ARM processors and sub-netbooks???

Interesting concept - but I agree with Mr. Morris in that I don't feel what has been proposed truly qualifies as a netbook. Maybe a glorified PDA with REALLY long battery life but netbook? I don't think so.

Your thoughts???

Rumors of netbooks using smartphone components rather than Intel chips and Microsoft Windows are nothing new. But we’re finally getting a good idea of just what a PC based on an ARM processor and Linux will look like.

Because the tiny ARM chips are designed for smartphones, many believe that netbooks using them will be less expensive and get better battery life than those using Intel’s Atom processor. ARM itself has said that netbooks using its technology will cost $200 and last eight to 12 hours on a charge (ARM: Heretic in the church of Intel, Moore’s Law). But it’s not clear that the first ARM netbooks–six to 10 models this year, according to ARM–will reach these lofty goals.

One of the first is likely to be the Alpha 680 from Guangzhou Skytone Transmission Technologies, a company in China that has previously worked with Wal-Mart on low-cost Linux PCs. In an interview with Networkworld, Nixon Wu, the company’s co-founder, said Skytone will have “final prototypes” of its netbook in June, and will release it this summer. The Alpha 680 is based on a 533MHz ARM11 processor and Android, the Linux-based operating system currently used on HTC’s G1 “Google phone.” (Samsung announced an Android smartphone, the I7500, earlier today.)

Even by netbook standards, the Alpha 680 looks under-powered. It is based on a 7-inch display with a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels, even as most netbooks are moving to 10-inch, 1024-by-576 displays (several are now offering 1366×768 displays as well). It will have 128MB of memory (expandable to 256MB) and a 1GB SSD (also expandable, to 4GB). Even with this low-end configuration, the Alpha 680 will start around $250. That’s less than any 10-inch netbook, of course. But you can pick up the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 with an 8.9-inch LED-backlit display (1,024×600), 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270, 1GB of memory, 4GB SSD and Ubuntu Linux for $279.

As for battery life, Skytone says the Alpha 680 with its two-cell battery will get two to four hours on a charge. By comparison, the Mini 9 with its standard four-cell battery lasted 3 hours 21 minutes on CNET’s tests.

To keep the price down, the Alpha 680 won’t come with many applications. You can use Web-based applications or download apps from the Android Store, though Wu told Networkworld that some 20% of apps in the store won’t work because of compatibility issues. Uh-oh. There’s a reason why more than 90 percent of netbook buyers have chosen a $15 copy of Windows XP over a free Linux distribution.

Comparing the Alpha 680 with current netbooks misses the point, Wu told Networkworld. Netbooks have actually become too powerful, he said, and what the rest of the world really needs is a very low-cost mobile device for checking e-mail, browsing the Web and performing basic chores. That may be true, but ARM-based netbooks will still need to be competitive in terms of specs, performance and price to knock Wintel off its perch.

The Alpha 680 will be smaller and lighter than other netbooks–no surprise given its specs. Skytone says it will weigh 1.5 pounds and measure 8.5 by 6 by 1.2 inches. But so far that approach hasn’t worked woo well either with early netbooks using 7-inch displays or with MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices). Ultimately the question is whether there really is a market for a device that is neither smartphone nor notebook.

Very cool site - from a fellow netbook owner

Had to share a link to this site paleheretic.co.uk Headed up by Alan Lyes. He has a variety of blogs on netbooks, design, second life, etc.

From the site:

PALE HERETIC

Pale Heretic is a digital and analogue concept and IP design company, working on both our own and bespoke projects. Our services portfolio include creative concepts; graphic, interface and character Design in 2 or 3 dimensions; virtual worlds strategy and implementation; original character artwork.

We operate a number of sites in Second Life where we run a successful fashion label and we are developing a gallery space. We are the makers of the Heretic Pixies. We also provide business and design consultancy services within Second Life and offer free, open access meeting facilities.

Pale Heretic welcome the oportunity to work with you to develop strategies and beskpoke solutions. Please contact us to discuss how we can work together.

In Second Life Alan can be found working as the avatar Pale Janus.

Also has some very cool netbook wallpaper at heretic pixies

Samples below:











Check it out!!

Apple Netbook Counter Punch...

Rhetorical? Possibly... Blasphemous? Maybe... Interesting???

“He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.”
Deuteronomy 32:10

Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook is no Steve Jobs. You know Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs is a friend of yours. You don’t get the same sense, at this point, from Tim.

He says Apple is not interested in the netbook business “as it exists today.” The hardware is junky and the software poor. A netbook is “not something that we would put the Mac brand on quite frankly.”

Sorry, Tim. But you’ve already done it. You have a netbook, today. It’s called the MacBook Air. And it has a hard time measuring up to Windows-based netbooks, on price, or Mac OS-based laptops, based on performance.

You can avoid the facts, if you want. But the class “A” netbook on the PC side is the Asus Eee PC 1000HE. The class “A” netbook on your side is the base version of the Air. Kid yourself not. When consumers are comparing portable computers that let them move about with little weight, decent-sized keyboards and screens and access to Web, these are the machines (and Windows and Linux equivalents) that let them do so.

The MacBook Air may win style points. But it’s not that different from the Asus EE. And, in the one thing that really matters for every day users of basic portable machines, the Asus machine wins hands down. Battery life is 9.5 hours to 4.5 hours. Even if both companies’ claims are cut in half, that’s 4.75 hours to 2.25. Which would you rather rely on, throughout a day, Mr. Cook?

Particularly since the MacBook Air has a completely enclosed battery. Even you are not going to take out the screwdriver and whip in a replacement, when the darn thing does down over Detroit on the flight to New York.

Oh, the Esus also costs less than a quarter of what you’re asking for folks in this recession (can we say “depression”?) can afford to spend? And you want people to believe that an iPod Touch is a viable alternative to the Eee PC? Is that a 99-cent cannabis program you’ve downloaded?

Let’s be real, here. Apple can be a victim of its own success, again. Just like when Gil Amelio tried to take over from John Sculley – before Steve Jobs returned.

You’re leaving Apple exposed. Disdain for the competition is a prescription for a relapse into rocky, near-irrelevance that accompanied the last non-Jobs era.

Show what you can do. Don’t just knock the competition. Or, Apple will find itself again struggling to protect its high margins, from ‘low-end’ competition.’

And you will have abetted it.

Get over the acerbic analysis. Get on with a market-redefining product for accessing the Internet.

That uses both hands. Or voice alone. But not the slow tap-tap-tap of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Back in Black!!

