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Comparison Test: HP Mini210 vs. Toshiba NB300

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:57:46 +0000

The Australian PCWorld has conducted a comparative test, in which one could compete with the HP Mini 210 and the Toshiba NB300 two of the new 10-inch netbook with Intel Atom N450 CPU to each other. The two, despite the same hardware-based netbooks but very different in each case could convince in some areas, but ultimately the HP Mini 210 lay ahead. Why, why, I betray you after the break.

Already in the design, we can argue about the well known, was the HP before the Toshiba. The NB300 is indeed thin, and feels very stable, but the design of the outer skin of the testers was a little too normal. Both the keyboard and trackpad are good, but allegedly not outstanding. The flat design and the large palm rest was the Toshiba NB300 bring some points, but not perform miracles.

The HP 210 Mini came the pleasant feel of well casing, which, despite its plastic materials “Perfect” and a bit “rugged felt. The Chiclets keyboard and the trackpad with integrated button also know to convince. The ability to easily remove the entire floor plate and to change the brightness and volume brought without a shortcut key advantages.

In terms of performance, there was little difference, after all the hardware is almost identical. The Toshiba NB300 was partly from his thwarted rather than slow hard drive. Although this had no effect in the tests with the browser and the resolution of office functions, had in the tests with Photoshop, Winzip and Windows Media Encoder 9, but the HP with its faster disk an advantage. Ultimately, the HP was in the front 6 of 11 performance tests.

Also in terms of battery life, there was no clear winner. The capacity of the batteries is almost equal, so that with 5 hours and 2 minutes and 5 hours and 11 minutes respectively almost the same maturity has been reached. The additional features, the Toshiba NB300 came away better for once, because it can come up with N-Wi-Fi and an ever-powered USB port. The HP Mini 210 must be satisfied with 54-Mbit WLAN and the Quick-operating system was the projection of theNB300 not make up for it.

The ease of use brought another round of victory for the Toshiba NB300. The big palm rest was evaluated positively, because it has prolonged use of an advantage in terms of comfort to follow. The trackpad on the HP Mini 210 with its built-in buttons, it can sometimes make it difficult to simultaneously click and drag. The Toshiba is also in operation a little cooler, which is also prolonged use more pleasant. Overall Winner went to the HP Mini 210 because it offers better.

Shuttle launches motherboard standard for notebook and netbook

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:13:57 +0000

There is instead a standardized format for the motherboard of laptop, notebook or netbook whether, despite the variety of hardware platforms is modest. This limit translates it impossible for users to perform system upgrades and a considerable difficulty in obtaining spare parts in case of faults involving the logic board or chip soldered on it.

To date, for example, was able to change the graphics card, at least theoretically, using fast MxM Nvidia, but not all laptops have a dedicated video card on MXM socket and the costs of these modules are prohibitive.

The solution of Shuttle is simple: standardize the motherboard. The advantage of standardization is obviously to ensure compatibility between products from different manufacturers, but also reduce production costs, saving valuable time for planning. If a system is standardized, it is necessary to solve the numerous problems related to interior design. Shuttle is convinced that with this new model some OEM manufacturers and small businesses decide toinvest more in the mobile segment.

The range of mobile motherboard Shuttle is divided into two distinct forms: SPA for Shuttle PCB Assembly and μSPA (Micro SPA). PPS is intended to laptops larger 13.3-inch and above and includes a graphics chip or a dedicated graphics card. μSPA, as the name suggests, is intended to netbook and ultra portable with a starting size of 10.1 inches. The global mobile phone market is therefore covered. SPA and μSPA systems are actually complex solutions and in the coming monthsplatforms will be offered as many as 8 each, with a choice of Intel, AMD and VIA. Finally, in 2010, will be available over a hundred combinations through real the system created by Shuttle, including several platforms and design.

But not all. Shuttle has also planned the implementation of technology-Power integrated into the notebook platform Shuttle SPA and μSPA. I-Power USB is the counterpart of Sleep ‘N’ Charge. In other words, you can recharge small devices with a USB port even when the handset is turned off. And with the Xross-Power, the user can switch from one mode to overclock for improved performance in a power saving mode for greater autonomy. i-Power Charger will recharge your laptop 3 times faster than a conventional model and Power-On-Screen will be used to automatically detect an external monitor when connected to the laptop.

Finally, the technology that most excite the interest of users and experts is the Power-GXT. This is a system of docking station that incorporates a dedicated graphics card in order to boost performance by up to 9 times. Otherwords, a solution similar to that signed ATI XGP. The benefits of i-Power GXT are many: savings, maximum graphics performance and compact design. As ATI XGP, the Shuttle-Power GXT should be combined with ultraportable notebooks.

