Panasonic ToughBook 30 vs GammaTech Durabook D15RP (Engadget)
March 24, 2009
Engadget has posted a review/comparison of the current rugged Intel Centrino 2-based 13.3″ Panasonic ToughBook 30 versus the semi-rugged 15.4″ GammaTech Durabook D15RP. The ToughBook 30 isn’t exactly ultraportable - it weighs in at over 8 pounds, however it’s one of the most rugged/durable in its class, if not the most rugged/durable. Both of these meet MIL-STD-810F specifications, which is a set of standards put out by the US Army to test just how rugged certain devices are within certain environmental/field conditions (heat, cold, drop-tests, dust-proof, liquids, etc.).
It’s a unique comparison - the Toughbook has a lower-voltage SL9300 Intel Core 2 Duo, versus the Durabook’s Intel T8300 (faster/higher voltage), as well as the displays - the Panasonic’s is one of the few 13.3-inch displays using a non-widescreen XGA resolution (1024×768) while the GammaTech has a 15.4-inch 1280×800. In the Toughbook’s defense, it does have a touchscreen display
The review is worth it just to watch the videos of both being put through their paces - drop tests (to test the cases as well as seeing just how shock/drop-proof the HDD setups are) as well as the reviewer physically standing on them and pouring water on them.
Read: Engadget
MSI X-Slim X340 Hands-On (SlashGear)
March 5, 2009
SlashGear has posted a hands-on look at the new 13-inch MSI X-Slim X340 with several photos. They’ve also included the press release from MSI, where MSI better explains how the X340 differs from the X-Slim X320 which shares a similar size and design.
MSI describes the ultra-thin X340 as “Light, Slim, Aesthetic” and it’s definitely slim - its thickness measures from 0.24 - 0.78 inches (6mm - 19.8mm). The ultraportable/ultra-slim device also weighs in at less than 2.9 pounds (1.3kg). There will be three colors available: Splendid Champagne Gold, Elegant Pearl White and Stylish Techno Black
MSI explains that the X320 (based on Intel Atom/Menlow) is designed for those seeking longer battery life, while the X340 is intended for those who want something around that size, but who have multimedia requirements. As such, the X340 is based on Intel’s Centrino Ultra Low Voltage (CULV) paltform. With that, they claim the X340 still consumes one-sixth the power of other notebook notebooks (obviously not Atom-based notebooks/netbooks).
Among those multimedia-specific features, an HDMI port is included, and the LED-displaydisplay has an aspect ratio of 16:9.
As far as release dates and final pricing - that’s up in the air, although pricing should be under $1000 USD.
Read: SlashGear
Samsung NC20 in the US This Month, Hands-On (LAPTOP Mag)
March 3, 2009
For those in the US who have been wondering about the 12.1-inch Samsung NC20, it’s coming to the US later this month (March 16) and will be available exclusively through NewEgg, according to LAPTOP Magazine.
It will have a high-capacity battery (5900 mAh) and only be available in black. No pricing information has been released.
LAPTOP Magazine has also published a hands-on look at the NC20, and came away impressed with the performance of the VIA Nano-based device. They were able to play 720p High Definition (HD) video with the Windows Media Player 11, while browsing the web using Internet Explorer. The NC20 has a 1280×800 display which allows for 720p content.
It’s obvious that it pushes the envelope when it comes to what is popularly defined as a netbook with its larger display, and LAPTOP Magazine has published a few photos showing the size compared to the 10-inch Samsung NC10. The keyboard and touchpad are both larger than the NC10.
Read: LAPTOP Magazine
Two Hands-On Videos of Asus Eee PC T91
February 25, 2009
A few sites have started previewing the upcoming 8.9″ Asus Eee PC T91, Asus’ first touchscreen and Tablet PC convertible netbook/ultraportable.
Last week, Mobile Computer was able to make a hands-on video of a pre-production model of the Eee PC T91. They show off the build-quality. The model they had came with a built-in Digital TV tuner and GPS, although that will probably be optional at the retail level. They do show the rotation of the display and converting it back and forth between a Tablet PC and a laptop. It works with both finger and stylus. There is a button that appears to allow for converting between landscape and portrait modes. They discuss the built-in battery (that is not replaceable by the end user). Their model came with a 16GB SSD. The RAM is accessible by the end-user (so that you can probably go up to 2GB versus the default 1GB).
They even compared it size-wise with the 10″ Eee PC 1000HE and mention that the T91 will come with the chiclet-style (or scrabble-style) keyboard that comes with the 1000HE as opposed to the keyboard shown on the pre-production model.
