eK-gadgets info

Although Asus invented the netbook concept as we know it today, I wouldn’t mind playing with one of the newest netbooks announced by some of Asus’ competitors. The HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC is still a netbook.

It comes in an aluminum case, and idea that seems more appealing to laptops manufacturers and it can weigh as little as 2.6 pounds. The 2140 Mini will get you a 10.1 inch diagonal scratch-resistant HP Illumi-Lite LED display, a full QWERTY keyboard which is 92% of the usual notebook keyboard, and a few hard drive solutions to choose from, including an 80GB SSD. The Mini 2140 still relies on an Intel Atom processor to do the job and it will feature WiFi and Bluetooth support and a built-in VGA webcam.

And here’s why you should consider checking a new HP product before making a purchase: the 2140 will feature HP DuraKeys or a clear coating applied over the keyboard to protect the finish and printed letters and characters; the HP 3D DriveGuard which uses a three-axis-digital accelerometer to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shocks; and the HP Panel Protection System which gets you that scratch-resistant LCD.

What else do you need? Well how about some patience and at least $499 to get your HP 2140 later this month when it will be available.

Still waiting to get yourself a netbook? Maybe the U115 from MSI might interest you. This new WIND comes with the world’s first hybrid-storage system. You get an 8GB solid state drive which you can use it to improve performance while the 160GB HDD will be your mass storage drive. Besides the storing options you have the usual 1.6GHz Atom CPU, a 10 inch display, a built-in card reader and WiFi support.

Are you ready to go hybrid? Come to think of it, you probably were storing your bulk data on an external HDD with the previous MSI Wind notebooks, weren’t you?

via MSI

Apple has a future in the netbook business but we don’t exactly know how it looks like. According to official statements we aren’t going to see an Apple netbook prototype in the near future. The MacBook Nano in the picture here looks pretty but it’s a fake.

Here’s what the creators of this monstrosity have placed inside:

• MSI U100 MacBook Nano
• Windows XP Pro + Mac OS X 10.5.5
• Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
• 2GB DDR II
• 10 inch WSVGA LED (1024×600)
• 320GB SATA
• MMC/SD/MS 4

What do you think Apple? Ready to sue them for the whole concept they have created here?

We have definitely warned you about this netbook. The HP Mini 1000 was launched today which means you can go ahead an choose yours. HP has three different versions for you: the consumer oriented Mini 1000, the Linux-based Mobile Internet Experience edition and the Vivienne Tam edition.

All those models will share the same features:

• Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz Processor
• 8.9 inch or 10 inch Brightview Backlight LED display with 1024×600 resolution. (Vivienne Tam is only available in 10″)
• up to 1GB DDR2 RAM
• black matte casing with a swirled imprint finish (Mini 1000 Standard and MIE version)
• vibrant red casing with a peony-flower inspired design (Vivienne Tam edition only)
• 92% full-size keyboard
• 8GB or 16GB SSD or a 60GB 1.8-inch hard drive
• expansion slot for a proprietary HP Mini Mobile flash drive (max of 8GB)
• 802.11b/g WLAN
• future mobile broadband/3G support
• 3-cell battery (3 hours run time)

The HP Mini 1000 will cost $379 if you chose the Linux version and $399 if you get the XP version. The XP netbook will be available starting Wednesday while the Linux version will arrive only later next year.

The Vivienne Tam edition comes with a floral design and a red keyboard. It has the same specs like the regular Mini 1000 but it will cost $699, although that price is subject to future changes. The Mini 1000 Mobile Internet Edition will get you the MIE OS built over the Ubuntu version. The MIE version comes with an Instant-On Dashboard Interface and there are various applications for web browsing, instant messaging and email. VoIP via Skype and video chat will be available too!

Compaq has joined the fresh market of netbooks, and decided to reveal their new Mini 700 computer that is pretty similar to the HP Mini 100 - not only in terms of features, but also on the design and name.

Anyhow, one of the main differences between the two netbooks is the option of a HSDPA modem on the Mini 700 from Compaq. The other important detail is the price, it is close to $490 which is less $150 than the HP product. Another difference is the launch date, which in Compaq’s case will be made late this year in December, on the UK.

General Specifications:

- Intel Atom N270 1.6Ghz processor
- From 512MB up to 2GB of memory RAM
- Intel GMA950 for the graphics
- 60GB hard-drive