NetbookTech

LaptopMag recently reviewed the thin-and-light, business-oriented Dell Vostro V13.  Based on the Adamo form factor, but hundreds of dollars cheaper, the Vostro V13 features:

• Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor
• 4GB of RAM
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
• 13.3 inch 1366 x 768 resolution display
• Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
• 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.0
• Windows 7 Professional
• Ethernet
• Headphone and microphone ports
• USB/eSATA combo port, 2 USB ports, VGA port
• 5 in 1 card reader
• ExpressCard/34 slot

Here’s what LaptopMag thought of the thin-and-light:

“Dell has created another attractive notebook that is not only more expensive than its peers, but it comes up short in terms of endurance.”

Next up, Liliputing has a new review up of the $599 Lenovo IdeaPad S12 netbook featuring the NVIDIA ION platform. Specs include:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• NVIDIA ION
• 2GB of RAM
• 250GB HDD
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 2.1
• 6 cell 52Whr battery
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Here’s what they thought of the system:

“if you want a model that can reliably handle HD video, Flash video, and some 3D gaming, as well as pump out video to an HDTV via an HDMI port, the NVIDIA ION model is the way to go….

But with a starting price of around $599, I can’t think of many reasons to pick up the NVIDIA ION version of the IdeaPad S12 instead of a computer like the Lenovo IdeaPad U150 with an Intel CULV processor which offers better overall performance, even if it doesn’t score quite as highly on graphics benchmarks.”

CNET published a new review of the ASUS Eee PC1005PEB netbook here on their website. The 1005PEB can typically be found at Best Buy for a reasonable price of $329.99. Specs for this netbook include:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Intel NM10 Express Chipset
• 1GB of RAM
• 250GB SATA HDD
• 3 in 1 media card reader
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution LED backlit display
• 0.3 megapixel webcam
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Built-in stereo speakers
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• 6 cell lithium ion battery
• Windows 7 Starter

Here’s the verdict:

“This retail version of the popular Eee PC Netbook, the 1005PEB, hits the required notes, and is a little less expensive than many other retail Netbooks (but more than some online models).”

And finally, Anandtech reviews the ASUS Eee PC 1001P netbook – calling it their “favorite netbook” so far. The 1001P is the latest addition to ASUS’s Seashell product lineup, eschewing the glossy finish of the 1005 series with a textured matte finish. Spec wise, the 1001P features:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Intel NM10 chipset
• 1GB of RAM
• Intel GMA 3150 graphics
• 10.1 inch LED Matte display
• 250GB 5400 RPM HDD
• Ethernet and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi connectivity
• HD audio
• 6 cell 48Wh battery
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• Media card reader
• Microphone/headphone jack
• VGA port
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Available in white, black, blue, and pink

Why is this Anandtech’s favorite netbook yet? Here’s why:

“A well built and attractively styled netbook with a great LCD, good battery life, no major design flaws, and few minor faults, but a netbook nonetheless, and as with so many other netbook reviews, the main takeaway remains. They’re the smallest, lightest, and cheapest portable computers that money can buy, but they’re also dog slow and not particularly enjoyable to use.”

Dell expands their business-class thin-and-light notebook product lineup with today’s introduction of the new Vostro 3000 series. Available in screen sizes ranging from 13 inches up to 17 inches, the new 3000 series features the latest Intel Core processors, high-end graphics, and built-in security.

The Vostro 3000 series is currently made up of the 13 inch Vostro 3300, 14 inch Vostro 3400, 15 inch Vostro 3500, and 17 inch Vostro 3700. Common features across all the 3000 series include:

• Core i3 to Core i5 processors
• Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
• 2-4GB of RAM
• 250-500GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
• DVD+/-RW drive
• Intel integrated graphics up to NVIDIA GeForce 310M graphics
• Built-in webcam and microphone for videoconferencing
• 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi
• Support for up to 6GB of memory
• Optional fingerprint reader
• Full data-encrypted hard drive
• Dell DataSafe online backup

Additional info on the systems follows:

Vostro 3300:

• One of the thinnest 13 inch notebooks with built-in DVD drive
• 13.3 inch HD Wide LED anti-glare display
• Up to 6GB of memory
• Mobile Intel HM57 Express Chipset
• 4 cell Lithium Ion battery or optional 8 cell battery
• Available in Aberdeen Silver, Lucerne Red, Brisbane Bronze
• Integrated speaker
• 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 eSATA/USB combo port
• 5 in 1 media card reader
• 34mm ExpressCard slot
• VGA video connector
• Measures 12.8 x 9.02 x 0.79 ~ 1.13 inches
• Weighs 4.01 lbs with 4 cell battery and no drive
• Starting price of $69

Vostro 3400:

