AMD-based netbook offerings are not so widespread these days, but Medion's new Akoya Mini E1312 makes an exception. The Mini E1312 gets AMD Sempron 210U power-saving processor technology and ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics instead of the usual Intel combo. It also has a 160GB hard disk, 1 GB DDR2 RAM, 6-cell battery with a 9-cell option, 1.3 MP webcam, and Bluetooth 2.1. In addition there are three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, a 3-in-1 multi-format memory card reader, 802.11b/g/draft-n Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port. Finally, there is the netbook's display which is a 11.6-inch screen with 1366x768 native 16:9 resolution. The Medion Akoya Mini E1312 is running Microsoft Windows XP and will be available in black or white starting from 12 July, priced at £339.99 with a 3-year warranty.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced today that it is now sampling a SATA-interface mini-card solid state drive (SSD) with some of its customers, for use in the expanding netbook marketplace. The Samsung SATA mini-card SSD expands the use of SSDs from not only being a primary storage medium, but also as a complementary drive to boost the performance of PCs with dual drive capabilities.

Samsung's new mini-card form factor, with a highly robust interface, makes an already rugged SSD even less susceptible to damage from jarring, jostling and dropping.

ASUS, which reshaped the notebook industry with innovations such as the use of genuine Moso bamboo paneling on notebooks, today showcased two new finishes that do much more than just beautify its products: Satin-brushed Aluminum and NeoWood. The Satin-brushed Aluminum finish, produced through Non-conductive Vapor Metallization (NCVM) technology, not only infuses treated surfaces with an elegant satin-brushed pattern, it provides scratch resistance, enhances the structural strength of the notebook, and improved wireless and Bluetooth performance.

The NeoWood finishing technique, which produces a high-strength wood grain veneer that looks and feels like real wood, is a first for the consumer electronics industry. It delivers all the benefits of real wood, including premium looks and natural tactility, while maintaining a level of resilience that far surpasses that of regular wood.

SanDisk Corporation today announced that it has begun shipping its next-generation flash memory-based solid state drives (SSD) for netbooks, offering high-performance components at a competitive price. SanDisk pSSD P2 and S2 employ a new technology called nCache, which improves netbook performance. The drives will be demonstrated at the SanDisk booth at Computex, Taipei, June 2-6, 2009: Booth # N709 Nangang Hall, 4th floor.
Netbooks are small, low-cost computers that offer consumers a highly portable means of surfing the Internet, accessing email as well as enjoying their favorite music and videos on the go. Market researchers, IDC, project consumer purchases of netbooks to rise from 11.5 million sold in 2008 to 50 million in 2013.

HP added two more netbooks to its growing lineup, the Mini 1101 and Mini 110. The latter has two variants: Mini 110 XP and Mini 110 Mi. Both these models feature 10.1 inch LED screens. Users can choose between Atom N270 and N280, with as much as 1 GB of memory, 160 GB HDD, and Intel GMA 950 graphics.

The Mini 110 XP offers a few exclusive features. Users can opt for a 32 GB SSD and WLAN. It comes with Broadcom Crystal HD Enhanced Video Accelerator, that provides smooth playback of HD video at resolutions of 1080p. It comes with Windows XP Home SP3 pre-installed. The Mini 110 Mi is physically identical, except for that it comes with a popular Linux distribution pre-installed, and allows users to opt for a 250 GB HDD or 2 GB of system memory. The Mini 1101 will retail in June with a base price of US $329. The Mini 110 Mi, with Linux, will be priced significantly lower, at $279.

NEC unveiled one of the slimmest netbooks to the hit the market, literally the size of a large scribbling-pad, and as slim as 15.8 mm. This 10-inch netbook tips the scales at 725 g, and offers a screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Under its hood is an Intel Atom Z540 CPU, 1 GB of memory, and a 64 GB SSD. Its lone connectivity option is the gigabit Ethernet. Interestingly, it comes with Windows Vista Business Edition pre-loaded. It should hit the stores by July.

Lenovo today announced the IdeaPad S12, the company's first 12-inch netbook. The new netbook takes the best in connectivity, style and entertainment features in Lenovo's other netbooks and brings users the next level in netbook computing with improved usability and performance. These enhancements include a 12.1-inch screen, a 100 percent full-size keyboard and new graphics options with the NVIDIA ION platform.

