Comments on: So Where Are All the Smartbooks?

By: Pipps

Pipps — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:17:09 +0000

I have cash, just sat here, waiting to be spent on a Smartbook that can offer the exact same basic criteria which you describe:

1. Good-sized keyboard;
2. All day battery;
3. Linux OS;
4. No touchpad! (Who needs one, seriously!)

Add me to the list too! This cash is almost burning a hole through my desk!

By: Nick in the UK

Nick in the UK — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:54:08 +0000

I’ve been waiting and waiting for my smartbook.

All I want is an instant-on Firefox machine in a small notebook form factor with all day battery life. Is that asking too much?

By: Loring Wirbel

Loring Wirbel — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:32:22 +0000

Seems like everyone here has an unrealistic expectation of design cycles from chip availability to post-prototype, even given the warp speed some Asian ODMs tend to work from. I always add two quarters minimum to analysts’ and proponents’ predictions. And I’m always hearing that “xxx under the Christmas tree” (DSL modems, iTouch, XBox, you name it), none of which ever come true – unless it’s the following holiday season.

By: Ryan B

Ryan B — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:12:40 +0000

I am waiting, I am waiting, I can’t believe we are still waiting for these.

I can’t help check google news every day to find out when these ARM smartbook/netbooks are arriving. I have a horrible feeling that they are not coming soon. Something due to the Intel / MS influence and the absence of any decent computer maker taking a chance with these (and the hit they will probably take on margins?)

Given that these might not materialise, I would love to buy one of the new OLPC XO 1.5′s when they come out… if they do G1G1 again, but I doubt that will happen either.

By: Jim Freeman

Jim Freeman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:11:44 +0000

I know this’ll sound like another crusty old geezer talking about those great gizmos back in the day . . .

but I remember my IBM z50 Workpad fondly not because it had any wireless capacity (it didn’t, unless you count IR), good graphics (16 bit VGA), or lots of storage (16megs, plus a CF slot) but for 5 essential things:

1. Instant on
2. All day battery
3. light weight, no moving drives
4. Usable screen and keyboard
5. Just enough software to get basic work done

Seriously, please add me to the list!

By: Tai-Pan

Tai-Pan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:53:35 +0000

Probably still waiting on the Chrome OS port and trying to find big enough customers who have established channels but aren’t beholden to Intel.

We did a review of a Win CE based Smartbook previously and the OS is really only the significant drawback to the devices.
http://www.shanzai.com/index.php/component/content/article/12-smartbook-reviews/138-worlds-1st-real-smartbook-review?directory=32

By: Headworx

Headworx — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:10:04 +0000

Hi Kevin,

Based on the channel checks, with companies like QuickLogic (who BTW provide a VEE – Visual Enhancement Engine) to SmartBook OEMs, we should expect them sometime in Q4.

Cheers,
Headworx

By: Scotty

Scotty — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:30:20 +0000

I have to agree, especially after putting 1.37GB of official Sony WIndows 7 software on it my Vaio P is definitely a Smartbook!

By: tatej

tatej — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:17:12 +0000

I like it. It reminds me of my old mobilepro 780/790. I carried that thing everywhere in my road warrior days. I’d get a smartbook in a second.

Somebody make one.

By: HG

HG — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:51:51 +0000

bI hear what your saying Kevin… I have the Sony P; which by the way using at the moment for light weight and great keyboard to do some work while out at dinner. The picture of the smartbook looks like my Sony P… hmmm maybe Sony sold me a smartbook. :) I normally just use the Sony P for email, Word, Excel, and web browsing. I did pickup a Archos 5 Android but, I returned only because I was hoping to get my BB working with the BT DUN. It is a really nice portable device and will buy it again if the Android every supports BT DUN.