• Mobile Intel HM57 Express Chipset
• 14 inch HD wide LED anti-glare display
• 2 integrated stereo speakers
• 6 cell lithium-ion battery (or 4 and 9 cell available too)
• Bluetooth 2.1
• 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 eSATA/USB port
• 8 in 1 media card reader
• 34mm ExpressCard slot
• HDMI port
• VGA port
• Measures 13.35 x 9.54 x 0.86~1.16 inches
• Weighs 4.56 lbs with 4 cell and optical drive
• Up to 8 hours of power with 9 cell battery
• Available in Aberdeen Silver, Lucerne Red, Brisbane Bronze
• Starting price of $649

Vostro 3500:

• 15.6 inch HD wide LED anti-glare display
• HM57 Express Chipset
• 2 integrated speakers
• Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1
• 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 2.0/eSATA port
• 8 in 1 media card reader
• 34mm ExpressCard slot
• HDMI port
• 6 cell lithium-ion battery (4 or 9 cell optional)
• Measures 14.76 x 9.84 x 0.90 ~ 1.23 inches
• Weighs 5.10 lbs with 4 cell battery and optical drive
• Available in Aberdeen Silver, Lucerne Red, Brisbane Bronze
• Starting price of $649

Vostro 3700:

• Core i7 quad-core processors available
• Mobile Intel HM57 Express Chipset
• 17.3 inch HD+ Wide LED anti-glare display
• 2 integrated stereo speakers
• Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1
• 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB/eSATA combo port
• 8 in 1 media card reader
• 34mm ExpressCard slot
• VGA and HDMI port
• Measures 16.17 x 10.67 x 1.06~1.35 inches
• Weighs 5.95 lbs with 6 cell battery and optical drive
• 6 cell lithium-ion battery (or 9 cell optional)
• Available in Aberdeen Silver, Lucerne Red, Brisbane Bronze
• Starting price of $679

Systems are available today in the U.S. and parts of Asia. Folks in Europe, Latin America, and other regions will be able to order them starting on March 16th.

WiMAX connectivity is now available as a configuration option for the Dell Inspiron Mini 10. Available as a $60 dollar upgrade to the Mini 10, the WiMAX support comes in the form of a internal combo mini-card supporting both WiMAX and Wi-Fi connectivity.

If you’re not sure about WiMAX coverage in your area, head over to clear.com’s website for more information. Yes, it’s sparse at this time in the U.S., but it’s expanding rapidly in Asia and Europe.

[Check it out via Direct2Dell]

Who says you can’t game on a sub-12 inch notebook platform? Certainly not Dell as they’ve announced the availability of the Alienware M11x which provides the graphics power typically found on larger laptop systems with the form factor and battery life of thin-and-light notebook systems.

According to Dell, the 11.6 inch Alienware M11x scores over 6100 with the 3DMark06 benchmark – easily crushing integrated graphics performance typically found on competing 11.6 inch systems. What makes this all possible is the use of a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M graphics card. Don’t need the graphics performance of the GeForce GT 335M? No problem. The M11x comes with switchable graphics allowing you to easily switch between discrete graphics to integrated graphics. Switching to integrated graphics also means the M11x can enjoy upwards of 8.5 hours of battery life.

At the heart of the Alienware M11x notebook is an Intel CULV processor (either the Intel Pentium SU4100 processor clocked at 1.3GHz or the Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor clocked at 1.3GHz). These processors provide just enough horsepower for most gaming needs while also remaining power-efficient for long battery lives.

Other features and specs include:

• 2-8GB of memory
• Choose from 160GB to 500GB SATA HDD or 256GB Solid State Drive
• 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M graphics
• 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 WLED display
• Internal HD surround sound
• Ethernet port
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• DisplayPort and HDMI output
• Available in either Cosmic Black or Lunar Silver

Prices for the Alienware M11x start at $799 (which includes 2GB of RAM and the Intel Pentium SU4100 processor. Switch to the Core 2 Duo SU7300 and the system price will rise to $899.

So why even consider this notebook if you can possibly get cheaper notebooks with even better graphics? It comes down to a balanced mix of portability, graphics performance, battery life, and price. Need graphics power? Switch on the NVIDIA graphics. Need long battery life? Switch to integrated graphics.

Pretty sweet.

[Check it out]

For those of you who believe that nail polish colors rule, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Dell has added six new nail polish shades to the Inspiron Mini 10 netbook as part of a partnership with QPI. The six colors, all inspired by the city of Hong Kong, are Dim Sum Plum, Hot & Spicy, Jade is the New Black, Meet Me on the Star Ferry, Red My Fortune Cookie, and Suzi Says Feng Shui.

