14 DAY TRIAL // You might think that, given the high number of netbooks currently available on the market, other system vendors will think twice before launching a product like this of their own, especially in the context in which major manufacturers, such as ASUS, MSI or Acer have already established themselves as the leading providers of such devices. However, it looks like the increasing popularity of these netbooks is considered by many just as good an opportunity to make their debut in the portable computer systems market.
One of the most recent netbooks to have surfaced on the Internet follows the same recipe as most of the other potential competitors on the market. There is a slight difference, though, in that we don't really know who is the manufacturer behind it.
Initially spotted on the Australia-based Pioneer Computer's website, the DreamBook Light IL3 sports an Intel Atom N270 processor running at 1.6GHz. It features a 60GB 1.8-inch PATA hard drive and, according to the aforementioned website, it can be equipped with a maximum of 2GB of RAM.
If we're to believe that this netbook is built on the same Intel platform as all the other netbooks on the market, then the 2GB of 533MHz DDR2 memory comes as somewhat of a surprise. Regardless of that, this could easily be the first netbook ever to feature the updated Intel SCH specifications, which enable Atom-powered netbooks to benefit from a maximum of 2GB of DRR2 memory, but that is yet to be confirmed.
Aside from that, the tech specs are similar to those of any other currently available Atom-powered netbook. Users can opt for either a 4-cell or a 6-cell battery option and, according to the company's website, the netbook weighs less than 1kg. In addition, it has two 1W speakers which appear to be placed on the bottom of the 8.9-inch display with Backlight LED technology. As far as connectivity is concerned, users will get three USB ports, D-Sub port, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR support, wireless 802.11 b/g, and one Ethernet LAN port. The netbook is also equipped with a 1.3MP webcamera and SD/MMC card reader, and can be purchased online for a starting price of $549.
Another interesting aspect is that, according to the German language EeePCNews, MiTAC International, known for its MIO brand, will also enter the netbook market with its own MiTAC MiSTATION, which is highly similar to the DreamBook Light IL3, as far as design is concerned. Price-wise, MiTAC's netbook is expected to cost under 350 Euros, and should become available in Europe in November.
