HP Continues to Create “Enterprise Netbooks”

The big netbook talk this week has been all about the HP 5101, a netbook clearly aimed at the same business and Enterprise users as the HP Mini-note 2140 had been, based on the feature set. Since most netbooks are viewed as purely consumer market creations, that is a bit on an anomaly right off the bat. To please more demanding users in the Enterprise, everything about this unit seems to be a bit above the standard netbook…bigger keyboard, better webcam, larger/faster HDs, Aluminum/Magnesium case.

In addition, the 5101 simply doesn’t look like a typical netbook, very reminiscent of the black no-nonsense styling and razor sharp angles of the business world’s Notebook PC of choice, the IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad. That can’t be accidental

Check out this video from TheStreet to get a closer look at the device, which I feel is going to be one of the top selling netbooks of the summer, and may already be the model to beat for this holiday season.

           

To Hackintosh or not to Hackintosh

In a bold move, Dan Frakes over at MacWorld has decided to see what all the fuss is about, and bought himself a Netbook (A Dell Vostro A90 to be exact, one of the most hackinsoshable of the current Netbook crop) in order to see what running Mac OS X on a device that small would be like. For Frakes, it was clearly and somewhat predictably a mixed bag.

Regarding software he had this to say…

I’m able to use most of my favorite Mac programs on the HackBook, although some apps, such as GarageBand, won’t launch because the laptop’s screen is too small (not that you’d ever want to run GarageBand on the A90). I didn’t test Microsoft Office; in fact, I didn’t even install it, knowing how much memory Office apps use. Apple’s iWork, on the other hand, works just fine. In other words, when I use the HackBook as a netbook—for Web browsing, e-mail, word processing, and other basic tasks—it works well. I’ve been especially impressed by the performance of Safari 4.

He was less pleased with the hardware side of things however, and came to the following conclusion, along with some insights into Apple’s strategy…

On the other hand, a tiny laptop like this isn’t for everyone. In fact, for many people, a netbook—even one running Mac OS X—is an exercise in frustration. It’s just not what most people expect from a "laptop." (This is why I don’t see Apple ever making a netbook in the current sense of the word. Indeed, Apple continues to denigrate the idea of a small, low-cost Mac laptop, specifically citing small screens, cramped keyboards, and poor performance. We’re more likely to see a device closer to an oversized iPod touch.)

I have run Mac OS X on my Gigabyte M912M with some success (though now I restrict it to Vista and XP Dual boot) and I am actively considering buying a second Netbook, maybe an HP 2140, just for hackintoshing. However, it would be as much a mistake for someone to expect a hackinstoshed Netbook to give them the full Apple experience as it would be for them to expect a Netbook running XP to give them the full Windows experience.

Netbooks do what they do extremely well, as Frakes said, light office work, email, net browsing, chatting. If you prefer that sort of machine to run OS X, then have at it, but don’t expect it to become a miniature MacBook…it won’t. You shouldn’t expect at Netbook to replace your main PC full time, no matter what OS you are running on it. Choose the right tool for the task.

Read all of Frakes’ interesting views on the subject HERE

           

The Archos9 the first UMPC with W7

So far The Archos 9 is the first UMPC announced with W7. A complete different picture than when Vista was about to be released. It’s like OEMs are being very cautious this time.

Unlike its predecessors, which are basic touchscreen internet media tablets, the Archos9 is a touch tablet that can run a full computer OS. It also features a built-in webcam, 120GB of memory, full touch support, an external mic, streo speakers, and a toggled-on optical trackpad and an on-screen keyboard, and will be available in Europe this October—around the same time as Windows 7’s release—for €450 ($635).

Via | Gizmodo Australia

           

LonMID M100 MID, a phone with an Intel Atom

Yes, it’s a phone and it’s a MID using an Intel Atom processor. 

