Follow us on TwitterMicrosoft Blames Linux Netbooks for Revenue Miss
Posted by Tom Greer on August 5, 2009 in Netbooks, Operating Systems
Microsoft Logo
LinuxWorld noted that, in the 10-K just filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Microsoft acknowledges Linux as a competitor on the client side (which is a first) saying:
Client faces strong competition from well-established companies with differing approaches to the PC market. Competing commercial software products, including variants of Unix, are supplied by competitors such as Apple, Canonical, and Red Hat. Apple takes an integrated approach to the PC experience and has made inroads in share, particularly in the U.S. and in the consumer segment. The Linux operating system, which is also derived from Unix and is available without payment under a General Public License, has gained some acceptance, especially in emerging markets, as competitive pressures lead OEMs to reduce costs and new, lower-price PC form-factors gain adoption. Partners such as Hewlett-Packard and Intel have been actively working with alternative Linux-based operating systems. Read the rest »
Asus Eee PC T91 netbook gets unboxed
Posted by Steve Greer on August 3, 2009 in Asus Netbooks, Netbook Market, Netbooks
The Asus Eee PC T91 has been shipped and reviews are starting to come in. JkkMobile just received their netbook today and have already posted the unboxing video.
The Asus Eee PC T91 is the first touch screen netbook to be launched by Asus. JkkMobile does a great job unboxing and covering the basics of the T91. I recommend watching this 9 minute video if you are interested in taking a closer look at the Asus Eee PC T91.
Asus Eee PC 1008HA – Videos
Posted by Tom Greer on August 3, 2009 in Asus Netbooks, Videos
We’ve rounded up some of the better videos covering the Asus Eee PC 1008HA and organized them into one place. Use the tabs below to select the types of videos that you would like to watch.
If you are seeking additional information, our Eee PC 1008HA product page includes a product overview, specifications, videos and price comparison charts.
Asus Eee PC 1008HA – Reviews
Posted by Tom Greer on August 3, 2009 in Asus Netbooks, Reviews
We have scanned the web to find the best reviews of the Asus Eee PC 1008HA. Below, we provide brief summaries of each along with links to the articles where you can read the full text.
If you are seeking additional information, our Eee PC 1008HA product page includes a product overview, specifications, videos and price comparison charts.
Falling Netbook Prices – 8/3/09
Posted by Tom Greer on August 3, 2009 in Acer Netbooks, Asus Nettops, Falling Prices, Fujitsu Netbooks, MSI All-in-Ones
Lots of falling prices on netbooks, nettops and all-in-one desktops to report this morning.
Asus Eee PC 1008HA Overview
Posted by Tom Greer on August 3, 2009 in Asus Netbooks, Reviews
Asus Eee PC 1008HA
Summary
What’s Special
- The Eee PC 1008HA features Asus’ new Seashell design – the look is simply stunning
- Super slim – only 1.0 inch thich but the shape makes it look even thinner
- Extremely light at only 2.2 pounds
- All of the external ports have covers, which really itrackmproves the looks
What’s Not So Special
- While the appearance of the 1008HA is breathtaking, what is inside is rather typical for a competitive netbook
- The battery is non-removable
- There is no VGA out port -but there is a VGA dongle stowed in a pocket in the bottom that provides that functionality.
Deal of the Day – 8/1/09
Posted by Tom Greer on August 2, 2009 in Archos Netbooks, Falling Prices
The Archos 10 is a well-built netbook with a competitive set of features.
Tiger Direct is offering an Instant Savings of $60 on the Archos 10. This offer is good only while supplies last, which brings their price down to $269.97, which is a super price.
| Archos 10 160GB 3-Cell XP | |||
 | 10.2" Display (1024x600), 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, Integrated 945GSE ,1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 6-Cell Battery, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 2.34 lbs. | Today's Deals From $380.99 To $407.95 At 4 Stores | |
Comes in:
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Asus Eee PC 1005HA Overview
Posted by Tom Greer on August 1, 2009 in Asus Netbooks, Reviews
Asus Eee PC 1005HA
Summary
In the USA, Asus is currently shipping two different version of the Eee PC 1005HA, which they have named 1005HA-V and 1005HA-P. The table below shows the differences.
| Feature | 1005HA-V | 1005HA-P |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz) | Intel Atom N280 (1.66GHz) |
| Battery | 48Wh 6-cell | 63Wh 6-cell |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
In this overview, we will cover both models.
What’s Special
- The Eee PC 1005HA is the second in Asus’ sleek Seashell design series. The differences between the 1005HA and the recently-introduced Eee PC 1008HA are that the 1005HA:
- has a removable battery
- has a built-in VGA out port
- has an access panel for upgrading RAM
- is thicker (1.4″ vs. 1.0″)
- is heavier (2.8 lbs. vs. 2.2 lbs.)
- does not have plastic covers over the side ports
- Comfortable chicklet-style keyboard with two full-size shift keys located where they should be
- Clearly, the best Eee PC model to date (don’t be fooled by the numbering convention, the 1005HA is newer than the 1008HA)
What’s Not So Special
- At 1.4″ thick, it is significantly fatter than many competitive netbooks. Some comparisons: Samsung N310 (1.1″), Aspire One D250 (1.0″), Dell Mini 12 (0.92″)
- The touch pad has small dots, designed to provide tactile feedback that some find uncomfortable to use
- Keys on keyboard are flat and have very little space between them, which some find difficult to use
Samsung N310 Overview
Posted by Tom Greer on July 31, 2009 in Samsung Netbooks
Samsung N310
Summary
What’s Special
- Designed by Japanese artist Naoto Fukasawa (to mimic the roundness of a pebble), the Samsung N310 is strikingly different and strangely compelling. A definite attention-getter.
- Exterior has a slightly grainy rubberized feel
- The keyboard is coated with a nano-sized silver ion powder that Samsung claims kills 99% of the bacteria that come in contact
- Six-cell, 8850 mAh battery provides 10+ hours of real-world life
What’s Not So Special
- The value – you definitely pay a premium for the artistic design and specially treated keyboard.
- Inside, the N310 offers standard netbook components. From a performance standpoint, there is nothing special at all.
Acer Aspire One D250 Overview
Posted by Tom Greer on July 31, 2009 in Acer Netbooks, Reviews
Acer Aspire One D250
Summary
The Acer Aspire One D250 comes in two basic versions. The base-cost model is configured with a three-cell battery and without a Bluetooth adapter. The high-end model ships with a six-cell battery and adds Bluetooth support.
Other than those differences, the versions are identical, so we will cover bosheth here.
What’s Special
- Thinner (1.0″) and lighter (2.4 – 2.8 lbs) than preclvious Aspire One models
- Mouse buttons are now below the touchpad
- Solid netbook at a great price – one of the best netbook values around
What’s Not So Special
- The touchpad is smaller than most
- Keyboard is the same as the Aspire One 9″ models, which was good in its day, but competitors’ 10″ models have roomier keyboards.