Today novero announced the introduction of Solana, a lightweight, 10-inch laptop/tablet hybrid with a flip-rotating design at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Designed to deliver the best combination of everyday business computing and mobile entertainment, Solana offers optimal flexibility and state-of-the-art features in one unique device.

Whether converting between laptop and tablet mode with just one flip of the screen, or switching between the two operating systems Genuine Windows 7 (Windows 8 ready) and Android within seconds, or staying seamlessly connected through high-speed 3.5G (HSPA+), WiFi or Bluetooth, Solana is the premium lifestyle mobile device built to work, watch, listen, play and connect in multiple ways. Its capacitive sensing multi-touch panel, built-in video camera, stereo loudspeakers and six row full QWERTY keyboard all support the requirements of today's mobile life.

One of the three Cedar Trail-based netbooks announced by ASUS in January, the 10.1-inch Eee PC 1025C, can now be found on Amazon on pre-order in two color versions, black and white. Priced at $299.99, the netbook measures 10.3 x 7.0 x 0.815 ~ 1.35 inches and features an LED-backlit (1024 x 600) display, a 1.6 GHz Atom N2600 processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive (backed by 3 GB worth of ASUS Web Storage), 10/100 LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, an SD/MMC card reader, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, D-Sub and HDMI outputs, and a 6-cell battery.

Both the Eee PC 1025C-MU17-BK (black model) and 1025C-MU17-WT (white) run Windows 7 Starter (32-bit) and are expected to ship as of March 10th.

Eurotech, a leading supplier of embedded technologies, products and systems, today announces the launch of the EN50155 rated DynaCOR 10-00, a new family of rugged mobile computer that targets demanding machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. Based on the Intel Atom processor, the DynaCOR 10-00 is a purpose-built, low power, mobile computer platform with wide range power supply and IP65 protection.

The DynaCOR 10-00 system is modular and versatile with a fanless design and rugged connectors for long-term reliability in harsh environments. Application specific configurations are easy to implement in several vertical industries enabling reliable M2M solutions even under the most demanding conditions: with a low power, highly efficient design, the DynaCOR 10-00 is a dependable platform featuring CPU speeds of 1.1 GHz, 512 MB RAM and a 2 GB flash disk.

While it won't confirm an exit from the netbook market, Lenovo has distanced itself from this platform by deciding to stop selling netbooks through its online store. Lenovo's Atom-powered machines can still be found through resellers but the company's website is currently only selling some AMD-based models like the (11.6-inch) IdeaPad S205 and ThinkPad X130e.

Spokesman Ray Gorman revealed that Lenovo's Atom netbooks are "not being replaced in the near future" so it seems Cedar Trail is a no-go for yet another PC maker (Dell also said no to the platform and to netbooks in general).

Consumer interest for netbooks has fallen since tablets came into play so it seems Lenovo is just going with the market, putting netbooks on hold while pushing forward its tablet line which starts at just $209 with the IdeaPad Tablet A1.

Visa Inc. and Intel Corporation today announced a strategic agreement to develop mobile commerce solutions tailored to consumers in developed and developing countries. During a press conference at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the companies outlined plans to collaborate to ensure consumers enjoy a consistent, streamlined, secure mobile commerce experience across Intel Atom-based smartphones and tablets.

"Visa's agreement with Intel paves the way for financial institutions around the globe to offer their account holders mobile payments and financial services using innovative mobile devices and technologies designed by Intel," said John Partridge, President, Visa Inc. during the press conference. "This is another example of how Visa is making mobile payments broadly available across devices and operating systems and is ensuring that mobile commerce applications are aligned with existing technology and security standards established by the global payments industry."

Intel is reportedly working on a new Atom "Cedar View" processor model for low-power static computing devices such as entry-level PCs and nettops, the Atom D2550. This new model retains most of the specifications of the Atom D2500. Its two x86 cores are still clocked at 1.86 GHz, featuring HyperThreading technoloy, 512 KB L2 cache per core, even the TDP stays at 10W. The D2550, however, brings slightly faster integrated graphics. Its graphics core is clocked at 640 MHz, compared to 400 MHz on the D2500. Intel will be taking orders for the new chip from ODMs starting some time in March.

