The mini-notebook market is heating up, with today bringing stats and shots of the Asus's latest Eee PC with its tiny screen and keys that might work with normal hands. Then later, we get news of a leak about Everex, Asus's competitor in this market, about its next Cloudbooks, including one with a 10.2-inch screen and 3G connectivity, and another with an 8.9-inch screen and WiMax.

No definite word on if they'll be using Intel's Atom processors or competitors from Via, or if they'll be XP or Linux machines, but the makers of the reference design, FIC, would confirm a screen resolution on the 10.2-inch model at 1024x600. It will also feature a 1.3-Megapixel camera, 2GB RAM, card reader, dual USB 2.0 and an express card slot.

Less details are known of the 8.9-inch model, though the specs should be similar, including resolution. The devices might be subsidized by 3G carriers like AT&T or Sprint—if they ever hit the US shores, which there's no promise of.

We liked the Cloudbooks we've seen so far, and we can't wait to see if a slightly larger model will actually be usable for those of us with big, bear-like hands. [PC Advisor, via Slashgear]

VIA and Everex to Demonstrate New CloudBook™ Max with Built-In WiMAX™ Capability for Sprint XOHM™ Network at CTIA

Stylish, full-featured mini-note delivers seamless
mobile internet experience

Taipei, Taiwan, 1 April 2008 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced that Everex, a pioneer in developing next generation ultra mobile computing devices, has adopted the VIA C7®-M ULV processor for the new Everex CloudBook Max, a stylish mini-note with a stunning 8.9" screen and integrated single-chip Mobile WiMAX solution from GCT Semiconductor for use with Sprint's high-speed XOHMwireless network.

VIA and Everex will display the device for the first time at the WiMAX Experience Lounge in the Central Hall lobby at CTIA Wireless 2008, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 1-3, 2008. In addition, live demonstrations of the Everex CloudBook Max will also be made at GCT Semiconductor's meeting room MR-789 in Hall C of the convention center.

Packing in a host of advanced connectivity, computing, and multimedia features into a compact and stylish clamshell form factor that weighs less than 1kg, the Everex CloudBook Max has been designed from the ground up to enable people to fully enjoy the growing array of rich mobile Internet applications and services that will be available on Sprint's XOHM wireless network.

"Consumers and mobile workers want to experience the real Internet and all their favorite applications with the same high speed and full functionality whether at their desk or on the go," said Richard Brown, Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. "With its ground-breaking design and embedded Mobile WiMAX connectivity, the new Everex CloudBook Max paves the way for truly seamless computing whatever your location."

"The development by VIA and Everex of the Everex CloudBook Max with WiMAX capabilities from GCT is an example of the embedded device ecosystem at work. We expect this collaboration, along with others like it, to result in a robust portfolio of WiMAX capable devices," commented Bin Shen, Vice President of Product Management and Partnership Development at Sprint's XOHM business unit.

"With the new Everex CloudBook Max, we are extending our leadership in the development of innovative ultra mobile devices that deliver the richest and most compelling experience on the mobile internet," commented John Lin, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Everex.

"Mobile devices with embedded WiMAX will continue to require Mobile WiMAX solutions with a smaller form factor and lower power consumption," said Kyeongho Lee, President and CEO of GCT Semiconductor. "We believe that GCT's industry-first, single-chip mobile WiMAX solution provides the optimal features of size and power consumption for the Everex CloudBook Max."

About the Everex CloudBook Max

Powered by the 1.6GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor coupled with the VIA VX800 digital media IGP chipset, the Everex CloudBook Max supports Microsoft® Windows Vista™ and delivers outstanding graphics and video performance through its vibrant 8.9" WVGA display at resolutions of up to 1024 x 600.
With its integrated single chip Mobile WiMAX solution, the Everex CloudBook Max will connect seamlessly to the ultra-fast Sprint XOHM wireless broadband network, as well as to existing 802.11b/g WiFi networks. To provide additional convenience and functionality to the mobile internet user, the device also comes with Bluetooth support, an integrated GPS receiver, and dual built-in 2-megapixel webcams for videoconferencing.

