Mobility Philippines

We are back!

2010-11-30T14:54:00.004+08:00

We are back, in a way so to speak. My interest in everything techie never seems to go away, and have put up a new blog to discuss my "hobby". However, the new blog focuses more on the hardware, than on the service providers. Please do pay it a visit.

We have a article on the best budget Android smartphones, here is our take on the newly released Windows Phone 7, and we have a a Netbook Buyers Guide here. Mobile is in our blood :)

A Windows Phone 7 powered HTC HD 7

So what is a CULV?

2009-08-02T10:57:00.005+08:00

The Consumer Ultra Low Voltage platform or CULV, is a "new" class of notebooks. I say new in the sense that netbooks were "new" last year. 10"~11" notebooks have been available for years, albiet at very high prices. With the release of new lower parts be Intel and other manufacturers, the netbook was created.

The CULV, which will be composed of 11"~14" lightweight notebooks (4 pounds of less) have been around for years too. With the new platform from Intel, presently consisting of an Intel Core 2 Solo Processor on Intel GS45 chipset. What are these these new parts. Basically, lower cost versions of what they put inside high end thin and light laptops.

Basically, if it has an Atom inside it a netbook, and it is a thin and light notebook under 50K its a CULV. Netbooks will be occupying the 15K~30K price range, with CULV's picking it up from there until just under 50K.

MSI X340 CULV = 13.3" at 3.5 lbs for less than 50K

But what is a netbook and what is a CULV is already getting a bit muddled. With Atom powered 13.3" units from MSI (the X340) and a 11.6" Aspire One migrating to CULV status with Intel Core 2 Solo chip inside on the way.

In the end it does not matter. In the past two years, the cost of getting light ultraportable has gone down to a fraction of the price. They all do run pretty well. They are all less powerful than the mainstream notebook. The CULV is really just a larger more expensive netbook... or a cheaper thin and light laptop, depending on your perspective.

Mobility Philippines: Privacy Policy

2009-07-24T12:13:00.001+08:00

Google Advertising Cookie and Privacy Policies

What is the DoubleClick DART cookie?

The DoubleClick DART cookie is used by Google in the ads served on publisher websites displaying AdSense for content ads. When users visit an AdSense publisher's website and either view or click on an ad, a cookie may be dropped on that end user's browser. The data gathered from these cookies will be used to help AdSense publishers better serve and manage the ads on their site(s) and across the web.

What should I put in my privacy policy?

Your posted privacy policy should include the following information about Google and the DoubleClick DART cookie:

Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on your site.
Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to your users based on their visit to your sites and other sites on the Internet.
Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy.

Because publisher sites and laws across countries vary, we're unable to suggest specific privacy policy language. However, you may wish to review resources such as the Network Advertising Initiative, or NAI, which suggests the following language for data collection of non-personally identifying information:

We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.

You can find additional information in Appendix A of the NAI Self-Regulatory principles for publishers (PDF). Please note that the NAI may change this sample language at any time.

The Netbook, CULV and the Notebook

2009-07-22T12:53:00.006+08:00

When the Asus Eee 700 PC first came out, it was finally given the name netbook. With a 2GB to 4GB SSD Drive, tiny screen and keyboard, this little device was best used for surfing the net and basic multimedia like viewing pictures or watching lower resolution video content. Less than a year later, with 80GB to 250GB hard drives, 1GB to 2GB of RAM, larger 8.9" to 10.2" screens and nearly full sized keyboards, the name netbook no longer seem appropriate but it stuck.

Netbooks in reality are lower powered lower cost sub-notebooks. This also brought laptops back to their original intent, mobility. Why do I say that... over the past five years, laptops have gotten fatter and heavier. Just compare an older IBM Thinkpad T Series laptop with the current Lenovo Thinkpad T61, and you will find it has gained half a pound or so. Basically, with more of everything, more memory, larger hard drives and more features like webcam's, bluetooth, card readers and the like, gaining a bit of weight is inevitable. Similarly, my last 12.1" Acer weighed in at over four pounds. It was small, but thin and light it was not.

With low powered netbooks being a hit, the more upmarket CULV was conceived.

