| Dual-core AMD netbook gets rave review |
Sep. 11, 2008
 A review of Raon Digital's Everun Note suggests that the versatile device could replace up to four other computing devices. Positioned somewhere between a netbook and a UMPC (ultra mobile PC), the device is based on a dual-core AMD processor, 7-inch display, and Windows XP Home.
(Click here for a larger view of the Everun Note)
When it first broke cover last month, the Everun Note was described by observers as being one of the smallest netbooks on the market. Yet, it uses a processor originally designed for full-sized notebooks, AMD's Turion 64 X2 processor. To help meet cooling and battery life requirements, the chip is clocked down to 1.2GHz, instead of the 1.6GHz to 2.0GHz range common in AMD-based laptops.
UMPC Portal reviewer Steve ("Chippy") Paine considers the Note a UMPC, but adds that it "offers a serious single-device alternative to a two-device strategy of netbook and MID [mobile internet device]." Apparently quite enamored of the device, Paine adds, "For some, this device could even replace four devices, from MID, through netbook, laptop, and desktop."
The 7.87 x 4.64 x 1.08 inch (200 x 118 x 27mm) Everun Note has a compact keyboard, with a slightly non-standard layout, with realigned punctuation keys, says Paine. The realignment and the "minimal key travel" take some getting used to, but the main alphabetic keys have a 16mm pitch, and are bigger than those on the original Asus Eee PC netbook, he adds.
The Note has a 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 resolution. Unusually, it is not only a touchscreen display but also folds completely flat, as shown in the picture above. According to Paine, the screen does not rotate, but the design lends itself to use while standing or operating a vehicle.
Hot chip?
The most noteworthy -- no pun intended! -- thing about Raon's Everun Note may be its use of a dual-core AMD Turion 64 X2 processor, clocked at 1.2GHz. This processor promises to outperform the Intel Atom N270 used in typical netbooks, and, says Paine, it delivers.
Using a variety of benchmarks, Paine discovered CPU performance that was approximately twice as fast as the 1.6GHz N270. At the same time, he adds, the integrated graphics provided by AMD/ATI's RS690E graphics chipset outperformed the Intel GMA950 used on most notebooks by about 30 percent.
There's a catch, however, which is that the Everun Note achieves this speedy performance only when it's plugged in. Via an apparently non-defeatable power conservation feature, clock speed falls to 800MHz when running on batteries. In that case, performance is approximately on par with the Atom, according to Paine.
As for battery life, the Note comes with a one-cell, 5,200mAh battery, good for just 2.5 hours of operation. But, writes Paine, "I don't see any issues with battery life," adding that Raon Digital will offer both a larger extended battery and a novel portable Ethernet dock/battery charger for the device.
In conclusion, the author suggests that with the Everun Note, Raon has built "the core component of a very modular computing system." He adds, "To say that this could be your only computing device from daily desktop to coffee shop companion is really no understatement. You will never see a device like this from Dell, HP or any of the [established] notebook manufacturers, because they simply have too much to lose if it cuts across other product categories."
Further information
The Everun Note does not yet appear to be shipping. However, the device can be pre-ordered from several electronics import/export distributors, including Conics.net and Dyanism. At the risk of whetting your appetite, read Steve Paine's review by visiting the UMPC Portal website, here.
For additional information on the Everun Note and a gallery of pictures, see our earlier coverage, here.
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