Everex Systems will launch a new mini-laptop with a 10.2-inch screen in November, the company's Taiwan partner said.

The company will also launch new 8.9-inch mini-laptops by the end of August, along with a model with WiMax wireless Internet capability in September.

Everex is an affiliate of First International Computer (FIC), the Taiwanese contract manufacturer of its mini-laptops. Everex's Cloudbook, for example, is made by FIC.

FIC officials said they're on track to ensure Everex starts shipping a new mini-notebook with a 10.2-inch LCD screen and 3G (third generation mobile telecommunications) wireless connection capabilities on board and an option for WiMax wireless. The idea for the devices is that since they're made for mobile Internet surfing, they should have the maximum capability to utilize all possible wireless connections.

Since it has a 3G option -- HSDPA and HSUPA (High Speed Downlink/Uplink Packet Access) -- the laptop can be bundled with a 3G contract from a service provider.
Mini-laptops with the WiMax option could be sold by companies building WiMax networks. The laptop comes with Wi-Fi connectivity already built in, 802.11b/g.

The new mini-notebook can run either a Windows XP or Linux OS and use either a 1.6GHz Intel Atom microprocessor or a similar processor from Via Technologies, according to FIC representatives. The device can hold up to 2G bytes of DRAM, comes with a 1.3-megapixel Web cam and either a 4-cell or 6-cell battery. In addition, it hosts two USB ports, an express card slot and 4-in-1 card reader.

The 10.2-inch WSVGA (wide super video graphics array) LCD screens on the model use LED (light-emitting diodes) backlights for 1024x600 resolution.

It weighs about 1.2-kilograms and is 263-millimeters long by 185mm by 32mm.

Pricing information was not available.

A few new mini-notebooks with 8.9-inch screens will be available in Taiwan and Japan by the end of August and the U.S. in September from Everex, the FIC representative said.

The CE2A1, with a 1.2GHz Via C7-M microprocessor, 1G byte of DRAM, and an HDD (hard disk drive) with 60G bytes of storage will be sold in Taiwan for around NT$14,000 (US$461). A similar model, the CW0A1, with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom microprocessor and a Windows XP OS, will cost around NT$15,000.

Both laptops can run either Microsoft Windows XP or a Linux OS. Their LCD screens are similar to the 10.2-inch model, with 1024x600 resolution. They come with either 4-cell or 6-cell lithium-ion batteries. The 6-cell batteries can run for seven to eight hours before needing a recharge.

Everex was one of the first companies to put out a mini-laptop to compete with Asustek Computer's Eee PC.

IDG News Service

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