User:Mewtu/Subnetbook

{draft}

A Subnetbook is considered as a device small, portable computer with processing power, weight and price below common Netbooks as they generaly use a SoC design. It doesn't necessarily have to feature a x86 architecture and thus often comes with Linux.

The following Subnetbooks are manufactured by the same (unknown) company in China, they are heavily rebranded by the reseller.

MIPS / 'Alpha 400'
This type comes with an XScale based MIPSel SoC. So far all distributions for this device use a 2.4 kernel in spite of the availability of a patch for kernel 2.6 as a bug in the caching system currently leads to instability of applications. Thus suspend doesn't work yet. Another issue is the lack of the Adobe Flash plugin for mips. However, it is possible to use swfdec or gnash instead.

This device is sometimes marked as a very low cost second computer for children, as there is an option to replace the default icons with "child friendly" pictures. It also comes with applications geared toward children, and a Flash player to play animated children's songs. The Skytone Alpha-400 does not have a flash player built into the browser, so flash dependent sites like YouTube do not work, but a standalone flash player is available to run .swf files and can be used to play flash based games, and such.

The device was promoted by HiVision to retail at 98$ but was later sold at higher prices. The wholesale price however is about 98$, sometimes even below.

Features
The Skytone Alpha-400, uses a specifically written version of Linux (based on a Linux kernel 2.4.x), with a user friendly interface geared toward children. The Linux desktop is implemented as Kiosk software, meaning that nothing the user can do can modify the available applications, and no new applications can be (easily) added or removed. Still, already a Dutch user has figured out how to add software to the system. It is also possible to install additional Software through the install software tool.

Browsing can be done through the use of the built in browser called "Bon Echo", an Alpha release of Firefox 2, using the built in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port, or the integrated 802.11 Wireless LAN, but the browser does not support Flash, meaning that flash intensive tools, such as YouTube, cannot be used. However, recently Exon, announced full support for YouTube and most Flash enabled websites.

The device sports three USB ports, a small but fully functioning keyboard, a touchpad, stereo speakers, and a 2 cell 2100mAH battery. The Skytone Alpha's processor uses only 200mW (0.2Watt) of power, and does not have a heat sink, and thus no ventilation openings. Some versions have extra features like a VGA video port, or a USB-OTG port.

Alternative Names
(This list may be incomplete)
 * Skytone Alpha 400
 * 3k Razorbook 400 (also with Windows CE and more memory )
 * Datacask Jupiter 0708l
 * Trendtac 700 EPC
 * Silverstar
 * Yinlips Micro PC
 * Bestlink Alpha 400
 * HiVision MiniNote
 * Maplin miniBook
 * Elonex ONEt
 * JAY-tech Jee-PC 400S
 * Semprotech T70AM04
 * PC701-LX
 * Exon PC701-LX
 * Impulse NPX-9000
 * Letux 400 (uses Debian)

A very similar, but not identical system is known in Britain as the Elonex ONE.

ARM
The device is often sold with Windows CE, but it should be possible to run Android on it.

Alternative Names
(This list may be incomplete)
 * Semprotech T70BR05
 * Firstview PC703

x86
This device comes with an x86 legacy compatible SoC CPU and is thus able to run Windows. It uses a XGI Volari Z9s GPU without any 3D acceleration. It should be possible to change the CPU speed to up to 1Ghz or lower it down in order to save power This Version was first presented at CES 2009.

Alternative Names
(This list may be incomplete)
 * Exon PC701-XP
 * Semprotech T70DJ10
 * Belco 450R
 * Impulse NPX-9500

MIPS Version

 * Engadget calls it the worlds cheapest laptop 07/21/08
 * Engadget calls it the crappiest netbook you'll ever hate 12/08/08
 * Engadget reviews it Alpha 400 pays a high price for low cost 12/22/08
 * PC Magazine - Mystery Chip Powers New $299 UMPC
 * Review at testfreaks.com
 * Review at laptopmag.com
 * Exon International Technology Co Ltd Manufacturer site
 * Blog site for Alpha 400 and all similar
 * Fan site providing software and alternative distributions for the device
 * Wiki for better Linux integration, many howtos
 * 3MX (alternative distribution)

ARM Version

 * A picture of the device (Global Sources 2008)

x86 Version

 * Engadget calls it world's cheapest laptop, too 03/16/09