I’ve done two Windows 7 installations on my netbook (an eeePC 900) – Windows 7 Beta and Windows 7 RC. Both times involved creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 7 files to use as the installer. My little netbook does not have a DVD drive and I don’t own an external DVD drive so a bootable USB drive was the only option, well – the only sane option. The documented steps are better now than they were then, but it still took several hours just to prep the USB drive. I had to use 2 or 3 separate utilities that I didn’t already have installed on my PC so I had to...

Two Archos 10 models are now listed on the Amazon site for pre-order. The Archos 10 501254US is black has the Intel Atom 1.6MHz CPU, a 10.2 inch screen, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, Windows XP Home and a 3-cell battery and is listed for $399.99. The Archos 10 501257US is black has the Intel Atom 1.6MHz CPU, a 10.2 inch screen, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, Windows XP Home and a 6-cell battery and is listed for $449.99....

Several days ago Acer officially announced their 10-inch model Acer Aspire, the Acer Aspire One AOD150 . You can read the press release on the Acer UK site . Details are a little scarce, but it looks like there will be at least 3 different versions available early. Portable Monkey has a rundown of the specs . And some product images are available on the Macles site . Liliputing reports that the new Acer Aspire One is already available for preorder at a web site in the Philippines . The site shows the netbook having an Intel Atom N280 rather than the standard N270 and that the price is set at about...

Last week Engadget reported that a new Gateway netbook was spotted in Office Depot stores but it wasn't yet available on the store's web site. It looks to be true because I spotted an ad this morning for the Gateway Netbook Computer (LT1004U) in the Office Depot flyer in Sunday's newspaper. The netbook is now shown on Office Depot's website for $379.99, but the product title currently displays "Netbook, LT1004U, Acer, 8.9" and there are no product details yet. I'm sure this will be updated soon. While there are no specs on the site, the flyer lists them at: 8.9 inch screen 1GB Memory...

From reading a lot of comments of CES coverage I think the top request on everyone's list for 2009 is dual core processors, followed closely by larger solid state drives, standard 1080p resolution screens, and better/more video outputs. Following are my predictions for what we will become standard netbook fare over the coming year. 1. Dual Core Intel Atom processors. Or maybe AMD, Via, or someone else can jump in and provide some evolutionary assistance. Hopefully the additional multi-cores will not bump up power usage too much. 2. Standard 6 or 9 cell, 6-8 hour batteries. Many higher end netbooks...

The Dell Mini 9 is HOT! I think that the Dell Mini 12 is a bit too large to qualify as a netbook. In true "keeping up with the Jones'" fashion, Dell announced the Dell Mini 10 at CES. It will have a 10 inch screen and a larger keyboard along the lines of the MSI Wind and the 10-inch Asus netbooks. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but if it is reasonable then the Dell Mini 10 could land at the top of the netbook heap. [Via Engadget ]...

It looks like LG might be joining the Netbook market with the X120. The X120 sports a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD and a 10 inch screen. It will be powered by Windows XP, but will also have a splashtop powered "LG Smart On" OS for quick booting to use the web or IM. [Via Engadget ]

News from CES: Coby may soon begin offering netbooks in the sub $200 range. [Via Engadget ]

ViewSonic will be adding to the Netbook uprising soon with their VieBook. It is a 10.2 inch netbook with an Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB RAM and 160GB HDD and all the other expected features. It will come with Windows XP Home and should be in the low $400 price range. [Via Engadget ]

The HP Mini-Note 2100 series is making a comeback with the Mini-Note 2140. Gone is the VIA C7-M processor - to be replaced with an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor. It also includes a 10 inch screen, an 80GB or 160GB HDD, and OS choice of XP Home/Pro, SuSe Linux, FreeDOS or Vista Home Basic/Premium. It should be hitting the HP shelves very soon. [Via Engadget ]