CES day two proved to be just as good as day 1. This show is all about tablets. Pretty much every single major electronics company is brining a table to the market which has seemed to have cooled off the high attention to e-readers like last yeah and may have put netbooks out for good in 2011.

We have even more cool photos and video of the Audio booth that shows even more than what the title pic of this post shows.

We saw tons of products from Cydle, Samsung, PDP, Hercules, Wicked Audio and many more. Stayed tuned for more as it develops.

The LG X120 Netbook is a 3G ready netbook that comes out in the crowded market of 3G ready netbooks. Does the X120 stand out amount the rest to be the best.  Check out the review, videos and pics inside to find out.

LG provided us with this netbook as an experience product for our own independent review here at BWOne.com

Hardware

The first thing that stands out when you look at the X120 is the nice soft look and feel of it with the nice accents on the the side that give it a nice touch of color with the nice soft rounded edged.  The keyboard is a nice size and feels good to type on the keys. The mouse pad as a bit of a plastic feel to it but it  does work well. The 10.1 in screen gives you a lot of screen real estate to work with when looking at longer documents such as spreadsheets.  There is a 1.3 Megapixel camera that can be used for video chat and Skype calls.  To this on the road the netbook comes 3G ready, an 1.6ghz Intel Atom processor and 1GB of ram and 7 hours of battery life on a full charge to round up the hardware specs.

LG Smart On

A quick way to access information without full loading into the OS you can. the OS turns on in a second and gives you access to quick things such as Web, Music, Pictures, Online Gaming and Chat.  The interface which is a Linux based OS is pretty quick and simple to use and give you what you need quickly on the go and even will save you battery life.

Windows XP and 3G coverage

The netbook does come with Windows XP which does work well but Windows 7 on here would work much better since its designed more for netbooks.  For 3G coverage we are using AT&T 3G which when we were in coverage did work well but it can be spotty at times but I would put that more on AT&T network coverage not being as adequate and not the netbooks performance which is stellar when on 3G.

Overall

Overall the netbook is solid with great features, nice looks and great speeds. We do wish that it came with Windows 7 that would take better advantage of this hardware. If you are in the market for a netbook the LG X120 is one to look out for and definitely consider picking up. 

Microsoft Courier. Why Microsoft has it right this time

Over the years we have seen MS attempts to promote the next big thing, from the tablet PC running on windows xp with non-captive touch screens. To the ill-fated umpc that didn’t have the right OS or processor to boot. Through this process Apple has been acknowledged as the true innovator in the tech world, with the heralding of the Ipod, Iphone and stylish Mac books. This assumption might continue with its rumored Apple tablet (iSlate), speculated to debut in Jan 25th at Apple’s event.

The question is, what’s the big deal with a touch screen computer? Aren’t traditional laptops good enough. What about netbooks, aren’t they small and portable enough for the size conscious consumer?

The answer here is not about practicality or portability. But it rests with the assumption that consumers want their technology to evolve with their expectation. We want star trek tech today! Ease of use with our fingers, gesture controls that not only look cool but are practically cool. We are tired of the physical keyboard, the mouse was a great input tool, but its old. We want to feel in control, like we created the technology when showing off to friends.

So how does Microsoft have it right with Courier and Apple by all rumored indication  is moving on a more traditional path with the iSlate.

Full Article here @ BooredAtWork

Specs have leaked out for the Google Chrome OS notebook and from what it sounds its going to be a pretty mobile centric device even down to the processor and graphics core.  The specs give the indication that will be around a $300 price tag for it rather than sub $200 but a sub $200 device could show up.  Check for specs inside.

Quick list of rumored specs:

• 10.1 inch screen
• ARM based processor
• Nvidia Tegra processor
• 2GB of Ram
• Multi-touch Panel
• 1280×720 resolution
• 64GB SSD
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• 3G connectivity (CDMA and/or GSM)
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Multi-card reader
• 4 or 6 cell battery
• Optional GPS

Its finally happened! Google has announced the development of Google Chrome OS on their official blog.  The OS is slated to be released to consumers on netbooks in the second half 2010 buy later this year they will be release the open source code for the OS. 

This is what we all have been waiting for especially since Android was being ported to netbook and MID devices by manufactures anyways.  This is definitely going to be a big game changer in the netbook and mobile market and exciting things are definitely coming out of this. Read inside for Google Official statement.

From Google’s Official Blog

Introducing the Google Chrome OS

7/07/2009 09:37:00 PM

It’s been an exciting nine months since we launched the Google Chrome browser. Already, over 30 million people use it regularly. We designed Google Chrome for people who live on the web — searching for information, checking email, catching up on the news, shopping or just staying in touch with friends. However, the operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web. So today, we’re announcing a new project that’s a natural extension of Google Chrome — the Google Chrome Operating System. It’s our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be.

Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we’re already talking to partners about the project, and we’ll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve.

Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We’re designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web. And as we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.

Google Chrome OS will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips and we are working with multiple OEMs to bring a number of netbooks to market next year. The software architecture is simple — Google Chrome running within a new windowing system on top of a Linux kernel. For application developers, the web is the platform. All web-based applications will automatically work and new applications can be written using your favorite web technologies. And of course, these apps will run not only on Google Chrome OS, but on any standards-based browser on Windows, Mac and Linux thereby giving developers the largest user base of any platform.

Google Chrome OS is a new project, separate from Android. Android was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks. Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems. While there are areas where Google Chrome OS and Android overlap, we believe choice will drive innovation for the benefit of everyone, including Google.

