MSI's 3.5G Wind 120 coming to Taiwan in November

We had gotten word previously that MSI's follow-up to the Wind 100--the 120--would likely hit the streets this December. According to Digitimes, though, we won't have to wait that long. In fact, the 3.5G-sporting Netbook should be available sometime next month. The specs are fairly impressive, running Windows XP on Intel's Atom N270 processor with 1GB of RAM.

With its 8.9-inch screen, this ultraportable is inviting with its estimated street price of US$552, but that price could come down if the manufacturer squares deals with 3G network operators like Taiwan's Vibo Telecom, the first carrier to subsidize the Netbook.

We aren't expecting deals like that until next year at the earliest, though, if they come at all, but as carriers are looking for new ways to lock us into long term contracts, fancy hardware is an appealing way to go. Currently there is no information on availability in other Asia Pacific regions as well, though it should be noted that the first 3.5G Eee PC 901 is carried by Singapore's SingTel operator.

Via CNET Crave

New MacBooks, higher premiums

Spec for spec, Apple machines have always been, and probably always will be, more expensive than their Windows counterparts. Even after value-adding iLife, the hardware of a MacBook still commands a significant premium.

But just how much more? Tech blog Gizmodo did a pretty good table showing how much extra the Cupertino company is charging for the honor of owning a Mac laptop. According to the writeup, the margins for lower-end machines are much higher than top-of-the-line models. In fact, scoring a last-generation MacBook Pro, which costs much lower than the new midrange version, makes more economic sense as both sit in the same performance bracket.

But seriously, no matter what anyone says, we think Apple's new design will sell like hotcakes. After all, buying a Mac is more than just about performance, it's also about style.

Via Gizmodo

Cool your laptop with Chinese opera

Back when I was a kid, we had to blow on our laptops (and carry them 10 miles in the snow, by the way) to keep them cool. These days, you young whippersnappers have things a whole lot easier.

Take the Chinese Beijing Opera USB laptop cooling pad. Just plug it in. It contains three quiet built-in fans to dissipate hot air from underneath your notebook and keep your system cool. But it's also a decorative nod to the high drama of Chinese opera.

The cooling pad is powered via a retractable USB cable, and is light and portable, weighing about 680g. An added bonus: That fierce-looking red, white, and black face mask might scare off laptop thieves.

The cooling pad goes for US$24.99 online, excluding shipping. Rhythmic accompaniment not included.

Via CNET Crave

IDC: Netbook shipments up, expect constrained IT budgets

Worldwide PC shipments were up 15.8 percent in the third quarter, slightly lower than expected.

Just over 80 million PCs were shipped around the globe during the third quarter, according to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker report released Wednesday. The popularity of Netbooks helped to disguise an industry that looks to have continued tough times ahead. Budgets for buying PCs were constrained as the quarter progressed, and IDC says there's more where that came from.

"IDC expects the ongoing economic woes in the US to further impact consumer and commercial PC spending during the holiday season," said Doug Bell, IDC PC analyst.

One of the bright spots, however, was Acer, which grew five times faster than the rest of the market in the third quarter and shipped 10 million PCs. It found success pushing Netbooks in the US, but especially in the EMEA, or Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions.

If the current economic roller coaster continues, perhaps even more buyers could start looking to Netbooks because of their lower price tag. For more see our report on Gartner's similar findings.

Via CNET News

HSDPA Eee PC 901 gets cozy with SingTel

As previously reported, the first HSDPA-enabled Eee PC 901 was just itching to make an appearance in Singapore. The question was, who would get dibs on this mobile machine?

Turns out SingTel, famed for being the first to bring the iPhone 3G to Singapore, is the lucky winner. Priced at S$898 (US$600.95), the Eee PC 901 will go at a discounted price of S$498 (US$333.27) to subscribers of the Mobile Broadband plan but only if they sign up between October 18 and November 14 this year.

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