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Netbooks are renowned for their maneuverability; but not so much for battery life. Pixel Qi, an American brand company that manufactures energy efficient computer displays technology, may be destined to make a change. Mary Lou Jepsen, the founder of Pixel Qi, announced last Sunday that the company will begin offering display screens specially designed for netbooks.

These new displays function by utilizing traditional LCD’s, but become power efficient by being able to turn off the backlight and switch to a low-power mode. As a result, the power consumption can be reduced up to 75%. Another useful feature is how the screens are designed to reduce glare and maintain readability on screen in bright outdoor conditions.

Some people may be deterred by this product due to the need for manual labor in switching the screens. However, the operation is simple enough a 5-year-old could do it, and not even the most brilliant 5-year old either. According to Jepsen, “One of the reasons I’m personally committed to doing this goes back to my One Laptop per Child experience and girls in a poor rural part of Nigeria… An 11 year old girl decided to open a laptop hospital [and] she eventually recruited girls as young as 5 to help out in the hospital. This group of girls armed with screwdrivers starting taking apart the laptops and reseating the cables. Sometimes they’d change out a screen, or a speaker.”

If battery life and readability increases are important to you, definitely look into Pixel Qi.

Via ZDnet.

The effects of the technological revolution is beginning to become manifest in school systems. Niagara Wheatfield, a public school district in Sanborn, New York, has just recently proposed to their school board that all fifth graders should be provided with netbooks.

Mary Ann Buch, the leader of an instructional technology committee, suggested that netbooks specially designed for instructional purposes will further enrich and support student learning. Also, by taking advantage of the portable nature of the netbooks, students will keep in contact with the class program outside of conventional school time.

The netbooks will be linked to access points installed throughout the Errick Road Elementary School and Edward Town Middle School, and can only be accessed through the student netbooks, blocking anyone else.

The proposal however, comes with a hefty price-tag: each netbook will cost from $198 to $400, Buch later said. If the netbooks are purchased through the Educational Services contract, the school will be reimbursed 68%.  Now, the only question is how effectively the Niagara Wheatfield school district will utilize the new netbooks if the proposal is accepted.

Via Buffalonews

One aspect that netbooks and laptops are consistently inferior to desktop computers in is within the sound department. Due to the countless high-tech external speakers for desktop computers on the market today, the weaker internal speakers on the majority of netbooks seem insignificant in comparison.

But earlier today, Logitech released the external laptop speaker Z205. This new speaker model boasts an internal sound card and stereo speakers to augment quality of sound as well as projection. The slim efficient design is meant to sustain portability in the netbook and is meant to be simply inserted in a USB port and docked right above the netbook’s screen.

Whether you strive for a more immersive experience in gaming, less sound distortion in YouTube videos, or simply more thorough enjoyment when casually listening to music, Logitech’s laptop speaker Z205 will surely help get the job done. If you’re looking to boost your audio experience on your netbook, Z205 speakers should be a primary option.

Models are sold at a sensible $39.99 and should be available for sale in the next couple days.

Via EverythingUSB

March 2, 2010 – This day marks the dawn of the coming generation of hardware platforms.  Both AMD and NVIDIA unveiled their new platforms today, meaning some exciting GPU integration for future products.

First off is AMD’s 890GX chipset.  This platform is for general motherboard usage across a variety of products.  However, it is poised towards the HTPC market, providing high-quality HD viewing with a not so expensive price.  The 890GX delivers this using the HD 4920 GPU for integrated graphic, which is DirectX 10.1 compliant and rendering 1080p video through MPEG2, VC-1, and H.264. Also look for USB 3.0 on certain motherboards.

On NVIDIA’s side comes the long awaited Next-Generation ION with Optimus technology, formerly known as the ION 2.  The next-gen ION is boasting major gains over the original ION, and NVIDIA claims it will be 10x as powerful as the integrated GPUs supplied by Intel.  It will be able to provide 1080p and 3D gaming to your tiny 10.1” screen.

The ION architecture will vary between 10.1” netbooks and larger 12-inch models, with each respectively getting 8 and 16 CUDA cores.  There are already 30 products lined up for release with the next-gen ION, with the first being the Acer Aspire One 532G.  Look forward to summer where these products should enter the market.

