NetBooks
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Acer's Aspire One D257 attempts to send ripples through MWC
Despite its variety of new tablets, Acer's already told us of its plans to continue on with its Aspire One netbooks, and the new D257 is all the proof we need of that. At this point, we don't know much about the latest 10.1-inch laptop, except that it does have one funky lid. It looks like a stone was dropped smack in the middle of the O in the Aspire One logo to create a ripple-like effect, and it's more than just an interesting paint job -- the plastic has actually been molded. It's a noteworthy design move, but we've never really been big fans of the huge logo in the first place. We were actually hoping Acer would nix it after the AO521. Spec-wise, Notebook Italia is reporting it will be powered by Intel's dual-core Atom N570 or N550 processors and the placard on display at MWC said that it will dual-boot Windows 7 Starter and Android. Ironically, the model on hand wouldn't boot at all, but we'll be listening out for an official announcement on this one. %Gallery-117119%
Editorial: The rise of the notbook, the fall of the netbook
Notbook (n.) -- An affordable ultraportable laptop, typically with a 11.6-inch or 12-inch display that is not a netbook. It packs more power than a netbook (i.e. can handle 1080p video and Flash at fullscreen) and provides a more comfortable computing experience than the typical, 10-inch underpowered, shrunken Atom-based laptop. Most do not have optical drives, but do last for over five hours on a charge. Unlike pricey ultraportable laptops, notbooks are more affordable and start at around $400. About six months ago, the 11.6-inch Dell Inspiron M101z arrived on my doorstep for review. The AMD Neo-powered system looked like a slightly enlarged netbook, but in a briefing with Dell, the product manager reinforced quite a few times that the system was absolutely "not a netbook." I can't remember his exact wording, but he made it crystal clear -- the $449 Inspiron M101z was so much more powerful than an Intel Atom netbook that it could be one's primary machine. Obviously, I started calling these sorts of laptops "notbooks," and over the next few months, more and more of them started popping up. Some of them paired Atom with an NVIDIA Ion GPU (e.g. Eee PC 1215N), while others used AMD's Neo chip and more recently AMD's new Fusion Zacate APU. (Intel's Core ULV-powered systems are frankly too expensive to be considered in this category, though some Pentium / Core 2 Duo systems, like the Acer Timeline X1810T, could qualify.) Uh, so what? There's a new crop of more powerful, affordable, and highly mobile laptops -- what's the big deal? Well, while many think tablets are what will ultimately cut the netbook market down to size, it's the notbooks that will also seriously hit the Atom-based lilliputian laptops of today where it really hurts. Don't get me wrong, ARM-powered tablets like the iPad and Motorola Xoom are going to impact netbook sales in a big way, too (heck, they already have!), but mark my words, notbooks or affordable ultraportables will take a noticeable chunk of both the netbook and the mainstream laptop market. There's finally a class of laptops that provide a terrific balance between primary and mobile computing without breaking the bank. Think I'm crazy? Hit the break to understand what I'm talking about.
Acer: netbooks will not be phased out, Sandy Bridge tablets not coming any time soon
Stop ordering the caskets! Clearing up yesterday's somewhat shady reports, Acer's PR team has issued an official press release stating that company has no intentions to halt production on its Aspire One line of netbooks. Instead it claims that its new array of Android tablets "will find their space next to netbooks and notebooks." In addition to that, Acer's taking on the Sandy Bridge tablet rumor that also spouted up, and clarifying that tablets based on Intel's new laptop / desktop platform "are not yet foreseen." That syncs up with what we had heard yesterday -- that Acer's announced 4.8-, 7-, 10-inch Android tablets will launch in April in the US and that it would likely wait for the forthcoming ultra-low voltage (ULV) Sandy Bridge parts if it were in fact going to put Intel's next generation Core processors into tablets. That certainly clears up a lot -- hit the break for Acer's official statement.
Samsung refreshes netbooks with dual-core NC210, among others
Samsung has outed three new netbooks, all refreshes to previous models. On offer is the 10.1-inch NC210, which boasts a dual-core, Intel Atom N550 CPU with up to 3GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, LAN, and Bluetooth 3.0. It's also got a VGA port, three USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 card reader, and a 6-cell battery. The company has also trotted out the NC110, which boasts a 1.5GHz, dual-core Atom N570 but seems to be identical to the NC210 other than that. In other, rather less exciting Samsung netbook news, the company also rolled out the NF310, and the NS310, the former one being an LTE-packing 10.1-incher, while the NS310 is yet another netbook of the same size with a metallic chassis. There aren't full specs, pricing or availability yet for any of these models, but you can hit up the source links for more photos.
