Posted by Randy Cooper | Posted in Announcements | Posted on 05-01-2009
Comprehensive solution based on ARM® technology designed to enable low-power, gigahertz performance netbooks at sub-$200 price points
AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 5, 2009 – Freescale Semiconductor enters the fast-growing netbook market with a comprehensive solution designed to enable netbooks that feature 8.9 inch displays, deliver eight hours of battery life between charges and retail at sub-$200 price points.
Based on the new i.MX515 processor featuring ARM Cortex™-A8 technology, Freescale’s solution includes an impressive lineup of software, components and resources to help OEMs quickly develop and deploy compelling netbook products.
A comprehensive netbook reference design based on the i.MX515 processor is available now. Created in concert with Pegatron, the reference design features the i.MX515 processor, Canonical’s Ubuntu® operating system, a new power management IC from Freescale, the SGTL5000 ultra low-power audio codec and Adobe® Flash® Lite™ software, Adobe’s Flash Player for mobile phones and devices.
“We see a huge opportunity in the netbook market as consumers demand more cost-effective and higher performing solutions,” said Lisa Su, senior vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Networking and Multimedia Group. “Our solution for netbooks will enable OEMs to develop compelling products that feature cell phone-like battery life at extremely aggressive price points. We believe the combination of the i.MX515 processor and related enablement solutions will dramatically accelerate the evolution of this exciting new space.”
Source: http://media.freescale.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=196520&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1240267&highlight=
This is what I’m talking about! This is an innovative company driving the price of netbooks into the ground! 
Posted by Randy Cooper | Posted in Announcements | Posted on 03-01-2009
Technology store RadioShack is offering a $99 Acer Aspire netbook at its various stores. Netbooks, a miniature version of laptops, are getting popular in the U.S and Europe. RadioShack, Acer and AT&T jointly offer this Acer Aspire netbook for only $99 and it will run on either a Windows XP or Linux operating systems. It is available in stores (but not online).
The customers who purchase this netbook should sign a two-year AT&T DataConnect mobile-broadband service agreement. Without the contract, the netbook sells for $500. The AT&T mobile-broadband plans start at $60 a month.
Peter Whitsett, RadioShack’s executive vice president of merchandising made this announcement today.
Many people internationally are already enjoying the portability, on-the-go connectivity and affordability of this emerging new technology…We are proud to introduce this concept in the U.S. by offering a netbook with integrated 3G functionality in addition to full Wi-Fi capability.
Roger Kay, principal analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates, believes this deal will become popular in the U.S. soon despite the poor economy. Kay added that many are buying netbooks in place of bigger laptops, whose sales may be affected because of the popularity.
Acer, AT&T and RadioShack have teamed up to offer a deal that bring the Acer Aspire netbook to market for only $99. Netbooks are mobile computing devices with a screen size of five to 10 inches that run a full version of a client operating system, such as Windows XP or Linux.
Netbooks, also called mini-notebooks, are expected to sell eight million units in 2009, and more than three million have been sold so far in 2008, according to Gartner. They said the netbook will sell about 50 million units by 2012. The reason for the popularity is its small form factor, tiny screen (5 to 10 inch screen), light weight, low price, and basic PC functionality, according to Annette Jump, research director at Gartner.
Jump said that consumers who just like to browse the Internet, send e-mail, and instant message may prefer the netbooks more. Both first-time computer buyers and experienced buyers (who may buy netbooks as their second computer) are expected to buy more netbooks.
Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/264460
Posted by Randy Cooper | Posted in Announcements | Posted on 29-12-2008
Asustek’s latest netbook has broken cover, in the shape of the 12.1-inch ASUS S121. A larger-screen version of the ASUS S101, full details on the netbook are unknown – and ASUS are yet to officially confirm it – but it’s believed to be based on the usual Intel Atom N270 platform.
Given the extra screen size pushing the dimensions of the ASUS S121’s chassis, the company has been able to slot in what looks to be a more expansive keyboard. Assuming the rest of the netbook is otherwise similar to the S101, that likely means 1GB of RAM, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0 and a VGA-quality webcam. It remains to be seen whether the “hybrid storage” – made up of both a 16GB SSD and 30GB HDD – are carried over, as well as whether ASUS listen to feedback and give the S121 integrated 3G connectivity.
Pricing is unknown, but considering the S101’s $699 MRSP we wouldn’t be surprised if the ASUS S121 gets a tag closer to $800. That’s a lot of money for a netbook, but ASUS CEO Jerry Shen has previously insisted that these “luxury Eee PC” models are developed in response to customer demand.
Source: http://www.slashgear.com/asus-s121-netbook-breaks-cover-121-inch-s101-2928027/
Posted by Randy Cooper | Posted in Announcements | Posted on 29-12-2008
BenQ unveils netbook called Joybook Lite U101 for mobile computer market. The companies create netbook based on the tastes and needs of consumers.
Joybook Lite U101 has a 10.1-inch display that can operate in the resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. To deliver the speed, strengthened Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM is supported.
The Netbook claimed perfect to perform the daily task. Benefits, is the first netbook offering features 10.1-inch screen with the aspect ratio 16:9.
The Netbook is ideal for viewing video without distortion. The fast 8ms response time convincing the user will not experience the ghost effects or blur. Storage that is provided is also satisfying, because the computer is equipped with 160GB HDD.
Intended for students and business traveler, Joybook Lite U101 has been through 28 tests to make sure, have a high level in terms of performance and reliability.
