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Yet another ultra-portable to be coming to the market, the MSI Wind is expected to become available here in the US on June 3, 2008 and similar to other notebooks in its class it will be offered with a choice of either Linux Novell or Windows XP Home as the operating system.

Aside from the difference in OS, there are only a few other small details that vary between models. Both will offer a 10-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, an Intel 945 GMS chipset, a 2.5-inch 80GB SATA hard drive, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, a 4-in-1 card reader, 3 USB ports and a built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam.

The Linux version will ship with a 3-cell battery and come with 512MB of RAM, while the Windows version will offer a larger 6-cell battery and have 1GB of RAM installed, it will also be Bluetooth equipped.

The dimensions are also just about the same with both models measuring in at 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.75-inches, and thanks to the smaller battery the Linux version will weigh in at a slightly lower 2.3-pounds as compared to the 2.6-pounds of the Windows version.

The price, at least according to MSI will be at “an affordable sub $500 price point.”

Product [MSI Mobile]

Following up on the earlier rumors, HP has begun to officially offer the Mini-Note 2133 with Windows XP. Although HP has commented that Windows XP will be pre-installed they are doing it by way of the free Vista downgrade option, so when the notebook arrives it should include an install disk for both XP and Vista Business.

In addition to the Windows XP offering, HP has also added a few new configurations to the Mini-Note line-up. Instead of the original four configurations to choose from there are now eight. This should sound like welcome news with more to choose from, however it makes the XP downgrade offering seem just a little on the shady side. 

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The latest to land in what seems like a never ending stream of mini notebooks is the RazorBook 400 from 3K Computers. While the RazorBook 400 seems to have a very similar feature set as the Eee PC 701 it is lacking a little in the power department.

Similar to the Eee PC, the RazorBook 400 offers a 7-inch display, 4GB SSD, 512MB RAM, built-in card reader, Wi-Fi and runs Linux, but the processor is a lowly 400MHz. With people even at times questioning the 900Mhz of the Eee PC, its hard to imagine a similar notebook running at 400MHz and sadly the price is the same $399 that the Eee PC is retailing for.

Product [3K Computers] Via [Gotta Be Mobile]

The MSI Wind, which we just yesterday learned that it was going to be available in multiple colors, is now available for pre-order. Expansys has listed the Wind, available for pre-order in White, Black or Pink. The official details are listing a 10-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Wind will be running Windows XP and also ship with a 3-cell battery and protective carry bag.

The Wind will set you back $609.95, with discounts available, that is if you want to order five or more. Currently there is not any estimated shipping date.

Product [expansys] Via [UMPC Portal]

With an official release date yet to be announced more and more details of the MSI Wind have been leaking out. The latest information puts the Wind even further into the Eee PC group as we have just learned that it will not only be available in white, but MSI has plans for a black and pink model as well.

Each of the three colors will be available in both the 8.9-inch and 10-inch displayed models. In addition to the newly discovered colors, TCMagazine is also reporting that there will be a model that will offer up to 7-hours of battery life, now that is high-capacity, lets just hope it does not add a ton of extra weight to go along with the power. Other newly released details include the webcam being 1.3-megapixels and the notebook will also have an second (empty) RAM slot available for easier upgrading. The Wind, which is still expected to be available later this quarter is expected to range in price from 299 to 699 Euros (about $460 to $1,077 US).

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While we already have the launch date confirmed as May 12, we are now beginning to see pre-orders opening up. The first to be found is coming courtesy of ExcaliberPC and the notebook is listed for $549 with an estimated availability of “Mid of May 2008,” which is just in line with the already confirmed launch date from Asus. They currently have the white model with either Linux or Windows XP available for pre-order.

The Eee PC 900, as we have already learned will feature an 8.9-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, 1GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam, FingerGlide capable trackpad and built-in card reader. The Linux based version will offer 20GB total storage, and the Windows based version will have 12GB total storage. The notebook is also currently being listed with free shipping, although we are unsure if that is standard or just a limited offer.

Product [ExcaliberPC.com] Product [ExcaliberPC.com] Via [Design Aesthetic]

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]

Score one for the UMPC hacker community again, for just recently, a hacker named TFR revealed in OQO Talk that he successfully installed and ran Mac OS X Leopard on his little OQO e2 UMPC. Taking into account that his device came with Windows Vista pre-installed, it’s not that hard to imagine why he’d want to do something like that and run Leopard on the poor thing. As of this time’s writing, the hacker still hasn’t provided any details on how he performed the trick because he’s still not finished with the project and needs to take care of two final issues: video resolution and wwan. However, he promises that he will do so once he gets done. For now, you can take joy in viewing a photo of his Leopard-toting machine (log-in/register to view) and watching his YouTube video proof. Psystar should hire this guy.

Read [OQO Talk] Via [Tech Radar]

Up till now we have been getting plenty of details on just what the MSI Wind would feature spec wise, but MSI has been pretty tight-lipped on releasing any images. However they have recently set loose a complete set showing off what this little beauty looks like. Overall a nice looking notebook, but nothing over the top. Keep reading for a few more pics…

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It looks like a 10-inch version of the Asus Eee PC will be coming our way later this year. None other than Asustek CEO Jerry Shen stated they are already working on a new Eee PC with a larger display.

“The feedback we’ve received from users has been great. Many have asked us for bigger screens and better usability. That’s what made us start developing the Eee PC 900. People are asking for bigger keypads and more software as well, issues the company continues to work on,” said Mr. Shen.

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