smartech

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]

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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Only 3 months after the LT1004U was spotted on Office Depot in Redmond, WA, carrying a 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 160GB hard drive, Gateway introduces the LT2000 (an Aspire Pro rebranded model), coming up with more-or-less the same specs as the previous netbook, only with the newer N280 Atom CPU inside. Other than that, you get a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 display, 945GSE Chipset, 802.11g WiFi connection, Dolby headphone port, multi-card reader, 0.3MP Webcam and either Black or Red flavors to choose from. No availability details to share at the moment, but in terms of pricing the LT200 will cost you around 49800 Yen ($502), which could have been a real bargain if the “3G” mark at the bottom right was for real.

Update: Looks like the new LT2000 netbook is going to have a very competitive price tag in the US, as Gateway is making it available for $299, in two different models, with the LT2001u coming in NightSky Black (pic) and the LT2021u arriving with a Cherry Red flavor. Read the full specs after the break.

[via akihabaranews]

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To be more accurate, those two have just popped up at Acer’s page in Germany, both featuring a 10.1-inch WSVGA display along with Intel’s 945GSE chipset, 160GB HDD, up to 2GB of RAM, WiFi, ethernet, built-in webcam and a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor or 1.68GHz N280 CPU together with WWAN connectivity, in case you’re getting the upgraded version. So what’s the difference between the two? The 531 is only 1-inch thick, which makes it thinner and sleeker than the first one, and while there are no details about a Stateside release, European residents will have to shell out �379 ($502) for the D250 and �399 ($529) for the 531 flavor. Stay tuned.

Update1: Checkout the D250 unboxing video after the break.

Update2: The D250 is now available in Japan, featuring the same specs for a staggering price of 49800 Yen (381�). Us release remains unknown at this point.

Update3: Acer’s aspire One D250 is finally up for sale Stateside, competitively priced at $298.

Update4: Looks like Acer’s Aspire One 531 is finally up in the US in couple of versions, including the AO531h-1791 “Pro”, AO531h-1440 and AO531h-1766, as last two models pack the usual specs, like 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display, 1GB RAM, Atom N270 processor, 160GB hard drive and optional 3G module (for extra $150), while premium versions get 2GB RAM and XP Professional flavor, on top of the basic package – With prices, starting for $450.

Update5: Another D250 version is up officially, as Acer releases the dual boot Windows 7 / Android netbook edition, flavored with a 10.1-inch WSVGA screen, Atom N280 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a six-cell battery and these two operating systems sitting next to each other side-by-side. To get it, you’ll have to pay a reasonable price of $349.99 – not bad at all.

[via engadget]

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We eagerly expect Sony’s new OLED walkman to be released, so we can have a chance playing with it and take an in-depth look inside. Until then, we’ll have to settle with the full specs that have emerged to the world by SonyStyle Hong Kong. According to the Asian store, the NWZ-X1000 players will include a 3-inch 432 x 240 OLED display, together with an FM tuner, WiFi b/g connection and internet browsing  with YouTube support. More in the list, a battery that delivers up to 33hrs of audio or 9hrs of video playback and wide range of supported formats, such as MP3, WMA, AAC-LC and WAV audio files, while in video we can mention MPEG-4, H.264, or WMV files. Still, no word about Stateside presence, but as previously reported it is already available for pre-order at Amazon UK, as the 16GB Sony Walkman NWZ-X1051 goes for £214 ($310) while the 32GB version, the Sony Walkman NWZ-X1061,will cost you £283 ($410).

Update1: Checkout the promotional video after the break, featuring a fluent and sophisticated GUI from one side, yet easy to use and convenient to handle from the other one.

Update2: Looks like Sony’s NWZ-X1000 series is about to make a debut in Japan on April 25th, offered in Black or Red flavors and priced at 40,000 yen ($400) for the 16GB NWZ-X1050 version and 50,000 yen ($500) for the 32GB NWZ-X1060.

[via SonyStyle]

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Now that Cowon’s S9 PMP is already out to the market with its stylish curvy design and sharp 3.3-inch OLED display, the Koreans have decided to release a limited version for those who want to distinguish themselves from others. The few lucky ones will get a 16GB model, adorned with Chrome-Black hues, which give the player a prestigious look from bottom to top.  Other than that, it’s the same S9, sporting the same specs, including FM tuner, T-DMB TV, A2DP Bluetooth 2.0 connection, TV output, G-Sensor accelerometer, strong battery, delivering  up to 55hrs of audio playback or 11hrs of video, and wide range of codecs support. Regretfully, no other details to share at this point, but as far as we know, whenever you catch a “Limited Edition” release, you always pay more.

