Acer Timeline 1810TZ is like a cross between the Timeline series and the Aspire One series. Not sure when this model will reach the Philippines but the’ve been released in HK for just two weeks only.

Specs include an Intel Pentium Dual Core SU4100 at 1.3GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Intel GMA 4500M (796MB @ 1366×768), WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, HDMI port, Bluetooth and a 6-cell battery that can last up to 8 hours. The battery does not protrude much at the back unlike the AO751.

The unit comes pre-installed with Windows 7 (Windows Experience Index gives it a nice 3.2 score).

Like the other Acer Timeline notebooks, this one does not come cheap. Price was USD$750 or about Php35,000 at the Duty Free of HKIA.

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The new design was created by Studio Tord Boontje which is said to be inspired by nature. As such, there lid cover has some 30 etched designs of animals in an HP 3D Imprint.

The specs are the same as the old HP Mini 110. This is mostly a limited edition design like the one b Vivienne Tam.

HP Philippines also showcased the HP Mini 311 and the HP Mini 5101 during the launch last night but did not mention them (could be on a separate event in the future).

The Tord Boontje edition will have a suggested retail price of Php27,950 and should be available in stores.

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Portege T110 specs:
11.6″ WXGA @ 1366×768 pixels
Intel Pentium Single Core SU2700 @ 1.3GHz
1GB DDR3 RAM (up to 4GB)
Intel GMA 4500M up to 828MB Memory
250GB SATA HDD
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
3 USB 2.0 ports with Sleep-n-Charge
HDMI port
5-in-1 Card Reader
6-cell Lithium Ion battery

Weighs about 1.58kg and has Windows 7 Home Basic is pre-installed. The Sleep-n-Charge feature allows you to charge devices (phones, camera, etc) over the USB port even if the laptop is shut down.

Portege T130 specs:
13.3″ WXGA @ 1366×768 pixels
Intel Pentium Dual Core SU4100 @ 1.3GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 @ 1.3GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 @ 1.4GHz
2GB DDR3 RAM (up to 4GB for GS40 and 8GB for GS45 chipset)
Intel GMA 4500M up to 828MB Memory
320GB and 500GB SATA HDD
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
3 USB 2.0 ports with Sleep-n-Charge
HDMI port
5-in-1 Card Reader
6-cell Lithium Ion battery

This model weighs about 1.76kg and has Windows 7 Home Premium is pre-installed.

The trackpad has multi-touch feature with gesture support. Asked about the claim of 11 hours battery life, Toshiba Product Manager says this is under optimal settings (meaning WiFi, Bluetooth turned off and low light) but real-world tests showed 5 to 6 hours of continuous video playback.

The Portege T110 will have a retail price of about Php39,000+ while the Portege T130 will be around Php49,000.

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The MSI Wind U210 is a pretty large netbook, weighing in at 1.45kg (3.19lbs) with the 6-cell battery while the 9-cell version that I bought is heavier at 1.6kg (3.52lbs). And though most of the other 12-inch netbooks have a diagonal screen size of just 11.6 inches, the U210 is larger at 12.1″.

In many respects, this model is like a cheap, full-fledged notebook without a built-in optical drive. I remember buying a similarly-spec’ed 12″ Compaq-Presario laptop 2 years ago worth Php55k.

The design is similar to the first generation Wind netbooks — glossy lid cover, glossy display screen and about an inch thick, not counting the protruding 9-cell battery at the bottom. It’s got a wide and textured trackpad with separate left and right click-pads which are pretty easy to use. There are 3 USB ports, a multi-card reader, LAN port, VGA port and and HDMI port to output HD videos to external monitors.

Standard specs of this unit is also above average with 2GB DDR2 RAM, 250GB HDD, WiFi draft-N, HDMI and option for 9-cell battery. Unfortunately, Bluetooth is missing (although the F9 function key has a Bluetooth icon printed in it) — prolly to save on production cost.

Most interesting part is the AMD Athlon Neo X2 processor that powers this unit. It’s a dual core CPU running at 1.6GHz.

On Windows 7 Ultimate, it scores high on Windows Experience Index with 3.0 as the lowest sub-score assigned on the graphics card (ATI Radeon Xpress 1270). The CPU alone got a sub-score of 4.1, the highest we’ve when compared to the Intel atom N270, N280 and Z530. Video performance is also good and capable of playing HD videos as well as streaming YouTube HD.

However, that extra juice that the dual-core CPU is pumping also becomes a problem when it comes to battery life. For a 9-cell battery, I was expecting between 6 to 8 hours of battery life on a single full charge. Even after several optimization and tweaks, I could not even get it to last more than 5 hours. On average, you’d get 4.5 hours with the 9-cell battery. I wonder how would the standard 6-cell battery perform? My guess is 3 to 3.5 hours.

