GadgetReview is giving away an eCAFÉ Slim HD Netbook ($229 value), to ONE lucky winner!

The eCAFÉ Slim HD is a tiny netbook, measuring no more than .8-inches thick and just 1.9lbs.  But don’t be fooled by its diminutive size.  It sports a 10.1-inch screen, a chiclet style keyboard, 8GB of built-in storage, an SD card slot and can return from standby mode in just 4 seconds.  And if that isn’t enough, it sports an ARM processor, which is both powerful and low energy.

We’re giving away one of these to one person for FREE. To enter just LIKE our Facebook Fan Page and then leave a comment (telling us what your favorite gadget was as a kid) on our Facebook post announcing this contest.

Will pick one winner at random from the comments, but in order to WIN you’ll have to Like Us and comment on Facebook. If you’d like a double entry, follow us on Twitter and tweet “@gadgetreview @HerculeseCAFE #contest #free #netbook”.

This contest ends 8/31/2011 at 11:59 PST

It’s open to US residents in the continental US of A only.

NEC probably isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of the Android platform.  But that might soon change, albeit slightly, thanks to the introduction of the LifeTouch Note.

It’s a 7-inch netbook that ships with Android 2.2 and is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 250 Mobile Processor.   When it does launch it will be available in three different models: 3G, Wifi and 8GB of storage; WiFi only; and WiFi and 4GB of storage.  The screen has a 800×480 resolution, is LED backlight and is touch resistive, which should make for a Nokia like touch experience, which in our book ain’t a good thing.  There is also an accelerometer, SD card slot, 2 megapixel camera and GPS.

We’re don’t know what the exact measurements are of the Lifetouch Note, but according to Akihabara it will weighs 699 grams, or 1.54lbs, on par with Apple’s iPad.

In terms of pricing, even though a launch date is still unknown, expect to pay some where in the neighborhood of $500-600.

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Just when we though Razer had reached the limit of complexity for peripherals, and they would outdo their latest keyboard, which had 139 gaming specific buttons, give or take, here they are making a move into the gaming PC market.

And it’s awesome. The Razer Switchblade is a small laptop with a touchscreen and a dynamic flash keyboard, which as far as we know is completely innovative, at least in the PC realm. The keyboard reconfigures not only its functionality, but also its look based on game concent. Keys are different depending on what you’re playing, with the in-game icons for various actions actually making an appearance on your keyboard, lighting up individual keys.

Unfortunately it’s just a concept, but Razer promises at least some degree of realizing it, as a consequence of “working with selected partners to design and launch products based off the Razer Switchblade concept design.”

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As the very first notebook designed with the Pilot program in mind, if you’ve got the heart of a power user, the Cr-48 will steal that heart and never give it back.

Booting takes all of 10 seconds, and resuming from sleep happens instantly. Wi-Fi and 3G are both naturally part of the deal, as is a webcam. The touchpad is on the big side, Google calls it “oversized”, and the 12 inch LCD mirrors a full size keyboard.

Now, when you look at this notebook, there’s a quality that’s immediately obvious, and it’s reminiscent of the square and solid look of full-sized laptops from a decade ago. It somehow spells resiliency and business, and, again – if you’re a power user – this is a look that will feel very intimate to you. But there’s also something refined on top of that, partly from the small form-factor, and partly from the color, which isn’t the purest black.

This quality’s character seems quite outspoken, and you might be able to hear its little voice saying ‘I’ve taken the best out of those tough business laptops and slimmed it down to something neat and sleek, but definitely not cutesy like those other notebooks, and now it all works for 8 hours on end and weighs just 3.8 pounds’.

“What did we leave out? Spinning disks, caps-lock key, function keys, and lap burns.”

I hear you Google. And I want one. Badly.

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Specs wise, Samsung’s new N350  laptop isn’t much different than the netbooks we’ve seen over the past couple years, except for one big difference: 4G. The N350 supports both dual-mode LTE and HSPA+ , and they’re both built-in for internet on-the-go. Those other standard, less exciting specs include a dual-core Atom N550 CPU, 10.1-inch display, 250GB HDD and 3 USB ports. It’ll be available this fall for about $533.

Samsung unveils the world’s first LTE-HSPA+ dual mode embedded netbook

Designed to go, Powered to perform: Showcasing significant new products at IFA 2010, Samsung completes its mobile PC line up

Sept 2nd 2010, Berlin, Germany – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, is proud to launch a series of innovative and pioneering products at this year’s IFA in Berlin. At IFA 2010, Samsung is putting its achievements in mobile computing on full display. The company is showcasing the world’s first LTE-HSPA+ dual mode netbook, the Samsung N350.

