You can now run Chromium OS, the open source developmental version of Google Chrome OS, on your Dell Mini 10v. Don’t have one? Neither do I, so don’t feel too bad.

It make take some time to set up. For one, the download (an image file), as put together by a few of Dell’s Linux guys, weighs in at 7.5GB. Not only will that take a while to download, but you’ll also need a flash drive with at least 8GB of free space on there—another thing I don’t have. You’ll also need access to another Linux-based computer (well, any computer that can run the “dd” command) to get everything up and running.

Beyond that, it does appear to be fairly painless to instal. You download said image file then copy it from the Linux computer using “dd” to the flash drive. You take this flash drive, stick it into you Dell Mini 10, and away you go!

What’s your reward for going through all that? Running Chromium OS, of course. Think of it as Google Chrome OS, but way alpha.

I’m going to file this under the “Why would you bother doing that? Because you can” category.

via Liliputing

Somebody should tell Doug “netbook” Aamoth that Windows 7 seems to be a battery hog. The fine folks at Laptop magazine have put three different netbooks to the test, determining their respective battery life under both Windows XP and Windows 7. Looks like Windows XP is the winner.

The netbooks test include the Toshiba mini NB205, ASUS Eee PC 1008HA, and HP Mini 311. They were all subjected to Laptop’s standardized test, which consist of Web browsing over Wi-Fi. You know, like you do in real life. Any and all “power-saving” features were turned off, so as not to give one netbook an unfair advantage over another.

The winner? It seems Windows XP is more energy efficient than Windows 7, with the older operating system lasting, on average, 47 minutes longer than the new kid on the block.

Of course, now you’d have to give up all the improvements that are present in Windows 7. Then again, you are using a netbook, so you’re already walking in with a loss.

When news of the Litl Webbook broke out on Wednesday, I was pleased to learn that the company is located here in Boston, since there aren’t nearly as many people in this area making actual hardware devices, as opposed to software and web companies.

I got a chance to sit down with CEO John Chuang for a thorough overview of the Webbook, so check out the above video for some information about the design philosophy and user interface behind the $699 transforming internet computer.

As for the machine itself, it’s a 12-inch laptop-style device with a screen that folds over into an “easel mode” for viewing full screen web channels. The screen has a 178-degree viewing angle and there’s a built-in HDMI output for quick connection to TVs.

The computer stores very little actual data on its 2GB flash drive, instead connecting to existing services and web sites. As such, user settings are constantly synched between multiple Litl machines and there’s no need to worry about losing data, viruses, or any of that stuff. Updates are pushed out silently to machines during the night and you can even pre-customize the “web cards” that will appear on your desktop before ordering. Litl owners in different households can send photos and videos directly to each others’ machines as well.

Most existing web sites can be turned into web cards to be viewed in easel mode and to appear with the other cards on the home screen, although the company has also tapped into various services’ APIs already to create custom interfaces (Weather Channel, Photos, etc.). Easel mode can be controlled with a scroll wheel that’s built into the side of the computer or with an optional $19 remote control.

Litl is priced at $699 and includes “a free two-year unconditional ‘satisfaction guaranteed or your money refunded’ warranty.” See the initial coverage and press release here.

Litl [litl.com]

Remember when the first VAIO P came out and everyone was like, “I can’t believe it has Vista! That angers me! I am currently outraged!” – something along those lines? Well now it has Windows 7 and comes in four different models ranging in price from $850 to $1900.

The base model features a 1.33GHz Atom CPU, Windows 7 Home Premium, 2GB of RAM, and an 80GB 4200RPM hard drive for $850. Then there’s a model for $1000 that features a 1.6GHz CPU and 64GB SSD, followed by a $1500 model with a 1.86GHz CPU and 128GB SSD. The top of the line offering features Windows 7 Professional, a 2GHz CPU, and 256GB SSD for $1900.

VAIO P Series Lifestyle Notebooks [Sony via Electronista]

Here’s the “Litl Webbook,” a $699 portable computing device that acts as a laptop and then folds over on itself to act as a digital easel “ideal for passive or ‘lean back’ web activity like enjoying photos, listening to music, or consuming news, weather, and other web content,” according to a recent company press release.

