Well kids, Google has just released some serious information about the much anticipated Chrome OS at today’s webcast, so grab some popcorn and buckle up, ’cause here we go. Google Chrome OS has a radically different approach to computing, and assumes that most of what you want to do on your computer involves your web browser and internet connectivity — and when we think about it, are they so wrong? Those of you who were expecting an Android type interface are going to be sorely disappointed, as the Chrome browser, in a nutshell, is Chrome OS. So let’s just get this out there right now: this isn’t going to be an OS designed for video editing, Photoshopping, or 3D modeling. This is a lightweight conduit for access to online information and utilities. No doubt all of this has piqued your interest, so hit the jump to check out the full story.

Google has said flat out they designed the Chrome OS with three things in mind: speed, simplicity, and security, so we are going break down some of the finer points they touched upon under these pretenses.

Speed

Several times Google engineers stated that turning on your Chrome OS powered netbook should be like turning on a television; hit the power button and within a couple seconds you should be browsing. They have been focusing on this and working hard to improve upon it. Currently Chrome OS’ cold boot time is 7 seconds to the login window, with an additional 3 seconds for user login making for a total boot time of 10 seconds. Not bad. Google is hoping to have that time shaved down even further by the time they are ready for release.

Simplicity

Your information is stored in the cloud. No user bits are going to be stored on the modest solid state hard drive that all Chrome OS netbooks are going to come with. While this may be a terrifying prospect to some, it does afford Google some flexibility to rework the traditional computing work flow. There are no application updates to be installed, no backup solutions needed, and no maintenance operations to perform. When you login to the could you can be sure that your Chrome OS netbook is up to date, patched, and ready to go. The main interface, to the shagrin of many we’re sure, is also very simple in that it’s a Chrome browser window. You can customize shortcuts and favorites, but the foundation UI isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off with eye candy.

Security

This was really getting hammered upon. Security is accomplished in two main ways: architecture setup and the cloud. First and foremost there are three partitions setup on the Chrome OS’ SSD drive, a root partition (which is read-only and holds the OS), a user partition (which by default is encrypted), and a swap partition. When you boot Chrome OS it checks the integrity of the OS and if it finds that your OS has somehow been corrupted or compromised by maleware, it simply re-downloads a fresh copy of the OS from the intertubes. All on its own. Again, your information is in the cloud and the system is technically stateless, so the OS can be restored at point in time without any detriment to user data.

We know that a lot of you have some burning questions and want to see the UI in action, so have a couple videos queued up. Go ahead, we know you’re curious.

Well, what do we have here? The Washington Post is reporting it has reliable intel indicating that Google’s much hyped Chrome OS will be released for download within the next 7 days. Ba-zing. The piece is a little light on fact and high on speculation about the unveiling, and we encourage you guys continue with the speculation in the comments. Would a Chrome OS powered netbook motivate any of you to jump in the market? Or is the thought of a cloud-centric OS a little to much to swallow right now?Read

If there is a company that wants to jump into the netbook market and offer something unique and solid, it would be HTC. It has already produced some rock-solid handsets like the Hero, Eris, Touch Pro2 and HD2, so why not a netbook? HTC CEO Peter Chou mentioned that his company is still very much interested in building a netbook. We think that Mr. Chou may be onto something with the idea that HTC should put out something unique and not just another “me too” netbook. After all, it seems like the entire netbook market is one giant clone army. With the Nokia Booklet 3G coming very soon, HTC is probably thinking that if one major handset manufacturer can pull it off, why not take a crack at it? As long as HTC doesn’t bomb like it did with the Shift, we think it will be a hit.

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Who wants to buy a $2,000 netbook? Well, if you’d like to walk away with one for $299.99 and a $60/mo AT&T data plan for 2 years, you can. Otherwise the smarter move would be to purchase it at retail price of around $599.99 and get a data plan from AT&T without a two-year commitment. But regardless of the method of purchase, if you want a Nokia Booklet, Best Buy has got ‘em. Will they sell you one before November 15th? Probably not, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. One more shot after the break.

We were lucky enough to get our hands on Best Buy Mobile’s entire Holiday Playbook and after combing through it, there’s a couple little nice nuggets of information. Really more confirmations than anything else, but hey, we aren’t ones to turn down info. Before we get to handsets specifically, it seems Best Buy has some pretty hard statistics on sales opportunities — check this out:

• The average store sees over 64,000 customers during October and November
• Out of those customers, only 1% receive an upgrade eligibility check on their accounts
• Of the 1% who get upgrade checks, around 30% are actually eligible for upgrades
• If stores increase the amount of customers checked to 2% from 1%, Best Buy Mobile would see an increase in revenue of around $20,000 for those two months, just off upgrading individuals
• After customers upgrade their handsets at Best Buy Mobile, around 16% of them come back and make other purchases later

They’ve really got it locked down, huh? Smart, smart, smart. Hit the break for some other juicy information we gathered!