Motherboard maker J&W Technology is currently preparing the arrival of its 2012 MINIX Mini HD PC, a compact (192 (L) x 60 (W) x 186 (D) mm), multimedia-ready barebone system based around Intel's Cedar Trail platform.

The 2012 MINIX can be equipped with an Atom D2550 (1.86 GHz) or D2700 (2.13 GHz) processor and has two DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM slots (supporting up to 4 GB of RAM), one 2.5-inch drive bay, onboard 5.1 channel audio, dual Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 and five USB 2.0 ports, and both D-Sub and HDMI outputs. No word yet on pricing or availability.

Advantech,a global leader in the embedded computing market, is happy to announce the ARK-1120, an ultra-compact and price-competitive fanless embedded system powered by an Intel Atom N455 processor. Its compact size, affordable price, robust performance and support for both HDD and CompactFlash memory make the ARK-1120 attractive for a range of embedded usages.

This product is well-suited for applications that need a simple but dependable controller. ARK-1120 is ideal for thin client and factory automation applications with space limited or low-power-consumption designs.

Showcased at CES last month, the S1081 tablet PC/slate based around the Intel Cedar Trail platform has now found its way onto its maker's (Gigabyte) website for a full reveal of its specs. Seen below, the mobile device measures 270 (W) x 173 (D) x 14.94 (H) mm, it weights between 790 grams (when equipped with an SSD) and 850 grams (with a HDD), and features a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) LED-backlit capacitive touchscreen, and a 1.86 GHz Atom N2800 processor.

The S1081 also packs 2/4 GB of RAM, up to a 500 GB HDD or up to a 256 GB SSD, an SD card reader, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, dual 1.5 W speakers, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFI, Bluetooth 3.0, optional 3.5G, one USB 3.0 ports, D-Sub and HDMI outputs, and a 4000 mAh battery. The slate's pricing and release date have yet to be announced.

Acer subsidiary Gateway has also adopted Intel's Cedar Trail platform and released a netbook built around it, the LT4004U. This new netbook runs Windows 7 Starter and features a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) LED-backlit display, a 1.6 GHz Atom N2600 dual-core processor, GMA 3600 integrated graphics, 1 GB of RAM, a 250 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive, a multi-in-1 card reader, 10/100 LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, a HDMI output, and a 6-cell battery providing 8 hours of operation.

The LT4004U costs $279.99 and can be found here.

The wait for Cedar Trail is pretty much over, at least from Acer's perspective as the company has begun shipping its first netbook based on the platform, the Aspire One D270. The model on sale is equipped with a 1.6 GHz Atom N2600 processor, it runs Linux, and has a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) LED backlit display, Intel GMA 3600 integrated graphics, 2 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, a 5-in-1 card reader, a 0.3-megapixel webcam, a multi-touch trackpad, a HDMI output, and a 6-cell battery enabling up to 8 hours of operation.

The Aspire One D270 comes in several color versions (black, white, blue, red, candy), is backed by a one-year warranty, and can be bought for 259 Euro.

While Intel and AMD are making efforts to come up with low-power x86 processor platforms to compete with the plethora of ARM processor vendors, manufacturers of the target devices of these low-power x86 processors - tablets, netbooks, and smartphones; note that the architecture simply isn't competitive due to its prices. ARM processors are manufactured by a variety of companies, in a variety of different SoC configurations, and as such the tough competition among these companies ensure ARM processor platforms are comparatively cheaper to low-power x86 ones.

Intel recently debuted its 32 nm "Medfield" Atom processors, with power consumption as low as 11W for the platform. In the second half of 2012, it will launch another line of processors with under 10W power consumption, for high-end smartphones. AMD, on the other hand, will unveil "Hondo", which combines its x86 architecture with Radeon graphics IP, and a power consumption target of less than 5W. In 2013, it plans to launch the "Temash" APU, with power consumption under 2W, and built on the 28 nm process.

