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MSI finally ships the Wind
After weeks upon weeks of painstaking delays (okay, so maybe that's a stretch... maybe), MSI has finally started shipping the Wind to US customers. As you very well know, these buggers have been showing up everywhere across the pond, but we've just received word that Fry's, NewEgg, Amazon, ZipZoomFly, MWave and Buy.com are all sending units out as we speak for those that pre-ordered. Chime in below if you've just recently received a shipping notification (or, heaven forbid, if you're still waiting). Full release after the jump.
Gigabyte gets official with 8.9-inch M912V swivel screen netbook
It has taken long enough, but Gigabyte finally saw fit to make official its intriguing M912V. If you'll recall, this critter popped up and caught eyes at Computex, as it's essentially a netbook with a swivel screen -- think Tablet PC, but miniature. Specs wise, you're looking at an 8.9-inch WXGA (1,280 x 768) LED-backlit panel, Intel's 1.6GHz Atom processor, a 2.5-inch HDD (120/160/250GB), 1.3-megapixel camera, twin 1.5-watt speakers, 1GB of RAM and your choice of Windows XP, Vista or Linux. Furthermore, you'll find Bluetooth, WiFi, an ExpressCard slot, a wide of array of ports and even an option for HSDPA expansion. It should be noted that there's no internal optical drive (nor a price or release date just yet), but at least Gigabyte's offering up a netbook with some inkling of innovation, right?[Via PCLaunches]
MSI Wind gets reviewed
Hey USers -- we know where all those "delayed" Winds are. Just take a look across the pond. bit-tech managed to wrap their paws around a retail unit of MSI's Eee PC fighter, and while early reviews sang a lovely song, this one was just a bit flatter. All in all, reviewers found the machine to be useful and totally practical, but it was glaringly obvious that they were none too pleased about MSI jacking up the price of its own machine while the completely identical (save for branding) Advent 4211 was selling for less. If you're listening to these guys / gals, you'll gloss right over the Wind and nab yourself a rebadge, but whichever edition you end up getting, it's sure to be "great" in the grand scheme of things. Check the read link for the full spill.
MSI Wind shipping in "3 to 5 weeks," Advent rebadge available now
Okay, so we've got hard evidence the Wind is shipping out somewhere in the world, but the latest status check on Amazon reveals that it'll be another 3 to 5 weeks before Americans can indulge. Granted, we've seen these dates slip around a bit, so hopefully it'll slide to "sooner" if anything. Interestingly enough, the Advent 4211 rebadge is shipping this very moment to customers in the UK for £279.99, though that currency conversion is apt to be a real thorn in your side when looking to import.Read - MSI Wind availability, via ComputerMonger, thanks IvanaRead - Advent 4211, thanks zeesh
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]
MSI's Wind gets received by someone, unboxed on video
Even though the world at large is waiting on pins and needles for these Wind delays to subside, at least one lucky individual in Italy has received one. Not that you haven't already seen this netbook from every angle imaginable, but things just look entirely more fluid on video. Three minutes (2:55, to be precise) in heaven await you after the break.[Thanks, Marcello]
HCL's MiLeap handled in the wild, likened to V-Tech toy
HCL's MiLeap has long been forgotten amongst the swarm of other low-cost laptops to emerge post-CES, but a kind fellow over in Bahrain was able to handle one for a tick, snap a few photographs and dish out some early impressions. Essentially, this 7-inch netbook was more akin to a V-Tech toy than a bona fide computing instrument, and typing on the thing was apparently a very non-enjoyable experience. Still, those anxious to see what this critter looks like in the flesh can head on down to the read link, but don't even pretend that you're not going there with full intentions of pointing and laughing.[Thanks, Mo]
Medion's Atom-powered Akoya Mini laptop now on sale