Delivering its advancements in both design and performance, Samsung has crafted these products to meet the needs of its customers’ dynamic and rapidly changing lifestyles. Each product has been skillfully designed to enhance previous capabilities while delivering entirely fresh and exciting user experiences.

Samsung continues to offer the market the best in design and performance. With its continued success in both technology and business, Samsung is confident that users will see the instant benefits of each of these innovations as it helps its customers to live smarter lives.

“IFA is a tremendous platform for Samsung to launch its newest innovations. The products we are launching at the event truly demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to delivering the finest in technology with optimum designs to meet the demands of every lifestyle,” said Seongwoo Nam, Executive Vice President and Head of IT Solutions Business at Samsung Electronics. “Recognizing the future of wireless network technology, Samsung created a netbook that is both LTE and HSPA+ equipped. This world first shows that Samsung is relentless in its pursuit of the best technologies so that our customers can have the highest quality user experiences. It gives us great pleasure to usher in a new era in mobile computing technology,” he added.

N350 – LTE-HSPA+ dual mode enabled netbook

The new ultra-thin N350 is a light and compact netbook with embedded LTE-HSPA+ dual mode technology. This new technology gives users the best in wireless technologies allowing them to experience internet speeds that are comparable with fixed internet services. The N350 harnesses the power of two technologies and allows users to make the most of both 3G and 4G networks. Using dual mode technology, users will be able to stay connected in areas without LTE services using a standard and widely available 3G network.

For more product information and multimedia content, please access to www.samsungcomputerpr.com

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

ASUS churns out new netbooks like crazy, and the ASUS Eee PC 1005PX is their latest effort. Most interestingly, it’s packing a wide choice of colors to fit every techie personality — white, black, blue, red, and pink. Specs-wise, there’s nothing too exciting here, with a 10-inch 1024 x 600 LED display, 1.6GHz Atom N450 CPU, 1 to 2GB RAM, up to 320GB of storage, and an estimated 8.5 hours of battery life. But hey, look at all the colors! Pricing and availability for the ASUS Eee PC 1005PX are currently unknown.

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Two of the most popular netbooks on the market, the HP Mini 110 & 210 HD, have gotten a small but significant boost today with the addition of Intel Atom N455 and Atom 475 CPU options. The 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 is now the standard CPU option for the netbooks, with the Atom N475 being a $25 upgrade. These processors now give the Mini 210 support for DDR3 RAM, though it still maxes out at 2GB. What speed boosts the netbooks now have has yet to be benchmarked, but if those details come out we’ll be sure to let you know.

Netbooks are known for affordability, not for being particularly powerful. Which makes the ASUS Eee PC 1215N a pleasant surprise. Its packing a 12-inch 1,366 x 768 pixel display, NVIDIA ION discrete graphics, an Intel Atom D525 dual core CPU, WiFi, Bluetooth, either a 250GB or 320GB HDD. It’ll easily play 1080p video, and even charges connected devices when powered off. Pricing or a release date are currently unavailable, unfortunately.

ASUS Defies Convention with the Eee PC™ 1215N Multimedia Netbook

Effectively Integrating the Intel® Atom™ D525 CPU with Next Generation NVIDIA® ION™ Discrete Graphics to Deliver Unprecedented Performance

Consumers who want their multimedia entertainment on-the-go have always found their needs wanting. But that is set to change with the launch of the ASUS Eee PC™ 1215N Multimedia Netbook. ASUS has managed to squeeze the Intel® Atom™ D525 processor and the next generation NVIDIA® ION™ discrete graphics processor into a netbook to deliver stunning levels of performance. It also comes with the latest USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0 technologies.

Eee PC™ 1215N users are also granted access to Boingo global Wi-Fi services at a special price. A single account gives users access to over 100,000 hotspots at airports, hotels, cafes and restaurants around the world.

Another day, another netbook announcement. This Samsung N230 Netbook doesn’t exactly stand apart from the pack, with specs including a 10.1-inch 1024×600 display, choice of 1.66GHz or 1.83GHz Atom CPUs, and WiFi, except in one area — a promised 13.8-hour battery life with a 66Wh battery. Or, you could slim things down a bit with the 7-hour 32Wh option. But this netbook could be a good option if you know you need a PC for a long day’s work without a power source, especially with the 3G modem you can install optionally. The N230 arrives June 28th, though pricing is currently unknown.

