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While the Eee PC seems to have launched this ultra-portable race to see who could build the best and lowest priced ultra-portable. Since then we have seen more models than we can remember at this point, some good, some bad, some just plain copies of other models.

Well CTL has just introduced the IL1 Netbook, a seemingly worthy competitor. Overall it is basically the Eee PC, spec wise, but has a nicer price tag at $350. The IL1 features a 7-inch LED-backlit display, along with a 1GHz Via processor, 1GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g. Users will also have the option of either a 4GB SSD or a 60GB hard drive and it will run either Linux or Windows XP. In addition it has the usual array of ports and connectivity to include two USB 2.0, Ethernet, 56K modem, microphone-in, headphone-out, 3-in-1 card reader and VGA. 

Via [Gizmodo]

Its hard not to compare similar styled and priced UMPC’s to the Asus Eee PC. The Eee seems to have a good thing going, fair price along with a good setup and most important a loyal following, however the newest competitor may fall a little short. The Dreambook Light IL1 features a 7-inch display at 800 x 480 with a 1GHz Via C7-M processor and up to 1GB RAM, you can also choose between either a 2GB, 4GB or 8GB flash-based storage or a 1.8-inch 40GB hard drive. So far it sounds pretty nice, but there are a few things missing, the most important is the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, the price is also a bit high as the base model starts at $449 AUD or $446 US. Another seemingly nice option is the choice of OS, you can pick either Windows Vista or Ubuntu. While its nice to have an option I am not sure who would want to run Vista on a machine with those specs. Nice try, but Asus has this one.

Via [jkkmobile]