The Gadget Blog » netbooks

Why Litl Won’t Work

Rico Mossesgeld — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:16 +0000

The new Litl is basically a web-based netbook designed to work entirely on the web, allowing users to access prominent online applications like Flickr and Google Docs. The gadget, manufactured in China, enjoys the support of a minimalist-oriented marketing and design strategy. The design of the actual unit itself is special, especially as the display hinge flexibility allows the Litl to turn into a dynamic picture frame of sorts, showing pictures, weather forecasts, and of course the time. The emphasis on usability and simplicity looks promising.

Users cannot directly install applications on Litl; updates are streamed automatically via WiFi. There’s also no on-board drive; the Litl operates completely online, apparently totally reliant on cloud computing. Therein lies a potential flaw for this $700 product. Constant online access is a great thing, simply because it allows real-time information updates. But that’s only possible in the ideal, where internet service providers create enough infrastructure to support their user base, and where downtime rate is somewhere between 99.9% and 100%.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Litl cannot function when it has no access to the Internet. I’d rather pay $700 for a device that still does things even when offline, not on a product that’s totally reliant on the quality of your internet connection. It’s possible though time will prove me wrong. Maybe internet connectivity will become as reliable and “default” as electricity is today. I’ll reserve my final thoughts until I’m able to secure a review unit, so stay tuned!

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Dell Mini Inspiron 10’s Higher-Res Display

Rico Mossesgeld — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:25:07 +0000

As promised in the pre-order announcement, the Dell Mini Inspiron 10 would eventually feature a higher-resolution display, built-in GPS, and an integrated TV tuner. According to Liliputing, phase one of the promised feature upgrades is complete, with the introduction of a 1366 x 768 display as an option. The cost? An additional $35 to the final bill.

Surely the higher resolution provides more visual real-estate, which is crucial for any multi-tasker. But, as I’ve written before, this isn’t necessarily a better thing. More so if you’re talking about the small profile of Del’s netbook. At the same time, I wonder if Dell’s pronouncements also kept some buyers away, making them wait for the implementation of these new features.

Still, it’s good to see that Dell is serious about following its Mini Inspiron 10 improvement roadmap. Let’s see if they can eventually come up with a more competitive feature and price point package.

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HP Mini 2140 Reviewed

Rico Mossesgeld — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:53:58 +0000

To make a long story short, the HP Mini 2140 is a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. At least according to Liliputing:

Sure, the processor isn’t any faster than the CPUs in lower priced netbooks like the HP Mini 1000. And it’s not the thinnest and lightest mini-laptop available. But for a reasonable amount of extra cash you get a sturdier case, an accelerometer, a spill resistant keyboard with DuraKey finish, an ExpressCard slot, and a decent if not spectacular 3 cell battery. A 6 cell battery is also available, which reportedly runs for up to 8 hours with a standard hard drive, and up to 10 hours if you opt for the $575 80GB SSD.

Personally, I’m happy that HP didn’t make the same mistake they did with the Mini 1000: engineering a proprietary VGA-out port. That setup required a relatively expensive adapter to be remotely useful for presenters on-the-go, and limited the potential appeal of that netbook.

(Image courtesy of HP)

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