Many users on the MyDellMini forum have installed using Mechdrew’s NetbookCD and related guides. At the moment, NetbookCD [...]]]> In a recent post Meklort stated that he will focus on simplifying the installation experience even more for the 0.8.4 release. his main goal is to make NetbookBootMaker supported on multiple platforms (or a version of it for each).

Many users on the MyDellMini forum have installed using Mechdrew’s NetbookCD and related guides. At the moment, NetbookCD can patch an OS X install DVD at runtime by using a special kext and a console version of NetbookBootMaker. This will be incorporated into both NetbookInstaller as well as NetbookBootMaker.

The following changes are planned (some already completed or in progress):

• NetbookBootMaker is in the process of being rewritten. It will no longer patch the installation dvd, instead NetbookBootMaker will install a postboot ramdisk (as with NetbookCD) that will patch the dvd (or usb drive) at runtime. This means that tiger will be a supported host OS.
• NetbookBootMaker will be ported to Windows (using Cocotron). NetbookBootMaker will be able to at least create both usb devices used for the two usb install method, although I'm also planning on getting it working with just one usb drive.
• Look into creating an app for Linux, however creating the usb drives can easily be done already.
• NetbookInstaller will automatically be run after a system update. A modified chameleon will run NetbookInstaller (via a ramdisk) if it detects the /System/Library/Extensions.mkext is newer than /Extra/Extensions.mkext. This should only happen if the user installs an OS update, or installs a kext to /S/L/E.
• NetbookInstaller and NetbookBootMaker will support 64bit targets. The main reason for the 64bit support is for the new Atom cpus from Intel, as well as netbooks with the Atom 330 cpu.

In other words 0.8.4 will focus on unifying the various installation methods so that a common code base can be used, as well as to simplify the amount of work a user needs to do to install OS X.

Since 10.5 is no longer in development, NetbookInstaller will no longer support Leopard. You can use an older version, such as 0.8.3. This is being done to simplify application as well as to reduce the download size.

via NetbookInstaller Plans (Specifically 0.8.4) « Meklort’s Blog.

This release is essentially 0.8.3 RC5, plus a couple of minor tweaks. Those changes include

Learn Moregraphics chip inside, arrived in our offices today. But how good is it?

For months you’ve been hearing that Ion will improve graphics performance on mini-notebooks and offer better [...]]]> It’s here, and it could redefine netbooks. The HP Mini 311, with Nvidia’s Ion LE Graphics chips are responsible for processing all images sent to your computer?s display.

Learn Moregraphics chip inside, arrived in our offices today. But how good is it?

For months you’ve been hearing that Ion will improve graphics performance on mini-notebooks and offer better HD video playback, but now we have some hard data. We’re in the process of testing the Mini 311 for our full review, and the first test results are in. Let’s compare Ion’s scores to those of the average netbook with Intel’s graphics, as well as more expensive ultraportables powered by Intel’s ULV processor.

We started with PCMark 05, which measures overall application performance in Windows XP. The Mini 311 notched a score of 1,917 on PCMark05, which is almost 500 points above the current netbook average of 1,423. The highest netbook score we’ve ever seen in that test is 1697 for the Dell latitude 2100 ($394.00). Once we get in Ion netbooks that run Windows 7 ($119.99), we’ll do a direct comparison with ULV-based ultraportables using the PCMark Vantage benchmark.

The MIni 311 produced an even more impressive score in 3DMark06, which measures graphics performance: 1,386. That showing is over 1,200 points above the netbook average. The only netbook to beat this score was the ASUS N10Jc, and that had switchable Nvidia graphics. The only other system that comes close is 256 points away, the AMD-powered Gateway LT3103u.

via HP Mini 311 First Test Results: Is Ion Worth It?.

The AMD-based netbook train may have been a little slow to get out of the station, but it looks like it’s finally starting to pick up a bit of steam, with Medion the latest to roll out an offering of its own. That comes in the form of the company’s new Akoya [...]]]>

The AMD-based netbook train may have been a little slow to get out of the station, but it looks like it’s finally starting to pick up a bit of steam, with Medion the latest to roll out an offering of its own. That comes in the form of the company’s new Akoya Mini E1312, which opts for a low-power AMD Sempron 210U processor and ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics instead of the usual Intel combo. Otherwise, you can expect to get a 16:9 11.6-inch display, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, HDMI out, and a six-cell or nine-cell battery. No word on a release ’round here just yet, but folks in the UK will apparently be able to pick this one up exclusively at Aldi stores starting July 12th for £339.99 (or just under $550).

