Samsung Releases Passive Cooled Sub-Notebook

A Sub-notebook is typically an extremely small and lightweight computer having all the features of a standard laptop and being able to run all types of programs. It is somewhat smaller than an A4 sized notebook but larger than a handheld device. Usually, it possesses a screen smaller than 10 inches and weights less than 2.2 pounds. The small form factor is achieved by omitting ports and controllers, but that translates in lower connection capabilities.

Samsung Electronics has just released a new 2 and a half pound sub-notebook that uses only passive cooling. The Sens Q40 notebooks are powered by INTEL Centrino U1400 series CPUs and have a battery standby of about 3.5 hours. Samsung offers as standard 1GB of Ram and a 60GB hard drive. Optionally, a 7 hours battery can come in handy.

Samsung also equipped their newest gadget with a DMB receiver (technology similar to DVB-H but mainly used in South Korea). Price tag will be set at $2250; the sub-notebook will be available only in Korea and Europe as most Korean manufacturers don't sell their products in the US.

Fanless notebooks are nothing new; in this market segment, Samsung will have to fight Panasonic's new Toughbook series.