Shuttle manages to convince the industry with its system? At the time the SPA and μSPA solutions are supported by various partners: AMD (processors), VIA (processors) Chicony (known to be produced integrated peripherals such as keyboards and webcams), Lite-On (power supply), Simple (drums), Elpida (RAM), LG Display (screens) and Gallopwire (batteries), but the list is not definitive. However, as of March 1, you can order the system the SPA and μSPA attraveroESPA site set up by the company. Shuttle currently planned 100,000 to 150,000 laptops sold in the SPA μSPA first quarter of 2010, but the numbers are growing from quarter to quarter.

AMD Showdown: Lenovo ThinkPad vs. X100e. ASUS Eee PC 1201T

admin — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:31:50 +0000

Although many netbooks and notebooks based on similar or even the same platform, there are differences, which become characteristics of each device. YugaTech has now taken on the ASUS Eee PC 1201T and the Lenovo ThinkPad X100e, which both come with the MV-40 Neo AMD Athlon processor and the ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics solution, therefore. At first glance, is the same platform, so there really is little difference in performance should. However, since a different configuration is used within the benchmark results of the two devices then but for different.

The big difference is, according to the colleagues in the configuration of the ATI Radeon HD 3200 GPU. Thus, the graphics chip in the 1201T can claim only 256 megabytes of memory for itself, while it is in the X100e full 336 MB. In addition, graphics core and memory respectively operate at different speeds. At ASUS, it is precisely once a 200 MHz core clock, but 500 MHz memory clock, while the X100e the ATI graphics can run with all 380 MHz, the memory is working but only with 333 MHz.

As the figures show the benchmark tests of YugaTech covered by the results of different configurations, but for very different. Thus, both systems achieved in the application Passmark benchmark with approximately the same values in 2D and 3D graphics test achieved the ASUS Eee PC 1201T but significantly better values. The same goes for testing the memory speed.

The first netbook with standard batteries

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:34:36 +0000

Simple is unlikely to provide its NETBOOK again with juice. From the distant Thailand will soon hit a Netbook, the underside of leaves awaken nostalgic feelings. For the gecko Edubook has actually a old-fashioned-sounding pocket for AA batteries, as we know it yet by the Walkman.

But in practice it is always: Does not go to a normal charger for netbook battery, also extends the barrel from the nearest kiosk.

Possible because of theextremely low power consumption of the new netbooks Company NorhTec. In the heart of one Edubook XCore86 sits processor at a clock output of one gigahertz just 1.2 watts needed electricity. In addition, the small companion does not require a ventilator, which again will save some power.

The search for a serious power supply will be on the Gecko Edubook Ebenfall vain, because this is housed in the housing so that the netbook more easily fit into the backpack.Delivered is the netbook with Ubuntu Linux Remix, but it should also be compatible with Windows XP.

The other specifications of this device, however NorhTec netbooks are very similar to the first generation: a small 8.9 inch display with LED backlight and a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels.

In addition, future owners can choose between a memory from 256 megabytes to one gigabyte of DDR2 RAM and a standard-2 ,5-inch hard drive or a fastSD flash card – the memory size is unfortunately not yet known. With batteries, it creates the Edubook least four to six hours of operating time. Alternatively, it can also be ordered with a Li-ion battery, which presumes a half times as long, but will also cost significantly more. Despite the lack of nostalgia factor might be worth it anyway because the Edubook will cost less than $ 200.

NorhTec announced its battery-operated netbook for July 2009.First, it will only be available through the manufacturer – if and when the Edubook is also reflected in German stores still stands in the stars.

10 features which surpass the iPad Tablets

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:27:23 +0000

The cat is out of the bag, your pants are down and we now know what to expect with the Apple iPad. We also now know what the iPad can not and therefore it is quite a good situation to enumerate a few points can with the future competitive positioning Apple opposite Tablets its latest blow.

1. Flash – This is surely very clear that I take that point first quote, right? Those who are “the best way to experience the Web” talk and then not even be able to offer Adobe Flash, do not just offer the best web, no he has a castrated Web experience.

2. Multi tasking – Hello? Earth to Apple! Are we back in 1980, when multi-tasking for the home user was a fake? Corrected me, but I had on my Mac Plus for a task switcher to the Finder, which might just switch back and forth between programs. My Amiga 1000 and my ST (In go absolutely right and thank you) was able to perform multi-tasking without any problems. So is listening to music while surfing, and not with the iPad (No idea what I rode there, the course is, yes, is also on my iPod Touch. Sorry, that was an embarrassing mistake!). Awesome! As an update I imagine times before the following scenario: You want to run Pandora or Skype, while it surfs the web …;)

3. In “real” OS - Who likes slimmed smartphone operating systems from Apple, ok, who wants to blame you? But I like first of all systems have the freedom to offer me any and I would not be restricted by Apple in which they tell me what I use for applications. Linux and Windows 7 here can make the difference and trumps properly.

