I get really red up with the unresponsive touchpad on my laptop, so the obvious solution is to have a mouse. But what if you are trying to use your laptop in a confined space such as on a train balancing on a flip-down tray, or in bed, or resting the laptop on your lap. An old fashioned mouse can be just too big and bulky.

SwiftPoint have created a new award-winning wireless mouse – small enough to take wherever you go and more efficient than a touchpad.

Swiftpoint Mouse

The SwiftPoint Mouse is really small, but with its easy-to-use pen-like grip is comfortable and intuitive . It features advanced scrolling, paging and zooming functions, letting you navigate around your laptop screen with amazing accuracy. In fact it is 30-40% more efficient than a touchpad.

Having said that the best feature for me is that it’s so small that it can be used on top of your laptop just alongside the trackpad, meaning that you can use it wherever you are – even if there’s no available surface. I have tested this mouse on a number of packages including Photoshop and even for gaming and it’s accuracy really is something else.

Not surprising then that The SwiftPoint Mouse has won several awards including Winner of Popular Science in the Best of What’s New Awards and an Innovations Award from CES Design and Engineering Program Computer Peripheral 2011.

Swiftpoint Dock

In order to charge the mouse, you just connect it to the SwiftPoint dock; a USB dock with super-charge function, which will give you another full hour’s usage from just 30 seconds’ charge. And yes that’s extra small also.

Stand out from the crowd and add some personalization and protection to your netbook with the Hard Candy Bubble Shell case. Available in a variety of colours, these snap-on, always-on cases provide protection from scrapes and scratches while adding personality to your Netbook.

We have just launched the long awaited Hard Candy Bubble Shell for netbooks. They are currently available for the Acer Aspire One D250 and Asus Eee PC 1005HA, however the range is set to expand in future with new models coming soon.

Are you the kind of person that’s always; throwing their netbook in a backpack? Taking it from classroom to classroom? Constantly unpacking at airport security? Do you Love colour? Like to stand out from the crowd?Appreciates fashion? – If any of the above apply to you, the Hard Candy Bubble shells are for you!

These super high quality shells are designed to fit your Netbook perfectly – protecting it from scratches and light knocks without making it too bulky. The shell allows access to all ports and connections, while the bottom side has ventilation holes to prevent overheating.

Key Features
- Tough Polycarbonate Shell protects from Bumps & Scratches
- Easy to use Snap-On Always-on design
- Bubble texture creates a unique design statement
- Made to fit perfectly, allowing access to all connections and controls
- Features recycled paper packaging

Buy the Hard Candy Bubble Shell Now for Just £25.95 from GearZap.com

We are very pleased to announce the launch of a brand new range of ZeroShock laptop and netbook cases – ZeroShock IV Advanced (4th Generation). This high-end model of the ZeroShock series features further advanced shock-proofing than the previous ZeroShock models, already noted for their superb shock absorbency.

The ZeroShock series are a popular range of shockproof laptop sleeves and cases that are designed in Japan by Elecom. The ZEROSHOCK ADVANCED netbook and laptop sleeves feature further improved shock-proofing properties which are unrivaled by other laptop cases.

ZeroShock IV Advanced

We think the latest ZeroShock IV (4th Generation) delivers some excellent improvements in both design and function. It’s modern design and rugged construction is also one of the best looking cases around and would certainly complement the look of any new netbook, laptop or macbook.

ZeroShock IV Advanced

This new range of ZeroShock Laptop Cases are available in 6 sizes to suit almost all netbooks, laptops and macbooks. You can buy them now from GearZap.com

We are very pleased to announce the launch of the NU Netbook Dock – Black Edition. It’s the perfect accessory for all netbook owners who love their netbook but wish it had more varied storage options, like a DVD-RW Super-Multi Drive and another hard disk? The universal docking station has an integrated Super-Multi DVD writer and a removable enclosure for 2.5-inch hard disks, along with a two-port USB 2.0 hub and an integrated fan.