WOOOOO!!!

Got my S10 back yesterday and per the photo's below, you can see it was a motherboard/HD failure. But after spending all evening re-loading all my s/w and setting up XP (with 100 updates/patches), I am back in biz with a few items of note. Starting after pics...

1st on the radar - Apple slamming "netbooks". On the surface, it appears to be a direct slam at netbooks (and it is to a degree) HOWEVER, Apple does not want to compete in a sub $400 market (i.e. the exisiting netbook market). So how do you separate yourself from the herd? Slam the segment they reside in (calling them junky, cheaply made, poor build quality, short lifecycle, etc) BUT conversely, set yourself up to be the preeminent (and most likely most successful) player in the upscale touchscreen (bigger than an Ipod Touch but not a Macbook) UPL market.

In other words, do what Apple does. Make something different and arguably much better than what is currently in the market. Provide people with a great user experience as well as the cool factor that inherently comes with owning the latest/greatest Apple gadget and Voila - huge sales at a very profitable margin while not tangling yourself with the quagmire of the "me too" space at the lower end of the cost/function spectrum.

2nd on the radar

With the Apple statement already addressed, now it is time to dive into what the industry is saying about Netbooks. From Twice, here is an article touting the explosive growth in the Netbook segment while some marketing guy babbles about netbooks having poor browsing capabilities - WTF?? It's called a NETbook! Also, I just received an email from J&R advertising (guess what???) NETBOOKS. Wow, it just keeps going! Despite all the slams, digs, bad mouthing, the Netbook Revolution marches ON...

Viva the revolution!

Windows 7 for Netbooks

Nice preview to the Win7 platform (and it's limitations) and how it will play in the netbook OS space. You can click to the story here

***Quick update*** Never received my email from Lenovo about the S10 but FedEx apparently tried to deliver it today. Will blog once I have it in hand but so far I have been less than impressed with the returns process. Below are my concerns:

1. Why did it take 3 days to send the box?
   
2. Why did I have to call AGAIN to get a status update when the S10 was shipped out to Lenovo?
3. Why did the Lenovo customer service person tell me that they would email me tracking info when the S10 shipped out (yet I never received an email)?
4. Why did my response to the email telling me they would notify me of the tracking info bounce when I replied to them?

Updates soon...

If you’ve read anything about Windows 7 Starter Edition, your first reaction was probably the same as mine: Is Microsoft nuts? This ultra-cheap edition is intended for use on netbooks, but its biggest restriction sounds like a complete deal-breaker: it only runs three applications at once.

But I prefer to form my opinions based on facts, not press releases. So, for the sake of research, I’ve spent the last three weeks running Windows 7 Starter Edition on an ultra-portable Sony notebook. Here’s what I learned.

For starters, that three-app limit isn’t as cut and dried as it sounds. Several people who e-mailed me with questions assumed that the limit means you can only have three windows open at once. Nope. At the moment, in fact, I have 16 separate windows open at once (and multiple tabs within some of those windows as well).

Here’s the proof:

How am I able to get away with this? Well, for starters, you can open as many windows as you want from a single program. So if you want to open 15 tabs in your browser, six images in your photo-editing program, and a couple of instant messenger windows, you can do it. You won’t see this warning message until you try to open a fourth program:

In addition, some of the things you’re likely to do every day on a netbook don’t count against the three-app limit at all:

• Windows Explorer windows don’t count. So you can open as many file folders as you want and even preview the contents of individual files without having any of those processes counted against your limit.
• Basic Windows tools don’t trigger the limit. You can run a Command Prompt window or open Task Manager even if you already have three programs open.
• Most Control Panel applets don’t count either. If you need to check your network settings or change to a different power management scheme or install a new Bluetooth device, you can do that anytime, regardless of what else is running.
• Program installers run without triggering the limit. I just used Internet Explorer to download and install Google Chrome, even with three programs already open. No problem. [Update: Although Microsoft claims installers are exempt from the three-program limit, this appears to be untrue, at least in the beta I looked at. Based on some comments, I just tried to run a dozen or so installers with three programs already open. Each one failed.]
• Desktop gadgets are free, too. I’ve got the Pandora playback gadget running on the Windows 7 desktop and have no trouble opening three full-featured programs as well.
• Some system utilities get to bypass the three-app limit. The ClipMate utility, for instance, starts automatically and places itself in the system tray. I was able to pop up its main window and not trigger a too-many-apps warning.
• Antivirus programs that run as a system service don’t count. I installed Sunbelt Software’s excellent VIPRE antivirus/antispyware suite on this system. The program icon showed up in the system tray and it alerted me several times about potentially suspicious events. I was able to right-click that icon and use its menu to scan the system for viruses and check for updated virus definitions without a problem, even with three programs open. (Trying to open VIPRE’s main program window, however, triggered a warning that I needed to close something else first.)

In short, when I used this system as a netbook, it worked just fine. On a netbook, most of the tasks you’re likely to tackle are going to take place in a browser window anyway. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox or Internet Explorer, you can check your mail using Gmail or Hotmail or Outlook Web Access, build a spreadsheet in Google Docs or Zoho, check Facebook or Windows Live, Twitter to your heart’s content, read your favorite feeds in Google Reader or NewsGator, and Web-surf till you run out of memory. All of those tasks count as only a single program, because they’re running within one or more identical processes belonging to your preferred web browser.

If I tried to use this system as a conventional notebook, running multiple Microsoft Office or OpenOffice aps, playing music in iTunes or Windows Media Player, and using third-party IM programs, I would probably be incredibly frustrated with the limitations of Starter Edition.

Ultimately, that’s the question that you’ll want to ask before considering Windows 7 Starter Edition as an option: Is this a netbook or a notebook? If the answer is netbook, you might be pleasantly surprised at what this low-powered OS can actually accomplish.

10 Netbook Considerations

A quick list of considerations when looking at netbooks - some valid (size, battery, optical drive) and some not (OS - there is no $100 delta for XP) but overall a good roadmap from ZD.

1: Operating system

To cut costs and enable aggressive pricing, many netbooks are powered by Linux. Stable and reliable, Linux is also less expensive than Windows. With many netbooks selling for $400 or less, and OEM copies of Windows XP still selling for approximately $100 or more, it’s easy to see how many manufacturers are tempted to pad margins by replacing Windows with Linux.

Further, many of the netbook models featuring Windows have XP Home builds. Those systems can’t host remote connections using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection technology, nor can they properly join Windows server-powered domains, as can Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business systems.

