Acer netbooks powered by Android

Since the launch of the Google G1 smart phone running Android, there has always been talk that Android could be a great mobile platform for small notebooks. And with the popularity of Netbooks being sky high - the most popular selling computers so far this year - there has been talk that sooner or later, there will be an Android driven netbook on the market. And it looks like Acer is goin’ for it in a huge way.

Scheduled to ship this fall, the Acer Android netbook will be based on the Aspire One with the Atom processor and 10 inch screen. Unveiled at the Computex Electronics show last June, Acer showed that not only can the Aspire run Android, but it can also run in a dual boot configuration with Windows XP. This can be especially advantageous until more Android based Netbook applications come online.

Acer is the first company to offer an Android based netbook running the Atom processor, and the advantage that Android has over a Windows configuration is it’s open source community development which would translate into a more affordable netbook.

No word on how much the Aspire Android will run, but it’ll be here this Fall.

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Best Netbooks According to Buyers – July 09

If you are wanting to find the best netbook computer then 1 way of hunting them down is to see what’s currently selling. Amazon have a list that’s updated regularly to let you know what the best netbook is to buy. Just looking over the list we see that the Asus Eee range hold 2 of the top 5 spots which is quite impressive. When looking for the best netbook that suits your needs it is important to list exactly what you are looking for. Will you be travelling a lot and be away from a power source? Pick one that has a decent battery life. Will you be carrying a lot of files around like photos and using the netbook as a primary computer? Pick one with decent storage. Are you looking at using the web while out and about? Look for one that has built in 3G connectivity. Here is a comparison of July 2009’s best netbooks and the features that makes them stand out.

Asus Eee 1005HA

First on the list is the Asus Eee 1005HA which deservedly takes the top spot by having a huge battery capacity seeing it power the netbook for 10.5 hours between charges. Having this much battery power is perfect for any kind of netbook or laptop as it reduces the need to carry a charger around with you in some cases. Other features include a larger than some 10.1 inch screen as well as a 160GB hard disk allowing for plenty of storage. For these reasons the Asus Eee 1005HA seems to be a fantastic all-rounder.

1005HA Features

* Up to 10.5 Hours of Battery Life and Free Sleeve Case Included
* Intel Atom N280 Processor 1.66GHz
* 1GB DDR2 RAM, 1 x SODIMM Slot, 2GB Max; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
* 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM) and 10GB Free Eee Storage
* Windows XP Home Operating System, 10.1-inch WSVGA 1024×600 LCD Display

Cost: $369.99

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Acer Aspire One

Acer are second on the list with their Aspire One netbook. This netbook doesn’t quite have the battery power of the 1005HA at 6.5 hours, but 6.5 hours is still a fairly good achievement considering some netbooks drop down to just 3 hours of usage. Wireless networking runs at 802.11b and g speeds although there is no n spec on this netbook. The Aspire One runs an Intel Atom running at 1.6GHz and it has a 160GB HDD. The main advantage over the 1005HA listed above is that it costs about $70 less at just $299.99.

Aspire One Features

* The 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor combines performance, power and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile.
* 6-cell battery provides up to 6 1/2 hours of battery life for extended use and productivity when away from an AC outlet.
* Windows XP Home with SP3 gives you the freedom to do what you want at home and at work – simply, reliably and more securely
* 160GB Hard Drive, 1GB RAM, Integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified
* Acer Crystal Eye webcam delivers smooth video streaming and high quality images for your on-line chats and business video conferences

Cost: $299.99

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Asus Eee 1000He

The Asus Eee 1000He is another fantastic netbook and again, Asus have managed to somehow get 9.5 hours of battery life out of the 1000HE battery. This netbook has an Intel Atom 280 processor that runs at 1.66GHz. Windows XP is also the choice of OS on this netbook and 160GB of storage is provided. This netbook has Wi-Fi at 802.11n and also Asus provide 10GB of online storage to store your files online for free.