"We've heard from consumers loud and clear about the need for affordable and extremely portable computing devices, and we've responded by introducing our third netbook with a completely new form factor, making mini-computing more usable and redefining value in today's market," said Dion Weisler, vice president, Business Operations, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. "We are pioneering new territory in the developing netbook arena by being the first vendor to give customers high quality video and entertainment capabilities in a netbook with optional NVIDIA ION graphics."

Besides the HD friendly Aspire One 571, Acer has launched two new netbooks - the first 11.6-inch Aspire One AO751h netbook to enter production and a new 10.1-inch Acer Aspire One AOD250 netbook. Starting with A0751h, it features a new 11.6-inch CrystalBrite HD LED backlit screen with 1364x768 resolution and full-sized keyboard, while still being thinner and lighter design than its predecessor. In the 10.1-inch Aspire One AOD250 you'll find nothing new, except for the new shell or maybe the better choice in colors which now includes Diamond Black, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue and Seashell White for both models.
The Acer Aspire One AO751h 11.6-inch netbook has a starting MSRP of $349.99. Models with extended 6-cell battery start at $379.99. The Acer Aspire One D250 10.1-inch netbook base configuration costs $298. Both netbooks are now available.

Intel has everything going its way when it comes to mobile computing, and the processors it sells that power notebooks and netbooks across every segment of the market. Intel uses the common classification of portable computers (consumer segment), using sizes and form-factors to differentiate mainstream notebooks, performance notebooks, ultra-thin notebooks, "larger" sub-notebooks (netbooks), and common entry-level netbooks. To cater to each of these, Intel made things easier by coming up with platforms (sets of processor and chipset combinations), a market approach both Intel and AMD have been using recently.

Starting with mainstream, and performance notebooks (traditionally above 14-inches in size, above US $1200 in price), Intel has the Calpella platform, that marks the entry of Nehalem architecture to the mobile scene. This is slated for 3Q 2009. Intel will simultaneously lower the prices of its current Montevina platform, to let inventories digest. Major hardware manufacturers are preparing their "launch-vehicles" for the Calpella platform, which will make it in time for Q3 2009.

Fujitsu PC today proudly unveils the second of its netbook range, the Fujitsu M2010. Measuring a luxurious 10.1 inch, this lightweight darling comes adorned in refreshingly chic colours that exude stylish appeal amid its slim design. Together with the generous storage capacity, suite of high-efficiency office tools, bigger keypads and delightful little touches like webcam and preloaded ArcSoft software, the Fujitsu M2010 is the netbook to have and to hold.

Mr. Lim Teck Sin, Director of Product Marketing, highlights, "The huge popularity of the Fujitsu M1010 has spurred Fujitsu to deliver an even more wholesome experience in our netbook category. The new Fujitsu M2010 is designed to give users higher productivity and efficiency at work with greater visual enhancement and connectivity experience at play. In all, the Fujitsu M2010 upholds the true mobility assurance that Fujitsu is so committed to deliver and users so desire to have."

Samsung Electronics America, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the N110 and N120 as the newest additions to their mini notebook lineup. The N110 and N120 are both currently available through Samsung.com and online retailers with an MSRP of $469 and $459, respectively.
"Our mini notebooks represent Samsung's desire to offer high quality, mobile focused solutions that create user value with important features such as design, ergonomics and battery life," said J.H. Kim, President of Samsung Electronics America's Information Technology Division. "With the addition of the N110 and N120, we have expanded our lineup with enhanced battery life, multi-media speakers and a larger keyboard and touchpad. These key features will satisfy the needs of users looking for audio video capabilities, while also supporting the road warriors needing extended battery life."

Reporter DigiTimes is leading us to believe that MSI is to showcase an Android-based netbook at Computex 2009. The report cites the Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) as primary source. Android is a Google project for a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. Based on Linux kernel, the OS is open source and is still not widely aknowledged because of the absence of widespread working ultra-portables. Hopefully, MSI will change this once a working Android-based netbook is released. Other reports claim that HP, Dell, ASUS, Acer, and others also have already been seen experimenting with Android netbooks.

Fujitsu debuts today its second netbook into the market for ultra-portable computer systems. The LOOX M netbook offers new sleek exterior design, a 10.1-inch LCD screen (1024x576) and probably nothing new that we haven't already seen in other netbook offerings. The main processor of LOOX M is Intel's 1.6 GHz Atom N270, coupled with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, integrated wireless 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity, three USB 2.0 ports, a multicard reader, built-in webcam and a D-Sub connector for external display. As with most of other netbooks, the LOOX M comes with Windows XP Home Edition SP3 operating system installed. Fujitsu is asking around US $611 for the LOOX M.

