Netbooks News, Hacks and HowTo's

Eee Storage Service for Eee PC 701 series now available

Aldrin Cantos — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:18:04 +0000

I happened to pass by the Eee PC comparison site and noticed that there’s already a 10GB Eee Storage availble for Eee PC 701SD/701SDX. Don’t know how long this has been available but the Eee Storage Utility has been on the support site for months already. The service is still unavailable for Eee PC 4G though, and I’m trying to get some words from the engineers about this.

Some models already come along with the Eeestorage installed, but if your Eee PC doesn’t have it yet, you can easily download and install it. For more details about installation and configuration, you may refer to eeestorage.com.

UPDATE: The Support Team replied pretty quickly and there’s hope for 4G users. “We are still developing the Eee Storage vision that works on the 4G model. Thanks for your supporting and patience. -Eee Storage Support Team”

Netbook Updates

Aldrin Cantos — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:19:15 +0000

Netbook News

Gigabyte, a company that specializes in motherboards, graphic accelerators, mobile and handheld communication devices has new plans in the coming year. The company has introduced a couple of Gigabyte netbooks in the last few months already, which stood out among other netbooks with its convertible-to-tablet design. DIGITIMES, one of the most reliable tachnology update website, says that the company is now focusing on increased performance on their motherboard segment, including plans to launch three more netbooks in the coming year that feature 3.5G module, for added mobility. Gigabyte is said to clear their inventory this 2008, to anticipate economic crisis impact in the beginning of 2009.

In Germany, Lenovo IdeaPad S10 makes a big hit as it comes along with a 6-cell battery. It is also now the most affordable 10 incher netbook in Germany for only 329 Euros. Lenovo IdeaPad S10 usually only comes with a 3-cell battery in other countries. Brad Linder says that the 6-cell battery doesn’t look perfectly good, but the doubled battery life should pay off. He also includes that 6-cell batteries are now also available in the US for an additional $50 USD on the base price.

Black Friday Netbook Deals

Black Friday is definitely one of the best days for gadget shoppers in the US which they await every year. Lots of cool gadget is sold at a discounted price which usually cuts a huge percentage on the original price. One of the most anticipated deal could be the Dell Inpison Mini 9 which cuts $50 instantly from the base price, making it to only $299, including free shipping if you buy on Thanks Giving Day until Friday. The said netbook has been offered for only $99 dollars before.

For more information on Black Friday Deals, check out the following:
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com
http://bfads.net/
http://www.blackfriday.info/

HP Mini 1000 ‘Hidden’ 3G module

Aldrin Cantos — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:17:42 +0000

The HP Mini 1000 is the 2nd netbook from HP which replaces the VIA processor from the previous 2133 and uses Intel Atom. It has SSD storage of 8GB/16GB, and 60GB HDD options. RAM is reduced to 512MB compared to previous 1GB. Lots of differences from the 2133 brother.

Some are now surprised because it seems that HP missed to announce that HP Mini 1000 comes with built in 3G module. And you won’t worry about installing external 3G PCIe card anymore. The only problem is that the 3G module is disabled initially, and software/driver is not by default included in the package. But it’s also not a problem anymore how to enable it. dplxy has some pretty good details on how he enabled the 3G feature on his HP Mini 1000. Head on and check it out.

via liliputing

Roll-up Mouse Pad + USB Hub + Speaker

Aldrin Cantos — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:21:48 +0000

I saw an interesting gadget a netbook must have, a Roll-up mousepad with USB hub and Speaker system. Gadget4all.com is selling it for only $22.00, very affordable for everyone. I already placed an order and the item is about to be shipped now. I am very excited for it and might as well give away another one to a lucky subscriber. This is part of the plan, but I doubt I can give it away before Christmas. But season won’t matter as long as it’s free right? One of these days, maybe after new year, watch out for an email on your inbox because you just might be the lucky subscriber to be chosen.

I wish I could post a photo of it but I really can’t. The internet setup I currently have just won’t allow and I’m in a hurry. Till then, lucky winner.

How to use the mini-mouse easier

MSI 3G Plans

Aldrin Cantos — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:58:43 +0000

MSI Wind U120 will be launched in the coming days, and while 3G module is expected, MSI is also going to negotiate with telecom providers to increase bundled sales. - Digitimes. Same has been tried before, bundling the netbooks with external broadband modem. In the Philippines, Globe and Smart Telecoms had different campaigns for Asus Eee PC, however, I have not heard about their successes. Consumers seem to be not satisfied with the pricing, as I learn from some blogs and forums.