4. The dissolution – Of course are 1024 × 768 is already more than we can provide each and Netbookso of course we can really represent ne lot. However, if I am talking about HD playback, then I will get at least a 720p resolution. 1280 × 720 should be in there, right?

5. HD Output – The iPad is only 720 x 704 1024 x 576 (1024 x 768 over the docking station and only about a VGA cable) to an external monitor can (representing say the least) the official specifications, but not for what a multimedia experience last. HDMI output to the Tabletand down for that!

6. Webcams - A webcam in front and a rear and already I have a video conferencing system for future Tablet and Augmented Reality Applications

7. USB Ports – What was it again? ” Why does the box not have a USB port? USB is the standard for external devices, and we all use it.

8. Card Reader – This is where the same thing as in the USB port. This is simply a standard, and now I even like to shove my SD card, the digicam into my computer.

9. Removable Battery – Yes, that’s Apple. Once again, there is only a built-in battery. The question is, how long will the good pieces?

10. Haptic feedback - I know en masse smartphones deliver this already, and even the MSI Dual Screen, this on board and the effect was not from bad parents

Rumor: Convertible version of the Fujitsu UH900

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:13:37 +0000

We engineers like ignorant people like the term RTFM (after googling if you want to know the not very nice expression) dish with simple problems and that is what seems the boys of pocket able good at the new Fujitsu Lifebook UH900 MID to have made.

In the safety instructions how to get the screen properly in the tablet position (although not bring hinges is Available for this) will be initiated this affixed at a 90 degree angle to your keyboard is, but will not be made to rotate again, though this is the next logical step. It may also just a lazy employees simply enter the text in the manual from the previous cut U820 act together, but has a convertible form of the UH900 will be much more interesting.

After the cut you’ll find another video from Slashgear Hands on at CES, which was created with the 4.8-inch touchscreen MID and tiny keyboard.

Battery life in hours at Windows 7 experience

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 05:47:44 +0000

Until now I had the problem is not yet tested the battery indicator only netbooks that the percentage of the hours and not revealed how long will the battery yet. Since the HP Mini 210 netbook is the first in which I have received with Windows 7 starters to where it has happened, of course I immediately searched for a solution to not sit around 10 hours before the device while the tests have.

Searching I have several non-functional and poorly executed programs encountered as Battery Information Battery status, or but in the end I was convinced Battery Bar. The free version you should provide enough functionality. But if you want to choose for example a new skin, you must, unfortunately, already $ 6 (or less, depending on how you wish) to the programmer donations.

After the cut you’ll find all the settings and functions in comparison. The charging time is also in the inconspicuous bar to the left of the status icons displayed. Battery Bar is also handy to see how well your battery is already worn out and see why he no longer holds so long. After about 300 charge cycles (every time it connects the power supply with battery inserted), the benefit decreases by 30% and usually decreases then rapidly. So after about two years, we do not have to wonder if you have not 8 but only 6 hours on his Samsung NC10.

You can counteract this effect, of course, by editing the battery as long as possible before you ever exploiting it recharge us and him always removed when you will work for a long time on the desktop in order to rob it not everybody turning a cycle. This of course applies to all portable devices, from camera to 22 ” Blue Ray laptop.

I was convinced, in any case so I like to have procured a “Lifetime” version in order to facilitate my work. What other netbooks yet supported the view of the battery charge in minutes? The Asus 1005PE was not affected.

Truth and Intel GMA500 Netbook

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:33:42 +0000

The integrated GMA500 graphics accelerator, a constituent part of the Intel SCH US15 – known by the codename “Poulsbo” – dedicated to embedded applications, has made his first official appearance in the roadmap of the colossus of Santa Clara in April last year. Along with the Atom Silverthorne computing counterparts, the chipset would be the proposal’s reference to Intel MIDs and UMPCs, that is for all those small device that require aefficient and dall impronta reduced.

Surprisingly, however, this promising Poulsbo, and, more specifically, its video subsystem, it was something far more “revolutionary”: the integrated GMA500 graphics accelerator supports it not only vertex and pixel shaders 3.0, but also includes an engine graph dedicated to video decoding of H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VC1 and WMV9 HD (1080i and 720p). While going out the limit of output resolution of 1366 x768 pixels, it is still very special characteristics, especially when considering the intended scope for this chipset (we are aware that this is not chip in a technical sense but rather a system controller hub, but in practice the two terms are common overlap).

The story of Poulsbo and its graphics chip, however, takes an unexpected turn when the platform designed for MIDs Intel is beginning to be used in some netbooks competing with another chipset Intel, the 945GSE (used in combination with the series Atom Nxx ” Diamondville is dedicated specifically for netbook and nettop). The reason behind the adoption of this solution in different fields from the original ones is being able to circumvent the limitations imposed bySame for the adoption of Intel chipsets and CPUs 945GSE Diamondville, particularly those concerning the size and resolution of screens, used in netbooks.

