Where the ion netbooks at?

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mattyboy2

81 posts

Master Geek

# 49424 19-Nov-2009 00:27

Hi guys

I feel like I've been waiting all year for a netbook with enough grunt to play freeview HD recordings over my network.

I thought the nvidia ion platform would be the one to wait for but I'm still waiting. Now that Win7 is out I expected the market would be flooded by now... what's the story? Is there another platform coming out with better graphics grunt, cos the ion platform seems to be a non-starter.

Cheers

-Matt

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# 274373 19-Nov-2009 00:42

From what I have read don't expect too much from the ION. The bottleneck is still the Atom processor. Don't expect totally fluent HD video playback. However, it is better than a non-ION netbook.

hellonearthisman

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# 274376 19-Nov-2009 03:11

I'm hanging out from something new too. gpu acceleration for hd vid from www.downloadsquad.com was a nice look at a NetBox dual core atom with gpu hardware. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPxz-weSXPQ

Not sure how to embed youtube clips on geekzine.

tomgeeknz

895 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 274385 19-Nov-2009 07:24

Does anyone know when the Asus EEE Box EB1012 is coming with Ion Graphics and the A330 dual core processer.

Lipex666

444 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 274402 19-Nov-2009 08:32

Another option is the Asus N10J as this is a 10.2 WSVGA with HDMI output and a GeForce 9300m 256 MB plus internal graphics. Even has 802.11n, 250 GB drive, 2GB memory.

This netbook is a tad pricey (round the $1300) put has all the goods in a small netbook. Mine came with Vista Ultimate and now is running windows 7 Ultimate. Has the Atom N270 CPU plently for HD vid.

I use this as my main pc.

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

Lipex666

444 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 274407 19-Nov-2009 08:50

Forgot to add if you just want to watch in HD recorded vids on your network have a look at the WD TV Live. This will stream off a Network share and supports most formats and at around $249 is a cheap and portable option as its the size of a HDrive (note as no internal storgae but can connect to lan, and has two usb conn.)

"The only way to learn some- thing is to do it"

vinnieg

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# 274412 19-Nov-2009 09:21

The cheapest out at the mo, is the Mini 311 look on pricespy, but I wouldn't buy it from Einfotech, it'd be parallel imported with a US plug adapter...

Playtech have them but they are $1249

If you wait another month, the Asus 1201n shoudl be out and that's hopefully around 999RRP

But it's still Atom based, you'd be better off looking at the new CULV range of notebooks coming out, so thin and light + more battery life than most netbooks:

http://www.playtech.co.nz/product.php?action=showdetail&id=8341

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Sounddude

I fix stuff!
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Vocus

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# 274429 19-Nov-2009 10:37

I have the Acer Revo with the ION GPU in it.

Plays my 1080p media perfectly, even with the Atom 230.

Good score for $400NZD from Ebay!

mattyboy2

81 posts

Master Geek

# 274471 19-Nov-2009 13:20

vinnieg: The cheapest out at the mo, is the Mini 311 look on pricespy, but I wouldn't buy it from Einfotech, it'd be parallel imported with a US plug adapter...

Playtech have them but they are $1249

If you wait another month, the Asus 1201n shoudl be out and that's hopefully around 999RRP

But it's still Atom based, you'd be better off looking at the new CULV range of notebooks coming out, so thin and light + more battery life than most netbooks:

http://www.playtech.co.nz/product.php?action=showdetail&id=8341

Ah so CULV is the next platform to wait for then. However, the Asus UL30A you linked to seems to have embedded graphics... heh, it's the Intel G45 which I have at home in my HTPC. I know from experience it struggled to play TV3 but it could only just do it. My HTPC at home ran much better when I installed a new video card.

I think I'll have to get a hands-on with whatever I choose to buy, with some freeview HD recordings on a memory stick to give them a real test drive.

-Matt

hellonearthisman

1819 posts

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# 274614 19-Nov-2009 23:51

From HotHardware:
"Asus Unveils 12" Ion-Powered Eee PC 1201N Netbook:
Netbooks based around NVIDIA's Ion graphics technology aren't entirely new, though the few that are equipped just started shipping recently. Up until now, Asus has managed to avoid Ion within its expanding Eee PC line, but we're thrilled to see the company's first netbook announced with what amounts to being a real, hard-working GPU.The Eee PC 1201N Multimedia Netbook is one of the best specced netbooks out there, packing an Atom 330 processor (dual core), NVIDIA Ion graphics, a total of 750GB hybrid storage..."
http://hothardware.com/News/Asus-Unveils-12-IonPowered-Eee-PC-1201N-Netbook/

I don't know about there hybrid storage of 750GB is very cool.
You have 250 HDD and 500GB on the internet.

I don't think internet storage should be looked on the same as local sorage deviced.

But the Eee PC 1201N looks pretty nice.

vinnieg

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# 274647 20-Nov-2009 08:26

mattyboy2:
Ah so CULV is the next platform to wait for then. However, the Asus UL30A you linked to seems to have embedded graphics... heh, it's the Intel G45 which I have at home in my HTPC. I know from experience it struggled to play TV3 but it could only just do it. My HTPC at home ran much better when I installed a new video card.

I think I'll have to get a hands-on with whatever I choose to buy, with some freeview HD recordings on a memory stick to give them a real test drive.

-Matt

Oh whoops, I was meant to be posting a link to one with ATi discrete :S
There are two new Benq ones out, one with a 4330

http://www.slashgear.com/benq-reveals-two-culv-notebooks-0154693/

The main feature of CULV is the battery life and slimness. Absolutely amazing battery life compared to current atom standards. When they come down in price a bit, I think I'll sell my 1005HA

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

mattyboy2

81 posts

Master Geek

# 281215 10-Dec-2009 14:40

OK so the next platform seems to be Intel's Pineview platform, which is expected to be announced later this month according to the gadget websites.

Ragnor

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# 281260 10-Dec-2009 17:55

There are several different brands/models of netbook with ION available in NZ, however the price is ~$1200-1300.

hellonearthisman

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# 281269 10-Dec-2009 18:54

from where or what models? @Ragor

hairy1

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# 281272 10-Dec-2009 19:02

HP Mini 311 is a good model to look at. Pricespy.co.nz is your freind

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

mattyboy2

81 posts

Master Geek

# 281308 10-Dec-2009 21:25

I actually bit the bullet today and got an HP Mini 311 from JB Hi fi... the dude gave me a good deal, $1100. So even though I know it may soon be obselete in January, I really wanted something for Xmas and so long as it's grunty enough to play my FreeviewHD recordings it'll do the job!

-Matt

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