With a 13.3" screen and 3.5 lbs, the Acer Aspire Timeline 3810 is a CLUV.

So what is a CULV?

CULV stands for a Consumer Ultra Low Voltage is a new computing platform created by Intel. Man you will already be familiar with the ULV or Ultra Low Voltage chips found in high end thin and light laptops like the Dell D430 series and Lenovo X61 and X301 These 12.1" to 13.3" notebooks, while having generally lower powered processors and lacking a built in optical drives command a premium price because of their light weight at about 3 to 3.5 pounds.

The new key word in the mix, is "Consumer", meaning low cost.

To be continued.

Wireless Internet - Prepaid Options

2009-07-18T11:43:00.004+08:00

Mobility 3G has updated its article on wire prepaid internet options. The good news is, prepaid mobile internet is not cheaper. Getting a Smart of Globe USB modem prepaid kit is down to less than 2K and PLDT we roam dropped their prices by almost 20%.

Looking at the options... with the prepaid kit being Php100 less and charging being in Php5 per 15 minute block rather than Php10 per 30 minute block, Globe Tatoo (aka Globe Visibility) is looking like the best option right now.

You can mull over your prepaid options at Mobility 3G.

Travellers Tips

2009-06-28T23:47:00.005+08:00

Among the worst places to leave a laptop is in the back seat of a car or a hotel room. Like cellphones, laptops are high value targets for thieves and robbers.

Hotel Rooms are not safe either. Last week a couple of friends of mine had a conference at the Oxford Hotel in the Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga. Two laptops were stolen from their rooms. The owners felt secure since the room doors had electronic locks. Unfortunately it looks like someone else had access to keys for the room other than the room guests.

How do you keep your laptop safe? Some tips.

1. If you must leave your laptop in the car, the trunk is the better place, or if in the back seat make sure it is not in plain view. Carry your laptop in a bag that does not scream laptop.

2. Carry something small and light so that you feel less inclined to leave it in your car or hotel room.

3. Most importantly, if you are on the road a lot, remember to back up your files. Laptops get stolen. The loss of a laptop is bad, the lost of the data inside is more troublesome.

Nokia E75

2009-06-28T01:04:00.003+08:00

My two years were up, so I applied for a phone for my Smart Gold post paid plan. I am still pretty happy with my two year old E61i, and have some reservations about the smaller keypad and screen of the E71, so instead of getting a new unit for myself, I decided to get one for my wife instead. Initially, I was going to get her the Nokia 5800, but the waiting list on the unit with Smart Communications is so long, I decided to just get her the Nokia E75. I asked to do a write-up on the phone after she uses it for a bit. At the same time I will be borrowing it from time to time to do speed tests on Smart's HSDPA/HSPA capable cellsites.

Speedtest from Rockwell

2008-10-01T09:51:00.007+08:00

With Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular now both having HSDPA services, Smart Telecom's 3G service with 384kbps is the slowest among the three mobile phone companies. Still, it the past it became our choice for having great network coverage and for its consistency.

While we use this service a lot, it has been sometime since we last conducted a speed test on our Smart 3G connection.

From Starbucks, Rockwell in Makati to the PLDT Server, also in Makati. Of course this one will be good.

Than to the server at Singapore.

The tested speeds are closed enough to the promise speeds. It is good to see the Smart 3G has managed to keep its network consistently free from congestion rather than the roller coaster like service (fast when new... and crawls later when more and more users avail of the service) which has become associated with internet services.

What is a UMPC? What is a netbook?

2008-09-24T11:43:00.002+08:00

The UMPC or Ultra-Mobile PC was conceived as a small portable device weighing 2 pounds or less with a screen size of between 5"-7". The original Asus Eee PC 700, and its 7" rivals fit into this concept.

This is how the "traditional UMPC" looks like. Problem was, UMPC's were supposed to be cheap, but until the Asus Eee PC 700, UMPC's were very expensive limiting their market.

