If you’re looking for Ubuntu powered netbook that is as beautiful outside as it is inside then prepare to coo over the latest ‘Starling’ netbooks to hatch from the nest of Ubuntu-dedicated hardware company System76…
Starling Netbook
First off let’s get the boring bit out of the way: As netbooks go, the Starling is atypical of its competitors – Atom, RAM, Screen size. Counting against it slightly are a standard 3 Cell battery which will see you eek out 3.5 hours at best and the inclusion of 0.3MP webcam which, compared to most other netbooks, it pretty subpar. But at a base price of only $389, a gorgeous exterior and guaranteed compatibility from the off – including suspend and resume – it’s more than a match for it’s competitors.
Full specs follow below below.
Specs
Processor
The new Starling whizzes by on the power of the relatively-new “system-on-a-chip” Atom N455 clocked at 1.66 GHz with an integrated single-channel DDR2 memory controller and an integrated graphics core plus support for multi-threading, SSE3 & 64bit capable. The lower wattage and consumption that previous atoms.
The new system-on-a-chip design uses half the power of the older Atom’s resulting in reduced overall power consumption & thus better battery life.
Graphics
The Atom N455 also comes with the GMA 3100-derived integrated graphics ‘on-chip’ clocked at 200 MHz and theoretically capable of 720p HD playback (depending on drivers).
RAM
2GB of DDR2 comes as standard, a 1GB bump from previous gen Starlings and more than enough for most common netbook-orientated tasks.
OS
The netbook ships with Ubuntu 10.04 Netbook Edition pre-installed.
Other: –
Display: 10.1″ HD WSVGA Super Clear Ultra-Bright LED backlit (1024 x 600)
Graphics: Intel GMA 3100 graphics
Audio Output: Intel High Definition Audio
Networking: LAN (10/100), WiFi
Wireless: 802.11 bgn
Ports: VGA, 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone Jack, Microphone Jack, SD Reader
Camera: Built-In 0.3 MP Webcam
Security: Kensington® Lock
Power Management: Suspend & Hibernate
Battery: includes one 3 Cell Lithium Ion
AC Adapter: includes one AC adapter
Dimensions: 10.47″ x 7.28″ x 0.72~1.0″ (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.0 lbs.
Pre-order
Base prices start at super sweet $389.00 and can pre-ordered here: –