1000HE Features

* XP-Preloaded with 160G large H.D.D. Intel Atom 280 Processor (1.66 GHz, FSB: 667MHz)
* ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and 6 cell high density battery pack allow for longer battery lifespan of up to 9.5 hours.
* High Speed Connectivity Anywhere with Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4GHz only). Eee Connect for an easy way to connect two or more users through a remote desktop feature for easy troubleshooting.
* Exclusive 10GB Eee Storage with easy accessibility anywhere online
* Free 1 YR Warranty (6 month for battery, 30 day ZBD Guaranteed)

Cost: $374.95

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editors note – Number4 in the official list is actually the same as number 1 but in a different coloured case. Rather than repeat number 4 we will list number 5 and 7 in the listings to give a fair view of the top 5. Also number 6 is also a repeat of number 2 but just in another colour. Hence, we will skip number 6 and go to number 7 as this feature isn’t about colours as it is more about what each netbook can do.

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Samsung NC10

The Samsing NC10 netbook is an alternative to look at while shoping around. Feature wise it’s as jam packed as the rest of them in this list and for these reasons, it makes it in to the list of best netbooks. A 10.2″ widescreen is included with this netbook that has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. It is also powered by an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor and also has a 160GB HDD. It seems that in general, most users prefer the larger hard disks over the smaller SSD drive options. The NC10 netbook runs Windows XP and also has wireless networking built in at 802.11b/g (no draft n again but not really a downer in my opinion). Battery life is quite impressive on this netbook and it manages about 8 hours on a single charge. Again, the Samsung NC10 is a fantastic option and definatly another good allrounder to look at.

NC10 Features

* 10.2″ Wide, 1024 x 600 WSVGA , 220 nits
* Intel Atom processor N270, 1.6 GHz, 533 MHz Front Side Bus, 512 KB Level 2 Cache
* 160 GB, 2.5″ SATA HD, 1 GB DDR2 800 MHz
* Intel 945GSE shared, 802.11 b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, 10/100 BaseTX LAN
* 6-Cell Lithium Ion, Genuine Microsoft XP® Home with Service Pack 3, 1.3 Mega Pixel webcam, Kensington Key Lock, 1 year standard parts and labor, 2.8 lbs

Cost: $364.98

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Toshiba Mini NB205

As with other netbooks in this top 5 list, the Toshiba Mini NB205 features an Intel Atom N280 processor running at 1.66GHz as well as 1GB of RAM and a 160GB HDD. It has a 10.1″ display and a 6 cell battery that can power the device for up to an impressive 9 hours on a single charge. The 10.1 inch screen has a resolution of 1024 x 600. One feature that got my attention is that it claims to have a full sized 85 key keyboard. When choosing a netbook it is also important to remember their smaller keyboards often make it difficult to master typing on. With this netbook having a full size keyboard you shouldn’t run in to those types of problems. Another allrounder and one worth checking out.

NB205 Features

* Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz Processor
* 1GB DDR2 RAM
* 160 GB Hard Drive
* Windows XP Home, 5800 mAh 6-Cell Battery
* 10.1″ Display

Cost: $348.89

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Conclusion

All 5 netbooks listed above are classed by Amazon as being the best netbooks around. In my opinion there isn’t much different with any of them so it really comes down to choosing if you want that extra 0.1 of an inch that the NC10 features, or if you want the extra hour or 2 battery life that the Asus 1005HA offers. If those don’t really sway you much then I’d say pick any of them.

We aim to update the netbooks in this post on a monthly basis to keep the information current. If you have any questions or need help then post a comment below.

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Get a netbook for $1

On the surface, this sounds like an okay deal: buy a Compaq Mini 110c-1040 DX netbook for $1.00, and sign up for mobile broadband with Sprint on a two year contract. Just make sure you don’t go over the limit on your data plan. Where exactly can you get this screaming deal?

It’s a bundle deal from Best Buy. And it varies, depending on what carrier you actually prefer. You can choose Verizon or AT&T instead of Sprint, but expect the cost to go up to $199.99 if you go with one of them. You can also just buy the thing outright for $389.99, which is a better deal if you look at the total price of basic purchase vs. 24 months at $60 for a data plan.