This year we have seen larger 8.9"-10" "UMPC's" with larger hard drives, 4 to 6-cell batteries and coming in at almost 3 pounds. Three pounds may seem light, but remember the high end 12.1" thin and light notebooks like the Dell Latitude D430 or Lenovo Thnkpad X61 weigh about that much too. Strictly speaking, these 8.9"-10" "UMPC's" are actually sub-notebooks. However, they have been called netbooks.

What seems to distinguish the sub-notebook and the netbook is the processor. The sub-notebooks run on low voltage high end Intel Core2 Duo processors... while the netbooks run on low cost Atom processors.

Well, this is one explanation at least. All in all, the laptop nomenclature is getting confusing with all the new devices being released.

Update on UMPC pricing

2008-09-19T23:23:00.012+08:00

Update on UMPC prices:

Blue H1 UMPC (Linux) - Php9,950

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Via 1.0 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 40 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Linux

Blue H1 UMPC (Windows) - Php11,450

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Via 1.0 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 40 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Linux

Asus Eee PC 701 2G - Php12,300

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 2 GB
OS: Xandros Linux

Asus Eee PC 701 4G - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 4 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Xandros Linux

Asus Eee PC 900 12G - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 12 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP

Asus PC EEE 900 20G - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 20 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Xandros Linux

Redfox 8" Wizbook 800 - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 8"
Processor: AMD LX700 400 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 20 GB
Webcam: No
OS: Linux

Acer Aspire One - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 8GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Linpus Linux Lite

Redfox 10.2" Wizbook 800 - Php18,800

Quick specs:
Screen: 10"
Processor: AMD LX800 500 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 60 GB
Webcam: No
OS: Linux

MSI Wind U100lx - Php19,999

Quick specs:
Screen: 10"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 160 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: DOS

Dell Inspiron Mini 9 - Php24,599

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 16 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP

HP Mini Note 2133 1.0 GHz - Php24,950

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Via 1.0 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 120 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Suse Linux

MSI Wind U100xp- Php25,999

Quick specs:
Screen: 10"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6 GHz
Memory: 2 GB
Storage Space: 160 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP Home

Asus Eee PC 1000H - Php26,200

Quick specs:
Screen: 10"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 80 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP

Acer Aspire One (Windows) - Php26,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 120GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP

HP Mini Note 2133 1.2 GHz - Php29,950

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Via 1.2 GHz
Memory: 2 GB
Storage Space: 120 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows Vista Basic

Gigabyte U60/Blue H1 Ultra Mobile Tablet PC - Php29,999

Quick specs:
Screen: 6.5"
Processor: Via 1.2 GHz
Memory: 768 MB
Storage Space: 30 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows Vista

Gigabyte M12 Tablet Notebook - Php29,999

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 160GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP

HP Mini Note 2133 1.6 GHz - Php34,950

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Via 1.6 GHz
Memory: 2 GB
Storage Space: 160 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows Vista Business

Cheapest UMPC in the market

2008-09-19T23:23:00.003+08:00

The Blue H1 Ultra Mobile PC was one of the original competitors of the Asus Eee PC 701. These original 7" LCD screen UMPC's are still in the market today, although they seem to be disappearing with the deluge of 8.9" and 10.2" models. The Blue H1 Ultra Mobile PC looks like it is going to be getting more attention near the end of its life. It is priced now at Php9,995 for the Linux powered model, down from Php16,995. The Windows XP powered version is priced at Php11,495. Both versions are now the cheapest UMPC's available in the market.

Specifications:

Processor:VIA Esther 1.0 GHz
Memory:1GB DDR2
Video:7.0-inch Wide TFT, WXGA (800x480)
Harddisk:40GB Mobile
Audio:Built-in speakers
Ports:2 x USB 2.0
LAN:10/100Mbps
Wi-Fi:802.11b/g Wireless LAN
Weight:1.20 kg.
Features:Card reader; Web Camera and Touch pad
Up to 4 hours battery life

Netbooks Wars Heat Up

2008-09-18T00:24:00.012+08:00

Battle @ 15,900 - Acer v. Asus

The prices on the 8.9" netbooks have been dropping. The Asus Eee PC 900 20 GB Linux netbook and its Windows XP powered counterpart, the Asus Eee PC 900 12 GB are both now priced at Php15,900. That is 9K lower than its initial release price of Php24,900. More important is that it matches the price of the Acer Aspire One 8GB Linux model, which recently dropped from Php18,800 to Php15,900.

