| The second generation netbooks are finally here. | | | | performance. Most manufacturers still use the |
| Samsung, Asus, Acer, HP, and Dell announced | | | | Atom processor along with the somewhat dated |
| their new models last year and have started | | | | graphics chipset. The Nano loads HTML, XML and |
| shipping them worldwide in mid-Feb 2009. And | | | | JavaScript pages faster than the Atom. |
| they have raised the bar again by going upscale | | | | It also ups the netbook ante by going with a |
| with features like: | | | | glossy 12.1-inch 1280 x 800-pixel WXGA display |
| - Minimum 10.1-inch LCD display | | | | instead of the standard thus making it more in |
| - Optional 3G or WiMax broadband connection | | | | the class of an ultra-portable notebook. |
| - 6-cell high capacity Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery | | | | Externally, the NC20 looks very much like a bigger |
| - Improved graphics power | | | | NC10. The keyboard is now a whopping 97 |
| - Larger solid state drives (SSD) | | | | percent versus the 93 percent found in the |
| Consumers in a down market are looking for | | | | previous model. This is still the largest size |
| affordable Internet devices to maintain their | | | | available for all netbook models and |
| lifestyles. They are purchasing these portable | | | | accommodates almost all hand sizes. |
| Internet devices to complement their laptops | | | | Interestingly, the NC20 has a display viewing angle |
| rather than replacing them. And they are buying | | | | of about 150 to 160 degrees horizontally and 90 |
| the concept of small form factor, ease of | | | | degrees vertically. This comes in real handy when |
| Internet access, and affordable pricing. ABI | | | | playing back 720p and 1080p video content. The |
| Research is predicting a market explosion for | | | | device handled these multimedia formats easily |
| netbooks over the next few years with | | | | without overtaxing the processor - the Via Nano |
| worldwide shipments of nearly 35 million this year, | | | | and Chrome9 processor did an excellent job. |
| rising to an estimated 139 million in 2013. | | | | This could be the perfect multimedia portable |
| The New Samsung NC20 | | | | Internet device and destined to the best |
| Samsung decided to pass on the Intel Atom | | | | mini-notebook of 2009. That's two years in a |
| processor and went with the Via Nano and | | | | row... |
| Chrome9 HC3 integrated graphics for better | | | | |