In terms of hot upcoming products from now until the end of the year, here’s what Best Buy Mobile is pitching their sales staff to be ready for:

• Nokia Booklet netbook — October 25th launch, and can be activated on AT&T
• Sprint HTC Hero — launching October 11th with a presale going on now
• Sprint Palm Pixi — launch date TBD
• Verizon Storm II — launch date TBD
• Verizon Android device — launch date TBD
• T-Mobile CLIQ — launch date TBD (but we obviously know it’s shipping after October 19th up until general release November 2nd)
• “New BlackBerry devices across multiple carriers” — launch date TBD
• There will be a “host of devices launch in late October and November for all carriers.” Multiple Android launches across multiple carriers and “new technology which doesn’t exist today.”

The rest of the playbook just outlines what stores should do for key dates and Holiday sales planning, other merchandising information and what not.

News that Nokia’s first foray into notebook territory is on its way to the US — as a Best Buy exclusive — managed to get Booklet 3G hopefuls all riled up recently. While we still have no time line in terms of when the sleek laptop might become available, we may now at least know what Nokia and Best Buy plan to charge for the Booklet. According to a purported screen shot of Best Buy’s inventory system, the Booklet 3G will run $599.99. What’s more, the screen shot suggests that inventory began landing at BBY on September 25th and if that is in fact the case, a launch could occur sooner than we thought. $600 may seem like a tall order for a 1.6GHz netbook with 1GB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive but as we’ve said in the past: if this Windows 7-powered lappy comes anywhere close to delivering the 12 hours of battery life Nokia claims, it might be worth just about any price tag Nokia slaps on it.

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While heralding the launch of the HTC Imagio, Big Red snuck in a few extra goodies and made the rugged, PTT-capable Motorola Barrage, the entry level Nokia 2705 Shade, the QWERTY-packing Verizon Wireless Razzle and a 3G-enabled Gateway netbook official. All rumors and innuendos about these myriad of devices have been confirmed with launch dates and pricing as follows:

• Motorola Barrage: Available on October 1st for $129.99 after a 2-year contract and a $50 mail-in rebate. Non-camera version available October 21st
• Nokia 2705 Shade: Available on October 6th for $29.99 with a 2-year contract
• Verizon Wireless Razzle: Available on October 6th for $69.99 with a 2-year contract
• Gateway LT2016u: Available on October 4th for $149.99 after a 2-year contract and a $100 mail-in rebate

With a feature phone for every family member, a smartphone and a netbook to boot, there is a proverbial cornucopia of new wireless devices on the way for Verizon Wireless customers. Now if Big Red could just take the wraps off that Motorola Tao so we can stop squinting at those blurrycam photos. Hit the jump for a few more press shots.

Apple’s tablet might have captured our imagination but leaked renders of Microsoft’s secret Courier tablet have captured our hearts. Believe it or not, it’s actually quite difficult to describe the Courier. It’s comprised of two hinged multitouch displays that are each about seven inches diagonal. They open away from each other like a book, and rest in a case that resembles a book jacket. Responding to both finger gestures and the precise touch of a stylus, the screens cooperate with one another to allow users to drag documents, pictures, text and various other elements of the UI from screen to screen. Other notes: there is a home button on the hinge, status LEDs along the side and even a 3 megapixel camera with flash and 4x digital zoom for good measure. We’re dying to know more about and see more of the Courier, something which Giz is more than happy to do as it has made it clear that this is just the beginning of its coverage. Hit the jump to see some absolutely awesome eye candy.

Really digging the Courier after seeing these pics? You haven’t seen anything yet. Hit the read link to check out a video that we guarantee will blow your socks off.

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The good news for Nokia notebook hopefuls this morning is that the much anticipated Booklet 3G is now available for pre-order in Italy. Of course most of our readers don’t live in Italy, but this simply means that Nokia is getting ready to begin pushing its first laptop out to market. The bad news, and it is in fact pretty bad, is the pricing: a whopping €699. In case you’re wondering, that works out to about $1,021 USD. Now as you may recall, we were definitely digging the Booklet 3G when Nokia finally detailed it in full earlier this month. A grand for a 1.6GHz netbook with 1GB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive is bordering on crazy though, even if it does actually come close to providing 12 straight hours of light usage on a single charge. The standard disclaimer of course, is that Nokia products are priced very differently for each region so odds are good that we’ll see a lower price point if and when the Booklet 3G hits US shores. Even if it drops down to $799-$899 territory however, Nokia may have a tough time moving product when similarly-spec’d netbooks can be had for $400. Will a $400 netbook come anywhere close to matching the styling, elegance or battery life of the Booklet? Absolutely not. Where the typical consumer is concerned however, we’re not so sure that matters.