Samsung’s new ultra-light N230 combines style and design with easy mobility
Sophisticated netbook with Fast Start functionality

SEOUL, Korea – June 28, 2010 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the latest addition to its N-Series netbook range – the N230. With a sleek profile, stunning premium black finish and ultra-convenient features, the N230 will appeal to design-conscious consumers looking for the ultimate experience in mobile computing.

No effort has been spared in designing the exclusive N230, with its well-harmonized finish of glossy, mat and patterned black surfaces. Weighing less than 1kg and just 23.2mm thick, it is a super-slim and ultra-portable netbook, perfect for the go-anywhere mobile user. It also features an ergonomic island keyboard, increasing the stylish looks while reducing users’ wrist strain when typing for extended periods.

Super-fast mobile convenience
The N230 netbook is designed to deliver superior convenience, to match the fast-paced demands of its users. It features Samsung Fast Start, which allows users to start working within seconds of pressing the power button, and an innovative sleep mode which ensures that data is saved to the hard drive, as well as memory, so you’ll never have to worry about losing files or documents again – even if the netbook shuts down unexpectedly. The N230 fits seamlessly into active users’ lives, matching the way busy mobile workers multi-task.

The power to keep you running for longer
A long battery life is vital to a reliable mobile computing experience and the N230 has been designed to provide just that: With Samsung’s innovative LED display, optimized processing performance and proprietary Enhanced Battery Life (EBL) solutions, the N230 delivers incredible energy-efficiency. It offers an extensive battery life of up to 7 hours as standard and with an optional long-life battery. This can be extended up to an amazing 13.8 hours (66Wh battery).

Stay connected in style
While it features a stylish, sophisticated design, these good looks are matched by its superior connectivity. The N230 is equipped with advanced communications technologies like Bluetooth 3.0 High Speed, 802.11bgn wireless LAN and a factory option of 3G modem. Together, these provide high-speed data transfer and access to the Internet anytime and anywhere.

Enjoy multimedia contents on the go
The N230 is also perfect for users who want to watch films or view photographs. It has a large 10.1″ anti-reflective LED display that delivers clear, rich and vivid images. With no mirror effect in bright conditions, users can enjoy their movies wherever on-the-go.

Seamless connectivity
The N230 also comes with Samsung’s All-Share™, making it exceptionally easy to share digital content between other DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified Samsung devices like cameras or mobile phones. The technology makes it easy for you to stream HD content from your notebook to your TV or seamlessly share videos and photos with your phone, without the hassle of connecting cables.
The N230 also allows you to quickly copy files, images, music or share information with other PCs, based on a WiFi ad hoc connection. This Easy File Sharing Solution that will enable simple one click connection without network setting or internet access.

Worry-free mobile computing
The N230 ensures peace-of-mind for mobile workers by including the Samsung Recovery Solution, enabling simple and automatic data back-up. Silent Mode is ideal for sensitive environments, so that you can easily do work in any situation – whether at a library or at a lounge at school.

The N230 will be available globally from 28 June 2010.

The lack of good education for kids worldwide is something we should be very concerned about. Back before Facebook and a million other distractions online, I remember computers being used to teach me a lot of valuable skills I still know to this day. So it’s nice to see that HP’s Mini 100e is poised at being an affordable, yet powerful children’s computer (in comparison to other children-aimed computers). It has the Intel Atom CPU that’s in almost all netbooks nowadays. It also has a spill-resistant keyboard, bright LED to show network connectivity, and a handle for easy carrying. Let’s just hope the schools have networks that block anything distracting.

Pricing is not expected to exceed $300, which is great for students all around the globe. The HP Mini 100e is expected to start shipping to schools in July.

