Asus' upcoming Eee PC 1025 netbooks have surfaced at the FCC. The Commission's documents do not bring any surprises, however the testing suggests both models, including the 1025C and 1025CE, may be nearing their respective launch dates. The netbooks may be some of the first devices to arrive on the market outfitted with Intel's Cedar Trail processors.
USRobotics, well known for its line of modems and other internet accessories, has started offering accessories for tablets, smartphones and e-readers and netbooks, including two that are specifically for iOS devices -- though most are aimed at general tablet-sized devices to make them compatible with the widest variety of devices. The company offers three models of stands and two Bluetooth keyboards, and plan for other accessories in the future.
AMD has announced that it has updated its C- and E-Series Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) for ultrathin and low-cost notebooks, netbooks, all-in-ones and desktop PCs. The revised Fusion APUs are said to deliver improved graphics performance, enhanced memory, and DisplayPort ++ (dual-mode support for both HDMI and DVI over DisplayPort). Power management is also improved with 12 hours of resting battery life from a single charge, up from 8 hours in previous models.
Samsung has reportedly delayed its launch plans for the NC215S solar netbook, which was initially expected to ship in the first week of July. The device offers a standard set of notebook features, but with a lid that doubles as a solar panel to help charge the battery. Samsung claims the solar charger will provide one hour of runtime for every two hours of sunlight exposure.
Intel is reportedly planning an aggressive pricing strategy for its Cedar Trail CPU lineup. Unnamed sources from netbook makers have told DigiTimes the chips will sell for as low as $42 to $47, which would effectively undercut the current entry price for Atom processors by 30 to 50 percent. Companies are said to be paying between $64 and $86 for the N400- and N500-series offerings.
Media tablets, primarily the iPad, are beginning to have a serious impact on the sale of regular desktop and notebook computers, says research firm IHS iSuppli. The firm reports that global PC shipments amounted to 81.3 million units in Q1 2011, a decline of 0.3 percent from the 81.6 million tallied in Q1 2010. Three out of the top five PC makers recorded distinct shipment declines, with the worst hit being the third-ranked Acer.
Intel has used CeBIT to formally announced its new dual-core Atom N570 processor for netbooks. The new processor is built on a 45nm process and runs at 1.66GHz, slightly faster than the first dual-core Atom for netbooks, the N550. It includes 1MB of L2 cache and supports DDR3 667MHz RAM and has TDP (Thermal Dynamic Profile) of 8.5W. Also supported is Intel’s multi-threading technology for a total of four virtual cores, while it incorporates 176 million transistors.
DisplaySearch, a market research firm focuses on the display supply and solar cell industries, predicts a near doubling of the tablet market in 2011, to 55.7 million units. The company forecasts that the arrival later this year of the first wave of serious contenders to the iPad -- as well as the expected second-generation iPad itself -- will build on the market momentum created by Apple and Google and the strong trend towards mobile devices of all kinds. DisplaySearch expects that by 2014, mobile computing devices (notebooks, netbooks, tablets) will ship over 500 million units, with tablets rising to nearly 35 percent of that total, or 172.4 million units.
Clover Systems has introduced a new netbook, the SunBook, featuring a 1024x600 Pixel Qi display that can be viewed in direct sunlight. In bright ambient lighting without the backlight activated, the Pixel Qi display takes on an appearance similar to that of e-book readers with grayscale electronic-paper displays. When the backlight is used under dim lighting or dark environments, users can then view content in full color.
Dell has expanded its netbook lineup with a new model, the Latitude 2120, which is designed with businesses in mind. The 2120 brings the same 1366x768 multi-touch display option as its predecessor, but with a new configuration that integrates a dual-core Atom processor.
Of Americans planning to buy high-tech electronics during the holidays, most are picking the iPad or some other form of media tablet, says Retrevo. The shopping and review site recently conducted an online survey of over 1,000 people, which it says points to people spending 16 percent more on electronics this holiday period over 2009. After tablets, notebooks were the next most sought-after gadgets in the survey group, followed by non-3D TVs.
CVS is reportedly planning on selling a $100 netbook and $180 e-book reader, both built by Sylvania. As expected, the netbook does not run Windows 7 or XP. The budget device will be powered by Windows CE, according to leaked marketing materials posted on Engadget. Additional hardware specs remain unclear, although the advertisement highlights e-mail, web browsing, social networking and video streaming functionality.