The device uses a patented hinge to bend over backwards and expose the 12-inch screen in easel mode, and that same hinge contains a “scroll wheel for changing web ‘channels’.” Under the hood, there’s apparently a 1.86GHz Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, HDMI output, and 2GB of flash storage. Just about everything is handled in the cloud, including system updates, so this is meant to be a very hands-off device for people looking for a simplified computing experience.

While $699 indeed seems expensive for a device like this, it’s probably not intended for those of us that realize that $699, well, seems expensive for a device like this. The key will be to get this thing out in front of more casual consumers to see if they take to it.

Product Page [Litl.com]

Full press release:

All New Litl Webbook First to Blend the Best of the Web and TV-like Viewing Experience in Easy-to-Use Home Computer

Nov 04, 2009

Boston-Based Start-up Designs Unique Computer for Entire Family to Enjoy Always-On Web Photos, Socializing, and Communication

Boston, Mass – November 4, 2009 – Ready to hit the reset button on personal computing? A new kind of computer company, litl (litl.com), today unveiled its webbook computer and operating system – a completely new and simple way for everyone in the family to enjoy online photos and all the web has to offer. The litl webbook, an Internet computer for the home, blends the engaging content and social interactivity of the web with high-quality TV-like viewing of online photos and other digital content.

Unlike PCs that are complex, hard to maintain and designed primarily for work, the litl webbook was created with a fresh approach that makes enjoying online photos and using the web simple, enjoyable and fun.

“As everything from music and photos to email and social networking moves online, it’s clear that the web is transforming personal computing. And yet, most homes are still using computers and software based on thinking from more than 30 years ago.” explained litl’s founder and CEO John Chuang. “We knew that to really meet the needs of home users – from kids to parents and grandparents – we needed to design an entirely new system that would make the web engaging, entertaining and fun.”

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 69% of Americans online use webmail services, store photos and other data online, or use software programs such as word processing applications whose functionality is located on the web. The web’s convenience and flexibility are driving these users to adopt online services: 51% cited “easy and convenient”, 41% cite “ease of access from any computer”, and 39% cited “ease of sharing information” as major reasons. A third of this group also cited that “their data is better protected from computer failure.”

Uniquely Versatile Design

When not used as a conventional laptop, the litl webbook’s 12” screen and keyboard flip around its patented hinge so the computer can stand upright like an easel. With its screen exposed, the litl webbook is now ideal for passive or “lean back” web activity like enjoying photos, listening to music, or consuming news, weather, and other web content.

The litl was designed to enhance home web use like this with a bright screen featuring a revolutionary 178-degree viewing “cone”. Most traditional computers are designed for a single user, but the litl’s unique screen technology allows a group of people to clearly view the screen at the same time. For an even more social experience, the litl webbook also offers plug-and-play connectivity to large screen, high definition televisions by way of a convenient HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output port.

An innovative hinge-mounted scroll wheel for changing web “channels” and an optional remote control further enhance this TV-like experience.

Enhanced Photo, Facebook, and Web Content Experience

Popular websites, particularly those with RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds, can already be enjoyed in the litl webbook’s new “easel” viewing mode. The litl will also launch with several proprietary channels developed by the team that transform content from Flickr, Shutterfly, and Facebook in new and exciting ways:

• Flickr (flickr.com) and Shutterfly (shutterfly.com) channel to organize online photo collections, conveniently display them, and simplify sharing with loved ones;
• Facebook (facebook.com) channel to visually display social network updates in a fun, engaging mode.

The company has additionally worked with The Weather Channel (weather.com) to develop a channel that visually displays local weather conditions and 5-day forecasts. Technical information for independent developers, potential partners, and others interested in developing custom channels will be announced shortly.

Easy-to-Use Interface

The litl webbook makes it easy to connect and stay in touch with friends and family. Because of its unique design, content from one litl to another is automatically synched, making content available ubiquitously. This feature allows users to instantly access and share content any time, any way, and any place they desire. For example, photos of the grandkids on a litl in one house can be instantly shared with grandma using a litl at her house─even viewed instantly on her TV, without ever sending an email.

