The Elan is expected to be the first smartbook on the market, but manufacturer Mobinnova isn’t half dragging it out…
In an interview with Laptopmag.com company CTO Mark Anderson revealed yet another name change, now dubbing it the ‘Beam’ (it was originally the ‘N910′) and a rather goofy new slogan (”runs on fun”), but we do at least get a few more hard facts.
Perhaps the most critical new tidbit is that Windows CE is now nailed on as its OS (the nVidia Tegra-powered 8.9-in. machine is qualified to run many variants of Linux too), while there will be integrated GPS and support for 720p HD video playback. On top of this, nVidia’s Tegra chip will be compatible with graphics accelerated Flash content (once Adobe Flash v10.1 is launched), so web-based videos shouldn’t be a problem either.
In terms of portability, Mobinnova claims the Beam will weigh under 2 lbs., with battery life good for (an ambiguous) 5 to 10 hours of HD video playback or up to 24 hours of continuous audio. Curiously, battery life figures were not provided for typical usage, something which is expected to be a core smartbook strength.
Anderson was also vague about plans for Windows CE applications, stating only that the company is “defining the experience in terms of what apps are included and which ones are not. It’s really more of an appliance than an open platform. But there will be some apps online that you can buy. There will be some games that you’ll be able to download.”
As for availability, we won’t see the Mobinnova Beam this year, with Anderson confirming full launch details and carrier tie-ins will instead be announced at CES in January. Potential carrier contracts are pinned at $60 per month, but the hope is there “should be more flexibility in pricing plans”.
The Mobinnova N910/Elan/Beam captured our imaginations when it first showed up earlier this year, but with every passing month it runs the risk of being overtaken by the opposition. Windows 7-based netbooks launch this week, many with 10-in. and 11.6-in. screens, plus nVidia ION dedicated graphics and budget pricing. Time waits for no-one, especially in technology…
Gordon