2: Display size

Netbooks are designed to be small, lightweight, and portable. One significant tradeoff is screen size. Many of the most popular models feature only seven- or nine-inch screens. Your best bet, before committing to a purchase, is to test using a sample or evaluation unit at a local retailer. Otherwise, you may be underwhelmed when such a small box arrives in the mail.

Many users find ~nine-inch displays the smallest they can comfortably use. Dell’s Inspiron Mini 9- and Asus’ Eee PC 8.9-inch screens, for example, support 1024×600 resolution. While that doesn’t match the 1024×768 resolution that has essentially become the de facto standard for PCs, it’s a tolerable exchange for portability and convenience.

3: Battery life

Netbooks grew from initiatives to build simple laptops that could be used by children in developing countries. As a result, these systems have an energy-conscious heritage, which is doubly important considering most netbooks are used away from homes and offices.

Due to differences in batteries, CPUs, hard disks (solid state versus traditional hard disk drives), and display technologies, battery life varies widely by manufacturer and model. For example, Asus Eee PC 1000HE users can receive as many as five hours of service from a single charge, whereas Wired tests found the HP Mini 2140 lasted only 2.5 hours.

4: Keyboard and pointer buttons

Small is the resounding netbook theme, and that applies to keyboards and track pad options, too. Don’t expect systems with 8.9-inch displays to include full-size keyboards. Keys can actually prove alarmingly small (yet another reason you should test a potential new purchase before buying).

When trying to stuff critical features inside small footprints, designers’ pointer (integrated track pad) options are limited. Most leading netbook brands (Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI Wind) feature reasonably sized, well-working track pads. Don’t assume, though, that all models’ pointer options or selection buttons are well-designed. Be sure to review a netbook’s pointer configuration carefully to make sure it meets your preferences.

5: Storage space

Many users are accustomed to 80GB, 160GB, or even 250GB notebook hard drives these days. With such vast storage capacity, they haven’t had to limit the number of songs, graphic files, and videos they store on their personal computers. But netbooks are different. Some leading styles include only 16GB solid state drives that, once Windows is loaded, don’t leave acres of space for file storage. Consider your needs and plan accordingly.

6: Optical drive

Remember how a netbook’s theme is small and portable? One of the casualties of the low-cost/lightweight/small form factor profile is the loss of the optical drive. Most netbooks don’t have a CD-ROM or DVD drive. Instead, users must purchase a standalone USB optical drive or transfer CD or DVD images to flash memory drives or over a network to install software on a netbook.

7: Weight

Portability is the key with netbooks. Many of the most popular 8.9-inch display models weigh only two-and-a-half pounds or so. But some may sneak up on you. Rethink machines weighing more than three pounds — too many sub three-pound options are available for you to settle for needless deadweight.

8: Expansion capacity

Many users, when not traveling, want to leverage their netbook as another office system. Some netbooks are more cooperative than others. Review the specifications of the models you’re considering to verify that they have sufficient USB ports and the appropriate video and network connections for your needs.

9: CPU

Don’t be distressed when you review a netbook’s technical specs. The CPU details are not misprints. While your desktop PC may boast a 2.83GHz quad-core CPU, netbooks are anemic by comparison.

The Intel Atom is often the CPU of choice. The Z520 (1.33GHz) and Z530 (1.60GHz) CPUs are among the most popular. Although these chips can’t power demanding graphic editing programs, most 3D games, or engineering applications, they’re more than adequate for accessing e-mail, surfing the Internet, and reviewing and editing most documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

When reviewing CPU specifications, keep in mind that faster-running chips typically diminish battery life. Thus, it’s a never-ending tradeoff: performance versus battery service.

10: Integrated wireless options

If netbooks are to connect you to the cloud, they must have wireless connectivity. Any more, that doesn’t just mean connecting to 802.11g Wi-Fi networks. Many users require 802.11n or Bluetooth connectivity, while still others need their netbooks to connect to cellular networks.

Fortunately, netbook manufacturers are paying attention. Most leading brands include Bluetooth connectivity, at least as an optional component. Still others offer customers the choice of adding integrated cellular mobile broadband adapters.

If these options are important to you, hold out for a model that has the proper wireless options. The alternative is to become dependent upon a bulky dongle, and that’s quickly become old-fashioned.

PC shipments down 6.5% - But Netbooks still blowing up!!

From Gartner - (and not shocking at all. overpriced laptops/desktops - out Rockin Netbooks - BLOWING UP)

STAMFORD, Conn., April 15, 2009 — Worldwide PC shipments totaled 67.2 million units in the first quarter of 2009, a 6.5 percent decline versus first quarter 2008, according to preliminary results from Gartner, Inc.

“We are seeing some evidence of channel inventory restocking, particularly in the U.S.,” said George Shiffler, research director at Gartner. “This restocking should not be interpreted as a recovery in PC end-user demand; it’s still unclear if the global PC market has hit the bottom.”

Hewlett-Packard extended its lead in the worldwide PC market, accounting for 19.8 percent of global shipments in first quarter 2009 (see Table 1). HP registered higher growth rates than the regional averages in the U.S., Asia/Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). HP’s strength derived from its solid consumer PC portfolio, including low priced mobile PCs.

Dell and Acer finished the quarter in a virtual tie for the No. 2 position in the worldwide PC market; they are separated by just 0.1 percent points. Dell was generally weighted down by its heavy reliance on the professional market, while Acer experienced a significant shipment increase fueled by low priced mobile PCs in EMEA and the U.S.

“Low priced mobile PCs continued to be the growth driver for the PC industry in most regions,” said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. “However, we anticipate a sharp decline in industry revenues due to the lower average selling prices (ASPs) of these devices.”

Table 1
Preliminary Worldwide PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 1Q09 (Thousands of Units)

Company	1Q09 Shipments	1Q09 Market Share (%)	1Q08 Shipments	1Q08 Market Share (%)	1Q09-1Q08 Growth (%)
Hewlett-Packard	13,305	19.8	12,974	18.1	2.6
Dell Inc.	8,789	13.1	10,579	14.7	-16.9
Acer	8,758	13.0	6,911	9.6	26.7
Lenovo	4,430	6.6	4,798	6.7	-7.7
Toshiba	3,688	5.5	3,115	4.3	18.4
Others	28,239	42.0	33,467	46.6	-15.6
Total	67,209	100.0	71,846	100.0	-6.5

Note: Data includes desk-based PCs, mobile PCs and X86 servers.
Source: Gartner (April 2009)

PC shipments in the U.S. totaled 15.3 million units in the first quarter of 2009, a 0.3 percent decline versus first quarter 2008. Shipments were stronger than expected thanks to strong growth in low-priced mobile PCs.

