NetbookTech

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]

Freescale Semiconductor entered the netbook market last month with the introduction of their new i.MX515 processor and a netbook reference design based on Ubuntu Linux. Today, the company announced several new options for netbooks based on the i.MX515 processor – including three new operating systems and two new 3G connectivity options.  (If you’re not familiar with the i.MX515 processor, make sure to check out the Freescale page on the product.)

On the OS front, Freescale announced the following OSs will support the new i.MX515 processor:

• Google’s Android platform
• Phoenix HyperSpace – easy to use, instant-on OS
• Xandros customized Linux solution

On the 3G front, Freescale announced new collaborations with Wavecom and Option which will deliver 3G solutions optimized for the i.MX515 processor.

Volume production for the i.MX515 device is planned for the second quarter of this year with netbooks expected in time for the 2009 holiday shopping season. Support for the above OSs as well as 3G connectivity is expected to be available with volume production of the i.MX515.

[Check it out]