Asus wins in storage size and OS options. The Acer wins in the keyboard department. I prefer the Acer, though I can imagine most would prefer the Asus XP powered model.

Battle @ Php26,000 - Asus v. MSI

At Php26,900 we do have the Acer Aspire One Windows version and the beautiful aluminum HP B2133 (Linux) ay Php24,950... but these are a pair of a 8.9" netbooks facing off against a pair of 10.2" offerings from MSI and Asus. For this much money, I think most people would want 10 inches of LCD.

Dell will be offering their 8.9" Dell Mini 9 with Windows XP at Php24,599... 8.9" LCD... 16GB or smaller storage... @ Php24.5K... too little too late?

Between the Asus Eee PC 1000H (Php26,200) and the MSI Wind U100xp (Php25,999), it is a close fight. The Asus has the 6-cell battery and bluetooth. The MSI 160GB hard drive (promo) is twice as large as the one found in the Asus and is a bit smaller and lighter. Both come with Windows XP.

The MSI Wind is a nice choice, but since we buy these things to carry around, the 6-cell battery gives the Asus the knock-out punch. But...

Alone at 20K - MSI

At this price we had the 10.2" Geode Powered Redfox with a Linux OS, which looked like a decent option. But now MSI has released a Wind U100lx a Php19,999. The MSI Wind U100lx is basically a MSI Wind U100xp without an OS. Bundle it with Microsoft Windows XP Starter Edition (Php1,999) or download your favorite Linux distribution... and it gives you a nice 20K Linux box or a Php22K Windows machine. Kind of kills the Redfox we think even if the Redfox price has gone down to Php18,800. Makes life really hard for the 26K netbooks too.

The changing landscape of portable computers

2008-09-14T09:36:00.011+08:00

Asus Eee PC 1000H: Widows XP + 10" + 80GB + 6 cell battery = 3.2 lbs @ Php26,200

The traditional ultraportable laptop was an expensive thin-and-light 12" laptop. Examples of these were the IBM X Series, Dell D400 series and HP NC4000 series laptops. Weighing in at about 3 pounds, these laptops were light but used to command prices near or over Php100,000, much higher than larger 14"~15" laptops. Today 12" thin and light laptops still cost about Php70,000 or more.

In 2007 we started seeing a new class of 12" laptops. These laptops weighed in at 4 pounds, but also brought prices down to the Php40,000 level, and slowly dropped to the Php35,000 price they hold today- HP's B12xx series, Acer's 2920 and MSI's 12" laptops. Despite the reduction in price of the not-so-thin not-so-light 12", smaller and lighter laptops, they still carried a small premium over the entry level 14.1"~15.4" laptops.

By the end of 2007, Asus would introduce a new class of laptops, the 7" Eee PC, which brought a small 2 pound low cost ultra-mobile personal computer at under Php20,000. The new category created by the Asus Eee PC, the so called Netbooks is quickly branching out into two categories. The 8.9"~10.2" Netbooks which are mainly powered by MS Windows and have large hard drives which allow them to actually become replacements for the traditional 12" portable laptops. These are priced at Php25,000 and above.

MSI Wind 10" (Windows): Windows XP + 10" + 160GB hard drive + 3 cell = 2.3 lbs @ Php25,999

Falling under the second category are the 7"~10.2" Netbooks which are powered by Linux and have smaller capacity SSD drives which are better suited as a second PC, for a laptop of desktop owner. These units are priced at under Php20,000 and is the category I find more interesting.

Acer Aspire One (Linux): Linux + 8.9" + 8GB + 3 cell battery = 2.2 lbs @ Php15,900

Last year, when I selected my current laptop, I selected a 4 pound 12" Acer TravelMate 6291 laptop. A compromise between portability, price and usability. Next time around, I will simply get two units to do the job of one: a larger heavier lower cost 14.1"~15.4" laptop (actually, the bigger the better) which would be good for dragging around between the home and the office: and, a small low cost 8.9" unit to take everywhere else.

