NetbookTech

PC Magazine has two new netbook reviews out on their website – one for the Toshiba Mini NB305-N410 and one for the new ASUS EeePC 1201N netbook.

The Toshiba Mini NB305 is essentially an update to the extremely popular Mini NB205 – keeping the great features of the NB205 while updating the system to the new Intel Pine Trail platform. The NB305 features the Intel Atom N450 processor, a 10.1 inch LED backlit display, 1GB of RAM, a 250GB SATA HDD, a full-sized keyboard, a spacious multi-touch enabled touchpad, Wi-Fi, and Windows 7 Starter. The best part? The NB205 maintains its incredible battery life while shrinking the battery form factor (aka the protruding battery is no more). Here’s what PC Magazine thought of the NB305:

“The Toshiba mini NB305-N410 netbook carries over many of the qualities that made its predecessor, the mini NB205 so lovable, and it’s still the netbook that gives you the most for the least amount of money.”

The ASUS EeePC 1201N is an entirely different kind of netbook – eschewing battery life in favor of processor and graphics performance. The 1201N dumps the Intel Atom N270 processor in favor of the higher-performing Atom N330 dual-core processor, making the 1201N the first netbook to feature the dual-core processor. Other features include a 12.1 inch LED backlit display, NVIDIA ION graphics, HDMI output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, 2GB of RAM, full-sized chiclet keyboard, integrated webcam and microphone, and Windows 7 Home Premium.  As you might expect, the 1201N has a fairly low battery life of around 4 to 5 hours but if that’s the least of your concerns, then the 1201N is certainly an interesting system to look at. Here’s what PC Magazine thought of the unit:

“The ASUS EeePC 1201N is the fastest netbook money can buy, but its tradeoff is battery life just 4 hours of it.”

[Reprinted from Krunker.com]

Ending months of speculation, Apple officially announced the iPad device today at a special press event held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Let’s quickly go over the facts, features, and specifications about the new iPad. We’ll save our editorial comments for a later post.

We’ll start things off with what the iPad delivers.

The iPad is essentially a slate format computer measuring 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches and weighing a mere 1.5 pounds (tack on 0.1 pounds for the 3G model).

The device features a bright LED-backlit multi-touch-enabled 9.7 inch display with a resolution of 1024 x 768. Unfortunately this is not a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio display.

It has a built-in rechargeable battery with approximately 10 hours of battery life and in typical Apple fashion, it is NOT user-replaceable.

Inside, you’ll find a custom-built Apple processor (System-on-a-chip) clocked at 1GHz.  Storage wise, you’ll be able to choose from 3 options – 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB.

There will be two models consumers can choose from – a Wi-Fi model and a Wi-Fi + 3G model. Each model will have the above three storage options to choose from.

Prices for the Wi-Fi models are:

• 16GB – $499
• 32GB – $599
• 64GB – $699

Prices for the Wi-Fi + 3G models are:

• 16GB – $629
• 32GB – $729
• 64GB – $829

Yes, that means you’ll be paying a $130 dollar premium for the 3G data support (and on top of that you’ll need to purchase Mobile Broadband service too).

The iPad will feature several applications (12 in total) redesigned from the ground up to take advantage of the new device form factor. Some of the more interesting new apps include:

Mail:

Put the iPad in landscape orientation, and your mail will automatically shift to a split-screen view with incoming messages on the left and the current message on the right. Use a virtual soft keyboard to type out messages (the keyboard is nearly the size of a full-sized keyboard). If you want to view a single message by itself, rotate the iPad to portrait mode.

Photos:

Photo Albums are now displayed as stacks of photos. Tap or pinch to open up a stack and then flip through pictures using your fingers. Tap to zoom in or out, or watch a slideshow using the application.

YouTube:

YouTube UI has been redesigned and the iPad supports YouTube HD videos too.

iPod:

Yes, you’ll get the iPod with the iPad including all the features you’ve come to expect from the iPod.

iTunes:

Browse and buy music, TV shows, and podcasts, or buy and rent movies directly from the iPad.

App Store:

The iPad will run nearly all of the 140,000 apps currently found in the App Store. Existing apps can run centered on the display or full-sized taking up the entire display. There will also be apps designed specifically for the iPad’s form factor.

iBooks:

iBooks is a new free app from the App Store which you can use to buy books from the built-in iBookstore. Once you’ve purchase a book, it will be displayed on a virtual bookshelf. Double-tap to read the book.

