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Everex US is now closed
Click on over to the American Everex homepage and that's the message that you get, "Everex US is now closed," with no further explanation or information on what to do with your inevitable support quandaries. The company, whose name humorously stands for "Ever for Excellence," has slid into and out of bankruptcy numerous times before, so this probably isn't the last we've seen of it. But, for the moment, it has withdrawn from USDM shores, meaning no more insultingly over-sized "green" PCs, no more clunky Cloudbooks, and no more interminable delays. Anyone still wanting something from the company will now need to import it themselves from Taiwan -- though you certainly have plenty of other choices in the low-end netbook space without resorting to that kind of behavior. [Via Laptop]
FIC's 10.4-inch CW001 Mini-note splashes down in FCC database
First International Computer -- which is a majority owner in Everex and the manufacturer of the first OpenMoko handset -- has delivered an intriguing little machine to us courtesy of the oh-so-revealing FCC. The FIC CW001 Mini-note will arrive on US soil packing a 10.4-inch 1,024 x 600 resolution display, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, 2.5-inch SATA II hard drive, dual USB 2.0 ports, a single ExpressCard slot, Intel's 945 GSE graphics, a 1.6GHz Atom CPU, an optical drive and a Windows-based (XP, presumably) OS. You'll also find an inbuilt microphone, headphone jack, VGA output, Ethernet socket, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and a 4-cell Li-ion good for around 4.5 hours of battery life. No telling if this will surface as yet another Cloudbook, but everything here hinges on the price. Then again, doesn't it always?
Everex readying 10.2-inch Cloudbook with 3G WWAN?
As we all wait tensely for Everex's Cloudbook MAX to land (and WiMAX to launch in a big way), rumors are swirling that First International Computer (FIC) -- Everex's affiliate and the maker of the Cloudbook -- is preparing a 10.2-inch "Eee PC killer." 'Course, by the time this thing comes out it'll have 27 Eees to kill, but we digress. Early word suggests that the unit will pack a 1,024 x 600 resolution panel, a 1.3-megapixel camera, up to 2GB of RAM, a 4-in-1 multicard reader, ExpressCard slot, 4- or 6-cell battery, 802.11b/g WiFi as well as optional 3G WWAN / WiMAX capabilities. With everyone and their first cousin twice removed getting into this arena, don't be shocked to see this turn up here in a few months.[Via SlashGear]
Everex (mostly) acquired by NewMarket
Never heard of Everex? They're the smallish, low-end PC maker owned by FIC (who we'd guess also might not know) that makes the Cloudbook (among other things). We only mention them because a third, even more unfamiliar company, a systems integrator named NewMarket Technology, is buying out 75% of Everex to flesh out their mobile hardware presence in certain developing nations. The sum's undisclosed, the transaction's due for completion this September, and you might still be wondering what it all means to you. Well, unless you live in Asia or Latin America, probably not a whole lot.[Via PC World]
Windows XP comes to the Cloudbook... in Taiwan
It's gotta mean something when Windows XP is still making headlines by showing up on relatively standard hardware, but so it goes -- and here's Everex's Cloudbook, now with 100% less gOS. The Cloudbook SC1200T is basically the same as the regular-spec Cloudbook, only with 1GB of RAM and limited availability -- that "T" stands for "Taiwan-only." No word on if Everex is planning on bringing this bad boy Stateside, but really, it's not like we're hurting for ways to run XP on an underpowered VIA C7M, you know?[Via Liliputing]
Modder swaps touchscreen into Everex Cloudbook
Not content with just ordering a touchscreen-packin' Cloudbook from Japan, Azazel decided to take matters into his own wonder-working hands and hack up his vanilla unit to include the oh-so-coveted touch support. Based on his reports, disassembling the rig and stuffing the new panel in was a lesson in simplicity (save for one quick round with a soldering iron), but actual usability proved to be somewhat of a letdown. It was noted that using the small screen with just a fingertip was challenging, and while relying on a pen did make things marginally easier, we'd think long and hard about your needs / wishes before taking the plunge.[Thanks, David]
Everex's new MyMiniPC: $500 and gOS-powered
Everex is popping off a new gOS powered box tonight, given the unfortunate monicker of MyMiniPC. While $500 is way more than enough to get you started on a low-end Windows box (and even most of the way there toward a Mac mini), the MyMiniPC comes equipped with a 1.86GHz Pentium T2130 and 512MB RAM running gOS "Space", a 120GB drive, DVD±RW, firewire, four USB 2.0 ports, DVI and S-Video out gigabit Ethernet, media reader, and standard audio ins/outs. Everex is all playing up the whole space theme and MySpace integration, segueing that into avatar-based help experience called "Dave" (i.e. use the Ask Dave function to get help). So, what, does that make us all HALs? Too meta, Everex. Larger interface shot after the break.
