NetbookTech

Get ready for webOS-powered connected mobile devices people.

HP announced yesterday it has completed the acquisition of Palm Inc. for $5.70 per share of Palm common stock in cash. According to the press release, the acquisition of the company will provide HP “significant headway into one of technology’s fastest-growth segments with Palm’s innovative webOS platform and family of smartphones, plus a rich portfolio of intellectual property from the smartphone pioneer.

Todd Bradley, executive VP of the Personal Systems Group at HP had this to say:

"With webOS, HP will deliver its customers a unique and compelling experience across smartphones and other mobility products”

The new Palm business unit will be headed up by Jon Rubinstein, former Palm chairman and CEO, and will report to Todd Bradley. Palm will remain responsible for webOS s/w development and HP will integrate webOS into future mobile devices such as smartphones, slate PCs, and of course, netbooks.

Should be exciting to see what HP has in store.

== Press Release ==

HP Completes Palm Acquisition

Accelerates HP’s growth in $100 billion smartphone and connected mobile device markets

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 1, 2010

HP today announced it has completed its acquisition of Palm Inc. at a price of $5.70 per share of Palm common stock in cash.

The combination gives HP significant headway into one of technology’s fastest-growth segments with Palm’s innovative webOS platform and family of smartphones, plus a rich portfolio of intellectual property from the smartphone pioneer.

HP’s global scale and financial strength plus Palm’s award-winning webOS experience, as well as its acclaimed Pre and Pixi smartphone product lines, enhance HP’s ability to participate more aggressively in the highly profitable, $100 billion smartphone and connected mobile device markets.

“With webOS, HP will deliver its customers a unique and compelling experience across smartphones and other mobility products,” said Todd Bradley, executive vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. “This allows us the opportunity to fully engage in growing our smartphone family offering and the footprint of webOS.”

Under Jon Rubinstein, former Palm chairman and chief executive officer, the Palm global business unit will report to Bradley. Palm will be responsible for webOS software development and webOS based hardware products, from a robust smartphone roadmap to future slate PCs and netbooks.

“With HP’s full backing and global strengths, I’m confident that webOS will be able to reach its full potential,” said Rubinstein. ”This agreement will accelerate the development of this incredible platform with new resources, scale and support from a world-respected brand.”

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

Looking to make computing technology more affordable for schools all around the world, HP announces the new Mini 100e Education Edition netbook. Complete with hardware and software tools, the Mini 100e closes “the digital divide by offering students and teachers an interactive learning experience at an affordable price.”

On the spec front, the HP Mini 100e comes with

• Choice of Windows 7 Starter, Windows XP Home, or SUSE Linux Enterprise 11
• Intel Atom processor up to 1.66GHz
• Intel NM10 Express Chipset
• Up to 2GB of DDR3 SDRAM with a single SODIMM slot
• 160GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Optional External USB 2.0 CD/DVD-R/RW drive
• 10.1 inch LED backlit WSVGA (1024 x 600) resolution display
• Intel GMA HD graphics
• HD audio
• Mono speaker, built-in microphone, stereo microphone in-jack, stereo headphone/line out jack, built-in VGA webcam
• Optional 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• Ethernet connectivity
• 2 USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, power connector, Ethernet connector, modem
• SD slot supports SD and MMC cards
• Spill-resistant full-size keyboard
• Measures 1.57 x 10.87 x 9.87 inches and weighs a mere 3.19 lbs
• 3 cell or 6 cell lithium-ion battery

The Mini 100e has a clamshell design with a built-in carrying handle making it easy for students to carry around the system. Tack in a spill-resistant keyboard and strong metal alloy hinges with steel pin axies and you have the makings for one durable netbook for student use.

The HP Mini 100e will be available worldwide in July with pricing set on a per deal basis and not expected to exceed $300 dollar per unit.

[Check out the press release]

[Check out the data sheet]

Verizon Wireless announced on Tuesday the availability of theHP Mini 210-1076NR netbook for $149.99 after a $100 dollar mail-in rebate and a new two-year mobile broadband plan. The HP Mini 210-1076NR features the following specs:

• Windows 7 Starter
• 10.1 inch LED BrightView Infinity widescreen display
• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 250GB HDD
• Built-in stereo speakers and HP webcam with integrated digital microphone
• Built-in 5 in 1 digital media reader
• VGA port
• Mobile broadband chipset supporting CDMA/1X/EV-DO Revision A: 800/1900 MHz; UMTS/HSPA: 850/1900/2100 MHz; GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Mobile broadband pricing starts at $39.99 per month for 250MB of data per month and $59.99 per month for 5GB of data per month.

[Check it out]

HP expanded their Mini 210 netbook lineup today with the addition of two new designs – preppy pink and white crystal.

The preppy pink design features HP Imprint 3-D – the industry’s first 3D PC surface technology originally introduced with the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje.

