Handy Computer Guide

PC World have published their review of the MSI Wind NB U100 Netbook PC. 'The Wind manages to one-up earlier mini-notebook designs with a 10-inch, 1024-by-600 resolution display and a keyboard reasonably appropriate for human hands to type on. It's also larger (10.23 by 7.08 by 1.24 inches ) than most other mini-notes, and its construction seems solid (bonus points for the well-constructed hinges inside the case). The Wind comes with three USB ports, a Webcam/mic that camps atop the display, an SD Card slot, and ethernet and VGA-out jacks. Most current mini-notebooks offer the very same features.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the MSI Wind U100 sub-notebook. 'Although you’ll never mistake the Wind for a full-size notebook, we found we could comfortably browse almost any Web page without side scrolling, and text was easily readable. You probably wouldn’t want to perform an extensive research project on it, or read A Tale of Two Cities, but for routine Craigslist browsing, e-mail reading, and IM, it’s up to the task. As for display quality, our model seemed to have a pronounced bluish tinge with the default settings, but Intel’s display drivers made this easy to correct. The powerful LED backlight left little to be desired in terms of brightness, but we were slightly disappointed with the viewing angle, which had us constantly twisting and turning to make sure we were looking at it dead on.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:27 PM | Permalink

A review of the Willcom-D4 (Sharp WS016SH) ultraportable has been posted over at Pocketables.net. 'The Willcom D4 (Sharp WS016SH) UMPC is currently the smallest-screened Centrino Atom device running Windows Vista in the world. Launched alongside the Kohjinsha SC3 on July 11th in Japan, the 40GB slide-and-tilt handheld computer is an unlikely candidate to see an official release outside of Asia, but that doesn't mean it can't make it to American soil. With the help of an importer like Conics.net, anything is possible,'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 3:53 PM | Permalink

Computeractive have published a review of the Medion Akoya S5610 Notebook. 'Medion's Akoya S5610 is the first to use Intel's new Centrino 2 technology, which means it should in theory have better battery life than previous models, as well as better wireless network performance. The heart of the computer, which is only available in Sainsbury's shops, is an Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 processor. This is a fairly fast model from the middle of the range, and it's accompanied by a decent 3GB of memory and a capacious 320GB hard disk.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:03 PM | Permalink

Computeractive have published a review of the Elonex One ultraportable PC. 'Available in lime green and grey as well as the standard black, white and pink, The One is an unconventional machine in several ways. Perhaps the most obvious oddity is that it's upside down: most notebooks put their electronics beneath the keyboard, which keeps the screen section quite light and stops them tipping over. The One's keyboard is in its lid and the electronics sit behind the 7in screen. Tipping would be a problem if it wasn’t for a little strut which folds out from the back to support it.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 4:18 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have publsihed a review of the Packard Bell Easy Note BG45-U-300 laptop. 'On the outside of the Packard Bell Easy Note BG45-U-300 there is an unusual black rubber coating, making it easy to grip. The main deck has an attractive finish in brushed black anodised aluminium, although this is something of a fingerprint magnet The Packard Bell Easy Note BG45-U-300 has a stylish trackpad and mouse button arrangement, consisting of a 50mm-diameter circular touch area and buttons hidden below the metal plate. These can be depressed by bending the case edge – a system that works surprisingly well.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have publsihed a review of the Elonex Webbook notbook PC. 'Weighing in at 1.3kg, this isn't the lightest netbook on the market, but nor is it the heaviest, and the weight gives the design a solid feel rather than the sometimes lightweight feel of the early Eee PC models. The hinged design sees a black outer case with silver inside and there was no Carphone Warehouse or Orange branding to be seen on our unit. There is, however, a big Webbook Logo on the top of the laptop for all to see when you’re using it.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 12:36 PM | Permalink