“Low priced mobile PCs led market growth in the U.S. Mini notebooks did well in the challenging economic environment where consumers’ number one priority was to save money,” said Ms. Kitagawa. “Mini notebooks continued to put pressure on low priced mobile PCs. This pressure was mainly felt in the consumer market, but it expanded into select professional markets as well, including the education segment. U.S. mobile PC ASP likely will decline as much as 20 percent year-over-year in first quarter 2009. Overall, end user spending on PCs is likely to have contracted in the upper teens in first quarter 2009 compared to a year ago.”

HP was the No. 1 vendor in the U.S., accounting for 21 percent of PC shipments in first quarter 2009 (see Table 2). HP took top position in the U.S. market for the first time since 2001. HP’s strong portfolio of low priced consumer mobile PCs helped drive HP’s growth in the U.S. home market while its improved channel programs helped it to increase share in the professional market.

Dell was severely challenged by tough competition in the retail space. This, combined with the weak U.S. professional market, dropped Dell into the No. 2 position in the overall U.S. market. Acer’s strong growth was fueled by low priced mobile PCs, its solid presence in the retail space, as well as in channels. Analysts think that Apple’s relatively higher ASP created challenges for it in the tough economy, but that its deft control of inventories limited its shipment decline.

Table 2
Preliminary United States PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 1Q09 (Thousands of Units)

Company	1Q09 Shipments	1Q09 Market Share (%)	1Q08 Shipments	1Q08 Market Share (%)	1Q09-1Q08 Growth (%)
Hewlett-Packard	4,228	27.7	3,804	24.8	11.1
Dell Inc.	3,996	26.2	4,775	31.2	-16.3
Acer	2,076	13.6	1,389	9.1	49.4
Apple Computer	1,135	7.4	1,148	7.5	-1.1
Toshiba	1,005	6.6	840	5.5	19.6
Others	2,837	18.6	3,371	22.0	-15.8
Total	15,276	100.0	15,327	100.0	-0.3

Note: Data includes desk-based PCs, mobile PCs and X86 servers.
Source: Gartner (April 2009)

The EMEA PC market experienced a double-digit decline in growth for the first time. PC shipments in EMEA totaled 22.7 million units, a 10.2 percent decline from the same period last year. The slowdown impacted all parts of the market with the professional segment declining more sharply than the consumer market. Nonetheless, consumer mobile shipments experienced some growth in select countries, with Toshiba and Acer among the few vendors to benefit.

PC shipments in Asia/Pacific registered 18.2 million units in the first quarter of 2009, a 5.5 percent decline from the first quarter of 2008. The professional segment was strongly affected by the unfolding economic slowdown in the region. The home market was less affected because vendors were aggressive in stimulating demand by adjusting prices downward, bundling promotions, and conducting road shows targeting the market.

In Latin America, PC shipments totaled 5.5 million units in the first quarter of 2009, a 12.4 percent decline from the same period last year. Inventory levels remain higher than desired for vendors in most countries. PC vendor inventory orders often take 60 days to arrive and few, if any, vendors anticipated such a bad fourth quarter. PC shipments remain low because of generally weaker end-user demand and because of higher than desired inventories.

PC shipments in Japan surpassed 3.6 million units in the first quarter of 2009, a 3.8 percent decline. In the professional market, PC shipment declined 18 percent as enterprises delayed replacements by stretching PC lifetimes, and small and midsize businesses were constrained by the credit crunch. The home market is likely to have grown 17 percent in the first quarter, driven by strong growth in mini-notebooks and low-end mainstream notebooks.

These results are preliminary. Final statistics will be available soon to clients of Gartner's PC Quarterly Statistics Worldwide by Region program. This program offers a comprehensive and timely picture of the worldwide PC market, allowing product planning, distribution, marketing and sales organizations to keep abreast of key issues and their future implications around the globe. Additional research can be found on Gartner's Computing Hardware section on Gartner's Web site at http://www.gartner.com/it/products/research/asset_129157_2395.jsp.

Contact:


Christy Pettey
Gartner
+1 408 468 8312
christy.pettey@gartner.com


About Gartner:
Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. Gartner delivers the technology-related insight necessary for its clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, Gartner is the indispensable partner to 60,000 clients in 10,000 distinct organizations. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events, Gartner works with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and has 4,000 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants in 80 countries. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.

RIP - S10 HD **Update**

**Quick update** - S10 shipped out Monday @ 4:00est via FedEx. Nothing but crickets since then so I called last night since I had not received any confirmation/tracking info. Basically the rep told me that Lenovo "doesn't email out information about cases" but did confirm that they received it on Wed morning and that it was being assessed. I asked for an update when my S10 is ready to go and he says, "We won't update but you can CALL IN AGAIN on Friday to check the status"
REALLY?
Another call?
He then closes the call trying to sell me an extended warranty for 3yrs @ $210 - hmmm - let's see, I paid $300 for the S10 now, and prices are already approaching $200 for NEW netbooks - so... I decided to pass. Will keep you posted as I have updates.


That's right. The HD on my S10 signed off for good last nite. Don't know what happened other than maybe a Hitachi HD isn't of the best quality or maybe there was another factor in the hardware. I have detailed the death throes and post mortem below:

• Started while playing Java based games (Star Castle, Kung Fu, Galaga, etc. - that's right - kickin it old school) When suddenly the mouse started doing strange things (highlighting things, left click was opening new browser tabs, scroll was moving pages fwd/back)
• Shut it down and unplugged all peripherals
• Rebooted, plugged wireless mouse/keyboard/speakers back in
• Same mouse issue
• Went to reboot again - blue screen of death (would flash on for a sec, then go to safe mode options - picked a safe mode option - recycles - blue screen for a sec, back to safe mode page - now stuck in terminal loop hell)
• Pulled battery - result = same as above
• Contact Lenovo - walk through 8 different re-boot options - no dice and at this point it won't even show anything on the screen (HD won't even spin up)
• Lenovo to send a box in 2-3 biz days so I can ship it out and they will change HD, test, ship back (no ETA)

So there you have it. Dunno what caused it but it certainly makes a STRONG case for BACKING UP YOUR FILES. Unfortunately I haven't done a great job of that but basically have most info saved on my MacBook as well as on a 4Gig Flash.
I'll keep the posts coming as this progresses and would ask any of you (S10 or others) netbook folks if you have experienced a HD/Hardware issue with yours.