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Xplorer X7-Xtreme S1: Gaming Laptop

Intel Core i7 processor, X58 chipset, 6 gigs of memory, and an Nvidia GTX 280M... Anyone want to play Crysis?

This is no desktop mash-up I'm talking about, but a 17-inch laptop. CyberPower announced today the release of its latest gaming computer, the Xplorer X7-Xtreme. This notebook is one of the first, alongside Falcon Northwest and other custom computer builders, to feature an Intel Core i7.

Some bonus features of the Xtreme S1 are a Blu-ray player, HDMI port, and 3.1-megapixel Webcam. The computer comes preloaded with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium. CyberPower offers further customizable options than the base configuration specs listed above.

The price for the Xtreme S1 starts at $2335.

Base specs listed after the jump.

Display: 17-inch (16:10) WUXGA TFT LCD display, 1,920 by 1,200

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 processor

Chipset: Intel X58 + ICH10R

Memory: DDR3 Tri Channel Memory, expandable up to 6GB

Video Controller: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M

Storage: 320GB SATA150 HD and 8X DVD rewritable drive

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Seagate and Rebit Teams Up

PC users will no longer need to look at Apple's Time Capsule in envy, thanks to the Seagate and Rebit-powered Seagate Replica, a backup appliance supporting whole-PC backup on multiple machines. The device, powered by Seagate's hardware and Rebit's software, is attached via USB and keeps an up-to-date copy of whatever is on the PC, without having to rely on scheduling or manual backup. Lose your whole system? The Replica will bring it back just as it was the day before.

If you have more than one machine in need of backup, Seagate offers a multiple-PC version with twice the hard drive space (500GB instead of 250) and a plug-and-play dock for swapping out the drive. The price for this peace of mind? The Replica has an MSRP of $129.99 for the single-PC version and $199.99 for multiple PCs. Not bad, especially considering the Time Capsule goes for $299.99 with the equivalent 500GB.

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Energy Efficient PC's

Students will soon have a more energy-efficient way to play Oregon Trail and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing with the release of the Tangent VITA LT, an all-in-one "green" PC that costs less than $1,000 and is aimed at the education market. The VITA LT uses Intel's Atom N270 processor, commonly found in netbooks, to draw up to 72 percent less energy than standard Energy Star 4.0-compliant PCs.

For a sub-$1,000 all-in-one, it's loaded with perks for class projects, including a 18.5-inch touchscreen display, a 4-in-1 media card reader, an integrated webcam, and built-in wireless. In addition, the computer is 1.4 inches thick and seems to be taking style tips from Apple (which is never a bad idea).

Tangent's emphasis with the VITA LT is to provide a client for their virtual desktop infrastructure solution, which allows students (or employees) to take their desktop with them over a network, regardless of what computer they're on. This type of application doesn't require the latest and greatest in processing power, so it makes sense to power it with an Atom-based machine. The decrease in energy consumption is a definite plus too.

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Tablo Turns Your Notebook into a Tablet PC

Want tablet functionality on your PC, but don't want to shell out the cash for a devoted system? The Tablo is a cheap little gadget that promises to turn your notebook into a tablet. The package features a special stylus and an infrared monitor that sits at the top of your monitor, plugging in via USB.

The SISO Tablo works with Microsoft Office, Windows Live Messenger, and a number of art programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Paint. It can run on XP and Vista. Expect to pay roughly $99.

Check out a video of the Tablo in action, after the jump.

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Light Glove Can Turn Your PC Into a Wii (Kind of)

If you're looking for a way to draw me to your booth during a product line show, get your device to play "Smoke on the Water." It worked with the Air Guitar Rocker, way back when, and it worked again today with the Light Glove, when a representative from the company was using the device to perform an air piano version of the song.

The device is probably most simply described as bringing Wiimote functionality to your PC. It's basically an armband and a sensor that hooks up to your computer. The wristband features a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope to detect motion. A built-in LED sends information back to the sensor. The company is working on a newer prototype of the device that communicates via Bluetooth (pictured above).