A quick reminder on the specs of the Mini 210:

• Choice of Windows 7 Starter, Windows XP Home, SUSE Linux, FreeDOS
• Intel N450 or N470 processor
• Intel NM10 Express Chipset
• Up to 2GB of RAM on some models
• 160GB/250/320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
• 10.1 inch LED backlit WSVGA display
• Intel GMA graphics
• HD audio
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Optional WWAN
• Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• 5 in media card reader
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• VGA porrt
• 93 percent full-sized keyboard
• Measures 0.9 x 10.55 x 7 inches
• Weighs in at 2.69 lbs with the 3 cell battery

Additionally, HP also announced the entry-level Mini 110 would now feature an integrated six cell battery for up to 8 hours of battery life.

[Check it out]

[Reprinted from Krunker.com]

TechCrunch is reporting that HP has supposedly killed off the HP Slate device originally intended for a mid-year product launch.

First announced at CES 2010, the Slate was supposed to usher in a new era of Windows 7-based tablet PCs. Unfortunately as the months went by, folks in the media began slamming the Slate as nothing more than a keyboard-less netbook. Yes, the Atom processor on the inside certainly didn’t help but let’s face it – no matter how touch-enhanced Windows 7 is, the use interface and the performance just wasn’t up to snuff – especially in light of the recent launch of the Apple iPad.

Thus if this rumor is indeed true, HP probably did itself a favor by halting the product before it hit full production thereby saving millions of dollars and of course additional bad press.

In addition, Wednesday’s purchase of Palm signaled a new direction for HP’s mobile product offerings. Everything from netbooks to smartphones gets affected by this purchase so it’s not hard to imagine the company going back to the drawing board with the Slate – especially in light of the availability of the webOS plaform. OR – HP could opt for Android similar to what Dell is doing with their upcoming Streak product line.

Whatever the case might be, it’s pretty clear that a Windows 7 powered tablet comparable to the iPad won’t be coming to a home near you anytime soon.

[Check it out via eHomeUpgrade]

====

HP Shopping

Looking for a fashionable netbook for that special someone in your life? HP has the HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition available for a starting price of $599.99. At this price, you’ll get the following:

• Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS
• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 10.1 inch WSVGA LED backlit anti-glare widescreen display
• HP Mini Webcam
• 802.11 Wi-Fi
• 3 cell lithium-ion battery
• Microsoft Works 9.0

Want something with a bit more pep than an Atom-powered netbook? Check out the HP Pavilion dm3z series available now with a starting price of $529.99. This 13.3 inch thin-and-light features:

• AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 processor
• ATI Radeon HD3200 graphics
• 2GB RAM
• 250GB 7200RPM HDD with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 13.3 inch HD LED HP BrightView widescreen display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Built-in webcam
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 6 cell polymer battery
• Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
• Microsoft Works 9.0

====

Dell.com

Dell is currently running their Earth Day deals with the Inspiron Mini 10 netbook available for $329. The netbook ships in renewable bamboo packaging and features:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Windows 7 Starter
• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 1GB RAM
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• Intel NM10 Express Chipset
• HD audio 2.0
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 56WHr 6 cell Lithium-Ion battery

====

Geeks.com

Computer Geeks has the refurbished Samsung NP-N210 Atom N450-based netbook available now for a low price of $274.99. Specs to the N210 include:

• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Intel NM10 Express Chipset
• 1GB RAM
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• Intel GMA3150 graphics
• SRS 3D Surround Sound
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
• 3 in 1 media card reader
• Built-in webcam and microphone
• 10.1 inch LED backlit LCD display
• 6 cell lithium ion battery
• 6 cell lithium-ion battery

Next up is the refurbished Gateway EC1440u 11.6 inch netbook available at Geeks.com for a low price of $359.99. Specs are as follows:

• Intel Celeron M ULV 743 1.3 GHz processor
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset
• 2GB RAM
• 250GB 5400RPM HDD
• Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
• Dolby Sound Room
• 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• Built-in webcam and microphone
• Multi-in-one card reader
• 11.6 inch LED backlit display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• 6 cell lithium ion battery
• 6 cell lithium ion battery

Not quite a thin-and-light but close enough in our eyes is the refurbished Toshiba U505-S2002 notebook available now at Geeks.com for a low price of $589.99. Specs include:

• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit OS
• 6 cell battery
• Intel Pentium dual-core T4400 processor clocked at 2.2 GHz
• 4GB RAM
• 500GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• DVD burner
• Intel GMA 4500M graphics
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-FI
• Built-in webcam and microphone
• 13.3 inch widescreen display with 1280 x 800 resolution
• 6 cell lithium ion battery

HP and Vivienne Tam introduced the latest Vivienne Tam-branded netbook last week, the HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition, at New York Fashion Week.

