HiVision, a Chinese manufacturer, broke the $100 barrier with a new linux based netbook, the HiVision NB0700, and prepares more surprises.

NB0700 Specs

• CPU: MiPS 400MHz
• Display: 7″, 800×480 resolution
• Ram: 64MB or 128MB
• Storage: 1GB flash nand
• Networking: Wifi, ethernet
• Memory card reader: SD/SDHC
• Three USB ports
• Price: $98
• Availability: October 2008

A custom Linux interface is present, with 5 tabs (Internet, Work, Play, Settings and Options), with big icons. Firefox is preinstalled along with an email app, Abi wordprocessor, a PDF file viewer and multimedia players.
It has a large keyboard, but the touchpad looks really small and buttons are positionned in the touchpad’s corners. Awkward.
HiVision is also preparing higher-end models, with 8, 9 or 10″ screens.

HiVision NB0800 specs

• CPU: VIA C7-M at 1.6GHz
• Display: 8.9″ at a 800×480 resolution, led backlit
• RAM: 512MB DDR2
• Storage: Hard disk drive, 80GB capacity
• Networking: Wifi, ethernet
• Card Reader: SD,MMC,MS
• Three USB ports
• VGA output
• Webcam
• Battery: 3 cell, 3 hours capacity announced.
• Weight: about 2.6pounds (1.2kg)
• Price: $299
• OS: Linux or windows XP
• Availability: October 2008

The NB0800 took inspiration (to say the least) from the HP Mininote. The price is still outstanding, but we’ll have to wait for stress tests, quality is the most questionable variable. You can see all the models on the video below, made by techvideoblog.com.


Via: Groklaw