Look who is the latest company to join the netbook fray, BenQ more popularly known for making digital cameras and mobile phone was reported to be planning on releasing their own netbook dubbed, Joybook Lite. Target launch date is sometime around the fourth quarter, and the Joybook Lite will in two models - an 8.9-inch version and 10-inch version with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Benq is also projecting to ship around 3,000 units of the 8.9-inch version which will launch in October and 5,000 units of the 10-inch sometime in November.

The Joybook Lite will have an Intel Atom processor, Windows XP and a built-in 3.5G module. Pricing is expected to be around $468.

Update: Added a photo and the specs below. Thanks Sascha!

• 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 screen
• Intel 1.6Ghz Atom Intel 1.6Ghz nuclear
• 1GB RAM 1GB of RAM
• X GB 5400rpm HDD X GB 5400rpm HDD
• LAN, Wifi, bluetooth and 3G option LAN, wireless, Bluetooth and 3G option
• 1.3-megapixel webcam 1.3-megapixel Webcam
• 3 x USB, VGA out and 4-1 card reader 3 x USB, VGA out and card reader 4-1
• 3-cell Battery 3-Cell Battery
• XP Home /Linux XP Home /

It looks like BenQ’s soon to be released MID is becoming more and more like the Asus Eee PC. ITechnews is reporting that the BenQ MID which was previewed during the IDF in Shanghai would have:

• 800 MHz Intel Silverthorone processor
• Poulsbo chipset
• 512 RAM
• 4GB SSD
• HSDPA support
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth EDR connectivity
• Voice command
• GPS feature (optional)

Hmm, yeah. except for the voice command and the HSDPA support, the BenQ MID does seem like the Asus Eee PC after all.

Via Slashgear