We don’t hear a lot about netbooks these days, and yet the category is arguably what set the whole consumer electronics industry on the fast track to delivering smaller, more powerful, and longer lasting devices for mobile computing. The guys over at Notebook Check recently put one of the latest netbooks from Asus’s stable through a full review, and here’s what they’ve found. The Asus Eee PC 1011CX netbook may pack rather mediocre, yet standard netbook specs these days: 10.1-inch 1024×600 resolution LCD screen, 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600 processor, 1GB of RAM (not upgradeable), and 320GB of HDD storage, but it’s still worth taking a look at because of the nearly 12-hour battery life. That thing about the RAM being soldered and not upgradeable may be a major drawback for some, but for most casual netbook users, this is actually quite adequate. At the same time, the Asus Eee PC 1011CX sits at a very attractive price point. Certainly much more attractive than most tablets and smartphones out in the market right now. Read the full Asus Eee PC 1011CX review via the link below.

Via NotebookCheck

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Update ‘em all! That was last year Toshiba’s motto at CES. Toshiba released an upgrade on its Qosmio X505 with Intel’s Core Core i5-2410M and i7-2630QM processors. This year, Toshiba gives a facelift of its netbooks with Intel’s Cedar Trail Atom N2800 processor, but for folks in Japan only. Although leaving out HDMI output, an important aspect of the latest Atom models. Apparently, Japanese folks will have to be familiar with the new branded Dynabook N301 and shortly other parts of world as well.

In addition to the processor upgrade, not much has changed on the old model, but with the latest CPU comes better graphcis and a 4GB memory support. Like Acer’s latest Aspire One D270, Toshiba’s Dynabook N301 also houses a 320GB hard drive. More internals include the netbook usual 10.1-inch (1024×600 screen resolution display), 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, 10/100Mbit Ethernet, 3USB 2.0 ports, a pair of audio jacks, a D-sub connector, and a memory card reader.

In lieu of the lacking HDMI port, Toshiba added Intel’s WiDi wireless display technology which necessarily doesn’t need a receiver. And like the earlier models, the N301 sports Harman/Kardon speakers; the battery is said last you up to 8 hours of usage, No official word on pricing as of yet, but we see the N301 ending up at a similar price point as Toshiba’s present netbooks.

Source: Toshiba

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Right, we saw it coming – ASUS to debut netbook Flare at CES 2012. It’s now official with the company’s new Eee PC Flare 1025C, X101CH and 1025CE netbooks, and without ado let’s get down to basics. The 1025C sports built-in Intel UMA graphics (720p output), a 10.1-inch LED display (1,024 x 600), N2600 dual-core GPU at 1.6GHz, 1GB of DDR3-1333 memory, integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers, a hard drive of 5,400RPM, 0.3 megapixel webcam, a set of USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, 2-in-1 media card reader and HDMI /VGA outputs. The entire machine tips the scales at 1.2kg, while housing a six-cell (56WHr) battery which is allegedly to take you some 10 hrs of usage.  It ships with Windows 7 Starter, and a $299 will get you one in black, blue, pink or red in February.

Another great piece is the 1225B, a 12.1-incher that gets powered by AMD E-450 dual-core chip at 1.6GHz, graphics included, native resolution at (1,366 x 768), 2GB of DDR3-1333 memory, a 5,400RPM HDD,  a set USB 3.0 sockets (and a separate USB 2.0 socket), a 0.3 megapixel webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 plus a 2-in-1 media reader. It should press your lap at 3.1 pounds including a six-cell battery, and a (32-bit) Windows 7 Home Premium OS onboard. For color fanatics – well, you’ll be smacked in black, red or white. Ultimately, the Eee PC X101CH’s entry-level should steal $269 affording you a 10.1-inch panel (1,024 x 600) resolution, integrated graphics, 1GB of RAM plus the standard complement of ports.

Source: Engadget

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Next week some 150,000 people are estimated to attend the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and most of these people kick the netbooks to the curb while they rush creeping towards the pricey ultrabook and cost effective full-sized laptops.

Of course, you should expect netbook announcements at CES; however this type of hardware is on its final stride – at least when you talk of Western markets.

Manufactures have already begun pulling back. In fact, just the previous month, Dell confirmed its intention to end its netbook wing of production. But prior to bidding netbooks a warm farewell, it’s important to appreciate the way they’ve changed the world of computing as well as pin the guilt on those accountable for their downfall.

Netbooks were brought down largely by three crucial things: a PC business that sets inflexible rules on memory; an already incorporated Microsoft’s Windows 7 “Starter” edition that distributes with netbooks and the press that mostly parrots PC market alleges that netbooks are only excellent for email and Web browsing.

