UK Netbook Review

We just posted a first look at the new Alienware M11x gaming netbook yesterday and already there’s video of it in action -playing Left 4 Dead 2. Using a yet unamed Core 2 Duo processor and switchable Nvidia GT335M graphics the video (after the break) shows it playing Left 4 Dead 2 at around 50 FPS, at the native 1366 x 768 resolution, high settings with no AA. Now I’m no gamer, but that seems pretty impressive.

Alienware, now a part of Dell, has apparently been working on this Alienware M11x thin and light / netbook gaming machine for 5 years according to a post on the Direct2Dell blog today. Technically, we should call this a ‘thin and light’ since it features a Core 2 processor and an 11.6″ screen vs. the ubiquitous Atom processor and 10″ screen that define the netbook segment. Specifically, this ultra-portable gaming machine from Alienware will pack an Intel Core 2 Duo CULV processor mated with NVIDIA 335M graphics and a 11.6 inch with 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. According to the company, it will be able to play modern games including Call of Duty 4 and Left 4 Dead 2.

Netbooks aren’t really much older than 2007, and they really gained a foothold in 2008.  Although some dismiss netbooks as just a fad, the least data from a company called DisplaySearch suggests otherwise.  Netbook shipments are still growing, and according to their most recent report, netbook shipments are up 103% from last year.  Whats more, the company projects [...]

Yes, you read that correctly, Marks & Spencers now has their own, branded, netbook called the MSNB-2009. Like the name, the netbook itself is pretty unimpressive, andjust an off the shelf design from Taiwan rebranded by M&S. Nevertheless, let’s take a look.

Nicole over at Netbooknews takes a look at the rather bland looking Astro Boy netbook.

The blandness continues with the specs, it’s all typical (low-end) netbook stuff: an Atom N270 processor, 1GB RAM, 10.1” 1024×600 display, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1.3MP Webcam and Windows XP Home. However it’s been Astro Boy branded – along with the accessories you get in the briefcase: Astro Boy branded MP3 player, portable hard drive, 2GB flash drive and USB Hub / card reader. Nicole over at Netbooknews takes a look at the rather bland looking Astro Boy netbook.

The blandness continues with the specs, it’s all typical (low-end) netbook stuff: an Atom N270 processor, 1GB RAM, 10.1” 1024×600 display, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1.3MP Webcam and Windows XP Home. However it’s been Astro Boy branded – along with the accessories you get in the briefcase: Astro Boy branded MP3 player, portable hard drive, 2GB flash drive and USB Hub / card reader.