We hear a lot from our users and their message is clear — computers need to get better. People want to get to their email instantly, without wasting time waiting for their computers to boot and browsers to start up. They want their computers to always run as fast as when they first bought them. They want their data to be accessible to them wherever they are and not have to worry about losing their computer or forgetting to back up files. Even more importantly, they don’t want to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates. And any time our users have a better computing experience, Google benefits as well by having happier users who are more likely to spend time on the Internet.

We have a lot of work to do, and we’re definitely going to need a lot of help from the open source community to accomplish this vision. We’re excited for what’s to come and we hope you are too. Stay tuned for more updates in the fall and have a great summer.

Posted by Sundar Pichai, VP Product Management and Linus Upson, Engineering Director

Link to Google’s Official blog here

Microsoft Security Essentials a is a free anti-virus software offer by Microsoft that is currently in beta. The program is aimed at users that do not want to pay for a paid anti virus solution or emerging PC markets.

The program is very basic and easy to use. Most users will not have any difficulty using the program as it has an easy and approachable interface.  The program is very lightweight which is good and seems to be aimed towards the netbook market which I believe this will go well with since those are at a very low cost point and can be a secondary machine for most that may not want to put a more resource intensive and expensive anti-virus software on it. 

It will be interested to see where this goes.  While I don’t think it will be the best of the best when it comes to anti virus it will probably be another good free alternative and maybe a top choice for netbooks.  its currently in beta now and we will have to see its full release to know its full potential.

Comment and let us know what you think?

Microsoft has finally release the pricing for Windows 7 and its cheaper than Windows Vista.  The upgrade plans have been announce for users that purchase PC after June 26th will receive a free upgrade copy if the manufacture chooses to support the program. 

There will also be a pre-order program to get the upgrade disc at half the price they will normally sell for.  For example if Windows 7 Home Premium cost $120 it will be $50 to upgrade if you go through the pre-order program.  Windows Ultimate will not be in this upgrade plan but may have its own later on. 

In Euro countries since IE 8 is not allowed to be bundled the pre-orders will be different.  Starting July 15th they will only be able to purchase Full copies of Windows 7. Which some say they will have to now do a full clean install and lose their programs.  I don’t think this will be the case since even on a Full disc they have an upgrade option when you begin the install it just seems that those countries will not benefit from upgrade pricing.

So far this sound like a plan to get as many people off Vista as Microsoft can and make it affordable to do so.  So far all the reviews have been positive on the new OS. 

Read on to get the whole US pricing break down.

Upgrade Pre-order Deal  (until supplies last)

• Windows 7 Home Premium: Upgrade price $120,  Pre-Order Deal: $50
• Windows 7 Professional;  Upgrade Price $100,  Pre-Order Deal: $100

Windows 7 Ultimate is not apart of this plan but the is speculation it may get its own Pre-Order incentive.

Official Prices

• Windows 7 Home Premium: $120 for upgrade; $200 for full version
• Windows 7 Professional: $200 for upgrade; $300 for full version
• Windows 7 Ultimate: $220 for upgrade; $320 for full version

Windows 7 Starter will be available to Dell, HD and netbook manufactures to put on future netbooks.  Other SKU seen will only be available in Euro and emerging markets.

MSI Win Specs

• 10in 1024×600
• 1.6ghz Intel Atom Processor
• 1GB DDR2 533MHZ Ram
• 3 USB Ports
• Bluetooth
• Wireless-N or Wireless-G Wi-Fi options
• 1.3 or 2.0 megapixel camera
• 3 or 6 Cell Battery
• 2.2lbs total weight with 3 cell battery
• Memory Card Reader

Hard Drive Configs can come in two ways

• 120GB HD with 8GB SSD  Or 160GB HD with 16GB SSD

If this benchmarks well and at the right price this could be a threat to replace your standard notebook.

Adding to the Dell Inspiron Mini series is the Mini 12 coming in December which is the older brother with a bit more muscle versus its Mini 9 counterpart. Starting at $549.99 with Windows Vista Home Basic is the follow specs.

$549.99

• 1.33Ghz Atom Processor
• 1GB Ram
• 40GB HD
• 1 year warranty

$599.99 (after $55 Instant Savings)

• 1.6Ghz Atom Processor
• 1GB Ram
• 60GB HD
• 6 Cell Battery
• 1 year warranty

$649.99  (after $80 instant Savings)

• Same as $599.99 but includes 80GB Hard Drive

Click below to go directly to the Inspiron Mini Dell page for full specs

Dell Inspiron Mini 12 Spec Page

Spec Sheet of the Model we purchased

• Intel® Atom Processor® N270 (1.6GHz/533Mhz FSB/512K cache)
• 2.28lbs
• Width: 9.13" Height 1.07" front / 1.25" back Depth: 6.77"
• Windows XP Home Edition
• 1GB Ram
• 16GB Solid State Hard Drive
• 802.11g Wireless
• 4 Cell battery
• Glossy Black Finish

The Good

Portable and Lightweight high quality and great looking fast boot times with SSD hard drive. Very quiet overall

Some Drawbacks

Screen can be small for some computing task such as large spreadsheets and pictures, keyboard arrangement can take some getting used to.

Overall a great companion device for quick access to e-mail, web, chat, blogging etc.  Don’t expect this at all to be your main device for mobile computing if  you are a heavy power user.  As these get more power and more features like the recently announced Dell Inspiron Mini 12 these netbooks will become the next big way in mobile computer and possible take a chunk of of the standard notebook market.