ApoTheTech

Here is a screenshot from the Windows 7 beta, build 7025. As we can see, upon it’s install, it asks user which version would he like to install. But, it makes the netbook community wonder one thing. What about the netbook version which is supposed to be lighter than the bulkier full verison of Windows 7?

People who would be using Windows 7 on their netbooks, UMPCs and MIDs generally won’t be needing all the featues that they use on their desktops and laptops. Although, there are many rumors from various sources that say that Microsoft would be making a special version for the netbooks and UMPCs, which would be lighther and cheaper. But, may be not in this version.

[pcbeta] [via engadget]

ASUS has released new BIOS for the ASUS EEE 900SD, which would update te EC firmware of your device. Get it from the following link:

Link

SONY VAIO P was the most popular product at the CES 2009. It drew a lot of media attention with it’s super sleek design. When we heard that it would be using the slower 1.33GHz Atom processor, we were really not pleased with this netbook ultra-portable (ok, Sony?) especially considering the fact that it would be running Vista. Folks at notebookreview were able to get their hands on the SONY VAIO P and they have given it a go:

Is it worth $900 when you can get a similar laptop for less money? That depends on what matters to you. The VAIO P has a revolutionary design, an extremely high-resolution display, and a few features you won’t find in a $500 netbook. That said, it still uses a relatively weak processor and isn’t designed to be a primary computer. If you plan to use the VAIO P as your primary family PC and multimedia center then you will probably be disappointed. If you plan to purchase the VAIO P as a lightweight travel laptop it might just be the perfect laptop on the market.

Sony VAIO P Review

Pros:

• Smallest and lightest in class
• Excellent build quality
• Fantastic keyboard despite the small size
• Responsive, business-grade touchpoint
• Available with built-in 3G WWAN
• No noisy cooling fan

Cons:

• Expensive for an Atom-based laptop
• Gets a little hot
• Glossy plastic lid is a magnet for fingerprints
• Weak speakers, even for something this small
• Not user-upgradeable

[notebookreview]

Here are the specifications of SONY VAIO P:

• 1.33GHz Z520 Intel Atom Processor
• 2GB DDR2 800MHz (1 DIMM)
• Windows Vista Basic SP1 (32-bit)
• 8-inch 1600 x 768 glossy LED backlit display
• 64GB Solid State Drive
• Intel GMA 500 Integrated Graphics
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 3G WWAN Verizon card
• SD/SDHC Media card reader
• Memeory Stick card reader
• Sony “Motion Eye” webcam
• 4-Cell Li-ion battery (6-cell extended life battery also available)
• Size: 9.65″ x 4.72″ x 0.78″
• Weight: 1lb 4.8oz (with 4-cell battery), 1lb 12oz (with 4-cell battery and AC adapter), 1lb 8.8oz (with 6-cell battery)

Following the suit of MSI, Samsung has also come up with NC10 dressed up in rose color. The hardware specifications have not undergone any change though except for the anti-germ keyboard. UK retailer dabs has it listed for £316 ($434) with VAT and a February 9 release date. [engadget]

Here are its specifications.

Manufacturer Samsung
Model name NC10
Model id NP-NC10
CPU type Intel Atom
CPU speed 1600 Mhz
Graphics Intel GMA 950
OS Windows XP Home
Display Size
10.2″ 1024 X 600
RAM 1024 MB
Hard Disk 160 GB
Battery capacity 57 (Wh)
Weight 1304gm / 46 oz.
Size (w/h/d mm) 262/185/31.0 mm
Size (w/h/d inches) 10.3/7.3/1.2
Physical Interfaces
Ethernet 10/100
Line-out / Headphone (3.5mm)
MIC-in
Multi-format card reader
USB2.0 (x3)
VGA
Wireless Interfaces
802.11b/g
BT 2.0 (On some models)
No Wireless WAN (e.g. 3G cellular)
Additional Specs and Accessories (can vary)
WebCam 1.3Mp

Although it was bound to be released in February, but ACER has released the big baby early.

At a little more than one kilo (1.18 kg), the new 10” Aspire One combines style, great features and a new form factor to provide the best combination of ultra-portability and maximum screen size for navigation and data input.

Designed for an optimal web browsing experience and Internet productivity, the 10” Aspire One includes a 10.1” WSVGA LED backlit display with a resolution of 1024×600 pixels that offers a broader vision for more convenient navigation. Integrated on top of the screen is the unique Acer Crystal Eye webcam optimized for poorly lit environments, a tiny window, tastefully encircled by a mirror rim, that keeps you connected to the world though live video streaming, video chats and conferences.

The 10” Aspire One comes with 802.11b/g WiFi and Acer Signal Up technology built-in as standard for easy access to available wireless networks. In addition is equipped with Bluetooth and can also be specified with a choice of embedded WiMAX or 3G wireless technologies for unlimited connectivity.

One nice improvement is the easy of expandability of RAM. In the 8.9″ model, it was not-so-easy for the end user to change the RAM, which actually required to remove the keyboard. In the current 10″ model, just unscrew a couple of screws to change the RAM. One more interesting feature is the inclusion of multiple format card reader. This is a nice addition when considering the fact that all the netbooks in the market come with just a SD card slot.

The screen resolution has not undergone any change. It is still WXGA (1024 x 600). Price is not known yet.