HP Introduces Affordable Mini Netbook for Primary School Students

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 23, 2010 – HP today announced an education-focused Mini designed to help schools around the world acquire affordable, reliable computing technology.
The HP Mini 100e Education Edition features a modern, student-friendly design with the durability and functionality essential for classroom computing. Complete with an array of hardware and software tools, the HP Mini 100e aims to close the digital divide by offering students and teachers an interactive learning experience at an affordable price.
“HP is committed to helping schools adapt to students’ changing needs and to creating solutions that provide better interactivity, connectivity and learning,” said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. “The HP Mini 100e is an affordable, feature-rich device that helps ensure every student has the tools needed for success in their academic endeavors.”
The HP Mini 100e includes productivity, education and security software from Microsoft, such as Microsoft Office 2010 Preloaded, (1) Microsoft Math and Microsoft Security Essentials.
In addition to the learning software, the HP Mini 100e also features a spill resistant keyboard for higher reliability in the classroom and an easy-to-see LED that indicates when the PC is connected to a network enabling better instructor monitoring.
The HP Mini 100e offers an integrated worldwide modem, which is compatible in all countries with the V.92 standard. This enables dial-up internet connection(2) in remote areas so students can easily connect to the web anywhere there is internet service available over a phone line.
HP Mini for students
Created to seamlessly integrate into education environments, the HP Mini 100e features a practical clamshell design starting at only 3.19 pounds. Its 10.1-inch diagonal LED-backlit WSVGA display, 92 percent of full size QWERTY keyboard and an integrated carrying handle allow for maximized comfort and efficiency in the classroom and on the go.
It also includes separate headphone and MIC ports to allow students to easily connect to other devices, as well as a VGA webcam(3), while offering enhanced sound quality and reduced echo in virtual conferencing, language courses and interactive multimedia classroom sessions.
Built with added durability features for young students, the HP Mini 100e includes strong metal alloy hinges with steel pin axles and a spill-resistant keyboard designed with a protective Mylar film under the keyboard helping to ensure greater protection against spills. The Mini 100e also features a customizable back panel, keyboard deck, and bottom case – exclusive to HP Minis – allowing customers to personalize their units with their school logo, motto, or a picture for added security and personalization.
The HP Mini 100e boasts an impressive array of technologies in a tiny package, including a low-power Intel® Atom N455 processor(4) and Intel NM10 Express chipset, enabling the unit to run cooler, use less power and help improve battery life compared to its predecessor. It offers 1 gigabyte (GB) of DDR3 memory for faster data transfer, along with optional flexible battery solutions, including three or six-cell battery options.(5)
Catering to varying education environments, the HP Mini 100e offers Windows® XP Home, Windows 7 Starter(6), or SuSE Linux (SLED 11) operating systems.
Whether at home or in the classroom, students can enjoy the HP Mini 100e’s wireless features, including optional Wi-Fi Certified WLAN(7) and a worldwide modem that enables dial-up(2) internet access even in remote areas.
There are a variety of accessories also available for the HP Mini 100e product, to further improve the productivity of students in the classroom, and at home. including:
- HP Slip Case
- HP Optical Mouse
- HP Combo Lock
- HP Student Edition Youth Backpack
- HP External USB Optical Drive
Pricing and Availability(8)
The HP Mini 100e will be available worldwide in July. Pricing will be set on a per deal basis, and not expected to exceed $300 per unit.
More information about the HP Mini 100e and its accessories, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal

At the same conference as the Libretto unveiling, Toshiba showed off an interesting new 10.1-inch netbook, the AC100. The AC100 runs Google’s Android 2.1 OS, a first for Toshiba. The AC100 is a cloud-based netbook — its specs may seem underwhelming at first, but most of your actions on the notebook are expected to be dealt with server-side. Specs include a 1024×600 LED display, 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra CPU, 512MB DDR2 RAM, up to 32GB SSD, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, and a 1.3MP webcam.

The AC100 is expected to hit overseas in the third quarter. Pricing and availability for the US are currently unknown.

Netbooks are still going strong, by the looks of the product calendars of companies like Toshiba. Their new 10.1-inch, 2.46 pound  Mini NB250 features a full-size keyboard and a 1336 x768 LED display. Other specs include a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N455 processor, up to 250GB HDD, Intel GMA 3150 GPU, 3 USB ports, 1GB DDR2 RAM, WiFi, multi-card reader, and Ethernet port.

The NB250 is available now for $400.

London, UK, 15th June 2010 – Toshiba UK today announces the launch of a duo of new mobile laptops designed to offer performance, style and portability – the new Toshiba Satellite Pro L630 and the Mini NB250. Designed for mobile users who want to stay connected wherever they are, the new models provide a compelling blend of features and diminutive form factors, making them perfect for mobile computing.

Ultra-portable performance, stand-out style – the new Toshiba Mini NB250

The latest addition to Toshiba’s netbook range, the new Mini NB250 combines performance with a stylish gloss black exterior at a more affordable price. Designed to provide a high quality solution for the budget-conscious user, the netbook includes all the essential features required for everyday computing on the move – without compromising on design.

The slim, compact machine features a 25.7cm (10.1″) Toshiba TruBrite display with LED backlighting, as well as a full-sized keyboard and a large touchpad to offer comfortable typing and easy navigation. Measuring just 25.4mm at its thinnest point and weighing from just 1.12kg, the Mini NB250 is small and light enough to fit neatly into any small bag. The model also sports a slick gloss black on the lid, contrasting with subtle textured matt palm rests and keyboard.

