smartech

We’ve already seen Viewsonic’s Atom N280 VNB101 netbook, showing up in Taiwan five months ago, but that probably wasn’t enough, and now it seems the company is about to release a new one, which carries the consecutive name VNB102, and includes the very basic specs with Intel’s Atom N270 processor inside, along a 10-inch 1024×600 LED panel, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, 802.11b/g WiFi and 6-cell battery, which lasts around 6 hours in one single charge. The operating system, on the other hand, is brand new – Windows 7 Starter – and that should do in order to collect $399 when this machine goes live on December 18, or in other words, tomorrow. Press release is just after the break.

[Viewsonic]

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A whole  slew of Pine Trail netbooks coming to CES 2010, next month in Vegas – that we already know. But the fact that Acer has sneaked into its lineup lists an ultra-portable machine of that series, is relatively new. The newcomer, Aspire One 532, packs an Atom N450 processor (Pine Trail platform), along 1GB RAM, 5-in-1 card reader, a 10.1-inch 1280 x 720 display, Windows 7 Starter edition, and either 160GB or 250GB HDD capacities to pick at your choice. Price tag remains reasonable and stands at 299 Euros, as you get to choose between Blue, Black, Red or Silver flavors to cover your coat.

Update: Basic specs include a 3-cell battery, but you can upgrade to the 6-cell version for extra cash.

[via netbooked]

When we say the word “netbook”, we tend to think about a chip portable laptop, weighs around 1.4 kilos and packs some basic specs that suppose to handle most of our day-to-day tasks and even some more. But as you know, for every such edge there is an exceptional, and today it’s a very expensive one, coming from Smartbook AG, called Zenid GC, and completely covered in Swarovski crystals, top to bottom. In general, it’s just a regular Chinese ODM S40 netbook, which boasts a 10.2-inch WXGA LED screen, along 1.6GHz Intel Atom N280 processor, 2GB of RAM, built-in WiFi connection, a standard  Li-ion 2200mAh battery, and the rest of the stuff we already know – nothing that 299 Euros can’t buy you these days. But that model, in specific, is probably out of your shopping range, and its whopping price, which stands at 2,001 Euros (about $3000), sounds and feels bombastic thanks to its prestige cover, made out of those shiny Swarovski encrusted crystals, spread on the back. Think you’d buy this thing if you got yourself a huge bank account? Maybe. Only as a piece of furniture.

[via Netbooknews.de]

Think there are too many portable machines out there? Make a room for one brand more – this time from Litl – a Boston-based company, recently unleashed the Webbook “web computer” netbook, that looks somehow different and priced above the average. It comes with a 12.1-inch 1280×800 display, uniquely featuring an upside down flipped patented-pending hinge comprised with an integrated scrolling wheel, right on top (the blue button). In addition, for a whopping $699, you get a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, paired with 1GB of RAM, 802.11b/g WiFi connection, USB 2.0 ports and HDMI output, pumping 720p from your family video shots. Storage capacity ridiculously stands at 2GB(!) only, but the platform for itself  – specially designed by Litl – is exclusive, and mainly shaped to serve as a web-optimized OS, with Flickr, Facebook, and Weather Channel widgets, perfectly displayed on the front. A tiny remote control is also included, as long as you pay $19 more, which bring us to our price rates index, that eloquently gives the Webbook a one big EXPENSIVE score.

Update: We’ve added a nice hands-on video from CES 2010, featuring Litl 12.1-inch Webbook in action. It looks great and works pretty well as a secondary device, targeted for multimedia or Web content users, but it won;t make you coffee in the morning, although it might wake you up with this cool animated alarm clock inside. Check it out after the break (courtesy of engadget)

[Via Netbook News]

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We knew it was just a matter of time until netbooks would eventually show up with Windows 7 bundled inside, and now that Microsoft’s superb operating system is officially up – looks like Redmond’s moment of truth has finally come. The new Seashell style models the Taiwanese actively plan for a mid-November launch are the 1005HR-WS and 1005HE-WS, which both include a 10.1-inch display, along with an Atom N280 processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth, a 0.3MP webcam and a 6-cell battery with up to 8.4 hours of working life. However, while the 1005HR-WS packs a WXGA platform (1366 x 768 resolution) and 250GB hard drive storage, its fellow, the 1005HE-WS, boasts a WSVGA flavor (whatever that means) and either 250GB HDD or 160GB HDD, to pick at your choice. Japan prices mention Â¥49,800 ($545) for the “HR” edition, as “HE” buns will run for Â¥46,800 ($510) or Â¥44,800 ($490), depends on size.

