Posts Tagged ‘Netbook’

« Older Entries

Windows 8 Consumer Preview: The Netbook Experience

March 5th, 2012
Share

While installing Microsoft’s latest operating system on a netbook may seem like throwing good money after bad, Windows 8 still offers some advantages even on these lowly PCs. Here’s a guide to what you can expect to gain–and lose–by using Windows 8 on a netbook.

By way of definition, a netbook is a low-end computer, typically with an single or dual core Atom-level processor running at 1 GHz, 1 GB to 2 GB of RAM, a small 1024 x 600 screen, and a traditional hard drive. Netbooks lack an optical drive and typically run Windows XP or, more recently, Windows 7 Starter.

These machines are designed to be low cost and appealed largely to children and those with very small computing needs. But the advent of the tablet-type PC, which will become common with Windows 8, is expected to kill off the netbook for good.

Installation

Because netbooks lack an optical drive, you’ll need to install Windows 8 using an external (and separately purchased) DVD drive, a USB device (which you can create using the instructions in my article Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Create Bootable Install Media), or the new Windows 8 web-based installer. That latter method is the preferred way of doing so. For more information, check out Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Set Up Windows 8 with the Web Installer.

Be careful when choosing the OS type. Many netbooks utilize older Atom processors that will only accept a 32-bit version of Windows 8. But even for those netbooks that aren’t limited in this fashion, I still recommend using the 32-bit version of Windows 8. These versions will perform better with the constrained hardware offered by any netbook.

Clean install via USB on my single core Atom-based netbook (a Toshiba NB205) took 15 minutes, including typing in the product key and walking through the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and choosing Express settings. This compares to 10 minutes on my far more powerful, quad core processor-based (Core 2 Quad) desktop. Not bad.

On the other hand, the screen resolution at first boot was just 800 x 600, well under the device’s native resolution of 1024 x 600. And there was no way to fix this in the Screen Resolution control panel. Fortunately, an Important Update in Windows Update related to the Intel chipset cleared up this issue.

Windows 8 boots into the same beautiful lock screen you see on real PCs, which is great. And as promised, the new Start screen does indeed work on a netbook, offering three rows of tiles. I assume this is only a temporary condition for the Consumer Preview, but the Start screen also offers up the full slate of Metro-style apps. Which is too bad, since most don’t work at all.

Thank you for recommending “SuperSite for Windows – Paul Thurrott’s news, articles, tips, commentaries, and reviews on Microsoft technology — Windows, gaming, mobile, servers, software — and Microsoft competitors.”.
Your recommendation has been successfully processed.
While installing Microsoft’s latest operating system on a netbook may seem like throwing good money after bad, Windows 8 still offers some advantages even on these lowly PCs. Here’s a guide to what you can expect to gain–and lose–by using Windows 8 on a netbook.

By way of definition, a netbook is a low-end computer, typically with an single or dual core Atom-level processor running at 1 GHz, 1 GB to 2 GB of RAM, a small 1024 x 600 screen, and a traditional hard drive. Netbooks lack an optical drive and typically run Windows XP or, more recently, Windows 7 Starter.

These machines are designed to be low cost and appealed largely to children and those with very small computing needs. But the advent of the tablet-type PC, which will become common with Windows 8, is expected to kill off the netbook for good.

Installation

Because netbooks lack an optical drive, you’ll need to install Windows 8 using an external (and separately purchased) DVD drive, a USB device (which you can create using the instructions in my article Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Create Bootable Install Media), or the new Windows 8 web-based installer. That latter method is the preferred way of doing so. For more information, check out Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Set Up Windows 8 with the Web Installer.

Be careful when choosing the OS type. Many netbooks utilize older Atom processors that will only accept a 32-bit version of Windows 8. But even for those netbooks that aren’t limited in this fashion, I still recommend using the 32-bit version of Windows 8. These versions will perform better with the constrained hardware offered by any netbook.

Clean install via USB on my single core Atom-based netbook (a Toshiba NB205) took 15 minutes, including typing in the product key and walking through the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and choosing Express settings. This compares to 10 minutes on my far more powerful, quad core processor-based (Core 2 Quad) desktop. Not bad.

On the other hand, the screen resolution at first boot was just 800 x 600, well under the device’s native resolution of 1024 x 600. And there was no way to fix this in the Screen Resolution control panel. Fortunately, an Important Update in Windows Update related to the Intel chipset cleared up this issue.

