This Netbook has an onboard DVD burner

(Credit: Mouse Computer)

Japanese PC firm Mouse Computer will be releasing at the end of January what is believed to be one of the first Netbooks with a built-in optical drive. The LB-F1500W will come with the standard Netbook specifications, including a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 160GB hard disk, 1GB RAM, 10.2-inch (1,024x600) display, and Windows XP Home Edition.

We are not sure if onboard optical drives will be the way to go for Netbooks. While a DVD drive is a nice-to-have feature on a Netbook, especially for those planning to use it as a primary computer or entertainment device, it does add bulk to the overall portability of the device. Not to mention that the battery life will probably take a hit, too.

The high Japanese yen exchange rate is not helping things either, as the LB-F1500W's 64,800 yen ($729) retail price makes it as expensive as Asus' premium Eee PC, the S101.

(Source: Crave Asia)