[Via IntoMobile]

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Netbook fans may be pleasantly surprised today — or perhaps disappointed — as a purported roadmap for ASUS’ US Eee PC offerings is currently making the rounds. Allegedly depicting the Eee PC launch schedule for the remainder of the year, this roadmap doesn’t offer too much in the way of excitement but at least those in need of a new netbook can get an idea of what ASUS will have to offer in the coming months. If it’s real, that is. Hit the jump for the details.

Thanks, Al-B!

• 1005HA-M: Intel Atom N270 processor, 250GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi, XP  Home or Win7 Starter — $349, October launch
• 1005HA-P: Intel Atom N280 processor, 250GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, XP  Home or Win7 Starter — $399, October launch
• 1202N: 12-inch display, Intel Atom N270 processor, NVIDIA Ion, 250GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Win7 — $499, October launch

Beyond that, netbooknews.de adds details on some more models not covered in the alleged US roadmap:

• New Eee PC 1008HA models: the 1008HA-P (Atom N280 processor, 320GB HDD, 2GB RAM, BT, 802.11n Wi-FI) will cost $480 and the 1008HA-M (Atom N280 processor, 250GB HDD, 1GB RAM, BT, 802.11 n Wi-Fi) will run $430.
• Netvertibles: Eee PC T91MT (multi-touch) with a 32GB SSD is priced at $ 549
• The 1101HA is already approved in October and the 1008HA in November. Both models will then be replaced by the above variants.

[Via netbooknews.de]

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In case you were wondering, netbooks are still very much in the market and Nokia is looking to join the game. The world’s largest mobile manufacturer has announced the Nokia Booklet 3G which looks to be a promising contender in the netbook space. Like others of its kind, it will support Windows, feature an Intel Atom processor and pack a whopping 12 hours of battery life. Design and construction looks to be top notch with its 10.1 HD display, front-facing camera, Bluetooth and an SD card reader. So far, the Booklet 3G seems to be packing enough punch to knockout its competitors, but this is just the beginning. We’re expecting more details and demos at Nokia World ‘09 just days away. From the looks of the video, however, we’re actually drooling for one ourselves. Hit the jump for more details.

Thanks, Brent!

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Flying straight in the face of recent claims from various Apple blogs, The Financial Times is reporting that Apple is aiming for a September launch of its internet tablet. The Cupertino-based company has also apparently found itself some rather unusual partners for its rumored device — EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music and Universal Music Group. The partnership, supposedly codenamed Cocktail, is an effort to combat slumping music sales by creating albums that include such things as liner notes and video clips. One thing that isn’t new however, is the claim Apple is preparing for a Christmas-time blitz against both the Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s e-book stores and readers. As for the possibility of a cellular radio, FT is reporting that it’s slim to none which really makes us wonder what’s up with all of those Verizon/Apple tablet rumors. Separate device? Complete BS? With September just over a month away, information should start flowing pretty soon if the FT rumor has any credence.

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We typically reserve our FCC exhibit ogling for cell phones as you well know, but this little guy just popped up and we couldn’t help but take notice. LG’s X Series line of notebooks/netbooks/laptops/whatever-the-kids-are-calling-’em-these-days is a moderately priced line featuring pretty decent specs and, in the X120 at least, integrated 3G. As such, our guess is this new addition to the family — referred to in FCC documentation as the X13 though we imagine it will be released as the X130 — will generally stick to the same formula. Not a whole lot can be gleaned just yet unfortunately as the FCC was only testing Bluetooth and WLAN, but safe guesses include a Windows OS, an Intel Atom processor, a 160GB hard drive, a 10.1-inch display and integrated 3G/HSPA. Oh, and let’s not forget that saucy carbon fiber-look case. We also hope it retains the X120’s “SMART ON” feature that lets users access web applications, music & chat when the notebook is switched off by just pressing SMART ON button. Sweet. Hit the jump for a few more shots and sit tight for more info.

