying this phenomena across the street, but we do promise to update the price and availability, once released.

[via akihabaranews]

If the U100 wasn’t enough, MSI tosses another netbook to the lineup, this time with a 1.66GHz Atom N280 processor inside, replacing the common N270 that we’re all familiar with. Other than that, the new Wind U100 PLUS packs a 10-inch 1,024 x 600 display, 160GB hard drive, up to 2GB of RAM, 945GMS chipset, three USB 2.0 sockets, VGA output, 4-in-1 multicard reader, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR,  a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a 3-cell battery (optional 6-cell). But that’s not all folks  – we’re just getting to the most interesting part of this revelation, as MSI vigorously states that users will be able to achieve up to 7 hours of continuous work (!) with the standard 3-cell battery, which means up to 14 hours of work if you choose to integrate the 6-cell alternative (?). Obviously, it should be tested in the coming weeks before the winner is announced, and we sure hope to bring you the results, together with some fresh details about price and availability.

[Via iTech News]

Another day, another netbook and yet again, the same usual specs we’ve all been singing back and forth, this time to the chorus of Fujitsu’s LooX M Atom device that includes a 1.6GHz N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, WiFi, Bluetooth, three USB 2.0 ports, multi-card reader and a webcam, hiding somewhere at the top. In terms of design however, the new Loox M is equipped with a breath of fresh air, coated in Red or White flavors, featuring sort of “infinite” mark and an expropriated price which stands at ¥59,800 ($611) in Japan.

Update1: Turns out Fujitsu just got official with the LooX M in some other parts of the world, this time branded as M2010, which packs the same specs we’ve already noted above, but with some new surprising goodies bundled inside, like wireless mouse and a DVD burner (probably external), that make this deal more attractive than ever.

Update2: Apparently, Fujitsu’s M2010 netbook edition is finally available Stateside, with a 3-cell battery (6-cell optional for extra $129), and a $450 price tag. Other than that, you get pretty much the same usual specs, which makes the M2010 a little pricey. You can find it in here.

[via akihabaranews]

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We’re getting bored from all those repeatable specs, coming out time after time, featuring a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display, 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, WiFi, Bluetooth, multi-card reader and 3 USB ports inside every single netbook we hear about. But the new Mebius PC-NJ70A is no different from the others, actually it packs exactly the same elements we’re already fed up with, only this time Sharp had shown some creativity all over the place, by adding a small integrated 854 x 480 LCD (equipped with a light sensor) right into the trackpad, allowing people to use it as an alternative screen for tweaks, adjustments and some other interface managements, which consistently demand second screen, and while there’s no official announcement concerning availability, you’ll have to settle with the rumors around the websphere, claiming this innovative device will cost around  ¥80,000 ($817) across the Japanese market.

Update1: Checkout the video after the break.

Update2: Looks like the Sharp Mebius NJ70A is up for pre-order at Dynamism for a staggering price of $999, while ship date is set to June 5th.

Update3: The guys at UMPCFever have managed to get their hands over Sharp’s new Mebius and kindly shared the unboxing video, which can be watched after the break. You can also hit their link for more images.

[via newlaunches]

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We’ve been pointing out for quite some time that everyone wants to take part in the netbook party, and the new joiner, to jump into the messy bog, is Velocity Micro, who gently releases the NoteMagix M10, which packs a 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 display, along with (well…you know) a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, a built-in Webcam, 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, a 6-cell battery, and Windows XP SP3 aboard. You will be given the option to upgrade some of the parts, while choosing between red, blue, or black flavors to cover the chasis. Other alternative, is getting a $70 DVD burner, to help you watch your entire DVD collection on the go. Starting price stands at $379, as the estimated ship date is set to May 2nd, however, we’re not so sure how many people out there will jump on Velocity Micro’s fresh wagon – any volunteers?

[via itechnews]

No, Arnold Schwarzenegger is not involved in this new T12 PMP from RAmos, still, it carries the “Terminator” title, along with a 5-inch 800 x 480 display and a strong Rockchip RK2806 processor, which can easily upscale any Avi/RMVB files to 1280×720 resolution at a full 30fps, or just play H.264 videos, placed inside the 8GB, 16GB or 32GB capacities the player has to offer. Additionally, the 12mm device, that somehow reminds us the Archos 5 media tablet, comes with a small knob wheel (on the right side), so you can handle the menus upside down as fast as a rocket while playing your favorite Depech Mode album on the go – And yes, both  T12 and Depech Mode are expected to go out on live tour (separately) somewhere in May – We do hold a DM ticket but still don’t have any clue about the Terminator’s pricing.

Update: Checkout the video after the break.

[via mp4nation]

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While most of us look for companies like Asus, Acer, Dell, LG, MSI, or Lenovo when buying a new netbook, some other monikers might just do the job exactly the same, only for a better price, compared to those big names at the top. But branded devices aside, they say “if you’re not there you don’t exist”, and that is exactly the story with the “already jammed” netbooks world, where everyone tries to create a machine and make it big across the globe. Such company is Stone who has recently launched the NEO 101, a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 netbook, including the usual Atom processor, along with two USB ports, integrated WiFi connection, Express Card slot and optional 3G module – all priced at £275 ($400) and available in the UK starting from May.

[via techdigest]

LEGO (in partnership with Digital Blue) releases a new mp3 player, shaped as a colorful brick and scheduled  to hit your kids’ playground somewhere this summer for $39.99. The new audio toy comes with 2GB of storage and includes a small LCD screen to display playing songs together with their talented performers.  Other than that, the brick can easily connect speedy USB 2.0 ports to let you transfer any MP3 or WMA files, while the bundled pair of earbuds will smoothly hook into the built-in 3.5mm Headphone Jack, so you won’t have to listen to Tweedledee and Tweedledum back and forth.

[via engadget]

Medion Akoya bursts out into the overcrowded netbook world with two new devices, the E1211 and E1215, both equipped with a 10-inch display, Intel Atom processor, Bluetooth, WiFi, Windows XP Home Edition, built-in webcam an Black or White flavors. However, while the E1211 sports the usual specs, its brother, the E1215 boasts an integrated UMTS, so you can easily use your 3G connectivity to log into your favorite websites wherever you are. Prices should be in the range of €400-500, as these two are expected to hit some European retailers like Aldi, Hema, Action, Gamma or Karwei this month.

[via portablegear]

Chinese company Teclast introduces a new PMP device, which answers the name M66 and packs a 5-inch display, supporting 720p video decoder, together with a wide range of format compatibility (like H.264 MKV, RM / RMVB, or AVI) to handle high-def media. Additionally, the M66 features a Rockchip RK2806 processor, that seems strong enough to play rich content on the go, while UI control is navigated by a group of sensitive buttons, placed under the screen. Right now, there’s no word on price or availability, but we’re doing our best to bring this info as fast as we can.

[Via PMP Today]