Windows 8 boots into the same beautiful lock screen you see on real PCs, which is great. And as promised, the new Start screen does indeed work on a netbook, offering three rows of tiles. I assume this is only a temporary condition for the Consumer Preview, but the Start screen also offers up the full slate of Metro-style apps. Which is too bad, since most don’t work at all.

When you try to run most Metro-style apps, you get a full screen notification indicating that the screen resolution is too low to do so. A Change screen resolution link simply loads the Screen Resolution control panel (on the desktop), which unhelpfully notes that “Your resolution is lower than 1024 x 768. Some items might not fit and apps might not open.” But you can’t of course fix this without employing a hack.

Every single bundled Metro-style app refuses to work, including Windows Store, Xbox LIVE Games, People, Weather, Maps, Internet Explorer, Photos, Calendar, Mail, Music, Video, SkyDrive, Messaging, Finance, Pinball FX2, Solitaire, Camera, Remote Desktop, and Xbox Companion. That means that only two of the 21 tiles on the Start screen–Desktop and Windows Explorer–will do anything other than throw up an error message. How’s that for a good experience?

The Metro-style task management utilities all work, however, including Back, Switcher, the Charms, and the new Start experience; right-clicking the Start tip also displays the expected power user context menu.

The Windows desktop

With Metro mostly a bust, netbook users will want to turn to the Windows desktop to see what’s new there and decide whether those improvements will be enticement enough to upgrade. And the experience on the desktop is actually pretty excellent: You get the nice (and downtuned) Aero experience, even on the lowliest of netbooks like mine, and if you’ve been burned by the silly wallpaper limitation in Windows 7 Starter, you’ll be pleased to see this works just fine too. (Because, of course, this is a non-Starter version of Windows 8.)

Thank you for recommending “SuperSite for Windows – Paul Thurrott’s news, articles, tips, commentaries, and reviews on Microsoft technology — Windows, gaming, mobile, servers, software — and Microsoft competitors.”.
Your recommendation has been successfully processed.
While installing Microsoft’s latest operating system on a netbook may seem like throwing good money after bad, Windows 8 still offers some advantages even on these lowly PCs. Here’s a guide to what you can expect to gain–and lose–by using Windows 8 on a netbook.

By way of definition, a netbook is a low-end computer, typically with an single or dual core Atom-level processor running at 1 GHz, 1 GB to 2 GB of RAM, a small 1024 x 600 screen, and a traditional hard drive. Netbooks lack an optical drive and typically run Windows XP or, more recently, Windows 7 Starter.

These machines are designed to be low cost and appealed largely to children and those with very small computing needs. But the advent of the tablet-type PC, which will become common with Windows 8, is expected to kill off the netbook for good.

Installation

Because netbooks lack an optical drive, you’ll need to install Windows 8 using an external (and separately purchased) DVD drive, a USB device (which you can create using the instructions in my article Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Create Bootable Install Media), or the new Windows 8 web-based installer. That latter method is the preferred way of doing so. For more information, check out Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Set Up Windows 8 with the Web Installer.

Be careful when choosing the OS type. Many netbooks utilize older Atom processors that will only accept a 32-bit version of Windows 8. But even for those netbooks that aren’t limited in this fashion, I still recommend using the 32-bit version of Windows 8. These versions will perform better with the constrained hardware offered by any netbook.

Clean install via USB on my single core Atom-based netbook (a Toshiba NB205) took 15 minutes, including typing in the product key and walking through the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and choosing Express settings. This compares to 10 minutes on my far more powerful, quad core processor-based (Core 2 Quad) desktop. Not bad.

On the other hand, the screen resolution at first boot was just 800 x 600, well under the device’s native resolution of 1024 x 600. And there was no way to fix this in the Screen Resolution control panel. Fortunately, an Important Update in Windows Update related to the Intel chipset cleared up this issue.

Windows 8 boots into the same beautiful lock screen you see on real PCs, which is great. And as promised, the new Start screen does indeed work on a netbook, offering three rows of tiles. I assume this is only a temporary condition for the Consumer Preview, but the Start screen also offers up the full slate of Metro-style apps. Which is too bad, since most don’t work at all.

When you try to run most Metro-style apps, you get a full screen notification indicating that the screen resolution is too low to do so. A Change screen resolution link simply loads the Screen Resolution control panel (on the desktop), which unhelpfully notes that “Your resolution is lower than 1024 x 768. Some items might not fit and apps might not open.” But you can’t of course fix this without employing a hack. (See below.)

