BenQ debuts Joybook Lite U101 netbook

It looks like there's some good news for folks that feel that the current crop of netbooks just aren't BenQ enough, as BenQ has now finally joined the fray with its new Joybook Lite U101 netbook. This one packs a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display (an 8.9-inch version will apparently also be available), along with the usual 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a hard drive of unspecified size, a 3-cell battery, XP or Linux and, as is becoming increasingly common, optional 3G. Hit up the link below for a few more pics, and look for the 8.9-inch and 10.1-inch versions to roll out in October and November, respectively.

[Kris @ Sep 12th 2008 11:45AM]

I wonder what the price point will be.... BenQ makes some cheap stuff.

[mikepegg @ Sep 12th 2008 11:51AM]

So the same as all the others then, with mild-design-difference #47. Without a 6-cell option...

I suppose we can all pray that it might be cheaper than the others...

[konshuss @ Sep 12th 2008 11:47AM]

the design looks inspired by the pillows on my grandmother's couch.

[Hellaphunt @ Sep 12th 2008 11:50AM]

That hinge looks very similar to Sony's new VAIOs.

[spass @ Sep 12th 2008 12:32PM]

BTW, wondering when Sony would be coming with their own atom based computer.
It is one of the last large computer manufacturer that has yet to release a mini-notebook.

[Hellaphunt @ Sep 12th 2008 1:09PM]

I'm not wondering. There are too many choices already.

[k2001 @ Sep 12th 2008 11:57AM]

No not another crossbreed. Why S10? Why Aspire One?

[Riss @ Nov 11th 2008 6:10PM]

These are sweeet, not everyone needs their comp to play high volume software games. the netbooks are awesome for regular people who surf the internet and travel out side of the room!

[Andrew @ Sep 12th 2008 12:06PM]

am I reading this right?
"For about $ 468 there will be a nuclear system with 3.5G module!"

[avester @ Sep 12th 2008 12:19PM]

3.5G Reactors are old soviet surplus, no wonder the price, you want at least 5G unless you have a wish for leukemia.

[sinai @ Sep 12th 2008 12:30PM]

"what is that you have there?"

"uh... it's a BenQ... .... Joy... book...." *hides face in shame*

[Adderz @ Sep 12th 2008 1:22PM]

So true.

[Ogo @ Sep 14th 2008 3:25AM]

I really hope we start seeing more variety in options when the duo core atom is released.

Ideas for variety:
A screen size between 8.9-10.1? slightly larger keyboard than 8.9 but more portable than a 10.1.
A variety of case materials? Metal vs plastic version.
A pointer control instead of a track pad.

Just throwing out some ideas.

[sven @ Dec 25th 2008 11:35AM]

BenQ joined the race 6 months too late. There is nothing different or compelling about this BenQ netbook. It’s the exact same spec as all the other major notebooks at the exact same price. So why buy a BenQ? Where is the value?
In a few months when the new Intel netbook processor is available along with the larger SSD drives, and blueray drive BenQ and the rest of the netbook manufacturers will be giving away these current models as prizes at the supermarket and petrol station. If you can wait before buying a netrbook than wait a few months as you will get twice the value.