NetbookTech

[Reprinted from Krunker.com]

Photos and limited details of a second Dell-branded Android device called the “Dell Streak” have managed to leak out onto the Internet via sites Tinhte and SlashGear. Here’s what we know thus far:

• 5 inch WVGA (800 x 480) resolution display
• Android 2.0 Donut MID
• Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G wireless
• 5 megapixel camera with dual-LED flash
• microSD slot
• 1300 mAh battery

No word on when it might become available.. but it’s certainly an interesting device – especially if it comes with built-in 3G connectivity.

[Check it out via SlashGear]

We’ve got a bit more information about the new dual-booting Acer Aspire One AOD250 netbook courtesy of Acer’s official press release today (ok well yesterday). First off, in case you missed it, the new AOD250 will come with both Microsoft Windows XP as well as the Android OS – giving users a choice of two operating systems depending upon their needs.

Users of the Aspire One AOD250 will be able to switch between the two OS’s with just a click of a mouse. Android allows the AOD250 to boot up and shut down quickly – with near “instant-on” Internet connectivity.

According to Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product management for Acer America, “The Android operating system and the Aspire One netbook is an ideal combination for end users that require a highly mobile device for data consumption..The unique dual-boot OS on the new Aspire One ensures users fast connections, the familiarity of Windows, and the added convenience of open source mobile platforms and applications.”

Here’s a list of the complete specs to the new AOD250:

• Intel Atom Processor N280 (1.66GHz, 512KB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB)
• Dual-Boot Operating System, choose between Android and Windows XP Home operating systems
• 10.1″ WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite LED-backlit Display
• Mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 1024MB DDR2 667MHz Memory
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• Acer InviLink 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Dolby® Headphone Technology
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad
• 3 – USB 2.0 Ports
• 6-cell Li-ion Battery (5800 mAh)
• 2.79 lbs. | 1.27 kg
• 10.2” (W) x 8.4” (D) x 1.0” (H)
• MSRP: $349.99
• Four stylish colors: Ruby Red, Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Seashell White

What’s not mentioned in the official press release is the rather smallish keyboard – measuring in at 89 percent according to order information at Amazon.com. On the up side, the high-capacity 5800 mAh 6 cell Lithium Ion battery should allow for near-all-day power. Although listed yesterday as a pre-order item, Amazon now states the new Acer AOD250 netbook is in stock and available for $349.99

[Check it out]

Additional details of the upcoming Acer Aspire One AOD250 netbook featuring both Windows XP and the Android OS were released by Acer and on Amazon.com. With this latest iteration of the Aspire One, users will be able to select either OS depending upon their immediate needs. If you simply want to get onto the web, check email etc, then you’ll be able to boot into the Android OS in approximately 18 seconds. Shutting down the netbook from Android will be even faster at a claimed 3 second pace.

Why bother even creating a dual booting netbook you might ask? Why not simply stick with Android? According to Acer executives, it boils down to Internet Explorer. Many websites are still optimized for IE and thus Acer wanted to make sure customers had the option to go into Windows to check out these sites. Controlling market share helps eh?

OK.. onto additional details. Amazon.com claims the upcoming AOD250-1613 netbook will feature:

• 10.1 inch LED backlit CrystalBrite screen with 1024 x 600 resolution
• 1.66Ghz Intel Atom N280 processor
• 6 cell battery with 9 hour battery life
• Multi-gesture enabled touchpad
• 160GB HDD
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• CrystalEye Webcam
• 89 percent keyboard (ugh.. they couldn’t fit a 92 or larger in there???)
• 802,11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, Ethernet connectivity
• VGA video output
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• Multi-in-1 memory card reader
• Stereo speakers
• Optimized Dolby Headphone Technology
• Measures 10.17 x 8.04 x 1 inches and weighs 2.79 pounds

The Acer AOD250-1613 is available for pre-order now on Amazon.com for $349.99.

OK.. I have to say this again.. an 89 percent keyboard on a 10 inch netbook?? That’s just unacceptable..

[Check it out via PC World]

Chinese-language paper, Apple Daily, (via DigiTimes) reports that Acer is expected to launch their new dual-OS netbook featuring both Windows XP and the Android OS sometime in August of this year. The systems are expected to be manufactured by Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics and will likely be priced similar to current Windows XP based Acer netbooks.

ASUS and MSI are also developing Android-powered netbooks but don’t expect any this year.

[Check it out]

ASUS also announced plans this week to introduce an Android-powered Eee PC system later this year. The system will be powered by Qualcomm’s power-efficient Snapdragon processor and will feature a 10 inch display, a universal 3G radio, support for 720p video playback, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity. No word on pricing.. but maybe it’ll be classified as a smartbook instead?

[Check it out]

Now this is interesting. Acer has announced that they will be introducing a new Aspire One netbook featuring the Android Operating System. According to Jim Wong, president of IT Products Global Operation, Acer Inc.

“Netbooks are designed to be compact in size and easy to connect to the Internet wherever you go,..The Android operating system offers incredibly fast wireless connection to the Internet; for this reason, Acer has decided to develop Android netbooks for added convenience to our customers.”

It doesn’t look like it’ll stop with a single netbook either. The Acer press release states that the majority of Acer netbooks will also offer Android in the future – giving users the choice of either Microsoft Windows or Android (does this also mean that Android will become the de factor Linux-derivative OS for Acer?)

No word on specs but Acer stated that the Android-based Aspire One would be launched in Q3 of this year.

[Check it out]