Every single bundled Metro-style app refuses to work, including Windows Store, Xbox LIVE Games, People, Weather, Maps, Internet Explorer, Photos, Calendar, Mail, Music, Video, SkyDrive, Messaging, Finance, Pinball FX2, Solitaire, Camera, Remote Desktop, and Xbox Companion. That means that only two of the 21 tiles on the Start screen–Desktop and Windows Explorer–will do anything other than throw up an error message. How’s that for a good experience?

The Metro-style task management utilities all work, however, including Back, Switcher, the Charms, and the new Start experience; right-clicking the Start tip also displays the expected power user context menu.

The Windows desktop

With Metro mostly a bust, netbook users will want to turn to the Windows desktop to see what’s new there and decide whether those improvements will be enticement enough to upgrade. And the experience on the desktop is actually pretty excellent: You get the nice (and downtuned) Aero experience, even on the lowliest of netbooks like mine, and if you’ve been burned by the silly wallpaper limitation in Windows 7 Starter, you’ll be pleased to see this works just fine too. (Because, of course, this is a non-Starter version of Windows 8.)

The new Explorer is kind of a mixed bag: You get the new ribbon-based experience, of course, but the ribbon is overkill on screens with low resolution. Metro-style notifications work on the desktop, too, and this includes both the full screen notifications (like the one warning you about the screen resolution) as well as application notification toasts.

The new file copy experience is working fine, and offers concurrent file transfers in a single window as expected.

Performance

I didn’t think to perform before-and-after benchmarks on this system, but I can tell you that it boots from a dead stop to the lock screen in less than 20 seconds, which you have to think is fairly spectacular for such a system. Not convinced? The Laptop Magazine review of this netbook notes that the boot time for Windows XP was … wait for it… 1 minute and 25 seconds (!!!). So Windows 8 is booting this machine less than one quarter of the time. That’s amazing.

For me, however, real world performance involves the reason I bought this little hunk of junk in the first place: Video playback. And the goal here is to play a full-screen, H.264-based DVD rip without any glitches or hiccups, and to do so with the biggest pig of them all, Apple QuickTime.

So I picked three movies I ripped recently using the latest version of Handbrake, copied them to the netbook, installed QuickTime, and saw how it all worked. I can tell you that under both XP and Windows 7, video playback was non-satisfactory, and I tried a variety of video players on each. The system would bog down, the video would pause or stutter, and I simply stopped traveling with this machine.

With Windows 8, however, it worked fine, with one caveat. There were no performance issues. Speech lined up with characters’ lips and stayed there. The caveat? It’s QuickTime, the most awful Windows application ever written. It doesn’t respect Windows power management, so you’ll find yourself swiping the trackpad from time to time to stop the machine from blanking the screen. And in Windows 8, at least, the taskbar is still visible in full screen playback, which is a glitch.

Of course, no self-respecting Windows user would ever really use QuickTime, that was just a worst case scenario test. I also installed the superior VideoLAN VLC Player software, and, voila! Everything works great. It’s surprisingly nice, actually.

Final thoughts

Where Windows 8 is a major, revolutionary upgrade for traditional PCs and especially new generation tablet PCs, it’s more of an evolutionary update on netbooks. You get the new Start screen, sure, but no Metro-style apps, and a handful of useful but not crucial improvements to the Explorer interface.

That said, you do get some pretty impressive performance improvements, always welcome in such low-end systems. It’s not going to turn a netbook into a true computing contender. But the effect here is noticeable.

Is it worth the upgrade? People with netbooks probably aren’t big spenders, generally, and anyone trying to stretch the usage of such a device beyond the 2-3 years they’ve already use it is unlikely to pony up whatever Microsoft will charge for this upgrade. If the Windows 8 netbook upgrade is somehow, magically, in the $29 range that Apple now charges for OS X updates, maybe. Otherwise, I’d recommend saving that money and putting it towards a new PC or device.

Source:http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-consumer-preview-netbook-experience-142458

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Asus EEE PC 1225C unboxing and first-look impressions

February 17th, 2012
Share

Even back in the days when netbooks where the next hot piece of technology, there was a lot of debate whether bigger than 10 inch mini laptops are actually called netbooks or not. Back them I decided to call 11.6+ inch devices budget ultra-portables, and with that in mind, today we’re going to talk about such a computer: the Asus EEE PC 1225C.

This is a close relative to the EEE PC 1225B we tested a couple of weeks ago, but while that one came with AMD hardware, this one is built on Intel’s CedarTrail Atom. It’s in fact the same platform you’ll find on smaller 10 inch netbooks these days, that’s why we could say the 1025C is a “bigger netbook”.

