Once again, rumours are rife as to whether or not there is an Apple netbook on the way later this year. It isn’t the first time such a rumour has surfaced, although as of yet, nothing has come to fruition.

The stem of the latest rumour seems to be coming from numerous reports that Apple has placed orders for 10-inch touchscreens in Taiwan, with delivery expected in the third quarter of this year.

As well as the ordering of 10-inch touchscreens, Apple is reported to be working on a new product with notebook manufacturing company Quanta Computer – adding more fuel to the Apple netbook rumour bonfire!

Apple has so far shunned the netbook market, commenting that they couldn’t make a computer that was good for such a low price.

However, with the global economy struggling and netbook sales going from strength to strength, Apple may already be having a change of heart.

ABI Research forecasts that 200 million ultramobile devices, including netbooks, will be shipped by 2013. That’s a lot of sales that Apple would miss out on if they chose not to enter this segment of the market.

So, will there be any truth in the latest round of Apple netbook speculation? Only time will tell!

Stay tuned to Pimp My Netbook for the latest news.

Via: Wired, Information Week, PC World, Network World, MSNBC, Reuters, Digi Times

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Is there an Apple netbook on the way later this year?

Pimp My Netbook has been up and running since November 2008 and has seen lots of visitors over the past few months!

With lots of posts available we thought it would be nice to highlight some of the more popular ones, just in case anyone missed them at the time.

So, without further delay, here are 5 of the best posts;

Netbook Skins

Getting started with your new netbook

What is a netbook?

Solid State Drives (SSD) versus Hard Disc Drives (HDD) – which one for my Netbook?

Run an entire suite of programs from your flash drive!

Pimp My Netbook will continue to bring you lots more news from the netbook world, so stay tuned for updates!

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Pimp My Netbook – 5 of the best posts!

Asus has been wowing the crowds at the CeBIT trade show in Hannover, Germany. They have announced the launch of a stunning new netbook – the Eee PC 1008HA.

The Eee PC 1008HA seems to be getting a lot of attention due to it’s attractive design, which is ultra-thin at just 1-inch thick!

Weighing in at 2.4 pounds (1.08kg), the Eee PC 1008HA has a 10-inch screen- much like other netbooks in the Asus Eee PC range.

Asus have yet to detail the exact specifications of the Eee PC 1008HA, but it will have a keyboard that is 92% of full size.

No launch date or pricing information has been given just yet, but Pimp My Netbook will bring you more news when it becomes available.

Via: Register Hardware, Maximum PC, Wired, Engadget, ZD Net

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Asus launches ultra-thin Eee PC 1008HA

Samsung has bucked the netbook trend and is going to use the VIA Nano processor in its new NC20 netbook. This is a change from the Intel Atom N270 that the Samsung NC10 uses.

The VIA Nano U2250 processor will run at a speed of 1.3Ghz to 1.6Ghz, giving it a similar raw speed to that of the Intel Atom N270, although overall system speeds are likely to differ.

Another interesting fact about the Samsung NC20 is that it has a 12.1-inch (1280 x 800) LCD screen, which puts it outside the screen sizes that are considered to be in the netbook category – typically 7 to 10 inches.

Otherwise, the specifications for the rest of the netbook are fairly typical;

• 160GB hard disk drive (solid state drive optional)
• 1GB of RAM
• 1.3 Megapixel webcam
• Windows XP Home operating system
• 3 USB ports
• Ethernet
• 3-in-1 card reader
• Wi-Fi b/g
• Integrated VIA VX800 Chrome 9 graphics

One disadvantage of the larger 12.1-inch screen is that the Samsung NC20 will be heavier than other netbooks at 3.4 pounds (1.55kg), compared to the 2.8 pounds (1.27kg) of the Samsung NC10.

On the other hand, the larger chassis for the 12.1-inch screen allows the Samsung NC20 to accomodate a full-size keyboard.

Battery life is estimated at around 6.5 hours running on a 6-cell battery.

Expect to pay around $650 for the Samsung NC20, which is more than what you would expect to pay for most netbooks.

Via: cnet, Tom’s Hardware, Electronista, Gizmodo

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Samsung NC20 netbook will have a VIA Nano processor

It looks as though 10 inches just isn’t enough to satisfy some people – cue silly giggle!

Reports are coming from LCD screen makers that demand for 11.6-inch panels has risen markedly.

This has led some to speculate that netbook manufacturers are going to be producing netbooks with bigger screens at some stage in the near future.

Already there are two 12-inch netbook models already in the market – the Dell Mini 12 and Samsung NC20.

There is some debate as to where the cutoff point lies for screen size before a netbook is actually considered to be a laptop.

However, if the specification and price falls in the normal netbook mould then it could be argued either way.

There’s a difficult balance to be met, because if netbooks get bigger the benefits of them being highly portable will start to diminish.

On the other hand, with Nvidia graphics set to appear in netbooks soon, bigger screens may be appreciated to take advantage of high definition (HD) capability.

More news as we get it!

Via: Slash Gear, Digitimes

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Are netbooks screens about to get bigger?

Two weeks ago some information was leaked that supposedly listed the specifications of the then forthcoming Dell Mini 10 netbook.