Everex Cloudbook MAX hands-on
Damn, Everex clearly stepped up their game with the Cloudbook MAX. Not that we want to harsh on the original Cloudbook or anything, but this thing is definitely in a different class -- and the integrated XOHM WiMAX doesn't hurt, either. Check out some hands-on shots taken at CTIA below.%Gallery-19616%
Everex Cloudbook MAX plays on Sprint's XOHM WiMAX network
Not too long ago, we gave you loyal Cloudbook owners a chance to voice your opinion on how you'd change things. Fast forward a few weeks, and take a gander at what Everex has put together. Debuting today at CTIA 2008, the Cloudbook MAX not only boasts an 8.9-inch WVGA (1,024 x 600) display, Windows Vista, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, integrated GPS receiver, 2-megapixel webcam and a battery good for four hours, but it also features an 80GB HDD, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, audio in / out and an S-Video output. Beyond all that, this thing gets energized by a 1.6GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor coupled with the VX800 digital media IGP chipset, which touts full DirectX 9 support and video acceleration for MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9, VC1 and DivX video formats (plus a VMR-capable HD video processor, among other things). Lastly, the unit includes built-in support for Sprint's XOHM WiMAX network. Brimming with excitement yet? Start stocking that piggy bank -- this currently unpriced rig will be available in the latter half of this year across North America. Check out the gallery over on Classic! Read - VIA and Everex demonstrate Cloudbook MAX at CTIARead - VIA VX800 Series Chipset Update: Looks like availability is now set for Q1 - Q2 2009. Thanks, Taylor!
Everex's CloudBook arrives in Japan with touchscreen, Bluetooth
The FIC manufactured Everex CloudBook has finally made its way to Japan. What's interesting is not its US-rooted Everex branding but the fact that the ultra-portable picked up a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and 802.11a (to augment the existing b/g WiFi) along the way without any change to the CE1200J model number. All the other specs remain true to the original right on down to the 1.2GHz VIA C7-M proc and 30GB hard disk. We'd chalk this up to a typo(s) if it wasn't for the new, tax-inclusive price of ¥59,800 or about $600 -- a stiff bump from the $399 touchscreen-less, Stateside model. Let's see if the March 22nd release in Japan brings the additional options for North America and Europe.[Via Impress]
Wal-Mart is pulling plug on in-store gPC "experiment"
It's hard to know the real story here -- we'd hate to think of a bunch of Mr. and Mrs. Nice Persons taking home a gPC just to find it can't run that copy of Office or Half-Life 2 they were hoping to install -- but for whatever reason Wal-Mart is dropping its Linux "experiment" from store shelves and going back to selling the systems solely online. Apparently Wal-Mart did manage to sell out its entire stock of gPCs in the 600 stores that got them before pulling the plug, but the $199 computer just "wasn't what our customers were looking for," said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien. Everex spokesman Paul Kim says that online gPC sales were "significantly more effective," so apparently there aren't any hard feelings here.
How would you change Everex's Cloudbook?
When we gave you readers a shot at ranting about the Everex gPC, little was left unsaid. If we were betting souls, we'd guess the firm's über-cheap laptop -- affectionately known as the Cloudbook -- is about to suffer a similar beating. Based on early reviews, the wannabe Eee PC slayer wasn't exactly a dream come true, but we just know there's a good bit of potential here untapped. So, for those of you who've parted ways with your $400 in exchange for one of these Cloudbook contraptions, how would you improve upon what's already there? Clean up the user interface? Add a bit more horsepower under the hood? Or would you just find a way to plug that unsightly gap between the LCD and keyboard? Go ahead, your momma's not listenin' -- let us know how you really feel.