Here's a peculiar one. Medion's Akoya Mini -- you know, just one of the legions of low-cost laptops you've barely heard of -- is finally on sale after being showcased at Computex. But it's not the mere fact of being on sale that's intriguing; for whatever reason, Medion has decided to offer the unit up in Austria's Hofer, which is the foreign equivalent of America's Aldi. So you know, while you're browsing around picking up a few bits of produce and a 20-pack of Fun Dip, why not snag a 10-inch netbook for €399 ($628) to round things out?[Thanks, hondosan]
Dell gets "official" with colorful Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptop lines
Not like Dell's done an exceptional job keeping this one a secret, but yes, the Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptops do seem to be more than a figment of someone's imagination -- at least, according to a believable release posted up at BetaNews, which has since been pulled. Predictably, the former line features a 15-inch panel while the latter steps up to 17-inches, and both crews will be offered in a smattering of hues including black, grey, blue, green, pink, orange, purple and red. Prices on these units are set to start at $799, while you'll find Intel's Core 2 Duo alongside up to 4GB of RAM, upwards of 320GB of HDD space, an 8-in-1 multicard reader, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, gigabit Ethernet, an optional Blu-ray drive and the usual assortment of ports. Folks looking to stay connected around the clock can opt for a Sprint / Verizon WWAN card, and there's also an optional 9-cell battery if the standard 6-cell just isn't longevous enough. Check out two more shots after the break, and the original page (in three parts) in the gallery below.[Via Electronista] %Gallery-26134%
New VIA drivers provide boost in HP Mini-Note 2133 performance
Not particularly thrilled with the performance of your HP Mini-Note 2133? If you're vigorously shaking your head up and down as that render chugs along in the background, take a listen at this. The folks over at HP 2133 Guide took the time to benchmark their Vista / XP systems and then apply VIA's recently released drivers for the CN896 chipset and Chrome9 integrated graphics. Not surprisingly, they found the update totally worthwhile. Based on pure numerical changes, there's not a lot to phone home about, but critics did note that "video playback was improved quite a bit on each OS," and that YouTube / Hulu vids were actually watchable post-update. Not a lot of downside to upgrading, so head on over and see what the new drivers have in store for you.[Via jkOnTheRun]
Daewoo Lucoms hops in low-cost laptop game with Lukid
Daewoo Lucoms is no stranger to building smallish computers, but it seems to have taken a few obvious design cues from Intel's 2go PC when crafting its own Lukid. According to the firm's site, this kid-friendly PC includes a 900MHz Celeron M ULV processor, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, a 9-inch display, 30GB hard drive and Windows XP Home Edition. There's also two USB jacks, audio in / out, WiFi, Ethernet and a rather unsightly (though quite useful, we imagine) carry handle. Expect this one to land in South Korea for around ???549,000 ($531), though we haven't heard a peep in regard to availability elsewhere in the world.[Via AVING]
ASUS Eee PC 1000H torn down in exquisite detail
Shortly after the ASUS Eee PC 1000H was unboxed by the lucky folks at Tweaktown, these same cats have given the world at large a look within. A startlingly good look, at that. Unlike most dissections that come our way, this one includes a half dozen pages of tear down pictures and commentary to go with it, giving you more detail about this wee laptop than you could ever want to know. Just kidding about that last part, we know you want to know.
VIA's OpenBook gets fittingly ripped open
It only makes sense that VIA's contribution to the quickly growing netbook world -- the OpenBook -- get ripped wide open, wouldn't you agree? Better still, this isn't your typical dissection, as the invasive Tim Brown tears apart his own product on video. Three minutes of teardown is just one click away.