Several analysts have raised their estimates for Apple stock following yesterday's high third-quarter profits. Kaufman's Shaw Wu has increased his price target by a dollar to $350, and FY2010 revenue and EPS forecasts from $60.3 billion and $13.80 to $62.9 billion and $14.25. 2011 predictions are now at $76.3 billion and $16.75, up from $73.1 billion and $16.50.
Asus has formally introduced its Eee 1215N netbook, which will feature slightly better specs than earlier reports had anticipated. The device will be based on Intel's dual-core D525 paired with NVIDIA's current-generation Ion discrete graphicss. Battery life is said to be improved through automatic switching between discrete and integrated graphics.
MeeGo has released v1.0 of its self-titled operating system geared for netbooks. The release works as a stable core foundation that developers can use to begin creating MeeGo applications. The interface presents a variety of information directly on the home screen, such as calendars, tasks, recent files, and real-time social networking updates.
Apple's iPad may be having a significant impact on the netbook market, according to a Retrevo study. The company recently surveyed people who were considering buying an iPad or netbook. Nearly a third of respondents claimed to have bought an iPad after holding off on a netbook purchase after Apple's tablet was announced in January.
MSI has previewed a concept device, the SketchBook, which appears to offer netbook features paired with an integrated pen tablet. Users can create digital drawings using a stylus on a large graphics tablet below the display.
Intel is allegedly set to lift its LCD size restrictions that have prohibited manufacturers from building large netbooks based on Atom CPUs. The company previously placed a cap of 10.2-inches for panels used in Atom devices, in an attempt to avoid cannibalization of the notebook market.
ASUS has released early images of its upcoming netbook, the Eee PC 1218, which has achieved a reddot design award this year. The device is known to feature a brushed aluminum housing and unique port layout similar to Dell's Adamo, while integrating a 12-inch display and sliding cover on the webcam.
Fujitsu on Thursday introduced the MH330 netbook based on Intel's PineTrail platform. The device is geared for mobility, weighing in at 1.1kg and measuring 18.55mm thick at the front and 24.5mm at the back. The 1.66GHz Atom N450 processor is paired with a 250GB hard drive, while Bluetooth 2.1 and 802.11b/g/n also come standard.
Dell's upcoming Alienware M11x netbook has finally received a price tag of $799 for the entry-level model. First introduced earlier this year at CES, the device features graphics components similar to many 15-inch notebooks. The GeForce GT 335M switchable GPU supports 720p playback on the netbook's 11.6-inch display, while HDMI output will enable users to attach an external monitor.
As a "base case," Apple could sell 5 million tablets in the product's first year, generating $2.8 billion in revenue, according to RBC Capital Markets' Mike Abramsky. The analyst's scenario assumes a $600 retail cost, and a 30 percent gross margin; given this, however, the tablet could add 30 cents to EPS, and by extension an extra $5 to $10 per share in valuation. The figures also operate on a vision of a middle-of-the-road product, more than a niche device but not fantastically successful.
ASUS is set to launch several variety of new netbooks, with AMD Athlon Neo-based models arriving next month and several Ion 2-based systems scheduled for the spring, according to a DigiTimes report. The company has already confirmed plans to release an all-in-one, the Eee Top, driven by the Ion 2 chipset, although the recent report is the first indication of an ASUS netbook based on NVIDIA's second-generation mobile platform.
Confirming earlier rumors, MSI at CES unveiled several 3D notebooks, a dual-screen e-book reader concept, and new netbooks. The new G-Series gaming notebooks include the GT640, GT740, GX640 and GX740, with each model integrating discrete graphics cards. The GT-series devices feature Intel's Core i7 processors, while the GX-series notebooks are built on the Core i5 platform.
Samsung's upcoming Pine Trail-equipped N220 netbook temporarily surfaced on the website of a French retailer, although the listing was quickly removed. The netbook integrates a 10.1-inch LCD with 1024x600 resolution, while the internal components are based on Intel's Atom N450 CPU and GMA 3150 graphics. Further specs include 1GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and an integrated webcam.
HP's upcoming Mini 210 netbooks have surfaced ahead of schedule on eCost.com's inventory listing. The devices feature Intel's Pine Trail platform, based on the new Atom N450 CPUs running at 1.66GHz. The 10.1-inch LCDs sit behind a flush glass panel, while an integrated webcam and mic also come standard. HP ships each model with Windows 7 Starter pre-installed.