Toshiba is launching its second foray into the netbook market, with the 10.1-inch Dynabook UX netbook offering. The Dynabook UX-series netbooks are based on the Intel Atom N280 chip and come with 1 GB of DDR2 memory, a 160 GB hard disk drive and integrated GMA 950 graphics from Intel again. The 10.1-inch LED backlight display boasts 1024 x 600 pixels native resolution. The Dynabook UX comes in two colors - brown or white, and a choice of batteries - a standard battery that will last for about 4 hours, or an extended battery that could provide up to 10 hours of use. Microsoft Windows XP Home OS comes pre-installed with the netbook. The UX-series computers will be launched in Japan on Friday for around ¥60,000 to ¥70,000 (US $606 to $707), and follow in other markets later this year.

MSI today also starts the new U123 netbook line-up composed of the U123, U123H and U123T machines. U123 series netbooks are light and compact, they fit into an A4-sized bag, but come with a relatively large screen and keyboard. All four models have very nice exterior design and can be purchased in four different colors - pearl white, dolphin gray, midnight blue and silver red. Further more, U123 series use the latest Atom platform from Intel, a 80 GB, 120 GB or a 160 GB 2.5-inch SATA hard drive, 1 GB on-board DDR2 533MHz RAM (up to 2 GB) and although the name suggests a 12-inch screen, all models have a 10-inch LED backlit display with 1024 x 600 native resolution. No detailed information on the difference between the three models is published, MSI only mentions that the U123T integrates a TV tuner, the hard drive space varies between models, and that the U123H has a 3.5G HSDPA module.

OCZ Technology Group, a worldwide leader in innovative, ultra-high performance and high reliability memory, components, and systems, today unveiled the Neutrino netbook, their latest Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solution. Building on OCZ's award-winning DIY line, users ranging from hardware enthusiasts to mainstream professionals can partake in configuring and building their own personalized ultra-mobile solution, complete with everything they need in a portable companion.
"There are many consumers that desire the blend of essential functionalities and an ultra compact form factor, and our new Neutrino Do-It-Yourself netbooks based on Intel Atom technology allows users to design and configure their very own solution tailored to their unique needs," commented Alex Mei, CMO of the OCZ Technology Group. "The Neutrino DIY netbook puts the control back in the hands of consumers by allowing them to configure a feature rich netbook with their own memory, storage, and preferred OS into a reasonably priced go-anywhere computing solution."

Micro Star International or MSI for short rolled out today the U110 ECO Wind netbook. What's new in the U110 ECO Wind is the extended battery life period, equal to around 9 hours according to the manufacturer. That's roughly enough for a whole day work on the netbook without recharging. Hardware specs of the netbook include a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 and Intel's traditionally MID-oriented Menlow chipset with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200. The installed memory is 1 GB DDR2 at 533 MHz (max 2 GB), there's also a 160 GB 2.5-inch HDD, a 1.3 MP built-in webcam, modem, GbE LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 10-inch 1024x600 LCD display and a legal copy of Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home Basic to have entire disposal of the hardware.

Pictured below is Lenovo's legal answer to Sony VAIO P uber netbook. Confirmed to be in the works, Lenovo's Pocket Yoga shares the same ultra-wide, VAIO P-like display and leather outer casing for the best appeal. The concept is still far away from production, however. While there're some final pictures specs, production schedule and availability date are still unknown. From the pictures we can only assume the Pocket Yoga will have a touch sensitive display, an integrated webcam, and a convertible design that would let the display flip backwards to use the device as tablet. Lenovo still has to officially announce the Pocket Yoga ultra-wide netbook. Click here for more pictures and design sketches.

According to both DigiTimes and the Chinese Commercial Times, Taiwan-based Wintek will supply touch panels for a new Apple portable device, which brings forward again the question if Apple is really going to introduce a netbook any time soon? Although company chief Steve Jobs commented that Apple couldn't successfully build a suitable netbook for under the $1,000 price range, reports say exactly the opposite.