Medion rolls out AMD-based Akoya Mini E1312 netbook.

We’ve been told that with these new 34nm NAND SSDs, users can expect higher performance, higher capacities, and most importantly, lower prices.  Amongst the 34nm offerings hot off [...]]]> The Inquirer reports that Intel is set to release a new round of SSDs which might bring hard drive replacements into the hands of many more laptop owners.

We’ve been told that with these new 34nm NAND SSDs, users can expect higher performance, higher capacities, and most importantly, lower prices.  Amongst the 34nm offerings hot off the production line will be a 320GB drive, plus 160GB and 80GB capacities too. But there very well could be more. Our sources tell us there will be drives big enough to replace the HDDs in most, if not all laptops.

That is a pretty bold statement, especially with retail 500GB laptop hard drives falling significantly below the $100 price point. Currently, the best retail SSD price/GB ratio of SSDs has been $227/128GB.  That is a lot of space and a lot of $ difference.

Intel to begin to release game changing SSDs in two weeks | 9 to 5 Mac.

Nokia Oyj ordered netbook computers from Quanta Computer Inc. and Compal Electronics Inc., the Commercial Times reported, without saying where it got the information.

The Quanta netbook will use Intel Corp.’s Atom chip and will go on sale in the third quarter at the earliest, the Taipei-based, Chinese-language newspaper said.

Compal will make the so-called smartbook computer for [...]]]>

Nokia Oyj ordered netbook computers from Quanta Computer Inc. and Compal Electronics Inc., the Commercial Times reported, without saying where it got the information.

The Quanta netbook will use Intel Corp.’s Atom chip and will go on sale in the third quarter at the earliest, the Taipei-based, Chinese-language newspaper said.

Compal will make the so-called smartbook computer for Nokia using Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon chip, the newspaper said.

The Classmate (whether the convertible tablet or traditional, rugged “clamshell”) is more expensive than the average netbook. Intel would like you to believe that the ruggedness, form factor, usability, and hardware/software ecosystem add enough value that a premium price is justified.

The prices, in fact, are hardly “premium” ($500 for a small form-factor, rugged Windows [...]]]>

The Classmate (whether the convertible tablet or traditional, rugged “clamshell”) is more expensive than the average netbook. Intel would like you to believe that the ruggedness, form factor, usability, and hardware/software ecosystem add enough value that a premium price is justified.

The prices, in fact, are hardly “premium” ($500 for a small form-factor, rugged Windows tablet would be competitive if any other such devices existed on the market). While anyone who has ever used a current-generation Classmate knows that bargain basement netbooks won’t survive the same 60cm drops, don’t include classroom management software, aren’t validated with a variety of scientific hardware and software, and can’t provide an out-of-the-box turnkey solution for a lab or a 1:1 program.

Bigger batteries? A high-definition screen? A more natural handwriting experience? What would make you spend more to outfit a classroom?

There is lot of value in the Classmate, particularly the convertible tablet.

More via source

There may be reports that Acer is skeptical about putting out its 11.6 inch Aspire One on shelves, but its brother Gateway seems to be sliding into the same space. However, Gateway also seems to be shaking up the specs on the inside of its 11.6-inch LT3100 by forgoing an Intel solution (nor Atom or CULV) [...]]]>

There may be reports that Acer is skeptical about putting out its 11.6 inch Aspire One on shelves, but its brother Gateway seems to be sliding into the same space. However, Gateway also seems to be shaking up the specs on the inside of its 11.6-inch LT3100 by forgoing an Intel solution (nor Atom or CULV) for an AMD Athlon processor.

The Gateway LT3103u will be available at Best Buy, according to the company’s site, and will start for $399. It will be outfitted with a 1.2GHz AMD Athlon 64 CPU, ATI Radeon X1270 graphics, Windows Vista Home Basic SP1, 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive.

We caught a glimpse of the LT3100’s hardware at Computex earlier this month. The chassis while very similar to the 11.6-inch Acer Aspire One  has a few key differences. Firstly the lid is styled after Gateway’s MD or MC Series. The glossy black and red units that were on display have a silver buckle centered on the top of the lid. Nevertheless, it has the same compact build and is 1.03-inches thick and weighs just about 3 pounds.

Underneath the lid the LT3100 has the same 11.6 1366 x 768 resolution, LED-backlit display as the Acer. It also has the same  full size keyboard which is quite comfortable; we like the small spacing between the flat keys. The trackpad is styled slightly different, and has a scroll bar and silver, single mouse button. We are looking forward to testing the LT3100 especially given its AMD organs.

Via