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Viliv's N5 UMPC finally reviewed, deemed worth the wait
We wouldn't say that Viliv is always tardy with its product releases, but neither would we say that we're particularly surprised the N5 UMPC is only now making its way to retail seven months after being announced. It's a Windows 7-toting, clutch-sized device packing specs that are at least seven months old: a 1.3GHz Atom Z520 processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 32GB SSD. Despite that, performance is said to be good, capable of handling 720p and even 1080p video without a hitch on its 4.8-inch, WSVGA display. Build quality is said to be "superb," the optical thumbpad thing is apparently a respectable mouse replacement, and 3G wireless (in addition to 802.11b/g and Bluetooth) is quite easy to enable. Unfortunately we're still not sure what Viliv is going to charge for this, but we're told it'll be appearing for order in the very near future.
Bandai Rilakkuma netbook gets touchscreen and CPU boost, as precious as ever
We've heard some folks (we're not naming names) disparagingly refer to netbooks as "toys" from time to time. Of course, when a manufacturer like Bandai cranks the cute factor up to eleven we can't say that it's an altogether bad thing. Like its predecessor, the Rilakkuma SX features 1Seg TV, webcam, Bluetooth, and WiFi. Putting the "next" in "next-gen," this baby features an Atom Z520 processor, 1GB RAM, 60GB HDD, DVD Super Multi, and an 8.9-inch (1280 x 768) convertible touchscreen. Built by Kohjinsha, this one is reportedly coming to the Bandai Namco online store in June for ¥90,000 (about $995).
Cowon W2 spec'd, priced, and dated for Korean consumers
That lovable little Windows 7-powered Cowon W2 MID has gotten two steps closer to reality this week with a price tag and release date. In order, 599,000 to 739,000KRW (equivalent to $533 and $658 in US, respectively) and Monday, January 25th. Unfortunately, those only apply to Korea only, but if you are thinking of importing, how about we take a look at the full specs list: 4.8-inc WSVGA screen, 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z520, 1GB RAM, 60GB or 80GB HDD, Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11b/g WiFi, two USB one miniUSB ports, and a battery promising 10 hours idle / 7 hours video playback. Yeah, we're not sure about that netbook-caliber processor either, but surely that MID form factor makes up for something... right?
ASUS Eee PC 1201HA now on sale in the US
A little later than mid-November, sure, but ASUS has finally unleashed to the US masses its 12.1-inch Eee PC 1201HA. Available at Best Buy for a penny under $330, it's got all the standard affairs: 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520, 1GB RAM upgradeable to 2GB, 160GB HDD, WiFi, and a touted 6 hour, 38 minute battery life. The catch here is Windows XP -- sorry 7 lovers, but if you're feeling particularly adventurous, there's always Chrome OS.
Viliv X70 EX Premium 3G on sale now in Hong Kong
The folks behind the Viliv brand of consumer electronics don't ever stop swinging, it seems. They hit us with the beloved X70, the keyboard-sportin' S7, and before we have a chance to blink they're back in the ring with the X70 EX Premium. Currently on sale in Hong Kong, this bad boy features optional 3G (in which case you should ask for the X70 EX Premium 3G) and sports a 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z520 processor, 1GB RAM, a 32GB SSD, and an SDHC slot for extra storage. As you've probably guessed, the display is your standard 7-inch with 1024 x 600 resolution. Throw in Windows XP, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, and a GPS, and this guy is yours for $6,898 in Hong Kong bucks (roughly $890 US). No word yet on a Stateside release.Update: Hello! You can pre-order this badboy in the States, courtesy of Dynamism. The site is offering the device at $599.99 along with a bundle of free accessories. So, if you absolutely must claim your spot in line today... you know where to look.[Via Gadget Mix]
Viliv S7 UMPC gets final pricing and specifications
We've held onto our hats for quite awhile waiting for this day to come, but at long last, Viliv is dishing out the final specification lists and prices for its remarkably striking S7 UMPC. First shown way back at IDF 2008 as a prototype, this QWERTY-packin' machine has matured quite nicely over the months, with a trio of models on tap to showcase its mobile prowess. The entry-level I-LOG HX is equipped with a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 60GB hard drive, a battery good for 9.5 hours of use and Windows XP, while the mid-range I-LOG 3X steps up to a 32GB SSD. The flagship D-LOG 3X even gets an internal DMB TV tuner, while WiBro (South Korea's WiMAX) is an option on all three. We expect the 7-inch device -- which is priced at ₩729,000 ($572), ₩799,000 ($628) and ₩849,000 ($666) in order of mention -- to ship in its homeland soon, though no official release date has been made public.[Via SlashGear]Update: jkkmobile has it that international versions could feature processors as speedy as 2GHz along with Vista and a free upgrade to Windows 7.