What are your thoughts on the proper place for these new Netbooks in the greater scheme of portable computers?

Sun Broadband Wireless

2008-09-13T21:33:00.005+08:00

This article is no longer current. For updated information on mobile internet rates please visit Mobility 3G.

Sun Cellular has launched its new 3G based wireless broadband service. The service is accessed via a 3G/HSDPA USB modem. Plans start as low as Php799 a month for a 384kbps connection with 60 hours of usage. Usage in excess of 60 hours a month is charged at Php0.30 per minute. Plan 999 (Php999 monthly) gives you unlimited use at 384 kbps.

Sun Cellular also has an HSDPA service which has a maximum speed of 1.4 mbps at Plan 1999 (Php1,999 monthly). The HSDPA plan is unlimited.

All plans, have a 24-month lock-in period. All plans also have no connection fee, making this one of the lowest cost mobile broadband options in the market.

At present the area of coverage is Las Pinas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan and Taguig.

Dell Inspiron Mini 9

2008-09-10T07:58:00.004+08:00

The long awaited 8.9" Dell E, the Dell entry into the low cost netbook wars finally came out last week. Well, abroad at least. We will have to wait a bit longer for its Philippine release. The 8.9" Dell E, is now officially called the Dell Inspiron Mini 9. The base version comes in at US$349, with the following specifications:

1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor
8.9" LCD Screen (1024x600)
512MB RAM
4GB SSD
4-cell battery
Ubunto Linux 8.04

Upgrading to a 8GB SSD Drive and Windows XP Home brings the price up to US$399. Going to a larger 16GB Hard Drive and 1 GB of RAM brings the price up to US$449.

Dell is going to have to get the pricing right if it wants to make a dent in the local netbook market. It is releasing a 8.9" netbook into a market where the 10.2" version is king. If Dell wants to be noticed, it would need to release a Windows version under 20K.

It is better to light a candle...

2008-08-31T22:49:00.006+08:00

...than curse the darkness.

Or these days, be thankful that you are using a laptop and can fire up 3G in case of a power outage. Well, that is what I am using now. A power outage, the second one tonight, disabled every piece of electronic device in the house. No lights, no air-conditioner and no television. Most importantly, no television. Made me wonder what my forefathers used to do when the sun went down before the advent of electricity (or maybe life was more interesting back then... hhhmmm).

After sitting bored in the darkness for a bit, I decided to surf the net. Power outages do not take down the cellular network, and Smart 3G network was up. Laptop on, 3G connected and surfing. Seems like I am all set. The problem is, a laptop keyboard does not light up. My old IBM Thinkpad R50e had a small light on the hood for occasions like this.

It is not a big deal though because I have a candle providing light for my keyboard. Next trip to the mall, I am picking up one of those small USB led lights. This would be useful in a darkened airplane during flight and many other low light similar situations. Cd-r King has them for Php80. Basically, no reason for anyone not to get one.

But for this night, well, I will just light a candle, and surf, rather than curse the darkness.

Asus EEE PC1000H @ 26K

2008-08-15T08:05:00.004+08:00

Just when we were lamenting the high price of the new Asus EEE Pc 1000H, which we found being sold from Php29,892 (Villman's) to Php32,000 (Rising Sun), we found Cooltoyz started it at a Php26,200 price. The version at Cooltoyz is the same one being sold for 29-32K with a 10" screen, 1GB of RAM, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, a 80GB hard drive and Windows XP Home.

This price puts it head to head with the MSI Wind, and the 8.9" Windows Powered Acer One (which does have a larger 120GB hard drive though). For 26K though, we think the Asus Eee PC 1000H is the best choice.

Asus Eee PC 1000H is here (ho-hum)

2008-08-14T14:48:00.004+08:00

The Asus Eee PC 1000H is here. Our delay in posting is in a part due to our diminishing interest the newer netbooks. The 1000H is a 10" Asus Eee PC. Screen resolution is 1024x600. The 1000H is powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor with 1 GB of RAM. Storage is via a conventional hard drive hard which is 80GB's in size. It draws power from a 6-cel battery, probably good for about 4 hours. The 1000H also comes bundled with Windows XP Home. Like other high-end netbooks it has webcam (1.3MP), WiFi, and Bluetooth.

