F88 netbook stands out with HD playback, VIA Nano

What do we have here then? An OEM netbook, looking remarkably like a recent ASUS iteration, has come to our attention with some bold claims in tow. Spec'd with a 1.6GHz VIA Nano processor and S3 Chrome 9 graphics, this promises to be one of the most potent netbooks yet and backs up that claim with up to 4GB of memory and 500GB of storage. The major attraction of all this extra juice is full 1080p video playback, which is somewhat confounded by the 1024 x 600 resolution and 10.1-inch screen, but can be pumped out to an external display via HDMI. Expect this to be rebadged and hitting store shelves some time soonish, at which point we may consider the distinction between netbooks and laptops entirely academic.

[Via liliputing]

[DR House @ Jul 10th 2009 7:05AM]

pineview or bust

[OneLove @ Jul 10th 2009 9:51AM]

can I haz a better picture?

[ph @ Jul 10th 2009 7:07AM]

Breaking the Intel-Microsoft grip... nice. Now, a 12" screen without any change in external dimensions, full Linux compatibility, 8GB SSD for the root filesystem, and I'll take one, please.

[NLI @ Jul 10th 2009 8:08AM]

instead of wasting time with atom inside machines you might want to look for a refurb Dell Latitude D420. Base price is about £250, the SSD you will have to add yourself. Still better than writing on Engadget that the OEM configuration is not perfect every time there is a new netbook on the market.

[~:Dhruv:~ @ Jul 10th 2009 7:10AM]

Come on Asus release this plz !!! i'm soo close to getting the 1000HE but i would also love HD playback along with the amazing battery !!! PLZ DO IT :D

[Will @ Jul 10th 2009 10:15AM]

-HD
-Amazing battery

Pick one

[s.e.j.ramsay @ Jul 10th 2009 7:24AM]

Now this is a netbook I could actually consider purchasing.

[crsh @ Jul 10th 2009 7:30AM]

I'm guessing the 4 GB of RAM capability is based on using a single 4 GB DDR2 SODIMM, which is worth a nice chunk of change (relative to the cost of a typical netbook).. But anyway, how's this 1.6 GHz Nano? Running hot and power-hungry, or just about the same as the Atom?

[Happyzor @ Jul 10th 2009 7:45AM]

Why is it stuck with that horrible graphics chip? Where is ion? Also, the 1.6ghz model is inefficient I heard. The best model would be the 1.3ghz model that has a tpd of 8watts.

[Dking @ Jul 10th 2009 8:03AM]

I think ion and all others are still on working stage..

[Retro @ Jul 10th 2009 8:36AM]

4GB memory and 500GB potent? Can it play Crysis in high quality settings? Oh it's a netbook. We need a DTR gaming netbook.

[redleader158 @ Jul 12th 2009 1:20AM]

Maybe Sony Vaio TT. Maybe. No guarantees... maybe. This thing just made mine look like a piece of '90s memorabilia.

[yegon @ Jul 10th 2009 9:06AM]

Still 1024x600?

That kills it stone dead.

[Yem @ Jul 10th 2009 9:08AM]

Come on.. 4Gb, HD, 500GB and.. 1024x600? One of these things doesn't belong.

[windblownmonkey @ Jul 10th 2009 10:04AM]

I see it has windows Xp. But it has more than a gb of ram. Isn't this a no no with MS ?
Interesting rig though.
I played with a Gateway with a 1.3ghz Nano in it, and it was pretty snappy, with 2gb of ram, and Vista.

[simbr @ Jul 10th 2009 11:14AM]

S3? When did they creep back out of the woodwork?

[Redmist @ Jul 11th 2009 12:10AM]

S3 never really went anywhere...

http://www.s3graphics.com/en/products/class1.aspx?seriesTypeId=1

[amb9800 @ Jul 10th 2009 11:34AM]

Well, so here's the problem-- Nano is a pretty decent netbook CPU, but S3's Chrome 9 integrated graphics are absolutely horrendous. I have a machine with Chrome 9 HC, and in comparison, using Intel's GMA950 is a _huge_ sigh of relief.

Intel's graphics are far from good, but they're great in comparison to Chrome 9, which has almost no gaming ability whatsoever and has lots of other compatibility issues. GMA950 can handle games a few years old, like Halo PC and what not, so if you really feel like playing a game on your netbook once in a while, you can. Chrome 9, on the other hand, can handle only 2D games and ancient 3D apps like the original Unreal Tournament (barely), and overall driver support is miserable (much worse than Intel).

Nano would be promising if paired with a decent chipset, like Nvidia Ion. But as it stands, if it's paired with Chrome 9, I'd take Atom + Intel chipset in a heartbeat.

[LHL2500 @ Jul 10th 2009 12:35PM]

I don't understand where you get the 4GB of RAM.
If you follow the READ link, it pretty clear it maxes out at 1GB of RAM.
What gives? Don't you guys check your own links?

[MeowR- @ Jul 10th 2009 1:11PM]

Sorry, I have to agree, where does it say 500GB in that linked page? 1 =/=5 60 =/= 00.

[MeowR- @ Jul 10th 2009 3:13PM]

Ignore that. Found it. Prices?

[LHL2500 @ Jul 10th 2009 3:51PM]

Hmm...
There is conflicting information if you follow the link.
One part says 1GB another says 1-4GB.

That being said, if i could get the top spec'ed one at a fair price i would consider a net-book to.