Light Glove has big plans for the device that stretch beyond simple computer apps, including gaming, door locks, ATMs, personal electronics, and more. With the recent spate of interest in gestured-based technologies (as evidenced by the Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft keynotes at E3), we're likely to see this technology hit retail shelves sooner, rather than later.

Check out a video of the Light Glove, after the jump.



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E-LEAD Bluetooth Lazy Pad

The E-LEAD Bluetooth Lazy Pad is a terrific product for those who want a combination Bluetooth and mouse for their laptop or netbook. Don’t ask me why you want that, but someone people prefer that remote action, I guess.

For those who like wireless action, then you will enjoy the Bluetooth feature. Of course, some of you may have laptops or netbooks that don’t come with Bluetooth, Fortunately, you can connect to the keyboard via USB. The battery in this keyboard is a 500mAh that is capable of up to 8 hours of usage.

I see a small problem with this product. You will notice in the middle of the keyboard is some sort of crease, but the frame doesn’t look like it could fold in. What is strange is the “mouse” segment of the device is located underneath the keyboard, which means you’ll need to flip it over whenever you want to use the touchpad on the other side which is accompanied by a couple of buttons (left and right click, of course).

I also think that this Lazy Pad is misnamed. I have no idea why E-LEAD Electronics has named their product the Lazy Pad, because I see nothing slothful about it. After all, if we are going to call this Bluetooth keyboard and mouse a Lazy Pad, does that mean that every remote control device or mobile is inherently a product of a lazy culture?

Sadly, I think that it is true. Yes, our gadgets and electronic devices make us lazy. I can’t stand it when some product comes out with some name which describes our culture too well.

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Dell Adds "My WiFi" Access-Point Tech to Notebooks

Dell has added the Intel "My WiFi" technology to three notebooks: the Studio 15, Studio 17, and the Studio XPS 16, the company said Tuesday.

What is My WiFi? Put simply, it's the combination of an Intel Centrino 2 platform as well as some associated Intel software that turns your Wi-Fi client into an access point, so that others might share a single Ethernet-based Internet connection.

The technology allows up to eight Wi-Fi devices and to share files between them on a Centrino 2-based laptop running Windows Vista, according to Lionel Menchaca, who blogged about the addition for Dell.

"So what could do with My WiFi? If you're at a hotel and logged in for broadband access, you could share your connection with other Wi-Fi enabled laptops in a room, or transfer images from a Wi-Fi enabled smartphone to your laptop," Menchaca wrote. "In the home networking side, you could use it to print wirelessly or to share photos from your laptop directly to a photo frame without having to transfer the images through a cable or via an SD card. Pretty cool stuff."

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HP Pavilion dv6z Artist Edition Notebook

With summer just beginning, that’s clear indication that it’s time to torture students with the thought of going back by releasing information on back to school products. Nothing will make a student cringe more than discussing the next school year in early June. Well at least it’s for a decent reason this time. HP is releasing a laptop specifically for students and they’re even giving it a slightly more artistic look.

The HP Pavilion dv6z Artist Edition notebook is likely to appeal to a great deal of students that are tired of the usual look of laptops. Of course most just slap a skin on their laptop if they want to give it a colorful look. It has a 16-inch LCD and comes with a software suite including Video Studio X2, Corel Painter Sketchpad and Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo x2. It uses AMD processors with up to 500GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. They also toss in Magix Music Maker 14. It’d be a great machine for students into art and music. It will be shipped as of June 10th and will start at $949.

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Apple Calls It: The SD Format Wins

Somewhat lost in the many WWDC announcements made Monday was an interesting point: at Apple, at least, the SD card format has won.

Most of the new MacBooks have replaced an ExpessCard slot with an SD card slot, which was designed as a slot to bring in photos from digital cameras. (Given that the iPhone lacks a memory card slot, I think it's fair to say that the SD slot serves way to bring content in to the MacBook, rather than send it out.)