[via Akihabaranews]

Although it carries an industrial name and not much info to share about, the new DN-MP490 PMP from Evergreen is a sleeky metal player, boasting a 4-inch 480 x 272 display, together with 2GB of internal memory, joining an SDHC expansion slot, in case you need more space. Regretfully, no HD content in this little guy, but many other codecs to run. The rest is pretty usual, with no price and no availability details to mention.

[via akihabaranews]

For many of us, Gachapin (Dinosaur) and Mukku (Bigfoot) are totally strangers, but for the vast majority of Japanese kids they are huge TV stars, that conquer their screens for long hours. To leverage these characters, Kohjinsha and Bandai Creation have decided to bring the two into an ML-based netbook edition, boasting a vivid green chassis, combined with a whitish keyboard. Other than that, it’s just another regular netbook with Intel ATOM N270 processor inside, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD, 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 display, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, WiFi connection and the usual outputs. Interestingly, this new device will sport a 1Seg Digital TV Tuner, to let the children watch their heroes on the new lappy, rather than your telly. Still no word about price or availability but we like the idea of teenagers hanging with netbooks, instead of just books.

Update: Shockingly, you’ll have to spend ¥79,800 ($866) in order to get this one for your kids.

[via akihabaranews]

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Remember this cool Hello Kitty C1 netbook we’ve recently introduced? Turns out it is a branded version of Olevia X10A, designated for Hong Kong markets and priced 30% cheaper than the Japanese model. Now Olevia rolls out the X10A-3GPB netbook, which boasts the same specs, including a 10.1-inch 1024×600 display, an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 120GB of HDD and other usual stuff, only with an integrated HSDPA 3G module, allowing you to surf the internet without the need for hotspots. Regretfully, there’s no word on pricing, but this release proves again that built-in 3G modules are becoming more and more common among the netbooks world.

[via akihabaranews]

For those who plan on getting a new shiny PSP 3000 console, hold on for a while, as Sony Japan has just announced 4 new carnival colors to hit the gaming device, starting March 5th. The new collection, which comes in Blue, Red, Yellow or Green flavors is expected to be priced at ¥19,800 ($225), but in case you wish to include 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, a pouch, a wrist strap and a cloth in the bundle, it will cost you ¥24,800 ($279). In any case, both options pack a 2200mAh battery inside to your satisfaction, so it’s worth the waiting, specially if you’re tired of those boring black/silver hues.

[Via Akihabara News]

We know, touchscreen players are the hottest thing around the block, and many companies are doing enormous efforts to take a share from Apple’s control over the market. Although it is unproclaimed, Sony has a great interest to confront the iPod Touch head-to head when it shows out its latest NWZ-X1000, a 3-inch OLED touchscreen Walkman player with WiFi capabilities and either 16GB ($299) or 32GB ($299) capacities to choose from – pretty much identical to the iPod Touch – heh. Additionally, the UI unveils sort of a “cover flow” feature to handle your music, while technologically the Japanese has finally integrated the noise cancelation element, in case you’re using a 13.5mm EX headphones. We’re still lack of any further details concerning other specs or availability, but meanwhile you can checkout the video after the break.

Update: Feb 25th – It is now available to order from Amazon UK, as shipment is set to 5 weeks. The 16GB Sony Walkman NWZ-X1051is priced at £214 ($310) while the 32GB version, the Sony Walkman NWZ-X1061,will set you back for £283 ($410).

[Via anythingbutipod]

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MSI keeps delivering the goods, as the company officially launched the U115 netbook that we’ve already been talking about recently. The U115 Hybrid packs both SSD and HDD drives in one place and can handle them simultaneously, when the initial use goes with the SSD mode while the HDD drive stands mainly for storage, in order to save more battery power and increase the OS speed. In addition, it has a 10-inch 1024 x 600 display, 1.60GHz Intel Atom processo, a 2MP webcam, 4-in-1 card reader, up to 2GB of RAM, WiFi/Bluetooth connection and various storage combinations, including 8GB SSD / 80GB HDD, 16GB SSD / 120GB HDD, or 32GB SSD / 160GB HDD. Still, no word on price or availability but be sure they will be here shortly.

Update: Looks like the Wind U115 is finally up for sale in in the UK and Japan, priced around £450 – £500 ($675-$750), which is pretty expensive, no matter what specs it packs inside. Checkout the unboxing video from PortableMonkey after the break.

