Netbook 2.0

The biggest news in the netbook realm is that Acer has gained quite a bit of ground with their Aspire netbooks and that netbook sales are eating up shares in the laptops world at the expensive of their bigger but more capable brethren. More than that, it's killing margins and revenue growth at HP and Dell.

It's beginning to look like a downward spiral at this point. But some are beginning to come out to the market with a different take on netbooks. We'll come to this point in a bit.

First, please read Onxo's previous post on what happened to the promises of netbook. SSD. Long battery life. Instant-on.

Now, let's come back. Netbooks are evolving as they should. Technology evolves. But they're evolving into bigger netbooks. More power requirements. Faster chips (though you wouldn't know it). It's become a laptop again but without the optical drive. But they carry a higher price. Still, it's a netbook wanting to do more.

Eventually, the margins and revenues on that will suffer as well. Netbook makers are fooling themselves. They need netbooks in their line but they all need products that differentiate themselves from the rest.

Sony has the Viao P and, well, Apple has nothing. But neither companies want to have anything to do with netbooks. For the pack of PC makers, someone needs to get started on netbook 2.0 so that they can break out of this shell they're in. It's killing them. I mean that literally.

Netbooks - What Happened To Instant On? Give Us A Real Netbook

One of the best advertised features of the netbooks when the EEE PC came out was the promise of fast startup or instant on and long battery life.

Well, so far, I have not seen anything close to anything like it.  The promises of solid state drives and startups haven't been what we were promised.

In fact, things have gone in reverse.  To drive prices down, cheap and older motherboards have been used like Intel's 950 chipset.  Standard drives became the normal as netbook makers realized people are using their netbooks as laptop or desktop replacements.  In fact, battery life have  been dismal and the native Linux OS were inefficient and largely replaced with the aged but true Windows XP.  If not XP or Linux, then its OS X.

I think it's time someone come out with a real netbook.  One that boots up in seconds.  One that offers long battery life because it uses fast efficient SSD drives and a power management that allows for all day use instead of the 2-3 hours or the 5 hours of battery life only because of 6-cell batteries.  

Make it a real netbook.  Get rid of the video out.  Do we really need HD playback?  A netbook should be not replacing any regular computers.  If it's a task or job needs a regular laptop, get a real desktop.

I suppose today's state of netbooks maybe largely due to the sagging global economy.  But at the same time, increasing netbook sales have failed to augment regular computer sales but instead contribute to shrinking revenues and markets.

It is a wonder why Sony's Viao P costs closer to $1000? Apple has not come out with their answer to the netbook?  It's quite simple.  There is no answer to the netbook as it exists today.  But there are some qualities that netbook makers should consider for what we originally though netbooks would bring to mobility:

• Light.  3lbs are fine but there are subnotes in that range.  The Macbook Air quickly comes to mind.  Two pounds would be ideal.  2.5 is acceptable if it means a bigger battery.
• Fast.  E-mails.  Surfing the web.  IM.  Standard office or social tasks that make up much of daily digital communication.
• Wireless.  3G.  Wi-Fi.  Wireless USB.  No cords.  Even wireless charging.  Evidently, the technology is there.  Ask Palm about charging the Pre.
• Long runtime.  I don't want to go overboard here.  I'm not talking about days.  I can dream but I dare not make such a request.  But make it run for a day.  Certainly, that isn't too much to ask.  

Are such conditions unreasonable to ask or difficult to meet for the likes of Apple, Sony, or an innovative and hungry startup?  Maybe there's a reason why netbooks are so cheap.  It's a good thing.   However, it doesn't mean we should accept the state of mobility as it is today.

Note:  When asked about Apple's answer to the netbook, Jobs jokingly (or maybe he wasn't) answered the iphone was Apple's answer to the netbook.  No, it's not.  But close.  Recent days, it's been blogged to death that Apple has "ideas" about the netbook market.  I wonder if Jobs hinted at Apple's plans but no one was really listening?

Netbooks Hot, Revenues Not

Can anyone really not see this coming?