In addition, with its specially-designed user interface and browser, the litl webbook is always on, with no need to log in to an operating system or launch a browser. The litl has an interface that is extremely easy to use, eliminating cumbersome menus, folders and icons.

Maintenance-Free

While most computers require administration, upgrades, updates, downloads and backups, the new litl webbook was designed to eliminate maintenance hassles and related expenses. The litl automatically updates itself, patches security gaps, and optimizes its technical performance. With no hard drive, the leading cause of failure in traditional computers, the litl webbook will be exceptionally reliable.

Price and Availability

The litl webbook is available immediately online at litl.com. The price for the litl is $699, with an optional remote control for $19. The litl webbook includes a free two-year unconditional “satisfaction guaranteed or your money refunded” warranty─double the industry standard of one year and significantly more consumer-friendly. Customer support is always available from litl’s friendly customer service team, via email at asklitl@litl.com, Twitter at twitter.com/asklitl, or phone at 800.878.0900.

[via NetbookNews.de (translated)]

The processors range in speed from 1-2GHz and all feature an 800MHz frontside bus.

According to VIA’s press release:

“Based on the 64-bit superscalar ‘Isaiah’ architecture, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors deliver the most compelling thin and light notebook computing experience with their rich HD entertainment capabilities, including support for flawless playback of high bit-rate 1080p HD video, as well as low power consumption resulting in longer battery life.”

The new processors are currently available to system builders and are expected to show up in retail markets in the first quarter of next year, presumably to take on Intel’s upcoming line of PineTrail processors.

Here’s the full press release:

VIA Introduces New VIA Nano 3000 Series Processors

VIA’s fastest and most power efficient processors yet deliver richest mobile and all-in-one desktop computing experience

Taipei, Taiwan, 3 November 2009 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms,　today introduced its new VIA Nano 3000 Series processors, bringing enhanced digital media performance and lower power consumption to Windows 7 thin and light notebook and all-in-one desktop PC markets.

Based on the 64-bit superscalar ‘Isaiah’ architecture, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors deliver the most compelling thin and light notebook computing experience with their rich HD entertainment capabilities, including support for flawless playback of high bit-rate 1080p HD video, as well as low power consumption resulting in longer battery life.

With a host of advanced features including 64-bit support, advanced CPU virtualization technology, SSE4 for enhanced multimedia processing, and the industry-leading encryption and security capabilities integrated in the VIA PadLock™ Security Engine, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors also provide a secure, high-performance solution for emerging cloud-based computing environments.

“With the VIA Nano 3000 Series, we are launching our fastest and most power-efficient processors yet,” commented Richard Brown, VP International Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “Coupled with our market-leading digital media chipsets, they enable the richest experience across a broad range of mobile and all-in-one system designs.”

VIA Nano 3000 Series
VIA Nano 3000 Series processors are built on the successful 64-bit, superscalar architecture that powers the VIA Nano 1000 Series and 2000 Series processors, which have been adopted by leading OEMs worldwide for a growing number of market-leading mini-note, small form factor desktop, and energy-efficient server designs.

Available at speeds from 1.0GHz to 2.0GHz, VIA Nano 3000 Series processors deliver up to 20% higher performance using up to 20% less power than current VIA Nano processors and boast a number of new features including support for the SSE4 multimedia instruction set and VIA VT virtualization technology.

Fully compatible with all Microsoft operating systems, including the new Windows 7, as well as all popular Linux distributions, the VIA Nano 3000 Series processors use the NanoBGA2 package, making them pin-to-pin compatible with VIA Nano 1000 Series, VIA Nano 2000 Series, VIA C7, VIA C7-M and VIA Eden processors for easy upgrades of existing designs.

VIA Nano 3000 Series Availability
VIA Nano 3000 Series processor samples are currently available for OEMs and motherboard vendors, and will enter mass production in Q1 2010.

This is still a rumor at this point, but Phone Arena is reporting that Verizon may soon be offering Sony’s 8-inch “not-a-netbook” VAIO P for $300 with a two-year data contract.