The latest Intel® Atom processing technology provides the power for browsing, emailing and multimedia playback and up to 8.5 hours of battery life provides a full day’s power – perfect for students, commuters, or those looking for a secondary laptop for mobile use. A spacious hard disk drive (HDD) of up to 250 GB also provides extensive space for storing music, video, photos or documents – allowing users to carry their favourite content everywhere.

Business computing, on the go – the new Satellite Pro L630

The Satellite Pro L630 is an ultra-portable business laptop that offers powerful, uncompromised mobile performance – providing an attractive option for workers who travel and need to remain productive.

A smart, compact design is combined with the latest Intel® Core series processors, delivering solid performance on the move. HDD storage of 250 GB provides space for thousands of office documents, while the security of an integrated 3D impact sensor ensures content is safe during mobile use – detecting sudden or rapid movements and protecting the storage disk in the event that the laptop is knocked or dropped. Compatibility with USB docking solutions also provides an efficient, hassle-free way to connect to numerous peripherals using an optional port replicator, and Gigabit-speed Ethernet offers increased bandwidth for rapid network connections when used at home or in the office.

A high definition 33.8cm (13.3″) Toshiba TruBrite screen with LED backlighting displays detailed content at 1366 x 768 HD resolution – ensuring documents and spreadsheets are crisp at all times. A full-sized keyboard provides comfort for professionals in everyday use and a large touchpad with Multi-Touch technology allows users to scroll through documents, browse web pages or pinch-zoom into images easily, using a selection of intuitive gestures.

Toshiba LifeSpace – making everyday life easier

The new Satellite Pro L630 and the Mini NB250 both feature Toshiba’s LifeSpace suite, a simple and elegant programme that enables users to organise day-to-day activities. LifeSpace features two applications designed to enhance the way users can utilise use their computer – Bulletin Board allows users to create a virtual pin-board for quickly accessing favourite files, post it notes, reminders or links, and ReelTime accelerates file-searching by automatically creating a picture-based timeline of recently used documents or folders for easy access.

The Toshiba Mini NB250 and Satellite Pro L630 will both be available from the end of June.

NB250 Facts & Figures:

· Intel® Atom N455 (1.66GHz / 667MHz FSB)

· Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 7 Starter

· RAM: 1 GB DDR3

· 2.5″ HDD up to 250 GB

· GPU: integrated Intel® GMA 3150

· 25.7cm (10.1”) TruBrite® LCD with LED backlight, 1024 x 600 pixels

· Interfaces: 3x USB 2.0, Multi-Card reader, Fast Ethernet

· Wireless connectivity: WLAN (802.11 b/g/n)

· Full-size keyboard and large touch pad

· Toshiba LifeSpace organisation suite

· Dimensions:

o With 3 cell battery: 263 x 192.3 x 25.4 (front) / 32.25 mm (back)

o With 6 cell battery: 263 x 211.5 x 25.4 (front) / 32.25 mm (back)

· Weight:

o With 3 cell battery: 1.12 kg

o With 6 cell battery: 1.33 kg

· Battery life: up to 8.5 hours with a 6 cell battery

· Built-in VGA Web camera with microphone

· EnergyStar® 5.0 qualified

Satellite L630 Facts & Figures:

· Intel® Core i3

· RAM: 2 GB DDR3 (1066 MHz)

· 2.5″ HDD 250 GB with 3D HDD impact sensor for data protection

· 33.8cm (13.3”) TruBrite® HD display with LED backlighting (16:9), 1,366 x 768 pixels,

· GPU: Intel® GMA HD Graphics

· Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, WLAN (802.11 b/g/n), Gigabit

· Interfaces: 2 x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA / USB combo port, Multi-Card Reader

· VGA Webcam with Face Recognition, microphone

· Toshiba LifeSpace, ConfigFree & PC Health Monitor

· Dolby Advanced Audio

· Battery life: up to 5 hours

· Weight: 2.1kg

· Dimensions: 325 x 220 x25.6/36.9mm

After months of anticipation and beta releases, Adobe’s Flash 10.1 is finally here for Windows, Mac, and Linux. (Flash for smartphones is also being rolled out soon.) 10.1′s release is a fairly large deal when it comes to laptops (and more specifically, netbooks), since its hardware decoding feature promises to provide much smoother HD playback and reduced CPU usage for low powered devices. Flash has been a notorious CPU hog over the years — just ask Apple how they feel about that — and 10.1 hopes to change that.

