ECS, the people that made one of the first Origami UMPCs, the Tablet Kiosk i7209, will be bringing their netbook to the European market via a different route to many of the other big netbook brands. An article in PC World today describes how the ECS G10L will include a 3G module and that deals with carriers in Europe have already been made.
The high-end ‘G-series’ model includes a 6-cell battery, a 10.2" screen, Windows XP, an 80GB drive and will cost $500. It’s not clear if this is the cost to the reseller or the RRP. Either way, end-users are likely to be encouraged to buy a data contract which will subsidise the cost depending on the data plan. We say, expect sub 300 Euro prices and the possibility of subsidies taking the price down below 100 Euro.
ECS also said in the interview that a smaller-screened ‘J-Series’ version will also be produced.
More details and news links available on the G10L product page.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
The 3G module is an HSUPA module: GTM380
http://www.option.com/news/detail05.cfm?newsitemgroup_id=646
http://www.option.com/docs/datasheets/GTM380.pdf
June 25th, 2008 at 12:57 am
I’m surprised that more mobile carriers haven’t done this. Fit the netbook with a 3G module and give it away for FREE by having the customer sign up to a 24-month 30-40€ limited (say 5GB/month) data plan.
June 25th, 2008 at 6:16 am
ECS belongs to Taiwan right? What about this beauty being available in Asian Markets and carries around here… Also, any word on 10.2″ display’s resolution!!!
June 27th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Sounds good. They didn’t made much hype around this “elitgroup’s gone 0il”, but this still seems to be a good deal.