The Everex CloudBook Max delivers up to four hours of battery life and also features a full keyboard plus integrated trackpad with two mouse buttons in a stylish and durable form factor that measures just 240mm(w) x 175mm(d) x 27mm(h) and weighs less than 1kg. Other features include up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 80GB hard disk drive, one S-Video port, and Mic-In/Speaker-Out ports.

The Everex CloudBook Max is expected to be available in a year.

Like it's big brother, Wired noted that the mini gPC has potential with the budget and Linux guru crowd—but until the final verdicts are in I wouldn't go rushing out to drop $499 on one. And I definitely wouldn't go comparing it to the Mac Mini. Other than aesthetics, these two devices have little in common. [Wired]

Not only that, the initial setup screen—similar to the part where you enter in your time zone and make a user in Windows on first startup—was not carefully thought through. Why? Because there's no way to advance past a time zone screen; at least unless you know the crazy Linux alt+click to drag the window UP and reveal that there is a button to go to the next screen. Way to go Everex. Expect tons of returns before the system is even setup. Sounds like a disappointment so far. We'll see what Laptopmag has to say later. [Laptopmag and Laptopmag]

Laptop has a mini-review done, and here's what they find. Once it's running, the web surfing is speedy, the desktop is clean, but the keyboard, touchpad, boot times, Wi-Fi setup, and resolution suck. Also that "window doesn't fit inside the screen" problem they ran into during setup still occurs in actual use, which is pretty awful. The company says they had the wrong OS install, which might fix things in the final retail version. All in all, it looks like the Eee is a better bet for your $399. [Laptopmag]

Everex is holding back the Cloudbook for nearly a month to make "a couple of last-minute software tweaks," presumably to gOS, its Ubuntu-based Linux mutation. As long as it's more intuitive than the XO Laptop's OS, it should be in good shape—its biggest asset is its Wally World distribution channel, which might help secure a slice of a market already reaching saturation, at least judging by slowing Eee PC sales on Amazon. [CW]

We just cannot get over the price of this machine. Sure, it may be far off from an 8-core super beast, but given the spec, it is firmly in Everex's gPC territory. Given the price, it is firmly in a class of its own. We know the currency conversion rates mean even if it did come to US shores, (don't count on it), it would be priced a lot higher, but the tech per dollar bang would still be very impressive. Gosh, those lucky Koreans get all the cheap technology goodness. [Akihabara News]

The Taiwanese PC maker is obviously gunning for a piece of Asus' market share, as it is following in the footsteps of the Eee and releasing a model with a larger LCD—and all for under $500, claims Everex.

As well as different-colored skins than the seven-incher's basic black, there are plans to include models with more storage and memory, but these will obviously come at a higher price. [Eee Site]

The answer: just about everything. PC Mag was miffed at the resolution configuration settings, the legal tie-ups involved with calling it a "Google PC," an app launcher they described as "a cheap copy" of Mac OSX, as well as some frustrating web-surfing issues that may not be grasped by a novice user.

Still, this review is probably a little harsh and should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, "legal wrangling" is not a concern of the average user, and for $200 one should expect a few shortcomings here and there. They do concede that it is a fairly "green PC" with regard to power consumption, and it is powerful enough to run Ubuntu Linux, just don't expect it to be fast. In all likelihood, the true verdict on the gPC lies somewhere in-between the two reviews. [PC Mag]

In order to reduce costs, the device will utilize a 30GB hard drive as opposed to the flash storage found in the Eee PC. It will also be powered by a 1.2GHz Via C7 ULV processor — unlike the Eee PCs 900MHz Celeron. Other rumored specs include 512MB of RAM, built-in wired and wireless Ethernet interfaces, a 4-in-1 card reader, a pair of USB 2.0 ports and DVI-out. There is also a developers' version that features a touchscreen UI, Skype phone and alarm clock module (similar to the NanoBook). Nothing is set in stone here, including the specs, but the device is expected to ship on January 15th for $400. The developer's version may arrive as early as the January 1st —although pricing info is not yet known. [Linux Devices via Electronista]