Pricey Flybook V5 now available in America
Call the timing what you will (we're calling it opportunistic), but that ultraportable with the stifling price tag that we first saw some 15 months ago is finally available in the US of A. Make no mistake, this subnote isn't playing in the same pond as the Eee PC, Wind, RazorBook 400 or any other low-cost lappie. Instead, the 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo ULV processor, 4GB of RAM, 8.9-inch display and snazzy enclosure are being aimed directly at those shopping for the X300 and / or MacBook Air. Sure, the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera and integrated WWAN is delightful, but the $3,000 sticker is still quite the stunner. So, the question beckons: anyone on the phone right now placing their order?[Via Wired]
3K Computers' RazorBook 400 gets hands-on treatment
The sub-$300 RazorBook 400 is far from being the most potent netbook on the block, but that succulent price tag will likely compensate in the eyes of some folks. If you're one such character, you'll probably want to take a look at the first hands-on video with said unit. Predictably, this bad boy is ridiculously small, and if the 45 second boot-up is any indication, it's pretty sluggish as well. Video is just after the break.
ASUS' Eee PC 1000H goes on sale in Taiwan
In a world filled with painful delays, seeing ASUS' 10-inch Eee PC 1000H on sale this soon after being introduced at Computex is like a breath of fresh air. Or mildly stagnant air, considering we're not anywhere close to Taiwan. Nevertheless, said machine is indeed up for grabs for those on that side of the planet, and just as we expected, it's demanding NT$18,988 (or around $625). C'mon ASUS, you've got swarms of North Americans (and Europeans, etc.) just champing at the bit here.[Via Fudzilla]
AMD's netbook really a next-gen Raon Digital Everun
Here's an interesting one. That AMD netbook we spotted hanging around at Computex isn't a bona fide AMD product after all. According to the unit's device manager, it's actually an Everun, although the only Everun we know of looks drastically different that the thing pictured above. In all likelihood, that moniker is simply a placeholder, and AMD spokesman Phil Hughes even confirmed that "it [was] a Raon Digital product." Reportedly, the unit will hit production at the end of July, and while a ship date wasn't mentioned, both a Sempron- and Turion-based version should be available. Early reports even suggest that WiBro / HSDPA could be found on select variations, but we'll give Raon Digital a chance to come clean before we dig deep into even wilder speculation.[Via Pocketables]Read - Device Manager photographRead - AMD spokesman comments
More details on Dell's summer-bound netbook
Although everyone and their first cousin twice-removed has dished out their own netbook at Computex, Dell's wee darling (it's still unnamed, officially) still has the attention of most. At a recent media briefing at Dell's HQ, APC Mag was able to get a little time with the unit and grill execs with a flurry of questions -- many of which weren't answered. Still, a few key tidbits did seep out, like the "due out by the end of this summer" thing and the omission of Fn keys on the keyboard. Wait, wha? You heard right -- Dell has decided to make the alpha keys roomier by nixing the line of Fn keys entirely, and while this definitely won't matter to some, it'll really get under the skin of others. On a more positive note, it was suggested that the little fellow would boast a VGA output and three USB ports, but outside of that, Round Rock is remaining mum.[Via Liliputing]
E-Lead's Noahpad shows up with larger keys, multi-touch
Though we're really no closer to figuring out the master plan behind E-Lead's perplexing Noahpad, at least the company is warming up to the idea of a more usable keyboard (of sorts). Judging by the demo unit set up at Computex, the keys are now a tad larger and multi-touch support is also thrown in. If you just can't get enough of one of today's most eccentric lappies, head on down to the read link for a smattering of hands-on photographs and a trio of videos.
GeCube's 10.2-inch netbook gets stuck with VIA C7 processor
Talk about being behind the eight ball. With the Eee PC 901 and 1000 getting official, not to mention the onslaught of potent competitors, GeCube's 10.2-inch alternative isn't likely to steal much of the spotlight in Taipei. Nevertheless, the seemingly unnamed machine is ready to fight the losing battle with a 1.6GHz VIA C7-D processor, 512MB of DDR2 RAM (with an additional slot open), 1,024 x 600 resolution panel, 80GB SATA hard drive, stereo speakers, Ethernet, WiFi and three USB 2.0 jacks. Reportedly, the unit will come loaded with gOS (but it will support Windows XP if that's more your style), and while no price is mentioned, we'd suggest keeping it remarkably low until a Nano / Atom shows up inside.