Mac sales will likely grow 26 percent in 2010, says Caris & Company analyst Robert Cihra. The figure contrasts with the computer market as a whole, which is expected to grow only 16 percent. Macs would thus be moving roughly 1.6 times faster, though during the past three years, Macs have shown an average growth rate 1.8 times higher.
A workaround has been developed to restore Atom processor support in Mac OS X 10.6.2, a Russian hacker claims. The technique relies on a custom version of the Mach kernel, which must be installed using Terminal because of the need to gain root access. Once active, the kernel should support so-called hackintosh netbooks, most likely to use Atom chips.
German computer maker Smartbook AG has continued to threaten companies, including EE Times, that have been using the term "smartbook." The manufacturer recently sought a restraining order against the chip maker Qualcomm. Although Qualcommm and other companies, such as Freescale, use the term smartbook as a generic reference to portable Internet-ready devices that fall between the typical classifications for netbooks and smartphones, Smartbook AG has argued that it owns the sole rights to the trademark.
The Hong Kong-based computer maker ii-View has introduced its latest device, the A2 netbook. Like many similar devices, the A2 is based on Intel's 945 chipset and 1.6GHz Atom CPU. The basic configuration integrates a 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM, along with components for 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.
Nokia showed off some of its latest high-end devices, including the Booklet 3G and the N900, at the San Diego CTIA conference. The Booklet 3G integrates the same 10-inch screen size as a variety of netbooks, although, after handling the device, it is clearly quite different from the competition.
Apple is likely to release new iMacs and MacBooks "in the next several weeks," claims Wedge Partners. In particular the firm's analysts say they envision an iMac with a "thinner, organic design," including "smoothed or rounded edges." Any changes to the MacBook are "likely to be limited," according to the firm. This could be because Apple announced redesigned MacBook Pros as recently as June.
MSI has confirmed the introduction of mobile Core i7 processors with several of its upcoming Windows 7-based notebooks . The company is set to ship 15.4- and 17-inch notebooks based on the Core i7 7200M, Core i7 8200M, and Core i7 920XM CPUs. Along with the high-end notebooks, MSI is also set to release a Wind U150 netbook featuring a touchscreen and Intel's next-generation Pine Trail platform.
At least two netbooks based on NVIDIA's Ion graphics technology are being consciously delayed, according to reports. Lenovo is said to be postponing the Ion version of the IdeaPad S12, waiting until the release of Windows 7 in October. The new OS should make an Ion S12 more attractive than one loaded with Vista, the company says.
LG has introduced its latest netbook, the X130, featuring a standard nine-cell battery claimed to enable runtime of approximately 12 hours. The device sports a 10.1-inch LCD with 1024x600 resolution, while powered by Intel's 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU. Standard configurations ship with 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive.
A variety of smartbooks and netbooks integrating ARM-based Snapdragon and Tegra processors are scheduled to ship later this year, according to a DigiTimes report. The devices are being produced by several companies such as Acer, Foxconn, Pegatron, Compal and Inventec.
Normally known for its monitors in North America, ViewSonic has announced two new netbooks, initially slated for Asia and Europe. The VNB100 uses a 10.2-inch display, capable of resolutions up to 1024x600. Inside is an Atom N270 processor with 1GB of RAM, supplemented by a 160GB hard drive. Other features include Wi-Fi, a memory card reader, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and three USB ports. Unusual is the presence of an ExpressCard 34 slot, typically reserved for full-sized notebooks.
HP on Wednesday introduced several devices geared for businesses, the Mini 5101 netbook and ProBook 4310s notebook, along with new accessories. The Mini 5101 features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, with options for 1024x600 resolution or a 16:9 aspect ratio with 1366x768 resolution. The device is powered by Intel's 1.66GHz Atom N280 CPU and 945GSE chipset, with 1GB of DDR2 RAM which can be expanded to 2GB.
Disney has collaborated with Asus to produce a Disney-branded netbook, known as the Netpal, that focuses on the market for kids aged six to 12. The device is based on the computer maker's Eee PC, with a 8.9-inch display, Wi-Fi connectivity and an Intel Atom processor. Each machine will run on Windows XP, but with a customized interface featuring themes such as Mickey Mouse, Cars, Toy Story and WALL-E, among others.
ASUS is readying a late June shipment for its first 11-inch Eee PC netbook, the 1101HA. Specifically measuring 11.6 inches, the design of the system is otherwise said to closely resemble the 1005HA and 1008HA. Inside is a 1.33GHz Atom processor, paired with 1GB of RAM and a six-cell lithium ion battery. The display supports resolutions up to 1366x768.