Even as mobile warriors snatched up netbooks by the millions because of their mobiliyt, ease of use, light weight, and, in some models, speed.  

However, there is an impact as a result of this.  Lower revenues.  But more than that, it really speaks the weakness of the sector as PC growth grew a mere 1% while revenue dropped 20%.

Liluputing's blog has an interesting note.  Even while netbook sales skyrocketed, I have always thought some folks bought them because as a secondary computer, again for it's mobile qualities.  But we'll know in 2009 if the netbook invasion will continue as economic conditions have curtailed consumer spending worldwide.

It's my belief that the industry is in trouble if mobile users decide netbooks and low-cost computers are the way to go.  For years now, we have been devoid of innovation and this lack of compelling reasons for consumers to upgrade.

This can turn into a vicious cycle for the computer firms that are relying on netbooks to prop up their sales. With shrinking revenues and profit margin combined with a lack of vision and innovation, we can be looking a downward spiral not unlike what we've seen with the television industry in the 80s.  

Note:  There's a reason why Sony come out with the Viao P.  And I applaud their decision to come at the netbook segment in a different way.  Now, I like good inexpensive tech as the next guy.  I love my MacWind.  But Sony will insulate itself from a shrinking revenue pie.  

Impact on mobile users:  I think netbooks will only get cheaper and cheaper.  I'm talking about XO cheap.  The magic number for netbooks is going to be $200.  There's a chance we'll reach in 2009 particular if the economy worsens and these PC guys start eating their young.

Source:  Litiputing

OS X Without the Mac

Traditionally, with we talk about Apple's Mac with the OS, we refer to it as "Mac OS X".

Now, Appleinsider has revealed that Apple has decided to trademark the "OS X" with the "Mac".  As explained, it's likely because Apple's OS exists in multiple devices that are not Macs:  iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV.

Not to mention on a myriad of non-sanctioned devices like my MacWind.  So here's where I think this is interesting.  Just OS X.  

What I'm about to say is mere speculation on my part (I have no sources, this is not a rumor, but just my educationed musing) but consistent with Apple traditon of taking unassuming steps that are laid out on a road map that eventually somewhere.   Can this be the towards possibly licensing OS X for use outside of Mac computers?

Here's why based on Apple's past actions.

• PowerPC to Intel transition - no one thought that was possible.  Blood enemies and all.  Things change.  Time change.
• Apple has AMD chips running OS X in Cupertino.  We have to be very naive to think otherwise.  Cell chips?  You bet.  
• No disk drive.  Now, no user changeable batteries on some Macbooks.  Already, that exists in the iPod and iPhone lines.  And let's not forget no firewire on the unibody Macbooks.  Apple is very sneaky at adopting new technology as they are at dropping older ones.
• USB - Apple wasn't the first to use it but it was certainly the one that introduced the public to it with the original iMac.
• iPod Touch with recoding abilities.  Right.  VOIP is more like it.  iChat Voice or Video years down the line?  Definitely.
• Some experience now with certifying apps - may translate that experience into hardware certifications.

Those are behaviors that Apple has exhibited in the past that had me wondering about this trademark change and potential of OS X licensing.  Nothing in those behaviors sugget OS X on Viaos or Inspirons.  Nor should we just take Apple's word if Apple executives, Cook or Schiller, offers Apple's explanation for this change in trademark.  

Apple likes to surprise people so don't be surprised if OS X licensing is in the cards.  Apple will still make Macs.  And as far as licensing, I'm sure Jobs and Co. has made sure Apple always come out on top - in technical and financial terms.

If this happens, it'll be soon.  Windows 7 is coming soon.  Based on personal judgment and what I'm reading in the press, Redmond may have a remedy for it OS woes. The public is still fuming over Vista and corporations are sticking with XP.  If Apple wanted to take OS marketshare, this is the time.

Source:  Appleinsider

Note:  I know the other side of the argument:  Steve Jobs will never let this happen.  I'm almost with you on this one.  Jobs has never public said he regretted not licensing the Mac OS in the 80s but he has publicly said he marvelled at Microsoft's ability to make deals.  Maybe Jobs, health willing, will try to make a few of his own now.