So far, the MSI Wind12 U210 is one of the most responsive and powerful unit in the netbook category I’ve ever reviewed. The only drawback is that it’s also power-hungry so battery life is below average. Surprisingly, the unit does not feel hot even on prolonged use — probably due to the ventilation offered by the protruding battery at the bottom (PC Wizard records CPU temp between 53 to 57 degrees though which is high IMO).

Shops are selling this for a promo price of Php23k without an operating system so you’ll need to shell out a couple more thousand bucks for an OS license or you can get the version with Windows Vista for Php28k. Standard battery is 6-cell and the 9-cell model I got was during the promo period. If you have an old XP license or Windows 7 RC at home, maybe the Php23k price is a good deal.

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As mentioned in earlier posts, the HP Mini 5101 is powered by an Intel atom N280 @ 1.66GHz, GMA 950, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, WiFi and Bluetooth in a 10.1″ screen @ 1024×600 resolution — almost similar in specs with the HP Mini 2140 with some upgrades. The 6-cell battery protrudes at bit at the bottom end and gets me about 5 hours of power.

It feels a little thick though from the side compared to the other HP Minis they’ve released earlier. The chicklet-type keys are also smaller but are more spaced apart.

The unit has Windows 7 Professional pre-installed and Windows Experience Index gave it a score of 2.1. An HP exec told me they introduced this earlier to their corporate clients but the units are also being sold by distributors for Php23,995. I have yet to see these in stores though.

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From the looks of it, the exterior design is similar to the U210 and only the specs have been changed:

MSI Wind12 U200
Intel Core 2 SU3500 ULV 1.4GHz
Intel GMA 4500M HD
WiFi 802.11n
12.1″ screen @ 1366×768 pixels
2GB DDR2 RAM
320GB HDD
1.3MP webcam
3 x USB 2.0, HDMI port
6-cell battery

The ad says it comes with Windows 7 but does not say which version. Suggested retail price is Php28,500. This is the cheapest CULV portable laptop we’ve seen in the market so far.

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Xitrix TravelPro M-10
10.1″ glossy screen @ 1024×600 pixels
Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz
Intel GMA 950
2GB DDR2 RAM
320GB HDD (upgradeable to 500GB)
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Built-in 3G Module (optional)
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
3 x USB 2.0 ports
1.3MP webcam
3-cell & 6-cell battery
Multi-card reader
External DVD+RW drive
Windows 7 Starter

The 6-cell model without the 3G module has a regular price of Php22,995 while the one with the 3G is about Php27k. Xitrix has been dealing with companies and SMEs before and only now that they are introducing their products to regular consumers.

They have an introductory promo price of Php4,000 discount on these netbooks if you buy them on or before Friday the 13th (that makes it Php18,995 for the specs above). Their sales line is (02) 926.82.79 or email sales@xitrix.net.

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This is from a Hong Kong supplier of @artsamaniego who originally got it for Php45,000.

The Booklet 3G is Nokia’s first introduction to the netbook market.

Nokia Booklet 3G Specs:
10.1″ @ 1280×720 pixel resolution
Intel Atom Z530 1.6 GHz
1GB DDR2 RAM
120GB HDD
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
3G Modem (data only, no voice)
Integrated GPS and A-GPS
1.3MP camera
HDMI port
3 x USB 2.0 ports
SD card reader
1.25kg

What do you guys think? Is Php39k worth it to have the first Nokia netbook? If people thought the Nokia N97 was worth it for Php34k, I’m sure an additional Php5k for a Nokia netbook is a deal.

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For complete specs, check here. For details on how much and where to buy, check here. For a side-by-side comparison between the HP Mini 311 and the MSI Wind12 U210, go here.

The HP Mini 311 looks real cool so far. Been in the box for a couple days now since I was searching for my old tripod for the video unboxing. As mentioned earlier, the DVD+RW drive comes with the box.

Now, we can do some real-world performance comparison with this one and the MSI Wind U210. If you have suggestions on which benchmark tools I’ll use, please let me know in the comments.

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The only other point-and-shoot camera I can think of that has almost the same features as the Olympus Tough 8000 is the Canon Powershot D10 we saw back in March.

The Tough 8000 looks practically like your regular PnS camera only that it is housed in a solid stainless steel case all around with additional screws to re-enforce the solid construction. As such, you can sit or step on this camera without worry of breaking it apart (can support 100 kilos of pressure). That, and you can actually drop it over a height of two meters (6.6 feet) and will still work fine.

The battery compartment, card slot and USB ports are sealed tight with a plastic and metal latch coupled with rubber padding to keep water out. That way, you can bring this camera to the beach and take shots underwater up to a depth of 10 meters or 33 feet.

A couple of weeks back, Olympus reps brought us to a Subic Bay trip for a media challenge using the Mju Tough 8000. Using the camera, we shot our trip over at the Tree Top Adventure Park and the Ocean Adventure. Here are some of the sample photos we took during that trip.