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If “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts, Sony would have actually taken its time and put more effort into the conception and development of its VAIO P netbook before it was announced and released some six months ago. Alas it didn’t, and the sales figures for the preposterously priced “don’t call it a netbook netbook” are proof enough of this. For those who dislike it merely for its sluggish performance however, perhaps you need only way a few months to upgrade to the newer model — TechRadar UK is reporting that a “mark 2″ version of the VAIO P will be released this October. At this point in time nothing is know about the mark 2 other than the report that it boots up a lot faster. This isn’t exactly surprising of course, considering the old rumor that Sony will be refreshing the VAIO P to coincide with the release of Windows 7.

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Well lookie what we have here. One of our ninjas just hit us with the skinny on a big announcement from up North scheduled to hit the wire tomorrow. How does a 7.2Mbps HSPA embedded netbook for $299.99 CAD with a 2-contract sound? That’s right, Rogers is apparently ready to announce its first 3.5G embedded netbook offering tomorrow and it’s all set to attack that fresh (kind of) new HSPA network. The netbook, an HP Mini 110, will feature an Intel Atom processor, up to 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive and a keyboard that is 92 percent the size of a standard laptop keyboard. It will also require a data plan of course, starting at $25 CAD per month plus fees. If you decide to snag one of these puppies however, we definitely recommend going for one of the bigger monthly plans as $25 only gets you 500MB per month. At 7.2Mbps, or somewhere close at least, that’s just not going to cut it. Hit the jump for the full release.

Rogers Introduces Canada’s First 3.5G Embedded Netbooks

Rogers mobile Internet ready netbooks offer built-in mobile broadband technology for the ultimate access to your online world

TORONTO, ON – July 10, 2009 – Another innovation first from Rogers was announced today with the launch of mobile Internet ready netbooks.  Canada’s fastest network is now the mobile Internet service provider for the first 3.5G embedded laptops in Canada – exclusively from HP.

The HP Mini 110 netbooks now available include embedded mobile broadband technology to connect to the Web over Rogers 3.5G wireless network across Canada – three times faster than any other – offering customers the freedom to choose when and where they enjoy a true broadband Internet experience. With download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps, Rogers mobile Internet ready netbooks deliver the ultimate convenience and productivity for work or play online with just a few clicks – no need to search for WiFi or wired access.

“Just as voice communications have long expanded beyond finding a pay phone or waiting until you get home to make a call, as the Internet evolves from a source of information to an enabler of communication, mobile Internet ready netbooks are the perfect companion to our richly connected lives,” says Mansell Nelson, Vice President of Business Product Management, Rogers Wireless. “Rogers is proud to lead this innovative new product category and now offer our customers an even wider selection of wireless products to meet their mobile needs.”

The HP Mini 110 is available for $299.99, exclusively at Future Shop and Best Buy stores across Canada with a two year plan. Wireless data plans for Rogers mobile Internet ready netbooks start at just $25.00, plus $6.95 system access fee and other fees a month for 500 MB.

HP Mini 110 Series PC

• Featuring a 10.1-inch display and a keyboard that is 92 per cent the size of a standard notebook PC, the HP Mini 110 starts at 2.57 pounds and measures just over one-inch thick.Powered by an Intel Atom Processor, the HP Mini 110 supports up to 1 GB of memory and comes equipped with a 160 GB hard drive.

“Whether it’s for business or personal use, Canadians want a fast connection to the Internet whenever and wherever they happen to be,” says Jeff Cates, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at HP Canada. “Through this first-of-its-kind offering in Canada, HP wants to continue to deliver the technology our customers need to meet the needs of their increasingly mobile lifestyles.”

The Rogers 3.5G HSPA network is now available in more than 25 of Canada’s top markets from Victoria to Halifax, reaching more than 75 per cent of the population. For more information on current coverage areas, please visit www.rogers.com/coverage.

Nary a day after its announcement, a hastily made, Wordpress.com-hosted blog claims to have the first ever pictures of the new Google Chrome OS. The OS was purportedly installed on an aging dual core Acer Extensa 4620Z as part of a demonstration given to the Acer team at company that supplies parts for Acer. The screenshots show a very minimal OS with a docking bar, reportedly called the Chrome bar, and Google Talk as the only available application. The leaker claims to have seen a quick run through of the OS and was able to snag these screenshots with his mini cam when the Google rep let his guard down for 10 seconds. Hmm, an interesting story and one that would certainly lead to a mess once the rep recognizes that unmistakable table. These screenshots can be easily forged and contain a fair amount of inconsistencies — why is the Google logo coloring off, who designed that childish Google Talk icon and why is the OS not running on the Acer Aspire One netbook, the target platform for this OS? Hit the jump for a few more screenshots and let us know what you think.

UPDATE: The person who posted these images admitted they are fake, as most suspected. Links to the post have been removed.