A special note to Mac users: As of right now, Flash 10.1 on OSX doesn’t support hardware decoding, thanks to some prolonged bickering back and forth between Apple and Adobe. However, Adobe has released a special beta version called ‘Gala’ that does do GPU acceleration. I’ve been using it for weeks now, and I’ve had almost no issues with it, and I highly recommend it. You can download it here.

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Microsoft reminded manufacturers today that, starting October 22, 2010, they’d no longer be allowed to preinstall Windows XP on netbooks. Microsoft really wants Windows 7 as their netbook OS, even claiming that eighty percent of netbooks come with Windows 7 already. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t find XP online and install it yourself after October 22nd.

In addition, on July 13th, XP Service Pack 2 will no longer be supported by Microsoft, so you’ll have to update to Windows XP SP 3. How many people any of this actually affects, though, is unknown.

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We brought you news of the Australia-exclusive Billabong VAIO P earlier this week, but Sony’s already got another special edition skin on the way. Exclusive to Japan, this Crocodile skin (imitation, of course) comes on a VAIO P loaded with new features. This VAIO P has all the new specs we’ve announced before, including an 8-inch, 1600×768 display, a HDD upgradeable to a 256GB SSD, accelerometer, Intel Atom CPU, and an upgradeable 12.5-hour battery.

Pricing for the Crocodile Skin VAIO P is currently unavailable.

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Amazon and ASUS have teamed up today with news that certain ASUS notebooks and netbooks will come with the Kindle application pre-installed, including the Eee PC. Currently, there are 540,000 books offered in the Kindle store, and users can start a book on their ASUS netbook and continue where they left off on their Kindle, thanks to Whispersync technology.

Highlighted in the PR is the fact that the preloaded notebooks all feature long battery lifes of up to 11 hours — perfect for reading an e-book on a plane ride (as long as the display doesn’t cause eye strain after awhile).

The Eee PCs with the Kindle software are models: 1005PE-MU27- BK, 1005PE-MU27-BU, 1005PE-MU27-WT, and 1005PE-MU27-P. The UL Series are UL30A-X5K and UL30VT-X1K. There will be more models to feature the pre-installed software coming soon.

ASUS Pre-installs Kindle for PC Application on Award-Winning Netbooks and Notebooks

Customers using Kindle for PC can enjoy over 540,000 books, including New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases, on ASUS’ latest netbook and notebook products

FREMONT, California (May 24, 2010) – ASUS today announced that Amazon’s “Kindle for PC” application, which lets readers enjoy Kindle books on their personal computers (PC), will come pre-installed on select ASUS netbooks and notebooks sold at Amazon.com. Kindle for PC enables customers to discover and read from over 540,000 books in the Kindle Store -the largest selection of the most popular books that people want to read — including New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases priced from $9.99.

Like all Kindle apps, Kindle for PC includes Amazon’s Whispersync technology, which saves and synchronizes a customer’s notes, highlights, bookmarks and last page read across their Kindle, Kindle DX, PC, Mac and other devices* so customers always have their reading material with them and never lose their place whether at home or on-the-go.

“We are thrilled that customers will begin to enjoy the Kindle for PC experience right out of the box with ASUS devices,” said Ben Thacker, VP Sales and Product Management, Systems Business Group, North American Channel, ASUS Computer International. “Kindle is something our customers have been asking for and by pre-installing Kindle for PC on select long battery life products, we believe we are providing our customers an even richer PC experience. Working with a customer-centric company such as Amazon and pre-installing their Kindle for PC application is a natural fit for ASUS.”

With the free Kindle for PC pre-installed on select ASUS netbooks and notebooks, consumers can take advantage of the following features and more:

· Purchase, download, and read more than 540,000 books, including 96 of 110 New York Times Bestsellers, plus tens of thousands of the most popular classics for free directly from their ASUS device. Bestsellers such as “Backlash” by Aaron Allston, “Big Girl” by Danielle Steel, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot and “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown, and hundreds of thousands of other popular books are $9.99 or less in the Kindle Store

· Browse by genre or author, and take advantage of all the features that they enjoy in the Kindle Store, including Amazon.com customer reviews, personalized recommendations and editorial reviews
· Read the beginning of books for free before they decide to buy
· Access their Kindle books even if they don’t have Kindle with them
· Synchronize last page read between their Kindle, Kindle DX, PC, Mac, and other devices*
· Create new highlights, notes and bookmarks, and manage those created on their Kindle
· Choose from three different color modes: read in white, sepia, or black color modes and adjust the brightness of the display from within the application
· Choose from more than 10 different font sizes and adjust words per line
· Read books using full-screen mode of their PC

“We think customers are going to love the convenience and simplicity of having instant access to Kindle for PC from their ASUS device and access to a massive selection of Kindle books,” said Jay Marine, Director, Amazon Kindle. “Kindle for PC lets customers enjoy over 540,000 books in the Kindle Store even if they don’t yet have a Kindle, and its the perfect companion application for the millions of Kindle and Kindle DX owners.”