The specs haven’t changed since the last time, though some of the ports/interfaces may have. Here’s a quick rundown:

• 800MHz Intel Atom Z500 processor
• 512MB DDR2 RAM (up to 1GB)
• 4GB SSD
• Midinux operating system
• 4.8" primary touchscreen (800 x 480), 2.4" secondary display (320 x 240)
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, 802.11b/g
• Webcam
• I/O: SIM card slot, microSD card slot, USB 2.0, miniUSB, headphone jack, microphone

Since Microsoft pushed the UMPC concept into the market we keep seeing new devices some really smaller some not but one thing is for sure, the market exist and it’s healthy.

Via Pocketeable: LonMID M100 MID phone gets official

           

The term for netbook is not good

According to Microsoft the term netbook is not good. 

Guggenheimer pointed out on June 2 in Taipei during Computex 2009 that since some of the mini-notebooks already feature capabilities more than just purely Internet browsing – which is the main purpose of the netbook – therefore the term netbook should be abandoned.

And I’m fully agree with that, even the term MID which was stamped by Intel initially for devices purely designed just for Internet now is being used to call what was before called UMPC. That’s completely crazy. Why to name them by one of it’s functions when these devices can do more than that? How I would call them? Ultra Small PCs (USPC) perhaps? Small Factor PCs (SFPC)? or just keep calling them UMPC? Probably the best thing to do is to keep using the old term UMPC instead of creating a new one and as result more confusion.

Via:  DigiTimes

           

Better with Windows?

Has Asus given up on being Linux’s vanguard in the consumer marketplace? Back when the Eee 701 was the new hotness it came with Linux , and it was widely considered a sure thing that such netbooks would popularize Linux in the real world. Companies like Asus were seen as Open Source saviors who would heavily promote Linux as a cheaper, less bloated alternative to Windows software for weaker machines.

Guess not.

A new campaign has been started, in which a somewhat amateurish looking website extols the fact that Eee PCs run better with Windows using mostly 701s in the demo video. Of course when this campaign first went public there was an outcry across the Linux blogosphere calling it a hoax…but Asus quickly owned up to it being legit.  However, the site itself appears to be the work of an employee of Arbitron, a PR firm with a history with Microsoft (hence why it looks like something circa 1997), so it is likely Asus didn’t do much connected to the site save for give their permission. No Asus branding or logo appears anywhere except in the video.

Still, if Asus is continuing to defect from the Open Source camp on a large scale and will continue to draw back from putting Linux on netbooks in the factory, could they also be stroking Redmond in advance of the Windows 7 netbook release. I am sure some heavy vendor agitation got MS to lift the “3 Windows Only” spiking of their entry level Win7 release.

Check out the demo video at the site…so what do you think…better with Windows? I am a big MS fanboy by and large, but my Asus Eee 701? Better with Ubuntu NBR, actually.

           

Netbooks are Generic and Live Search makes Gibberish

Liliputing is reporting that the French site Blogeee is reporting that they have seen reports (yeah, blogging is a dirty business) that the trademark battle between Psion and everybody else who has ever touched a semiconductor is over. It appears that Psion has accepted the fact that Netbook has become a generic term and is dropping their claim, but whether that is due to settlement or because Psion’s legal team realized that the court costs for the first round alone would be more then the company is still worth is anybody’s guess.

I admit I was expecting Psion to eventually get paid or get lost from the start and assuming this report is true, I am surprised it took this long. I for one would love to read the transcripts of the negotiation’s between Psion and Intel and their posse.

In an effort to get a little more confirmation for this story, which Liliputing is properly classing as a rumor, I ran the Blogeee post through Microsoft Live Search’s translator functionality, built into IE8…and this is what I got.

Intel and Psion have to agree on the problem that opposed until around to the word "netbook". Psion voluntarily withdraw all its rights and the term deposits and consents to do more oppose to that third parties use in the future the netbook Word. No official confirmation from Psion or Intel in their respective sites for the moment, no idea nor of the negotiations around this sudden friendship between setmarks sent soft words press spaces there are few. For us users netbooks, we finally see manufacturers and merchants stop turning around the pot with their "mini-mobile", their sub-laptops or other "mini-notebook."

Netbook win!

