| $300 mini-laptop runs Windows CE |
Jun. 27, 2008
 3K Computer has announced a $300 mini-laptop that runs Windows CE. The RazorBook 400 includes 512MB 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.
(Click for larger view of the 3K RazorBook 400)
The idea of a Windows CE-based laptop will be new to many, 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. Though that pioneering device was soon orphaned, Data Evolution Corporation apparently still sells its Cathena, a Windows CE 5.0-based notebook it introduced in 2004.
3K's new RazorBook 400 runs an undisclosed version of Windows CE, complete with the "familiar Windows interface," Microsoft Internet Explorer, RDP (remote desktop protocol) client, and Windows Media Player. And, like the venerable z50, it 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 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.
A hand for the RazorBook ... |
The specs listed for the RazorBook 400 include:- Processor -- Ingenic 400MHz 32-bit single-core mobile processor
- Memory -- 512MB DDR2
- Flash -- 4GB internal flash storage
- Flash expansion -- Memory card reader supports SD/SM
- Display -- 7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) TFT LCD
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
- WiFi -- 802.11
- USB -- 3 x USB 2.0
- Audio -- "high-definition" audio, integrated stereo speakers
- Modem -- 56K V.92 Data/Fax PCI
- Dimensions -- 8.25 x 5.5 x 1.25 inches
- Weight -- Under 2 lbs
- Battery -- 2-cell 2100 mAh; AC adapter
- Other features -- Three docking station options up to 4 x USB, Ethernet, VGA ($110); RoHS compliant
- Operating system -- Windows CE
Can a Windows CE-based mini-laptop, however affordable, measure up to "netbooks" running Windows XP? WindowsForDevices.com has requested a review unit and, pending its arrival, we'll let you know.
Meanwhile, Laptop magazine tested an earlier configuration of the RazorBook 400 that shipped with a customized Linux distribution, ironically named "Genuine CE." Reviewer Joanna Stern faulted the operating system, which she found to be difficult to customize and unable to accept new applications. She also knocks the system for its lack of a VGA output, although a VGA port is available via a $110 docking station option that also provides four additional USB ports and an extra Ethernet port.
Availability
The 3K RazorBook 400-Mini-Notebook PC will be available at the end of July for $300, says 3K. More information may be available here.
To read Laptop magazine's review of the Linux version, visit the publication's website, here.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
news feed