Google Chrome OS is a new project, separate from Android. Android was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks. Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems. While there are areas where Google Chrome OS and Android overlap, we believe choice will drive innovation for the benefit of everyone, including Google.

With the meticulous nature of Google, we can expect this to be a top-notch operating system but sometimes data-driven features don’t always make for the best user experiences. Let us also not forget that the Chrome browser, though still in its infancy, fell short of many expectations. We’ve still got plenty of time before Chrome OS materializes so we doubt Redmond and Cupertino are shaking in their boots just yet. Anyone excited?

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Having been talked about for quite some time and then all of a sudden dropping off the radar, talks of an Android-powered device from Dell has once again resumed. This time The Wall Street Journal has supposedly confirmed that Dell does indeed have “several Android-based smartphones that it plans to start selling later this year,” something that meshes nicely with the 2G and 3G devices we spoke of some two weeks ago. Perhaps more interesting however, is that Dell is believed to be working on an MID that is also said to run on Android, and it will reportedly be a little larger than Apple’s iPod touch. The WSJ cautions those who are prone to getting ahead of themselves that while Dell intends to release the MID later this year, the possibility its launch will be delayed or canceled cannot be ruled out. Duh. At least the phones are allegedly a lock.

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For those wondering why Windows CE is the OS of choice for the upcoming Mobinnova élan, observe. We got our first dose of élan love sans-trade show floor chaos yesterday from the team at netbooknews.com and as promised, today we get a look at the software side of things. One word: Sick. Mobinnova’s Henry Lin drops by this time to help show off the ridiculously sexy 3D UI the company slapped together for this little guy and we have to say, we’re impressed. NVIDIA’s Tegra processor facilitates very smooth transitions for a graphics-heavy UI — and all this on software that isn’t yet in its release state. We said it about ASUS’ Eee Keyboard and we’ll say it about the élan; we want 10 of them and we want them now. As a side note, a quick tip for the camera operator on this vid: Next time try to hit an angle from the get go so your reflection doesn’t bounce back every time the screen goes dark. It’s ok though, we still love you for bringing us some solid élan goodness… And for sticking out your tongue. Hit the jump for the vid and get ready to want this bad boy even more than you did yesterday.

Thanks, TheLostSwede!

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Call it a netbook, call it a smartbook or call it whatever else you want — the bottom line is the Mobinnova élan is one of several upcoming miniature notebooks we can’t wait to see reach market. Beyond the sexy styling, intelligent design and integrated 3G connectivity, the élan will likely be the first NVIDIA Tegra-fueled notebook to reach market. Mmm, Tegra. The 8.9-inch screen on this puppy is just itching to cough up some sexy accelerated video and the battery/power management supposedly affords up to 10 hours of continuous HD video playback on a single charge or up to 24 days of continuous audio playback according to Mobinnova. Despite its distracting pink shell, the guys over at netbooknews.com just issued a solid little hands on video of the élan (thankfully, it wasn’t shot in the middle of a show floor) that gives us all plenty of reasons to have our interest re-piqued. Hit the jump for the video of the sexy little Windows CE-powered smartbook, which by the way is due for release sometime in Q4.

Thanks, TheLostSwede!

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While less-than-popular crossover devices like the Internet Tablet line and the E90 pictured above might not be overly pleased by the news, Android fans may be excited to learn that Nokia is reportedly eying Google’s OS for a next-gen product. While Bloomberg is fairly certain that the outcome of Nokia and Intel’s efforts will be a new line of netbooks and/or smartbooks, Lazard Capital Markets analyst Daniel Amir takes things in a slightly different direction with the following statement:

In our conversations with ODMs, we have confirmed that Nokia is planning to enter the netbook market with a Google Android, ARM-based netbook that would be sold at carriers. Considering this market is dominated by the PC players, we believe Nokia could face an uphill battle to succeed in this market.

Considering we know for a fact that Nokia and Intel have been working on some new products, it seems odd that Nokia would enter uncharted territory with ARM as well. So yeah, we’re going to go ahead and keep the rumor tag on this one despite claims of confirmation because, well, you know. Stranger things have certainly happened however, especially where our friends in Finland are concerned, so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. Could Nokia be preparing to enter an already-cluttered netbook market with multiple Intel devices and one or more ARM devices?