NetbookNews.de’s Sascha was also able to put together a high-quality video, and it showcased the T91’s touch interface. He called it a “netvertible”, a play on netbook and convertible. Asus has developed a custom touch interface running on top of Windows XP Home. There is a scrolling sort of wheel with icons/shortcuts. There is a sort of a bar in the middle that you can use as a bookmark bar for applications you frequently use - it’s called a “quick launch”. The “FotoFun” software was interesting - it makes use of the touch interface.
Mobile Computer mentions that a 3G version will be sold through mobile carriers, but that none have been named. Sascha at NetbookNews.de mentions a price of $500 - not sure if that’s US dollars, and that it will be out in the second quarter of 2009.
Next week’s CeBIT 2009 should see the release of a lot more informationon the T91 (as well as the 10-inch version, the T101).
Read:
- Mobile Computer
- NetbookNews.de
via Blogeee.net
HP Mini 1000 Review (The Gadgeteer)
February 23, 2009
Over at The Gadgeteer, there has been kind of a group review of the 10.2″ Intel Atom-powered HP Mini 1000. Models reviewed included the 60GB 4200RPM PATA Hard Drive, which is the 1.8″ drive (similar to iPod drives) with a 3-cell battery. They’ve included quite a few photos.
There is actually a full comparison to a Fujitsu T4020 Lifebook, which has an older Intel Pentium M CPU and provides a good baseline comparison.
There is also, for those who are a bit more adventurous, a comprehensive look at running Mac OS X on the HP Mini, turning it into a “Hackintosh” or “MacBook Mini” as they called it. The HP Mini 1000 is considered one of the harder netbooks to turn into a Hackintosh because of some of the hardware involved.
Read: The Gadgeteer (Part 1)
(keep in mind it’s a series and not just one article)
Asus Eee PC 1000HE First Impressions (SlashGear)
February 19, 2009
Ewdison Then over at SlashGear has posted their first impressions and an unboxing of the 10-inch Asus Eee PC 1000HE. Their unit came with an 8700mAh high-capacity battery, which is part of the key to Asustek’s claims of a longer-than-average battery life for the 1000HE.
It also has the new “chiclet-style” keyboard, which Ewdison found …found very easy and comfortable to use.
He’s included a video of the unboxing as well. This looks to be the same model as you would find through the normal retail channels.
Read: SlashGear
Samsung NC20 Unboxed, Compared to Dell Mini 12
February 13, 2009
If you are curious about the new 12.1 Samsung NC20 ultraportable, your curiosity is about to be partially satisfied. Sascha over at Netbooknews.de has posted a couple of videos showing the NC20 being unboxing and taking a look at the general build quality.
The NC20 has generated a lot of interest due to it being one of the first netbook/ultraportables to be powered by VIA’s new 1.3GHz Nano U2250 CPU, and VIA’s VX800 platform.
He confirms quite a bit of the information that came out at the end of last month.
In addition, he has posted several photos comparing it to the Dell Inspiron Mini 12, the only other real competitor in its class, and a good comparison, since the Inspiron Mini 12 is based on an Intel Atom. From the preliminary benchmarks, the Via Nano seems to be holding its own or even doing better than similar Atom-based systems, even though it’s running at a lower clockspeed (1.3GHz versus the Atom’s 1.6GHz).
Read:
- Netbooknews.de - Photo comparison
- Netbooknews.de - Unboxing video
via LAPTOP Magazine
HP Mini 1000 MI Review/Impressions (JK, UMPCPortal)
February 12, 2009
James Kendrick at jkOnTheRun has posted a video review of the 10″ compact HP Mini 1000 MI. He shows the jack for the VGA dongle (it’s a proprietary optional dongle if you want to plug into an external display), as well as the other various jacks/switches. The model reviewed is the 1120NR with a 16GB SSD.
James mentioned that the higher-capacity 6-cell will be shipping directly from HP in a few weeks - he heard that directly from HP. It’ll be a wedge-style battery, allowing for easier typing (if you prefer an angled keyboard), similar to the 9-cell batteries and other higher-capacity batteries for certain other netbooks.
He mentioned the Mini 1000’s keyboard, saying it’s “the best netbook keyboard I have personally used yet. It is great to type on this keyboard”.
Over at UMPCPortal, Ben has posted his initial impressions of the Mini 1000’s software (along with plenty of screenshots and photos). It’s referred to by HP as their “Mobile Internet Experience”, aka MIE or MI. It’s based on the Ubuntu Linux distribution, and is centered around three main areas: browsing the web, communications (email/chatting/skype), and entertainment (photos/music and other multimedia).
Ben has also listed all of the applications that HP has pre-installed.
Both reviews extensively cover the home screen - in the world of Windows, it would be the main desktop with your taskbar. In this instance, everything is configured to provide fast access to the applications that these devices are best suited for.
Read:
- UMPCPortal
- jkOnTheRun
