Well time sure flies by quickly, a couple of days ago we hit the two year mark. Time sure flies by when you have a lot of work to do. So much so that I actually forgot to post about the second year anniversary of Netbook Updates. To make up for that though, we will celebrate with another contest sometime in August or September. I would like to thank all our readers and fellow bloggers for making this day possible and keep us running strong after two years. Thank you everyone for making this all possible!!! |  |
Site Update | Belated 2 Year Anniversary
Submitted by shc-boomer on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 23:32Toshiba Folio 100 Tablet Debuts – IFA 2010
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:12| As expected Toshiba’s Folio 100 tablet has made it’s debut at IFA 2010. This is basically the tablet version of the AC100 smartbook with the same Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and similar specs – Android 2.1 / 2.2, 10.1? 1024 x 600 display, 16GB memory, n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, HDMI, USB, mini-USB, SD card reader, 7 hour battery and a 1.3MP webcam. The tablet has a thickness of 14mm and weighs 760g.
On the software side, we’ve got the same Opera Mobile on board as seen on the AC100 and most likely the same office suite. The new feature is a service called Toshiba Places, where you can download music and video content. We’ll see more of this tablet later at this event. News Source: Netbook News |
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Archos 101 Android 2.2 Tablet is 10.1? for only $299
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:12| The Archos 101 is a 10.1 inch model is the largest of the bunch with 1024 x 600 resolution with a capacitive touchscreen display. It has a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU, support for 3D OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics and 720p HD video playback. It del weighs less than a pound and is less than half an inch thick.
The Archos 101 will be available with 8GB to 16GB of internal storage space. It also has 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with VGA & HDMI ports. It’s expected to sell for about $299 in October. News Source: Netbook News |
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ASUS Eee PC 1215N Now Shipping In The US $499
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:11| Update: The ASUS Eee PC 1215N is up at Amazon.com as well but both black and silver models are out of stock.
Earlier this week we saw the ASUS Eee PC 1215N 12-inch ION 2 powerhouse netbook making the review rounds in the US but no one mentioned a release date, and no stores have it in stock except one – ExcaliberPC. Turns out, they now have the 1215N in stock, both in black and silver, priced at $499 with free shipping. The specs listed – 12.1? 1366 x 768 display, Intel Atom D525 processor (1.8GHz, dual core), Nvidia ION 2 graphics, Nvidia Optimus, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB HDD, 0.3M webcam, 802.11n Wi-Fi, 6-cell 6 hour battery and Windows 7 Home Premium. News Source: Netbook News |
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ASUS Lamborghini VX6 Up For Pre-order $699, Has Bluetooth 3.0, USB 3.0, SDXC Support?
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:11| Now with the ASUS Eee PC 1215N selling in the US, it’s time for the high end equivalent – the ASUS Lamborghini VX6 – to make an appearance and it certainly has. It’s up for pre-order at the same place the 1215N is selling, ExcaliberPC.com. Sadly no word of a release date.
Both a black and white model are up for pre-order, priced at $699. For a machine that is basically a 1215N with a different chassis, this is expensive! $200 more than the 1215N although this model does have USB 3.0, Bluetooth 3.0, a better 1.3MP webcam, Bang & Olufsen speakers and a card reader that supports the new SDXC standard. Worth it? Let’s take a look at the listed specs – 12.1? 1366 x 768 display, Intel Atom D525 (1.8GHz) processor, Nvidia ION 2 graphics, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB HDD, 1.3MP webcam, 2x USB 3.0 ports, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, HDMI, SDXC card reader, 6 hour 6-cell battery, and Windows 7 Home Premium. News Source: Netbook News |
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Camangi unveils two new Android tablets
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:11| Camangi’s first go at an Android tablet was less than spectacular — then again, the same can be said of quite a few of the Android tablets currently available for purchase. We seem to be heading into a period of re-birth for Android tablets, however, and OEMs seem determined to get things right this time around.