In this post we’re going to take just a quick look at the laptop, as I unbox it (there’s a video bellow) and share some of my first impressions on it. Of course, since this laptop is not yet available in stores, we’re dealing with a pre-production sample, thus some of the final features might be slightly different. And, knowing Asus, they will offer different configurations based on your country, so the 1225C you might find at your local Best Buy (or whatever) might not be 100% identical to the one here.

Anyway, let’s see what we’re dealing with here. The 1225C is an 11.6 inch budget ultra-portable, part of the new Asus EEE PC Flare line. It looks identical to the 1225B I tested before, with some exceptions: the test unit I got comes in Black and offers a glossy finish for the lid cover. A plastic glossy finish, the kind that catches fingerprints and smudges like crazy. On a first look though, the plastic feels like it’s somewhat treated against scratches, it feels more metallic than the plastic on the old Asus EEE PCs used to feel (like on the 1215N, if you remember that one), but this might be just a mirage.

The bottom is covered in that textured plastic we knew from the Asus 12xx series before and the sides come with chromed edges, a trademark of the EEE PC Flare line.

Opening the lid, you get the black metal interior, a full-size keyboard and a glossy screen. My unit get’s the US keyboard layout, with the bigger left SHIFT, but you still get that extra column of keys in the right, which I for one resent. The trackpad is not the one I saw on the 1225B, but an over sized version of the trackpad present on the 1025C/1025CE Flare lines: that means that it has a physical click button, but we’ll have to wait and see how good the touchpad and the button are during everyday use. I’ll let you know in my review.

Inside, this test unit of mine comes with an Intel Atom N2600 processor, 2 GB of RAM, 320 GB HDD and Windows 7 Home Premium, but to be frank, I’m surprised Asus din not squeeze at least a faster N2800 processor in there. I mean, they put the N2600 on their cheapest netbook, the X101CH, they could have put something better here as I’m pretty sure this one is not going to cut it, performance wise. We’ll see.

All in all, I knew the 1025C was going to be an underpowered mini laptop and I don’t dig the glossy hood and display. However, I was actually expecting it to be cheap, but based on what I know right now, I was wrong. The 1225C is expected to land in my country by late March and it’s only going to be about $30 cheaper than the 1225B (the equivalent of $30 here). That would lead to a price tag of $400 -$420 when it reaches the States, and while having that Atom platform inside will ensure long battery life (once again, we’ll see if this proves true or not), I doubt many will turn towards this unit, when for only a bit of extra cash you can get the faster, matte and overall better unit, the Asus 1225B.

But look for the review, it should come by late next week, and by then I’ll be able to tell you more about this Asus EEE PC 1225C.

Source:http://www.netbooklive.com/asus-eee-pc-1225c-unboxing-firstlook-impressions-13353/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Acer Aspire One D270 Netbook Pops Up for Pre-Order

February 13th, 2012
Share

Remember netbooks? If you haven’t already been bitten by the Ultrabook bug and don’t want to spend upwards of $700 on a higher end machine, next-generation netbooks built around Intel’s Cedar Trail platform are finally starting to trickle out. Acer was one of the biggest players during the netbook’s original run, and the company’s all-new Aspire One D270 is now available for pre-order.

Starting at $280, Acer’s Aspire One D270 is a 10.1-inch netbook featuring an Intel Atom N2600 processor clocked at 1.6GHz, 1GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive (5400 RPM), Intel GMA 3600 graphics, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, GbE LAN, 0.3MP webcam, HDMI output, three USB 2.0 ports, Windows 7 Starter, and a 6-cell battery good for up to 8 hours of battery life.

That’s not a bad setup for the money, and while it’s not as sleek or slim as an Ultrabook, at just 2.87 pounds, the D270 hardly tips the scales. As for color options, the D270 is available in Seashell White, Aquamarine, Express Black, and Burgundy Red.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Acer-Aspire-One-D270-Netbook-Pops-Up-for-PreOrder/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

MSI Introduces Wind U180 Netbook With Cedar Trail

February 3rd, 2012
Share

MSI revealed a new Wind U180 ultra light netbook with Intel’s latest Cedar Trail Atom processing platform. This netbook features twice the processing and display performance as the previous generation netbook. It also touts a battery life of eight hours. The Wind U180 measures less than one inch thick and weighs about 2.2 pounds. In addition to the new generation dual-core Intel Atom N2800 processor, the Wind U180 also supports DDR3 system memory. You’ll also find a power-saving 10.1-inch LED backlit display with a response time of just 8 milliseconds in this netbook.