[MSI]

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Japanese corporation Fujitsu has announced the release of two Loox U ultra portable laptops, carrying a WXVGA 5.6-inch 1280 × 800 display and XP Home Edition onboard. Both U/C40 and U/C30 models pack 1GB of RAM, 60GB/120GB HDD storage, a 1.3MP webcam, an SD slot, WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and even an FM tuner. The only difference between the two is within the processors, while the Loox C30 houses an Intel Atom Z520 (1.33GHz), its sibling, the Loox C40 is powered by an Atom Z530 (1.60GHZ). Despite the minuscule sizes (weight 565g), the battery will be able to provide up to 5 hours of work and the swiveling screen looks awesome. Unfortunately, our premature felicity turned down when the airy prices popped up, standing at 740€ ($1014) and 820€ ($1124), respectively.

Update: April 28 – Looks like Fujitsu has tossed in Intel’s Atom Z550 (2GHz) into the pack and called it FMV LU C50N UMPC, which is literally the Japanese version to the aforementioned UMPC. Besides the stronger processor, you also get a 5.6-inch 1280 x 800 touchscreen and the usual stuff you’ve already seen before.

[Fujitsu]

If you’ve been thinking on getting yourself a portable MSI Wind netbook, mind you there’s a new U100 colors series, coming out in Japan on December 13th, joining the black or white already existing versions. The latest 10.2-inch lineup features the same 1.6MHz Atom processor with 160GB hard drive, 6 cell battery, 1GB of RAM, 1.3MP camera, 4-in-1 card reader, WiFi/Bluetooth connections and Windows XP onboard, but also Romantic Pink, Black Empire or stylish White Angel hues to light up your working vicinity, instead of those regular tedious patterns. As usual, Japanese prices are overrated, so be prepared to spend 56,800 Yens ($610) for one of these.

[MSI]

Japanese company Frontier, announces the release of Kouziro, a 10.2-inch netbook that looks pretty ordinary and has the regular specs, including Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11 b / g wifi connection and 120/160 HDD storage capacity. The company offers 3 versions to choose from, while the basic model comes with XP Home Edition ($533), the premium boasts the XP PRO ($694), and the third packs Windows Vista inside ($568). As mentioned, nothing special in this black Asian edition, but  the prices, which are expropriated, comparing to other available models with similar specifications.

[Frontier]

Another sign for the accretion of the netbook trend, is the release announcement, from Sotec, of the Hello Kitty C1 netbook, which is expected to be sold in a limited number of units in Japan or online at GeekStuff4u.com. The new version packs a 10.1-inch 1024×600 display, an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 120 GB of HDD, a 945 GSE Express chip, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, 802.11b/g WiFi conectivity and Windows XP onboard. The 2.6-pound mini whitish laptop can be yours, with two USB ports, Open Office, Firefox and Skype inside, for $890, which is ridiculously overpriced comparing to the other models in the market.

[via akihabaranews]

If you’ve been thinking that Epson is all about printers and digital frames, think twice, as the Japanese corporation has announced the release of the Endeavor Na01 mini, which complies with the netbooks category, packing a 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 screen, together with the usual Intel Atom N270 1.6Ghz processor and Windows XP onboard. It is expected to go live in Japan these days with a sleeky black design and some handy specs, including three USB 2.0 ports, SD/MMC card reader, VGA output, 802.11b/g WiFi connectivity, 1GB of RAM and a 3 cell battery, all for 46,800 Yen ($485). Still no word, either the Endeavor will ever hit Western shores, but word on the street says it will.

[via impress]

Remember this reddish Dell Mini 9 netbook, that showed up in the wild, back on May? turns out it will make a debut in Japan tommorow morning with a 32GB SSD drive and a pink cover as an option. Regretfully, there’s no word on worldwide availability, but Japanese citizens will have the priviledge to buy it for ¥54,980 or $565. In the meantime, the rest of you can settle with either the black or the white versions.

Update: the 32GB SSD drive upgrade is now available for all Mini 9 buyers for $100 more, over the standard 4GB SSD version.

After two sturdy months in the market, Dell decides to rebrand its own Inspiron Mini 9, as Vostro A90 business netbook, to be available in Japan only, for an expropriated price of ¥92,830 ($999). This awkward move doesn’t have any reason attached, and the price tag might hint the company tries to target premium markets, but despite the refreshing design, the specs remain the same, including the usual Intel Atom 1.6GHz N270 processor, an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 display, 1GB of RAM and up to 8GB SSD storage drive. In short, it really doesn’t matter if Dell smells something we don’t or the Inspiron version wasn’t answering the expectations, bottom line is that people can do the math for themselves, either buying a Mini 9 for $449 or nabbing a Vostro A90 for almost $1000, at their next Asian trip.

Update: Dell’s Vostro A90 has finally reached US shores, offering a 4-cell battery, together with 802.11g connection, 0.3 megapixel webcam, 16GB SSD and the aforementioned Atom processor, for a starting price of $349, which is way more reasonable than last time we were checking.

[via Register Hardware]