Update: We’ve added an unboxing video, courtesy of Netbooked. Check it out after the break.

[via liliputing]

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It’s not a secret that Intel’s latest 2GHz Atom Processor is looking for new lavish netbooks to sit in, while making its way out to the market in the coming weeks. Now we’ve been told that Intel’s speedy CPU has finally found a fancy ultra-portable device to be accommodated, as Sony officially announces the Vaio X, an 11.1-inch netbook/notebook series that weighs only 1.6 pounds and made out of carbon-fiber materials. True, it ain’t going to be cheap, in fact you’ll have to pay a whopping $1499 – yes you’ve heard that right – one thousand four hundred and ninety nine dollars, that’s what you’ll be asked to shell out in order to get a slim Vaio X machine, including an Atom Z550 processor, tucked with an SSD drive, Windows 7  Home Premium edition, an integrated Verizon 3G slot and a 3.5-hour battery that is claimed to deliver up to 14 hours of work, in case you’re using the “super-extended” battery. Oh, and those of you who are crazy enough to buy one, will also receive a multitouch trackpad to flick and tap around – Duh.

Update: We’ve added an unboxing video of the Vaio X, made by the NewGadgets people, who were kind enough to share their first preview shots among the interweb geeks. In this video, you can see how thin the X series is and why Sony keeps hitting us with top notch machines. Truth to be told, price tag isn’t so friendly in this case, but that’d probably apply to many other products with such a lucrative design. Hard to tell if a Windows 7 was already included, but 3G modem and Intel’s new Atom Z540, are definitely inside. Hit the jump to see the demo.  

[via boygeniusreport]

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Well, we didn’t expect this one, but it seems you can find whatever you want at the CEATEC show, that takes place in Japan these days. The object you’re looking at was recently spotted at the Kohjinsha tech booth by Akihabaranews team and seems to boast the “prototype” status at the moment. Besides that, Kohjinsha’s futuristic model packs two 10.1-inch TFT LCD screens at either 1024 x 600 or 1366 x 768 resolution, and can be used jointly and severally. Other than that, you get inside a cool swiveling base, along with some strong specs that include an AMD Athlon MV-40 processor, paired with a 160GB hard drive, up to 4GB of RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium onboard. Regretfully, at this point, we have no price or release dates to share, but be sure we’ll be there to bring them on whenever they get shown.

Update1: It seems to happen faster than expected – as we now hear that Kohjinsha’s 10-inch dual-screen netbook goes on sale these days with a 1.6GHz AMD Athlon Neo processor and RS780MN chipset onboard, both sitting next to an ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, a 3-in-1 card reader, 1.3MP webcam, 3 X USB hubs, WiFi, 1GB of RAM and same capacity drive, standing at 160GB of storage. Battery suppose to deliver up to 4.5 hours of work, while weight is surprisingly light for the overall package, 4.09 pounds (1.84 kg) only. Shipping is set to start 3 weeks from now, worldwide, as prices start with a Â¥95,800 ($1,110) package that includes a Linux version, and climb up to Â¥100,800 for the Windows 7 Home Premium flavor. Get it now if you need a portable multiple action in your hands.

Update2: As you already know, first comes the release, then the unboxing, and the guys at Wow Pow were one of the firsts to take Kohjinsha’s dual-screen netbook for a roundup, in which they share their preliminary thoughts. Hit the break to see their video.

[Akihabara News]

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We’re not sure what it means in terms of performance, but Swordfish Net 102 Dual netbook device is claimed to have dual 1.6GHz Atom N270 processors inside (instead of a single one), seating under a 10.2-inch 1,024 x 600 display and hanging around a 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, a 1.3MP camera, optional WWAN and a weak, generic 3-cell battery which operates under a Windows XP OS. The entire system is now being offered either in black, yellow, red or silver flavors, while price tag stands at $449. This one doesn’t require a fish tank  so hit the jump for a full specs checklist.