MSI unveiled its all-new powerful Wind U180 for 2012. This ultra thin, ultra light netbook features Intel’s new generation, power-sipping, high performance Cedar Trail Atom processing platform packed in a snazzy chassis. It boasts twice the processing and display performance of the previous generation netbook as well as eight hours of battery power, so it doesn’t run out of energy before you do. In addition, it comes with MSI’s own TDE overclocking technology to maximize processor performance. The Wind U180 strikes the ideal balance between performance and style as well as between technology and art.

Taipei—The Wind U180, meticulously crafted by MSI for 2012, marks a new zenith in computer technology, offering both performance and an esthetically pleasing looks. It comes in minimalist black, angel white or lavender, is less than one-inch thin, tips the scales at just 1kg, and is sheathed in MSI’s own attractive IMR color film print to prevent scratches and smudges. Let this highly mobile piece of computer technology add color to your life.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, points out that the MSI Wind U180, a new generation netbook characterized by painstaking attention to craftsmanship and innovation, not only packs significantly more power, it is the ideal solution to meet today’s mobile multimedia needs. Its display is some three times more powerful than that of the previous generation, enabling the high resolution LED screen to show much more detail and color. What’s more, the HDMI slot allows you to connect the U180 netbook to a large HDTV to maximize multimedia entertainment.

Double the power, double the fun

Intel’s Atom processor: The stylish MSI Wind U180 netbook comes optional with the new generation dual-core Intel Atom N2800 processor with advanced 32nm-based process which works in conjunction with the Intel NM10 high-speed chip set. It not only effectively enhances processor and overall system performance by more than 20% over previous generation netbooks, it also supports DDR3 system memory, while using much less power than the earlier platform. This new generation netbook brings high performance under the hood of a lean, mean, beautifully constructed machine.

All-new media engine: The MSI Wind U180 utilizes the latest generation display graphics technology, enabling it to play high resolution 1080p movies, and it supports digital display and conferencing capabilities, such as HDMI. The internal Intel Graphics Media Accelerator works in conjunction with the integrated memory control to boost performance and system response. The display graphics performance is double that of the previous generation platform. You can watch movies or hook it up to an HDTV without compromising picture quality.

MSI TDE overclocking technology: The MSI Wind U180 comes with MSI’s own epoch making TDE overclocking technology to speed up the processor clock, instantly throttling up performance. It optimizes the hardware which works in coordination with up to 2GB of DDR3 system memory to provide you a light and fast computing experience.

Stylish colors

Chic, slim, light exterior: The Wind U180’s ultra slim, ultra light netbook sports a unique display axle and offers you a choice of minimalist black, angel white or lavender chassis protected from scratching and wear by the attractive IMR color film print. The palm-placement areas are sheathed in an attractive gleaming cover which adds to the overall elegance of the MSI Wind U180.

Unique Chiclet keyboard: The MSI Wind U180 has a stylish Chiclet keyboard with independent key design for quieter, more solid action. With each strike of the keyboard, you will understand that MSI truly does insist on the best in each and every detail.

Attention to detail

Swirl design touchpad: The Wind U180 employs MSI’s own swirl design touchpad which gives the keyboard area a stylishly minimalist look and enhances touch detection for smoother cursor movement.

Super thin 10-inch LED screen: The MSI Wind U180 sports a power-saving 10.1″ LED backlit display with a response time of just 8 milliseconds—more than twice as fast as traditional notebooks, to give you a smooth, crisp picture with greater detail and brighter colors when watching movies and animation. This netbook offers the visual quality of a cinema.

Ultimate mobility, extended battery power

MSI’s ECO power saving technology: MSI’s exclusive ECO engine power saving technology allows you to select from among five power management levels—Video Game, Film, Presentation, Word Processing, and Turbo Battery, with the touch of a finger, so you can effectively extend battery power time 33% over the previous generation. Tests show that the 6-cell battery can power the MSI Wind U180 for 8 hours to give you all the power you need for the entire day.

*Actual battery time will vary with differences in computer use and settings.

Bluetooth and wireless network support: In addition to providing 8 hours of battery power, the MSI Wind U180 also supports a complete array of wireless connectivity with 802.11 b/g/n wireless and Bluetooth 3.0+HS, making connecting with the world simple. Enjoy advanced future mobile computing technology today.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/MSI-Introduces-Wind-U180-Netbook-With-Cedar-Trail/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Acer Aspire One D270 Netbook Shipping Soon

January 2nd, 2012
Share

Acer’s Aspire One D270 netbook will be one of the first to hit the ground running around Intel’s Cedar Trail platform, and if the number of impatient vendors who have started listing the netbook ahead of its official release are any indication, we can surmise the D270 will land very soon.