Acer outs three AMD Fusion powered laptops
We don't have full details yet, but Acer has just launched three new Aspire laptops, all featuring AMD's Fusion APU. Up first, the 10.1-inch Aspire One 522 -- which we've seen previously -- boasts the AMD C-50 APU, AMD Radeon HD 6250 graphics, and it supports 1080p video with HDMI output. The 10.1-inch panel has WXGA resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio, and other features include Wi-Fi and LAN, plus optional Bluetooth or 3G. The Aspire One 522 will come in green or black. No word on pricing or availability yet. The other two offerings Acer has announced are the Aspire 15.6-inch 5253 and the 14-inch 4253. These bad boys feature AMD's E-Series accelerated processing unit, as well as its Vision engine. The Aspire 5253 can pack up to 8GB of DDR3 SDRAM, and both laptops feature 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi. There's no pricing or availability information for these, yet either, but we'll let you know as soon as we do.
Toshiba doesn't give up on the netbooks, officially announces Mini NB305 and NB505
Who says netbooks and tablets can't live in harmony? In addition to its unnamed tablet, Toshiba has brought along two 10.1-inch netbooks to CES. The first -- the Mini NB505 -- is really no surprise, and similar to the one released overseas, it has an Intel Atom N455 processor, 1GB of RAM, Windows 7 Starter, and a 250GB hard drive. At $300, it's officially Tosh's cheapest netbook, but we actually have to say the spotted, rubbery lid, which is available in five colors, is a nice addition. On the higher netbook end -- yes, there is still such a thing -- Toshiba has updated the Mini NB305 with an blue, aluminum lid and a dual-core Atom N550 processor. For $380, you get a 250GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, and that same great chiclet keyboard and touchpad combo. Alright, so isn't a Libretto W105 refresh, but hey, you can't say Toshiba's lacking in the mobile computing options department. %Gallery-112398% %Gallery-112397%
Lenovo busts out S Series netbooks just in time for CES
Lenovo has just made it rain laptops over here (literally -- we got hit in the head a few times) with the addition of 18 new IdeaPads to its lineup. First up, the S Series netbooks include the IdeaPad S205 and the S100. The S205 boasts up to and AMD dual-core E-350 CPU, an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768 resolution) 16:9 widescreen panel, up to 8GB of DDR3 SDRAM, and an up to 750GB HDD. It also packs Bluetooth and 802.11b/g/n WiFi, HDMI out, USB 2.0 and a 6-in-1 card reader, plus optional 3G. The smaller netbook on offer is the 10.1-inch IdeaPad S100. It has choice of processors up to a dual-core Intel Atom N570, Integrated Intel GMA 3150 graphics, up to 2GB of DDR3 memory, and an up to 320GB HDD. The S100 also boasts Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, USB 2.0 connectors, 2 megapixel webcam, and a 2-in-1 card reader. Both the IdeaPad S205 and S100 weigh in at about 2.2 pounds, and will be available starting in March for the base price of $329. Full press release is after the break. %Gallery-112379%
Dell to launch Latitude 2120 netbook at CES?
Among the many new-product announcements that have been released in the time leading up to CES, word on the web is that Dell will launch a new Latitude 2120 netbook at the Vegas convention next week. Apparently, the 2120 has specs identical to the previously available 2110, but gets double the computing power of the single core Intel Atom N470 chipset in its predecessor courtesy of a dual core N550 processor. While the upgraded processor is the big news, sources indicate the newest Latitude gets an optional Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator, which should be a welcome addition for those students planning to watch March Madness during that 10AM lecture this spring semester. No word on price or availability, so interested parties will have to wait until the official launch for such details.
Intel quietly forms netbook and tablet group to fend off competition
There wasn't even so much as a press release announcing this one, but The New York Times has confirmed with Intel that the chip maker recently formed a new business unit dubbed simply the "netbook and tablet group." That's apparently been tasked with fending off competition in the netbook and tablet space, and ensuring Intel remains as successful as it has been with its Atom processors -- it will be led by the the current head of Intel's embedded and communications group, Douglas L. Davis. Intel spokesman Bill Kircos further explained that "it makes sense for us to sharpen our focus on these friends of the PC, and Doug's experience running a similar and very successful embedded division makes him the right guy to lead the group."