Until then, keep your back ups current and may the force be with you...

The Netbook Effect - Great Read

From the guys/gals at Wired.com, a comprehensive look at where netbooks have been (and what they were born out of), where they are and where they are headed.

Here is an excerpt on OS:

Nearly every company in the PC industry has had its game plan uprooted by netbooks. Microsoft had intended to stop selling Windows XP this summer, driving customers to its more lucrative Vista operating system. But when Linux roared out of the gate on netbooks, Microsoft quickly backpedaled, extending XP for another two years—specifically for netbooks. Most experts guess that Redmond can charge barely $15 for XP on a netbook, less than a quarter of what it previously sold for. (Microsoft corporate vice president Brad Brooks assures me the company is earning "good money" on the devices and plans to make sure its next OS, Windows 7, can run on netbooks—Vista performs poorly on them.) For its part, Intel is selling millions of its low-power Atom chips to netbook manufacturers. "We see this as our next billion-dollar market," says Anil Nanduri, Intel's technical marketing manager—except that the company makes only a fraction of the money on an Atom chip as on a more powerful Celeron or Pentium in a full-size laptop.

And the closing argument is a little on the fringe (at least for now) but interesting rhetoric any way...

Netbooks could drive production of even crazily cheaper, lighter-weight computers. "If everything you're doing is online, then the netbook becomes a screen with a radio chip. So why do you need a motherboard?" OLPC designer Mary Lou Jepsen says. "Especially if you want the batteries to last. Why not just make it a screen and a really cheap $2 to $5 radio chip?" The cloud is also probably going to get powerful in ways that now seem like fantasy. AMD is working on an experimental 3-D graphics server farm that would run high-end videogames, squirting a stream out to portable devices so you could play even the most outrageously lush games without a fancy onboard processor. Patrick Moorehead, AMD's vice president of marketing, recalls that in 2007 gamers had to buy special powerful desktop machines loaded with RAM and $600 graphics cards to play Crysis: "Now imagine you've got servers running Crysis and streaming it to an iPhone or a netbook, sending just the vectors that let you navigate the game."

Because this is the future of hardware. For a few users who need a high-performance device, PC makers will offer ever-more-blisteringly fast, water-cooled boxes with screens the size of your living room—at $2,000 a pop. For everyone else—lawyers looking for something to do on the train, women desperate for something that fits in their handbag—netbooks will dominate. It's the rise of the very small machines.

Apple Netbook Chatter - Getting LOUDER...

Lots of buzz flying around about Apple (will they/won't they) launch a "netbook" offering. (I highlighted the area of interest in yellow) Below is the article from the WSJ:

More than three months into a medical leave from Apple Inc., Chief Executive Steve Jobs remains closely involved in key aspects of running the company, say people familiar with the matter.

Apple chief operating officer Timothy Cook, left, with Apple's top marketing executive, Philip SchillerChief Operating Officer Tim Cook runs the day-to-day operations at Apple, these people say. But Mr. Jobs has continued to work on the company's most important strategies and products from home, they say. He regularly reviews products and product plans, and was particularly involved in the user interface of the new iPhone operating system that Apple unveiled last month, these people say.

Apple co-founder Mr. Jobs, who is considered the company's creative leader, is also involved in the development of future projects, they say. People privy to the company's strategy say Apple is working on new iPhone models and a portable device that is smaller than its current laptop computers but bigger than the iPhone or iPod Touch.

Mr. Jobs, who was treated in 2004 for a rare form of pancreatic cancer, took a medical leave in early January, saying he would return in June and would remain involved in "major strategic decisions while I am out." But he has made no public appearances or statements since then, and it has been unclear just how involved he continued to be. Apple has been mum about how Mr. Jobs's absence is affecting daily operations.

Mr. Jobs didn't respond to requests for comment. Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said: "Steve continues to look forward to returning to Apple at the end of June."

At the D: All Things Digital conference in 2007, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates discuss their relationship with each other and comment on what they think the other has contributed to the computer and technology industry. (June 2007)

Apple's fortunes appear to be linked in shareholders' minds with the health of Mr. Jobs, and Apple stock has suffered since last summer on speculations about his condition. At the same time, Apple has strenuously argued that its management bench is deep, and that while Mr. Jobs is integral to the company and its fortunes, Apple isn't wholly dependent on him.

Scarce Information

Information on the health of Mr. Jobs, 54 years old, has long been scarce and contradictory. He has said his cancer treatment five years ago was successful while maintaining that his health is "a private matter." But concerns among investors mounted, and the share price wobbled, after Mr. Jobs appeared in public looking noticeably thinner. The day after Apple announced in December that Mr. Jobs would not speak at the Macworld trade show, where he had been the keynote speaker since 1997, Apple shares fell as much as 8%

In early January, Mr. Jobs said he had a hormone imbalance that was "relatively simple and straightforward" to treat and that he would continue as Apple's CEO. About a week later, he announced that the issue was more complex than he had thought, and said in a letter to employees that he would take a leave. He provided few details of his illness, raising concerns that his cancer may have returned.

In an interview last month, Philip Schiller, Apple's head marketing executive, declined to comment on how the company was faring without Mr. Jobs. "We're just trying to do what we do every day," he said.

People familiar with Apple's operations say they still expect to see Mr. Jobs return in June. Some of these people also say members of Apple's board of directors are monitoring the situation directly, communicating regularly with Mr. Jobs's physicians.

People inside the company, business partners and others who are familiar with the situation say life at the Cupertino, Calif., company remains much the same as it did before.

Those at other corporations who deal with the company also say their interactions with Apple haven't changed. Mr. Cook, who had already been handling most of Apple's day-to-day operations, has kept tight control over the company, say business partners and those inside Apple.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks during a "town hall" style event at Apple Headquarters on Oct. 14, 2008, in Cupertino, Calif.

Concerns among employees have also eased as its stock price has bounced back, rising 40% since the end of last year, compared with an increase of about 5% in the Nasdaq Composite Index over the same period. Shares of Apple closed at $119.57 on Thursday, up from $85.33 in January when Mr. Jobs announced his leave.

Apple's business has proven relatively resilient to the recession so far. Analysts on average expect the company to have increased its revenues by 5.9% to nearly $8 billion in its fiscal second quarter ended Mar. 31, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters, helped by the launch of new desktop computer models and a smaller iPod shuffle music player. The company will report its quarterly earnings on April 22.

