Leading handset maker enters the netbook race

Leading Chinese handset manufacturer Telsda has just entered the market with a netbook. Coming in an attractive polished black finish with blossom motif, the key feature of this device is the screen that not only supports touch input, but is also able to rotate 180 degrees around a vertical axis.

The cylindrical protrusion at the rear of the device has been specially tooled to accommodate the battery. While this does increase the width of the unit a little, it is still a very portable device weighing in at only 1.3kg.

Another interesting feature is the dimpled trackpad, which has been designed to prevent sticky, jerky movements and offer smoother, more accurate control.



Specs
CPU: 1.6GHZ Intel Atom
Memory: 1GB DDR2
HDD: 160GHz
Display: 10.1”
Other: Built-in 3G expansion slot, VGA port, card reader, 1.3 Mp camera, handwriting support



Western Opportunity Analysis:

At just under USD300 this device, with its interesting rotating screen, offers something a little different to the current netbook offering in the West. The ability to flip the display flat and use it as a touch tablet is obviously going to present some unique usage options for consumers and would help it to find a potentially profitable niche market.

With Telsda’s links to the large Chinese telecoms, there’s a good chance local customers will be seeing this device bundled with data plans in the very near future.

Gadget Types - Notebooks & Netbooks