Notebook Italia spotted a whole bunch of European vendors tossing up D270 product pages, most of which have it priced at around 250 euros (about $325 USD). But it’s not just showing up in Europe. Adorama, a store in New York City best known for its photography equipment, is also listing the D270, priced at $280 before shipping (no mention of when it will ship).

The Aspire One D270 is a 10.1-inch netbook flaunting an Intel Atom N2600 processor (1.6GHz, dual-core), 1GB of DDR3 memory, 320GB hard drive, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, 6-cell battery, and Windows 7 Starter. The star of the show, of course, is Cedar Trail.

One of the big advantages of the Atom N2600 chip over previous generation Atom processors is reduced power consumption, which is partially the result of moving to a 32nm manufacturing process (down from 45nm). Graphics also get a boost, bumping up from an Intel GMA 3100 clocked at 200MHz to a PowerVR SGX 545 clocked at 400MHz, resulting in a better than 2x GPU performance improvement, according to Intel. Finally, Cedar Trail adds support for DDR3-800/1066 memory, whereas Pinetrail topped out at DDR3-667. It’s a minor improvement, but combined with everything else, it should help keep netbooks relevant for the foreseeable future, or so Intel hopes.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Acer-Aspire-One-D270-Netbook-Shipping-Soon/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Intel Realigning Atom Processor Strategy Away from Netbooks

December 27th, 2011
Share

Netbook sales aren’t what they used to be. A combination of factors ended the netbook craze that existed not all that long ago, including the rising popularity of tablet PCs, lower cost notebooks, and the recent introduction of highly portable Ultrabooks. Underscoring this point is the fact that Intel’s Atom processor and chipset revenue fell by nearly a third (32 percent) in the Q3 2011 compared to the same quarter in 2010, according to IHS iSuppli. So what does the future hold for Atom?

Looking ahead, Intel is shifting its Atom strategy towards network-attached storage (NAS) devices, entry-level servers, and embedded applications. This shift will begin with the introduction of Intel’s next Atom CPU — Centerton — built on a 32nm manufacturing process with a slim architecture and low power consumption, according to DigiTimes.

Skipping ahead to 2013, Intel will following up Centerton with 22nm Silvermont-based Atom processors, and then 14nm Airmont-based Atom chips in 2014. By then, Intel hopes to have a better foothold in the tablet PC market, the same one that’s been partially responsible for consumers’ waning interest in netbooks.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Intel-Realigning-Atom-Processor-Strategy-Away-from-Netbooks/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Tablets, ultraportables and netbooks: Fight for mobility

December 23rd, 2011
Share

To be honest, the idea of writing a primer on the top models of the market, was created earlier this year. When we finally found time for it, we had to acknowledge that much has changed since then. Some models were abandoned, others were presented and more than a new product category emerged. There was no consideration in the room, on our website ” ultranetbooktabletcheck.com “re-baptized, but ultimately this domain name seemed too long.

If you feel the influx of new devices a bit overwhelmed, so we hope that this article, the situation may be even better. In the following series, we take three much-discussed categories of mobile computing market to target: Tablet, netbooks and ultraportables.

First we consider the properties of each of these categories and tear just their story to. This is followed by a description of the target market and ultimately our recommendations . That you have met the end of the article your purchase decision, we can not promise. Nevertheless, the choice is simplified somewhat hopefully. And who knows, maybe a new device has been re-introduced to the market if they have read over and we have to begin again.

In English usage, a tablet is a flat board for inscriptions. This is definitely in a modern tablet computer. Tablets are available in various sizes. Almost all follow the “slate” design, which usually consists of a 50-10 inch large capacitive touch screen with little to no physical keyboard and is a lightweight housing. In addition, tablets are mainly due to entry via touchscreen dependent. Nevertheless, some manufacturers opted for additional built-in or detachable keyboards. Raises the total tablet design simplicity and portability out, with several companies vying to offer the thinnest and lightest devices.

Current Tablets are operated by a wide range of processors. The most popular are NVIDIA’s Tegra series, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and ARM Cortex-A series . Tablets also provide some high-quality IPS (In-Plane Switching) screen and even HD resolutions. Camera, Bluetooth, WiFi, gyroscopes, mini- HDMI and at least 8-16GB flash memory can be found today in most Tablets. Many manufacturers also offer models with 3G functionality, whereby users of Wi -independent can the Internet. An appropriate service plan or charge card provided, of course.