Mobinnova has announced the élan, a netbook based on one of NVIDIA's fledgling Tegra processors. The system features an 8.9-inch display, which in combination with the Tegra chip is capable of 720p video as well as accelerated Flash content. 3G and Wi-Fi connections are built in, along with a webcam with unspecified resolution. The exact model of Tegra is also unknown.
Qualcomm on Thursday outlined its vision for mobile computing, specifically an ARM-based series of smartbooks that combine attributes of both smartphones and netbooks, according to GigaOM. The smartbook would be powered by the company's Snapdragon technology, a powerful mobile processor and chipset platform first introduced late in 2007. The devices could integrate cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi, with a small form-factor, displays measuring between 10-12 inches and a full keyboard.
A new version of Acer's Aspire One netbook has emerged, according to reports. Dubbed the 571, the machine is said to be based on the chassis of a D150 or D250, also using most of the same internal specifications. Its 10.1-inch display is said to have been upgraded to support 1280x720, though, in a 16:9 widescreen ratio. Aiding the encoding and decoding of HD and H.264 video is a Quartics coprocessor.
A Verizon version of the iPhone may not arrive for some time, but it remains a strong possibility, according to a pair of key Apple executives. In a meeting with Kaufman Bros. and a group of investors, CFO Peter Oppenheimer and senior Mac manager Tom Boger have explained that Apple is happy with the results in regions with multiple iPhone carriers, such as Australia. Adding Verizon in 2010 would cause a problem, the executives say, because of the carrier's current dependence on CDMA networking.
Taiwanese phone specialist HTC is collaborating with carrier T-Mobile on an Android-based netbook, a TMOToday source claims. Little is known about the computer, except that it should feature built-in 3G reception for T-Mobile's broadband network, and ship sometime before the end of the year. Such a timeframe could suggest a launch no later than early October, timed to coincide with the frequent influx of school computer sales.
There remains little or no interest at Apple in developing a netbook, the company's COO remarks. In response to a question from Barclay analyst Ben Reitzes, asked during the company's Q2 results call, Tim Cook has expressed disappointment with the current state of netbooks. "When I look at what is being sold in the netbook space today, I see cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware, very small screens," says Cook. "And just not a consumer experience and not something that we would put the Mac brand on, quite frankly."
The Japanese division of Sharp has announced the Mebius NJ70A, its newest netbook. While designed in a standard 10.1-inch format, the system is said to be the first netbook in the world with an LCD trackpad. The pad measures a separate four inches, and is equipped with LED backlighting and resolutions scaling up to 854x480. Users can run several apps directly from the screen, such as games and a paint program. It additionally recognizes multi-touch gestures similar to those on the Apple MacBook, such as pinching and expanding fingers to scale content.
Additional information has emerged surrounding Verizon's upcoming netbook offerings. Several leaked images posted on PhoneArena show an HP Mini 115NR with a 1.6 GHz CPU, 10.1-inch screen, 1GB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive. The system will come loaded with Windows XP Home Edition, and users can access the Internet from Wi-Fi or Ethernet in addition to the integrated mobile broadband modem with support for GlobalAccess. The keyboard on the 10.1-inch Mini is closer to the area of a full-size notebook.
People should not expect to find Android on Acer netbooks in the near future, executives from the latter company have stated. While HP is known to be testing Android for netbooks, and ASUS and Dell are rumored to be interested, Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci argues that the software is not yet suited to netbook functions. "Android in my opinion is for communications," says Lanci. "And Windows comes at the market from the computing side. An ideal solution would offer both. So right now we are using Android for our smartphone, and we are testing it on our netbooks. But I think everybody in the industry is testing Android on netbooks."
At the CTIA show in Vegas that kicked off today, MSI is showing off its new Wind U123 netbook along with a pair of new X-series Ultra-Slim notebooks and has released the specs and pricing information for its portable PCs. The new 10.2-inch Wind model is powered by Intel's 1.66GHz Atom N280 CPU and is the first Wind netbook to offer a 3G data network module and a TV Tuner. For security, the netbook will have MSI's EasyFace software that will read a user's facial features via its 1.3-megapixel camera before granting access. Another first in the Wind range is the U123's availability in a range of colors, adding blue and red in addition to white and gray.
