Intel’s Atom processors popularized the netbook mobile computer platform but its shortcomings were starting to become glaringly obvious with the media rich websites becoming so prevalent.

The Asus Eee PC 1005PE takes the familiar netbook dimensions and piles in the new Intel Atom “Pine Trail” platform which promises even better energy efficiency and improved performance. The Tech Report has a review:

Overall, Pine Trail isn’t so much about new features as it is an exercise in consolidation. Where once there were three chips, now only two remain. The Atom platform’s physical footprint has shrunk by a factor of three, down from 2,174 mm² to 773 mm². Total platform power is lower, too. Netbook implementations of Pine Trail have a combined TDP of just 7W (5.5W for the CPU and 1.5W for the chipset), which is 40% lower than Diamondville’s TDP.

It’s not the huge performance upgrade you were hoping for but its battery life is extremely impressive.

Netbooks are all about the portability and battery life which is all good and dandy until it comes time to run some of your multimedia files then the integrated graphics Intel coughed up for their ultra-mobile platform starts to show its weakness.

The HP Mini 311 uses Nvidia’s ION chipset which features a decent integrated graphics chip that’s more than capable of handling multimedia files and the light-weight 3D gaming. AnandTech has the review:

A single-core Atom N270 is generally able to handle 720p x264 decoding (using CoreAVC), but CPU utilization is well above 50%. With more demanding video files (1080p for example), Atom will need help. If it were just x264 videos, the case for ION netbooks might only be moderately interesting, but with the recent release of the Flash 10.1 Beta we finally have GPU accelerated video playback for Flash videos. If you’re a frequent YouTube or Hulu user, the case for ION just became a lot more compelling.

Given the fact that these netbooks are more often used for entertainment than productivity the ION chipset makes quite a bit of sense.

Most netbooks are content to stick with the basics in order to get in at a low price but when you consider how much upgrading your new mobile wonder would cost you you might want to consider something that includes a few more upgrades.

Hardware Bistro has a review of the iiView A2 12" netbook which sports an LED backlit display and a 320GB hard drive which is quite a bit more storage than the competition:

Overall the build quality of iiView A2 is pretty impressive and sturdy for such cheap netbook although it comes with plastic chassis but the finishing is still up to expectation; glossy surface for exterior panels while non glossy surface for interior panels. The LCD panel is not glossy type which is definitely good for long hour of working but most of the consumers will prefer glossy type since it is much more charming; anyway the LCD display is bright enough and hopefully it is as lasting as possible since some of the low end LCD panels are getting dimmer and dimmer after sometime.

A nifty machine which is pretty much set when it comes to the hardware you need.

When netbooks were introduced they saw a number of restrictions if they wanted to run the Windows XP operating system which, given Vista’s hefty requirements, was the only usable Windows choice. This time around they’ve eased up.

Microsoft is allowing netbook manufacturers to preload whatever version of the Windows 7 OS they’re content with no matter the machine’s specs. Of course you won’t likely find a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate on a bargain basement netbook so they’re somewhat safe on the hardware requirements front.

Good news for those fearing hardware requirements that would stop their shiny new netbook from running the best version of Windows 7.

Source: TG Daily

The Intel GMA 500 integrated graphics core is popping up in many Intel Atom powered netbook designs due to its low power draw and improved standards support which is perfect for a long battery life mobile environment.

The company maintains driver support for the following:

SCH UL11L, SCH US15L, and SCH US15W system chipsets sporting the GMA 500 graphics core.

Here are the download links direct from Intel:

GMA 500 Graphics Drivers for Windows XP (version 3.0.2.32X)
GMA 500 Graphics Drivers for Windows Vista (version 4.0.2)

The trend for most netbook manufacturers has been to make as colorful and shiny a design as you can in order to draw the customer’s eyes to your product, fortunately for your unassuming self Lenovo has a model to keep you inconspicuous.

The company’s IdeaPad S10-2 sports the same spec sheets you’ve seen in just about every other netbook but this one comes in black. Think Computers has a review:

Opening the S10-2 up you have a 10.1-inch WSVGA glossy LED-backlit display with integrated camera at the top. Lenovo has improved the keyboard from the original S10 also. It is now an 89% full-sized keyboard that also has an enlarged right shift key. Also new to the S10-2 is the Lenovo QuickStart button, which we will talk about a bit later in the review. The touchpad has also been enlarged a bit, which is nice. Other improvements over the original S10-2 include optional 3G built-in, new Dolby sound enhancements, an extra USB port, and around 30% more battery life.

Who wouldn’t love a 30% longer battery life. There goes your "out of battery power, can’t work" excuse right there.

Gateway has announced their new LT2000 netbook lineup powered by Intel’s Atom processor platform. The company says they’ve designed the new models for mobility and communication although its design is certainly a key selling point.

Main features include a Intel Atom N270 processor, 10.1-inch LED backlit display, Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, 160GB 5400RPM hard drive, and your choice of NightSky Black or Cherry Red (pictured) colored cladding.

All this for an MSRP of about $300, not bad at all, and they’re available now so the long wait for you to get your hands on one is practically nil.

Google’s Android operating system is moving off of the cell phone and into the netbook thanks to the efforts of their manufacturers and eWeek’s Don Reisinger thinks it has the capability of snatching a good chunk when it comes time to compete with Windows 7 in the marketplace.

He makes some fair points in that it can gain some traction but contradicts himself at certain points when he notes that:

Plus, those apps can be downloaded from the Web, so the need for a DVD drive in the netbook — a major complaint for Windows-based netbook users — won’t be so great. That will, once again, contribute heavily to the affordability of the netbook.

Then goes on to spout off the features Windows 7 Starter Edition won’t have including DVD Playback which doesn’t really matter as netbooks don’t have DVD drives and waxes poetic about the Android App Store when, I’m pretty sure, Windows has the largest software library around.

It’s nice to be excited about a new OS alternative but lets not get ahead of ourselves here. Otherwise it’s a nice OS to keep an eye on as competition is always good.

Netbooks were supposed to be these tiny machines designed to fit in anywhere and offer up just enough performance for web browsing and lite office work, apparently computer manufacturers want to change the rules on all of us.

Lenovo is putting the finishing touches on their IdeaPad S12 mini notebook netbook. Why the confusion? Its 12″ display bumps up the space requirements but it does net you a full-sized keyboard.

Other interesting features? How about Nvidia’s ION chipset which offers much better video performance than Intel’s Atom chipset solution. They’re also offering storage options up to 160GB for those with more storage need.

Sound tempting? Well you’ll have to wait a bit, they’ll be shipping next month to the usual retail and online vendors as well as Lenovo’s e-tail shop.