Sony's Netbook Game Changer?

A couple of days ago, we posted a wireless briefing on what's going on this week.  One of the notes we posted was about Sony's secret answer to the netbook.

Through and accident or otherwise, some information are now out.  Keep in mind that we don't have the compete picture just yet.  However, given what we've read online, this is quite something.

It remains what the rest of the missing information are.  Price, availability, battery life, and overall mobility performance.

• Two models
• 9.5" by 4.5".  To give everyone a bit of a perspective, the 
• High speed wireless access - 3G, Wi-Fi
• 8" Screen with 1600x768 LED - this is very good.  By comparison, most netbooks offer 1024 by 600.  We're talking about almost twice the number of pixels.
• 1.33Ghz Intel chip - could be a slower Atom.
• 60GB hard drive - 128GB SSD for the rich.

Of course, two very important details were left out:  price and battery life.  Over at On Apple, I've offered my opinions and gusstimation on what Apple's netbook solution is going to be.  Obviously, Sony has its own idea here.  Both Apple and Sony consider themselves to be the BMW and Mercedes of the computer industry respectively (or Mercedes and BMW...).  Obviously, my idea and Sony's netbook soluion here will allow both companies to command a premium and still compete on some level with the netbooks.

We'll know in January, possibly CES what Sony has cooked up for us.

Source:  Electronista

Quick Mobile News Bits and CES Expectations

Here's a couple of mobile news bits to keep in mind as we enter the new year.

The CES, Consumer Electrontics Show, in Las Vegas is merely a few weeks away.  For those of us who didn't find this year's mobile gear offerings too compelling, 2009 should be pretty good. 
Word on the street is that Palm will finally make a serious effort to retake the mobile market it once dominated with a new mobile platform and devices.  Also, it helped that they received an $100 million cash infusion that should sustain them.  Boy, this Cobolt thing better be good.

RIM also got in on a bit of news last week by announcing a great quarter.  I think they've regain their footing.  Watching out, folks.  And by folks, I mean Microsoft, Google, and others. 

Then there's Android news.  New features.  For sure new phones in 2009.  G2, G3...you get the idea.  I do wonder if Android will break out and get into the netbook market. 

Certainly Sony is getting into the hype and secrecy business with a new Vaio.  Folks seem to believe it's a netbook.  The only reason I'm putting this bit of info on Onxo is that it's not a rumor.  However, your speculation is just as good as anyone's at this point.  Netbook, Viao tablet (I hope!), or something totally different.  I'm hoping for a Viao with PSP capability.  And since I just mentioned it, I know that it'll never happen. 

We're likey to more information trickle out in the next couple of weeks leading up to CES.  With Macworld seemingly dead (largely because Steve Jobs will not be the keynote speaker), more attention should be on mobile offerings from other tech companies.

LINKS:

• $100 million for Palm.
• Revolutionary Viao
• Sony's secret Viao page

Encroaching on Nintendo's Turf

Can Nintendo afford to upgrade every so often while mobile devices like smartphones have a shorter upgrade cycle?  The reason I posed this question is because a lot of smartphones and mobile devices are now making gaming one of its main features or soon will be.

Granted that Nintendo has sold millions and made gazillions from its handheld devices dating back to the original Game Boy, I wonder if Nintendo needs to upgrade their devices on at least an annual basis or even shorter cycle given the encroachment of mobile devices like the iPhone and iPod Touch.

More and more, it looks like Apple is serious about making more out of gaming than anything originally though.  I don't see folks getting torn up between Nintendo's DS offerings and iPod Touches when they consider a mobile gaming device yet.  Not for a while.

Nintendo will do just fine if they want to make a device that is gaming first and other functions are secondary.  Nintendo fanboys are just as loyal and likely have a larger following.  If the legendary gaming giant continues to innovate and not take them for granted, they'll follow where Nintendo leads.