And that includes Camangi. The company has announced two new Android tablets, both running Android 2.2 Froyo. First up is the FM600, which (you guessed it) sports a 600MHz Qualcomm processor. Not exactly blazing fast by today’s standards, but it should still perform reasonably well and allow Camangi to keep the sticker price on the FM600 fairly low. Better yet, the new model sports a capacitive touchscreen and a 7?, 800×480 pixel display. It will also include 512MB RAM and ROM, 802.11b/g wireless, bluetooth, 3 megapixel rear-facing and VGA front-facing cameras, and a 3240mAh battery. On a somewhat more surprising note, the FM600 also includes an accelerometer, compass, SIM card slot, and pre-installed Google goodness (Android Market and all the Google apps). Next is the Camangi II. Details aren’t as plentiful on this model yet, but Carrypad reports that it will feature a 1GHz Samsung CPU… Now that’s more like it, Camangi! News Source: Liliputing |
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AMD’s next-gen Ontario chips previewed
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:10| AMD isn’t expected to ship chips based on its new Ontario platform until later this year, and you likely won’t be able to buy laptops with the processors until early 2011. But the folks at InsideHW got a chance to check out an Ontario test platform at the IFA show in Berlin this week.
Ontario is the next-generation low power platform that AMD is developing for netbooks and other thin and light notebooks. Like most other AMD chipsets, the Ontario chip had no problem handling 1080p HD video playback. It can also handle DirectX 11. AMD says several major PC makers are already testing Ontario, which means we could see new systems based around the chip very early next year — perhaps in time for CES in January? Of course, while we’re waiting for Bobcat, there are plenty of mini-laptops based on AMD’s Nile platform available for purchase, including the Acer Aspire 521 and 721 and the Dell Inspiron M101z which I reviewed recently. I’ve been pretty impressed with the overall performance and battery life of these units. News Source: Liliputing |
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Samsng unveils Galaxy Player 50 Android handheld + 3 other media players
Submitted by shc-boomer on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:10| While Apple’s brand new iPod touch has specs that are pretty hard to beat (960 x 640 pixel display, 2 cameras, HD video recording, and so forth), it looks like Apple’s little device is starting to get some serious competition. While the iPod line started out as portable media devices, they’ve transformed into portable computing devices for surfing the web, playing games, running all sorts of apps, and oh yeah, watching videos and listening to music.
This week Archos launched a new line of Android-powered devices, including 3 handheld media players which undercut the iPod touch on price, ranging from $99 to $199. The Archos 28, Archos 32, and Archos 43 can also handle a range of media formats not supported by Apple iDevices, including WMV, DivX, Xvid, and MKV. Now Samsung has rolled out a new line of portable media players, including the Samsung Galaxy Player 50 which runs Google Android 2.1. The Galaxy Player 50 has a 3.2 inch display and can handle DivX, H.264 and other media formats. Engadget got a chance to check out the Samsung Galaxy Player 50, and report that it has a multitouch display, and comes with either 8Gb or 16GB of storage space and supports 802.11b/g/n WiFi. It also has a 2MP camera. The thing that surprised me the most was that the demo unit appeared to have the Android Market and other Google apps including Google Maps Navigation and Gmail. Those features are usually reserved for smartphones, and it’s not entirely clear what kind of deal Samsung must have struck to get them on the Galaxy Player 50. The Archos tablets, for instance, use the third party AppsLib market, which has about 5,000 apps available for download instead of the close to 100,000 apps available from the full Android Market. On the other hand, it’s always possible that the finished product won’t actually ship with access to the Android Market… but Samsung isn’t the kind of company that usually teases us with features that will later be removed. News Source: Liliputing |
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ARM Busts Out 28nm Cortex-A9 Processor, Reaches 2.5GHz
Submitted by shc-boomer on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 06:15| While we’re just breaking the 1GHz barrier on current Smartphones and to-be announced tablets we’re given a peak into the future of one particular ARM branch. GlobalFoundries, with AMD’s help, has busted out a 28nm Cortex-A9 processor with performance clocking in from 2GHz and reaching speedy heights of 2.5GHz and maybe even 2.8GHz with a “voltage overdrive”.
There’s word on production in Q4 this year but no word on when we’ll actually see these chips being used. Beyond that, GlobalFoundries detailed their roadmap for future processors with 20nm technology on the horizon and will be available to customers in 2013. News Source: Netbook News |
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7-Inch Korean Identity Tab Tablet May Arrive in Europe and US
Submitted by shc-boomer on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 06:14| Remember the Galaxy Tab wannabe Identity Tab 7-inch Android tablet announced a couple of days ago? The one looking like the Galaxy Tab with similar specs – a 1GHz snapdragon processor, Android version unknown), 8GB memory, HDMI, GPS, Accelerometer, TV Tuner and a 3.0MP webcam.