ZUT ALORS!!! “Sent soft words press spaces there are few”??????

OK, so whether Netbooks are generic or not, we do learn one thing for certain in this story..Live Search Translator is merde.

           

Smart Devices Q7 video review

The Smart Q7 is one of the best design I have seen in a MID. And today UMPC Portal has released a review of this device very detailed for those who are thinking to buy in the near future.

I had very well-managed expectations for this sub $200 tablet based on ARM architecture and a Linux operating system from a Chinese company and sold through what we thought was a very strange reseller in China. I’ve unboxed the device and I’m feeling quite pleased. Keep your own expectations in check though because this isn’t a UMPC. Think of it as an internet connected gadget, and you’re on the right track.

           

Adding 3G to a Viliv S5

This mod is for really brave users that really do not care about warranties or anything like that.

..or upgrade with 3G modem but then you need to solder the pci-e connector, antenna cable and use Novatel EU850D with SIM holder.. cut the metal plates and take away the HDD and replace it with half mini zif SSD.

jkkmobile: Modding Viliv S5: 3G and SSD

           

Vliv S5 for $599 @ Dynamism - Hurry only 400…

That’s right, they got another 400 in and are unloading them today. Head over to Dynamism today before it’s too late. This is a nice looking device. James Kendrick over at JKontheRun loves this one.

The Viliv S5 is the hottest mini-PC of the year. BECAUSE it really does what users want from an ultramobile/UMPC: it is small, cheap, is a great PMP or GPS, delivers the full rich web without comprise, features a 6-hour battery, amazing 5-second wake up from standby, Intel Atom 1.33 GHz CPU and 60GB HDD running Windows XP, 4.8″ WSVGA superfine display with on-screen keyboard, rotation, and haptic feedback…all for $599 and including–if ordered during the special–a free second battery, leather carrying case, and car kit ($135 value).

The real deal, it sold out in under two hours on our launch, so we are very happy to be offering one last chance to get the Viliv S5 for $599 with all the accessories.

Source: Gear Diary

           

Toshiba releasing a Netbook

According to Aving USA, Toshiba has released in Korea a mini notebook, are we not calling those netbook any more?

Adopting an isolated keyboard and dual-side LED back lights, the miniB is powered by Intel’s latest Atom N280(1.66GHz) CPU, 1GB DDR2 SDRAM and 160GB HDD. It also supports TruBrite CSV technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Sleep & Charge function and more.

AVING USA - Global News Network

           

LonMID, a new MID

JKK Mobile has posted new pictures and the spec of a new MID with phone capabilities.

NFS-HLJ LonMID M100
4.8 inch 800 x 480 main screen
2.4 inch 320 x 240 secondary screen
800Mhz Intel Atom with 512MB RAM
4GB SSD
Wifi, bluetooth and WWAN ( CDMA1X )
qwerty + numeric keypad
1 × USB 2.0
1 × MiniUSB 2.0
Mic/headphone
MicroSD
Wbcam
153 x 91 x 27mm
MIDinux Linux

jkkmobile: NFS convertible UMPC surfaces as LonMID

           

Smart Q7 Tablet, what color?

UMPCPortal has posted a few pictures of this new MID that will be using Ubuntu and an ARM processor.

At $180, the only real question for gadget fans is, what colour? I’d go for Lime Green just to be disruptive and clash with that brown leather sofa you find in every coffee shop these days.

The price tag of 180 dollars is really good and the design is not bad at all.

           

SmartQ 7: a new MID coming soon

The SmartQ 7 is a interesting Linux MID. The design I have to say that it’s one of the best that I have seen lately.

The SmartQ 7 runs an unspecified Linux distro with specs that include WiFi, a USB-host mode, stereo speakers, and up to 2-days of music off a single charge to its 4500mAh Li-Poly battery. More importantly, there’s a dedicated FN button along the top for instant fun.

Via Engadget.

           

Viliv S5 at Dynamism

I received a note today from the guys at Dynamism letting me know about the availability of the Viliv S5 for pre orders starting April 27th.