Something a lot of people seem to have missed is that the Linux Foundation’s Moblin 2.0 Beta release is targeted more at Linux distributors rather than end-users. You wouldn’t think so from some of the promotional activities that have been going on but it’s probably the reason that a lot of people are expressing disappointment after testing it out. As we look forward, it’s likely that the Linux Foundation will continue to target distributors rather than end users. We’ll double-check next week at the Moblin keynote in Computex [June 3, 2009, 12:00-13:30] but the fact that Linpus have announced a full release of Linpus Lite based on Moblin 2.0 appears to back this up.
At Computex Linpus, the most popular operating system in the netbook space, will be showing a number of cutting edge new open source consumer products, including: its updated instant-on product, and the first look at its Moblin V2 Linpus Linux Lite with Linpus UI and Intel UI versions. The Moblin V2 final source code, and, in particular, the user interface was only recently released because of this the Linpus version is one of the first available on the market. The new version of Linpus Linux Lite boots in less than 15 seconds and takes the user experience to the next level: our live desktop gives live and instant access to recent and favorite websites, communication tools, applications and multimedia; it adds cutting edge clutter technology allowing more vivid graphics and simulation of real world movement and physicality: actions, instructions, and places are easier to remember and more fun; and it has integrated all the key features and benefits of Moblin V2 including the Intel UI. [Source: Press Release]
Linpus mention a ‘first-look’ in their press release which indicates that the product may not be 100% ready for launch yet but you’ll find some more info and a placeholder on the Linpus website. The download isn’t active yet but it based on this, it looks like more than just a beta. Linpus have worked with Acer and Benq netbooks in the past so if you’re an Acer or Benq netbook owner, the chances are that this distribution will be a good solution for you. Unfortunately, there may not be touchscreen support and there won’t be support for Z-Series and Poulsbo.
Update: We’ve got some screenshots now. Click to enlarge.
The still upcoming Asus Eee T91 tablet netbook [Portal page] is looking better every day. I’m pretty excited for this device and what it could do to spice up the otherwise (dare I say) boring netbook space. Electricpig has a hands-on gallery of the T91 which looks to be a production model. This is the first I’ve seen of the included stylus as well which looks like a wimpy telescoping pointer. I wish they’d include a more substantial stylus, but I suppose there are many third-part options out there.
JKK and myself are struggling to install Moblin V2 Beta on anything at the moment as it looks like the image is corrupt so in the meantime, here’s a new walkthrough video. Thanks to DJore for the tip!
Ultimate-Netbook, a big accessory retailer based in Europe, has just announced a 10% discount code (Psst Use the offer code WEBultra mobile PC to get the discount) for our readers so now would probably be the best time to tell you about two Ultimate-Netbook products that I’ve had for a while. A universal power pack and a universal car mount. For anyone into mobile computing, these two products are well worth considering.
We had a brief lapse in WNRs over the last few weeks but hopefully everything will get back on track. Let’s see what’s been going on in the netbook space.
How To Install Windows 7 On Almost Any Netbook — Gizmodo’s John Herman has put together a nice guide for squeezing Windows 7 onto a netbook. As the article mentions, XP is rather old and Windows 7 will get you a nice jump in the user experience area. Because it is still in the RC phase, it is free to download and use for a while.
More convertible touchscreen netbooks coming — Jkk has found another upcoming tablet netbook, the Fujiyama E-PC E-1001. Kind of sounds like a knock off of Fujitsu and Eee PC, but competition in the tablet netbook space is definitely a good thing for consumers.
ASUS 1005HA Netbook Is a 1008HA With Removable Battery — Kevin C. Tofel points out that Asus’ soon to be released Eee PC 1005HA is essentially the 1008HA [Portal page] but with a removable battery. There are a few other differences as well; non-glossy screen, slightly slower CPU, no BT, but it uses a nearly identical looking chassis (albeit a bit thicker) and picks up an additional USB port for a total of three.
Lenovo IdeaPad S10-2: Hands On Video — Xavier from GottaBeMobile has a nice hands-on video of the new Lenovo S10-2 [Portal page] netbook. The new netbook isn’t too much different from the previous S10, but it is a bit thinner and can be equipped with a 3G module for $50. Xavier mentions that he wished that the S10-2 had a matte screen like the first version of the netbook.
The much anticipated Eee T91 tablet netbook [Portal page] has just taken one step closer to seeing an official US release. The FCC has gotten their hands all over the computer and given us plenty of nice internal photos as well as the user manual. Looks like the FCC took down the page for the T91, possibly due to too much trafic, or on Asus’ request.
As jkk points out, internal photos show that the SSD is 50mm, which should allow the use of Dell Mini 9-sized SSDs. We can also see the internal GPS module which could be taken out to make room for a GPS+3G module giving you internal 3G without too much trouble. There is also space for a SIM card slot which could be soldered in or may be added to later models. The battery, as we can see, is also non-removable.
The manual on the FCC’s site seems to be the finished English manual. It doesn’t reveal anything particularly new, but does show us much of the Asus software that will be found on the T91. Unfortunately there was almost no mention of the touch interface that Asus was working on (video here) in the manual. No word yet if that means that it won’t be initially packaged with the T91.
Let me refresh your 1008HA memory: We first heard about the 1008HA being referred to as the Eee ‘Shell’ PC. At CeBIT 2009 we got the first glimpses at the 1008HA and it was apparent that the ‘Shell’ denotation was referring to the unibody enclosure. Obligatory MacBook Air comparisons ensued, but the 1008HA is more of a style focused netbook than a MacBook Air competitor.
Its nice to see an Eee PC which isn’t just a slight change from the older, more money conscious designs; the Eee 1008HA is thin and light and looks pretty nice. The keyboard has what appears to be a very good layout, featuring fully sized shift keys. We’ll see if we can get our hands on a production 1008HA at some point but for the time being, check out Engadget’s post for a few reviews.
The first thing I’m looking for on the report is battery life…. three hours and twenty minutes of video playback. I was expecting more considering that the Viliv S5 with it’s 24wh battery, can play video for 6hrs. Maybe the video was CPU-decoded? Maybe it’s just the big screen which will be adding a big drain on the battery.
Update:
I wouldn’t really call this a review. No mention of screen brightness and battery life under normal use, keyboard quality, mousepad. I suspect this was just a 30 minute hands-on with the device but it gives positive vibes which is a good sign.
Something a lot of people seem to have missed is that the Linux Foundation’s Moblin 2.0 Beta release is targeted more at Linux distributors rather than end-users. You wouldn’t think so from some of the promotional activities that have been going on but it’s probably the reason that a lot of people are expressing disappointment after testing it out. As we look forward, it’s likely that the Linux Foundation will continue to target distributors rather than end users. We’ll double-check next week at the Moblin keynote in Computex [June 3, 2009, 12:00-13:30] but the fact that Linpus have announced a full release of Linpus Lite based on Moblin 2.0 appears to back this up.
