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It looks like Sony is about to enter the netbook market.  Of course, there are little details so far, but from the looks of the FCC image, it appears that Sony is preparing a small WWAN-equipped VAIO.  The image shows off what appears to be a netbook that measures in at 9.5 x 4.5-inches, but carries an official description of “notebook PC.“  Perhaps we can assume that description is just because of the fact that Sony does not like the netbook market.  Call it what you want, but a “netbook,“ “notebook,“ or even a “laptop,“ the size is what will determine the correct market.

The few details that were listed, have this as model numbers PCG-1P1L and PCG-1P2L.  Additionally, they are shown to feature Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth as well as EVDO and HSPA.  So far, there is not any information regarding a display size, operating system or other features.  The one drawback that I can see here is that, assuming this is truly a VAIO netbook, the price will most likely not be at the same level as other netbooks.

Via [Engadget]

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As we expected, the Eee PC 1002HA has begun showing up with US based retailers.  The 1002HA appears to be replacing the now fast dwindling 1000H and is retailing for around $500.  Of course, as of now, these listings are simply for pre-order but they are expected to begin shipping shortly. 

The Eee PC 1002HA offers the nice brushed metal design that is found on the S101 and as for features it has a 10-inch display, 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.  Based on the specification listing it seems the one item that is lacking is built-in Bluetooth.  Otherwise, another potential drawback is that it is shipping with a small 2-cell battery.  If you are looking for something with similar specs and a larger battery, you can always check out the 1000HA, that model is available for around $430 and ships with a 6-cell battery.

Product [ZipZoomFly]  Product [Buy.com]  Product [Amazon]

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It looks like the Aspire One from Acer will be the next netbook to make the jump up to a 10-inch display model.  According to some recent statements by Acer Taiwan president Scott Lin, the new 10-inch Aspire One will be available sometime in February or March 2009.  Of course, just because he spilled the beans on the estimated launch date, does not he gave any good information on the specs.  The 10-inch model is rumored to carry the same features as the original Aspire One, except with the display now being 10-inches in size the casing will be slightly larger.  Hopefully, we will begin to see some other features in this model, such as the inclusion of 3G support on models released here in the US, but it looks like we are going to have to wait a bit longer to get that information.

Via [DigiTimes]

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Originally, HP stated that a 3G-capable Mini 1000 would not be available until December.  However, at least one enterprising user seems to already have one in hand and already gotten the 3G working.  The details of this particular model are a little unclear, according to the forum posting, the user has a model #1033cl.  Based on some searching around, that model seems to be available only outside the US.  So, this is where it gets a little confusing, because he seems to be here in the US, as he mentioned that it is working on AT&T’s network. 

Now, is this a slip up on the part of HP, or are there more of these WWAN-equipped models out in-the-wild?  Fortunately, a quick check on the underside of your Mini 1000 will let you know if you have a WWAN-equiped netbook.  The slot (as pictured) can be found on the bottom and on the side of the battery slot.  Continued after the break.

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Dell has continued to improve upon the Inspiron Mini 9 with new colors along with new features.  We saw those new colors hit the US market just a few days back, and now Dell has followed up with an even more welcomed addition—an optional 32GB SSD. 

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We first saw details on the Eee PC 1002HA back in late-October.  Asus has recently shown the netbook off at a media event and with that comes a nice image. 

Feature wise, this model is nothing to get overly excited by.  Most of the features are the same as we have come to see as “normal” for a netbook.  To begin with, the Eee PC 1002HA will have a 10-inch display, as well as an Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.1n and it will be running Windows XP.  Otherwise, the 1002HA will also have a few available options for storage including both SSD and standard hard drives.

Moving on from the specs, the exterior casing is what makes this particular model stand out.  The exterior is sporting a pretty nice looking brushed metal.  It was also noted as being “a sturdy, upscale-looking chassis.“  In addition to the brushed metal on the exterior, the wrist rest also includes the brushed metal.

As for pricing and availability, the Eee PC 1000HA is expected to begin shipping in early-December and start at $499 and go up depending on configuration.

Read [CNET]

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This is for the folks who had their hearts set on grabbing an Inspiron Mini 9 or Mini 12 netbook from Dell, but were not really feeling the black or white options.  Rest easy, because Dell has announced some new design options as well as the pink and red colors for both the Mini 9 and Mini 12. 

The new colors are officially being called “Cherry Red” and “Pretty Pink” and sadly they are both coming with a $25 premium.  Hopefully, Dell will have a change of heart on that added cost.  If you remember back, the Apline White originally had that same premium, but it was quickly removed.

As for the artwork options, there are five designs available, all of which are from artist Tristan Eaton.  As for that extra cost involved with the artwork, these designs add an additional $50 to the purchase price.  Keep reading to check out some images of the five available artwork designs…

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We haven’t heard from Dospara for a while, so perhaps you were wondering what they have been up to.  Well don’t worry, they have been doing exactly the same as everybody else: making a netbook.
I’m sure you could recite these specifications blindfolded, but in the interest of comparison I will tell you.  It has a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, a 120GB hard drive, 1GB RAM, 1,024 x 600 screen, 802.11b/g WiFi, Linux and a reasonable battery.  To be honest, it is exactly the same as loads of other netbooks, and that is the point that I want to make.  More after the break.

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You’d think that with all the viruses, malware, spyware and what not on Windows, Microsoft would offer some sort of protection.  Well, actually it does, currently the service costs $49.95 per year and is called Microsoft Live OneCare.  It’s one of the many things Microsoft has that’s easy to forget about.  That’s not a bad thing, though, as it will be leaving on June 30, 2009.

To replace OneCare, Microsoft is working on “Morro.“  Morro is the project-name for its new, free virus protection program.  According to the Reuters article, Morro is being designed to work on “smaller, less powerful computers.“  That probably means it is being made to work with netbooks.  Continued after the break.

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DosPara have recently announced a new and limited edition netbook.  The new model has been dubbed the Prime Note Cartina and will be limited to just 30 units.  The netbook will be released only in Japan, which typically would be a cause of some jealousy, but judging from the specs of this so-called limited edition model I am not sure it will be missed elsewhere. 

Feature-wise the Prime Note Cartina will include an 8.9-inch display, an Atom N270 processor, 120GB of storage, 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and will be running Linux.  Oh, and it only weighs 2.4-pounds.  Wait, what exactly makes this a limited edition, seems more like it should a limited supply.  This netbook seems to be doing nothing more than cashing in on a popular trend.

Via [Akihabara News]

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