14 DAY TRIAL // Pioneer Computers has already tackled the mobile-computing front, having made available an ARM-powered smartbook not long ago, but it seems that the company isn't going to limit itself to just that one small device. Aiming to tackle a larger part of the mobile computing segment, the PC vendor has started working on a DreamBook Lite U11a netbook powered by the next-generation NVIDIA ION 2 mobile platform. While the netbook is already up for order, it is only available in an Intel Atom-powered configuration.
The current model that Pioneer is selling is based on the Intel Atom N450 central processing unit. This CPU has a clock frequency set at 1.66GHz and is paired with 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 RAM and either a hard disk drive, with up to 1TB of storage, or a solid state drive, with up to 256GB. The netbook features an 11-inch, LED-backlit HD display with a maximum resolution of 1366 x 768 and a host of connectivity and I/O options, such as a VGA output, HDMI, three USB ports, LAN, a 4-in-1 card reader, 802.11 B/G/N WiFi, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and optional Bluetooth and 3G. Furthermore, the laptop boasts a Kensington lock, HD Audio (with two built-in speakers) and a four-cell or six-cell battery.
As it has undoubtedly become apparent, this currently available DreamBook Lite U11a netbook model is based on the Intel NM10 Express Chipset. The mobile PC can also boast the more capable Atom N470 CPU and is already available for order on the company's website, where it is priced at AUD449.
The ION 2-powered version of the netbook has not yet been made available, but is expected to make its first appearance sometime next month. This model will likely have improved multimedia and graphics capabilities, although this added functionality might imply a slight increase in the product's starting price.