The ECS G10IL has been getting a lot of buzz this summer. But you’ll never be able to pick one up — at least not with that name. That’s because Elite Computer Group isn’t selling the computers directly to consumers. Rather, ECS will serve as the original equipment manufacturer for a number of computer companies that will distribute the low cost laptop. And it appears that one of those companies will be FTEC.

LiewCF spotted a netbook called the FTEC eBook at the PIKOM PC Fair in Kuala Lampur, and posted a few pictures on Flickr. There’s not much information about the FTEC eBook at the moment. But the fact that the LED lights are on the touchpad button are pretty much a dead giveaway that this is a rebranded version of the ECS G10IL.

On paper, the G10IL looks a lot like virtually every other netbook coming out this summer. It has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, a large hard drive, and a 10 inch display. But FTEC seems to have found a unique wayto make the computer stand out — by adding flames to the case. Because that’s what you really want in a PC, right?

[via Eee PC News.de]

The ECS G10IL laptop wil have a different name by the time it comes to the US market. ECS is the OEM behind these little laptops, but the company is partnering with other distributors to bring the computers to retail. But for an OEM device, the ECS G10IL has been getting a lot of buzz for the last few months. That’s partly because it offers a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 10 inch display and 120GB hard drive for somewhere around $500. But it also probably has something to do with the fact that this tiny computer looks really, really attractive.

Joanna Stern at Laptop Magazine has been making a habit of getting her hands on upcoming netbooks. First she offered a first look at the Sylvania G MESO, and now she has a hands-on look at the ECS G10IL.

As you can see from the image above, the computer looks a little smaller than the MSI Wind, but Stern says the keyboard is still pretty roomy and comfortable to type on. The trackpad is also significantly larger, but in a baffling design choice, the folks at ECS decided to create a wholly unique rocker button.

Not only do you get a single button that rocks back and forth instead of two distinct buttons. But ECS also decided it was a good idea to put LED buttons on the rocker instead of next to it. I’m all for LED status lights that let you know when the computer is on, when the wireless is working, or when the hard drive is active. But I don’t see any reason for the status lights to be directly under my thumbs while I’m typing.

You can find out more about the ECS G10IL and the Sylvania G MESO this afternoon at 1:00pm EST during a live webcast with Joanna Stern and guests.

Looking for a seriously cheap ultraportable laptop with an Intel Atom CPU? Like cheaper than the $599 Eee PC 901 or the $479 MSI Wind? ECS vice president Henry Kwan tells Laptop Magazine that the ECS G10IL is heading to the US, and the low end model will cost just $399.

PC World is reporting that the ECS G10IL will be available in Europe in September or October.