Video: Acer's Aspire One 751h handled and opined upon
Not to be mistaken with the Vmedia-equipped Aspire One 571, Acer's Aspire One 751h has just been handled over at GadgetMix. The machine, which rocks a pretty unorthodox setup for a netbook, was said to sport one of the best displays ever put on a netbook, but that lethargic Atom Z520 CPU made the standard fare N270 feel like a real speed demon. Of course, such a sleepy processor allowed for nearly 5.5 hours of real-world battery life, and the multi-touch trackpad definitely sweetened the deal. Have a look past the break for a bootup video, and tap the read link for the full rundown of pics and impressions.
Video: Viliv's S5 gets price, March release, and iTunes
We finally have the release and pricing details for the Viliv S5. Up for pre-order on the 24th in Korea, the XP-based MID with 4.8-inch touchscreen will begin shipping locally on March 3rd. Closer to home, the $649 S5 Premium model is scheduled to ship to the US and Europe by the end of March. That configuration will include a 60GB hard disk, Intel Silverthorne-class 1.33GHz Z520 CPU (yes, the very same proc as the VAIO P), GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 1GB of memory. Lesser spec'd models and a maxed-out F-LOG version with a DMB television tuner will only be available in Korea. And know what's great about a MID running XP? You can install pretty much any application you want, including iTunes as demonstrated in the video posted after the break. It's no iPod touch, but then again... it's no iPod touch.
Trigem's $500 LLUON Mobbit MID goes on sale, wackiness ensues
Hard to believe but after three years (almost to the day) a MID / UMPC running a Microsoft OS with a $500 MSRP is finally out for retail. Trigem's LLUON mobbit is available in two configurations of which the lesser lists for KRW699,000 or about $490. A KRW799,000 ($560) presumably adds the listed WiBro spec for Korean style WiMaxing. That meager sum takes home a 13.2-ounce box o' XP with 1GB of memory, a 30GB disk, 4.8-inch 1,024 x 600 touchscreen with stylus, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 2 megapixel camera all riding Intel's Atom Z520 processor. Not bad... not beautiful by any stretch but significant enough to elicit maniacal behavior amongst devoted UMPC fanboys everywhere. Update: It appears that the WiBro model is actually the cheaper of the two. The lower price resulting from a required 18 month subscription.[Via CNET Asia]
HP rumored to have new Mini-notes on the way, father still unknown
While the Viviene Tam Edition Mini 1000 sure was pretty, it's hardly what you'd call "new." According to undisclosed sources cited by the always questionable DigiTimes, Hewlett-Packard is toying with the idea of bringing a few new infants to market in the Mini-note line. If all goes to plan, a WWAN-enabled Mini-note 2150 (13.3-inch, presumably) will hit the scene in early June. For what it's worth, a new 11.6-inch model is also mentioned, and as expected, the whole crew (however large) is apt to arrive with Intel Atom's within. Guess we'll just have to wait and see, folks.
Trigem's Atom-based LLUON Mobbit crashes below the $500 UMPC sweet spot
You know what we could really use right now? A chunky slab of XP running on a device that is simultaneously too big for our pockets but less functional than a netbook. Oh, what's that Trigem, you've got that? Suweet. Meet the LLUON Mobbit PS400, an Atom Z520-powered UMPC MID with a 4.8-inch (1,024 x 600) touchscreen LCD, 2 megapixel camera, 1GB memory, choice of 30GB hard disk or 16GB SSD, WiFi, and Korean WiMax (WiBro) and digital television (T-DMB). Here's the interesting part: the price. According CNET, it will cost "around" $411 (600,000 won) when it ships in January -- that's a lot of kit for that price (the similarly-speced R50A from ASUS costs over $1,800). If true, then the Mobbit looks to have finally achieved the pricing goal set by Microsoft and Intel for these UMPC-class devices way back in early 2006. Add the RAM- and touch-friendly Windows 7 OS and we might finally be home... albeit 3-years (too?) late.[Via Akihabara News and CNET]
Sony Ericsson Z525a now available from Cingular
If you're a Cingular customer and you've been jonesin' for a Z520a with push-to-talk, your phone has arrived. Sony Ericsson's Z525a is about an incremental upgrade as an incremental upgrade can get, offering the addition of PTT and that's about it. As we mentioned before, EDGE would've been welcome, but for 20 bucks on contract with a mail-in rebate, we guess we don't have much room to grouse about it.[Via phoneArena]
Custom 360-themed Sony cell phone
When tasked with getting a new phone, a simple Sony Ericsson z520 wouldn't do for Esko. He ordered a custom faceplate from StyleUpCover featuring the Xbox 360 rings for about $50. He said, "...I wanted something that was simple yet unique so I went with the 360 rings on the design. Those that know what it is will recognize it but those that don't will just think it's a random design."You gotta love that it's a Sony phone.