Other new apps include Maps, Notes, Calendar, and Contacts. There’s also support for Spotlight Search on the iPad.

In addition, Apple announced a new version of iWork designed specifically for the iPad. You’ll be able to purchase Pages, Keynote, and Numbers directly from the App Store for $9.99 each.

Let’s now talk about the technical specifications for the iPad.

Display:

• 9.7 inch LED backlit glossy wide-screen multi-touch display with IPS technology
• 1024 x 768 resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
• Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating

Storage:

• Choice of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive

Processor:

• Custom-designed 1GHz Apple A4 processor (system on a chip) – this is a direct result of their PA-Semi acquisition from a few years back

Sensors:

• Accelerometer
• Ambient Light Sensor

Battery:

• Built-in (aka non-user replaceable) 25Whr rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
• Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
• Charge via power adapter or USB connection to computer

Input/Output:

• Dock connector
• 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack
• Built-in speakers
• Microphone
• SIM card tray (on the Wi-Fi + 3G model only)

Connectivity:

There will be two iPad models – one with Wi-Fi and one with Wi-Fi + 3G support (to ship 30 days after the Wi-Fi model ships)

• Wi-Fi model comes with 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Wi-Fi + 3G model supports:

• UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
• GSM/EDGE (850, 900,1800, 1900 MHz)
• 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Location-Aware Services:

• Wi-Fi
• Digital Compass
• Assisted GPS (on the Wi-Fi + 3G model only)
• Cellular (Wi-Fi + 3G model only)

Audio playback:

• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz20Hz
• Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
• User-configurable maximum volume limit

Video playback:

• Support for 1024 x 768 with Dock Connector to VGA adapter; 576p and 480p with Apple Composite A/V Cable, 576i and 480i with Apple Composite A/V Cable
• H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

Mail attachment support:

• Viewable document types: .jpg, .tiff, .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)

Accessories for the iPad include:

iPad Keyboard Dock:

The iPad Keyboard Dock combines a full-sized keyboard with an iPad dock connector which means the iPad can also be charged while you’re using the keyboard. The dock has a rear 30 pin connector allowing you to connect the dock to a USB power adapter, a computer, or other accessories.

iPad Case:

iPad Dock:

Lets you dock and charge the iPad as well as connect the iPad to the outlet, a computer, and other accessories.

iPad Camera Connection Kit:

Allows you to import photos and videos either via a USB cable or via an SD card reader.

iPad USB Power Adapter:

Charge the iPad using an electrical outlet.

OK – so what’s not in the iPad:

• 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio display
• No built-in webcam
• HDMI support
• Adobe Flash support
• Multi-tasking

Now as for availability – the iPad is expected to be available in 60 days from today (a.k.a. approximately two months).

There you have it folks – the iPad facts.

You might have not have realized it, let alone heard of the company, but iLuv actually has a lineup of netbook sleeves for the 7 inch to 10.2 inch category. The iLuv sleeves feature:

• Water-resistant neoprene
• Smooth pocket interior to avoid scratches
• Secure inside lip to keep the netbook in place
• Exterior pockets for accessories

iLuv also has a line of sleeves for the 13 inch, 15 inch, and 17 inch MacBook Pro.

Gateway also expanded their EC lineup of thin-and-light notebooks during CES 2010 with the introduction of the EC14D model featuring an integrated DVD drive. An integrated DVD drive is unique among thin-and-light notebooks which often come without a built-in drive and instead rely on optional external USB drives.

One specific EC14D model is the EC14D07u which has the following specs:

• Intel Pentium ULV Processor SU4100 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset
• 11.6 inch HD TFT LCD display with 1366 x 78 resolution
• 320GB HDD
• 4GB of RAM upgradeable to 8GB
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 6 cell battery for up to 8 hours of power
• Built-in webcam
• Multi-in-1 media card reader
• Integrated 8x Super-Multi DVD player
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• Multi-gesture touchpad
• 6 cell Lithium-Ion 5600mAh battery
• Weighs 3.55 lbs
• Measures 11.49 x 1.12 x 8.33 inches
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Starting prices for the EC14D is $629.99

Gateway announced their new LT21 series netbook lineup during CES 2010 featuring the new Intel Pine Trail platform as well as a variety of battery options including a new 6 cell Lithium-Ion extended battery lasting upwards of 10 hours.