PC World have published a review of the lightweight Micro Express JFL9266 Notebook PC. 'It's no shocker that the octane-fueled notebook, packing 3GB of RAM and a 2.53-GHz T9400 processor, whipped through our WorldBench 6 tests as if the rest of the all-purpose laptop pack were standing still. Whether burning disc images or encoding video, nothing else could keep pace: The JFL9226 scored an impressive 103 on the WorldBench test suite. The nearest competitor in the category--Sony's VAIO VGN-SZ2791N--scored about 10 points lower while costing almost twice as much ($2499 as of 5/30). What's more interesting is that the JFL9226 has the same guts--well, CPU and 3GB worth of RAM--as Sony's new 16.4-inch entertainment laptop and still comes out slightly ahead. And it does all this while managing to last about 4.5 hours in battery tests

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Posted by HCG Admin at 12:12 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published their review of the MSI Wind UMPC. 'The Wind's 1.6-GHz Intel Atom N270 processor helps it avoid a problem that plagues the HP Mini-Note: running warm in your lap from heat that it generates. Unlike the HP Mini-Note's VIA C7-M processor, the Atom is more energy efficient and is a much better performer. Its video-encoding score of 5 minutes was almost twice as fast as the HP's (9 minutes). And the 1GB of memory is more than enough to run Windows XP.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 4:32 PM | Permalink

A review of the Kohjinsha SC3 convertible notebook PC has been posted over at Pocketables.net. 'The Kohjinsha SC3 series is the company's newest 7-inch mini notebook line and one of the first Menlow-based ultraportables to begin shipping in the world. Announced in Japan last month and launched on July 11th, the series includes built-in GPS, a swiveling widescreen touch panel, ExpressCard/34 and 3-in-1 memory card slots, upgradeable RAM, a redesigned casing that's more compact than ever before, and of course the long-awaited Intel Silverthorne (now Atom) processor and Poulsbo chipset pairing.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:08 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the MSI Wind - Windows XP Edition Netbook. 'Internally the Wind features many of the same components that make up most Intel based Netbooks. Directing proceedings is a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, supported by an ample 1GB of RAM. This combination deals with the Windows XP OS of our review sample very well. In fact, if anything the Wind feels marginally snappier and more responsive than the Eee PC and its Linux OS, though we're only talking split seconds here

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Posted by HCG Admin at 12:21 PM | Permalink

A review of the Zepto Notus A12 Notebook has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The bottom of the computer has small protruding feet about 1.5mm (1/16" long). There is a single removable cover for the mini PCI-E slot which contains the wireless card. There are no air vents on the bottom so this notebook is suitable for use on the bedclothes without sucking in fluff. The standard 6 cell battery fits at the back of the notebook and is held firmly in place by two latches.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the MSI Wind Windows XP Edition sub-notebook. 'The Wind’s 10in display is surrounded by a thick bezel, which also houses a webcam and a single microphone. With a resolution of 1024 x 600 – the same as its 8.9in rivals – the Wind's display is sharp enough to show Windows XP without the need for some frantic scrolling. It’s a lot brighter than the panels found on other Small, Cheap Computers, and colours are reproduced with impressive accuracy.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 4:20 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have published a review of the MSI GX700-204UK Notebook. 'Despite its reasonable price tag, MSI has managed to cram into the MSI GX700-204UK some impressive components - most notably the Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 Penryn processor and 3GB of RAM. The pair proved an admirable match for our WorldBench real-world testing software and managed to pull in a result of 88 which is good for a machine with a sub-£1,000 price tag. Perhaps where the MSI GX700-204UK really excels, though, is gaming which is notoriously taxing for mobile machines. The nVidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics chip managed to achieve a score of 27 frames per second (fps) running our intensive FEAR test which again is unusual at this price.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Vye mini-v S37B mini-notebook. 'The S37B's most obvious attribute is its 7in, 1024 x 600 touchscreen mounted on a swivel which allows the S37B to be turned into a tablet PC. The little laptop also includes a 120GB hard drive, compared to the 4GB of solid-state storage found in the Eee. At first glance, the device looks a little cheap and plasticy but once you have it on your hands the build feels solid, and the swivel is well made and should withstand some punishment. Although the S37B is more powerful than the Eee PC 701, like most people carriers it's a little underpowered for the job it's trying to do. It packs in a single-core 800MHz Intel A110 processor, the predecessor to the 'Silverthorne' Atom and essentially and old Pentium III.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:46 PM | Permalink