In spite of Mr. Jobs's plan to return, some employees, business partners and investors are considering what Apple would look like if he doesn't. People familiar with Apple's operations have said Mr. Cook and the other veteran executives understand Mr. Jobs's thinking and have a product road map for the next several years. But these same people worry about the period beyond.

Little Turnover

Job recruiters say they aren't seeing significant employee turnover at Apple. But executives at several Silicon Valley companies say they are getting more interest than before from Apple managers, particularly those in the mid-to-upper levels. Most recently, Greg Dudey, one of the lead engineers for Apple TV software, left the company to work for Dell Inc. Mr. Jobs's health is not necessarily the driver of such job moves, according to these people.

Shaw Wu, an industry analyst at Kaufman Bros., says investors are prepared for the possibility that Mr. Jobs could play a reduced role. "Most investors have factored in a management transition," he said. "What people are expecting is that Steve Jobs would retain a chairman role, and Tim Cook would formalize his role."

—Joann S. Lublin and Justin Scheck contributed to this article.

In the same vein, there is a fair amount of press at ZD on this article as well as why Google and Apple should team up to kick ass and take names in the net-b space. All this going on while my toasted S10 just shipped out YESTERDAY via fed/ex. I'll keep you posted as things progress but so far the turn around time leaves something to be desired.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I feel whatever Apple launches (and they will launch SOMETHING) they are in the enviable position of being able to exceed the current offering in the net-b space, throw some really cool differentiators and keep it REASONABLY priced. They also have the advantage of having Jobs kick off the product announcement (in theory). Stay tuned as it should get more interesting as we round out Q2...

Update to the subsidy - Consumer Reports

Wow - even consumer reports is getting in on the subsidized net-b announcements. To quote the joker: "Rack em up, rack em up, rack em up!"

AT&T to Offer $50 Netbooks

By ConsumerReports.org

AT&T will begin selling netbooks with integrated wireless Internet cards, selling them for as low as $50 — with a data plan contract, of course. The rollout will begin in Atlanta and Philadelphia.

AT&T is also looking to enter the e-book market, according a company exec quoted by Bloomberg at the recent trade show in Las Vegas hosted by industry organization CTIA Wireless:

The Kindle, which lets users download books over Sprint Nextel Corp.'s network, has done a "phenomenal job," and AT&T wants to be part of that market, Glenn Lurie, head of emerging devices at AT&T, said today. — Bloomberg.com

More from ConsumerReports.org Computer Overview Computer Buying Guide

Verizon has also expressed interest in entering the e-reader fray, saying it had been approached by five (undisclosed) companies interested in a wireless connection like that of the Kindle.

The takeaway: AT&T's netbook announcement, along with an earlier one from Verizon, suggests these tiny laptops are increasingly being positioned as much as an additional mobile network-connected device as a supplemental computer.

It's unclear if the AT&T exec's remarks on e-readers are anything more than an off-the-cuff response to the success of the Kindle. But the notion of another carrier joining Sprint — the carrier the Kindle uses — in the e-book business is intriguing. Wireless access to content is one of the most compelling aspects of the Kindle, giving it the edge over competitors like the Sony Reader (which we've covered in the past). The other is access to the huge library of e-content — Amazon's 250,000 Kindle titles in the case of the Kindle. And to offer a compelling option to the Kindle, AT&T, Verizon, or any other carrier, will need to find a content partner with a competitive library. It isn't immediately clear who might be able to offer that (perhaps other than Sony, with its Reader library.)

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!

Copyright © 2005-2009 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

New "netbook" line ups - or rebranded upl?

To go along with the discussion in our Netbook Experience Group, Acer appears to be pushing the boundaries of what defines a netbook. In my opinion once you go past the 10" mark you are really veering into ultra portable territory. What do you think??

PC heavyweight Acer, which owns the Gateway, eMachines, and Packard Bell brands, announced a collection of new netbooks and full-feature notebooks that spans the company’s brand portfolio.

Here are the highlights of the dozen or so new laptop models Acer introduced, with a little help from CNET’s Dan Ackerman, who was there in person:

Acer Timeline series: “Revolutionize the IT world“
A collection of 13.3, 14.1, and 15.6-inch models with LED 16:9 displays, Intel ULV processors, touch pads with MacBook-like multitouch gestures and innovative passive cooling which is said to keep the laptop’s outer surface cooler to the touch.

All three models are slightly tapered and range in thickness from about 0.9 inches to 1.5 inches, but Ackerman says they felt a little heavier than he expected. (Acer says the Timeline models range from 3.5 pounds to 5.3 pounds.) The laptops range in price from $699 to $899 and are aimed at the low-cost, high-end design category.

By using ultralow-voltage CPUs and LED displays, Acer claims that these new systems can run up to 10 hours on a single battery charge. It remains to be seen how much the user will have to hobble the system to achieve those numbers.

Quick facts:

• 13.3, 14 and 15.6-in. models
• LED backlit display with true 16:9 aspect ratio, 1366X768 HD resolution
• built-in Wi-Fi/WiMAX functionalities
• Acer Crystal Eye webcamwith Acer PrimaLite technology for easy video conferences with your business contacts
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Ultra Low Voltage
• choice of shared or dedicated VGA
• DDR3 system memory
• HDD with up to 500 GB of capacity, or SSD with up to 64 GB of capacity.

[Acer's official announcement]

11.6-in. Acer Aspire One
Filling out the netbook portfolio, the new 11.6-inch version of the Aspire One Netbook fits nicely in between the too-small 10-in. size and the full-featured laptop 12-in. size.

The new model has a standard Intel Atom CPU and a 160GB hard drive. But unlike the current bargain-basement-price Aspire One, this version has a thin LED screen and multitouch gestures. It also has what Ackerman says looks like a better keyboard and touch pad than the current 10-in. model.

The new unit is about an inch thick. No official word on price or availability, but note that Gateway is getting rebadged versions of these 10 and 11-inch Netbooks as well, called the LT20 and LT30.

Quick facts:

• 11.6-in. model
• Intel Atom processor and Mobile Intel US15W Express Chipset
• 160 GB internal hard drive and a multi-in-one card reader.
• 2.5 cm thick
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth connectivity and 3G
• ‘Soft-touch’ keyboard
• Dolby Pro Logic sound
• High-definition WXGA back-lit LED screen
• 8 hours battery life based on 6 cell 5200 mAh battery
• Digital microphone and Acer Crystal Eye webcam
• Multi-gesture touchpad

[Acer's official announcement]

Gateway EC

This 13.3-inch laptop will feature a 16:9 LED display, switchable graphics, SSD drives, and be less than an inch thick. Ackerman says Gateway is emphasizing the “green” aspect, with an energy-saving low-power mode and Energy Star 5.0 compliance.