There’s a chance it may see a release in Europe and the US according to Korean based Enspert but we don’t know when it’ll actually arrive and next year would probably be too late especially with the Galaxy Tab arriving soon. There’s word on a $250 price though I am not sure that is on a contract or not. One turn-off mentioned in the source is that the 7-inch display has a resistive touchscreen which would certain match that price if not subsidized. News Source: Netbook News |
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Meet the Acer Aspire One Happy
Submitted by shc-boomer on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 06:14| Nobody knows how to name a netbook quite like Acer. If the Aspire One series monikers of of AOD150, AOD250, AOD255, AOD521, and so on aren’t your cup of tea, no problem. Macles reports that the company’s latest netbook is called the Acer Aspire One Happy.
Seriously. Anyway, it looks like the Happy is basically a rebranded Aspire One D255 with a few new bright color options. The keyboard and display bezel are white, while the lid and palm rest area will be covered in bright colors, including the green version you can see above. You can find a few more images at Macles. Like the Aspire One D255, the Happy will have a 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550 dual core processor, 1GB of memory and run Windows 7 Starter Edition. News Source: Liliputing |
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Samsung releases launch details for NF series netbooks
Submitted by shc-boomer on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 06:14| This morning Samsung introduced three new netbooks, the NF110, NF210, and NF310. Now we have more photos and detailed specs for some of these models, as well as pricing. I’ll have more details tomorrow after I get a chance to check out the laptops in person.
The Samsung NF310 is the top of the line unit with a 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550 CPU and a 10.1 inch, 1366 x 768 pixel display. It runs Windows 7 Starter Edition and should cost about $399 when it goes on sale this Fall. But it looks like the Samsung NF210 is the company’s new flagship model. Samsung sent me 16 high resolution images and more specifications than you can shake a stick at. This laptop features a new design which is thicker in back than front — but which features sort of a wavy look unlike all the triangular netbooks that came before it. This model will have a single core processor and a 1024 x 600 pixel display, which kind of makes me wonder why it’s only $20 less than the NF310. The Samsung NF210 has a starting price of $379. The Samsung NF110 is the budget model, but unfortunately it won’t be available in the US and I don’t have any details on pricing or specs for Europe. You can check out the complete specs and more photos after the break. * CPU: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 News Source: Liliputing |
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Samsung launches Galaxy Tab Android tablet
Submitted by shc-boomer on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 06:14| The long-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Tab is now official. Samsung unveiled the 7 inch Android tablet at a press conference in Berlin today. There’s still no official word on pricing, but we do know that it will start shipping in Europe in September, with Korean, US, and other Asian ship dates set to follow. Some sites are reporting that the tablet will run a whopping 799 Euros, but I suspect this is the unsubsidized price. The Galaxy Tab will likely be much cheaper if you purchase it from a wireless carrier along with a service contract.
We also finally got some detailed specs. The tablet will be able to make voice calls and send text messages. Essentially it’s an oversized phone, which Samsung is positioning as a tablet that can take on both the Apple iPad and the iPhone 4. Thanks to the integrated phone capabilities, the tablet has full access to the Android Market. The Galaxy Tab also has Samsung’s content market, called the Samsung Readers Hub for eBookks, magazines, and newspapers. Here are some more specs: * Display: 7 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel capacitive touchscreen The tablet can also handle Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and comes preloaded with the Swype keyboard and Samsung’s TouchWiz 3.0 user interface. ThinkFree Office is also included for viewing, creating, and editing office documents. You can check out more photos below, as well as several hands-on videos courtesy of Samsung, Engadget, Android Central, and Android.HDBlog. Vodafone has announced plans to sell the Galaxy Tab in Europe starting in October. News Source: Liliputing |
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5 New Android Tablets From Archos
Submitted by shc-boomer on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:12| Looks like Archos is taking their experience with the very interesting Archos 5 and pouring it into 5 new Android Tablets. None of these tablets are going to have access to Marketplace but will support multiple video formats and have an accelerometer. So lets get into the good and break down each tablet.
