OS X Netbook Compatibility Chart

It isn't a secret some netbook users have been using Apple's Mac OS X in their computers. However, more often than not, something isn't properly recognized: whether it's WiFi, Bluetooth, Audio, etc.

So, if you're really looking for the best netbook to run OS X, which one should you choose?
Well, it's easy... once you have this OS X  Netbook compatibility chart to assist you:

Your best options are the MSI Wind and the Dell Mini 9. In fact, MSI has even released some semi-official drivers for WiFi to work correctly on OS X... how about that?

More info and instructions at Boing Boing Gadgets.

MSI Wind with New CPUs and Hybrid SSD/HD

While some begin to doubt the popularity of the netbook concept (mostly those who don't quite get it isn't supposed to replace a full laptop/desktop computer for full-time working) MSI is about to make its interesting MSI Wind even more... interesting.

... and I'm not talking about cosmetic details ...

After the U120 with 3G, we're about to get the new U110 and U115 with newerer Intel Atom Z530 CPUS, which are even more efficient than the regular Atoms.
But it doesn't stop there; some models will come with WiFi Draft-N (something alreday present on some Eee PCs from Asus) and, perhaps more interesting, an hybrid SSD/HD system. With the faster SSD being used for the OS, and the traditional hard drive for larger data storage (up to 250GB.)

via [gizmodo]

MSI Wind gets BIOS update Boost

Good news for MSI Wind owners.

The latest bios update brings some interesting tweaks to its turbo button. Meaning: you can now overclock your Wind by 8%, 15%, or 25%.

This makes it a lot more enjoyable to use with CPU intensive tasks - you can get nearly 30% better performance in software like Photoshop.)

Grab your BIOS update here:
MSI WIND Firmware 1.09

MSI Wind DIY 9 cell Battery

Are you tired of waiting for MSI Wind's 6 cell battery?

Why not forget about it and go all the way to a 9 cell battery offering you about 9h of non-stop mobile computing?

That's exactly what a DIY'er did, stitching 9 cells together.
It may not look pretty, but it certainly gets the job done!

Hey MSI, are you listening? No more excuses, no more delays... we need these bigger batteries. :)

via [liliputing]

Fujitsu Siemens Netbook and Aspire One

Asus began it with their Eee PC sub-notebook, but now everyone else is jumping aboard the so-called "netbook" revolution of small low-cost laptops. And now, Fujitsu Siemens is also joining the party.

Fujitsu Siemens, once the reference in Pocket PC devices (remember their Loox range?) is about to introduce their netbook. A small (8.9" LCD) notebook that is expected to cost between 300 and 400€.

The memories... I still use my Loox 600 as navigator, with a Bluetooth GPS and TomTom. In fact, until TomTom officially delivers a navigator for the iPhone, I'll keep it in my car.



Meanwhile, the Acer Aspire One has finally arrived at our stores and I went to gave it a look.
It is indeed everything I was hoping it would be. Very nicely built and still small enough to be carried around with ease.
In fact, when holding it next to the Eee PC 701, it makes the Asus "look like a toy" - and these aren't my words, but from a father talking to his daughter.

Don't take it wrong, I personally love the Eee PC 701 - and I think the 901 has everything it needs to be one of the best "netbooks" available. It's just that:
1) It still isn't available here - and won't be for the next 5 or 6 months.
2) It's too damn expensive.

This is exactly what the Acer Aspire One has to its own advatange, it's already here and it has an unbeatable price of 299€!

This is the price the Eee PC 901 should have, and it should be out there on the stores right now, to have a chance to win the "war" initiated by its smaller brother.

As for the Acer, the keyboard is a lot easier to use than the Eee's, even it at the cost a few extra centimeters - something most adults will gladly trade for the improved typing speed and accuracy.
As for the OS, it offers you the same basic operations as the competition: Internet, Document, Media Player, Games. I didn't have time to play around with it much. I suppose most "advanced users" would quickly replace for their favorite Linux distro - Ubuntu/Xubuntu being my personal choice.
Nevertheless, browsing the Internet is more pleasant than on the Eee 701, with its higher resolution screen requiring a lot less scroll bar action.

I'm still waiting to see the MSI Wind and see how/if it will justify spending a 100-200 Euros more. After seeing this Acer, I think it will very hard for Wind to pull that off... but I'll give it a fair chance.

As always, there's always something "missing" for it to be just perfect: in the case of Acer it's its small 3 cell battery, offering about 3h battery life. A 6 cell battery would be much more appropriate.
(But keep in mind this is something plaguing most low cost netbooks - most others also come with similar sized batteries.)

via [Engadget]

MSI Wind Hopes to Blow Eee PC Away

After Asus hitting the jackpot with the Eee PC, everyone else is racing to launch similar models.

MSI Wind is no exception, and it comes packed with a nice set of features:

• 10-inch display
• Intel Shelton'08 platform
• CPUs 1.0GHz - 1.6GHz
• 2.5-inch HDD or SSD
• 1GB RAM
• 7h battery life - allegedly

However, the Asus Eee PC is not standing still, with new models announced with up to 20GB SSD flash disk space, and the new Intel Diamondville/Atom pltaform to be introduced in May, and possibly WiMax/HSPDA options before the end of the year.