A review of the HTC Shift UMPC has been posted over at InfoSync World. 'The HTC Shift takes a few good ideas and clubs them over the head with some serious design and performance flaws. The device's leather sleeve, the wonky slide mechanism and the tiny keys all detract from what should have been a great idea, an extra-large version of the AT&T Tilt. With a thinner shell and a more touch-friendly interface, this device might have solved some of the nagging issues with the UMPC form factor, but instead it simply creates new problems.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:37 PM | Permalink

Charles P. Jefferies writing over at Notebook Review.com has posted a review of the Sager NP9262 gaming laptop. 'The NP9262 looks powerful. Its external appearance is blocky but civilized, and by civilized I mean has no sharp corners or rough edges - all corners on this machine are nicely rounded off. The bottom half of the base is smaller than the top half, giving the impression this machine is smaller than it really is. All viewable areas of the NP9262 with the exception of the keyboard and lid are beautifully finished with a clear glossy lacquer.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 1:42 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the Systemax Medallion XVII desktop replacement PC. ‘The Medallion XVII has the same design as the ChemBook Z7-1719, but where the ChemBook’s lid simply says “Notebook,” the Medallion VII’s shell has a backlit sign on the lid that reads “Systemax.” Two points for Systemax remembering to put its name on the lid. The system looks relatively modern, with a glossy, all-black chassis that measures a svelte 1.3 inches thick but attracts smudges just as easily as the ChemBook. A 1.3-megapixel camera is above the display, flush with the casing.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:42 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Enpower ENP780 desktop replacement PC. ‘Draped in glossy black, the overall design lends an upscale look to the ENP780. The laptop feels sturdy, too, with very little flex in the lid and keyboard tray. There are four buttons above the keyboard, but volume control is mapped to the Function keys, and media control keys are absent. We also appreciate it when a desktop replacement provides dedicated volume and play, pause, and track forward and back buttons. We'd happily trade the number pad for such functionality. Despite the large chassis, the number pad is squeezed in to the right of the keyboard and unfortunately forces some heavily used keys--Enter, Shift, the period, and the four arrow keys--to be shortened. The other nitpick we have is with the case itself--the mouse buttons below the touchpad are very stiff and clacky.’

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Posted by HCG Admin at 4:37 PM | Permalink

A review of the ultra slim GETAC M230 rugged Notebook PC has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'Few notebooks hit the realm of perfect ruggedness, and the GETAC hits the spot perfectly in all areas. The design is excellent, everything from the port layout, to the onboard metal carrying handle. Sturdy rubber bumpers are screwed into all corners of the notebook to absorb impact forces when the notebook is dropped, tying into the immensely strong chassis to spread out the impact. No part on this notebook is left unprotected, in both open and closed positions. This includes the hinges, keyboard and buttons, external ports, and device bays, which all have a thick rubber cover, or secure metal hatch.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 1:42 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the MSI PR210 laptop. 'Available in blue, pink, and green, the MSI PR210 seems destined to appeal to users who aren't excited by the looks of 12.1-inch systems from Lenovo and Toshiba but still want a relatively portable laptop. The PR210's attractive metallic cover and full feature set certainly seem a steal for its list price of $1,000. In fact, our primary complaint about the bulky ultraportable lies in its superbudget AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor, which failed to exceed the middling performance of the less-expensive Averatec 2371. The trade-off for pokey performance is battery life--the PR210 lasted an impressive three hours on our drain tests. For most users the MSI PR210's good looks and lengthy battery make up for its slight price premium, though the budget-conscious should note that the Averatec 2371 offers many of the same features for $100 less.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

A review of the DRS ARMOR C12 rugged tablet PC has been posted over at Tablet PC Review. ‘The design of the DRS ARMOR notebook is very boxy, with no thought put into making it have soft rounded edges. The notebook is almost twice as thick as a standard 12” notebook, has rubber tabs sticking out at every angle from the edges, and has its own built-in carrying handle. Every part of the notebook that could hit an object if dropped is padded with rubber strips, and all vital components have thick metal panels protecting the body from sharp impacts.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:16 PM | Permalink