The model in question would apparently feature an 8-inch 1600×768 screen, Windows 7 Home Premium, 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, and a mobile data chipset capable of working all over the world. There’s no release date yet, and I wasn’t personally able to load up the product info on the Verizon page that Phone Arena links to but the site points out that Verizon may have more info this Thursday at a planned holiday line-up event in New York.

There’s also loose talk of a $100 mail-in rebate but it’s not clear whether that’d make the price $300 or if it’d be $300 out the door plus a $100 mail-in rebate. Given the VAIO P’s relatively high price tag, though, I’d plan on $300 and hope to be pleasantly surprised.

This is still a rumor, though. More info as we get it.

Sony VAIO P Series Netbook coming to Verizon [Phone Arena]

It looks like MSI is getting set to launch a 12-inch Windows 7 netbook from its U200 series. You’ll recall that the company released the Vista-based U210 back in mid-September, and this new one, the U230, appears to be very similar with the exception of the newer operating system and a bumped ATI Radeon GPU.

Let’s run down the specs for good measure:

• AMD Neo X2 MV40 CPU at 1.6GHz
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• AMD Radeon HD3200
• Up to 4GB of RAM
• 12.1-inch LCD at 1366×768
• 160GB/250GB/320GB hard drive options
• 1.3-megapixel webcam
• Card reader, Ethernet, b/g/n Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth
• VGA and HDMI output
• Three- or six-cell battery options
• Weighs 2.86 pounds with three-cell battery
• Up to four hours battery life (with three-cell battery)

No word on pricing or availability yet, but the Vista-based U210 model carries an MSRP of $429.99 so it’s likely that the U230 would settle in close to that number – maybe $449.99 or so. It’d also stand to reason that the machine would go on sale in the near future, what with all the recent Windows 7 hoopla still fresh in everyone’s minds.

Wind12 U230 [MSI Global via The Link]

Come on, you’re making good money now right? When’s the last time you bought something nice for yourself? Think of this as an investment! With the portability that this netbook provides, you’ll finally be able to start up that emu farm that you’ve always been talking about.

Just picture it: you’re outside feeding your emus and an order comes in from the new e-emu-sales.net web site you designed with your 11.6-inch netbook and you can fulfill the order while balancing the computer atop a wooden fence post. Then the guy who ordered the emu from you tells two friends about your emu web site, then they tell two friends, then they tell two friends.

Boom. All of a sudden, you’re the emu king of the upper Midwest.

Anyhoo, Woot.com is selling the refurbished Acer Aspire One 751h (see review here) for $250 with a 90-day Acer warranty. That’s about $50 less than a brand new model.

Features include:

• Intel Atom Z520 CPU at 1.33GHz
• 11.6-inch display at 1366×768
• Windows XP Home
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB hard drive
• Three-cell battery good for up to four hours
• Weighs 2.8 pounds

Acer Aspire One 11.6-inch Netbook [Woot.com]

I actually like this idea. Kohjinsha recently showed off its dual-display 10-inch netbook, which runs Windows 7 atop an AMD Athlon NeoMV-40 CPU at 1.6GHz. The machine can be used as a netbook with a standard 10-inch display (it’s a swivel, screen) or a second 10-inch display can be slid out from behind the first to be used together for double the desktop real estate.

There’s no firm release date or pricing, except to say that the company wants to launch the product by the end of the year with a target price of less than 100,000 Yen. That’s around $1100 US, which is far more than most people would be willing to pay for a netbook – two screens or not – but the idea’s there. We likely won’t see it here anyway, although certain Kohjinsha products can usually be ordered through various online import shops.

[via NetbookNews.de (translated)]

Rumors are abound that Nokia may be looking to release a new version of its Booklet 3G netbook sometime next year.

I use the term “rumors” loosely as the basic idea seems to be that Compal Electronics, the company that manufactures the current Booklet 3G, is “working overtime to satisfy demand,” according to DigiTimes and, therefore, “market rumors are circulating that Nokia will take advantage of its current netbook momentum by releasing a new version in 2010.”

Yes, that does indeed sound plausible — why not? A computer product released in 2009 that sells well would probably see some sort of update in 2010. And as chipsets get smaller and faster, it’d be silly for Nokia to just sit on a single Booklet offering.

