BenQ is upping the ante in “ultra-portable” netbooks with the introduction of the Joybook Lite U103. BenQ’s “sub-one-inch wonder” will come with “Intel’s new Atom processor” (or, if you will, the N450, “Pine Trail M”), Windows 7, and dual drives. That’s right--two drives: a regular 500 GB HHD and an optional 32 GB SSD.
The U103, which is “meticulously designed to bring the digital worlds into harmony with consumer lifestyles,” will have 16 x 9, 10.1-inch “UltraVivid” LED backlit display, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, a multi-touch touchpad, SRS TruSurround sound, 802.11 b/g/n/ WiFi, and a 92% full-sized keyboard. Bluetooth is an option. BenQ doesn’t say what the default memory configuration is, or what processor options will be available. Total weight a mere 2.4 pounds.
Battery life will depend. The default 3-cell battery BenQ says will give up to four hours, while an optional 6-cell battery will last up to 8. BenQ also says its “Q-Charge” system will “recover” 4.5 hours of battery life (in the 6-cell) in an hour.
Colors: Arctic White and Ocean Blue. Price: unknown. Availability: now, if you happen to live in China, Taiwan, or Thailand. There’s no word on when we here in the U.S. can get our hands on one.
