AT&T debuts new Windows 7 mobile Netbooks
Acer Aspire One
(Credit: AT&T)AT&T is hoping for happy holidays with the launch of two new Netbooks offering Windows 7 and mobile broadband.
The company announced Monday its new Netbook lineup--the Samsung Go and Acer Aspire One--both with built-in access to its 3G network. Available later this month in stores and online, both portables will cost gift buyers $199 after a mail-in rebate and two-year data plan contract.
The required DataConnect plan will offer 200MB of data for a new lower price of $35 per month, or 5GB for $60 per month, said AT&T. The plan will let consumers hop online via AT&T's 3G mobile network or any of the company's 20,000 Wi-Fi hot spots across the U.S.
"Demand for Netbooks remains strong among consumers, small business customers, and those who desire constant access to the Internet while on the go," said David Haight, vice president of product development for AT&T emerging devices, in a statement. "Paired with the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T Wi-Fi service, and now the value and ease of use of Windows 7, these devices will make very attractive and affordable gifts this holiday season."
Samsung Go
(Credit: CNET)Weighing less than three pounds, the Samsung Go is equipped with a 10-inch screen, 160GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, and a 1.3 megapixel Webcam. A bit skinnier at 2.2 pounds, the Acer Aspire One also includes a 10-inch screen, 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, and built-in Webcam.
Both Netbooks also come with AT&T's Communication Manager software, which tries to help Internet users better manage their connections by automatically tapping into AT&T hot spots.
The Samsung and Acer machines have one potential limitation, however. Like most Netbooks, they come with Windows 7 Starter Edition, a stripped down version of Windows 7 that lacks certain key features of its beefier brethren.
Lance Whitney wears a few different technology hats--journalist, Web developer, and software trainer. He's a contributing editor for Microsoft TechNet Magazine and writes for other computer publications and Web sites. You can follow Lance on Twitter at @lancewhit. Lance is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and he is not an employee of CNET. 
Hint: Apple
Linux desktop 2011!!! Viva la Linux...
Linux desktop 2012!!! Viva la Linux...
Linux desktop 2013!!! Viva la Linux...
Linux desktop 2014!!! Viva la Linux...
Linux desktop 2015!!! Viva la Linux...
(Oh and no OSX is not Linux -- the Apple platform is much more of a closed eco-system despite it's open source roots)
kojacked. Google "year of the linux desktop". You will see that claim has been made since 1994. Since marketshare has never climbed much above 1% ever, you might do better trying to win the powerball lottery.
Guys, that's just how it is. Either learn how to code so you can make it better to the point the public wants it more, or quit the whinning.
All that bling and no prom to go to - in specific market areas of course - ;) Too bad for Apple. It's a great phone.
The person who buys a Netbook don't care about changing a wallpaper, the majority of their time is spent in the web browser on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, My Space, Instant Messaging, Web Mail and listening to music. So whoever is drumming up this FUD is the biggest clueless since the word was invented. On top of that, the small screen, cramped keyboard makes the Netbook great for 30 to 45 mins of usage and then you are back to your Desktop or traditional Notebook. Netbooks are convenience devices, not for long term use. The advantage of using Windows, you can get away with using the full library of PC applications on them too, especially if you need to edit the occasional Word Doc, XL spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation.
" You won't be doing DVD playback on something that does not even include an optical drive to begin with it."
People largely don't do that now on a laptop or desktop. They stream content from online now and the netbooks do great at that. If you rip a DVD, you can play that too without issue. It's not a hardware limitation for performance as you might speculate.
Multiple monitor support is as good as you get with a notebook. I can run high res external on my netbook without any problem.
Windows Aero works perfectly, no issues.
" So whoever is drumming up this FUD is the biggest clueless since the word was invented"
Oddly enough, the only FUD being spread is being done by you at this time.
" The advantage of using Windows, you can get away with using the full library of PC applications on them too, especially if you need to edit the occasional Word Doc, XL spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation."
All of which the netbook can do as well. The only limitations are what you, yourself, impose on it.
My Acer Aspire One has met and exceeded all the challenges you placed before it. You might want to try these for yourself- netbooks really are quite the perfect travel accessory.
Your mileage may vary
no matter what, you will "********" at anything that labeled "Microsoft" :)
You're free to install whatever OS you want on that netbook (Except OS X of course, that's not permitted by Apple). I'm glad that you like Linux on the netbook. For my needs, Linux simply doesn't provide the functionality. That's what's nice about having different options. What works for you is fine. I'm not going to ridicule you or your choice in operating system. That sort of behavior is more that of trolls.
I guess you missed the part where I said
"Your Mileage may vary"
But in response to Mr Dee defence of Win7.... what are you high!?
+1
My bone to pick with 7 starter is, well it`s basically crap, like come on, it`s an upsell OS plain and simple, adding a bit more reasonable functionality to that version would probably do MS WORLDS of good as opposed to the state it`s currently in. (Heck I`d use it if it was`nt so crippled as I`m sure many others would too) this version will not make any new friends.
XP Home at least is a full OS ...not crippled by commercial decisions tin an effort to "upsell" a more expensive version of Windows... XP Home has a media player ...can even handle DVDs, has a smaller footprint and is more compatible with existing software.
I cannot actually find any advantages in Window 7 Starter over XP at all... the user doesn't even get any pretty eye candy to cover the ugliness of the OS!
Spoken truly like a person who has never used the product.
- by potjiebelinda November 18, 2009 4:40 AM PST
- Hi, im am really clueless with the netbook. I would just like to know if anyone can tell me if your are able to listen to music on the acer aspire or if it has windows media player.
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- by potjiebelinda November 18, 2009 4:45 AM PST
- i do not want to burn cd's, i would just like to keep all my backtracks in folders. Will the acer aspire let me do that
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