Now information about when a new model would be released might be more helpful. If Nokia’s going to push one out on January 1st or something, it might be a good idea to hold off on buying the current Booklet 3G. From the sounds of it, though, it doesn’t seem like we’re anywhere close to a situation like that:

“Compal is expected to have a good chance of landing the orders, according to the report. However, no special insight was provided as to why Compal will receive the orders except for the fact that the Taiwan-based notebook maker is currently Nokia’s netbook manufacturing partner.”

So take this news with a grain of salt. If the current Booklet 3G is successful, though, it’d be odd if Nokia didn’t update the line sometime next year.

[DigiTimes]

I know everybody is excited to start their weekend but the bell doesn’t dismiss you, I dismiss you. So before you go, I’m gonna tell you about this new 3.5-pound Acer Timeline ultraportable that just came out yesterday.

First, the keyboard is gorgeous. It’s like looking at a pretty girl but not the kind of girl that’s too good for you, but more the girl who shows up at your party, does a keg stand, and then asks “Who wants to play Madden?” Pretty but accessible, is what I’m saying. It looks nice, but perhaps more importantly it’s easy to type on.

Second, it’s a good deal (I bought it on Amazon for $600). You get a 3.5-pound frame, a 1.3GHz Intel SU4100 CPU, 3GB of DDR3 RAM, 320GB SATA hard drive, Windows 7 Home Premium, and a six-cell battery which Acer claims is good for up to 8 hours.

Thirdly, thusly, and finally, please check out the above video for a quick hands on. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to review this computer because it’s a gift for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday. I’d like to make it clear that I didn’t spend all $600 of my own money on the computer. I don’t want to get any aspiring bloggers’ hopes up about making enough money to throw down $600 on a birthday present for your mother-in-law. You’ll need to split $600 presents multiple ways for your entire life. But you do get to play with toys a lot.

Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810TZ-4925 [Amazon]

ViewSonic dove headfirst into the ultraportable notebook game yesterday, with the announcement of the “ViewBook” line of 12-, 13-, and 14-inch low voltage machines.

The 13.3-inch ViewBook 130 (pictured above) looks to compete directly with Acer’s 3810-model Timeline offerings, while the 12-inch ViewBook 120 (video below) bears a striking physical resemblance to the Lenovo S12 series.

The ViewBook line was announced in Taiwan but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that we would eventually see these machines in the U.S., since ViewSonic products are already represented reasonably well here.

The ViewBook 130 will be available in three different configurations ranging from $24,900 to $31,900 New Taiwan dollars, which is roughly $767 to $983 U.S. dollars. That’s not to say that we’d see those actual prices stateside — I’d guess they’d be lower than that in order to stay competitive, perhaps between $650 and $900 or so.

Specs for the ViewBook 130 line include:

• Intel ULV743 CPU at 1.3GHz, SU4100 at 1.3GHz, or SU7300 at 1.3GHz
• 13.3-inch screen with 1366×768 resolution
• 2GB of RAM
• 320GB hard drive
• HDMI/VGA output
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Six-cell battery good for up to 8 hours

The ViewBook 120:

• Intel SU2300 CPU at 1.3GHz
• 2GB of RAM
• 250GB hard drive
• VGA out, three USB ports
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Six-cell battery good for up to 8 hours

Pricing for the ViewBook 120 is pegged at around $22,000 New Taiwan Dollars, which is about $678 here. Again, though, that’s not to say that it’d be priced at $678 through U.S. retailers.

Not much info on the 14-inch ViewBook 140, although my guess is that it’s likely similar to the ViewBook 130 from a features standpoint.

[via NetbookNews.de (translated)]

Can you believe it? Acer has yet another 11.6-inch ultraportable notebook on the way. Notice I didn’t say netbook, since this one technically has a low-voltage Intel Celeron SU2300 processor running at 1.2GHz.

Features include the aforementioned processor, an 11.6-inch screen at 1366×768, Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel GMA 4500MHD, 2GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, card reader, a/b/g/n wireless, webcam, multi-touch trackpad, three USB ports, HDMI out, 3.08 body weight, and a six-cell battery good for up to six hours before needing to be recharged.