Affordable, ultra compact and light weight, this is the hottest netbook accessory around. NU’s Netbook Docking Station is built for more convenient usage and maximum performance of your netbook. It’s compatible with all brand names of Netbooks up to 11″, providing built-in USB Hub for easy expansion, Slim DVD-RW Multi-Drive for reading or burning DVD/CD, on/off Switchable Fan for cooling the netbook, and an easy slide in/out Portable HDD Enclosure for extra storage. Everything you need for your netbook is right here, all in one!

Key Features

- Plug and Play, No set-up required, Easy to use
- Compatible with all Netbooks between 8-11″.
- Integrated Super Multi DVD-RW/CD Drive
- Easy slide in/out 2.5” Portable hard disk enclosure (hard disk not included)
- USB 2.0 hub x2
- Built-in 4cm on/off low noise fan
- Bundled Nero 8 Essentials Software

Also available in White. The NU Netbook Dock is now available for just £69.95.

NU Netbook Dock - Black Edition

Although expected sometime in 2010, Google’s Chrome OS is now rumoured to be released in Mid-October 2009. This information comes from chattering computer manufacturers in Asia who will release netbooks and similar devices with Google’s chrome OS pre-installed.

The first devices to see the new OS are expected to be powered by the Chinese-designed Loongson CPU. Devices with the Loongson 2F CPU are designed to run Linux software.

Shanzai is reporting that Chrome OS devices will start to appear in mid-October. Netbooks will be the first recipients of the new OS with smartbooks following. There’s not too much time to find out whether all of this is true, personally I’d take all of this news with a pinch of salt.

via: netbook choice

Although it was widely leaked that the New HP Mini 311 was coming soon, HP have now officially confirmed the release date and specs of the 11.6 inch netbook using Nvidia’s new ION platform. The HP Mini 311 sports a high resolution (1366 x 768) display and is powered by a 1.6GHz N270 Atom CPU. It also has 1GB RAM and a 160GB HDD.

The Mini 311 will be released for sale in the US on September 23rd for $399. Another verision with Windows 7 will launch on October 22nd. Most importantly, the Compaq Mini 311 will hit the UK for a reasonable £349.

HP Mini 311 Technical Specifications

• Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 3(1)
• Intel® AtomTM Processor N270(3) • 1.60GHz(4) • 512KB L2 • 533Mhz FSB(4a)
• 1024MB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm) • Max supported =3072MB
• 1
• NVIDIA ION LE for Windows XP with up to 319MB total graphics memory
• 160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA)(7)
• HP Black Swirl Imprint finish & HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone(15)
• 11.6″ Diagonal HD LED(8) BrightView Widescreen Display (1366 x 768)
• Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) (9)
• 802.11b/g WLAN(10a)
• 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards(17a)
• Altec Lansing Speakers
• 92% full sized keyboard • touchpad with scroll zone
• Touch Pad with dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down (note: no on/off button)
• 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
• Headphone-out/Microphone in combo jack (compatible with 3.5mm 4-conductor jack with stereo audio and mono mic)
• HDMI
• 1 VGA (15-pin) • 1 RJ -45 (LAN)
• Unpackaged: 11.4 in (L) x 8.03 in (D) x 0.78-1.20 in (H) • Packaged: 13.6″(W) x 4.3″(D) x12.2″(H)
• Unpackaged: 3.22 lbs(12). • Packaged: 5.3 lbs
• Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot • Power-on password • Accepts 3rd party security lock devices
• 65W AC Adapter • 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery
• HP 90W AC Adapter – KG298AA#ABA • HP PT06 Mini Battery – VP502AA • HP USB Essentials Port Replicator – NK398AA#ABA

Samsung N130

Samsung has officially announced two new entries to its ‘N’ netbook series. Both 10.1-inch models have very similar in specifications and looks. The official product page for the N130 & N140 is now live on the Samsung UK website. The manuals for both are also available (N130 here and N140 here).

The UK SKUs are both powered by the 1.6GHz N270 Atom processor and 945GSE chipset, and come with 1GB RAM and a 160GB HDD. They have 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) matte displays and feature Wi-Fi (including Draft-N), webcam, 3-in-1 card reader, three USB ports and 6-cell batteries.