Dim Sum Plum:

Hot & Spicy:

Jade is the New Black:

Meet Me on the Star Ferry:

Suzi Says Feng Shui:

Dell announces a new “beauty” for the corporate world with yesterday’s introduction of the new thin-and-light Latitude 13 notebook. Taking design cues from the popular Vostro 13, the Latitude 13 is supposedly the “world’s thinnest 13 inch commercial client laptop” and comes with many of the same internal guts as those found on the Vostro 13.

Additional corporate features on the Latitude 13 include:

• Support for Broadcom TruManage technology and Dell ImageDirect service which lets IT create, update, and deploy system images 24/7 from a secure online location
• Desktop virtualization through certification from Citrix and VMware
• Customized security offerings including solid state drives, full-disk encryption, Trusted Platform Module control, and Computrace software
• Complete range of connectivity options including optional WWAN mobile broadband, Bluetooth, and 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi
• Optional external Blu-ray drive
• 13.3 inch display
• Weight of 3.36 pounds
• Intel ULV processor support
• Choice of Windows 7 or Windows XP

The Latitude 13 will be available in the coming weeks.

Yeah it’s been awhile since we ran a “Netbook Deals of the Day” posting – mostly because the holiday season was over and the transition to the new Pine Trail platform was upon us. However, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, several e-tailers are running netbook deals that you might be interested in, so without further ado, let’s check out them deals!

In the thin-and-light category, Newegg is selling the Toshiba Satellite T135-S1305 notebook for a mere $549.99 ($150 dollars off the original price of $699.99). Specs for this thin-and-light include an Intel Pentium SU4100 ULV processor clocked at 1.3GHz, a 13.3 inch 1366 x 768 resolution display, 3GB of RAM, Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics, Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit, 320GB HDD, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, built-in stereo speakers, and full-sized keyboard. The notebook measures 12.7" x 8.78" x 0.87-1.35" and weighs a reasonable 3.88lbs. The Pentium SU4100 will provide 2-2.5x more processing power than your typical Atom N270 processor so this is certainly a notebook to consider if you want a bit more oomph in your everyday needs.

The other notable Newegg.com deal is for the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005HA-PU1X-BK Crystal Black 10.1" WSVGA Netbook – priced at $319.99 ($30 dollars off the original price of $349.99). This netbook features the Intel Atom N280 processor (it’s a pre-Pine Trail netbook), a 10.1 inch LED-backlit display, 1GB of RAM, a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, built-in speakers, media card reader, and a 6 cell battery for approximately 10+ hours of battery life.

Let’s move over to Geeks.com, a great place to find new and refurbished units.

We’ve never heard of the company, but Geeks is offering the PeeCee Mini M02 Atom N270-based netbook for a low price of $259.99. This system (which is almost gone) features:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• Windows XP Home Edition
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB SATA HDD
• Intel GMA950 graphics
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Ethernet and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 10.2 inch widescreen LCD display
• Built-in 3 in 1 card reader
• Measures 10.35 x 7.24 x 1.36 inches and weighs 2.78 pounds

Should you buy it? If you’re not sure of the brand then you might want to reconsider.. but if you have cash to blow and you’re adventurous, then why not check it out!

Fans of the original MSI Wind U100 will definitely want to check out the current deals over at Geeks.com where the company is offering 3 cell versions for a mere $279.99. They have them in pink, white, and black. The specs are:

• Intel Atom N270 processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB SATA HDD
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• Ethernet and 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 10 inch WSVGA display
• Windows XP Home Edition
• Media card reader

If you’re a fan of convertible notebooks, then check out the Geeks.com deal on the ASUS Eee PC T91 here on their website. The 8.9 inch system features the Intel Atom Z520 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 16GB solid state drive, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, 0.3 megapixel webcam, and Windows XP. Perhaps even funnier is the comparison chart that Geeks put up on the site comparing the T91 against the newly announced Apple iPad. Here are snippets from the chart (keep in mind, I’m merely copying what THEY put up. I am stating this myself so don’t go flaming me for this!):

Heh.. the sad thing is – yes the T91 supports Adobe Flash thanks to Windows XP.. but can the Atom Z520 handle HD flash video.. uhh.. don’t think so.

Alright, the final “deals” come from Dell where they’re currently offering the Dell Mini 10 and 10v at low starting prices. In fact, starting prices for both the Mini 10 and the 10v come in at $279. The Mini 10 has the updated Pine Trail platform while the Mini 10v is using the older Atom platform featuring the Atom N270 processor. Both systems feature similar specs as well as a small 3 cell battery. Want a 6 cell battery for that Mini 10?  You can get one for $299 which still isn’t a bad price. Finally, Dell is also offering a Mini 10 model with a built-in GPS for a price of $399.

