NetbookTech

It’s been awhile since I published a roundup of netbook reviews from around the web – sorry I’ve been bogged down with work from my day job!. So without further ado, here’s a quick roundup of netbook reviews that you might find interesting.

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The Washington Post (OK really PC World) reviews the ASUS Eee PC 1001P-MU17 netbook here on their website. The 1001P-MU17 features the following:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 10.1 inch LED backlit display
• 92 percent keyboard
• Multi-touch enabled keyboard
• 160GB HDD
• 1GB of RAM
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Built-in webcam and microphone
• 11+ hour battery life

Here’s what they thought of the 1001P:

“The Asus EeePC 1001-MU17 is a solid effort from the company that started the netbook craze. It has a very nice keyboard and exceptionally well-adjusted touchpad–factors often overlooked in the netbook purchasing equation. While not ostentatious, it’s still sedately handsome, and if you regularly need quick access to the Web, the Express Gate can be handy indeed.”

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CNET’s Crave took the new Intel Convertible Classmate PC for a spin here on their website (photo above from CNET). Similar to last year’s version of the Classmate PC, the latest version adds a rubberized outer shell, a spill-resistant keyboard and screen, and a sturdier chassis with shock-absorbing corners and a shock-detecting hard drive. After-all, kids are going to be rough with their toys right? Specs include:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 160GB HDD
• 1366 x 768 resolution 10.1 inch display (nice to see a higher resolution here)
• VGA, two USB ports, two headphone jacks, microphone jack, and SD card slot

Here’s a snippet from the hands-on:

“Overall, the new Classmate is a great idea, with tools that seem like they’ll help the implementation of an "educational laptop" in school systems ready to adopt them. The only question is, at $499, would a school possibly choose an iPad instead?”

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Washington Post has yet another netbook review (courtesy of PC World really) – this time of the Samsung NB30 netbook. The rugged NB30 features:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display
• 160GB HDD
• 1 GB of RAM
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA port, headphone jack
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Windows 7 Starter
• 6.5+ hours of battery life

Rugged features include:

• Hard drive freefall sensor automatically parks the hard drive heads if it senses the netbook dropping
• Scratch-resistant texturized matte black finish
• Water-tight seal prevents damages from contact with up to 50cc of spilled water if removed within 10 seconds

Here’s what they thought of the NB30:

“The NB30 is priced a smidge higher than the competition, but those extra dollars fetch a few features that may help this otherwise run-of-the-mill netbook avoid an untimely death.”

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Finally, Bloomberg Businessweek takes a look at the Sony VAIO X thin-and-light notebook/netbook. This pricey system (how pricey? how about a starting price of $1299.99?) features an 11.1 inch display, Atom processor, and an incredible light weight of 1.6 lbs.

Full on specs for the $1299.99 model include:

• Intel Atom Z550 processor clocked at 2GHz
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 11.1 inch LED backlit LCD display
• 2GB of RAM
• 64GB SSD
• GPS
• Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband support
• Bluetooth
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Intel GMA 500 graphics
• Standard and extended batteries for up to 14 hours of power

There’s also a VAIO Signature Collection X series with a starting price of $1499.99 which features a 128GB SSD drive.

Here’s what Businessweek thought of the system:

“A handy business tool for on-the-go professionals”

Intel announced new convertible notebook designs for the Classmate PC at CES 2009. The designs feature a touch-screen display, a 180 degree swivel design, a rotational camera, and the Intel Atom processor. Other niceties include a water resistant keyboard, a ruggedized design for backpack usage, and a “palm rejection” feature in tablet mode designed to allow the child to write more naturally by resting their palm on the touch-screen display.

Remember that Intel doesn’t sell Classmate PCs directly. U.S. manufacturers of Classmate PC-based systems include CTL, Equus, and M&A. Other manufactures include MDG in Canada, CMS in the United Kingdom, NEC in France, Olidata in Chile, ASI in Australia and Hanvon in China.

Here are official press photos:

[Check it out]