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Aww, crap. Just when we thought we were finally going to be able to get our hands on the ASUS Eee Keyboard, an ASUS marketing executive had to go and ruin the fun. Apparently the Eee Keyboard will not be launching by the end of this month as expected, but sometime in August instead. The reason for the delay? ASUS has yet to fully work out how it is going to market the mind-numbingly cool computer, which is more or less a positive way to say that its scared that one wrong decision will jeopardize its potential for success. Regardless, we want 10 and we want them now.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

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Just one short day after Nokia and Intel bestowed a great non-announcement upon us all, rumors are already flying. Bloomberg, citing the hit-or-miss Commercial Times as its sourceless source, suggests this morning that Nokia has placed orders with both Quanta Computer Inc. and Compal Electronics Inc. for netbooks/smartbooks.

June 24 (Bloomberg) – Nokia Oyj ordered netbook computers from Quanta Computer Inc. and Compal Electronics Inc., the Commercial Times reported, without saying where it got the information.

The Quanta netbook will use Intel Corp.’s Atom chip and will go on sale in the third quarter at the earliest, the Taipei-based, Chinese-language newspaper said.

Compal will make the so-called smartbook computer for Nokia using Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) Inc.’s Snapdragon chip, the newspaper said.

Nokia is the world’s biggest mobile phone maker. Taiwan-based Quanta and Compal are the world’s two biggest makers of laptop computers.

An Atom-based Nokia netbook in Q3? A Snapdragon-based smartbook? Sounds nice. If these rumors do have any credence, perhaps the latter will materialize as a Snapdragon-powered Internet Tablet as opposed to a “smartbook”. Enter wait-and-see mode… Now.

[Via IntoMobile]

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Patience Virgin Mobile subscribers, patience. Last month we scooped an upcoming mobile broadband offering from Virgin Mobile that is slowly but surely making its way to Best Buy Mobile. Shortly thereafter, we scared up some possible details as far as pricing and data cost are concerned. Well folks, it looks like we might be getting closer to launch time as one of our readers tossed on his mining hat and managed to dig up some dirt. Found camping out on a Best Buy image server, two images of an upcoming Virgin Mobile USB modem sit ready and waiting. We’ve verified their presence on Best Buy’s servers and the item numbers match so you’re indeed looking at what will be VM’s first mobile broadband accessory here in the US. To refresh your memory, Virgin Mobile will supposedly offer both prepaid and postpaid mobile broadband packages and the modem will run $150. Hit the jump for one more shot.

Thanks, Andrew!

We’re not sure how many readers out there are sitting on the edges of their seats waiting for more info on Virgin Mobile’s upcoming broadband card we scooped last week. If there is even one however, we would be remiss if we ignored him or her. Consider this unconfirmed for the time being, but a tipster whose intel has panned out in the past just hit us with the missing puzzle piece from our scoop — prepaid pricing. Virgin Mobile is all about prepaid after all, so we were pretty curious to find out how attractive its prepaid pricing structure would be. Answer: meh. It looks like VM will offer $20 prepaid cards alongside its broadband offering and each card will be good for 250MB of data. We’re not yet sure if additional denominations will be available. 250MB for $20 might not seem like a great deal but it’s actually not terrible — users looking for a mobile broadband solution for light use while traveling every few months for example, will definitely save hundreds of dollars or more by avoiding a monthly subscription fee.

So to recap what we have so far: $149.99 for the card / Postpaid options: 5GB of data per month for $40 or 1GB of data per month for an unknown fee / Prepaid option: $20 per 250MB prepaid card.

In an age where lightweight, undersized netbooks are all the rage, Microsoft is most definitely wise to manufacturers’ game. That game, of course, is to keep netbook pricing as low as possible while slowly but surely raising the bar where specs are concerned. One of the many ways manufacturers can keep netbook pricing down is by taking advantage of a cheaper edition of Microsoft’s OS, which means less revenue for Redmond. As such, Microsoft instates a set of maximum specifications a PC must not exceed in order to offer its base OS. Above to the right, you’ll find said maximum specs for Windows 7 Starter Edition. As compared to XP/Vista’s max specs, we can see that processor speed has been doubled and 90GB has been tacked on where HDD space is concerned. Nice. On the flip side of the coin, max display size has been cut from 12.1 inches to 10.2 inches. Not so nice. In the end we’re certainly left with a pretty capable netbook but if you’ll be looking for a netbook that raises the bar without breaking the bank in the near future, it probably won’t be running Win 7.

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Just a few days ago we told you that Verizon Wireless stores were getting the HP Mini 1151NR and now we have official confirmation (from an announcement going out tomorrow) along with a few more details. First off, pricing is indeed $199.99 after $50 mail-in rebate and on a 2-year Mobile Broadband contract. Also confirmed are pricing plans, which many will be happy to learn start at just $39.99 a month for 250MB. Yup, Verizon has upped the data allowance on the $39.99 plan from 50MB and overage is still set at 10 cents per megabyte. Unchanged is the $59.99 per month plan, complete with 5GB and 5 cents per megabyte overage. For the additional twenty bucks a month, we think going with the latter is a safer bet if you’re going to be doing more with your connected HP Mini than just checking a few emails and light browsing from time to time. Hit the jump for the full press release along with a second release, also due out tomorrow, covering Verizon’s full mobile broadband portfolio.