Via DailyTech

Recently, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook told a group of investors that the iPad’s “magical properties” will be what lures potential netbook buyers towards this new product. However, he seems to have overlooked a simple fact that consumers likely won’t: a netbook is capable of accomplishing essentially any task the iPad can perform, and at a lower cost.

The allure that the iPad brings with it is the user “experience,” though it is debatable how much of a better experience that will end up being. One of the iPad’s primary and most obvious features is its touch-screen interface. For something like the iPhone, there are attractive benefits to using a touch pad, as the interface is easy and flexible. However, that same kind of interface may not be as convenient for buyers in the netbook/notebook market. Many individuals who would seek to use such a product at work might find typing on the screen itself less appealing, as often it is easier to make a typing mistake on touch-screen interface keyboards.

Though the iPad is likely to appeal to those who were wooed by the iTouch and iPhone, it is unlikely that it will be seen as superior to a netbook in terms of capability and function.

Via PCWorld, image via PCWorld.

The OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) charity organization has ambitious plans for its latest netbook design. Earlier this month, the organization announced its plans to create the impossibly thin OLPC XO-3 tablet in two years time.  Now OLPC is hoping to distribute the XO-3 touchscreen laptop to impoverished children around the globe by the year 2012. Note: the projected price range of the device is less than a hundred dollars.

The original OLPC XO netbook is already out in the market and has been distributed to 1.4 million children in 35 different countries. The charity’s new creation will have a 9-inch touchscreen and will contain neither a mouse nor keyboard.  It is also planned to be extremely sturdy and run an ARM processor.

If the success of its XO netbook is any indicator, OLPC will likely reach its goal and continue to provide valuable education to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

Via TechWatch, image via Guardian.

Dell’s 10-inch netbook has gotten an upgrade. The new Dell Mini 10 will implement Intel’s 1.66GHz Pineview Atom N450 processor, replacing the current Mini 10 and 10V which use Z520 and N270 processors.  The Mini 10 will be offered starting January 7^th with your choice of Windows 7 or Ubuntu Linux. In addition to the processor upgrade, the Mini 10 will change some features, adding in a new textured palm rest and scrapping the multi-gesture capabilities of the trackpad. However, the integrated trackpad buttons will remain.

A few optional features have also become available with this new model. They include 3G or GPS Bluetooth, Broadcom Crystal HD Solution software, and a built-in TV tuner. The battery can now also be upgraded to a 6-cell battery. Luckily, the base price of the netbook will remain the same at $299.

Image Via UberGizmo

Via TechTree

British Retail Company Marks & Spencer has announced the upcoming release of its first netbook, the MSNB-2009.  It is the largest retailer in the United Kingdom and only recently began venturing into selling technology.

The Marks & Spencer netbook’s features will include:

• 10-inch LCD Display
• 1 GB DDR2
• Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
• Windows XP

This lackluster netbook is another addition to a continually saturated and expanding market. Like most brand name apparel from well-known retailers, you seem to pay for the name and what it represents, rather than for the actual attributes of the product. This seems to be the case with this netbook computer, offering the prestige of the Marks & Spencer name and not much else.

Image Via TFTS

Via TFTS

Olevia has released a new device for its netbook line, the P10. It holds all the specifications that are expected of any netbook, and adds nothing to differentiate itself from the masses. The only expected highlight of Olevia’s P10 netbook will be its slightly lower price range. This will be the netbooks sole advantage that may manage to attract customers to the product.

The netbook offers:

• 10.1-Inch Display
• Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz Processor
• 1GB RAM
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• Wi-Fi
• Linux or Windows Operating System

This isn’t Olevias first go-round in the netbook market, as it released the Yones X11A a few months back.

Image Via UberGizmo

Via UberGizmo

Is Google creating its own brand of netbooks? This wouldn’t be incredibly surprising, considering that netbook fever is running rampant in the technology world, but it’s still news that Google has decided to join in on the fun.

