Netbook Updates
Netbook News
Gigabyte, a company that specializes in motherboards, graphic accelerators, mobile and handheld communication devices has new plans in the coming year. The company has introduced a couple of Gigabyte netbooks in the last few months already, which stood out among other netbooks with its convertible-to-tablet design. DIGITIMES, one of the most reliable tachnology update website, says that the company is now focusing on increased performance on their motherboard segment, including plans to launch three more netbooks in the coming year that feature 3.5G module, for added mobility. Gigabyte is said to clear their inventory this 2008, to anticipate economic crisis impact in the beginning of 2009.
In Germany, Lenovo IdeaPad S10 makes a big hit as it comes along with a 6-cell battery. It is also now the most affordable 10 incher netbook in Germany for only 329 Euros. Lenovo IdeaPad S10 usually only comes with a 3-cell battery in other countries. Brad Linder says that the 6-cell battery doesn’t look perfectly good, but the doubled battery life should pay off. He also includes that 6-cell batteries are now also available in the US for an additional $50 USD on the base price.
Black Friday Netbook Deals
Black Friday is definitely one of the best days for gadget shoppers in the US which they await every year. Lots of cool gadget is sold at a discounted price which usually cuts a huge percentage on the original price. One of the most anticipated deal could be the Dell Inpison Mini 9 which cuts $50 instantly from the base price, making it to only $299, including free shipping if you buy on Thanks Giving Day until Friday. The said netbook has been offered for only $99 dollars before.
For more information on Black Friday Deals, check out the following:
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com
http://bfads.net/
http://www.blackfriday.info/
HP Mini 1000 ‘Hidden’ 3G module
The HP Mini 1000 is the 2nd netbook from HP which replaces the VIA processor from the previous 2133 and uses Intel Atom. It has SSD storage of 8GB/16GB, and 60GB HDD options. RAM is reduced to 512MB compared to previous 1GB. Lots of differences from the 2133 brother.
Some are now surprised because it seems that HP missed to announce that HP Mini 1000 comes with built in 3G module. And you won’t worry about installing external 3G PCIe card anymore. The only problem is that the 3G module is disabled initially, and software/driver is not by default included in the package. But it’s also not a problem anymore how to enable it. dplxy has some pretty good details on how he enabled the 3G feature on his HP Mini 1000. Head on and check it out.
via liliputing
Roll-up Mouse Pad + USB Hub + Speaker
I saw an interesting gadget a netbook must have, a Roll-up mousepad with USB hub and Speaker system. Gadget4all.com is selling it for only $22.00, very affordable for everyone. I already placed an order and the item is about to be shipped now. I am very excited for it and might as well give away another one to a lucky subscriber. This is part of the plan, but I doubt I can give it away before Christmas. But season won’t matter as long as it’s free right? One of these days, maybe after new year, watch out for an email on your inbox because you just might be the lucky subscriber to be chosen.
I wish I could post a photo of it but I really can’t. The internet setup I currently have just won’t allow and I’m in a hurry. Till then, lucky winner.
MSI 3G Plans
MSI Wind U120 will be launched in the coming days, and while 3G module is expected, MSI is also going to negotiate with telecom providers to increase bundled sales. – Digitimes. Same has been tried before, bundling the netbooks with external broadband modem. In the Philippines, Globe and Smart Telecoms had different campaigns for Asus Eee PC, however, I have not heard about their successes. Consumers seem to be not satisfied with the pricing, as I learn from some blogs and forums.
Now I have no idea what will telecoms do with their pricings when 3G module already comes with the netbook itself. I suggest they do the same as the mobile service plans they currently have, where they charge monthly service fee, and the unit comes free… Or at lesser prices depending on service plans.
I’m actually exited for this, and I’m gong to consider getting one for me. Shall this come true before christmas?
EPSON Endeavor Na01, newest netbook as of date
The newest company to jump into the netbook bandwagon is EPSON, with their first ever netbook, Endeavor Na01.
The netbook packs a 10.2 inch screen, 1.6Ghz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, together with all other specs you see with other netbooks.
Endeavor Na01 sells at 46,800 JPY, or $485 in US dollars. They also offer upgrade options in different packages. They have 3-year warranty upgrade, Mobile Pack option with extra battery and bluetooth mouse, and the expansion package if you want an extra monitor.
See Sony? Everyone is in except you, and we are all excited to your netbook. Is there ever gonna be a Sony Netbook?
via liliputing
How To install Ubuntu 8.10 on Eee PC
Ubuntu 8.10 has been released recently, and if you feel you want to install it on your netbook already, Tombuntu has got you a very detailed instructions of how to install Ubuntu 8.10. In his case, an Eee PC 901, But it should basically work on other model as well.
The instruction includes:
- Creating a Live USB to SD/Flash Drive
- Installing Ubuntu
- Upgrading Linux Kernel customized for the Eee PC
- Get the bluetooth and webcam working
This is not a strange scenario for netbooks to have non-working devices after installing Ubuntu, but there are always workarounds available if you just try to search for it.
via liliputing