[via haleron]

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While most Nvidia ion-based netbooks are scheduled to go live at the end of this year, HP seems to be the one to take matters into its own hands and be the first to hit the scene with a graphics-boosted netbook device. The model we’re talking about is the Mini 311, which recently showed up on HP’s online shop with an HD compatible 11.6-inch (1,366 x 768) display, Atom N270 processor, an integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive and built-in VGA and HDMI ports for external image use. Microsoft’s Windows XP stuffed inside to handle this powerful system, while a near-full-size (92%) keyboard, three USB hubs and Altec Lansing speakers are all part of the deal. Starting price looks pretty attractive, at $399, but any add-on will set you back an extra cash. Thus, an Atom N280, Bluetooth and 802.11n will charge you $25 each, while white flavors are listed for another $20 and 3G WWAN connection is set for $125 more. Nevertheless, we still think it’s a good bargain, especially when it runs a 720p flash video flawlessly. See for yourself after the break.

Update1: It’s not that we needed any further proof to make us believe that HP’s Mini 311 netbook is capable handling advanced high-def media files better than others, but just in case, here are some facts – risen from LaptopMag’s benchmark tests – to maintain our claims: on the PCMark 05, the 311 has scored 1,917 points, that’s 500 points above the average, while the PCMark 06 review has given the 311 a 1,386 score, which is  1,200 on top of the ordinary and just about the same score as a MacBook Air. Very impressive, isn’t it?

Update2: If you have any plans on getting one, the guys at MyHPMini discovered interesting details from HP’s service manual. In general, the 311 will soon be out in different Windows 7  versions, including Windows 7 Starter, Basic, Premium, and Professional flavors. Additionally, you’ll also get a chance to upgrade your netbook and stuff inside cool specs like:

• NVIDIA ION, the FULL platform, only with Windows 7
• 1GB RAM (plus 1GB on-board ram), total 2GB
• 2GB RAM (plus the 1GB on-board), total 3GB
• 80GB Solid-State-Drive (SSD)
• 250GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7
• 320GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7

Now that’s what we’re looking for.

[HP]

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We already know Viliv and the highly rated MIDs and UMPCs it makes, but even though, the Koreans won’t settle with scarce line of products and apparently these days, are showing off at IDF 2009, their new portable series which seems to include the S10, which looks like a new 10-inches tablet netbook device that technically packs 1,366 x 768 resistive swivel touchscreen, but also Intel’s Atom 1.33GHz or 2.0GHz processors (the 2.0GHz CPU isn’t available yet) and Windows 7 OS, the premium version. Besides that, Viliv lets you choose between 32 or 64GB SSDs (at 70MBps read rates), together with an optional 3G WWAN, 1GB of RAM, a 10 hours battery that runs at one single charge and a built-in webcam, probably a 1.3 megapixels one. Still no word when or where this White/Black hues unit suppose to go live (more likely around Q4 09), but starting price is claimed to stand at $500. Hands on video – for your eyes only – is right after the break.

Update1: Apparently, Viliv’s S10 tablet netbook just turned official. The 10.1 inch multitouch swivel screen, known as the Blade, integrates 4G mobile WiMAX and 3G HSPA connectivity inside. In addition, viliv has also launched the 4.8-inch clamshell MID, N5 which packs 3G and WiFi as well. PR after the break.

Update2: We’ve added a short hands-on video of the Viliv N5, coming straight from CES 2010, courtesy of engadget. Check it out after the jump.

[via umpcportal]

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Korean company UMID didn’t have much of a success when first launched its 4.8-inches M1 mini netbook version, a few months ago. But now, after finally fixing up some of the main issues that turned its first round somehow repelled, a new edition, which carries the name “M2″ has risen up from the dark, and is now ready to be rolled out somewhere towards the end of the year, for a much cheaper price of $499 (instead of $765). First thing you’ll notice is the screen, that apparently flips out and turns widely open on the M2 (thanks to the new hinge), compared to its very angle-limited predecessor. This fact will help new M2 users hold the unit comfortably in their hands and type the keyboard in a more convenient way than previously done. Other thing you might be noticing, is the real USB port that was hooked to UMID’s M2 revamped chassis, which doesn’t necessarily require any dongles to connect. Besides that, the company has also integrated an optical mouse, that seats on front of the M2 bezel frame, while both left-right buttons were placed to the left. As for internal specs, you get to choose between 1.2 or 1.6GHz Intel Atom processors, which will presumably operate under the much expected Windows 7 OS and a larger 1GB of RAM. Other than that, UMID will probably stick to most of the parts, included in M1, but that’s for us to find out in the coming months. Until then, checkout Chippy’s recent introduction video right after the break.