HP Mini 1151NR from Verizon Wireless

The HP Mini 1151NR is available on the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network on May 17, 2009.  This netbook offers customers a compact, lightweight device with the added benefit of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband network built right into the HP Mini 1151NR.  Customers traveling abroad can use Verizon Wireless’ GlobalAccess service to stay connected, informed and entertained in more than 175 destinations; more than 45 of those destinations offer 3G speeds.

The HP Mini 1151NR will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. It will cost $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two- year activation on a Mobile Broadband plan. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

Key Specifications

·          Mobile Broadband – EV-DO Revision A (Rev. A) Embedded
·          GlobalAccess – Qualcomm Gobi chipset (quad-band GPRS/EDGE/GSM and tri-band HSPA/UMTS)
·          802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth®
·          Wired Ethernet RJ-45
·          Display – 10.1″ Flush Glass (1024 x 576) diagonal LED BrightView Infinity display
·          Weight – 2.4 Pounds
·          Dimensions – 1″ x 10.3″ x 6.6″
·          Power – three-cell battery, 30W AC Adapter
·          Processor – Intel Atom N270
·          Processor Speed – 1.6 GHz
·          System Memory – 1 GB RAM
·          Storage Hard Drive – 80 GB hard disk drive
·          Operating System – Windows XP Home Edition; Service Pack 3
·          USB Ports – Two USB 2.0 ports
·          Video – VGA out (requires optional accessory); built-in Webcam 640 x 480, 30 fps
·          Audio – Stereo speakers, integrated microphone, combo headphone/microphone jack
·          Removable memory – combo SD/MMC card slot
·          Limited Warranty – one-year

Verizon Wireless Connectivity Capabilities
·          Mobile Broadband – Verizon Wireless’ high-speed wireless network is enhanced with
EV-DO Rev. A technology for fast and efficient Web browsing and access to corporate Intranet and e-mail. Mobile Broadband is available across the U.S. so that customers can keep working when they are on-the-go.  Select from one- or two-year Mobile Broadband plans that offer:

·          $39.99 monthly access for 250 MB monthly allowance and 10 cents per megabyte overage
·          $59.99 monthly access with a 5 GB monthly allowance and 5 cents per megabyte overage

·          GlobalAccess – The HP Mini 1151NR makes it easy for customers to stay connected when traveling abroad with GlobalAccess. The HP Mini 1151NR with the embedded Qualcomm Gobi^TM chipset, works to provide streamlined global mobile broadband access on both CDMA and GSM wireless networks in more than 175 destinations worldwide. Customers will receive a SIM card when they sign up for a GlobalAccess plan. Monthly or pay per use GlobalAccess plans include:

• GlobalAccess Monthly Plan starts at $129.99 monthly access, offering a 100 MB allowance in more than 30 select international destinations ($0.005/KB after allowance), as well as 5 GB allowance for the U.S. and Canada and $0.25/MB overage. All other destinations are charged pay-per-use rates.
• Global Access Pay Per Use is perfect for occasional use and must be purchased with a $59.99 Mobile Broadband service plan in the U.S.  The Pay Per Use rate is $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico, and $0.02/KB in more than 175 other destinations.

Capabilities (with appropriate Verizon Wireless service plans)

·          E-mail – view, edit, and create e-mail messages with attachments
·          Web browse – experience a full Web browsing experience
·          Instant Messaging and Social Networking
·          Videos and movies – playback videos and movies downloaded via SD card or USB CD/DVD external drive
·          Photos – view and create albums or transfer via SD card
·          Microsoft Works® – view, but not edit, Microsoft Word and Excel files

Key Pre-Installed Applications
More than 30 applications come pre-installed on the HP Mini 1151NR Netbook including:

·          VZ Access Manager
·          Internet Explorer 7®
·          Adobe® Reader®  and Flash® Player
·          Microsoft® Works (share and edit Works Word Processor and Spreadsheet files with Microsoft® Office Word and
·          Windows Media Player 11^TM
·          HP Wireless Assistant
·          Symantec® Norton Internet Security 2009 (including 60-days of complimentary live updates)
·          AOL® AIM®
· Microsoft® Office Excel and vice versa

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STAY CONNECTED IN MORE PLACES WITH WIRELESS ACCESS ON PC CARDS, MIFI, NETBOOKS AND MORE FROM VERIZON WIRELESS

Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband Gives Customers Many Options for Accessing the Internet in More Places

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – On the heels of today’s announcement that customers can use the HP Mini 1151 NR netbook to access the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network, Verizon Wireless also announced beginning Sunday, it will automatically increase the data allowance fivefold for all Mobile Broadband customers on its lowest priced monthly plan.  In addition, the company will also introduce new pricing for its Mobile Broadband Connect customers.