The Dell Mini 10 has now been officially released and coincidentally, more or less all of the features mentioned in the leak two weeks ago have come to fruition.

It really does seem like the Dell Mini 10 is being aimed at the following two groups of user;

• Youth social networking/entertainment
• Vacation/coffee shop companion

At the time of launchthe usual components found in netbooks will be available;

• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Intel Atom Processor (1.3Ghz/1.6Ghz)
• 120GB/160GB hard disk drive
• 1-2GB RAM
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 3-cell battery
• Linux or Windows XP operating system

More importantly, the following features are listed as ‘coming soon’;

• Optional GPS
• Optional TV Tuner
• Optional HD capability with an optional 720p high definition 10.1 inch seamless display
• Optional 6-cell battery for longer battery life of upto 6½ hours
• Optional bigger hard disk drive of upto 250GB
• Optional external DVD drive

So there we have it – another new netbook that brings a little more excitement to the netbook community!

Via: Electricpig, Slash Gear, Electronista, Gotta Be Mobile

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Dell Mini 10 netbook released

According to the Pimp My Netbook poll, around a quarter of people are Acer Aspire One netbook owners.

As you probably already know, the Acer Aspire Onecomes in a handful of different colors, but this doesn’t stop you changing the appearance of your netbook!

Netbook skins are a great opportunity for you to customize the appearance of your netbook to make it stand out from the crowd.

A netbook skinis a precision-cut vinyl adhesive material, usually with some design, photograph, or other image, designed for application to the outside of a netbook, usually on the back of the LCD screen.

Around 50 new and exciting Acer Aspire One skins have just been added to the Pimp My Netbook Shop – a selection of which can be seen above!

The best thing about these skins is that they are available at amazingly low prices!

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Acer Aspire One Skins

Almost all netbooks come with a built-in webcam and microphone, which makes them ideal communication devices – particularly as they are highly portable and can be taken on the move.

There are numerous methods of communicating via a computer, with the most obvious examples being chat, voice or video.

Plenty programs out there offer these features, such as MSN, ICQ and AOL messenger. However, there is one offering that provides a viable alternative for a telephone line, as well as all of the standard features – Skype.

What is Skype?

Skype is a piece of software that you install on your computer, which allows you to talk over the internet to anyone in the world for free, as long as they have Skype too.

There are also ‘paid offerings’ which allow you to use Skype as a telephone and call anyone in the world on a cell (mobile) phone or a landline.

What are the free features?

• Skype to Skype calls – calls that are made between two Skype users are free. These calls are free as all communication travels securely via the internet.
• Conference Calling- this feature allows up to 5 Skype users to participate in the same voice or chat session, which is great for a family get together! 
• Global User Directory - a giant search-friendly phonebook of Skype users everywhere, allowing you to search for friends and family who are using Skype.
• Call Forward -allows you to send your calls to up to three other Skype IDs.
• Instant Message (same as chat) - allows you to include groups of up to 50 in one chat.
• File transfer – instantly send and receive those big, hard-to-send files safely, allowing you to share pictures, documents and more with your contacts.
• Call logs – keeps track of both calls and chats.
• Mobility – this means that you can log into Skype from anywhere in the world, as long as you have your Skype username and password, and a computer with Skype installed.

What are the optional paid for features?

• Subscription packages – these packages are similar to the ones that cell (mobile) phone operators offer. You get a package that includes lots of minutes and features for a set monthly fee.
• Skype Out- this option allows you to pre-purchase a chosen amount of credit and make calls to landline and cell (mobile) phones anywhere in the world at cheap rates.
• Online number- this option gives you your own phone number that people can use to call you on Skype on your computer. You can choose a number from many world locations.
• Voicemail – this means you never miss a call with an answerphone service that allows you to hear calls you missed whilst offline.
• Send text messages (SMS)- allows text messages (SMS) to be sent directly from Skype at excellent rates.

 How do I get started?

• Download the Skype software
  
• Choose a Skype name
• Make a free test call to check your webcam and microphone are working
• Find friends who are using Skype on the global directory
• Start making calls
• Decide if you want to purchase any additional features

So, if you’re a person who travels a lot and would see the benefits of having your netbook act as a phone, then Skype could be for you.

Even if you just use Skype for the free features, it is a very easy to use program and is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends anywhere in the world!

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Skype + Netbook = Free voice and video calls

Netbooks are excellent portable computers that are designed to be used whilst on the move.

However, we all know that in everyday usage, our portable gadgets are prone to being knocked, bumped and scratched -- especially when thrown in a bag with keys and coins.

Well, invisibleSHIELD is the answer to your problems when it comes to protecting your netbook.

The invisibleSHIELD™ is created from an ultra-tough, patented film that is exclusive to ZAGG for covering consumer electronics.

Transparent and amazingly thin, the invisibleSHIELD™ is designed to precisely match the contours of every device, providing unbeatable scratch protection. 

ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD is the world’s first and best solution of its kind, and the patent-pending application process will keep gadgets looking great. Click below to purchase now!

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Netbook Protectors

TheStreet.com have got their hands on the new Asus Eee PC 1000HE netbook and here’s the video.

Via: TheStreet.com

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Asus Eee PC 1000HE video