Gizmodo: laptopmag

Intel Classmate 2 Gets Official, Available for Individual Consumer Purchase

Haroon Malik — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:17:00 EDT

We spotted what we expected to be Intel's Classmate successor sometime ago, but now things have become official. The Classmate 2 PC was announced at Intel's Developer Forum in Shanghai, and the spec improves on the original machine's capabilities little by little.

The Classmate 2 will tote a 9-inch LCD display, six-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 30GB HDD, integrated webcam, 802.11b/g WiFi support, Windows XP or Linux OS and an Intel Celeron M processor, however, future versions will move to Intel's Atom platform.

Interestingly, the Classmate 2 will be available directly to the consumer. Amazon will stock the Classmate 2, which will carry the 2Go PC title and will be manufactured by CTL. The unit will be made available tonight, and will carry a $400 price tag. Of course, Intel will allow different manufatrers to tailor their base unit according to their need, but it seems CTL are first off the mark with their offering on Amazon.

The chaps at Laptopmag snagged some exclusive time with the 2Go PC, and they seemed to like the rugged design, bright display and good battery life. However, the machine was let down by "mediocre" performance, missing video output and low display resolution. Hit up the link to checkout Laptopmag's extensive review. [Laptopmag: 1, 2]

Windows XP Eee PC Available at Best Buy in April, Pricing Stays Sweet

Haroon Malik — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Our buddies at LaptopMag have just published details about the long-rumored, US bound, Windows XP Eee PC. The Windows XP version will go on sale at Best Buy for $399, and you won't have to wait too long either, as Asus expects the systems to ship on April 9th. The system that will run the Windows XP OS shall be the standard Eee PC 4G, which LaptopMag have been putting through its paces for over a month. The machine makes a solid impression overall, however, the disk space is a bit limited to run Windows XP and additional applications on top. Asus are considering dropping in a 4GB SD card to aid in the disk space shortage, but nothing has been confirmed to that end. Jump for the complete spec of the Windows XP Asus Eee PC.

Colors: Pearl White, Black
LCD Size / Type: 7 Wide

LCD Resolution: 800 x 480 (~WVGA)

LCD Type: TFT

Graphic: Intel UMA

Chipset: Intel Mobile Chipset

Processor: Intel Mobile CPU

Memory: 512MB DDR2

S.S.D Storage (Solid State Disk): 4GB

OS: Windows XP Home Preloaded

Software: MS Works, Windows Live

Audio: High-Definition Audio CODEC

Microphone: 1 Internal Microphone

Speakers: 2 Internal Stereo Speakers

Audio Jack-Out (3.5mm)

Audio Jack-In (3.5mm)

Wireless Included: 802.11 b/g

LAN / Connector: 10/100 Mbps / RJ-45

3 USB 2.0 ports

Memory Card Reader: MMC/SD(SDHC)

VGA Port 1 (D-sub 15 pin)

Integrated Camera

Battery: four-cell 4400mAh

Battery Life: 2.8 hours

AC Adapter Output: 9.5V, 22W

AC Adapter Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal

Unit Weight: 2.0 lbs (with battery)

Unit Dimensions: 8.86 x 6.30 x 0.79 ~ 1.26 inches

If all you wanted for Christmas was an Asus Eee PC running Windows XP, then Santa's delivered. Yes, it's a little late, but like a faltering parachute, it's better late than never. Checkout the hands on by clicking through to number two. (Dr Dre, I can rhyme all sorts of stuff, call me.) [LaptopMag; 1, 2]

Eee PC Getting Major Revisions: Intel Processors, Windows XP, Bigger SSDs and More

Haroon Malik — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EDT

Joanna over at Laptop Mag just published an interview she held with Jerry Shen, Asus' CEO. She questioned him regarding the future of the Eee PC, and he sure did outline some interesting plans for future revisions. Jump for the lowdown on what Jerry Shen had to say.

• Although we already knew the 8.9-inch model was confirmed to be coming to market, the souped-up edition will also come with 8GB, 12GB or 20GB SSD options. The 8GB model will run Windows XP, whilst the other two will support Xandros. Whether the OS will be fixed to those particular models only is not entirely clear.

• Asus will move away from the VIA processors, instead adopting Intel's Atom platform in Q2, this year.

• Additional colors will be added to the current selection. However, those will not be the only cosmetic changes; Shen promised a "very stylish" makeover, which will have a "New York city sleekness" about it. He coined May or June as dates for the newer, potentially sexier Eee PC.

Shen speculated that Asus was playing with the idea of offering HDD versions of the Eee PC, too. Unfortunately, he did not go so far as to confirm any plans on that front. Nevertheless, it all sounds very promising—1024 x 600 resolution, bigger SSDs, Intel Atom and a face job; what more could you ask from your Sunday Eee PC fill? Check out the complete, extensive interview by hitting the link. [Laptop Mag]

Laptop Mag's Perfect Phone

Jason Chen — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:30:15 EDT

The lads over at Laptop Mag are so tired of dealing with the phones on the market now they decided to design their own perfect imaginary phone. What does it consist of? Well, an operating system from Google, an interface by iRiver, wireless connectivity like Zing, a CPU from Qualcomm, 8GB flash, 2.8-inch LCD and camera features like a Sanyo 6-megapixel camcorder.

Besides the fact that this phone would be gigantic and cost you thousands of dollars, it's a great idea. Except for the Google part. Their UI designers are horrific. – Jason Chen

The Perfect Frankenphone [Laptopmag]