Kindle for PC* is available today and comes preinstalled on the following ASUS Eee PC Netbooks with battery life** up to 11 hours:

1005PE-MU27- BK

1005PE-MU27-BU

1005PE-MU27-WT

1005PE-MU27-PI

And on the following ASUS ultra thin and light UL Series notebooks featuring over 11 hours of battery life **:

UL30A-X5K
UL30VT-X1K

These select ASUS netbooks and notebooks are available at Amazon.com with additional models arriving soon.

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* Kindle for PC, a free application that allows customers to read Kindle content on a PC, is available for download on http://www.amazon.com/KindleforPC .

**Battery life measured with MobileMark 2007 in reader mode and can be different based upon usage and conditions. Please visit http://usa.asus.com for more information. Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

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About ASUS

ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era, with a broad product portfolio that includes

notebooks, netbooks, motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, servers, wireless solutions, mobile phones and networking devices. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s home and office users. ASUS won

3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™.

With a global staff of more than 10,000 and a world-class R&D design team, the company’s revenue for

2009 was US$7.5 billion. ASUS ranks among BusinessWeek’s InfoTech 100, and has been on the listing for 12 consecutive years.

ASUS’s new Eee PC 1215 offers a lot for a netbook. It features a 12-inch LED screen with 1366×768 resolution, Intel Atom D510 dual-core CPU, and the brand new NVIDIA Ion GPU with Optimus technology. Optimus, if you’re unaware, allows the automatic switching of the netbook’s two GPUs (an Intel GMA 3150 & NVIDIA G218) based on the application’s graphical intensity.

Other specs include 4GB RAM, Bluetooth, and HDMI output. Also impressive are the two USB 3.0 ports featured on the device. There is also a third USB 2.0 port.

The Asus Eee PC 1215 will be available in July for around $550.

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Sony announced today some interesting changes to their popular line of VAIO P netbooks, making additions that truly blend the line between laptop and tablet and make the device more attractive in an increasingly diverse ultraportable market.

The 8-inch laptop, 1.4 pound laptop features a 1600×768 LED display, GPS, and 3G, but the unique features are what stand out: The built-in accelerometer allows for iPad-esque orientation switching for spreadsheets and documents. Touchpads situated on either side of the display (or “mobile nav grips” as the PR says) allow users to navigate the mouse and click in what Sony dubs “two-handed operation for standing or walking.” Also new are one-touch buttons that launch applications and adjust display settings — these include a web browser mode that doesn’t require a full boot into Windows 7, as well as easy resolution adjustment to keep text on that tiny screen legible. The VAIO P now comes in five colors with fancy adjectives to describe them: neon green, icy white, electric orange, hot pink, and classic black.

The VAIO P is available in June starting at $799.

MEDIA ALERT: NEW SONY VAIO P SERIES LIFESTYLE PC DAZZLES WITH VIBRANT COLORS AND ONE-TOUCH BUTTONS
Subject: Media Alert: VAIO P Series to Boast Bold Colors and New Touch Features

WHO: The new Sony VAIO® P Series features an array of built-in one-touch buttons that enable you to instantly access the web, adjust screen resolution and even tune-up your PC. A convenient trackpad built directly into the LCD bezel and a mobile nav grip have also been added making it easier than ever to access content on-the-go. Taking fashion to the next level, the P-Series is now available in five vibrant new colors – electric orange, neon green, hot pink, icy white and classic black.

WHAT: Measuring about the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone the P Series weighs in at just 1.4 pounds. It integrates full PC features so users can edit documents, watch online videos, and organize photos all with an ultraportable design.

◦ The new PC features one-touch buttons providing convenient shortcuts with just a click.
• Press the WEB button, and this Instant mode option launches directly into your browser. You can even press it when the PC is turned off and it will launch you into your web browser without a full boot through the Windows® operating system.
• The ASSIST button launches Sony’s own VAIO Care ™ software, an easy-to-use program that lets you tune-up, maintain, update and troubleshoot the PC.
• A resolution button lets you increase or decrease screen resolution for optimal viewing.
◦ The P Series also boasts a unique mobile nav grip to surf the web without a mouse or keyboard. A trackpad and left- and right-click buttons are built right into the LCD bezel, providing a creative solution to navigate the web and a new way to interact with a PC.
◦ It features a high-resolution, 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch ultra-wide display (diagonal), making it easy to view everything from entire spreadsheets to full web pages. Plus, for a more convenient way to read long web pages without all the scrolling, turn the P Series on its side to change the viewing orientation from landscape mode to portrait mode. A new array of stylish carrying cases and wireless mice are now available.