The new series supports the new Atom N450 processor and features:

• 802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 10.1 inch LED backlit 1024 x 600 TFT display with 22.2 percent power savings compared to traditional netbook displays
• 93 percent keyboard
• Multi-gesture touchpad
• 1GB of RAM
• Choice of either 160GB or 250GB hard drive
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• Ethernet
• VGA
• Multi-in-one card reader

The LT21 Series is available in Cherry Red, NightSky Black, and Glacier White with models available with either Windows 7 Starter or Windows XP Home.

Prices range from $299.99 upwards to $349.99 depending on Wi-Fi configuration and hard drive.

Acer’s looking to make their products ever greener with their latest additions to the Timeline product line, the Aspire 3811TZ and Aspire 3811TZG. The new notebooks are made with materials free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). These chemicals can generate toxic substances such as dioxins and furans at the product’s end-of-life when the customer disposes of the notebooks.

Other “green” features of these new Timeline notebooks include:

• Energy Star 5.0 certification
• Modularized design ideal for recycling. Only replace what needs to be replaced reducing waste

No details on specs but one would assume the 3811TZ and 3811TZG are similar to the current 3810 Timeline. Specs to the 3810 include:

• Core 2 Duo SU7300
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset
• Up to 4GB RAM
• Up to 500GB HDD
• 5 in 1 media card reader
• 13.3 inch 1366 x 768 resolution display
• HDMI output
• Gigabit LAN and Wi-Fi

The MSI X-Slim X350 is a 13 inch thin-and-light notebook with the following specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo SU4100 processor
• Intel GS45 + ICH9M-SFF chipset
• Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
• 13 inch HD LCD display
• Multi-touch enabled touchpad
• Optional WiMAX support
• 9 hour battery life
• Chicklet keyboard with raised keys
• Weighs a mere 3.31 pounds and measures less than an inch thick at its widest point

Here are pictures of the new MSI Wind U135 netbook featuring the latest Intel Pine Trail platform. The U135 is available in black, silver, red, and black and features a 6 cell battery delivering up to 7.5 hours of battery life.

Specs include the following:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Intel NM10 chipset
• Up to 2GB RAM
• 10 inch WSVGA LCD display
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• HD audio
• 250GB SATA HDD
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 4 in 1 media card reader
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 6 cell battery
• Chicklet keyboard and enlarged touchpad
• Windows 7 Starter Edition

The MSI Wind U160 is one of four new models added to the Wind lineup of netbooks and ultraportables. A winner of the 2010 iF Product Design Award, the Wind U160 sports a completely redesigned chassis measuring less than an inch thick at its widest point and a weight of a mere 2.2 lbs.

The U160 has an “ultra-thin fuselage with a gold Color Film Print finish” and features:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Intel NM10 chipset
• Up to 2GB of DDR2 667/800MHz RAM
• 10 inch WSVGA LCD display
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• Optional external Super-Multi drive
• Up to 9 hours of battery life
• Seamless touchpad

Sony launched a new eco-friendly line of VAIO W netbooks at CES 2010 known as the VAIO W Series 212AX Eco Edition series. What makes these netbooks particularly green you might ask? First off, the netbook features a chassis made up of approximately 23 percent recycled CDs. Yup – CDs. Secondly, the system comes with a stylish reusable carrying case made of recycled PET bottles (material used in plastic bottles). Finally, there’s no printed materials here – the 76 page manual is all electronic.

In addition to being eco-friendly, the new W Series eco-friendly mini-notebook is also kid-friendly thanks built-in parental controls, KidZui web browser, and online family Norton software. KidZui is a web browser, search engine, and online playground for kids ages 3 to 12 with online content reviewed by parents and teachers.

The VAIO W specs are as follows:

• Intel Atom N450 processor clocked at 1.66GHz
• 250GB hard drive
• 1GB RAM
• 82 key QWERTY keyboard with 1.2 mm stroke and 16.05 mm pitch
• Built-in MOTION EYE camera and microphone
• Electro-static touch-pad
• Memory Stick PRO (Standard/Duo) media slot with MagicGate functionality
• ExpressCard/34 slot
• Wi-Fi Atheros 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• Optional Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband
• 10.1 inch 1366 x 768 resolution LED backlit display
• Intel HD audio system
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• Windows 7 Starter Edition
• Measures 10.54 x 2.01 x 7.07 inches and weighs 2.96 lbs

Pre-sales are now available at the Sony Style website here – www.sony.com/pr/wseries

Here are official press release pictures: