Viewsonic enters the netbook market

Viewsonic is expanding its product line beyond displays and diving into the burgeoning market for mini laptops, otherwise known as netbooks.

The VNB100 and VNB101 have portability and power in sleek, sturdy packages, Viewsonic said.

The entry-level VNB100 is based on Intel's 1.6 GHz Atom N270 chip with 1 GB memory and a 160 GB hard drive. It weighs 1.4 kilograms and has a claimed life of up to six hours from its 4600 mAh lithium polymer battery.

Unusually, the VNB100 has an ExpressCard slot for expansion, enabling devices such as 3G modems and TV cards to be fitted. It carries a suggested retail price of £299 ($A576).

The slightly more expensive VNB101, at £329, is a lighter, 1.1 kilogram model based on the 1.66 GHz N280 version of Intel's Atom chip, with 1 GB memory and a 160 GB hard drive. It has a smaller 3400 mAh battery, quoted at lasting for up to five hours.

Both have a 25.4 centimetre display, a five-in-one slot for multiple formats of Flash storage card and Windows XP Home Edition.