Netbooks will stay feasible, functional and economical, and their performance levels will only get improved with Intel’s latest Atom chip. Named, the Cedar Trail, which is a dual-core Atom 32-nanometer chip that clock speeds of close to 2.13GHz.

Although netbook manufactures are looking to display their latest models at CES that will basically be relegated to the shadows by what’s likely to be quite a number of ultrabook announcements. The biting wit is that at CES, open power outlets will be difficult to locate, netbook consumers will be lucky to survive the convention with working PCs.

Considering netbook’s six-celled batteries, most will deliver battery time of about 7-9 hours. Plus it’s simple to carry a backing battery in a bag since netbooks don’t consume a lot of space.

Netbook in itself as a product group was first released in 2007. A few of the early models were lemons, as well as a 4GB flash drive Linux  version manufactured by Asus that sold with about 95 percent of the hard-drive consumed up by pre-installed applications. Yet it’s difficult, in retrospection, not to respect the originality and experimentation the group produced.

Undoubtedly, shipments of the iPad destroyed the netbook industry, as did the entrance of the Apple’s take on the lean, MacBook Air, glossy and sexy ultrabook class. Slim and lightweight, with a standard keyboard, ample storage capacity and a fairly fast processor, the MacBook paved the way something fresh. Like the Ultrabooks that may ultimately prove to be superior, although not cheap. And you can guess why at CES 2012 will be: All salute the ultrabook.

Source: PC World

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Intel is set to increase its lead over its competitors despite a fall in sales of its Atom chips intended for the moribund netbook business, Intel Corp in the Q3 managed to widen its control position in the international microprocessor market on the muscle of its corporate sales.

Intel in the Q3 made about 83.7 percent of worldwide microprocessor sales, an increase of 1.2% points compared to 82.5% it held in the Q2 of 2011, in line with the latest IHS iSuppli Computer Systems research from data and analysis source IHS.  Intel widened its lead over No. 2 microprocessor provider Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to 73.5 % points in the Q3, up from 72% in the Q2.

In the Q3 Intel’s performance was as result of a mix of negative and positive growths in regard to the transformative blow of media tablets on the PC market.

Net decrease for Netbooks

Following a successful double-digit sales growth in2008 through 2010, the netbook market assumed a sudden drop in 2011 as consumers bowed towards media PC tablets. Worldwide netbook sales are set to further plunge to 21.4 million pieces in 2011, losing 33.5% compared to 32 million units realized in 2010. Sales are estimated to continue to decline in the coming years and in fact, shipments will decline to 13.4 million by 2015.

This of course has contributed to downside for Intel, where most of netbook PCs in the market were powered by its Atom microprocessors. Intel confirmed its chipset and Atom microprocessor revenue in the Q3 decreased to 32% in contrast to the previous year.

Up in the Cloud

Nevertheless Intel saw a continued growth in the Q3 emerging from shipments of microprocessors that are used in data centers due to the rising demand for cloud computing services and the mobile markets.

Today, cloud computing business is on the route into the stratosphere as providers seek to provide services designed to serve smartphones tablet PCs, and other portable devices. Enterprise and consumer spending on the open segment of the cloud is estimated to experience growths of up to $110 billion in 2015, up compared to $23 billion in 2010.

Intel also confirmed that it gained from firm notebook sales coming from the corporate market, which remains to perform well despite amid challenging conditions in the consumer computer segment.

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Right, we already got a few snippets about Acer’s imminent AMD Fusion-powered netbook although you can always be sure of Amazon to hand out the spec and pricing details. Unlike the Fusion HP 311m business set we’ve just reviewed, which sports a higher-end AMD E-450 APU, the Aspire One AO722-0473 is not only powered by Dual Core C-60 processor, but runs a TurboCore auto overclocking quality that ticks the clock speed to 1.33GHz – including a 1MB L2 cache memory.

The 11.6 inch netbook still melds AMD Radeon HD 6290 graphics that accompanies 256MB of dedicated memory. Hence, there shouldn’t be a problem playing full HD video including some light gaming. And considering (asking price $283.71) indeed we should look forward to real opposition from major Atom netbooks in both pricing and graphics prowess. More inboard is one HDMI out port that supports HDCP; now link this with a wireless HDMI configuration, you’d have easily turned your machine into a fully functional entertainment hub.

You’ll also find a multi-in-1 card reader and 3 USB 2.0 ports. It also has a Wireless-N with backward harmonized (WIFI-802.11b/g/n). Given all its positive attributes, we propose at least heading to Amazon and having one in person. However if you find it maddening by accidental right clicks, then it isn’t likely to be easy on use – not without a push from Acer, at least.