"Dreambook" mod gives the Cloudbook GPS, flash storage
While it seemed touch and go for a few months there as to whether the Everex Cloudbook would ever hit store shelves, what's never been in doubt is the fact that hackers are going to have a field day with the thing. The first major hack is courtesy of Azazel from the Cloudbooker forums. His "Dreambook" mod incorporates an internal four-port USB hub to add all sorts of fun stuff like GPS, Bluetooth and 4GB of flash storage. He removed the webcam for the time being, and is having some trouble getting his replacement WiFi card to work, but it's certainly a promising hack. Next on the agenda is another small hub to support 802.11n WiFi and some 3G connectivity -- we like where this is headed.[Thanks, David]
Everex's $400 VA1500V laptop now available
If the bargain priced Cloudbook was just a touch too small for your tastes, open wide for Everex's 15.4-inch VA1500V. Available now at NewEgg, this 5.3-pound rig features a 1.5GHz VIA C7-M processor, WXGA+ (1,440 x 900) resolution panel, half a gig of DDR2 RAM, a 60GB 5400RPM hard drive, DVD combo drive and a lackluster integrated graphics set. As expected, you'll also find the firm's gOS v2 "Rocket" operating system, an Ethernet port, 802.11b/g WiFi, three USB ports, VGA out, audio in / out and a 3-cell Li-ion sure to last an eternity. Still, you can't kvetch too loudly for $399.99, now can you?[Via Laptoping]
Everex Cloudbook teardown bares all
What's more fun than seeing a highly-anticipated device get the full-on dissection treatment? Upgrading it, of course. Cloudbooker forum member Azazel got a Cloudbook to play with and is doing just that: ripping apart the laptop piece by piece for you viewing pleasure, while also upgrading the RAM and documenting the process. He's already spotted a way to add Bluetooth internally, and how to open up the laptop without voiding your warranty, but we've still got a long ways to go before we start to see Eee PC-level hackerdom.Read - Part 1Read - Part 2
Everex gets official with $499 gPC mini desktop
While one generally associates "Everex" with "bargain basement," we can't exactly see the incredible value in the gPC mini. Hinted at late last month, this minuscule desktop is now getting all official on us and comes loaded with a 1.83GHz T2130 processor, 120GB hard drive, 512MB DDR2 RAM, a DVD writer and Intel's GMA950 graphics set. Furthermore, it's packin' gigabit Ethernet, DVI / S-Video outs, FireWire, four USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and audio / in out. Granted, you'll have to deal with the gOS that comes loaded in, but hey, maybe that's not such a thorn in some folks' sides, anyway. Don't worry, you've got until March 1st to mull it over, after which you can (hopefully) place your order at NewEgg.
Everex's Cloudbook now in stock at Wal-Mart, finally
It's been a long time coming, but after some confusion and a few false starts, Everex's Eee PC-competing Cloudbook is now finally available to order from Wal-Mart's website. As we've mentioned, now that ZaReason has dropped it, Wal-Mart is also now the only place you can get your hands on the budget-priced laptop, at least for the time being (though you can get the identical Packard Bell-branded model in the UK). Hit up the read link below if you're ready to part with that $400, just be sure you know what you're getting yourself into.[Via Laptoping]
Cloudbook shows up on Wal-Mart's website, ZaReason drops it
Everex's Cloudbook hasn't exactly seen the smoothest of launches, and now that the official launch date has come and gone, it seems that things just keeping getting curiouser and curiouser. For starters, the budget-priced laptop has now finally shown up on Wal-Mart's website, but it's already out of stock, and it's not clear if it was ever in stock to begin with. In other non-availability news, retailer ZaReason (which has actually shipped a few Cloudbooks) has announced that it's ditching the laptop altogether, stating only that "due to the amount of money we have lost granting refunds (due to bank transaction fees) we can no longer sell the Cloudbook." Needless to say, some are speculating that Everex's deal with Wal-Mart is the primary cause for the troubles at ZaReason, but either way, it seems that anyone actually looking to get their hands on a Cloudbook is out of luck, at least at the moment.Read - Wal-MartRead - CloudBooker, "ZaReason drops the Cloudbook"[Via Eee Site, Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
CloudBook delays caused by the weather, ironically
According to DigiTimes, the reason we haven't seen any CloudBooks on sale is due to the weather. Recent heavy snowfalls in China wreaked havoc on the local rail systems and power supplies leaving FIC unable to meet their targets. According to "sources," retail shipments will now be pushed back to mid-March. Now our quandary. What's more dubious? Everex's newly posted 2/21/2008 availability date or China's claimed ability to control the weather during the summer olympics? Read -- Everex Read -- DigiTimes
First impressions of the Cloudbook: rough around the edges
The folks over at Laptop already hooked us up with some unboxing pics of Everex's Cloudbook, and now they've posted up some quickie first impressions of the would-be Eee killer -- and it looks like Everex could use that extra delay time to polish things up. The Cloudbook's gOS build was found to be reasonably speedy and the minuscule trackpad designed for thumb usage actually grew on the reviewers, but what really killed the machine was a host of video glitches Everex says are the result of the wrong OS version being installed on the machine. Still, we're not ready to give up on this little guy yet -- we'll wait to see what the formal reviews say before crowing the Eee the winner of this round.