Why the diminished interest? Well the Asus PC Eee is going for Php29,900... that is just a stone's throw away from a 12" Acer Laptop with an optical drive and dual core processor... well the 12" does not come with Windows at the price. You can also get a who range of 14"-15.4" laptops for under 30K.

A 12"-15" laptop can replace your desktop, and be portable to different degrees. A netbook is best as a secondary unit. With the higher prices, the newer units get less interesting, and the older 7" and lower cost 8.9" models start to capture our attention more.

Acer Aspire One - Windows Version

2008-08-12T12:08:00.006+08:00

The Windows version of the Acer Aspire One is now available in the market. Unfortunately, the speculations that it would priced just a bit higher than its Linux version proved to be incorrect. The Windows versions of the Acer Aspire One is priced at Php26,900.

Instead of Linpus Linux Lite as the operating system is comes with Windows Vista Home Basic. RAM has been upgraded to 1GB (which is the minimum we would recommend with Vista). Instead of the 8GB SSD for storage, the Windows version comes with a 120GB conventional hard drive. It also comes with a 6-cell battery instead of the 3-cell battery of its Linux sibling.

The other specification of the Windows version of the Acer Aspire One are the same as it cheaper Linux brother: an 8.9-inch screen (1024x600), 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, Wi-Fi for connectivity, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and card reader.

The Linux version of the Acer Aspire One, sells for Php18,800, now also with 1GB of RAM. So basically, the Windows OS, additional 112GB of storage, and larger battery will cost you Php8,100 more.

We are less than thrilled with the price being higher than Php25K 10" MSI Wind. Hopefully Dell brings lower cost Windows options to the party.

Neo eXplore X2

2008-08-02T22:41:00.004+08:00

Neo has a 9" version of the Neo eXplore X1 Classmate PC launched last March 2008 called the eXplore X2. Specifications are pretty similar to the X1 with but its sports the larger LCD screen and a larger 40GB hard drive. Battery has been reduced from a 6-cell battery in the X1 to a 4-cell battery in the X2.

Price is Php18,999.

Specifications:

LCD : 9" - 800 x 480 color LCD
CPU : Intel Mobile Processor 900 Mhz
Chipset : Intel GMS915
Memory : 512 MB
Storage : 40 GB HDD
Audio : Built-in-2-channel audio, speaker, and microphone
Network : 10/100M Ethernet + 802.11 b/g Wifi
Card Reader : SD/MMC
USB : 2 x USB 2.0
Battery : 4-cells Lithium ion,
Dimension : 245 x 196 x 44mm
Weight : 1.45 kg

Asus Eee PC 1000H to be launched tomorrow

2008-07-22T21:12:00.008+08:00

The Asus Eee PC 1000H is being officially launched in the Philippines tomorrow. The 10 in the 1000H indicates that it is a 10" netbook. The H, indicates that it comes with a hard drive rather than a Solid State Disk. Screen resolution is 1024x600. The hard drive is 80GB's in size. The 1000H is powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor with 1 GB of RAM. The 1000H also comes bundled with Windows XP. The 1000H comes with a six cell battery which is supposedly good for 7 hours, but we estimate 4 hours in normal use.

Like other netbooks it has webcam (1.3MP) and WiFi. The 1000H also has Bluetooth. It's specifications indicate that it is meant to hunt down the MSI Wind. Having a suggested retail price of US$549, it should be price close too (but higher than the MSI Wind). Unfortunately, no 3G of HSDPA in this model.

The 1000H comes in two shades of black, two shades of white, red and green.

Solution to XP problem with Acer Aspire One SSD version?

2008-07-17T09:55:00.004+08:00

For those who want to install Windows on their SSD powered Acer Aspire One, there appears to be a solution to the problem posted in at Acer Aspire One User. The fix is found in the thread entitled Steps to a happy XP experience. Been following this thread hoping the someone could post benchmarks to see how compatible Windows is with this fix, but so far no luck. But if you really need Windows on a Acer Aspire One SSD, it least we are pretty sure it can run better following the steps outlined in the forum.