The lens has a 3.6x optical zoom, 288mm wide (5.0-18.2mm, f/1:3.5-5.1) and has maximum a 12MP resolution.

The Mju Tough 8000 has a built-in photo-stitching feature that allows you to compose a wide panoramic picture using a series of stitched shots, all done but the camera automatically. Unfortunately, our camera ran out of juice halfway the challenge so we had to borrow units from the other teams to complete the other shots (underwater with the dolphins).

We were able to do some drop test and bathtub test before the event, just to make sure it worked as claimed. Here are some of the short clips I uploaded on YouTube.

Was also able to borrow a review unit later so I did a lengthier underwater video to show the recording quality. This is just a shot from inside our aquarium at home with a yellow lamp for lighting. The video is only VGA resolution at 640×480 pixels but still takes some pretty decent footages.

The camera can also withstand cold temperatures so if you’re shooting in cold or icy weather (down to negative 10), it will still work. The only way we can simulate that is by dunking the camera in a bucket of ice or putting it inside the freezer. Only problem is the fog accumulating outside the lens that blurs all your shots.

The Li-Ion battery is rated at 925mAh and could get easily drained within half a day on heavy use. Storage is via an XD or microSD card (adapter included) that’s also tucked inside the battery compartment.

The Olympus Tough 8000 is not your regular point-and-shoot camera. It’s more like a specialized one for rugged and wet shooting environments — one that you cannot bring your old, trusty PnS. Suggested retail price is around Php25,000 in stores.

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In this comparison chart, we will pit the two units with the model that has a pre-installed OS. That way, it’s easier to see between the two which one is more affordable or cheaper for the specs out of the box.

HP Mini 311 vs. MSI Wind12 U210

The external DVD drive from HP comes inside the box so there’s no way to opt out of it. As for the MSI Wind12, the 9-cell battery is just a limited promo. Default battery is also 6-cell.

The Php23k price of Wind12 U210x has no operating system so buying a Windows XP license will set you back about Php4,000 as well. I’d say it’s a neck and neck fight between the two.

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So I called up two branches of Complink (SM North EDSA and Park Square 1) to confirm this and they indeed have it on stock.

At 0% interest for 12 months installment, the HP Mini 311 has the ff. specs:

HP Mini 311
11.6″ display screen @ 1366 x 768 pixels
Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz
NVidia Ion LE
1GB DDR3
160GB SATA HDD
WiFi 802.11 b/g
HDMI port
5-in-1 card reader
Altec Lansing speaker
6 cell Li-Ion battery

What’s a bit confusing is that the sales ladies both quoted me a different model. One said it’s 1001 while the other said its 113. The official SKU is 311 on HP’s website. They were correct with the 11.6″ and the Php29k price though.

Will be dropping by one of the stores to check it out and probably get one for review. Hopefully, they have options to upgrade the HDD and the RAM.

Updated: Forgot to include the external DVD+RW Drive that comes with the package price.

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This thing is already big to be called a netbook at 12.1 inches.

MSI Wind12 U210x
12.1″ screen @ 1355×768 pixels
AMD Athlon Neo X2 L335 1.6GHz Dual Core
2GB DDR2 RAM
ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 128MB
250GB Toshiba SATA HDD
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
1.3MP webcam
4-in-1 card reader
3 USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port
9-cell battery

The unit sells for Php22k for cash or straight charge (Php23k for 6 months 0% installment). They’d install Windows 7 RC for you if you like. The model with a licensed Vista OS costs Php26,500 (Php27.5k for installment) at Villman stores.

The AMD Athlon Neo dual core processor performs really well. Will post a full review and some benchmarks comparing it to the Intel Atom by next week.

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Before anything else, check out our short unboxing video over at YouTube:

Such a huge box for a small device.

The Sony Vaio X has a black matte finish all over so that solves the fingerprint-magnet problem often encountered with glossy finishes. There are 2 USB ports, a VGA port and a slightly hidden Ethernet port on the sides as well as a 1.3MP webcam at the top of the display screen.

Super Thin. At only 0.55″ all around, it beat sthe “light as a feather” Macbook Air which is still at 0.76″. If not for that VGA port that’s protruding at the side, they could have gone thinner.

The 11.1 inch display screen is also matte so no problems with glare when used outdoors or against bright lights. The display si still bright and crisp at a maximum resolution of 1366×768 pixels.

Super Light. As light as 655 grams (1.44 lbs) which is almost half the weight of most netbooks in the market. The Sony Vaio P pocket PC is like just half the size of the Vaio X but has the same weight at 635 grams (1.4 lbs). We very rarely see ultaportables and netbooks under 2lbs.