In fact, one of the first mini-notebook to use the platform Menlow (Intel Atom series Zxx coupled with the SCH US15) was the Dell Mini 12, featuring a display from 12 “to a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. In these circumstances, a direct comparison between the two solutions available from Intel ultra-mobileinevitable.

The crux of the issue was not only the computing power of CPU Silverthorne and Diamondville, two branches of the same architecture oriented to energy saving, but they will also discuss what advantages or disadvantages would lead the new GMA500 graphics chip than the “old” GMA950 integrated in most netbooks.

On paper, the GMA500 has some significant strengths, such as support for latest technologies and the ability to decode video streamsHD. US15W incarnation of Poulsbo (adopted in netbook) the graphics subsystem also has a clock frequency of 200 MHz compared to 133-166 MHz that is locked on the GMA950 chipset 945GSE. Everything suggests a clear superiority of the solution Menlow, at least in the graphic industry, but once again things did not go as expected.

Accomplice, perhaps adopting “forced” of Windows Vista on the first netbook Menlow (this time because of restrictions imposed by Microsoft for use in OEM licenses of Windows XP), the actual performance was below expectations. Although the whole system works on the whole less responsive, the most serious problems were noted in browsing web pages have developed (especially those with flash content) and video playback in high resolution. This withoutcounting problems using Aero interface together with the playback of movies, a practice that caused frequent system crashes and blue screens. Such limitations have sparked debate about the actual capacity of the GMA 500.

Even more serious problems involving Linux users. Penguins fans have had the opportunity in the years to strengthen their faith in place by Intel in open source, especially for supporthardware. Although not a completely isolated case, for now we can only say that the GMA500 is considered a bit ‘the exception of * nix support from Intel.

To better understand the reasons of the problems with this chip on Linux we must first recall that the GMA500 graphics accelerator is completely different from those made previously by the giant Santa Clara: The video system is in fact a variation of the PowerVR chip, licensed from ImaginationTechnologies and integrated into the System Controller Hub US15. The modular architecture of this solution has allowed Intel to take advantage of the PowerVR SGX 535 graphics core for 3D acceleration and the VXD HD video engine to decode video, complemented this 2D engine owner.

So this is a completely new architecture that requires a driver “ad-hoc”. One might then think that the problem is the lack of any driver that supports the GMA500, but it is not. In fact the aforementioned Dell Mini 12 has been proposed by the PC vendor Texan in many countries with both Windows Vista with Ubuntu Linux (version 8.04.1), then there was a kernel module. Given their experience in supporting PowerVR chips, writing drivers for Linux wasentrusted to Tungsten Graphics, drivers spin immediately included in the Ubuntu supported by Dell and Ubuntu Netbook Remix.

Up to this point does not seem to rise to complications. The problem in fact is not in the operation of this release of Ubuntu on Poulsbo, but the use of different distributions and / or more up to date. To better understand how this is possible, Adam Williamson of Red Hat has done extensive research and numerous tests on the driver arriving at conclusionsvery depressing: the dedicated driver xf86-video-psb had remained unchanged since its first official release (dated March 2008), and what there was was defined by our colleagues at Phoronix “A Bloody Mess”, literally “a terrible mess” . Moreover, the same driver depended on a firmware file called msvdx_fw.bin owner and an additional named driver Xorg Xpsb for 3D acceleration and video, all requirements apparently undocumented and difficult(if not impossible) to build on more recent versions of Linux Kernel 2.6.24.

Now something starts to move. Drivers working for openSUSE 11 and 11.1 have been made available due at the exit of the MSI Wind U115 and the possibility to buy it pre-installed with OpenSuse. The same Adam Williamson has managed to patch the original driver, making it compatible with the new release of Fedora is free from dependencies listed above. Theinstallation process is not automatic or painless, and more than one user has complained of problems and poor performance, but the direction is right. Also Jolicloud Ubuntu Netbook Remix and both have announced support for the GMA 500 in their next release.
Good news arrived for Windows users, who have little access to a driver update that Poulsbo has had many positive findings.

In conclusion note thatUS15 despite the chipset was designed by Intel’s MID segment / embedded, its adoption in the field of netbook is now an established fact, especially for those models that are a bit ‘borderline than the incarnation “canonical” mini-notebook. To date between these models are counted as the Sony Vaio P Series, MSI Wind U115 Hybrid, Dell Inspiron Mini 10, Acer Aspire One 751 and Asus Eee PC 1101HA and T91. The improvements experienced by many users withthe release of latest drivers for the GMA500 give hope that there is still work on site to resolve the last outstanding issues, and the recent denial of Intel about a possible detention to the availability of the Menlow platform for assemblers of netbooks is insurance plus the fact that the laptops equipped with these chips will not remain only “isolated experiments.