Now I have no idea what will telecoms do with their pricings when 3G module already comes with the netbook itself. I suggest they do the same as the mobile service plans they currently have, where they charge monthly service fee, and the unit comes free… Or at lesser prices depending on service plans.

I’m actually exited for this, and I’m gong to consider getting one for me. Shall this come true before christmas?

EPSON Endeavor Na01, newest netbook as of date

Aldrin Cantos — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:10:06 +0000

The newest company to jump into the netbook bandwagon is EPSON, with their first ever netbook, Endeavor Na01.

The netbook packs a 10.2 inch screen, 1.6Ghz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, together with all other specs you see with other netbooks.

Endeavor Na01 sells at 46,800 JPY, or $485 in US dollars. They also offer upgrade options in different packages. They have 3-year warranty upgrade, Mobile Pack option with extra battery and bluetooth mouse, and the expansion package if you want an extra monitor.

See Sony? Everyone is in except you, and we are all excited to your netbook. Is there ever gonna be a Sony Netbook?

via liliputing

How To install Ubuntu 8.10 on Eee PC

Aldrin Cantos — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:34:45 +0000

Ubuntu 8.10 has been released recently, and if you feel you want to install it on your netbook already, Tombuntu has got you a very detailed instructions of how to install Ubuntu 8.10. In his case, an Eee PC 901, But it should basically work on other model as well.

The instruction includes:

Creating a Live USB to SD/Flash Drive
Installing Ubuntu
Upgrading Linux Kernel customized for the Eee PC
Get the bluetooth and webcam working

This is not a strange scenario for netbooks to have non-working devices after installing Ubuntu, but there are always workarounds available if you just try to search for it.

via liliputing

Lenovo IdeaPad S10 Design Contest

Aldrin Cantos — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:11:08 +0000

Lenovo is running a contest for their IdeaPad S10 netbook, and it was pretty easy to join. You just simply have to create your own skin design of Lenovo IdeaPad S10. To create your design is even simplier. Just logon to http://designs10.com/, choose the country you’re joining in, and start creating your design.

There are 2 categories for the contest, one for Professionals where you have to create your design locally and submit it in JPEG format. And the other one is for Amateurs where you can design the skin online. Templates are available, you just have to be creative.

Top 10 designs with the highest number of votes will be chosen, and from there, the winner will be judged. I just joined and if you want to check my design out, just head on to the site, click on “Vote Now”, and search for serial no. 1226968595. View my design and if you like it, please vote.

Speaking of Lenovo IdeaPad S10, the contest I was talking about on my recent post has just ended, and guess what, it was won easily by beat-boxing to Rihanna’s Disturbia. Easy, isn’t it?

Free Lenovo IdeaPad S9, S10 coming its way to Philippines

Aldrin Cantos — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:43:21 +0000

If you dream of owning a Lenovo IdeaPad S10 netbook for FREE, then you might probably be lucky one of these days if you tune in to Magic 89.9 every morning at 6:00 AM HKT. The crew of Good Times with Mo is announcing that they are giving away Lenovo IdeaPad S9 and S10 in the coming weeks, though no exact date has been mentioned yet.

Good Times with Mo is a famous morning radio show in the Philippines hosted by DJ Mo Twister, Mojo Jojo, and Grace Lee. The said show is very credible, as it’s not the first time they give away huge prices like this. Some of the prizes callers have won already is a Canon DSLR, couple of laptops, thousands of concert tickets, including certain amount in cash up to a Php 100,000. The largest prize given away so far is a brand new Chery QQ car courtesy of Chery. Another car is possibly be on their queue coming up.

If you’re good at guessing games or category games, then you might get the prizes. Beware though that getting though the line during the show is the most challengin part.

Asus to stop Shipping Linux version Eee PC in the Philippines

Aldrin Cantos — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:09:10 +0000

It looks like Asus do not sell well in the Philippines so AsusTek decided to stop shipping Linux Version of Eee PC in the Philippines. The company will still continue to provide Windows XP version for at least one more year.

Most of the Filipinos I guess are not interested in learning new OS. Maybe because most Filipinos are just starting to learn Windows XP as well, and they are not ready to get overflowing technical knowledge yet. Most Filipinos grew up with Windows XP and that’s also probably one reason why they love XP over Linux. I still hope that the next generation starts to love Linux too.