They found that the gOS based on Ubuntu Linux 7.01 and the Enlightenment E17 interface was stable and ran smoothly on the hardware—it was also fast enough to handle multiple active applications. There are some drawbacks of course (gPC doesn't work with dial-up internet service for starters), but all in all it seems that the gPC would be a great basic computer for anyone on a budget, or any Linux guru looking for a fun project. [Wired Gadget Lab]

OK, that isn't like the gadget wars at all, but let's just say I went to the bathroom without a hitch (and not in my pants).

+ Linux
Asus released their highly anticipated eee PC, a 2lb Linux-derivative laptop that runs just $400. The reason they get the plus? Early reviews have been quite positive. (We'll give you a full rundown next week when the verdict's in.)

Then Wal-Mart starts offering the Everex $200 Linux PC. Since 5% of the Wal-Mart computer buyers are looking for their first computer, why not try something without an Apple or Microsoft badge of approval?

+ Eye-Fi
Out of seemingly nowhere, this little SD card that adds Wi-Fi to almost any digital camera reminded us that the little guys can still ruffle the feathers of the electronics industry.

= iPhone
Time names the iPhone Invention of the Year. It's tough to disagree, but yet more positive press isn't going to spur iPhone sales. Buyers will...and Christmas might, too.

It turns out, 5% of people buying a PC at Wal-Mart are buying one for the first time, yes, in 2007. That means that for them, there's no brand allegiance, there's no OS that they are already comfortable with, there's nothing but functionality ("Does it have the e-mail and the pretty ladies on the World Wide Internet?") and price ("I'm not gonna pay no $300 for no damn computer!"). This meets both, and looks enough like some kind of Macindows hybrid for the more computer savvy relatives to help out the new buyer. There are some omissions in the early stages: Picasa didn't quite work right, so it's not there yet. (GIMP is there, but not a lot of people like GIMP.) There's Skype, but I don't think it can do video yet. There are apps for working with iPods, but I am worried that people who want to use an iPod will be frustrated with the lack of iTunes.

The funniest thing is that Everex deliberately built a large box, even though there's not much under the hood. This is a pure psychological play to woo the pickup truck set, who believe a Chevy S10 is a sure sign of sexual inadequacy. The system will pack a 1.5GHz low-wattage VIA C7-D processor (pitched as a "green" machine). It will have 512MB of RAM and an 80GB HDD. It won't even have a DVD burner, though they are now practically free. And as for the monitor you've come to expect in a bundle, it's gonna cost you extra. (Speakers, mouse and keyboard are included.)

All in all, though, I like to see things get shaken up. This is apparently replacing a Windows model at that price point or slightly higher, and the approach is different, and probably smarter, than the teeny tiny subscription-based Zonbu (of which Everex is also a manufacturing partner).

The whole FOSS (free open-source software) movement really should be aimed at newbies and non-power users. After all, the generalist can do all that they can dream up on any machine out there, whereas the specialists are the ones who are truly locked to one OS or another. And they don't buy their PCs at Wal-Mart. [Wal-Mart]

We're glad Everex is taking a stand, and hope other mainstream companies see the writing on the wall and stop shoving AOL trial widgets down our throats. We know how to use PCs, and we want 'em shiny and new on the inside when we buy 'em. The PC isn't on Walmart's site yet, but it should be soon. [Everex via Ars]

Sporting a 15.4" screen, 1.46Ghz Celeron M processor, 512MB RAM and a 60G HD, this is a fine machine for the price, as long as you take it home and load up your old version of Windows. Actually, scratch that. I've seen how these Wal-mart deals butcher XP, so just avoid them entirely for the time being. This is the tech equivalent of me, with a bucket of Crayolas and a coloring book, claiming to replicate Monet's Waterlilies...except worster.–Mark Wilson

Product Page [via laptoping]