Why do the new MacBooks have an SD card slot, instread of a five-in-one card reader, like other notebooks and desktops? Because "SD is really ubiquitous," Todd Benjamin, director of portables for Apple, said during an interview on Monday at Apple's developer conference in San Francisco.

Consider all of the various small-form-factor card formats there are, or were: CompactFlash, the various Memory Stick flavors, SmartMedia, miniSD, microSD, xD.

It's not clear whether the new MacBook card slot supports the SDHC format, as well as SD. If it doesn't, it surely will in the next revision, with a roadmap toward the terabyte SDXC standard. As you can see, there certainly are quite enough different dorm factors within the SD format alone. It's also unlikely that the smaller SD form factors will go away as the external storage formats for cell phones.

Still, Apple essentially killled off the floppy; it's probably time that it helped consolidate the industry on a single flash card format for desktops, as well.

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Greenest Gaming PC Ever Unveiled by Maingear

I have a couple gaming PCs in my house and none of them can be called green. In fact, my personal gaming PC can double as a heater in the winter and after a few hours use in the summer it makes my office unbearably hot.

Maingear has announced a gaming PC for the eco conscious gamer called the Pulse. According to Maingear, the Pulse is the world’s greenest gaming PC and is the first upgradable NVIDIA Ion PC ever. The machine uses NVIDIA Ion graphics for power savings and can be upgraded with a GeForce 9800 ECO video card.

The 9800 ECO is similar to the 9800 GT but draws 40% less power than the normal 9800 GT. The computer starts at $799 and can be fitted with Intel Core 2 Duo processors or Intel Core 2 Quad parts. The machine can also be stuffed with up to 8GB of RAM and optional Blu-ray

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Kensington Creates Lock for Ultra-Slim Notebooks

If you've got a thin notebook, you know that it's much easier to carry around than other notebooks. Thieves know it, too, and they'd love to make off with your computer while you're getting a refill on your latte. To help you safeguard your investment in style, Kensington has just released the MicroSaver DS Keyed Ultra-Thin Notebook Lock, because your lock should be just as svelte as your laptop.

Kensington is the name for notebook locks. While this one may be smaller than average, it's just as tough. It offers an advanced disk-style keyed locking mechanism, a rotating head and pivoting cable for easy connections, and a patented T-bar locking mechanism for added strength. It attaches to the security slot found on 99 percent of all notebooks. (Take a look--you've got one.) The lock has a six-foot carbon steel cable, comes with two keys, and even includes a rubber tie so you can wrap that cord up when you're not using it.

You can order the MicroSaver right now from Amazon for the already discounted price of $54.99. Plus, Amazon will throw in free shipping. Get one now and never worry about your skinny laptop sashaying off without you.

Dell unleashes power of Alienware M17x

It is nice to know that ever since Dell bought over extreme gaming brand Alienware, they haven’t really affected the company’s performance in any way. Dell still churns out reliable (for most people, anyways - there are always horror stories to tell of any brand in this world) notebooks and desktops for millions of people around the world each day, and Alienware sticks to what it does best - working on drool-worthy gaming machines that cost a bomb, and yet people won’t mind forking out good money for it due to the overall aesthetics as well as performance that come in a single package. Having said that, Alienware has rolled out yet another masterpiece today - the Alienware M17x gaming notebook that is set to blow your mind away.

While the M17x isn’t exactly the best kept secret in the world, it is nice to get an official announcement, where Dell has touted it to be the “most powerful laptop in the universe.” That’s surely stating their faith that advanced alien civilizations out there don’t exist - but that’s a different can of worms for another day. What can you expect from a thoroughbred like the Alienware M17x? For starters, check out what a fully pimped out model can offer.

• Dual 1GB nVidia GeForce GTX 280M GPUs
• An Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core CPU
• 8GB of 1333MHz DDR3 RAM
• A 1TB 7200-rpm (Raid 1 or Raid 0) or a 512MB of solid-state storage capacity
• A slot-loading dual-layer Blu-ray Disc Drive
• A nine-cell battery
• An nVidia GeForce 9400M G GPU with HybridPower technology
• 802.11n (2×2) Wi-Fi connectivity
• A 1920-by-1200-resolution edge-to-edge LCD Display

2GB of total video memory just blows our minds away. We’re guessing that this means the era of notebooks being viable gaming platforms is coming, although bringing down the price by a bunch would go a long way in helping that dream get realized. One thing’s for sure – we’d strongly recommend you sit right next to a power outlet if you plan to use this for more than a couple hours of hardcore gaming.