Michael Arrington, TechCrunch CEO, claims that more than one reliable source has revealed Google to be currently working with manufacturers to create a list of netbook specifications. The exact details of what Google’s netbook will contain are still a mystery, but it is speculated that the netbook will veer from the traditional and incorporate the new Nvidia Tegra graphics chip along with an ARM Processor.

The most exciting revelation is that Google will be selling their netbook and smartphone creations directly to consumers. That’s right – there might be a Google store popping up in your neighborhood in the near future.

ImageVia Tech-New

Via PcWorld

ViewSonic has just announced the launch of its very first netbook, the VNB102 ViewBook. The company is better known for its production of computer monitors and has apparently decided to join the netbook bandwagon.

The VNB102 Viewbook will be officially released to consumers this Friday. The device isn’t innovative in any way, but it will be able to keep up with others in its rank.

Features Include:

• Intel Atom Processor
• 10-inch LCD Display
• 1 GB RAM
• 160 GB Hard Drive
• WiFi
• 3 USB Ports

The VNB102 ViewBook will have a $399 price-tag.

Via TFTS

Image Via TFTS

This uber-thin netbook is yet to be officially unveiled by LG, but some images and vague specifications have leaked.  It is speculated that since the LGX30 has been given to the FCC for review, already well into development. It will likely be released sometime next year. The netbook is equipped with:

• An 11.6 inch LCD screen
• An unspecified Intel Atom Processor
• Intel GMA 500 graphics card
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Built-in webcam

LG is a newbie to the netbook business, but at 1.76 pounds the LGX30 will be a strong competitor to Dell’s newly released Vostro V13.  We will have to wait for an official release by LG to learn more exact details on the LGX30.  As of now it seems to be another addition to the stylish, economical, and razor-thin netbook category.

Via Softpedia

Image Via Softpedia

Creating a netbook that costs less than 100 dollars once seemed like an impossible dream, but Cherrypal made it a reality. Cherrypal has launched the Cherrypal Africa, a $99 netbook, a computer aimed at satisfying the needs of the population of third world countries which could benefit greatly from internet access.

It is expected that the netbook will not be equipped with more than the bare necessities. Features include a 7-inch screen, 400 Mhz Processor, 256 MB Ram, and 2 GB of flash memory.

The CherryPal Africa is powerful enough to browse the internet and opens up the educational opportunities of impoverished children all over the developing world. Although this netbook is not for the average American able to afford a netbook with more bells and whistles, it is a big step forward towards better education for the less fortunate.

Via PcWorld

Image Via PcWorld

Considering netbooks’ swift growth, it seems logical to take advantage of the opportunity to delve into the world of netbook applications. There are endless possibilities for netbook applications thanks to the versatility and features of the netbook, possibilities that trump those of the iPod or iPhone.

Intel, along with a handful of netbook manufacturers, plans to launch a new netbook app site sometime next year. A specific release date is yet to be announced but it is known that developers are feverishly working on a multitude of applications. The program should be available soon after the New Year, just in time for those netbooks that many will be happily receiving this holiday season. Those unfortunate souls who will be purchasing netbooks later on next year likely won’t  even have to worry about downloading the program since Intel plans to join forces with a couple of PC manufacturers to pre-install the app service. Future owners will be able to purchase applications with their fresh out of the box netbook computers.

The future popularity of netbook apps is nearly a given. Intel already reports that its software developer network has already reached heights of 70,000 to 1,000,000 users per month.  The good news is that the application program isn’t specific to one operating system. Intel doesn’t plan to make the program compatible solely for the Atom CPU, hoping to tackle multiple platforms in the near future.

If the success of Apple’s iPhone and iPod applications are any kind of indicator for Intel’s netbook application site then Intel and its OEM partners should already be doing a victory dance.

Via CNet.

Look out iPhone,  there’s a new world of multi-touch devices available to consumers this holiday season. One such is the newly unveiled Eee PC T91MT which stands to be the worlds first convertible tablet notebook which features a multi-touch screen and fully supports Windows 7 Multi-Touch gestures that we’re sure you’re already familiar with. Those who have finished wiping the drool from their faces will be pleased to hear that the the slim Eee PC, which measures one inch thick and a paltry 0.96kg is designed for mobility – it sports a shockproof 32GB Solid State Drive (SSD) and comes with an additional 500GB of online ASUS WebStorage. Gadzooks!