Update: Turns out UMID M2 is now known as Onkyo BX, but besides the re-branding process nothing substantial has really changed. It still has that Intel 1.2GHz Atom Z515 processor, along a 4.8-inch 1024 x 600 LCD, a 32GB SSD and 512MB of memory. Design remains the same as well, so does the price – Â¥64,800, or $730. One more image after the jump.

[Via jkkmobile]

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It’s only been three weeks, since our wondering eyes first came across Asus’ 120N Nvidia Ion-based netbook machine, hiding out in a much speculated Eee PC road map slide that popped out in the wild. And here we are, not so long after, talking about it as a certain thing, scheduled for release somewhere this Autumn with a $500 price tag range and a high resolution 12-inch panel (1,366 x 768). And if we’d all be speaking Chinese well, the 250GB hard drive that Asus has stuffed inside, sitting along with 2GB of RAM, Intel Atom N270 processor, 1.3MP camera, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11n WiFi connectivity, probably wouldn’t make us surprised – well, maybe this N270 CPU, which seems to be too slow for such an input. Stay tuned, it should be hitting Western shores, packed with a Windows 7 OS, in a month or so.

Update1: Look, the guys from Eee PC Italia just got their hands on Asus 1201N and 1201HA full specs list and shared them online. Basically, both netbook machines will presumably pack a 12-inch 1366 x 768 displays, while the 1201N, which suppose to be the strongest among the two, will include a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N330 dual core processor, 3GB RAM, NVIDIA ION (GeForce 9400M) graphics chipset and 320GB hard drive, as its entry level sibling, the 1201HA suppose to have a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 CPU, along with Intel US15W / GMA 500 graphics, 2GB RAM and 250GB hard drive. Hit the jump to read the rest, no prices or release dates available at the moment.

Update2: Apparently, Asus Eee PC 1201N is scheduled to be released in Europe somewhere towards the end of the year (AKA: December), with this Atom Dual Core 330 CPU, Nvidia ION graphics chipset and a 12.1 1,366 x 768 display  – all compiled with a Windows 7 OS. Prices are yet to be determined.

Update3: Looks like the 1201N is up in Italy earlier than expected, offered on sale for 500 Euros – huzzah!

Update4: Now it’s official, as Asus has finally released its ION-based Eee PC 1201N machine, with all those nifty specs and cool features we’ve managed to see earlier, which include that 12.1-inch 1366 x 768 LED-backlit display, together with a 1.6GHz dual-core Atom 330 processor, either 2 or 3GB of RAM and storage capacity at 250 or 320GB HDD at your choice. Furthermore, you get a six-cell battery and Windows 7 Premium edition, already loaded aboard and running on your shelves somewhere around December for only $499. Official announcement after the break (image courtesy of PCMag)

Update5: It seems the Eee PC 1201HA’s debut has finally arrived to the US, as Asus’ second 12.1-inch netbook, which sports a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520, together with 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, WiFi, and 6 hours battery, is up on sale on Best Buy, this time for the lower price of $329.99 but with an XP flavor pre-loaded inside. Seven fanboys should be skipping to the 1201N versionto catch up with Redmond’s latest version.

Update6: And, looks like Amazon has the Asus Eee PC 120N listed for pre-order, starting at $499 which will buy you a 12.1-inch display with Intel’s 1.6GHz N330 dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM (up to 8GB), 250GB HDD, WiFi, Bluetooth and last but not least, Microsoft’s Windows 7 Premium edition, already loaded into it. For the UK readers out there, this same version, only with an ION-based chipset will show up on your local Amazon somewhere around January 2010, priced at £399 (about $660). Stay tuned.

[Via NetbookItalia]

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In case you’re one of those people who look for one of those netbooks to set you up with the usual and non-pretentious specs, Epson just might be the firm that has the right solution. And with the company’s Endeavor Na01 mini, already well established around the unfamiliar netbook machines in town, it looks like another outlandish fellow is yet to join the batch. But hey, don’t you start developing highly expectations this time, since Epson’s Endeavor Na02 Mini-V is not much of a difference. In fact, it has just about the same things its ten-months-old predecessor boasts, only this new one also packs a 1.66GHz Atom N280 processor (instead of Atom N270), that seats right next to a 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display, a multi-card reader, WiFi connectivity and all the usual ingredients you probably know. Price tag is already set for Â¥39,800 (about $427), with a shipping date, scheduled for November.