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Intel Updates $1,000 CPU

Intel bumped up the speeds of its Core i7 chips Tuesday night, while confirming that the "Clarkdale" chip combining graphics and a CPU was still slated to begin production in the fourth quarter.

Intel announced the 3.33-GHz Core i7 975 Extreme Edition, as well as the the 3.06-GHz Core i7 950, which Intel claims are the highest-performance enthusiast processors on the planet. And those chips are priced accordingly: an estimated $560 for the Core i7 950, and a whopping $999 for the Core i7 975.

Although the price may faze most consumers, enthusiasts eye the price/performance ratio. And that didn't dissuade ExtremeTech from favorably reviewing the processor, although the site's reviewers recommended a cheaper model.

"In the end, the Core i7 975 Extreme only offers the tiniest increment in CPU performance over the old 965," reviewer Loyd Case wrote. "Of course, it's the same price, so you're not paying more, even if the gain is slight. The Core i7 950 seems like a better deal than the 940, at around $560, but the big gap in price between the 950 and Core i7 920 begs to be filled.

"In the end, though, you can build yourself a Core i7 system and not break the bank," Case added. "One reason is the quirk in pricing for 6GB DDR3 kits, which are sometimes the same price, and occasionally cheaper than the 4GB kits with two modules."

Intel also looked forward to "Lynnfield," the next-generation platform shipping in the second half of 2009. Lynnfield will be a four-core, eight-thread processor built on the Nehalem architecture, complemented by the Intel P55 chipset. According to Intel, the Lynnfield will deliver 40 percent more integer performance versus the Q9650, or last year's "Penryn"-class chips.

Finally, Intel began showing off "Clarkdale," which integrates the graphics die within the package. By keeping the graphics die inside the package, the combined Clarkdale platform can theoretically offer increased performance and reduced latency versus a standalone chip; on the other hand, Intel's integrated graphics chipsets have usually lagged those of its competitors.

Clarkdale will also be on the Intel 5-series chipset platform, the company said, and feature a technology called "Braidwood," which appears to be an improved version of the "Robson" flash cache technology of 2006, which never gained much prominence.

The Lynnfield will be an eight-thread, four-core chip.

Pixel Qi ODMs for Taiwan

Pixel Qi, a startup founded by One Laptop Per Child's Mary Lou Jepsen, is in Taiwan this week showing off its energy-saving hybrid e-ink screens.

The company received the first screens back from its manufacturing facility on May 24, and have been showing them in Taiwan to ODMs interested in building devices around them. For now, Pixel Qi's demonstration machine is a retrofitted Acer notebook, seen above. The target audience, not so surprisingly, is laptop manufacturers.

You're probably familiar with the Kindle, which uses technology developed by E Ink (recently purchased by Kindle maker Prime View). E Ink technology effectively places the display into a static, powered-down state that can hold an image without power, dramatically extending a display's battery life. However, E Ink is, for now, a grayscale technology, and can not display video.

Pixel Qi, however, says it can operate in at least two modes, one where it can display video, in color, as well as a static e-ink mode. So far, Pixel Qi hasn't described the technology in detail, so we can't say for certain how much power the display consumes, how fast it can render video, or the resolution of such.

That last question may be answered with a product Pixel Qi says it is also developing: a sub-10 watt HDTV that can be sold for less than $100. It's an ambitious prpject, but so was the OLPC.

Jepsen is the founder and chief executive, and apparently also heavily involved with the design; she holds a doctorate in optical sciences as well as a degree in electrical engineering. Jepsen also ran the display division at Intel. Also of note: Carlin Vieri, who worked on the display used by the Apple iPhone.