Acer Aspire One 8GB SSD version and Windows XP

2008-07-12T12:54:00.003+08:00

There is apparently why Acer is offering the 8GB SSD version of the Aspire One with a Linux OS only. There is a compatibility problem between the SSD drivers and Widnows XP. If you try to install Windows XP in the 8GB SSD version of the Acer Aspire One, you will get really sllooowwww performance.

Acer has a Windows XP version of the Acer Aspire One with a conventional 80GB mechanical hard drive. If you want Windows in your Aspire One, than do not get the one with the SSD drive.

Update: There appears to be a solution to this problem. Go to this link here.

The Acer Aspire One is here!

2008-07-08T11:22:00.008+08:00

The Acer Aspire One is here, and priced to kill the Asus Eee PC, HP 2133 Mini-note. and maybe even the 10" MSI Wind. At a price of Php18,800 it comes a Linpus Linux Lite OS, an 8.9-inch screen (1024x600), and is powered 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor coupled with 512MB of RAM built in plus 512Mb of RAM in the expansion slot for a total of 1GB of RAM. Storage for the entry level model is via a 8GB SSD. In addition it has Wi-Fi for connecitvity and a 1.3-megapixel webcam and card reader as standard features. A 80GB hard drive and Windows OS are also available as options.

The mini-book comes in blue and white. Looks like waiting time for a UMPC/mini-book is over.

Well... there is still the Dell coming (but that another two months or so...aaaggghhh... I don't think I am waiting for that one). But for now, it looks like Acer is about to leave the others in the dust.

Mini-book Wars Heating Up

2008-07-03T10:57:00.014+08:00

Updated on July 8, 2008.

The mini-book wars are heating up...

Currently available:

Asus PC EEE 701 2G - Php12,300

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 2 GB
OS: Xandros Linux

Asus PC EEE 701 4G - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 4 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Xandros Linux

Redfox Wizbook 800 - Php15,900

Quick specs:
Screen: 8"
Processor: AMD LX700 400 MHz
Memory: 512 Mb
Storage Space: 20 GB
Webcam: No
OS: Linux

Blue H1 UMPC - Php18,000

Quick specs:
Screen: 7"
Processor: Via 1.0 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 40 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Linux

Acer Aspire One - Php18,800

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 8GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Linpus Linux Lite

Asus PC EEE 900 - Php23,500

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Intel Celeron 900 MHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 20 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Xandros Linux

HP Mini Note 2133 1.0 GHz - Php24,950

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Via 1.0 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 120 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Suse Linux

MSI Wind 10" - Php24,999

Quick specs:
Screen: 10"
Processor: Intel Atom 1.6 GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Storage Space: 80 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows XP Home

HP Mini Note 2133 1.2 GHz - Php29,950

Quick specs:
Screen: 8.9"
Processor: Via 1.2 GHz
Memory: 2 GB
Storage Space: 120 GB
Webcam: Yes
OS: Windows Vista Basic

There is a 1.6 GHz HP Mini Note 2133, but we have not seen this one in the wild.

... and Acer's and Dell's on the horizon.

While Acer's 12" notebook is still available at just under 30K at Cooltoyz, well we recommend that. A 12" is probably a better choice for many.

I am sticking with my 12" Acer Travelmate 6291 for now. Besides, I still have two years on the warranty. Am pretty happy with the notebook after one year. Wear and tear is less than that suffered by my magnesium alloy cased HP after the same period of use. So Acer can expect my money again come replacement time. But we are going off-topic...

We hope to see the Acer One soon. The Dell will be some time coming. Acer had better hurry up because once the low cost Acer 2920Z's at Cooltoz are gone, they really don't have anything to offer at the ultra-portable below 30K segment.

At 35K for the Acer 2920Z versus 25K for the MSI Wind or HP Mini-Note, well, it looks like MSI and HP will win this round. At least until the Acer One shows up, that is.