IT Reviews have published a review of the Mesh - GX700 gaming Notebook. ‘The GX700 uses a high-end MSI chassis, attractively finished in a gloss piano black, and comes with a feature set that helps explains the price tag. With a 17-inch screen it's always going to have a fairly hefty footprint (405 x 314 x 38.2mm) but surprisingly it weighs just 2.6kg even with the battery, so it is portable up to a point. But adding the power adapter sends the weight up to 3.95kg, so this is one notebook destined to spend most of its life plugged into the mains.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 5:10 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the 13-inch Axiotron ModBook 13-inch tablet PC. 'The ModBook is an impressive feat of engineering and it looks and feels well-constructed. But unlike convertible tablet PCs, it lacks a keyboard and even the most basic of tablet functions, a rotating screen orientation, so you're stuck in landscape mode--which is somewhat awkward when cradling it in your arm. For the very small minority who need a slate-style tablet and the Mac OS, Axiotron certainly fits the bill. For the rest of us, however, it's an expensive oddity.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:20 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Zepto Znote 3415W Notebook. ‘As is typical of Zepto, the Znote 3415W is best described as functional. On the outside there's a simple two-tone black and dark grey gloss finish, while the rest of the system is wrapped largely in non-descript matt black plastic. Weighing 2.8kg it is relatively light for its size and the actual dimensions, 355 x 257 x 35.2mm (WxDxH), make for quite a pleasant form factor that's free of unnecessary bulk and feels a little slimmer and more svelte than you might imagine. Nonetheless, this is no style icon and though it's well put together, if you're after something with a little more character you're better off looking elsewhere.’

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Posted by HCG Admin at 4:36 PM | Permalink

A review of the Everex CloudBook ultra-mobile notebook has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The Everex CloudBook is an impressive little machine at first glance. The innovative grip-through LCD hinge design and compact form factor come together with smooth matte black plastics and a hint of metal reinforcement in just the right places. Weighing in at just two pounds the CloudBook was built around the VIA Nanobook reference design ... a subnotebook prototype developed by VIA as a platform for their new mobile technologies. Despite the impressive compactness of the design, the CloudBook is reasonably solid and durable thanks to the fact so much was packed into such a tiny space. We don't recommend dropping the CloudBook but it should survive the average use and abuse that any other $400 notebook can handle.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:22 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Belinea s.book 1 ultraportable PC. ‘It's certainly small and light, and compares favourably with the very smallest of machines on the market right now. With the lid closed it's barely bigger than a large format paperback book at 230 x 171mm and it's pretty slim too, standing a hardly-substantial 29.4mm proud of a desk. The weight is as inconsequential as the s.book's dimensions. It's a mere 1.1kg, including the 2,200mAh lithium ion battery, and it all adds up to a laptop that's as easy to sling into a handbag as it is a briefcase or rucksack. This is an ultraportable in every sense of the word, and the inclusion of a luxuriously soft leather case, which comes as standard in the box, is the icing on the cake.’

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:14 PM | Permalink

A review of the Vye mini-v S37B ultra portable has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. ‘The S37 comes with an extra-life battery, which does stick out a little awkwardly at the back and takes the weight to over a kilo - but it also gives the Vye impressive on-the-move credentials. I managed to extract five to five-and-a-half hours away from a power source, using it for general word processing, browsing the Internet over the wireless connection and performing other non-processor intensive tasks.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:11 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Everex Zonbu Notebook. ‘Unlike the Zonbu PC and the ASUS Eee PC 4G, the Zonbu Notebook comes with a decent amount of local storage, rather than the 4GB flash drives that leave little room for anything else besides the operating system. The 60GB spinning hard drive is enough to store a good-size music collection, as well as handle a lot of your online downloads. Despite loading Skype, the Zonbu Notebook doesn't come with an integrated webcam, as the ASUS Eee PC does, although it does have both built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port to help you get online.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 3:13 PM | Permalink