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Acer Aspire One Cloudbook gives you a full Windows laptop for $169
Hey, HP: you're far from the only one who can play the ridiculously low-cost Windows laptop game. Acer has unveiled the Aspire One Cloudbook 11 and 14, a pair of thin-and-light Windows 10 portables that promise a 'real' PC experience even if you're on a shoestring budget. They respectively cost a mere $169 and $199 in the US (a good $30 less than HP's Stream 11 and 13), but still manage to pack 1.6GHz Celeron processors, 2GB of RAM, full-size keyboards and expansion that includes USB, HDMI and SD card slots. Neither is going to be a screamer, then, but they may do the job if you're looking for a back to school system that's just good enough to handle your class notes and reports.
Jolicloud 1.0 now ready for your downloading delight on Windows or bootable USB
Tariq Krim's app-based cloud OS has been a long time coming, but it's finally freely available for download -- just grab a 16MB installer and you too can join the Jolicloud. We've been impressed more than once by the responsive netbook operating system which can boot in seconds flat, and now that it's got touchscreen support and a streamlined Windows dual-boot installer all for the bargain price of free, it's definitely worth a try. Give it a spin at our more coverage link, and let us know if it improves your life in any meaningful fashion. If your keyboard is inexorably intertwined with Windows, however, don't fret; a little penguin tells us a tablet PC version is also on the way.%Gallery-98860%
Jolicloud beta gets a thorough going over, Microsoft still not worried
We've had our eyes on Jolicloud for a while, and with its eminent beta release the crazy kids at CNET have given it a pretty thorough overview. Tariq Krim has an interesting take on the cloud netbook experience, with an emphasis on quick and easy access to apps -- exemplified by the fact that both installed apps and data are tied to your account, so that no matter which machine you're logged on to, you'll have the same apps and all your data at your disposal. Trolling OK Cupid has never been easier! On the plus side, the reviewer found that installing from a USB key (even while keeping your current OS intact) was a breeze. Also singled out for praise were the large selection of apps and Windows emulation that allowed access to many of your Windows apps. On the other hand, there are downsides, including support for a limited number of netbooks and limited drivers. Interested in the full scoop? Hit that read link to see for yourself.
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]
Jolicloud OS alpha release struts its stuff... on video!
Tariq Krim's Jolicloud operating system just got a full video walkthrough -- and while it ain't Citizen Kane, it does prove itself to be a wholesome, rather light-hearted affair that your whole family will love. Installed on a Samsung NC10 netbook, the cloud OS manages to combine Linux and social networking into a flavorful melange. Among the "social" aspects this bad boy is integrated user updates, and the ability to look for other Jolicloud users who might be online at the same time you are. If you're addicted to the Facebook and the Twitter, or if you like the idea of having your friends and enemies alerted whenever you log onto your ultraportable, peep the video below. The private alpha should begin making the rounds this June.
Linpus Linux Lite OS caught on video
We just came across this video showing the Linpus Linux Lite OS in action. Aimed squarely at netbooks and the Splashtop crowd, the operating system comes to life pretty quickly on the pictured Acer Aspire One. Unlike Splashtop, however, this isn't part of the BIOS, "just a very very minimal customized Linux version, installed on the hard disk," as the guy in the video points out. We would, however, love to know what error message is being generated when he opens the media player. See for yourself after the break.[Via Netbook News]
Apricot yanks Linux option for PicoBook Pro: it's for your own good
Just last week, we heard that Apricot Computers would be offering its PicoBook Pro with Linux or Windows XP, but evidently its marketing department caught wind of the same trend that MSI picked up on earlier this month. If you'll recall, MSI found that Linux-infused netbooks get returned four times as often as units with Windows XP, and while the official word is that Apricot "made this decision to ensure customers had a smooth installation of their operating system," our bets are that it's just sidestepping the potential headaches associated with selling something outside of the status quo. As of today, the Windows XP version (or only version, as it were) is going for £299 ($483) -- a full £20 ($32) more than the previously cheapest edition.[Via Yahoo!]
Apricot Computers rolls out PicoBook Pro Cloudbook-variant
The Cloudbook isn't nearly the hard-to-find commodity it once was, but Apricot Computers seems to think it still has its share of appeal, and it's now churned out its own variation in the form of its new PicoBook Pro. This one packs the usual 8.9-inch display, and includes a 1.2GHz low-voltage VIA processor, 1GB of RAM, a 60GB hard drive, your choice of Linux or WIndows XP and, perhaps most notably, optional WiMAX support. No word on a release 'round these parts, but folks in the UK will apparently be able to pick one up on November 1st for a starting price of £279 (or roughly $485).
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]
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 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]
"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]
Linpus rolls out Linux-based OS aimed at low-cost laptops / UMPCs
While its claim of being the "first" to offer an OS specifically designed for the latest crop of low-cost laptops and UMPCs may be a little dubious, the unfortunately-named Linpus is at least pretty quick to jump on the bandwagon. To that end, the company's just let loose its Linpus Linux Lite OS, which it says will run just fine on laptops like the Eee PC and Cloudbook, or any other system with as little as a 500MHz CPU, 128MB of RAM and 512MB of storage. Just as importantly, the OS is also apparently designed with low-res 7-inch screens in mind, although as CLUMPC points out, it doesn't go so far as to include support for little things like built-in WiFi out of the box. Still, if you want to give it a shot, you can grab it now in the form of a Live CD direct from Linpus.
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'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