The N140 is the premium model and offers Bluetooth 2.1, stereo 1.5W speakers with SRS audio (the N130 only offers a mono speaker) and a higher capacity 6-cell battery. The N130 should last for around 7.5 hours, whilst the N140 is expected to last for 11 hours.

The hardware itself isn’t that inspiring but this is represented by their respective price points. Both models are already shipping through the DSG chains (Dixons, Currys & PC World). The Samsung N130 is on sale for £279.99, whilst the Samsung N140 will set you back £329.99. Both are available in black or white and are shipping as we speak.

Samsung N130 Technical Specifications

• Genuine Windows XP Home
  Intel ATOM Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz, 512KB)
  Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
  Graphic Processor Intel GMA 950 (Int. Graphic)
• System Memory 1GB (DDR2 / 1GB x 1) 1 x SODIMM
• Storage 160GB (5400 rpm S-ATA) HDD
• LCD 10.1″ WSVGA (1024 x 600), Non-Gloss, LED Back Light
• Speaker 1.5W Mono Speaker (1.5W x 1)
• Integrated Camera Web Camera
• Wired Ethernet LAN 10/100 LAN
  Wireless LAN 802.11bg/n* Compliant
• VGA
  Headphone-out
  Mic-in
  Internal Mic
  3 x USB 2.0
  3-in-1 (SD, SDHC, MMC)
  RJ45 (LAN)
  DC-In (Power Port)
  Kensington Lock Port
• 84 Key (Anti-Bacteria Keyboard)
• Power AC Adapter 40 Watt
  Standard Battery 6 Cell
• Physical Dimension (W x D x H mm) 263.8 x 185.5 x 28.5 (TBD)
  Weight (kg) 1.25 (TBD)

Samsung N140 Technical Specifications

• Genuine Windows XP Home
  Intel ATOM Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz, 512KB)
  Main Chipset Intel 945GSE + ICH7M
  Graphic Graphic Processor Intel GMA 950 (Int. Graphic)
• System Memory 1GB (DDR2 / 1GB x 1) 1 x SODIMM
• Storage 160GB (5400rpm S-ATA) HDD
• Display LCD 10.1″ WSVGA (1024 x 600), Non-Gloss, LED Back Light
• Sound Effect SRS 3D Sound Effect
  Speaker 3 W Stereo Speaker (1.5W x 2)
• Integrated Camera Web Camera
• Wired Ethernet LAN 10/100 LAN
  Wireless LAN 802.11bg/n* Compliant
  Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• VGA
  Headphone-out
  Mic-in
  Internal Mic
  3 x USB 2.0
  3-in-1 (SD, SDHC, MMC) card reader
  RJ45 (LAN)
  DC-In (Power Port)
  Kensington Lock Port
• 84 Key (Anti-Bacteria Keyboard)
• Power AC Adapter 40 Watt
  Standard Battery 6 Cell
• Physical Dimension (W x D x H mm) 262 x 185.5 x 28.55mm (TBD)
  Weight (kg) 1.27kg (TBD)

via: netbookchoice

Nokia has revealed further details on its Booklet 3G netbook today at the Nokia World conference at Stuttgart today. We now know that the Booklet 3G will cost €575 ($820, £504) before subsidies, which is in line to the rumoured $799 price we heard of last week.

The full technical specifications were also revealed. The HD display comes with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and flush glossy screen. It will have a 16 cell (56.8 Wh) battery that the company claims will be good for 12 hours. It will be powered by a 1.6GHz Z530 energy efficient processor, 1GB RAM and 120GB HDD.

Other features include Wi-Fi (Draft-N), Bluetooth 2.1, HDMI-out, three USB ports, a 1.3MP webcam, Windows 7 Starter Edition and interestingly an accelerometer. You can check out some hands-on pictures from both Slashgear and the Nokia Blog. There’s no word on an exact launch date right now. The full specs are listed after the jump.