The new netbook combine’s Tam’s “Butterfly Lovers” design with HP’s Mini 210 netbook technology resulting in a system that’s less than 1 inch thin and weighs around 2.7 pounds. According to HP, “the netbook design is inspired by the classic Chinese love story, “Butterfly Lovers,” a beautiful tale of freedom, romance and inspiration. “

HP also partnered with Beats by Dr. Dre to deliver high-end audio software through headphones or external speakers.

Features include:

• Butterfly Lovers desktop theme including animated butterfly start menu, custom Vivienne Tam icons and three wallpapers
• HP QuickWeb instant-on browsing with quick access to social networks, Skype, email, and other online-content
• Matching microfiber suede sleeve
• Optional Butterfly Lovers wireless mouse and Monster-branded in-ear headphones

Specs include:

• 10.1 inch BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display
• Intel Atom N450 processor
• 2GB of memory with 1 SO-DIMM slot
• 93% full-size keyboard
• Up to 320GB hard drive
• Built-in webcam
• Gold 3-cell (3.0 Ahr) battery provides up to 5.5 hours of battery life or black 6 cell (sold separately) for up to 11 hours of battery life

The HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition should be available starting on March 19th with a starting price of $599. The matching Butterfly Lovers themed HP Wireless Mouse will be priced at $39.99.

[Check it out]

HP announces several new enterprise/small-business class notebooks today including the new HP EliteBook 2540p. The system is the lightest EliteBook notebook yet with a weight of 3.3 pounds. Specs include:

• Choose between standard-voltage Intel Core processors or low-voltage processors
• 12.1  inch LED display
• Optional 2 megapixel webcam with business card reader software and HP fingerprint sensor
• Supports up to 8GB of RAM
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard with drains which protect the system from minor spills
• Magnesium alloy casing
• Integrated HP Mobile Broadband powered by Gobi
• Several battery options including 3 cell battery for up to 4 hours of power, 6 cell battery for up to 8 hours of power, and a 9 cell battery for up to 10.5 hours of power
• Meets MIL-STD 810G military-standard tests for vibration, dust, humidity, altitude, and high/low temps
• Comes with HP SkyRoom HD video conferencing software

Pricing for the new EliteBook 2540p starts at $1099 with units expected next month. Read about the other business-class notebook additions at Krunker.com.

Yes, we’ve got our hands on a new netbook, and it’s none other than the HP Mini 210 (specifically the Mini 210-1095NR) in Sonoma Red. This netbook features:

• 10.1 inch WSVGA anti-glare widescreen display
• 160GB 5400RPM HDD
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi
• 6 cell Lithium-Ion battery
• Intel Graphcis Media Accelerator 3150
• 5 in 1 media card reader
• Intel Atom N450 processor clocked at 1.66GHz
• Windows 7 Starter 32 bit edition
• Built-in webcam

Stay tuned for our review but do not it’ll take some time because we do like to use the netbook for a bit to get a good feel for the system. In the meantime, check out the unboxing pictures in all its glorious detail.

HP formally announced their new Pine Trail netbooks today known as the HP Mini 5102, HP Mini 210, and HP Mini 2102. The new HP Mini 5102 is available in two versions – a standard version and a touch-screen enabled version (we previously reported the touch-screen version to be with the Mini 210 which is incorrect).

HP Mini 5102:

Features of the 5102 include:

• Lightweight anodized aluminum display enclosure with a choice of black, red, or blue brushed finishes
• Optional handle
• 95 percent full-sized QWERTY keyboard
• HP Face Recognition for Protect tools facilitates quick logging into Windows and other websites
• 2 megapixel webcam
• Intel Atom N450 processor
• Optional mobile broadband support
• 10.1 inch LED display in either WSVGA or HD resolutions
• Optional Broadcom HD video decoder which can handle 720 and 1080 pixel HD video content
• 4 or 6 cell battery options with the 6 cell delivering 10 hours of power

The touch-screen version allows users to use their fingers to perform multi-touch gestures, finger taps, and swipes across the screen.

The HP Mini 5102 is expected this month with a starting price of $399.

HP Mini 210/HP Mini 2102:

Features include:

• 10.1 inch standard or optional Brightview Infinity HD LED widescreen display
• 92 percent island-style keyboard
• Mini 210 is available in Black Crystal, Silver Crystal, Pacific Blue or Sonoma Red HP Imprint finishes
• Mini 2102 available in black
• Measures less than 1 inch thin
• Weight of 2.69 pounds
• New software including HP CloudDrive, HP MediaStream, HP QuickSync, and HP QuickWeb
• Optional Broadcom Crystal HD Enhanced Video Accelerator for viewing HD content
• Optional GPS software
• Up to 1GB of RAM
• Up to 320GB of HDD storage
• Intel Atom N450 processor

The HP Mini 210 will be available starting on Thursday with a starting price of $299. The HP Mini 2102 will also be available tomorrow with a starting price of $329.