The Wind U180, meticulously crafted by MSI for 2012, marks a new zenith in computer technology, offering both performance and an esthetically pleasing looks. It comes in minimalist black, angel white or lavender, is less than one-inch thin, tips the scales at just 1 kg, and is sheathed in MSI's own attractive IMR color film print to prevent scratches and smudges. Let this highly mobile piece of computer technology add color to your life.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, points out that the MSI Wind U180, a new generation netbook characterized by painstaking attention to craftsmanship and innovation, not only packs significantly more power, it is the ideal solution to meet today's mobile multimedia needs. Its display is some three times more powerful than that of the previous generation, enabling the high resolution LED screen to show much more detail and color. What's more, the HDMI slot allows you to connect the U180 netbook to a large HDTV to maximize multimedia entertainment.

Today LaCie announced the 5big Office Series, its latest five-bay network attached storage solutions. With easy setup, collaboration and total data protection, the 5big Office Series is a solid long-term investment for any small business. They feature the industry-trusted Windows Server operating systems and a powerful Intel Atom processor.

POWERED BY WINDOWS

The 5big Office, powered by Windows Home Server 2011, is perfect for backing up as many as 10 PCs. The 5big Office+, powered by Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials, backs up as many as 25. Get up and running in a flash on either system with a straightforward setup process and a familiar Windows environment. The 5big Office Series helps business groups collaborate like no comparable NAS.

Intel has found another Cedar Trail supporter in Jetway as the Taiwanese company decided to use the new Atom platform for two motherboards for the IPC (Industrial PC) market. The two boards are named NF9C-2600 and NF9D-2700 and they both feature a Mini-ITX form factor, the NM10 Express chipset, two DDR3 SO-DIMM slots, a PCI slot, and a Mini PCIe connector.

The NF9C-2600 can be equipped with an Atom N2600 (1.6 GHz) or N2800 (1.83 GHz) processor and also packs one CFast card socket, one SATA 3.0 Gbps and two SATA 6.0 Gbps ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a Realtek ALC662 audio codec, three USB 2.0 ports, and a HDMI output. The N2600-powered version is said to cost $150.

The NF9D-2700 boasts an Atom D2700 (2.13 GHz) CPU, two SATA 3.0 Gbps and two SATA 6.0 Gbps ports, dual Gigabit Ethernet, a VIA VT1705 HD Audio Codec (5.1 channel), four USB 2.0 ports, and both D-Sub and HDMI outputs.

Having already confirmed its CeBIT presence, the JEHE-owned Giada crew has revealed its very first motherboard based around Intel's Cedar Trail platform. Named MI-D2700G, this Mini-ITX board comes equipped with one Atom D2700 (two cores @ 2.13 GHz, four threads) processor and with an Nvidia GF119 GPU backed by 512 MB of VRAM.

The MI-D2700G also features the NM10 Express chipset, two DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM slots, an active cooler, two SATA 3.0 Gbps ports, one mini-PCIe port, an mSATA connector, Gigabit Ethernet, an ALC662 5.1-channel codec, four USB 2.0 ports, and both D-Sub and HDMI outputs. The board's pricing or release date have yet to be announced.

I-O Data unveiled its latest home and small business NAS server, the LANDisk HDL-Z2WSLP. This model, measuring 102 x D216 x 150 mm (WxDxH), is powered by what some would argue as being overkill for a 2-bay NAS, the Intel Atom D510 (1.66 GHz), and is driven by Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system pre-configured to run headless. The OS can also be loaded with anti-virus software so you could free up system resources on other machines that pool user data on this device.

It also doubles up as a small network and print server, as it's equipped with five USB 2.0 ports, and a further two eSATA 3 Gb/s ports to expand its storage using external enclosures. Out of the box, it comes with 2 TB of capacity brought about by two 2.5-inch 1 TB hard drives. The disk trays, support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. It has two gigabit Ethernet network connections. Common protocols such as CIFS (SMB), HTTP, FTP, WebDAV, are supported. Slated for February, the I-O Data HDL-Z2WSLP will be priced at 120,540 JPY (US $1,542).

Number one PC maker HP has today introduced the Mini 1104, a new 10.1-inch netbook targeting mobile professionals and students. This machine is 0.89 inches thick and features a 1.6 GHz Atom N2600 dual-core processor, an LED-backlit (1024 x 600) display, 2 GB of RAM, Intel GMA 3600 graphics, a 320 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive, and a 93% full-sized (spill resistant) keyboard.