Via Netbook-expert

Source: Amazon

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Have you seen this laptop before? Well, if you haven’t here it is. HP has just unveiled its 11.6-inch 3115m and it considers it a business set for all intents and functions; a rebadged Pavilion dm1z should only fit to a more buttoned-up sort of a customer. To begin with, you’d confuse it with the latest redesigned dm1, everything including flush trackpad. Powered by dual-core AMD E-450 APU, 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display that is in full 720p HD, it also accompanies a chiclet keyboard, Beats Audio and a 6-cell battery rated for 11.5 hours on a full-charge come standard.

What’s more is that you get a modest 2GB of RAM, 320GB and 5,400RPM HDD. Strangely, 5,400RPM drives are as excellent as it gets here. IT guys would highly consider this machine – however, it accompanies HP’s Keyed Cable lock including Computrace Pro module used for tracking and distantly destroying lost or stolen laptops (you’ll have to activate this feature manually). I it should hit the shelves in Americas on November 11th (asking price $430 – a thirty-dollar premium compared to the dm1z).

Source: Liliputing

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According to a report, Acer Chairman JT Wang alleged that Microsoft software could soon effectively take on Apple. Perhaps the only challenge that persists at the moment for Microsoft’s Windows is the growth of Apple’s iOS on tablets (iPad), and smartphones (iPhone) – according to an editorial in Taipei-based Digitimes, which published Wang’s comments on Monday.

Citing Wang’s comments, Microsoft’s Windows “hasn’t had any achievements within these two markets that can help it gain share,” citing a decline in Netbook sales hence resulting in only “slim” growth in the conventional laptop market. Although the publisher didn’t detail on Wang’s point, we assume Wang was speaking about market intrusion by the iPad, for instance, on the Netbook as well as low-end laptop market.

Although, recent reports from Gartner indicate only meek growth in PC sales in 2011; the Acer Group was placed in the 4^th position in world rankings in terms of PC sales in the third quarter, according to IDC.

According to Wang, Apple’s “notebook products are only minor drivers” for growth and pale citing to the exciting escalation seen in its iPads and iPhones. However, Windows 8 could change this. In a few coming years, Wang sees a rebirth of the Microsoft camp behind Windows 8 as Microsoft reacts more efficiently to “consumer demands,” according to the report. Expect to see Windows 8 by 2013.

The Windows 8 is anticipated to run on wider range of devices, including, smartphones, tablets, Ultrabook clamshell laptops (latter rivaling Apple’s MacBook Air) and tablet-laptop hybrids.

Source: Cnet

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ASUS had initially made some handsome wedge of magnesium alloy in US late last year. Well, it now appears the ultraportable notebook finally graces folks in the UK as well. The 13.3-inch U36′s notable  features include a svelte 19mm thickness, second-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB), NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M graphics card, and a USB 3.0 toggle (for an approximated 11.5 hour battery life).

The U36S’s touchpad and keyboard are fairly basic. The keyboard sort of small Chiclet-style keys, which is comfortable enough to type on although a bit firm at times. Its touchpad is smooth while supporting multitouch gestures for example pinch-to-zoom.

U36S’s hardware seems heavy now that we’ve already played with the ASUS’s UX21 ultrathin, but of course at price point of £699 (just above $1,200) it’s hard to whine much. And heck, if Asus just included some real speakers in this gamble; it would basically be an almost perfect ultraportable. If your hands already sweating for the thrill, it’s available at major stores in your choice of black or silver.

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Can you recall the display on your first handset? It was perhaps big enough to fit a whole telephone number – live alone a text message or a contact name. What about your smartphone? Whether displaying leveled-down, WAP versions of web page was asking too much. Now, such handsets we couldn’t live without, and even sometimes, still, we surreptitiously wish they had bigger displays. Ultra-thin and lightweight laptops seek to feature even higher resolution displays come next year: Super-sharp “retina-quality” displays.

So, hold that bulk you intend to spend on a laptop for a few weeks to get these Ultrabooks. VR Zone confirmed that beginning next year, when Ultrabooks housing Intel’s latest tech Ivy Bridge processor land, we can anticipate to see their 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch displays running resolutions as high as 2560 pixels by 1440 pixels – similar to the Apple’s iPad 2 resolution (1024 pixels by 768 pixels).  

This sketch graph availed at the Intel Developer Forum a few weeks ago implies Intel is trying to copy the iPhone’s fashionable Retina display in providing a screen with that kind of pixel density even the human eye can’t differentiate individual pixels. Meaning, Ultrabooks could soon get smartphone-quality screens. In fact, this week Asus alleged that its 13.3-inch Zenbook UX31 brags a stunning high-resolution display (1600 pixels by 900 pixels); higher compared to both the Ultrabook Acer Aspire S3-951 and the MacBook Air.

But for those who need extremely high resolution display, they’ll have to wait about six months for such Ultrabooks to land.

Source: PC World

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