Nokia Booklet 3G full specification

Dimensions
Weight (max) 1250 g
Dimensions (max) 264 x 185 x 19.9 mm

CPU and Chipset
Intel Atom Z530, 1.6 GHz
Intel Poulsbo US15W, fanless design

Memory and Storage
RAM: 1 GB, DDR2, 533 Mhz, soldered down
HDD: 120 GB, 1.8”/5mmH/SATA, 8 MB cache, 4200 RPM

Display
10.1”, 1280×720 pixels, glass window

Battery
16 cell, 56.8 Wh, Li-Ion prismatic, removable design

Connectivity
802.11 b/g/n, 2T2R
BT 2.1 + EDR
Inbuilt 3G modem (data calls only). Different variants: WCDMA: 850/1900/2100 or WCDMA 900/2100 or no modem.
All modem variants have GSM and GPRS
Assisted-GPS

I/O ports
1 x HDMI 1.2 out
3 x USB 2.0
1 x headphone out (OMTP 3.5 mm) – with OMTP headsets also functions as audio in
1 x DC-in
1 x SD card reader
1 x SIM / USIM slot

Camera and microphone
1.3 MP front facing camera with integrated microphone

Keyboard
Frame keyboard
2 physical layouts: US (78 keys, 17 mm pitch, 1.8 mm stroke) and UK (79 keys, 16.7 mm pitch, 1.8 mm stroke)

Other
Accelerometer

Inbox contents
Nokia Booklet 3G
BC-1S battery
AC/DC power adapter
Quick setup guide and warranty instructions
Headset WH-205
USB charging multi-cable CA-126

Software
Operating System: Windows 7 Starter Edition, Home Premium or Professional
MS Office Small Business 60 day trial
MS Internet Explorer 8
HDD protection utility, Hotkey utility , Knock Control utility, Power Profile Switcher, Battery Life utility
Nokia Update Manager
Ovi Suite
Ovi Maps Gadget
Social Hub

via: netbookchoice

Nokia has finally announced the release of their much rumored Netbook the Booklet 3G. It’s powered by the usual Atom processor and is expected to run Windows XP or Windows 7. Some of the more unique features include a sleek aluminium chassis, Assisted GPS and a HDMI port.

The rest of its configuration is expected to be pretty much standard; a 10-inch glass screen that can display 1024×600 pixels, an Intel Atom processor, a webcam, Bluetooth, WiFi and built in 3G functionality as well as up to 12 hours worth of battery life. “The computer will include a hard drive and a glass display capable of showing high-definition video, making it a higher-performance device than a stripped down netbook,” said Kai Oeistaemoe, Executive Vice President of Devices for Nokia.

With a weight of 1.25Kg and a thickness of around 20mm, it should easily compete with the likes of Asus EEE series. We do not have a confirmed date for release yet, but more will be revealed at ‘Nokia World 09′ this Autumn.

Dell has officially announced the CULV-based Inspiron 11z ‘netbook’. The device is the company’s first 11″ netbook, although whether or not it is a true netbook is debatable. The 11z is only an inch thin and weighs around 1.4kg (3lbs). According to Dell the new Intel ULV processor should enable “smooth HD video playback”, however the 11z can only manage around three hours of battery life.

The biggest differences between the Dell 11z and Dell Mini 10 netbook is that the 11z will come installed with Windows Vista (with free upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released). It also comes with a much larger 250GB hard disk (160GB on Mini 10) and 2GB or memory (1GB on Mini 10).

At first it will only be available as a pre-configured system, however more configuration options will be available at a later date. The device is now available to buy in the US from the Dell for a very reasonable $399. The UK release will be following suit on August 25th, where it will be available from the Carphone Warehouse.

Dell Inspiron 11z Specifications:

Intel Celeron 723 processor (1.2GHz)
2GB memory
250GB hard Drive
11.6-inch HD (1366×768) display
Built in Wi-Fi, 1.3MP Webcam
28WHr battery with approximately 3 hours of battery life
Windows Vista Home Premium WITH free upgrade kit to Windows 7
Colour: Obsidian Black.

We think this could be excellent value for anyone who needs a larger screen than the traditional 10″ netbook, while the performance should also be a little quicker than most current netbooks.