[via impress]

While impatiently waiting for Samsung’s N510 ION-based netbook to finally show up in Europe, and with models like N110 , N120 or the NC310 already splashing deep in the pond, it seems the Koreans should better straighten out the lines instead of launching new ones. Nevertheless, and despite crowded rooms, the company just rolled out two new models to the pile, as the first, N130, is yet another 10.1-inch Atom machine netbook that packs exactly the same features its predecessors have, while the second, N140, is not much of a difference, although it has a pair of 3W stereo speakers and a stronger battery (5,900 mAh) that is claimed to deliver up to 11 hours of usage. In any case, both devices will presumably include a lightweight MS Office inside while colors wise, they will run at your choice either in black, white, sea blue or peach pink flavors, somewhere this month.

[via Crave]

Assuming these two following roadmap slides, that recently surfaced up on Eeeuser.com, are real, one should expect seeing a lot of intensive activity from Asus direction, in the coming months, as the Taiwanese corp apparently planning to retake over the jammed US netbooks market, by tossing inside some new and advanced mini-laptop devices, hoping to convince all those tech junkie spendthrifts open their empty wallets wide and buy themselves a piece or two. However, with so many cheap and reasonably “specs balanced” alternatives available around, Asus journey, getting to early adopters’ geeky hearts is probably longer and much harder than it may look on the ground. Nevertheless,  according to these latest treasure troves, found in the wild, In Q3 and Q4 of 2009, we’re going to be seeing a brand new 1005HA-P unit, packing a 250GB HDD, paired with Atom N280 processor and offered with optional Windows 7 OS that will set you back for $399, with shipping arrangements, expected to get started somewhere in October. Another “Seashell” like, upgraded version, is the 1005HA-M Atom N270 unit, that runs a Windows 7  Starter Edition flavor and has 250GB HDD storage – all priced at $349. More on that, is the all new 12-inch 1201N Eee PC netbook which will likely include NVIDIA’s latest Ion platform, sitting next to Intel’s Atom N270 processor, 250GB HDD, 2GB RAM, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11n WiFi connectivity, set and ready to transfer your relays for $499, sharp when it’s up for release in mid-October. And last but not least are these two models, the 1008HA netbooks that somehow dropped out from the list, and the T91 multi-touch tablet that runs a copy of Windows 7 OS as well, while storage capacity features 32GB SSD and price tag stands at $549. The other slide is just over the break, so hit the jump and read the facts.

[Via Netbook News]

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The moment you were thinking you’ve seen them all, another company has joined the netbooks pond. This time it’s Comby that officially unveils two mini-laptop models which recently showed up on Amazon for pre-order, as the first version, Coby NMPC1220XPBLK, comes with a 12.1-inch display, together with traditional specs, including Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 160GB hard drive, while second device, Coby NBPC1022XPBLK, is a 10-inch machine that literally packs the same traits like its elder brother, only for less the price. And speaking about prices, Coby’s new netbook devices will set you back for $423 and $318, respectively. Too bad they’re only being offered in this fugly Gray hues.

[Via Liliputing]

We’re already used to names like Asus, Toshiba, LG, Lenovo, Samsung and MSI when speaking about netbooks, but hey, look who’s here – it’s Nokia – who tries to make its first steps within this arena, by distinguishing itself from others with a brand new booklet device that packs some very cool specs, including the usual Atom processor, paired with an SD card reader and integrated Bluetooth connection, but also with some unique and advanced features like built-in A-GPS (works with OVI Maps), 3G/HSPA broadband, SIM card slot, an HDMI output, n module WiFi connectivity and 10.1-inch high-def resolution display, to run your entire video depository, sharply. Surprisingly, the 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg) ultra-portable aluminum chassis is claimed to deliver up to 12 hours of battery usage (impressive!), while colors wise, it has Black, White and Turquoise flavors to offer. Unfortunately, there’s no word on price or availability at this early stage, but we promise to update as soon as any relevant info pops out. Until then, hit the break and watch the videos.

Update1: Looks like Nokia’s new Booklet machine will boast a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530, paired with a 120GB hard drive and integrated 3G connectivity. Price wise, it will set you back for somewhere around $799, but these are just rumors.