HP's netbook also packs 10/100 LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 (HSPA+ support is optional), a media card reader, a VGA webcam, a D-Sub output, three USB 2.0 ports, and a 3-cell (28 WHr) or 6-cell (55 WHr) battery.

The Mini 1104 starts at $399 and can be pre-loaded with Windows 7 (Starter, Home Premium or Professional) or FreeDOS.

Everyone knows the N4200PRO, one of the first Atom D525 based NAS. Thecus is now announcing its proud successor, the N4800. This time, the N4800 will be one of the first Intel Atom N2700 based NAS!

Gathering what's been best for the N4200 series, the N4800 also has its own fair share of new technologies with no less than 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. This very powerful NAS will become a must-have for all small and medium businesses in need of centralized storage, application serving, and top-notch response time within multi-user environments. For the more demanding users, the N4800 will also have its use at home.

The N2800 is the successor of the N2200XXX. Keeping the SD card reader and elegant LED design, the N2800 has been tweaked after user's demands.

The N2800 will be one of the first Intel Atom D2700 based NAS! Multimedia-oriented, powerful, silent and well-designed: this NAS is very versatile. Connect it to the TV of the living room to play HD content and/or use it as a backup center for a couple of computers in your small office, possibilities are endless!

In addition to building three netbooks around it, ASUS has also used Intel's Cedar Trail platform for a new, Eee Box nettop, the EB1031. Showcased at week at CES 2012 in Las Vegas, the EB1031 features a 2.13 GHz Atom D2700 processor, up to 4 GB of RAM, up to a 500 GB hard drive, integrated graphics, LAN, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, USB 3.0 connectivity, a memory card reader, and a HDMI port (the system can play 1080p video).

ASUS' Cedar Trail-based Eee Box is said to ship in March.

Lenovo announced today its second generation Classmate+ laptops - in both traditional clamshell and convertible laptop form factors - based on the Intel Learning Series. These new laptops offer students, teachers and IT administrators more ruggedness with new durability features like greater spill resistance, affordability, battery life up to 10 hours and enhanced usability with Intel Learning Series software suite for using the e-reader, web camera and digital writing features.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and a channel manufacturer, today launches the ZOTAC D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme - a next-generation mini-ITX platform for DIY home theater PC users. The ZOTAC D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme combines the latest energy-efficient Intel Atom processor with world-class NVIDIA GeForce graphics processors for superior energy-efficiency and stunning high-definition video playback.

The latest generation Intel Atom D2700 CedarTrail processor with dual cores and Intel HyperThreading technology enables the ZOTAC D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme to deliver snappy multitasking responsiveness for everyday computing tasks. The NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 graphics processor equips the ZOTAC D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme with hardware-accelerated Blu-ray 3D playback capabilities and HDMI 1.4a technology for the ultimate 3D high-definition experience.

In addition to a few new Android tablets, at this year's CES ViewSonic also unveiled a fresh dual-boot Windows/Android tablet PC which is set to hit North American stores before the end of this month, the ViewPad 10pi. This quite bulky (266 x 13.5 x 180 mm) tablet is pre-loaded with Windows 7 Professional and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), has a 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) IPS touchscreen, and is powered by a 1.5 GHz Atom Z670 processor.

ViewSonic's device also features 2 GB of RAM, a 64 GB SSD, a 3.2-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 1.2MP front camera, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, an SD card slot, two USB 2.0 ports, and a 2890 mAh battery enabling up to 4 hours of operation per charge. The ViewPad 10pi is expected to sell for $849.

After many years of planning, work and investment, Intel is now finally looking ready to step up and challenge ARM in the smartphone space. Yesterday at CES 2012 Intel announced that not one but two major companies - Lenovo and Motorola, will be using its 32 nm Medfield SoC (System-on-chip) for smartphones and tablets coming out later this year.

Lenovo is set to kick off the Medfield game as soon as Q2 when it will release in China the K800 smartphone running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The K800 is powered by a 1.6 GHz (single-core/dual-threaded) Atom Z2460 chip, and features a 4.5-inch TFT touchscreen, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, and GPS. Lenovo's plans also include a 10-inch Android tablet that's likely also scheduled for a Q2 arrival.