Chrome OS consumer launch pushed to 2011, Google-branded Chromebook could still arrive this year
It's almost time to eat turkey and then jet out to Best Buy to be trampled by mad shoppers. Oh yes, the holiday season is just about here, which according to a few posts we've written in the last year means that the Chrome OS netbooks should be as well. Well, it turns out that the Google OS-powered laptops aren't going to arrive this year, or at least not in the way we thought they would. That doesn't mean Chrome OS isn't going to see a bit of an unveil this year, but major manufacturers, including Acer and HP, won't have its own Chromebooks ready before 2011. How do we know? Acer's Jim Wong told us during the company's global press conference that Acer will be launching its netbook based on the browser operating system during the "consumer launch" of the OS next year, while Google has its own agenda and will be doing something "in December." We didn't get to ask if that Acer netbook is in fact the "ZGA" netbook we've seen popping up in bug reports, but our guess is that it will be something quite similar. So, what does Google have brewing? You remember the Google-branded Chrome OS netbook that we heard about? Well, according to a few of our very own sources, that's exactly what's going to happen. We don't have exact timing details, but we have been told by a few that Google will launch its own Chrome-book a la the Nexus One for "friends and family." As the operating system is still in a beta or preview form, the netbook would be aimed at the development / early adopter community. Specs-wise we don't know all that much, but we've heard that it will be powered by an Intel Atom Pine Trail processor and, just as Digitimes reported, that 75,000 units are being manufactured by Taiwan ODM Inventec. We should mention that the aforementioned Acer "ZGA" was said to be used internally as a "dogfood device" at Google, but we believe this Google-branded device to be entirely different. Inventec, Intel, and Google wouldn't comment on the hardware rumor, but Google did tell us that it would "have more details to share later this year." By our count, that leaves 'em with just about 37 days to spill the beans! Note: The picture above is just our creative interpretation of what a Chromebook may look like -- don't come crying to us when the actual device looks a lot prettier.
Dell Inspiron Duo tablet / netbook now on sale, arrives December 15th
We've seen so, so much of the beautiful and crazy Dell Inspiron Duo tablet / netbook hybrid that we must confess we might just need one of our very own. If you're like us, then today is your lucky day, because this wild and crazy laptop (last spotted at the Microsoft Store) is now on sale at Dell. The 10-incher boasts a dual-core Atom N550 CPU, Windows 7 Home Premium operating system, and some serious attitude. The Inspiron Duo has a starting price of $549, and you can order it right this minute at Dell. Hit up the source if you care to, and expect your shipment to arrive around the 15th of December, only six days too late for Hanukkah. Full press release is below.
PeeWee debuts Pivot 2.0 spillproof, drop resistant netvertible for the little ones
Kids these days use gadgets almost as much as their less disaster-inclined adult friends, and PeeWee's been making laptops with that in mind for a while now. Well, the company's just launched its newest laptop for kids, the Pivot 2.0 -- which is basically the CTL 2go Convertible. This rugged little netvertible boasts an Intel N450 CPU, a touch screen that rotates 180 degrees and a webcam, and it's packed with 15 educational games onboard. As far as ruggedeization goes, the laptop boasts a water-resistant keyboard, a plastic shell that should withstand minor drops, and rubber grips for easier carrying. The Pivot 2.0 is available now and it'll run you $599. The full press release is below.
Eric Schmidt: Chrome OS aimed at keyboard based solutions, Android optimized for touch
We'll be the first to admit that we've been slightly confused about where Google's Chrome OS will fit in with Android becoming the OS of choice for tablet manufacturers, so naturally we took the opportunity to ask Google CEO Eric Schmidt about the two operating systems while he was on stage at the Web 2.0 summit. Schmidt confirmed that Chrome OS will officially be out in the next few months in Intel and ARM-powered netbooks while also adding that the OS was primarily "designed around something with a keyboard." Of course, that doesn't mean Chrome OS couldn't pop up on tablets -- he added that because it's open source anything can happen, but he definitely stressed that Chrome is meant for clamshell devices with keyboards and Android tailored for those with touchscreens. Sounds good to us Schmidt, now we'll just be needing the details on those Chrome-books...
HP Mini 1103 released for business people on a budget
Devastated that you won't be able to nab an HP Slate 500 in time for the holidays? How about a brand new HP business netbook as a consolation? The Mini 1103 looks a lot like the consumer Mini 210 but drops the colorful lid options as it's more for Suits in search of an affordable mini-laptop. Starting at $299, the 10.1-inch netbook is available with Intel Atom N455 and N475 processor options, 1GB of RAM, three- and six-cell batteries, and your choice of Windows 7 Starter, SUSE Linux, or FreeDOS OS. Obviously, if you're looking for a higher-end netbook with an HD display, touchscreen, dual-core processor, and more durable aluminum lid, there's still the $399 Mini 5103, but the Mini 1103 does have HP's business applications, including QuickSync and QuickWeb. Hit the gallery below for shots of the new little guy and the source link for a full rundown of the configurations. %Gallery-107447%
Jolibook is the official netbook of Jolicloud, coming this month?