OK, our final vendor of the day is PC Mall where they’re offering the Lenovo IdeaPad U350 thin-and-light notebook for a mere $469.99. OK the check out price is actually a tad-bit higher at $519.99 (the actual price is $569.99 minus an instant rebate of $50 dollars and then a mail-in rebate of $50 dollars. Yes, we hate mail-in rebates too). The U350 features an Intel Pentium SU4100 processor, a 13.3 inch LED backlit display, 3GB of RAM, 320GB HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, a 4 cell battery, and an HDMI port.

Dell is currently offering two mobile broadband/notebook deals – one with the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook and one with the Dell Inspiron 11z thin-and-light notebook. Both system bundles are for AT&T’s 3G DataConnect service with the Mini 10 priced at $99 dollars after an instant discount and a new 2 yr AT&T DataConnect 5GB plan. The Inspiron 11z is priced at $199 after an instant discount and a new 2 yr plan also.

As a refresher, specs for the Inspiron Mini 10 are:

• Intel Atom Z520 processor
• Windows XP Home
• 1GB RAM
• Intel GMA 500 graphics
• 160GB HDD
• 10.1 inch LED backlit display
• 10/100 Ethernet
• Dell 1397 Half-Mini Wi-Fi card
• Built-in audio
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 3 cell battery
• 3 in 1 media card reader

while specs to the Inspiron 11z are:

• Intel Celeron 743 processor
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 2GB RAM
• Intel GMA 4500MHD
• 160GB HDD
• 11.6 inch HD WLED display
• Ethernet
• 802.11g Wi-Fi
• Built-in audio
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 3 cell lithium ion battery
• 3 in 1 media card reader

[Check it out]

Dell announces a new updated Inspiron Mini 10 netbook with support for the new Intel Atom N450 processor which integrates the memory controller and graphics core into the processor core. The updated Mini 10 features a sleeker chassis, ergonomic key caps for increased typing comfort, and a textured deck.

As with the original Inspiron Mini 10 product launch, the new Mini 10 will be available with several configuration options – many of which will not be initially available (honestly – it’s a bit annoying that Dell does this – roll out the product early before all the options are fully available). Features and specs for the updated Mini 10 include:

• 10.1 inch display with either 1024 x 600 resolution or 1366 x 768 resolution coming later on
• Built-in speakers with SRS Surround Sound
• Optional HDTV tuner
• Optional location-aware GPS configurations coming later
• Broadcom Crystal HD for smooth HD playback – coming in Q1 of 2010
• 802.11 b/g/ Wi-Fi
• Bluetooh and Mobile Broadband configuration options
• 1GB DDR2 memory
• 160GB or 250GB HDD
• Choice of 3 or 6 cell integrated battery with up to 9.5 hour battery life
• Choice of Windows 7 Starter (for $79.95), Windows XP Home or Ubuntu
• Weighs around 2.7 to 3 lbs with 3 cell battery. Weighs 3.1 lbs with 6 cell battery

[Check it out]

Dell brings the thin-and-light notebook to the business market with the introduction of the new 13.3 inch Vostro V13. With a starting price of $449, the V13 measures as thin as 0.65 inches, features an ultra-low-voltage Intel processor, and is encased in brushed aluminum with reinforced zinc hinges. Features and specs include:

• Choice of Intel Celeron 743 (1.2 GHz) processor to Core 2 Solo SU3500 (1.4GHz) to Core 2 Duo SU7300 (1.3 GHz)
• Windows 7 or Windows Vista OS
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset ICH9M-Enhanced
• Intel GMA 4500MHD
• 13.3 inch diagonal LED-backlit HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare display
• 7200RPM SATA HDD up to 500GB or 7200 RPM SATA HDD with full disk encryption  up to 250GB
• Free fall sensor on the motherboard
• Optional external 8X DVD burner or Blu-ray disc
• Stereo headphone jack
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone
• 6 cell Lithium-Ion sealed
• Wireless options including 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and WWAN mobile broadband
• Up to 4GB of DDR3 SDRAM
• 5 in 1 card reader
• 34 mm ExpressCard slot
• 1 USB 2.0 port
• 1 USB 2.0/eSATA combo
• Measures 13 x 9.06 x 0.65 ~ 0.78 inches
• Starting weight of 3.5 lbs with 6 cell battery

The low-end $449 system comes with the Celeron M processor ULV 743, Ubuntu Linux, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Wi-Fi, and 6 cell battery.

The mid-range $559 system comes with the Intel Core 2 Solo processor, Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit, 2GB RAM, 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD, 1.3 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and 6 cell battery.

Finally, the high-end $649 system comes with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium, 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD, 1.3 megapixel webcam, Wi-Fi, and 6 cell battery.

About the only uncertainty with this system is the battery life (the 6 cell battery is a 30WHr internal battery). The Vostro V13 looks to be a winner in the thin-and-light category, if not because of the technical specs, then definitely because of the price.

[Check it out]