No price or availability info, but Ackerman wonders if the EC can compete with Apple’s 13-in. Macbook.

More announced models

Quick hits on what else is new:

• Aspire 5935 and 8935: The 18.4-inch 8935 laptop can output a 1080p resolution, True 5.1 channel surround sound and handles up to two HDDs totaling 1TB capacity. The 15.6-in. 5935 can handle a single 500GB HDD. Both support up to 4GB DDR3 memory, biometric fingerprinting, 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, and optional WiMAX. [Acer's official announcement]
• Aspire 3935: A 13.3-inch model with an LED-backlit LCD (1366×769) and Intel Core 2 Duo/GM45 express chipset. Has built-in Wi-Fi / WiMAX, up to 4GB DDR3 RAM, biometric fingerprints, and eight hours of use with a 8-cell battery. [Acer's official announcement]
• eMachines D, E, G series: 16:9 aspect ratio LCD display with Intel Celeron or Pentium processors for all models, plus AMD Athlon option for E and G series. The 14-in. D and 17-in. G have up to 4GB DDR2 RAM, 500GB HDD, while the 15.6-in. E series can feature up to 5GB. All have wide keyboards, Wi-Fi, webcam, DVD drive and 5-in-1 card reader.
• Gateway ID series: Available in glossy dark blue or matte black. Has a 15.6-in. LED backlit screen, slot-in DVD drive, webcam with a curtain, multi-gesture touchpad and capacitive hotkeys above keyboard.

RIP - S10 HD **Update**

Quick update - S10 shipped out Monday @ 4:00est via FedEx. Nothing but crickets since then so I called last night since I had not received any confirmation/tracking info. Basically the rep told me that Lenovo "doesn't email out information about cases" but did confirm that they received it on Wed morning and that it was being assessed. I asked for an update when my S10 is ready to go and he says, "We won't update but you can CALL IN AGAIN on Friday to check the status" REALLY? Another call? He then closes the call trying to sell me an extended warranty for 3yrs @ $210 - hmmm - let's see I paid $300 for the S10 now, and prices are already approaching $200 for NEW netbooks - so... I decided to pass. Will keep you posted as I have updates.


That's right. The HD on my S10 signed off for good last nite. Don't know what happened other than maybe a Hitachi HD isn't of the best quality or maybe there was another factor in the hardware. I have detailed the death throes and post mortem below:

• Started while playing Java based games (Star Castle, Kung Fu, Galaga, etc. - that's right - kickin it old school) When suddenly the mouse started doing strange things (highlighting things, left click was opening new browser tabs, scroll was moving pages fwd/back)
• Shut it down and unplugged all peripherals
• Rebooted, plugged wireless mouse/keyboard/speakers back in
• Same mouse issue
• Went to reboot again - blue screen of death (would flash on for a sec, then go to safe mode options - picked a safe mode option - recycles - blue screen for a sec, back to safe mode page - now stuck in terminal loop hell)
• Pulled battery - result = same as above
• Contact Lenovo - walk through 8 different re-boot options - no dice and at this point it won't even show anything on the screen (HD won't even spin up)
• Lenovo to send a box in 2-3 biz days so I can ship it out and they will change HD, test, ship back (no ETA)

So there you have it. Dunno what caused it but it certainly makes a STRONG case for BACKING UP YOUR FILES. Unfortunately I haven't done a great job of that but basically have most info saved on my MacBook as well as on a 4Gig Flash.
I'll keep the posts coming as this progresses and would ask any of you (S10 or others) netbook folks if you have experienced a HD/Hardware issue with yours.

Until then, keep your back ups current and may the force be with you...

The Linux laptops of 2009

Is linux ready to claim a sizeable share of the note/netbook market? I am not sure. The user experience needs to be streamlined and cleaned up (along with hardware issues) but competition is a good thing especially since incumbents have no reason to make improvements if there is no pressure or incentive. Below is a write up from ZDNet:

The Linux laptop business represents a Chinese industry trying to serve a Western market and getting lost in the translation.

(Shown is the Dell Inspiron Netbook with a coffee mug, actual size.)

The Chinese like cheap, and they understand the cellphone business model. When Westerners look at the product, however, we want usable keyboards, acceptable screens and compatibility with the files we used last year.

The first generation of Linux laptops ran an Intel Atom chip set. They were underpowered, but Microsoft found a way to get Windows XP on them, at $3 per copy, then Windows 7, at an unknown price, so they are less of an adjustment.

The next generation of Linux laptops will run the same ARM system used in phones, which is why Chinese makers are looking to Android, a phone operating system, as their guide.

The total hardware cost is about $20. Everything else is the case and the bling. With a 1 GHz ARM chip and $200 price point Microsoft may be unable to compete. At least for now.

Ubuntu is able to go there, and announced an alliance with ARM last year. Its kit will sport a version of the Ubuntu Netbook Remix system first shown last year. A beta release of a new version shipped April 2.

Another route to a Linux laptop may be the Qualcomm Snapdragon system, shown running phones during CES. As I noted, at this point the only physical difference between a netbook and a phone is the case.

But there is an enormous difference in the buyers and their expectations. The result could be an historic disconnect between manufacturers and consumers.

All of which makes June’s CompuTex in Taiwan a very important show. It runs from June 2-6 and it’s already being called the show of the “all in one” PC.

What’s needed here are the views of Western users, not just manufacturers and OEMs. Last year’s product failed because it ignored this viewpoint.

No matter what a product’s price, its features must be acceptable to people like me. (That’s Ubuntu Netbook Remix on the left.)

Computer users are different from phone users. We have laps, we use 10 fingers, shaped in a position like piano players, and we demand not just file compatibility but a very short learning curve from the old laptop.

Those views may be carried by OEMs like HP, Dell, and Freescale, but there is another problem. Current PC distribution channels can’t handle a $200 PC. There is not enough margin there for even Fry’s to push the thing.

Cellphone channels see this as an opportunity but can you imagine getting a PC at a cellphone store, or a carrier shop? Free with a two-year contract is no bargain if you can’t get the thing to work and you can’t get support. The 20-minute sales cycle typical in a phone transaction (it’s cute, how does it work) won’t work for a PC.

The Apple iPhone bridged these retail models. The Apple Stores were used for initial demand, at a PC-like $595 price, and the second edition went to the cellphone stores, with demand pre-installed by the stores and new users.