WHEN: Available now for pre-sale at www.sony.com/pr/pseries and at select retailers around the country for about $800. To find the closest Sony Style store, please visit www.sonystyle.com.

Sony delivers a smarter on-the-move computing experience: Ultra-portable, easy to carry new VAIO P Series

· Colourful ultra-portable PC weighs just over 600g
· New design for two-handed operation while standing or walking
· GPS and Digital Compass
· Accelerometer sensor
· Built-in Everywair 3G
· Clear, bright, widescreen VAIO Display Plus
· Easy to use with Quick Web Access

It’s smaller than a notebook and smarter than a smartphone: the colourful VAIO P Series from Sony is your perfect partner for on-the-move computing.

Weighing just over 600g and slipping effortlessly into a bag or jacket pocket, new VAIO P Series gives you all the power of a fully-featured Windows® computing experience… and so much more.

Ideal for busy people who can’t sit still, it’s the first VAIO designed for simple operation if you’re standing or walking. The central trackball is complemented by an additional touchpad and mouse buttons. Duplicating the main controls, they’re located at either edge of the screen for comfortable operation with both thumbs while you’re holding the computer in two hands.

VAIO P Series is the first notebook computer from Sony with built-in GPS and a new Digital Compass. Perfect for telling you where you are and what’s happening around you, they can help you find your hotel or a nearby restaurant if you’re standing on the street corner in an unfamiliar city1.

A brand-new VAIO Location Search software offers a real-time map view without tying up your web browser. Your map position and orientation are displayed along with nearby Points of Interest and even local weather conditions.

The ultra-light notebook’s ‘on-the-go’ credentials for travellers are boosted with Everywair 3G on-board, giving high-speed connectivity to mobile networks (where available).

New VAIO P is the first notebook from Sony with a built-in accelerometer that responds to physical movements. Just give VAIO a gentle shake to ‘flick’ through pictures or the pages of a PDF document, or navigate back and forth through your web browsing history.

The sensor also recognises when VAIO P Series is turned on its side, automatically ‘flipping’ the screen for easy reading of documents or web pages in portrait mode. The notebook’s additional mouse buttons are perfectly placed for comfortable page-turning when you’re reading in portrait position – just like a paperback book or magazine.

New VAIO P Series is beautifully designed for easy operation, with a comfortable full-pitch keyboard for easy typing, plus a bright, extra-wide VAIO Display Plus that’s ideally proportioned for viewing movies or two web pages side-by-side. There’s also an ambient light sensor that dims screen illumination for comfortable viewing while saving power.

For extra convenience, dedicated buttons are provided for Quick Web Access and one-touch access to VAIO Care. There’s also a handy new Change Resolution button: instantly select a larger font size for easy on-screen reading, or choose maximum detail for HD movie viewing.

Available in five vibrant colours (black, white, pink, green and orange), the new VAIO P Series is complemented by a choice of stylish accessories that includes a distinctively perforated silicone slip case and carry strap.

The new VAIO P Series ultra-portable notebook computer is available from June 2010.

I’m filing this under “not very surprising” — It appears the netbook fad has already peaked, thanks to analytics from Fortune.com. To be precise, it was last summer, when the popular, affordable tiny notebooks had a 641% year-over-year growth rate. But ever since Apple announced its tablet in January, those numbers have been dramatically decreasing. Personally, I think that netbooks will still continue to sell — they do offer things that the iPad doesn’t. But pricing the iPad to start at $500 was a genius move by Apple. It’ll be interesting to see how those netbook sales look a year from now.

[via Slashdot]

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The HP Mini is one of the most popular netbooks around, especially with the younger set. From the looks of it, HP knows their customers well, as a new revised Mini 210 has some color options that seem directly aimed at the high school girl demographic. The notebook is now available in “White Crystal” and “Preppy Pink,” with the latter having a plaid, multi-layered “3D” effect on it. Mesmerizing, right? In addition, the entry-level Mini 110 now includes a 6-cell battery, which promises up to eight hours of battery life. Otherwise, the specs remain unchanged, with the standard Atom Processor and Intel graphics found in pretty much every netbook out there. But how many of them are this colorful?

The Mini 110 and Mini 210 are available June 15 for $280 and $355, respectively.