Onkyo's new Sotec DC204A3 netbook has 32GB SSD, no love for VGA or wired Ethernet
We like a good netbook that's so small it doesn't have room for any pesky, legacy inputs keeping you tethered to the wall (and thus The Man) -- but we're not sure we'd consign VGA and Ethernet to the Closet of Obsoletion just yet. Onkyo seems to be opening the door, moving the two ports to a USB break-out box on its latest Sotec, the DC204A3. That wouldn't really be a problem if the adapter didn't look to be about a third as big as the netbook itself (see for yourself after the break). Otherwise we have a slender but standard Atom N270 netbook, with 945GSE graphics, 1GB of ram, and a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 display. Notable is the 32GB SSD, which sounds quite nice, but with a ¥49,800 ($529) asking price, you're certainly paying for it. Available to forward-looking Japanese starting at the end of the month.
[Via Akihabara News]
[Via Akihabara News]




















Makes sense - I havent used VGA or Ethernet for a while, and would bring that along if i needed it :)
Agreed. My desktop is wired, my laptop is not. I have a huge 17" notebook, but I would love to lose some ports if that cut down on the weight.
Cmon man, VGA is like 22 years old! Move on!
but there is no video out otherwise. If they were to scrap VGA for HDMI that would be fine, but there needs to be some kind of video out without the need for a device like the one pictured.
I agree with Phenoum, it does make sense. One of the things lost in the whole netbook wave is that the initial appeal was being "lightweight, inexpensive, and ultraportable at the expense of lesser capabilities". But that somehow translated into "a smaller version of a regular notebook".
Though an approx. $529 pricetag seems out of line.
The $529 price tag seems to be pegged so high because of the SSD, but I do agree with you and Phenoum.
I haven't used Ethernet in a long time, but I use VGA pretty much every day.
I think its just the angle, it only looks about the length of the vga adapter (which isnt very big).
Dont use ethernet that often, (if your using ethernet exclusively, why buy a netbook?) but i do use VGA occasionally. I would of been happy with displayport or hdmi though.
Dont even know why they bother anymore, how many do they really expect to sell? I mean how many customers go, "WOW Onkyo has a netbook!!!" and run out to buy it?
They must realize putting out a netbook will NEVER get them a leg into the computer industry? Especially one so bland and uncreative.
As long there not calling it a bag of hurt, who's to care.
I know some will have a need for those ports every day, but i've not had the need of a VGA ever, the ethernet cable is used now and again, but im all for a lighter netbook
Does it do better in field of audio?
That's what I was wondering. I'd love to have an ultraportable with really great audio output. If it had to be a netbook, I could live with that.
Agree with VGA (but really wish people would get moving with a wider range of DisplayPort monitors - and mini adapters), but some hotels - such as at least certain Fairmonts - have wired ethernet to the rooms. Personally, some one doesn't necessarily know what might crop up on any given trip re hotels, I'd like a wired port rather than this.
That's stupid, I travel a lot overseas for biz, and most of the hotels do not have wireless, 95% of them use the traditional Ethernet. Instead of carrying one piece, now I have to 2 pieces??? No thanks.
it's simple really - buy the netbook that suits your needs.
There are tons out there to choose from - god forbid if one of them isnt perfectly suited for you and your needs.
That is why I have an AirPort Express tucked away in my travel laptop bag. I don't want to be tethered to an ethernet cord in my hotel room. There are plenty of travel sized routers out there to avoid the need of tying down an otherwise portable device when traveling.
Agreed with the folks who say these aren't necessary on a netbook.
There's an old part of me that says, "yeah, but..." however that part of me said the same thing when I got my first notebook without a dial-up modem!
Onkyo? Netbook?
Seriously right... When did that happen? Maybe its just an overseas thing.
That grille on the hinge reminds me of the hp 1000.
VGA has far more reason to die than Firewire 400. At least it has a replacement that's superior in every way.
there are few things in this world I hate more than the VGA port. The fact that we still use it is a disgrace and a stain on the entire computing industry.
I use the ethernet port on my Dell mini all the time at home. It is useful on certain situations. But yeah, never use the VGA port on it.
STOOOOPPPP SPAMMMINNGGG USSS!!!!!!
-1
on a relevant note, i really like this idea. when using an ultraportable, the ONLY time you are using ethernet or VGA is your external monitor or wired connection for speed or whatever..once a month, you might need this adapter with you on the road, but 29/30 days you are going to leave your monitor and ethernet plugged in and just come home, sit it down, and slide in a USB plug. seems like it would be a lot easier than connecting VGA + ethernet. or either one, really. this is like a docking station, without all the "no internal audio without undocking" and laptop screen going bonkers because you didn't undock properly or wait long enough or whatever.