Netbook maker Haleron is now taking orders for a 7 inch mini-laptop with an ARM-based processor. The Haleron Mini Swordfish Smartbook looks like a minor update to the Mio Smartbook Haleron introduced last year. In addition to the new name, the Mini Swordfish got a bump from a 266MHz CPU to a 300MHz processor and a price drop from $189 to $149.
Here’s what you get for your money:
- CPU: 300MHz VIA ARM 9-based 32-bit processor
- Display: 7 inch TFT LCD
- OS: Windows CE 6.0
- Memory: 128MB (supports up to 256MB)
- Storage: 1GB flash storage (supports up to 4GB)
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g WiFi, 10/100 LAN, optional 3G USB modem
- I/O: mic, headphone, 3 USB ports, SD card slot
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
The mini-laptop is available in pink, green, red, black, or silver. You can also order the Mini Swordfish with Linux for $15 more. $55 more gets you Windows XP and a processor upgrade, although the Haleron web page doesn’t specify exactly what processor you get with the upgrade.
how do you use mouse wont work is there a lock key to unlock
So now we know that the OEM price of Windows CE 6.0 is negative 15 dollars. I guess Microsoft finally figured out how to compete with free!
One option given for OS: [WinXP (CPU upgrade) +$55]
I take it that upgrades to Atom, since ARM architecture doesn’t do x86ish stuff? Have you found anything about that detail?
Seems like a cute cheap Vaio P knockoff for if you can get Atom as an option, though I wonder about the rest of the specs…
My guess is that you actually get something more like a VIA C7-M which is
cheaper and slower than an Atom. Given the fact that they’re using VIA ARM
CPU, it seems like the logical next step up. But I don’t know for certain.
Ah, that makes a lot of sense – after all the Atom/Neo/Nano buzz I’d forgotten about the older VIA chips.
(haha, remember the HP 2133?)
very, very lite processor….
This will be a big hit. Also they must offer a 10 inch to compete with the overpriced Skylight. $499???
They should also offer some free OS such as Linux Ubuntu to make it ready to use from the box.
Great to see some Smartbooks appearing. I have got rid of my crap N280 netbook as it weighs like a brick and want something 700grams in weight.