The Eee PC T91MT puts users in touch with their creative sides:

• Multi-touch functionality makes interaction with the computer fun, it encourages users to be creative.
• Virtually all tasks can be performed with a tap, drag, punch, or twist – get your fingers ready!
• Photos are viewed, positioned, and edited seamlessly.
• Reading a Document is like flipping through pages in a real book.
• Taking Notes and Memos with the included package TouchSuite is intuitive and easy.
• The touch pad boasts a 256-level pressure sensor, the Eee PC™ T91MT’s crisp and responsive 8.9″ multi-touch screen reproduces handwriting beautifully and accurately, regardless of whether a finger or the bundled ergonomically-designed stylus is used.

Specifications

We haven’t had many nice things to say about the Litl Easel Webbook netbook since its announcement a few days back, but it looks like the machine has a previously undiscovered trick up its sleeve.

The netbook can be used upside down, just like, well, an easel. The 12-inch screen hinges and pivots to change using styles. In easel mode, the Litl Easel Webbook caters to a different kind of user:

“With its screen exposed, the Webbook is ideal for passive or lean back web activity like enjoying photos, listening to music, or consuming news, weather and other web content.”

Other specs, as previously noted, are forgettable: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom, 1 GB of RAM, a camera, Wi-Fi, a USB port, infrared ports and HDMI. One bonus is an additional 2 GB of flash memory.

The webbook will sell for $700, ridiculous name and all.

Via Wired.

We’ve seen some clever attempts to get around the netbook label before, but this recent attempt by Litl is quite honestly a weak effort. Deemed a “web computer”, the Litl Easel is just a weird-looking netbook with a bad name.

It has a slightly cranked 1.86 GHz Atom CPU, but offers a mere 2 GB of space. Other features are decent but forgettable, such as its 1 GB of RAM, 12.1-inch 1200 x 800 screen, integrated webcam, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, and a 2600 MAh battery. It also supports an infrared remote control.

The netbook/web computer/whatever comes with a unique interface, described as little “stacks of cards – where blue cards are ‘permanent’ cards for the card catalogue, family and friends, and settings, while white cards are ‘web cards’ shown in an open-source Mozilla browser, and black cards are ‘channel’ cards for delivering widgets.” Unique doesn’t always mean good, now does it?

Pricing is expected to fall between $350 and $450.

Via TheTechHerald.

Smartbook maker Mobinnova is working on an 8.9″ netbook lookalike called the Beam. It runs Windows CE, leading us to believe it’s a bit of an underachiever, but unexpectedly supports HD video and runs the Nvidia Tegra chipset.

The netbook/smartbook/whatever will be launched by a carrier like Verizon, who will subsidize its cost. Mobinnova says it won’t come with an app store but downloadable apps and games may be available upon it’s release. I’m frankly not quite sure what the difference is.

The beam also supports GPS but won’t come with a navigation application. Furthermore, the netbook is said to be capable of “ HD playing for 5 to 10 hours, or up to 24 hours of continuous music playback.” Whoa.

It’s expected by January 2010, so keep your eyes peeled for updates by then.

Despite the existence of conflicting reports, Intel’s positive earnings report on Tuesday and a recent IDC report are projecting better things for the PC market in the near future.

The PC market in general beat or met sales expectations, with global PC sales posting a 2% gain. This was true across all regions except Japan – could they just be waiting for Windows 7?

IDC VP Bob O’Donnel says that despite the recession and other factors, the recent discoveries promise good things for the months ahead:

“[This]underscores the value that both consumer and corporate buyers place on PCs. With the forthcoming launch of Windows 7 and expected commercial refresh beginning in 2010, the prospects for future PC market growth are very solid.”

The IDC also came out with new rankings for PC firms, placing HP at the top of the US market with 25.5% of sales. This was after a 3% gain this quarter. Acer netbook sales sent figures soaring for the Taiwanese company, with 48.3% more sales this quarter. It’s the third biggest seller in the US now, followed by Apple (9.4%) and Toshiba (8.1%).

Dell, however, took a 13% plunge down to 25% of the market.

Via SeattleTimes.