Verizon Wireless customers will be able to select from Mobile Broadband month-to-month, one- or two-year plans that include:
·          $39.99 monthly access for 250 MB monthly allowance and 10 cents per megabyte overage (currently, the plan offers 50 MB for $39.99 monthly access and 25 cents per megabyte overage)
·          $59.99 monthly access with a 5 GB monthly allowance and 5 cents per megabyte overage (currently, the plan offers 5 GB for $59.99 monthly access and 25 cents per megabyte overage)

Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband DayPass is $15 for 24-hour access when any Mobile Broadband device is purchased at full retail price without a monthly service plan.

Mobile Broadband Connect lets customers use their handsets as modems.  Beginning Sunday, Verizon Wireless customers can add Mobile Broadband Connect for $49.99 with any qualifying voice plan.  Other Mobile Broadband options include:
·          $15 with a Nationwide Email Plan
·          $30 with a $29.99 or greater data plan or feature
Each option gives customers 5 GB of data usage, and the overage charge will change from 25 cents to 5 cents per MB over the allowance.

Although actual file sizes and customer experiences will vary, the following chart provides an example of different applications based on approximate size assumptions:

The VZAccess Manager solution from Verizon Wireless gives customers easy connection management and automatic installation on Windows® and Mac systems.  The software also allows customers to view Wi-Fi hotspots in their areas.  Beginning this month, customers who reach specific usage allowance thresholds will be able to receive automatic alerts that pop up during their active sessions in VZAccess Manager.

For more information about Mobile Broadband from Verizon Wireless, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit www.verizonwireless.com/mobilebroadband.

Rumors of Android-powered netbooks from Dell, HP and Asus have been circulating but the Chinese manufacturer Skytone is apparently the first to get a working prototype together for the world to see. Based upon an ARM11 533Mhz CPU, the Alpha 680 will sport a 7-inch 800×480 display, 128MB of DDR2 RAM (expandable to 256 MB), 1GB SSD drive (expandable to 4 GB), SD card slot, two USB ports, Wi-Fi, 2-cell battery, keyboard and touch pad. Measuring 8.5 inches long, 6 inches wide, 1.2 inches thick and weighing in at 1.5 lbs, the Alpha 680 will fit the niche as a “tween device” smaller than the average 8.9″ netbook and bigger than the average mobile phone. Though less than aesthetically pleasing with all the cherry red bezel, the Alpha 680 will no doubt garner attention when it launches in Q3 2009 with an expected $250 price tag. Hit the jump for a few more pictures.

Read

We’ve just received firm confirmation that Verizon Wireless’ first netbook offering  — the HP Mini 1151NR — is currently starting to touch down in stores across the country. We first scooped it in February and then confirmed the model in March so the only thing left to tell you, of course, is the launch date. Mark it down in your calendars folks: May 17th via all channels; the same day Verizon’s MiFi personal hotspot drops. Pricing isn’t yet appearing in Big Red’s system but we’re hearing it will be $199 with a 2-year contract after MIR. Of course some people will jump right into complaining and adding up monthly fees ($40 or $60/month), saying that this isn’t a good deal. It’s true — you’ll end up spending between $960 and $1,440 over your 2-year contract period for data access. To those people, we suggest buying a comparable netbook with an integrated data card ($450ish) or a comparable data-less netbook ($300ish) and a USB modem/data card off contract ($250ish). Then pay, yeah, $40 or $60 every month for data anyway.

Thanks, krazyVZW!

There were rumors going around not long ago about more subsidized netbooks making their way over to AT&T. Well, it looks like AT&T is about to start offering the Acer Aspire One 10.1″ netbook complete with integrated AT&T 3G access via a partnership with Costco. Costco employees are currently being trained for the launch and according to the info we received, the preparation comes to a head on May 8th. As for the netbook itself, it will become availble beginning May 11th. We’re pretty sure the Acers will be available from both AT&T retail stores and Costco electronics kiosks, just like Radio Shack’s current AT&T netbook. No word yet on pricing but look for it to line up just above the 8.9″ model currently available from Radio Shack.