And Apple is not the only people Nintendo has to worry about.   While I can't say I have any clue where Apple plans on taking the iPod Touch (I've got a few theories), others like Sony and Microsoft with Apple on the consumer mobile phone front and that means they'll have to offer compelling gaming as well.

Nintendo's problem with Sony is that Sony has a legacy and it is well known world-wide for its phones and Vaio laptops.  Sony can leverage its mobile gaming offerings in ways Nintendo can't.  PSP2 is a bit far off still (according to Yahoo).  But can we expect an iPod Touch-like device from Sony that merges PSP or even creating a "Vaio Touch" with PSP gaming?  Wouldn't you love seeing one of those?

Microsoft could be closer to releasing something to compete with the iPod Touch and iPhone than Sony.  Nintendo doesn't have to worry about Microsoft moving into mobile gaming the way it has to worry about Sony.  For the most part, I'm not sure Redmond knows what it really wants to do.  Zune phone is a given.  Zune gaming is likely but it has to decide if it'll be Zune gaming or Xbox mobile gaming.  Do it wrong and it'll confuse the heck of consumers.

Bottomline for Nintendo is if it can afford for the coming mobile gaming war to come to it or strike out at it's competitors now before it becomes an issue.

Source:  Yahoo News

Note:  I've largely excluded RIM, HP, Dell, and Nokia in all this.  It'll be interesting to see how they can fit into the mobile communication and gaming platform debate.

Netbooks Their Smallish Screens

I remembered a time when I had the Sony Viao subnotebook.  2000-2002.  I think it was 505VN or VX.  It was a really well designed laptop.

By today's standard, it may be considered a netbook given the supposed size of the screen, 10".  Well, the $2500 price tag would not cut it today as a netbook.  But it was a fast Pentium II 333Mhz.  It ran everything I threw at it.  It even has a Firewire port, a port that is sorely missed in today's netbooks.

However, the resolution on the Viao was 1024x768.  Today, you get a weird 1024x600.  You essential lose 22% of the former real estate on the screen.

I took my MacWind out for a test-run at Starbucks last night.  It worked great.  Fast even only 1GB running OS X.  But back to the screen.

I had some issues with it earlier.  But after really sitting there on the couch and really got to know it better, I got used to it.  Now, I imagine a lot of folks who come from a world of 15" LCDs or, if you're like Dave the Mobile Warrior, who is trying to adjust from a 17" Macbook Pro, it can get a lot of getting used to.

I did some web dev last night so it was nothing something where screen size was an issue.  Rather it was Microsoft (that's a story for another day).  I'm going to go back and try it this time and do some artwork using Inkscape and see what that's like.

For anyone looking to pick up a netbook, go with at least a 10".  The Wind is excellent because of the long battery life with the six-cell battery.  I also like the new Dell's new 10" Mini.

Note:  Go to Best Buy and play around with it a bit.  I highly recommend doing that if you're considering using a netbook to do a major bulk of your mobile computing.  Get used to the screen size.

Macbook Pros Will Have To Beat HP HDX18t

Unless you're set on OS X, the Macbook or Macbook Pro are the way to go.  But sometimes something will come along and screw all that up.

This time, it's HP's new HDX18t (HP's website is badly designed.  It takes you directly to their store and offers specs and data all mixed together).  I did a simple configuration on HP's store and this is what I came up with for less than $1950.

All I can say, is Macbook Pro and others have a lot of work cut out for them.  You'll have to decide for yourself if the ability to run OS X and Windows is worth the $800 premium for the 17" Macbook.  Apple is like to cut prices on the laptops so the premium may not be this extensive this time next month.

Still you have to wonder how anyone can resist this.  Let me highlight this:  Quad-Core, Blu-Ray, 4GB RAM, 512MB GeForce 9600M GT.

Just don't look at the Vista part.  I also took at look at the lower end Macbook and compare it with the Sony SR and HP's dv3500t.  A sort of preview as I decide on what upgrade best works for me.

