This Netbook has an onboard DVD burner

Japanese PC firm Mouse Computer will be releasing what is believed to be one of the first Netbooks with built-in optical drive at the end of January. The LB-F1500W will come with the standard Netbook specifications including a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 160GB harddisk, 1GB RAM, 10.2-inch (1,024x600) display and Windows XP Home Edition.

We are not sure if onboard optical drives will be the way to go for Netbooks. While a DVD drive is a nice-to-have feature on a Netbook, especially for those planning to use it as a primary computer or entertainment device, it does add bulk to the overall portability of the device. Not to mention the battery life will probably take a hit, too. The high Japanese yen exchange rate is not helping things either, as the LB-F1500W's 64,800 yen (US$729) retail price makes it as expensive as ASUS' premium Eee PC, the S101.

Via Mouse Computer

Acer Aspire One drops below S$500 in Singapore

One of the more popular Netbooks is getting a major price cut. If you have been eyeing the Acer Aspire One, you can now score a unit with 8GB SSD and Linux operating system for a mere S$499 (US$359.38). This makes it the cheapest Atom-based Netbook in the market, though the Celeron-based 7-inch ASUS Eee PC 701 is slightly more affordable at S$398 (US$286.64).

When the the Aspire One was first launched last year, it impressed us with a generous keyboard size and two memory card readers, one of which accepts SDHC cards to expand the primary memory. Rumor has it that this is a stock clearance in anticipation of the upcoming 10-inch Netbook from the Taiwanese maker. But if the extra inch of screen estate doesn't excite you, then grab this model while you can.

HP Mini 1000 with ExpressCard/54 slot in the works

When HP consumerized its Mini-Note and created the Mini 1000, it not only replaced the metal body with plastic, but also removed the ExpressCard/54 slot as well. The absence of the latter was more painful, as the ExpressCard slot offers a range of peripheral expansion options not available to other Netbooks or even many traditional ultraportables.

According to Engadget, the ExpressCard slot is set to make a comeback and product details for the new Mini 1000 series have already begun popping up on HP's Web site. HP was unable to return a comment on when these models will start hitting Asia-Pacific shores but if you have your eyes set on the Mini 1000, we suggest you wait a little longer for this.

Via Engadget

Love is in the air for MSI Wind U100

To celebrate that upcoming day of Hallmark love, MSI will give away 15 limited-edition Wind U100 models featuring a rosy, heartsy design. Depending on your significant other's tolerance for pink, he or she will either want to smother you in kisses or possibly break up with you should you manage to snag one.

The Netbooks feature an Intel Atom N270 1.6G processor, Windows Home XP Home Edition, a 6-cell battery, and the same lightweight ultramobile design as the other U100 models. If you don't win, but still want one of these lovey dovey models, you can purchase one at MSI's Web site for US$429.99. MSI says it will offer free shipping within the US on all Valentine-edition Winds. The unit will be available in some Asia-Pacific markets in February.

To enter the contest, you just need to provide contact information and upload a picture of you and your Valentine between now and February 14. However, this contest is open to US residents only. MSI will randomly choose 15 winners and announce them on the same site on February 17. MSI will also give his and her "My Valentine" 2GB USB flash drives to the first 100 participants.

Via CNET Crave

Lenovo's lame product video

A colleague sent me this video Lenovo made and published to its official blog. My jaw dropped. Not because the content is particularly shocking or offensive, but because of how incredibly misplaced and lame it is as a Lenovo ad.

If anything, it makes clear one thing: Lenovo's talents lie in selling huge volumes of ThinkPads to business customers, and notably not in making smart, hip Internet video.

In the video, a guy recounts to his male co-worker a late-night work session with their female colleague the night before. While he and the girl are working, he starts describing the features of the new W700ds workstation from Lenovo. As he does this, she inexplicably begins removing various items of clothing until, it is suggested but not shown entirely, she is completely undressed. (Check out the video after the jump)
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