“In our conversations with ODMs, we have confirmed that Nokia is planning to enter the netbook market with a Google Android, ARM-based netbook that would be sold at carriers. Considering this market is dominated by the PC players, we believe Nokia could face an uphill battle to succeed in this market.”

[via GigaOM | image credit]

a Moorestown prototype

“Moorestown” is the codename for Intel’s second-generation MID platform, which consists of a System on Chip (codenamed “Lincroft”) that integrates a 45nm Intel Atom processor core, graphics, video and memory controller. The platform also includes an input/output (I/O) hub, codenamed “Langwell,” that includes a range of I/O blocks and supports wireless solutions.

Intel’s “Moorestown”-based MIDs are expected to reduce idle power consumption by a factor of greater than 10 versus today’s Intel Atom processor-based MIDs. Additionally, the Moorestown platform will be accompanied by a newer Moblin software version, Moblin v2.0, that is based on the Linux operating system. This software is designed specifically to deliver a great PC-like Internet experience while also supporting cell phone voice capabilities. The “Moorestown” platform is expected to come to market by 2010.

In order to offer a variety of network connections and Internet access, LG is also working with Ericsson to bring 3G network capability to its planned MID. This is an extension of the existing collaboration between the companies. LG has been supplying notebooks and netbooks with mobile broadband modules from Ericsson since the third quarter of 2008.

When a loss or theft is detected, Intel Anti-Theft PC Protection technology can lock the laptop, rendering it useless, by blocking the boot process, and when working in conjunction with third-party encryption hardware or software can protect data by deleting cryptographic keys or similar essential code for decryption.

The theft management service can also take advantage of built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in the Ericsson mobile broadband module, which can send location data to a central server. The location function can be utilized to determine a theft situation when the notebook is moved outside a pre-defined area. The solution will be available in commercial data protection products starting second half of 2009.

Lenovo ThinkPad T400 notebooks can already support for Intel Anti-Theft PC Protection with Absolute Computrace software. Absolute Computrace and Intel Anti-Theft PC Protection working together provide the PC with intelligent mechanisms that detect potential theft situations and respond according to programmed IT policy. For example, if a Lenovo ThinkPad T400 notebook has not “checked in” with the Absolute Monitoring Center over the Internet within a specified time, Anti-Theft PC Protection working through Computrace would automatically lock the notebook, rendering it unusable to an unauthorized user. Working alone, Intel Anti-Theft PC Protection can lock a computer if it experiences more than a prescribed number of password attempts, or if it exceeds an internally programmed IT policy for check-in time.

The 3G technology is built on Ericsson’s latest generation of HSPA chipsets in small, thin modules, enabling MID manufacturers to produce very attractive end-user devices. Ericsson is optimizing its module for Intel’s next-generation Moorestown platform and Moblin-based Linux operating systems. The module will work on both WCDMA/HSPA and GSM/EDGE networks worldwide.

“Intel and JAJAH have a common objective to deploy technology building blocks that deliver a richer communication experience for consumers,” said Joe Van De Water, Director of Consumer Product Marketing for Intel. “Intel is delighted to be working with JAJAH on its latest offering, which supports Intel Remote Wake technology. The combination of our technologies enables added convenience and energy efficiency for consumers who want the PC to be a genuine two-way communication platform for their IP-based telephony services.”

In addition to enhanced telephony access for consumers, PCs with JAJAH and Intel’s Remote Wake capability can deliver ‘real’ energy saving benefits for consumers. Select Intel Motherboards with support for Intel Remote Wake technology will be available next month.

“The convergence of mobile computers, WiMAX wireless broadband, and powerful, HD-rich computer technologies point to a tremendous growth opportunity,” said Maloney, Intel Corporation executive vice president and general manager, Sales and Marketing Group. “Individuals – not households – will drive the next era of growth with people each owning one or more computing devices. People have an innate desire to be ‘connected’ all the time and see personalized, mobile technology as the way to meet that need.”

“Mobile WiMAX is the right solution and it’s happening now,” Maloney added. “Wireless networks will be how the majority of people get connected and they have to be Web 2.0 capable. That means they’ve got to have a lot of bandwidth to send data either to or from devices at a rapid-fire pace.”

Intel has developed an integrated WiMAX/Wi-Fi solution, codenamed Echo Peak that will be available as an option for certain Intel Centrino 2 processor technology-based notebook PCs. The company aims to enable initial availability of certain WiMAX-enabled notebook PCs in the United States later in the second half of the year depending on individual computer maker plans and WiMAX network availability, with system and network availability expected to increase in 2009.

Loaded with Windows Vista, the Willcom D4 by Sharp has a big 5-inch display screen. Although you are getting a 1024 x 600 pixel in resolution, the TFT screen is only giving you a poor 256k colors. Willcom will be the first company marketing the UMPC with the new Intel Centrino Atom processor. Their first device Willcom D4 will be powered by a 1.33GHz Atom Z520 processor.

At 470 grams and a body size of 192.3×84×25.9mm, the UMPC has integrated the Willcom’s W-Sim card so that you can make/receive phone calls and connect to wireless data connection. A seperate bluetooth handset is sold seperately to let you answering calls easily while keeping the UMPC in your bag. You can expand the memory storage space by adding a microSD card, but I bet the built in 40GB hard drive will be enough for most of the people. When available, the UMPC is expected to be sold at around $900 usd.

More photos at next page