(Click here for a larger view of Gigabyte's M912)

Although some vendors might call such a device an ultra mobile PC (UMPC), tablet PC, or convertible notebook, Gigabyte is using Intel's "netbook" moniker for the M912. That nomenclature brings it into line with Acer's Aspire One, Advent's 4211, Asus' Eee, and MSI's Wind, all of which use the same 22mm x 22mm, 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor.

Like the above devices, then, the M912 also employs Intel's 945GMS northbridge and ICH7M southbridge. It is equipped with 1GB of DDR2 RAM -- expansion potential not cited -- and a 160GB, 2.5-inch hard disk drive.

Reviewers of the above-mentioned netbooks have cited trouble typing on their keyboards, depending on model. We haven't found any comments about the new Gigabyte M912's 80-key keyboard, but in any case the device sidesteps the issue somewhat by providing a swiveling touchscreen display.

Designed to be operated with an included stylus, the 8.9-inch panel rotates 180 degrees and folds down over the keyboard, just as on larger convertible netbooks. On an entry-level model (M912M), which includes Windows XP Home, screen resolution is 1024 x 600 pixels. Meanwhile, models M912X and M912V offer 1280 x 768 resolutions, along with Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home Basic, respectively.


The Gigabyte M912 has a webcam, Express card slot, and media card reader
(Click to enlarge)
As the above illustration shows, Gigabyte's M912 has an Express Card slot, an SD/MMC/Memory Stick media card reader, three USB ports, and an RJ45 connector for 10/100 Ethernet. It also includes audio I/O and a serial port.

Like other netbooks, the device has 802.11b/g wireless networking. Bluetooth 2.0 is also featured on the M912X and M912V models. In addition, all models include a 1.3 megapixel webcam and stereo speakers.

Finally, the M912 includes a 4500mAh lithium-ion battery pack. Gigabyte claims this will be good for between three and 3.5 hours of operation.

Features and specifications cited by Gigabyte for the M912 include:

• Processor -- Intel Atom N270, clocked at 1.6GHz
  
• Memory -- 1GB of DDR2 RAM
  
• Storage -- 160GB hard disk drive
  
• Camera -- 1.3 megapixel webcam
  
• Display -- 8.9-inch touchscreen display, with 1280 x 768 pixel (M912X, M912V) resolution, or 1024 x 600 (M912M) resolution
  
• Networking:
  • LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet port with RJ45 connector
    
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
    
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0 (not on M912M)
• Other I/O:
  • 3 x USB
    
  • 1 x RS232
• Expansion:
  • Express Card slot
    
  • SD/MMC/Memory Stick reader
• Battery type/life:
  • 4500 mAh lithium-ion
    
  • from 3 to 3.5 hours
• Dimensions -- 9.25 x 7.1 x 1.65 inches (235 x 180 x 42mm)
  
• Weight -- 2.86 pounds (1.3kg)

Gigabyte said the M912M and M912X will be available in September, while the M912V is listed as "coming soon."

Pricing, while not released, is rumored to be approximately $600. Also rumored is a Linux-based version, but there was no mention of such on the Gigabyte website.

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