Mobile Warrior Profile: Josh Gates of Destination Truth

We live in a world where superheroes or simple human heroes who use their intellect to solve mysteries, overcome odds, and find solutions at the last moment with gadgets, laptops, or, here goes, Google.

Now, we're going to begin with a weekly post and focus on a specific individual, real or otherwise, and imagine what kind of gadgets they'll carry around with them on their quests or latest attempts to save humanity.

Now, I doubt we'll ever profile Batman or Ironman.  That's too easy.  For those two, watch the movies or cartoons.

This week's profile is a real person.  Josh Gates of Scf-Fi's Destination Truth.  With a degree in archeology and drama, he is the modern day equivalent to Indiana Jones (without the whip or hat).  On the show, Jos and his team travel the world as setting up camp to find the truth and evidence for urban legends, paranormal events, and other X-Files-type mysteries.

Featured prominently on shows are laptops, mobile gears, cameras, and other various gadgets.  So, I wondered what does Josh take with him whether his deep in Africa or looking for Yeti in the Himalaya.  Well, Sci-Fi has made it simple by actually listen stuff he takes with him on most trips:

• Spot Messenger  - With a push of a button, Josh can send maps or messages back to base in LA whether just to check in or send an emergency call.  
• Sunnto Core Watch - barometer, altimeter, compass.  
• Olympus Stylus 1030SW Digital Camera - Josh took it for its toughness.  You'll have to visit maybe Olympus' site or Amazon for specs.
• SteriPen - Use UV to sterilize water.  And to top it off, it uses a solar charger.
• Tumi Travel Charger 
• Battery Geek Portable Power Station - provides Josh's team with up to 13 hours of batteries.  So, if you're into ameteur ghostbusting or UFO watching, this is perfect.  
• Nikon D200 Camera
• Garmin GPS Map 60CSx - compact and tough.  Accuracy within 4 feet.  
• iPod - He's got the first gen nano.  Someone tell him there are new ones with longer battery lives.  Comes in useful for an all night stakeout for boogymen.  I don't understand why he has a Nike+ Transmitter.  I mean when does he find time to go jogging in Mongolia?
• Flir Thermal Imager - I think Batman's got one of these in his cowl.  A must have for anyone trekking out in the dark.
• Unlocked Sony Ericsson W810i - Josh loves his iPhone but this is what he takes with him on his journeys.  It isn't that the iPhone can hack it.  I'm sure he rather it that with him except ATT has made sure Apple has it locked and won't work else where.  I suggest someone unlock and jailbreak his phone for him.  
• Moleskine Journal - good choice.  But any paper pad will work too.  A couple of pens are good too.  I lose a pen a week and that's just in my office.  
• Book - Josh should bring his iPhone for ebook apps.  Actually, a real ebook reader would be great.

Suggestions for Josh:

• We're partial the Macbooks and Viaos .  I think the Macbook Air is light and provides enough power for most of Josh and his team's truth-seeking.  Plus it runs Windows well.  Viaos are great as well.  Well built and Viaos are my second love after Macbooks.
• The iPhone now plays a lot of games.  But for some reason I would have thought Josh would take with him a PSP .  He's likely too manly for Pokemon so DS is out.  Josh is more of a NFL or NBA type of person.  

So, there you go.  Destination Truth is on Wednesdays at 10/9C (whatever that means).

Now, we don't want to profile just folks we see on TV or fictional characters.  If you lead an exciting life, special ops, secret agent, or peace officer and use mobile gadgets, we love to make you the subject of Onxo's Mobile Warrior Profile.

Future Profiles:  Jack Bauer and McGyver (what Colonel Oneil...I mean McGyver would use today if he was still active)

Note:  We've provided product links to Amazon or product homepages for easy access if you want to duplicate your boyhood hero or find the mobile gadgets mentioned useful or want more information.

Buying Refub Mobile Devices

I've owned three different Powerbooks  and a Sony Viao since college.  Powerbook 500, Powerbook 1400cs, Vaio 505TS, and Powerbook Aluminum.  It's time for another one I'm afriad, as much as I love my current powerbook.

