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First, we’d like to send our regards and appreciation to Michael Arrington from TechCrunch for turning this $200 Crunchpad Tablet PC project – viable, with a great dedication and a true desire to assist the tech scene by releasing a low price tablet device for internet purposes mainly, but for other uses as well, thanks to the 12-inch touchscreen, built-in speakers, integrated camera / microphone and some other goodies that are still hidden. Although the upcoming machine will probably cost a bit higher than expected (around $299), it sure looks awesome and we do hope to have our hands on it, once this project is finished. Meanwhile, you’ll have to settle with the new images that popped out in the wild.

Update: While still waiting for Crunchpad devices to go live, Seesmic’s general manager, Loic Lemeur, was sniffing around TechCrunch offices, giving the unboxing treatment to a first and nearly finalized prototype of the tablet, which suppose to be available hopefully “this year”. Checkout the video after the break.

Update2: And if the outside look wasn’t enough, we’ve just added another video, courtesy of TechCrunch, featuring a preliminary sneak peek into Crunchpad’s fresh UI. Hit the break to see the full video.

Update3: Singapore newspaper, The Straits Times, says that Arrington’s Crunchpad tablet is expected to be out by November of this year, including a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, together with 1GB of RAM, a USB hub, a built-in WiFi, 3G connectivity and and a SIM slot – priced around $400. Stay tuned for the official announcement.

Update4: Looks like Arringtone’s Crunchpad  won’t make it out eventually, due to major disputes with Fusion Garage (Arrington’s main partner on the project), that wanted to cut TechCrunch out of the project and continue with it on their own. This highly anticipated tablet machine was actually suppose to go out on November 20th of this year, but will probably end up in court with “multiple lawsuits” about to be filed from both sides. Either it’s the definitive end or just a milestone in Arringtone’s pretentious project, time would tell. Meanwhile, you can read the full story right here.

[VIA TechCrunch]

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Nothing much to tell, but seems like Lenovo plans to launch its IdeaPad S20 netbook with a 12-inch display, somewhere this year. The rumored S20 will join the already-exist S10 version which carries a 10-inch frame, but screen size aside, the new model is expected to pack an Atom N280 processor instead of the N270 inside the S10. Additionally, the S20 will carry Intel’s GN40 chipset, together with the usual Windows XP onboard. Still no word on exact date release but looks like the bundle will be priced at around NT$20,000 (US$586). Stay tuned.

[via digitimes]

When AsusTek first introduced the slim S101 netbook, we were very impressed from the lavish design but not from the expensive price tag. Now the Taiwanese rolls out the S121 version, which keeps the thin high-end shape but adds more size to the screen, as the new model boasts a 12.1-inch 1024 x 600 display, together with a presumed Intel Atom N270, 1GB of RAM, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0 and 1.3MP camera. The rest of the specs are practically vague, but we do hope for an integrated 3G conection and hybrid SSD/HDD storage combined inside. Price wise, it’s not going to be cheap if you were looking for a bargain.

Update1: Turns out the new Asus S121 comes with an Intel Atom Z520 CPU a giant 512GB SSD drive, which turns it into the world’s first netbook with 512GB capacity. Still no word on price or availability.

Update2: Apparently, the S121 with the 512GB SSD flavor will be yours for a staggering price of $1,649, while the 120GB HDD version will set you back for “just” $899.

[via geekandhype]