Are we really not into Linux??? Not me at least.

via liliputing

7 and 8.9 inchers EEE PC will still exist

Aldrin Cantos — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:48:32 +0000

It turned out that the news we have posted previously are just ~~rumor~~ misquoted words, and Asus was a little shocked by it, got up and confirmed it’s not true. ZDnet interviewed an Asus spokesperson and according to the interview, there will still be 7 and 8.9 incher Eee PC’s. And the refresh on specifications for the sub-10 inches netbooks are also being considered.

Now that we know the truth, we can’t have a 10in netbook at $200 anymore. Not unless there’s a 50% cut-off.

via liliputing

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HowTo Fix Fn-F5 toggle on Eee PC running Windows XP

A. Cantos — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:04:56 +0000

Since I now have a Live Ubuntu Eee on my 8GB SDHC, I headed and installed Windows XP on Eee 701 that I own. I was able to grab a USB to IDE cable from Brando and installing the XP with an external DVD drive was a breeze. After installing all required drivers and the ACPI, everything works except the FN+F5 key which is used to toggle/extend the display to another monitor or a projector. I had no internet connection while I troubleshoot but I was still lucky to figure out how to fix it. Trials and Errors was effective that time.

I initially installed the Intel Graphics Driver that comes along with the Asus Eee PC restore CD, but it only supports up to 800×600 resolution with no scaling. So the whole Desktop doesn’t fit very well on the small monitor, thus, scrolling is required to go end-to-end on the screen. FN+F5 works prefectly during with this driver. Then I updated the driver with Intel Embedded Graphics Driver that supports scaling and the problem occurred.

Problem:

igfxext.exe not running. FN+F5 will be disabled.

It took me a while before I finally figured out a technique and I hope this might help you too in case you run the same problem.

Install the original driver back. The FN+F5 will work again, but the resolution is quite big for the screen (not scaled).
Run the “Setup.exe” of the IEGD driver but select Uninstall Driver instead of directly overwriting the existing one.
Restart Windows XP
When XP boots up again, it will prompt you for Graphics Driver. This time, follow the installation wizard but point the driver to use the IEGD.
Graphics driver will be successfully installed with scaled resolution, and the FN+F5 still works.

Another problem that might happen to you but so unlikely is that the Eee PC Tray Utility won’t allow you to select a different resolution. Just make sure that your monitor uses the Plug n Play driver and not the ones with specific resolution. e.g Dafault(800×480).

Sub-10in Eee PC no more

Aldrin Cantos — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:08:22 +0000

Yes dear readers, Asus will eventually let go all 7 incher and 8.9 incher netbooks. They will focus more on their 10 incher ones, but this is not happening just so sudden. It will happen little by little in 2009, according to Digitimes. Asus did not mention about when the support for sub-10inchers will end, but I am guessing they will continue it for at least 2 years after the phase out.

Comes with this might be worried customers that the Eee PC will be even more expensive. Worry not because Asus also announced that they target to launch $200 netbooks in 2009. As they have told about the phase out, shall we hope that these $200 netbooks are 10 incher? This might be good news if only this is true.

7 and 8.9 inchers EEE PC will still exist

Redfox Wizbook joins the Atom Family

Aldrin Cantos — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:42:11 +0000

Redfox has built another 10 incher netbook but this time, it’s not with AMD processor but with Intel Atom. The first wizbook came with AMD Geode 400Mhz processor, which I would think, is one of the reasons why Redfox Wizbook is not loved by users very much.

The new Redfox Wizbook 1020i will sport a 10.2″ screen at 1024×600 resolution, 80GB HDD, 1GB memory, wi-fi ready. Upgrade to 2GB RAM is also available at extra cost. Flavors are available in White, Black and Red/Black colors.

Prices at PC Corner are Php17,500 and php18,500 for 2GB of RAM. All comes in Linpus Linux OS.

via Yugatech

HowTo Add HSDPA to Acer Aspire One

A. Cantos — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:15:45 +0000

As long as the soldering iron is hot, tnkgrl won’t stop modding netbooks, laptops or anything that has screws, just to complete what the original manufacturers have started.

The new victim is an Acer Aspire One, which despite having all the features you expect on an ordinary netbook, lacks 3G capability therefore modding came its way.

The mod is not advisable for beginners according to tnkgrl as she (i just assume tnkgrl is a girl) herself messed up at the first time and went through a lot of trials and errors.

But if you still insist, here are the steps.

via liliputing