Coby prepping sub-$100 7- / 9-inch PoqetMate netbooks UPDATE: It's a hoax

We'd argue that 7-inches is bordering on UMPC / MID territory, but given that Coby's PoqetMate-7 is expected to boast a full QWERTY keyboard and a chassis like that of most traditional laptops, we suppose it'll pass. Reportedly, the company is looking to enter the increasingly crowded netbook market next March with the aforementioned PoqetMate-7 and PoqetMate-9, with the youngin' checking in at just $99.95. So, what will a nickle under a Benjamin buy you? A miniaturized laptop with a Chinese-sourced Loongson processor, though specifications outside of that are still under wraps.

Update: Our pal Ross Rubin noticed that his quote was two years old and did some digging -- yeah, this looks like a hoax through and through. So much for that.

[Via thegadgetsite]

[ian @ Dec 4th 2008 3:30AM]

That's what they all say!

[GuruLloyd @ Dec 4th 2008 11:37AM]

That's what she said.

[TareX @ Dec 4th 2008 3:45AM]

You know I may just pick that one up... it looks cool, ultraportable, and is really cheap. More practical than carrying my mammoth laptop to work everyday.

I need to save up for my gaming laptop...

[James @ Dec 4th 2008 3:48AM]

How about no.

[abigsmurf @ Dec 4th 2008 4:08AM]

Loongsong CPUs currently go up to about 1.2ghz, could be pretty powerful considering the cost. It's a MIPS cpu though so it won't run windows.

[Patriks7 @ Dec 4th 2008 4:24AM]

From my experience, Linux is better on these tiny laptops anyway as it doesn't have big requirements..

[G @ Dec 4th 2008 4:27AM]

Isn't running windows the point of these netbooks? If it doesn't run windows it can be replaced with a smartphone or PDA which fits in your pocket.

[Adderz @ Dec 4th 2008 4:33AM]

@ G

The point is to provide a low cost, yet user friendly device for basic tasks.

All common Linux OS's will happily surf the web and check emails, while requiring less ram, cpu power and hard drive space.

A pocket device is not the same thing, have you tried surfing the web on a pda or smartphone...its painful.

[Plothole @ Dec 4th 2008 7:42AM]

"A pocket device is not the same thing, have you tried surfing the web on a pda or smartphone...its painful."

Agreed. Many javascript intensive sites just plain won't work. Or they'll eat at your limited memory. And even newer "high resolution" devices can still require a fair bit of horizontal scrolling.

[iEye @ Dec 4th 2008 8:20AM]

"have you tried surfing the web on a pda or smartphone...its painful."

Perhaps you should try an iPhone!

-iEye

[Adderz @ Dec 4th 2008 9:15AM]

@ iEye

No thanks, the iPhone is not for me.

Dont get me wrong, i love Apple, i own 3 Macs and zero PC's but i need street by street GPS navigation and the iPhone doesnt have it. Google Maps isnt a solution...

[Plothole @ Dec 4th 2008 9:17AM]

@iEye

That's a little difficult for those like me who don't live in an area covered by AT&T!* Besides, your beloved iPhone is not magic. It still has a smaller screen and lower specs than something like this netbook.

*(or any GSM providers for that matter)

[poqetforever @ Dec 4th 2008 4:16AM]

Never mind the 7 inch screen and full QWERTY. Make it real poqet size (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poqet), keep the specs current and I will bite.

[chickenator @ Dec 4th 2008 4:42AM]

yay, finally!

[jjankechu @ Dec 4th 2008 9:07AM]

loongson processor?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loongson

check that out: academic name is "godson".

That's BADASS. Wonder if Nas had anything to do with this. QB represent!

[cb88 @ Dec 4th 2008 3:09PM]

what!? you didn't even mention that it is called "Dragon chip" xD

[johnC @ Dec 4th 2008 10:29AM]

Coby actully makes 'failrly' good products. I've had my cheap CD player for years and it works great. It is not fancy. It does not have a flashy display or features. Nevertheless, the damn thing works. My father has a portable DVD player that has lasted for over a year and he USES it three days a week at his night watchman job.

Take a look at Coby's website, their stuff looks a lot more interesting& stylish then before. If I were to make a small wager, I'd say Coby's unit will be on par in terns of specs/power with SYLVANIA's G Netbook. That might not sound impressive, but I bet they sells well.

[Hackettman @ Dec 4th 2008 10:33AM]

I think if they keep the price I might pick up like 2 for the family...... Will be cheaper than say 2 EEE's

[jjankechu @ Dec 4th 2008 3:33PM]

disclaimer: not my joke.

loongson (dragon chip) dual core successor: DOUBLE DRAGON!!!

you heard it here first...