Habey launches Atom-powered fanless nettops

Habey has introduced two iterations of a new low-powered ultra-compact computer, the BIS-6620-I and BIS-6620-II. As the models indicate, both are very similar. The first features a 1.1GHz Intel Atom Z510 processor, VGA and S-Video ports, and four USB 2.0 ports (divided evenly between the front and back), while the second has a 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor, DVI-out, and only two USB 2.0 ports (front).


Both systems feature a fanless design and have a single SODIMM slot with support for up to 2GB of RAM, full hardware acceleration for H.264, MPEG2, MPEG4, VC1, and WMV at up to 1080p, a CompactFlash slot, an SD reader, a 1.8-inch internal SATA II drive bay, one PS/2 port, gigabit Ethernet, optional wireless, and mic and headphone jacks. They run your choice of Windows or Linux.

Measuring only 120 x 120 x 40 millimeters and weighing just over a pound, it wouldn't be difficult to find a home for the BIS-6620 nettops, but they're mountable if you're out of desk space. Pricing starts at $300.

ViewSonic debuts its first CULV notebook

Today marks the launch of ViewSonic's first CULV notebook. The VNB131 ViewBook Pro carries a 13.3-inch 1280x800 LED-backlit display, a 1.3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU7300 processor and GS45 chipset, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB HDD and Windows 7 Home Premium.

While its aluminum alloy chassis measures only an inch thick, ViewSonic found room for a DVD burner. The system ships with a six-sell battery that offers up to eight hours of use. That time can be extended to 12 hours by removing the optical drive and installing an additional three-cell battery. It isn't clear whether the extra battery is included, but I would presume not.


Input and output features include Ethernet, 802.11g/b/n, Bluetooth v2.0+EDR, VGA and HDMI-out, two USB 2.0 ports, and a seven-in-one card reader. The system also has dual single-watt speakers, a multitouch trackpad, and weighs about 1.64kg (3.61lbs). ViewSonic is currently selling the VNB131 ViewBook Pro online for $949, and plans to launch more ULV laptops next quarter.

MSI intros gaming notebook with Radeon HD 5730

MSI has announced a new G-series laptop fully equipped for gaming and other media-intensive tasks. The 16-inch GE600 features an Intel Core i5 processor and HM55 chipset, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, an ATI Radeon HD 5730 with 1GB of DDR3 VRAM, 250GB, 320GB, or 500GB of mechanical storage, and Windows 7 Home Premium.

The system boasts a 720p HD webcam and covers the typical spectrum of connectivity options, including HDMI, VGA, three USB 2.0 ports, eSATA, RJ-45/11, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth v2.1+EDR, as well as headphone and mic jacks. It also houses a four-in-one card reader, two speakers and a subwoofer, and your choice of a six or nine-cell battery.


Other noteworthy specs include "GPU Boost" technology to switch between integrated and discrete graphics, and luminescent touch-sensitive hotkeys placed above the keyboard. The GE600 weighs about 2.7kg (just shy of 6lbs), so it isn't the lightest of notebooks, and given its feature set, it probably isn't the cheapest either. There's no official word on price or availability.