Taiwan-based Wintek will supply touch panels for Apple's new netbook, and shipments will start in the third quarter this year, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report. Wintek revealed that it is currently working with Apple to develop some new products, but it said it does not know what applications the new products are for. Wintek added that no shipment schedule has been worked out yet, but shipments are likely to begin in the second half of the year. Quanta Computer will be the maker of Apple's new netbook, the Commerical Times report said.

, DigiTimes says. I personally can't see Apple selling a netbook somewhere near the $500 price tag, a price that's high but acceptable for a netbook now a days. Apple's badge has been a symbol for people with deep pockets for ages, all Apple PCs are overpriced we must admit and a single netbook (if true) will change nothing.

The latest ultra-portable solution showcased at CeBIT 2009, is OCZ Technology's DIY (do-it-yourself) Neutrino netbook. Priced competitively, this sleek 10.1-inch LED-backlit (1024x600) machine will come loaded with a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processors, Intel 945GSE powered motherboard, VGA output, Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, a 4-cell 2200 mAh battery, WiFi card and a 1.3 MP webcam as standard. The rest of the hardware is up to your desire. You can update the memory to 2 GB DDR2. Hard drive options include various conventional hard drives or an optional 250 GB OCZ solid-state drive. Operating systems offered are two: Ubuntu or Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition. The Neutrino netbook should be available for purchase in two to three month time. Read a little more here at Engadget.

Someone wrote today that there are too many Eee PCs to choose from. Yes, there are indeed so ASUS is to phase out some of them that are considered not vital for the brand. Rumors about this step were circulating for the past month.

"It seems that customers prefer to have a greater screen, which also means a larger keyboard,

I still believe we have a good opportunity in 8.9-inch for kids, telecoms [providers] or emerging markets. The seven-inch [netbook] is going to be phased out, although some emerging countries may still have some demand.

company chairman Jonney Shih said on Tuesday. ASUSTeK's other netbook at risk, the 8.9-inch Eee PC 900, remains available for sale and won't suffer its little brother's fate as previously reported.

Buffalo today presented the DVSM-PN58U2V DVD writer primarily designed to be used with netbooks. The optical drive is installed in a super slim body with 137x20x142 mm dimensions and weighs only 340 g. Available in black or white, the new recorder can write DVD-R/+R SL and DVD+RW at 8x, DVD-R/+R DL at 6x, DVD-RAM at 5x, and CD-R, CD-RW at 24x. It uses one or two USB ports for connection, depending on the write speed. The Buffalo DVSM-PN58U2V is set to ship in mid-March, and sell for about $85.5.

Kingston Memory released a 2 GB DDR2 HyperX SO-DIMM compatible with netbooks, MIDs and ULPCs supporting SO-DIMMs. The most peculiar part about this module is that it is PC2-4300 (DDR2-533 MHz) compliant. Kingston brandishes the DRAM timings of this module that puts in in the low-latency segment in today's scenario: 3-3-3-8. Kingston notes that the module is programmed in a way that lets any netbook or MID to automatically run at the modules tight DRAM timings. The module is backed by a lifetime warranty, it is priced at US $35.

We continue to give you the latest information on the Psion versus Dell and Intel saga. In episode three, Psion counter attacks and surprisingly demands $1.2 Billion from Intel. Psion Teklogix has filled a counterclaim against Intel in response to the chip giant's attempt to get the Netbook trademark freed from legal responsibilities. Part of the complaint, filed with the US District Court for Northern California, says:

Intel has acted willfully and maliciously, has unlawfully attempted to trade on the tremendous commercial value, reputation and goodwill of the Netbook mark, and has deliberately and intentionally confused and deceived the public as to an affiliation, connection or association of Intel with Psion, and/or as to the origin, sponsorship or approval of Intel's goods and/or services,

checkmate

Always Innovating today unveiled the Touch Book, a versatile new device that works as both a netbook and a tablet thanks to a detachable keyboard and a 3D touchscreen user interface. The Touch Book, previewed at DEMO 09, weighs less than two pounds as a netbook and has a battery life of 10 to 15 hours -- three times longer than most netbooks.
"The Touch Book is perfect for these tough economic times because you can use it in so many ways," said Gregoire Gentil, founder of Always Innovating and creator of the Touch Book. "You can use it as a netbook computer, a hand-held game device, or a video player. You can even reverse the keyboard to prop it up on a table in an inverted 'V'. Finally, because it is magnetic, you can remove the keyboard and put the tablet on the fridge to serve as a kitchen computer or digital frame."