History:

The original architecture tablet might run up to the days of Apple’s Newton platform back, which was introduced in 1993 and abandoned 1998th Although they did not receive much attention, it paved the way for the next stage in the development of tablet Microsoft and their new tablet version of Windows XP. Unfortunately, this Windows Tablet, partly because of their high price and their Klobigket, not very successfully.

While some may argue that Portable Media Players (PMPs) from early 2000 were the predecessors of modern tablets, we tend to ascribe this to the late Steve Jobs. Jobs, who was ironically behind with releasing the original Apple Newton, is widely attributed to the launch of the Tablet boom after the iPad was introduced in January 2010. The iPad has benefited from advances in the hardware sector, which quickly enabled devices in slim cases. Although originally derided for its resemblance to the iPhone, the iPad drove record profits but one.

After the success of the iPad, it was clear the market, several manufacturers appeared attractive enough and none other than Google chose to grab a decent slice of the pie. The first Google-based tablets in the mobile operating system Android has been unveiled at the end of 2010 Archos, Samsung and ViewSonic. These devices were definitely not as popular as the iPad, but due to constantly updated, tablet-oriented software, the attractiveness of Android Tablets increased sharply in recent years.

There were also some other noteworthy models on the tablet market, which differed in the software used. As representatives, mention here Research in Motion (RIM) and HP . But so far none of them really successful on a broad base and the tablet market will therefore continue to be dominated by Apple and Android.

With the increasing success of the tablets are increasing the voices of the skeptics that pay so that they lose the tablet PC back in favor in the long term. Since estimates of up to 100 million tablets shipped in 2012 indicate, however, it is likely that the compact systems we still have some time to get.

Who Uses Tablets:

One of the biggest advantages of tablets, one that they can be practically useful for anyone at least somewhat, since they have a virtually infinite number of possible applications offer. Virtually every conceivable application, it is now the appropriate app (application – application / program for a particular task) and based on user-friendly touch screen control and Gryroskop it is also easy for laymen to use them. Children can play on tablets, surf the Internet and adult videos on the go. They allow workers to master their work in different ways on the go and students will benefit by reading electronic text books or learning with the help of interactive apps.

One recent study of Google’s AdMob to be a result, most tablets used for games, followed by information search and e-mail. Also reported 43% of the other party that they spend more time on the tablet than with a desktop or a TV. 68% reported that they use their tablet more than 1 hour a day.

Although the activities listed could also be done with a normal PC, tablets are comparatively lighter and thinner than most laptops. Its most extended battery life and the possibility of 3G functionality bring benefits in terms of portability compared to conventional laptops. Moreover, the price appears around 500 € (equipment and model dependent) attractive to career changers.
Anyway, the prices as most manufacturers Tablet PCs instead of second units as a primary computer on. This increases the chances of co-existence with personal computers. Upcoming developments are essentially only room for improvement in sensitivity and an intuitive user interface, which has to a large extent by the software, or even with the slimness of the device, the general performance and battery life.

Part II – The largest head-to-head race

As mentioned earlier, Apple’s iPad was the first truly successful official tablet and enjoyed a bit less than a year, practically a monopoly. With the introduction of Google’s tablet-oriented Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating systems (aka 3.x, 4.x), more and more users switch to Android. Although Apple and the iPad will continue to find many supporters, remains limited due to its iPad but only available form and size (as of Q4 2011) and can miss configurability. Android Tablets on the other hand, there are different forms so that customers will be spoiled for choice, develop the more popular manufacturers such as Sony, ASUS, Samsung, Lenovo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and even its own Android tablet.

Ultimately determines the success of a tablet is not so much the hardware specification and design, but rather the simplicity of the software operation and application availability . Regarding usability, Apple has probably the nose slightly forward as the Apple OS is more user friendly in general and for many users already familiar from the iPhone or iPod Touch is. Google’s latest Honeycomb and ICS operating systems emphasize simple user interface, but not everyone finds pleasure in the vendor-specific user interfaces, some manufacturers (eg Sense HTC, Motorola and Samsung TouchWiz Motoblur).

Too bad for Google, Android in terms of available apps even better result. This still leads Apple’s App Store in terms of both number and overall quality of applications. 2011, there was something over 350,000 apps on Android Market (which, according to the Android market are classified as low-quality 33%). Contrast, Apple’s App Store surpassed the 500k mark in May this year. On the other hand, there are about 10,000 more Android for free, meaning free applications, as for IOS. But one should bear in mind that many analysts tend to classify them as inferior to iOS apps.

