February 16 - 1:20pm EST   PC maker Lenovo is planning to launch a 12-inch netbook powered by the recently released Intel Atom N280 CPU, says a Monday DigiTimes report. Known as the IdeaPad S20, the netbook would violate Intel's restrictions for the use of its Atom chips, which aren't normally allowed for systems with greater than 10-inch screens. Lenovo would have to pay about a $10 premium per chip when purchased in bulk. Despite this, Lenovo is believed to be wagering that its offering of a unique product would help it boost sales and avoid competing in the hotly contested 10-inch market. [full story]

December 15 - 1:15pm EST   Fujitsu recently introduced a number of new notebooks in six new series, with a pair of Atom-powered, 5.6-inch convertible PCs in the LOOX U series as the headliners. At the same time, the computer maker has released details for the 16-inch Biblo NW, the 12.1-inch Biblo LOOX R, 14.1-inch Biblo S, 14.1- and 13.3-inch Biblo MG, and the 15.4- and 15.6-inch Biblo NF. [full story]

October 6 - 4:35pm EDT   The previously announced BenQ S6 mobile Internet device (MID) that launched in Italy will be making its way to other markets soon, as indicated by BenQ’s global product page for the gadget. The device uses an Intel Atom processor running at 800MHz and a 4.8-inch, 800x480 touchscreen for data access that is faster than 3G but not quite up to 4G network speeds. A video user guide has also surfaced, showcasing the device’s Free Surf user interface. [full story]

September 26 - 4:00pm EDT   South Korea‘s LG introduced the Xnote Mini netbook on Friday, claiming that at 2.6lbs, it is the lightest netbook from a South Korean manufacturer. Apart from the distinction, the 10-inch netbook features an Intel Atom processor rated at 1.6GHz, along with a 160GB HDD. RAM should be fixed at 1GB, while Wi-Fi and 3G access will be part of the specs. Previously unveiled as the X110, the netbook is meant to appeal to women who do not want to lug around heavy computers. [full story]