Archos 101 This 10.1 inch model is the largest of the bunch with 1024 x 600 resolution with a capacitive touchscreen display. It has a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU, support for 3D OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics and 720p HD video playback. It del weighs less than a pound and is less than half an inch thick. The Archos 101 will be available with 8GB to 16GB of internal storage space. It also has 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with VGA & HDMI ports. It’s expected to sell for about $300 in October. Archos 70 This 7 inch model reminds us of the Archos 7 Home Tablet but the new model features the same 1GHz CPU as the 10 inch model. It also has USB and HDMI ports and a front-facing camera. The Archos 70 has a 7 inch, 800 x 480 pixel capacitive touchscreen display, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1. This model will be availble either with 8GB of flash storage or a 250GB hard drive. It will sell for $275 in also in October. Additional models are listed after the break. News Source: Netbook News |
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BenQ Shows Off nReader R100 – 10.1 Android Tablet
Submitted by shc-boomer on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:11| During a presentation from BenQ today detailing how they are going to dominate Asia, an interesting Android tablet called the nReader R100 made it on display.
The nReader has a 10.1? 1024 x 600 display, Android 2.0 currently (will ship with 2.2 though) with a tweaked interface, SDXC compatible card slot, Wi-Fi, 3G, USB, mini-USB, HDMI (supports up to 720p) with a 12 hour battery that charges to 85% after 2 hours. Weighs 700g with a 14.4mm thickness. Sounds good but wait until you hear that it is loaded with a resistive touch panel (okay some people will like to use a stylus) and doesn’t support multi-touch. It will focus on providing content and will be looked to book stores in Taiwan and China. The tablet will go into mass production in November with an expected release in Q1 next year, first in Taiwan, China, Japan and more countries after that. Price for the Wi-Fi model was quoted to be around 1/8 of the price of the iPad, so perhaps a couple of hundred bucks? News Source: Netbook News |
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Augen is prepping next-gen tablets
Submitted by shc-boomer on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:11| Disappointed that the $150 Kmart tablet turned out to be just barely usable? Don’t worry, the folks behind the Augen GenTouch78 are working on a next-gen model that should address at least some users’ complaints.
The company says it’s working on a new Augen GenTouch Espresso line of tablets which will feature 7 to 10 inch capacitive multitouch displays. The new tablets should be ready for introduction at CES in January. The GenTouch78 is a 7 inch tablet with a resistive touchscreen display. You have to press the screen pretty hard to get it to notice you, and out of the box the screen isn’t very accurate either. Fortunately Augen issued a software update that lets you calibrate the display. But a capacitive multitouch model sounds like a much nicer option. Unfortunately there’s no information about the processor, price, or availability of third party apps for the new GenTouch Espresso line of tablets. But the reason Augen created so much buzz in the first place was because the company actually managed to get a low cost Android tablet into a major US retail store at a time when few alternatives were available. I’m not all that confident that Augen’s new devices will be all that exciting in January, with Samsung, Toshiba, and other big companies expected to start launching their own tablets as soon as this week. Engadget snagged a few pictures and some pricing information. Apparently the new models will range from $200 to $400, and unlike the current Augen GenTouch78, they’ll have accelerometers. It looks like the buttons will also be on the front of the tablet this time around. News Source: Liliputing |
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HP Mini 210 netbooks go dual core
Submitted by shc-boomer on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:10| HP is updating its Mini 210 line of netbooks. The biggest change is that you can now pick up this mini-laptop with 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 or 1.83GHz Intel Atom N475 processor, or a 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550 dual core CPU.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg though. HP also gave the netbook a redesign so that a high capacity 6 cell battery ships standard with the new Mini 210. On older models the 6 cell battery was only available as an option, and it stuck out from the back of the netbook. The new HP Mini 210 6 cell battery sits flush with the back of the unit. HP is also offering 5 new colors: charcoal, crimson red, lavender frost, luminose rose, and ocean drive. HP says the new Atom N550 processor boosts performance enough to support 720p HD video playback — although to be honest, I’ve rarely had problems playing 720p video on netbooks with single core Atom processors. The tough part is playing HD Flash video, and for that you’ll probably still want to pick up the HP Mini 210 with the optional Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator. Other options include a higher resolution 1366 x 768 pixel display and integrated GPS with HP Navigator software. The new HP Mini 210 is available starting today for $329.99 and up from hpdirect.com. News Source: Liliputing |
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MSI introduces WindBOX III nettops with Core 2 Duo chips
Submitted by shc-boomer on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:10| Nettops are tiny desktop PCs with low power processors and low price tags. The general idea is that, like a netbook, these machines use less power than bigger machines and are designed to serve the needs of people who don’t necessarily need a supercomputer in their home office, living room, or wherever else you see fit to put the little computer. But I’ve never been 100% sold on the need to shove Intel Atom processors in the little guys, because let’s face it — you kind of expect at least a little more power from a desktop than a netbook.