Super Sturdy. The body is made of carbon fibre and not just ordinary hard plastic so you don’t have to worry about breaking it in half inside your laptop bag while on a rugged trip. I’ve actually dropped the unit a couple feet high and not even a sign of a bump or scratch although I wouldn’t dare try banging it against a cement wall.

Usually, features like “small and light” comes with “slow or sluggish” but not the Vaio X. It’s powered by the fastest Intel Atom processor in the market today. Running at 2.0GHz, there’s no other ultraportable or netbook I know of that can match that clock speed.

But yes, Intel’s Atom still inherits that marketing stigma that it’s only for internet surfing and Word processing. My gut feel is that the Intel GMA 500 graphics chip has got more to do with how it performs rather than the  processor. I will be doing a separate performance comparison of the CPUs later at the PCLabs. I’m also interested to pit the CULVs with the Atom Z550.

If there’s one thing that I found a little short is the size of the individual keys. Over-all, the chiclet-style keyboard is good and keys are well-spaced. However, the size of the keys are a bit smaller that usual which makes touch-typing a bit awkward at times. You’d get used to it in time.

As for battery life, the 2.0GHz model can last up to 5 hours on a full charge with WiFi on. Already pretty impressive for its size and weight but Sony says they also have an extended battery that can last the unit up to 16 hours (now that’s something I’m really curious). The hibernate feature is also impressive — it can turn back on from hibernate mode in under 5 seconds. That has probably got to do with the SDD drive and the pre-installed Windows 7 operating system.

The Vaio X comes in two models — the 1.86GHz Atom Z540 with 64GB SSD drive and the faster 2.0GHz Atom Z550 with 128GB SSD drive. They don’t come cheap too — Php69,999 and Php92,999, respectively. Sony already has the netbook category covered with the Vaio W so the Vaio X is more targeted to a higher end of the market.

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This is similar to the one we spotted at Accent Micro in MOA last month. This one has the built-in 3G modem in it, just like the MSI Wind U120 (SRP: Php28k).

The Dell Mini 10 3G has the same standard specs:

Intel ATOM Z530 1.6GHz
Mobile Intel US15W Express Chipset
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500
10-inch LED display @ 1024×600 pixels
GB DDR2 667MHz (up to 2GB max)
250GB SATA HDD
Dell Wireless 1397 802.11 b/g
Dell Bluetooth
Dell Wireless 5530 HSDPA 3.6Mbps Mobile Broadband Mini Card
1.3MP webcam
3 x USB 2.0

Come pre-installed with Windows XP Home. Weighs about 2.5lbs and the standard 3-cell (Li-Ion 2400mAh) battery is only rated for 2 and a half hours. (The model without the built-in 3G modem is only Php23,999)

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12.1″ display screen @ 1366×768 pixels
AMD Athlon Neo X2 L335 1.6GHz Dual Core
2GB DDR2 RAM
ATI Radeon X1270
250GB SATA HDD
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
1.3MP webcam
4-in-1 card reader
3 USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port

Comes with 6-cell battery but has free upgrade to 9-cell until October 31 at Villman stores. The model with DOS OS sells for Php22,992 while the model with Windows Vista costs Php27,492 (9-cell battery).

I called up the MSI Concept Store in Mall of Asia and confirms this promo with the black color in stock.

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As mentioned in my previous post, external ports like the USB and the VGA are the ones that limit the thin-ness of the Vaio X. So unless these ports are made smaller in future standards, I think this is the thinnest notebooks can go.

I’ve put the Vaio X side by side a Nokia E71.

While this one is with the smaller pocket-sized Vaio P.

I’ll be bringing this unit to Mornings @ ANC this Thursday with TJ so watch out for that too.

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The Sony Vaio X has 2 variants, powered by the fastest Intel Atom processors out there:

Sony Vaio VPCX113KG/B
11.1″ LED screen @ 1366×768 pixels
Intel Atom Z540 @ 1.86GHz
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500
64GB SSD (PATA)
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Media Card Reader
Li-Ion battery up to 3.5 hours
Weight: 655 grams (1.44 lbs)
Price: Php69,999

Sony Vaio VPCX117LG/B
11.1″ LED screen @ 1366×768 pixels
Intel Atom Z550 @ 2.0GHz
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500
128GB SSD (Serial ATA)
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
Media Card Reader
Li-Ion battery up to 6.5 hours
Weight: 760 grams (1.68 lbs)
Price: Php92,999

They will also have Windows 7 Professional pre-installed. Sony stresses that this model is primarily targeted towards businessmen and not regular customers.

This rig is so thin at 0.55 inch or 13.9mm and made of carbon fibre. For perspective, check out the comparison between this notebook when placed side by side with an iPhone 3G. If you’ve noticed, the only factor that’s stopping this ultraportable from going any thinner is the VGA port.

The Vaio X will be available in Sony Stores (MegaMall, Mall of Asia, Park Square 1) by October 15, 2009.

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