Various configurations will be available “at leading retailers this holiday season” with a starting MSRP of $400 – no word on a firm launch date yet, however.

Here’s the full press release:

New Acer AS1410 Series Brings Style and Affordability to Ultraportable Computing

11.6-inch Notebook Lightens the Load for Mobile Users Who Want to Enjoy Social Networking, Video and Productivity Applications on the Go; Available for Just $399

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bringing affordability to the ultraportable notebook platform, Acer America today announced the new Acer Aspire AS1410 Series. These new notebooks integrate enough power for enjoying digital entertainment in a very sleek, stylish design for just $399.

“With the rising popularity of social networking, consumers are more connected than ever to the online world,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “When it comes to selecting a notebook, they’re increasingly concerned with size, weight and style. The AS1410 Series is small enough to be carried in a backpack or even a large purse but with enough power for spreadsheets and presentations. Aggressively priced, the AS1410 is an affordable mobile solution for checking Twitter updates, viewing YouTube videos and handling productivity applications on a plane, at school or a coffee house. Those in the market for a netbook should consider this notebook as an option, due to the step up in processing power.”

Just one-inch-thin and 3.08 pounds, these systems are sleek and light, but with a full-size keyboard. The full-sized keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on, particularly for taking advantage of productivity applications. The compact size combined with a traditional keyboard comprises a convenient platform for frequent travelers and students. With the needs of mobile users in mind, the AS1410 Series is designed to suit an individual’s own personal flair with three elegant color options – Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Ruby Red.

Powerful Performance; Petite Package

Although it’s the size of a netbook, the Aspire AS1410 Series is truly a mainstream notebook with the performance to suit a variety of users. Featuring an Intel^® Celeron^® processor and 2GB DDR2 memory (upgradeable to 4GB), the notebooks have plenty of power for document creation, media playback and daily task management.

The systems are also outfitted with the new Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and up to a 250GB hard drive,⁽¹⁾ which is large enough to store a vast library of music, images and spreadsheets. Offering plenty of productive time when away from a power outlet, a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery provides up to a whopping six hours of battery life,⁽²⁾enough power to keep the PC charged on a coast to coast flight.

The systems are also primed for visual clarity. The 11.6-inch widescreen HD LED-backlit display is large enough to comfortably view videos, photos, documents and web pages. Featuring LED backlit technology, a 16:9 aspect ratio and Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, the AS1410 Series delivers realistic HD pictures with crisp detail and smooth video playback.

Integrated speakers and Dolby^® Sound Room^® audio enhancement deliver lifelike sound for enjoying videos, movie downloads and music. A webcam and digital microphone make it fun and easy to get virtual face time with friends and family via live video streaming and video chat.

Intuitive PC Navigation, Convenient Connectivity

Affording easy, intuitive PC navigation, the new Aspire notebooks have a multi-gesture touchpad. Users can scroll, zoom in and out and quickly flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more by pinching, flicking and swirling their fingers across the touchpad.

Despite the compact form factor, the new notebooks offer a wide array of ports including an integrated multi-in-one media reader to conveniently transfer files from digital devices. An HDMI port allows the systems to support any PC or TV video format via a single cable, while three USB 2.0 ports enable connection to the latest peripherals and digital devices. Advanced Intel 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless and Gigabit Ethernet LAN enable fast access to email, the web and social networks.

Pricing/Configurations/Availability

The Acer^® Aspire AS1410 Series notebooks will be available for U.S. customers at leading retailers this holiday season. A sample configuration as well as specifications and pricing follow.