That’s exactly what the new MSI WindBOX provides: a little more power than a typical nettop. Instead of netbook parts, this tiny desktop computer is choc full of the parts we’d expect to see in an Intel CULV-powere notebook. The WindBOX III has an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and Intel GS45 + ICH9M chipset with GMA 4500 graphics. It can support 1080p HD video playback, DirectX10 graphics, and comes with DVI and HDMI outputs. There are also 6 USB ports, 2 powered COM ports, and two internal mini PCIe slots. The nettop has built-in 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth.The computer supports up to 4GB of RAM. There’s also a VESA mount making it easy to attach the computer to the back of a monitor or TV. The MSI WindBOX III isn’t the first nettop to pack an Intel CULV processor instead of an Atom-based chipset. ViewSonic also offers a model. But the more the merrier. News Source: Liliputing |
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Samsung launches NF series netbooks (NF310, NF210, NF110) with dual core Atom
Submitted by shc-boomer on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 06:09| Samsung is evidently trying to set a new a new standard in mobile computer design with its recently introduced NF series netbooks. Mobile computer designers have reached an impasse, Samsung must have thought, and so, instead of relying on the trusted old ultra-thin netbook design that everyone everywhere seems to be so crazy about, they’ve employed a netbook design that’s thick around the back end and tapers towards the front (where the palm rest is). It may not look like much, but I think it kind of makes a statement. Something along the lines of, “I’m the new hotness.”
All in, there are a total of three NF series netbooks, which according to Samsung, deliver enhanced mobility and eye-catching design. A “powerhouse of practical technology to help you stay connected without compromising on a stylish design,” it says here. The first NF series netbook (pictured above) is the Samsung NF310, which boasts an Intel Atom N550 (Dual Core) processor, DDR3 memory, 1366×768 resolution widescreen display, and Windows 7. It looks like the Samsung NF310 is going to be Samsung’s first netbook carrying Intel’s latest N550 dual core Atom processor under the hood. The second one in the series is the Samsung NF210, a real mobile computing powerhouse according to its listed specs which mention it having up to 14 hours of battery life with its 6 cell 8850mAh battery. Finally, there’s the Samsung NF110, apparently the most affordable model in the new NF series, meant for those who just want to get in on the netbook craze without spending a crazy amount of money for what can be considered as high-end specs. All of the Samsung NF series netbooks will be available first in Europe in October before going global. More information will be available in a future post. News Source: Electronic Pulp |
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Acer’s Next Generation Nettop – Aspire Revo RL100
Submitted by shc-boomer on Tue, 08/31/2010 - 06:13| It’s been a year or two since Acer originally debuted the original Acer Aspire Revo series of nettops but now the company will be showing off their next generation Revo nettop – The Aspire Revo RL100 at IFA starting at the end of this week.
The Aspire Revo RL100 is thinner than the first generation with an almost Playstation inspired design. On the inside is an AMD Athlon II Neo K325 processor (dual core, 1.3GHz), Nvidia ION graphics, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, N Wi-Fi, DVD burner, LAN, 3x USB 2.0, HDMI,S/PDIF and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. The wireless remote control (Revo Pad) looks rather interesting – A square slab with illuminated touch sensitive keys displayed on the surface, a multi-touch trackpad and volume control. It slides back into the nettop chassis when you’re done with it. Benchmarks show a WEI score of 3.9. A Street Fighter 4 benchmark demo squeezes out 21 – 31 FPS at 1280 x 720 resolution. The Aspire Revo RL100 is being released in Asia right now, price unknown, and is just going official in Europe. News Source: Netbook News |
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