| Sub-$100 mini-laptop runs Windows |
Jul. 28, 2008
 Hong Kong-based Join Tech announced a device claimed to be the first sub-$100 mini-laptop. The J-Pro JL7100 has an 800 x 480 display, 64MB of RAM and 64MB of flash storage, and runs Windows CE 5.0 on a 400MHz Samsung processor.
(Click here for a larger view of the Join Tech JL7100)
The 1.4-pound JL7100 could be of special interest to those who want a very portable means of giving Powerpoint presentations, since -- according to the photo above, if not Join Tech's published specs -- it includes a VGA port that could probably be used to drive an external projector. At 8.85 x 6.49 x 1.41 inches, the JL7100 is comparable in size to some of the smaller Windows-powered netbooks available today.
Unlike most netbooks, though, the JL7100 does not use an x86 processor, relying instead on an unspecified ARM-based Samsung processor clocked at 400MHz. This of course means that the operating system isn't Windows XP, much less Vista, but rather Windows CE 5.0.
Windows CE 5.0 provides the JL7100 with a familiar, Windows-like operating environment, including Internet Explorer, MS Paint, Wordpad, a calculator, a PDF viewer, MSN Messenger, and Windows Media Player. The device can also be used to view, though apparently not to edit, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents.
How typeable for adult-sized hands the keyboard will be is hard to say. However, some early netbook users report good results with the smaller keybaords after an initial re-training phase of several weeks.
If the JL7100's $99 price holds true for markets outside Hong Kong, the device will be lower-priced than even cellphones that use similar underlying technology. It comes with 64MB of RAM and a scant 64MB of flash storage. However, as Join Tech points out, more storage can be added via one of the device's three USB ports.
The JL7100 has a standard QWERTY layout and a touch pad. It also sports a seven-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution. Its case will be available in the black color pictured, as well as white, pink, and sky blue, according to Join Tech.
While the device's three USB ports are confirmed in writing by the company, the JL7100 apparently does not have a RJ45 connector for wired Ethernet. Internal WiFi will be offered, however, for an unspecified additional cost.
Finally, the JL7100 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery claimed to provide four hours of operation and 72 hours of standby. It takes four hours to recharge, the company says.
Features and specifications listed by Join Tech for the JL7100 include:- Processor -- Samsung 400MHz CPU
- Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 64MB of flash
- Display -- 7-inch 800 x 480 display
- Networking -- none standard; WiFi optional
- Other I/O
- 3 x USB
- 1 x VGA (unconfirmed in writing)
- Battery life -- four hours of operation, or 72 hours of standby
- Dimensions -- 8.85 x 6.49 x 1.41 inches
- Weight -- 1.45 pounds
3K Computer's RazorBook 400
(Click image for further information) |
Another Windows CE-based mini-laptop that was recently announced is 3K Computer's $300 RazorBook 400, seen at right. This device runs Windows CE on a MIPSII-based processor, and, unlike the JL7100, comes with WiFi and an RJ45 port, plus a PCI-based data/fax modem. VGA output, however, is only provided via an external docking station option.
Further information
Availability of the JL7100 was not cited by Join Tech, but more information may become available from the company's website, here.
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