And among those four laptops, two of those were refub units.  The Powerbook 1400CS and this Powerbook Al.  Now, I'm trying to device if I should go with a new unit or another refub unit.

This is my reason for going for with a refub unit.  It's been broken and then fixed.  It's been tested.  It now works.  Also, it's cheaper.

I don't have a lot of experience with refub units outside of Macs but with the Macs I have dealt with, they are excellent. And on average, 20% cheaper than retail prices.

And with that kind of money saved, I'm talking about $200-300 dollars.  It's like getting a free copy of Adobe Creative Suite at a college computer store.  Not a bad deal really.

Six months ago, I bought an HP with an AMD-powered laptop for my mom to do her own design work.  retail was $1200 and we got it for $800, a 33% saving.  It has worked beautifully since and continues to power her Slingbox addictions when she's not using it.

So consider a refub and be proud of the smart decision you will have made.  By the way, the refub products from Apple all come with the same one-year warranty as new products.  Now, that's saying something about their products.

I'm not trying to sell anything but the concept of tested machines that have been made to work with a great degree of certainty and you save money in the process.

Plus, in these economic times, any kind of savings helps.

Note:  If you are consider a Mac, Apple is in the midst of their upgrade cycle.  Consensus is that Apple will be upgrading their Macs and lowering prices on new units which means refub Mac prices will drop even more.  iPods are also on sale as well.

Related Link:  David Alison's Blog

LCD Changes - More Entertainment Friendly Widescreens On The Way?

It's been a while since I've seen 4:3 aspect-screen laptops for a while.  If you look carefully, you can still find it at your local electronics superstore.  These days, we pretty much see only widescreen laptops.

My original Powerbook 1400cs had a resolution of 800x600.  Then a series of Windows laptops took me to 1024x768.  Finally, my current Powerbook rests at 1280x800.  I love the wide aspect as it gave me room to fit chat windows, widgets, or notes that I happen to have open.  The higher resolution the better in my mind, so long as my eyes can take it.

But in Yahoo News' (via PC Magazine) article regard laptop screen size, the argument is against laptop makers produce screens with 16:9 ratio, a move away from the mostly 16:10 screens on the market now.  In a move towards 16:9, the height of the screen is sacrificed.

The article only provide the dimensions of the screen and we added the size or resolution to offer mobile warriors more perspectives of the change.

What we see are the loss of screen surface area as well as resolution.  What we also see is the changes in the resolution as a result.  For work, this can impact buying decision but according to Yahoo, we may not have the luxury of such a choice as laptop makers will move mostly to 16:9 screens.

Here are some points we've gathered from the article:

• Bigger screen the better.  One way to compensate for the loss in resolution and surface area is to move to a bigger screen.  The increase in weight will vary from model to model.
• 16:9 is better for movies.  
• Battery life may increase in additional to any Intel changes to next generation mobile platforms due to a smaller surface area the laptop battery has to power.

Are the manucturers doing this to because of the bottom line?  Perhaps.  However, if I can  get longer battery life and a lighter laptop, it could be a change in mobility however minute.  For mobile workers who need that extra space, it would be natural for them to gravitate towards a laptop with a bigger screen.

The assertion that the change in aspect is for cost saving is likely true, also keep in mind that more people are using laptops as their desktop replacements and bring with them certain habits including watching movies on their computer.  And if it is perceived by the consumers that 16:9 screens provide better entertainment experiences and extending battery, this is going to happen and there really isn't something we can do about.  

This is hardly a "write to your Congressman" situation.  

When the change over from traditional 4:3 screens to widescreens was made, it also changed the work habit of mobile warriors.  I encountered programmers who stuck with their 1600x1200 LCDs so they can see more lines horizontally.  At the same time, spreadsheet warriors occupy both sides of the argument.  On one side, they like to see more rows just as the programmers do while some like to see more columns.

I have read some interest comments from users regarding this issue and that comes to mind is the 16:10 allow for the control to be displayed without hinder viewing of movies.  

I trust this is probably the end of aspect ratio changes for years to come.