Intel’s launches ultra-thin chips

Intel Corp has launched a lighter, power-saving microprocessor intended for use in ultra-thin laptops, a move by the top chip maker to shore up its lead in mobile computing.

The new processor, dubbed the Pentium SU2700, comes amid investors' fears that cheaper processors such as the Atom, designed for use in ultra-cheap netbooks, are cannibalizing the market share for higher-margin, more expensive chips.

Acer and Asustek have said they will build laptops with the chip, and Microsoft will ensure its software supports it.

Intel expects that by the fourth quarter of 2009, about a fifth of its consumer shipments will be for the new-generation laptops, slimmer and more energy-efficient.

Intel is upbeat on the ultra-thin market and expects "explosive growth in 2009, very similar to the netbook growth," Intel's director of mobile platforms product marketing Uday Marty said on a conference call.

Asutek, which in 2007 pioneered the successful low-cost, no-frills netbook PC in 2007, is expected to unveil five new laptop models based on the technology this year.

Analysts say Intel's CULV platform may offer a cheaper - but virtually as powerful - alternative to the traditional processors it makes for laptops, while enabling laptops to begin to approach the diminutive size of netbooks.

Intel on Monday also released three new Core 2 Duo processors and a new mobile chipset.

Nvidia Releases Names of Tegra Netbook Prototypes

Nvidia released some of the names and models of its Tegra-based netbooks and notebooks the company talked about on Monday.

In a post earlier today, Gizmodo pooh-poohed the no-names that are showing off the Tegra, an attitude that I think misses the point. Recall that Acer, Dell, HP and others don't actually build PCs any more; they use a network of Taiwan and Chinese ODMs to build them, and, increasingly, design them. Getting the Taiwan ODMs to back Tegra is a sly way to encourage OEMs to ship them.

But even the ODMs support isn't critical. Nvidia invited twenty or so mobile-phone carriers to Taiwan to try and persuade them to commission, say, a Verizon-branded netbook. that's where Nvidia sees the volume. Again, it's these ODMs that will be building them.

"Devices based on Nvidia Tegra will allow us to offer a mobile Internet device that delivers an amazing level of functionality at minimal cost or even free through subsidies," said Antonio Domit, Executive Technology Advisor to America Movil, Grupo Carso, and Inbursa, Latin American carriers, in a statement. America Movil, run by Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim, serves over 160 million customers in Latin America.

"The combination of a Tegra-based MID and our high-speed national coverage will allow millions of people to access the Internet and have an unprecedented experience," Domit said. "I can imagine the story is the same for every country around the world."

Some of the products include:

* Compal Communications, Inc. CN88 (netbook)
* ICD Ultra (tablet)
* Inventec Applications Corp. Rainbow (netbook)
* Mobinnova Mabo (tablet)
* Mobinnova ViewBook N910 (netbook)
* Pegatron Vivid (netbook)
* Wistron M5 (netbook)

Blu-Ray Drive, Multifunction Printer, iPhone Cleaning Cloth

I should tell you that there's talk of turning the Cheap Geek column into a network sitcom. So far it's just me talking to myself, but I think that qualifies.

1. You don't need a new computer to view Blu-ray discs. Just update your machine with this internal drive from LG. A high-def powerhouse, it views and burns Blu-ray DVDs, and even shows HD-DVDs. If you bought some HD-DVDs before that format lost the war, you'll still have a way to view them with this drive. NewEgg.com has it for $179.99 with free shipping.

2. You won't believe what $40 will get you from Staples.com today. It's selling refurbished Brother MFC-665CW printers for $39.99 after rebate, with free shipping. Yes, this multifunction has looks that only an office manager could love, but it provides printing, faxing, scanning, a built-in answering machine, and WiFi (802.11b/g) connectivity. It's everything your office needs for a super-low price.

3. Sometimes the deals in this column cost a bit of money (like the HDTVs), but here's one everyone can afford. Meritline.com is selling an iPhone screen protector and cleaning cloth for $0.69. To get that price, you'll need to enter coupon code MLC262010. It even gets free shipping. Now that's a deal.