The difference between the two competitors becomes clearer when one considers the number of tablets sold, Apple sold iPads 9:25 million in Q3 of 2011 , however, were only 1.2 million Android tablets sold throughout the year 2011. Now holds the lion’s share of Apple is still the market, but could this be coming with Microsoft’s Tablet-optimized Windows platform change 8.

The IOS vs. Android Debate course is too large to be examined comprehensively in this article. But it seems that, judging by the current sales figures, Apple iPad, and because of processing, app quality , user friendliness and, not least as a significant factor style to win. Nevertheless, Android Tablets have also justified their merits and their own highly motivated supporters. Because of its price tends to be lower and a greater choice, they also provide an attractive option for customers dar.

Part III – Recommendations

The steady increase in the tablet market can make a buying decision difficult. Once we have different criteria, such as price, hardware, software and design are considered, we appear recommendable in any case the following devices :

1) Apple iPad 2

The classic. With a height of only .34 inch (8.8mm) is the iPad 2 35% thinner than the original iPad. It offers a 9.7 ” IPS screen, a 1GHz Cortex A5 CPU , 512MB main memory, either 16, 32 and 64GB and WiFi or 3G . Here you will find our detailed review. Due to the lightweight design and a wealth of applications leads to the iPad Tablet 2 definitely our list. Therefore, we can in good conscience recommend the current iPad all those who are looking for a tablet to the Apple iPad 3 is presenting.

Price : Apple calls a price band width of 479-799 €, depending on storage capacity and 3G option.

2) ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

Is possibly the transformer currently the most popular Android tablet. It introduces a new concept of a detachable keyboard that functions both as a docking station as well as an additional battery. In addition, the Transformer a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU , 1GB RAM, a 10.1 ” IPS screen, a microSD reader. 16GB/32GB models are offered, but no 3G option . Our complete test can be found here . Compared to other Android tablets, we find the Transformer definitely favor, since it is also cheaper than many of its competitors.

Price : 399-599 for the tablet (depending on memory capacity, and 3G Dock Bundle option), separately for the keyboard unit is around 150 € to quote. It is expected that the price with the market introduction of the Prime Transformer (is imminent) will fall dramatically.

3) ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Although ASUS has introduced its next-generation tablet until they received due to the extremely tempting specification for a place on our list, see also representative for the TF101. The 8.3 mm thick tablet is available in 32GB and 64GB version and can on Android 4.0 ICS will be upgraded. Moreover, it is the first NVIDIA Tegra 3 Tablet are on the market. In addition, its Mobile Dock is obviously the battery life by an astonishing 18 hours may be extended. ASUS currently accepting pre-orders from UK customers already. In the U.S. it is from 19th December will be available.

Price : $ 499 for the 32GB model, $ 599 for the 64GB model. The Mobile Dock, however, costs an additional $ 149 . Release date for Germany is still unknown.

4) Samsung Galaxy Tab

The next line is the candidate of the Android Samsung Galaxy Tab, which at 10.1 ” , 8.9 ” , 7.7 ” and 7 ” version is available. With the various screen sizes and WiFi/3G and even 4G options in select models (7.7, 8.9 and 10.1) revealed the Galaxy Tab from the entire spectrum. Samsung Tablets offer a proprietary user interface called TouchWiz which certain widgets and adds easy-access menus. In addition, the comparable 10.1 “tab similar to thin as the iPad 2 and all models use Samsung’s own AMOLED screens.

The decision between Transformer and Galaxy Tabs is difficult. Those who have no interest in a docking station, or looking for a very compact model, for a tab from Samsung might be the right choice.

Price : vary greatly from model to model and trim level of the individual. The 10.1 “Galaxy Tab comes with 16GB and 3G at around 530 €. In the top version with 64 GB of memory at around 699 €.

5) Amazon Kindle Fire

The Kindle Fire offers only a two-core OMAP 4 1GHz CPU , no cameras, 512MB main memory and just 8GB SSD storage . The Fire benefited massively from this integration of Amazon’s services , and 200 of its low cost under $ The tablet uses a 7 ” IPS screen and weighs only 14.6 oz (413 grams), but offers not so much to those of other Android Tablets.

Source:http://www.notebookcheck.com/Tablets-Ultraportables-und-Netbooks-Kampf-um-Mobilitaet.67773.0.html

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes