Ion netbooks head-to-head: Atom, overcharged?

From Engadget -

Engaget spent the past few weeks do a face-off on four of the new Ion netbooks launched in the last few months - ASUS Eee PC 1201N, Lenovo IdeaPad S12, HP Mini 311 and the Samsung N510. The HP was the choice for design and battery life; the Lenovo for the keyboard, touchpad and screen; and the Asus for graphics and HD performance and for overall performance, and logically, as the winner of the face-off.

However, results were generally a bit disappointing - even the Asus' graphics feel dated especially since Intel's Pine Trail Atom is now available in comparable ULV laptops for a just a few more dollars.

Nvidia Ion Netbook Contest

Tell Nvidia why you think the Ultimate ION Netbook pictured above is cool and why you want to win one and you just might get one free!

From 11/2/2009 through 11/22/2009, you’ll have a chance to win one of 12 extremely limited, one of a kind HP Mini 311 ION-powered netbooks bundled with games, cool apps, movies, and more worth over $1500.

For more details, including how to join, check out the Nvidia website here.

Upgrades in HP Mini 311 Manual, Full ION to come!

From My HP Mini -

Aside from useful disassembly instructions and other info, HP's just released Maintenance and Service Guide for the HP Mini 311 indicates FUTURE upgrades to the line. Some of these are:

Upgrades that will be available via HP

NVIDIA ION, the FULL platform, only with Windows 7
Added 1GB RAM (plus 1GB on-board ram), total 2GB
Added 2GB RAM (plus the 1GB on-board), total 3GB
80GB Solid-State-Drive (SSD)
250GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7
320GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7
Windows 7 Starter, Basic, Premium and Professional options. (All 32-bit)

Looks interesting, eh?

HP Mini 311 netbook now on sale at $400

From Engadget -

The HP Mini 311 has just become the first netbook with NVIDIA's Ion to actually ship to end users. It is now available starting at $399.99. Extras include a white chassis ($20), Atom N280 ($25), Bluetooth ($25), 802.11n ($25) and integrated WWAN ($125).