More Netbooks unveiled at Computex 2008
(Credit:
First International Computer)
First International Computer, a Taiwanese computer manufacturer and the parent company of U.S.-based Everex, announced two new mininotebooks at Computex this week. The field of tiny laptops is already starting to look crowded (with the HP 2133, Eee PC, and MSI Wind--heck, even Dell's working on an mini-laptop), but FIC has a distinguishing characteristic right out of the gate: the otherwise identical systems can be configured with either a C7-M processor from Via Technologies or Intel's new Atom CPU.
Both the Via-based CE2A1 and Intel-based CW0A1 feature an 8.9-inch screen and a 1.3-megapixel Webcam. Around the case are VGA, Ethernet, and two USB 2.0 ports, plus an ExpressCard slot. Networking connections include 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0. Regardless of platform, the laptops can incorporate up to 2GB of RAM and up to 160GB of hard-drive space.
The manufacturer promises up to 5 hours of life with the included four-cell battery and up to 8 hours of life with the optional six-cell battery. Both models will also offer a choice of operating systems, with the CE2A1 supporting Windows Vista Basic, Windows XP, or Linux, and the CW0A1 supporting Windows XP or Linux. The starting weight is listed as 2.1 pounds.
Pricing and distribution plans have yet to be announced, but our money's on the two mininotebooks being released under the Everex brand in the United States sometime this summer.
Michelle Thatcher has been reviewing technology products for nearly a decade. Her current focus is laptop reviews, with some kitchen gadgetry and Web 2.0 thrown in for good measure. 