Update2: More details about Nokia’s Booklet 3G netbook device start surfacing up above the ground and shedding more light on this cool and expensive Finnish wonder. Apparently, Nokia’s new mini-laptop device is claimed to be shipped with that 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor we’ve been talking about earlier, while battery’s longevity was also confirmed – 12 hours working time, with Windows 7 running the entire operation and SIM card slot, added as well, to handle all 3G communication. Other than that, you get to choose from black, ice (white) and azure (blue) colors, all measured at 0.78-inches thick frame that includes 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 120GB hard drive, a 10.1-inch LCD (1,280 x 720 resolution), integrated GPS navigating system paired with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, an SD card reader, three USB 2.0 ports and even an HDMI connection. Release dates are yet to be determined, but with staggering price that stand at €570 ($810), seems like no one will actually be waiting for it outside.

Update3: Nokia’s Italian online store has it now, up for pre-order, but the price is even higher than expected, as the 3G Booklet netbook is listed there for €699 ($1,021 USD), which apparently includes VAT and some other increment. Too bad, and ridiculous if we may add.

Update4: We’re not sure either it’s Greece or some other languages, but the new unboxing video, which can be found right after the break, is definitely one of the first ones that shows Nokia’s new 3G Booklet machine live.

Update5: According to Nokia itself, the Booklet 3G is about to hit O2 Germany in two different flavors, as first one, O2 MyHandy package, is being offered with a one time fee of €249 and a monthly tariff of €20 over the next 24 months, while the second,  O2 wireless deal is €25 a month, including the service price, two years sharp. Not exactly the best bargain around.

Update6: We’re getting there. AT&T is one carrier that will offer Nokia’s highly-priced 3G Booklet for “just” $299 with a 2-year contract and a $60 monthly fee. Someone’s getting affordable, eh?

[Nokia]

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Korean giant LG announces another X-Note netbook edition, this time it’s the Mini X130, which apparently looks pretty much similar to previous versions, only with a 9-cell battery that can deliver up to 12 hours of working hours and up to 7 and a half hours of video playback – very cool, isn’t it? And while price tag stands on 789,000 Won ($639), you might consider getting one either in Black, White, or Pink colors, the company offers. Battery aside, the new X130 boasts the usual specs, including a 10-inch 1024 x 600 display, along with a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, 802.11 b / g / n WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR support, and the standard Windows XP OS onboard. Not sure when this thing is about to make a US appearance, but be sure it will. Meanwhile, hit the link at the bottom, there’s a short video to watch.

[LG]

While anxiously waiting for ION-based netbooks to finally show up in the market, Korean giant, Samsung, has already made it available for a pre-order, with its latest N510 netbook machine, which is expected to go live in Europe somewhere around September, priced at €499 (about $718), packing  an 11.6-inch 1 366 x 768 display, along with Atom N280 processor, 6.5 hours battery NVIDIA’s ION chipset, paired with 9400M graphics, to handle 1080p high-def videos smoothly. Other specs include expandable 1GB of RAM, 1.3 megapixels webcam, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI output, WiFi 802.11b/g/n connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR,  3 in 1 card reader slot and  160GB SATA II HDD. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: Apparently, Samsung’s desirable N510 ION-based netbook  will make its way Stateside somewhere around September for a whopping price of $599. Sometimes, you have to pay to be one of the first, experiencing top-notch technologies, eh?

Update2: The good guys at Netbooknews.de were kind enough to share with us some real photos of the ION-based Samsung N510 netbook they got to play with, moments before it goes life in Europe. But if images are not your cup of tea, they also added a short video preview, showing the powerful wonder sitting side-by-side next to another Samsung phenomena, the legendary NC10. hit the jump to take a look.

[Via Blogeee]

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The guys at Terracode were unpleased with the lack of netbook devices that can actually play 1080P videos without stuttering. That is probably why they’ve bravely decided to take their 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One machine and sacrifice it to the modding gods. The Acer netbook, which comes with the usual 1GB of RAM, paired with a 1024 x 600 screen display and an ordinary Intel GMA 950 graphics chipset, could barely play 720p videos, not to mention the 1080p ones, but with Teracode hack, things looked a bit different. Starting with the major things, a Broadcom’s BCM70012 video accelerator was plugged into the box, while an extra 1GB of RAM added as well, together with a speedy 64GB SSD, instead of the old sluggish hard drive, that came out of the box. The results, apparently, speak for themselves, as the new revamped netbook (that costs around $442) was able to play high-def video files without any problem. True, 1080p videos are just a waste on 1024X600 resolution that most netbooks have, but hey, you can always plug them into your big flat 1920X1080 LCD screen. Check out the project’s videos, featuring “Before” and “After” demonstrations, after the break.

[via Slashgear]

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