That’s the kind of game Microsoft is looking to play with its Microsoft store, but it’s nowhere near those price points and the company has scant history moving hardware. (Mice don’t count.)

The result is that PCs are being designed and shipped, in million-unit lots, with almost no input from the consumers who will be expected to buy and use them, and with sales channels incompatible with the real market.

This could prove a disaster, one Linux may be unfairly blamed for. If Ubuntu and Android don’t “sell through” in 2009, next year’s more powerful chips could match up with a version of Windows 7, and a $400 price floor may then hold.

ABC News Segment on AT&T's Netbook Program

Not necessarily the best "deal" but any time Netbooks get what is generally positive airtime, to quote Martha, "It's a good thing" Click here to link to the video page.

Below is page one of a multi page story...

Getting a laptop for the price of a cell phone may sound far-fetched, but it has become a reality, thanks to test offers from companies like AT&T for netbooks the new class of small no-frills portable computers.

The newest round of netbooks exemplify the term inexpensive. For $50 users in Atlanta can purchase one of these mini-computers from AT&T as long as they sign up for two years of high-speed Internet service. In Philadelphia, the mini-computers go for $100.

"This is something new in the united states. I mean, we've seen this with the cell phone model: Pay for the service, get a free cell phone, but with laptops, this is new," said Tom Merritt, executive editor of C-NET-TV.

Even without a subscription, netbooks have been big sellers. Amazon said nine out of 10 computers it sells right now are netbooks priced at or below $400.

"It's phenomenal. It's an awesome opportunity, especially for people who don't necessarily have a laptop and could use one," shopper Tammi Moore said.

***My desktop replacement set up***

Below are pics of my current desktop replacement setup with my S10:






















































SPECS:

• Lenovo S1o 1Gig Ram 1.6 Atom 120Gig HD ($300)
  
• Acer 23inch flat panel ($150)
  
• Sony 2.1 Speakers (20w)/powered sub ($25)
  
• MS Wireless combo (mouse/keyboard) ($25)
  
• Trendnet Wireless G Router ($20)
  
• HP 3100 All in One Printer/Scanner/Copier (came w/ Macbook I purchased)
  
• Cheap computer desk - ($35 - Thx Craigslist)

GRAND TOTAL: $555

Now, I concede that there are other costs/configurations that will vary this number - but for my money - I feel this is a great setup. (Although I need to add a cooling pad/usb hub for another $25 to expand ports and keep the net-b cool).

Let me know your thoughts and BETTER YET - post pics/specs of YOUR set up.

Movie quote:

"It's friday, you ain't got no job and you ain't got sh*t to do!!"

Subsidized Netbooks - AT&T replicating iPhone model

***Updated: ABC NEWS Netbook segment***
In an announcement yesterday, AT&T announced that they are offering subsidized "ultra portable" laptops (read netbooks) with a 2 year data plan in the Atlanta and Philadelphia markets. As I blogged last month, this not really new information and really only applicable to the market that doesn't already have a netbook. Below is the press release or you can click the link above. (Pricing is still out of line IMO - I would like to see a $30/month price and maybe the wholesale of bandwidth will get manufacturers to "subsidize" the data service - but we'll have to wait and see).

Atlanta and Philadelphia area residents can lighten their laptop and simplify their technology experience with exclusive new offers and services during a limited trial in select company-owned AT&T stores.

AT&T today announced that in Atlanta it will:

• Offer a variety of ultra-portable mini laptops with built-in AT&T 3G wireless capabilities at promotional prices starting at $49.99 with the purchase of AT&T "Internet at Home and On the Go" broadband services.
• Trial 30-minute in-store technical support — part of the AT&T ConnecTech suite of services — at select locations for customers who purchase qualifying data plans.
• Feature, as part of the same trial in select stores, an Internet at Home and On the Go package that combines home and mobile broadband starting as low as $59.95 per month, including access to the nation's fastest 3G network and unlimited domestic access to the nation's largest Wi-Fi network with nearly 20,000 AT&T Hot Spots.
• Pre-install AT&T Communication Manager on mini laptops, enabling customers the ability to manage their mobile and Wi-Fi connections.

AT&T is offering similar mini laptop promotional rates with the purchase of AT&T DataConnect plans in eight AT&T retail locations in the Philadelphia area.

"Broadband is not just about speed anymore — it's about mobility," said David Christopher, Chief Marketing Officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We want our customers to have Internet at Home and On the Go. Pairing mini laptops with AT&T's home, Wi-Fi, and mobile broadband offerings enables consumers to get the most from their new devices, virtually anywhere, anytime."

Mini laptops are lightweight computers that make it easy to surf the Internet, send and receive email, keep social networking sites updated and manage digital files, including photos and music.

Mini laptops available in AT&T stores include the Acer Aspire One, Dell Inspiron Mini 9 and Mini 12, and LG Xenia. Promotional prices range from $49.99 to $249.99 with the purchase of an AT&T Internet at Home and On the Go plan, which includes an AT&T DataConnect plan and AT&T Fast Access DSL, starting at $59.95 per month. Without those AT&T services, these mini laptops range in price from $449.99 to $599.99.

With the purchase of a two-year AT&T DataConnect plan only, mini laptop pricing ranges from $99.99 to $349.99. AT&T is offering two mobile DataConnect plans in the trial, including a 200MB plan for $40 per month and a 5GB plan for $60 per month — options that meet the needs of casual to occasional data users, as well as frequent and heavy users.

In addition to mini laptops, the trial will also feature an award winning, ultraportable laptop with built-in 3G capabilities: the Lenovo X200 for $749.99 with Internet at Home and On the Go. The laptop is available for $849.99 with a two-year DataConnect plan only.

The mini laptops will come with AT&T Communication Manager preloaded to help customers manage their usage and connections. The Communication Manager will prompt customers to connect to AT&T Hot Spots when available, stores information for previously used Wi-Fi networks and is capable of displaying usage notifications.

At select trial stores, mini laptop customers signing up with a qualifying data plan can take advantage of a free 30-minute AT&T ConnecTech technical session to ensure they are ready to use their new device as soon they leave the store.

AT&T's ConnecTech is a premiere service suite of support, installation, and maintenance services that provide comprehensive remote and in-home computing and home entertainment assistance.

Consumers can take advantage of the mini laptop offers at eight AT&T retail locations in the Atlanta area.

Additional information on ConnecTech services is available at http://connectech.att.com.
For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.