With CES coming in January and Windows 7 computers already everywhere to be found, a casual observer might assume that Vegas' annual consumer electronics extravaganza might not be as exciting for laptops. For Netbooks, at least, that seems to be completely untrue. Although Netbooks have seen an across-the-board upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 and, in some instances, boosts like HD-resolution screens, added RAM and Nvidia GPUs, Netbooks still tend to run variants of the same N270/280 Atom processor we've seen since 2008.
Creative's ZiiLabs today announced the ZMS-08 processor, its third-generation product that brings 1080p H.264 decoding to the table. According to ZiiLabs' specifications page, the second-generation ZMS-05 is capable of H.264 720p decoding at 8Mbps, while the new chip does H.264 1080p at 40Mbps.
This chip is powered by a 1GHz Arm Cortex processor. It is targeted at media-rich applications, yet is supposed to have low power requirements. ZiiLabs does not make any consumer products itself but intends for the ZMS-08 to be used by manufacturers in devices such as Web tablets, Netbooks and smartphones. The company says it is working with partners currently but there hasn't been any product announcement from third-party manufacturers as yet.
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If you have been eyeing the latest fashion Netbook from HP, the wait is over. The Palo Alto company is retailing the HP Mini by Studio Tord Boontje exclusively through StarHub's retail network. Based on the HP Mini 110, this limited edition model has an interesting top cover that uses HP 3d Imprint technology to give a layered effect to the design. But here's the catch. You'll need to sign up for either the MaxOnline Premium Plus home broadband plan or subscribe to MaxMobile Elite HSDPA+ for two years to get the minilaptop free. Current Starhub users in the Hub Club and Home Hubbing Pack can get a unit for S$699 (US$497.79).
HTC has dipped its toes in the Netbook category before with a wannabe minilaptop, the HTC Shift, which runs a full desktop version of Windows Vista. (Credit: HTC)
Netbooks are scaled-down notebooks designed for portability and basic computing needs such as Web surfing and word processing. Most are sold by established notebook makers like HP and Asus. Mobile phone brand Nokia recently joined the fray with its Booklet 3G, adding both HSDPA connectivity and GPS navigation to differentiate it from the rest. Though not strictly classified as a Netbook, HTC has also dabbled in this category with the HTC Shift which runs a full desktop version of Windows Vista and is very portable at 800g.