Acer^® Aspire AS1410 Notebook PC – Prices begin at $399.99

• Intel^® Celeron^® Processor SU2300 (1.2GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 11.6-Inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-Backlit Display (16.9 Aspect Ratio; 1366×768 Resolution)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 2GB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz Memory (Upgradeable to 4GB)
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive⁽²⁾
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• Intel^® WiFi Link 1000 802.11 a/b/g/Draft-N
• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
• Two Built-In Stereo Speakers and Dolby^® Sound Room^® Audio Enhancement
• Full-Size Acer FineTip Keyboard
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad Supporting Circular Motion, Scrolling, Pinch-Action Zoom and Page Flip
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• HDMI Port
• 6-Cell Li-Ion Battery (4400 mAh), up to Six Hours Battery Life
• 3.08 Pounds
• Two-Year International Travelers Limited Warranty

The A2 from ii-View is a 12-inch Windows 7 netbook with a 1280×800 resolution screen, 2GB of RAM, a travel weight of 3 pounds, and an MSRP of $399. Other features include an Intel Atom N270 CPU, 320GB hard drive, a/b/g/n wireless, HDMI output, webcam, and “full-size” keyboard. At its thickest, the machine reaches .88 inches.

That all sounds pretty nice for the price, although there are a few red flags here. For starters, the press release lists the machine as having a six-cell battery, yet the actual product page estimates battery life at up to three hours which seems pretty short for a six-cell battery.

Also, the product page lists a screen resolution of “1360×768” while the press release lists the resolution as 1280×800. That number seems much more plausible, mostly because A) that’s what most 12.1-inch screens are listed at and B) 1360×768 isn’t even a real resolution – it should be 1366×768 instead. Finally, there are only two USB ports and the operating system is simply listed as “Windows 7” with no additional info (like which version it’s got loaded).

Oh, and the Mac OS X dock overlaid on Windows 7 (see below photo) is a bit odd as well, but judging by the overall design of the netbook it would appear that the company is going after a frugal MacBook Air-loving crowd with this one.

So if you’re feeling adventurous and you don’t mind overlooking a few discrepancies here and there, then $400 seems pretty decent.

The All new A2 Netbook [a2netbook.com]

Various configurations of the recently-announced Acer Timeline ultraportables are now available for preorder. Since they’re Windows 7-based systems, they’ll ship this Thursday, October 22nd when Microsoft’s new operating system is released.

Amazon has them starting at $550 for the 11.6-inch model, Newegg.com has them starting at $600, and there are undoubtedly several other stores that are either currently taking preorders or will begin taking preorders soon.

The Timeline series, as you’ll recall, features low-voltage Pentium CPUs and promises up to 8 hours of battery life while keeping system weight between 3 and 5.5 pounds depending upon screen size.

Fudzilla is reporting that Intel’s new Atom N450 chipset – codenamed Pine Trail (see previous coverage here) — will officially launch on January 3rd.

Previous reports suggested that the chipset will be made available to manufacturers sometime this month, to which I speculated that we’d see Pine Trail-equipped netbooks around the holidays. If Fudzilla’s report is true, though — and the site makes no reference to any sources, so take the information with a grain of salt — then it appears these new netbooks would make an appearance just in time for CES.

Whatever the case, the 1.66GHz CPU will apparently sell for around $64, which is $20 more expensive than current N270 package. The Pine Trail platform shifts the system from a 3-chip architecture down to a 2-chip architecture in order to save physical space and, theoretically, reduces power consumption and improves performance.

New Atom N450 for netbook launch is January [Fudzilla via SlashGear]

Have you guys heard of these “netbook” things? Apparently they’re quite popular nowadays. I’ll admit that even though I’ve been entrenched in the technology industry since I was basically a tickle in my pappy’s sack, this is the first time I’ve heard about them. On that note, Woot.com is selling refurbished 10.1-inch Acer Aspire One netbooks for $230 (today only).

We’re dealing with the D150 model here, which features the following:

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU
• 10.1-inch LCD screen with 1024×600 resolution
• Six-cell battery for up to 6.5 hours of usage
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB hard drive
• Windows XP Home
• Weighs 2.9 pounds
• 90-day Acer warranty

So maybe you’ve been waiting to buy netbook and maybe you also work in an industry where you get paid on Friday. And maybe today, you were like “Hey I’m going to use my paycheck to pay for rent and groceries unless I see a really sweet deal on a netbook. But I really need to pay rent and buy groceries, so hopefully there will be any netbook deals today.”

Sorry. There are.

Acer Aspire One 10.1″ Netbook [Woot.com]