3K Computer is offering a Windows CE-based netbook that sells for just $150. The RazorBook 400 CE includes 128MB of RAM, 4GB of flash storage, a seven-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution, a 10/100 Ethernet port, and 802.11b/g wireless networking, according to the company.
The idea of a Windows CE-based laptop apparently seems novel to many pundits, but it actually represents the resurrection of an old idea. Nine years ago, for instance, IBM released its Workpad z50, which sported Windows CE 3.0, Thinkpad styling, a MIPS 4100 CPU clocked at 131MHz, solid-state storage, and up to eight hours of battery life.
3K's RazorBook 400 CE, described as a second-generation version of the RazorBook released last June, runs Windows CE 5.0, complete with the "familiar Windows interface," Microsoft Internet Explorer, RDP (remote desktop protocol) client, Skype, and Windows Media Player. According to 3K, the device now supports Adobe Flash, for compatibility with web sites such as YouTube, as shown in the video at the end of this story.
Like that venerable Workpad z50, the RazorBook has a MIPS-based processor: 3K cites an "Ingenic 400MHz" CPU, and, while, no further details are provided, this is apparently Igenic's Jz4740. For more details on this Chinese SoC (system-on-chip) and its MIPSII core, see our earlier coverage, here.
RazorBook 400
Weighing under two pounds and measuring 8.25 x 5.5 x 1.25 inches, the 3K RazorBook 400 (above) offers a claimed eight-second boot time and "shock-proof" design. It also includes a "full size" keyboard, touchpad, and seven-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution.
The RazorBook 400 has a 10/100 Ethernet port and -- compared to the old z50, where users had to add wireless via a Lucent PC card costing half as much again as the computer itself -- also includes built-in 802.11b/g wireless networking. Also provided are three USB ports and a SD card reader.
Features and specifications listed by 3K for the RazorBook 400 CE include:
Processor -- Ingenic 400MHz 32-bit single-core mobile processor
Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage
Display -- 7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) TFT LCD
Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet port and 802.11b/g wireless networking
Other I/O -- 3 x USB 2.0
Expansion -- SD card reader
Battery -- 2-cell 2100mAh battery pack (life not stated)
Dimensions -- 8.25 x 5.5 x 1.25 inches
Weight -- Under 2 lbs
Operating system -- Windows CE 5.0
Background
Last year, Windows CE-based netbooks were also released by Hong Kong-based Join Tech (the J-Pro JL7100) and the U.K. retailer Robert Dyas (the Cuol Book), both using 400MHz Samsung processors with ARM cores. Like the RazorBook, these devices offer only limited processing power. Forthcoming ARM netbooks, however, first tipped for release last year, will likely be based on ARM's Cortex-A9 and Cortex-A8 CPUs, such as Freescale's i.MX515 and Qualcomm's MSM8xxx, both recently introduced with netbooks listed among their target applications.
ARM chief executive Warren East recently complained that Microsoft has not supported the idea of putting Windows Mobile or CE on Cortex-based netbooks, calling it a "dangerous missed opportunity for them." Such devices would be up to ten times more power-efficient than their x86 equivalents, and offer a "desktop-class user experience," ARM claims.
Psion Teklogix's Netbook Pro (Click for further information)
Ironically, Psion Teklogix first released its Netbook Pro, shown above, with Windows CE and an ARM processor, back in 2003. The three-pound device had an 800 x 600 touchscreen display, 400MHz Marvell PXA255 CPU, and a 9.3 x 7.2 x 1.3 inch form factor. Psion is now engaged in a trademark battle with Intel, charging that the chipmaker unjustly appropriated the "netbook" moniker when it started promoting x86-based mini-notebooks.
The RazorBook 400 Source: 3K Computer (click to play)
Availability
3K's RazorBook 400 CE has a list price of approximately $230, but is selling at Buy.com and other e-tailers for under $150. More information about the device may be found on the 3K website, here.
