Lesser-known device manufacturer Hercules has brought its ARM-powered netbook to the UK, running Ubuntu Netbook Remix right out of the box.
The odd-looking PDA-esque device with its 10.1-inch display is touted as the “world’s slimmest netbook” being a mere an inch thick when shut (a claim I’m happy to accept given most netbooks I’ve owned are thicker than a heavily laden sandwich).
They’re light too, weighing a snip under 2 pounds.
The 88% real-size keyboard may leave fatter fingers gasping for more room, but for nimble prod-based input the chiclet-style keys ought to be adequate for typing in short replies on IM, web addresses and search terms.
Here are some of the ‘official pics’: –
Novel form factor aside (raised bezels on the keyboard, what?), most netbooks tend to be constrained in performance. The eCafe specs are standard fare… For netbooks sold three years ago, but its choice of ARM processor is at least interesting.
Both the eCafe Slim HD and its more featured EX HD model use Freescale’s ARM Cortex A8 processor i.MX515 @ 800 MHz. A chip that looks to be an okay if not outstanding performer, with solid media playback and low power draw for extended computing sessions.
But it, like most ARM chips put in netbooks, be notably slower than the Intel Atom netbooks we’re more used to, a drawback that’s compounded further by a tiny amount of RAM: a mere 512MB.
Given the 2009-era specs, Hercules’ decision on the OS makes sense.
Choosing to ship the eCafe with a derivative of Ubuntu Netbook Remix is understand as its resource requirements are lower than newer versions (much less that of Microsoft Windows 7 or XP, not that either is available on ARM).
The PowerVR SGX530 GPU included will handle system animations, effects and basic games smoothly, and up to 720p media content will play without any visible hiccups.
But though the the more expensive EX HD variant has a HDMI out port, the likelihood of rendering 1080p video to your front-room flatscreen TV? I’d say the same as me getting a gold jetski with spinners on for Christmas!
Despite the drawbacks, it’s not often that devices preloaded with Ubuntu hit online stores, much less as cheap as these: Hercules’ eCafe Slim HD costs £180, or £230 for the EX HD variant with its bigger battery, HDMI and other bells and whistles (see specs below).
The eCafe is expected available to buy online, including from Hercules direct. It may arrive in some retail stores too, though it’s only just been unveiled – we’ll keep you posted.
eCAFE Hercules Slim HD Specs
- Display: 10.1 inch LCD (1024×600) with ‘high brightness’
- Storage: 16GB iNand Flash memory (extendable via SD card slot)
- CPU: ARM Cortex A8 Freescale i.MX515 @ 800 MHz
- GPU: PowerVR SGX530 with OpenGL ES 2.0
- RAM: 512 MB DDR2
- Battery: 2400 mAh (Slim HD); 6800 mAh (EX HD)
- Ports: 3× USB 2.0, 1× Mini USB, LAN RJ45, headphone jack
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Chiclet-style keyboard
- 0.3MP webcam
- Built-in microphone
- DIP Switch
Additional features of the EX HD model:
- HDMI output
- Multimedia touch controls
- Ambient light sensor
Looking for more info? Check out Netbooks Review.net’s article on it.
Thanks Kamal DS