Just a few weeks ago, we got word (by way of a few Tweets) that Jolicloud was seemingly -- if the images were any indication -- in the final stages of developing a netbook of its own. Well, we've just gotten some official news on just that topic. The Jolibook, as it's going to be known, is of mostly unknown specifications at this point, but here's what we do know: the Jolicloud 1.1-powered laptop will boast an Atom N550 CPU, and a 250GB hard drive. Jolicloud also says that the netbook's display will boast a "gorgeous" screen and an affordable price. Sadly, that's all we know for now, though the company is promising that all this is going down this month, so we're going to keep our eyes peeled for you.
Netbooks are being 'cannibalized,' says Windows GM
Tablet sales affecting netbooks? Seems everyone's been suggesting that lately, from Best Buy to ASUS, with much of the blame placed on Apple's iPad for mining the gap, so to speak. Add Microsoft to that chorus -- specifically GM for Windows Product Management Gavriella Schuster. Referencing the pink netbook sitting between her and Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Nick Eaton, Schuster said, "These are definitely getting cannibalized... these are really a second device. But they are getting cannibalized" (SPI's emphasis, not ours). Given Windows' dominance in the netbooks, she's probably got some hush-hush numbers that color her opinion. Then again, speaking of color, perhaps she just doesn't like pink.
Jolicloud prepping a netbook of its own
What do you do if you're the maker of a popular netbook operating system? Create your own netbook, of course! Okay, it does seem like a rather odd step, but Jolicloud CEO Tariq Krim tweeted a few teaser images this morning and then confirmed with the exclusive shot above that the software company is in fact working with a hardware partner to create its own 10.1-inch netbook. The details are fairly slim at the moment, but Krim did share that the mini-laptop will boot Jolicloud 1.1 and be primarily aimed at those in the 12 to 25 age range. As for specs, your guess is as good as ours at this point, although he boasted that it will be able to rock 720p video. We can't tell much from the picture above, but it sure does have a funky lid, VGA port and a few USB sockets. Pricing and availability are being firmed up now, but it will apparently hit for under $500 and before those long-awaited Chrome OS netbooks. That's not really saying much at this point since we've been wondering about the whereabouts of those Chrome-books for almost a half a year now, but hit the gallery below for a few more mysterious shots and we'll promise to fill you in on the details when we hear more. %Gallery-105931%
Acer Chairman says iPad impact not serious
At a recent talk in Taiwan, Chairman J.T. Wang said he believes demand for netbooks is stable except in the US and the UK. I'm sure that is his hope and fondest dream. Wang said he thought that early sales of the iPad were simply the result of a rush for the new device. He added that most iPad users were switching to desktops and laptops to write text documents or spreadsheets. When asked about Acer's loss of market share, the Chairman replied that the drop was "...mainly due to competitors cutting prices to compete, and that Acer did not follow suit." The report, carried in DigiTimes, noted that the Acer tablet is behind schedule. It will supposedly have a 7" screen and be based on Android. Wang says the company is waiting for "related technologies to mature." Apple CEO Steve Jobs said earlier this week that 7" tablets are not terribly usable, despite rumors that Apple has been working on a tablet of that size. [Via Electronista]
Acer planning to dual-boot all of its dual-core netbooks, we're dual-unimpressed
We haven't seen any reason to love anything that's attempted to combine the comfort of Windows 7 with the sheer unpreparedness of Android in a dual-boot netbook form factor, Acer's Aspire One D255 included. Still, word is that Acer is planning to make dual-booting standard on its dual-core netbooks going forward. Right now the D255 only does Android overseas, but we're going to perceive this as a threat until we hear otherwise. Sure, adding Android to a netbook doesn't hurt anything (which is the majority of Acer's excellent argument for its inclusion), but we can only hope that this fascination with Android quickly switches to Chrome OS when it's ready.
Acer Aspire One D255 with dual-core Atom hits at $330
It was only a matter of time before Acer let out the pricing / availability details on its dual-core Atom netbook, and as we could have predicted, the Taiwanese company's smacked an extremely enticing pricetag on this one. Ringing up at an aggressive $329.99, the 2.2-pound D255 looks almost identical to the D260 -- yes, even those with the worst of cataracts could tell it's an Aspire One from afar -- but in terms of specs it's got that notable difference of a brand new dual-core Atom N550 processor. But not to worry, even though it's now the cheapest dual-core netbook around, it's still got the netbook standards -- including 1GB of RAM, 250GB hard drive and six-cell battery. The single-core version will go for $269.99, but we do have to say that shelling out that additional $50 for that extra core does buy you slightly faster performance (see our HP Mini 5103 review for some Atom N550 performance results). Sounds mighty tempting to us, but it still doesn't make us forget about that Chrome OS netbook Acer's been promising.
