Sub-notebooks are typically considered to be 11" or smaller systems, usually ultra-light and, up til now, very expensive.
The new sub-notebook, a segment started by Asus with their EEE notebook, is now considered to be a light, 8"-10" system, usually without optical drive or tons of extras, some with SSD drives, and with a Via or Atom processor and lots of battery life (3-6 hours).
Remember, these aren't powerhouses - the Atom can be equated to a Celeron processor, it's much more about longer life than power. These are fantastic for light duty like surfing, email, light office work, etc.
This segement does not include the UMPCs (handheld PSP-sized systems with thumb control). I am also not including the "One Laptop Per Child" type laptops like Intel's OLPC, I consider those more of a learning toy than a true laptop, although they are probably responsible for the low priced sub-notebook segment.
Let's check out the current contenders:
MSI Wind
MSI split the difference between ultra-portable and price, and decided to put an 80gb spinning drive in their system instead of the lighter, more expensive and smaller-cap SSD drives. This makes it easier to accept for some buyers, but those who really want an ultra light might want to look elsewhere.
Around 2 pounds (edit: more like 3) , choice of 8.9 and 10" screens (LED backlit), 1024x600, and supposedly a decent sized keyboard, something not always present in these systems. No optical drive, but plenty of storage space. The 10" version comes with XP and bluetooth ($500), but the 8" has Linux and no bluetooth ($399).
Update: XP, 10", bluetooth, 5+ hours life, official at $499;
Linux version without bluetooth at $399.
Pros: Price; USB ports; color choice; Atom CPU; LED backlit; no horizontal scrolling on 1024x600 screen; battery life (6-cell); turbodrive; supports 2gb RAM
Cons: No express port; 3 lb weight; VGA-out; small trackpad
Order the MSI Wind (June 27)
Tweaktown pics of MSI Wind CNET Crave calls Wind the "best mini laptop on the planet". Plus more details.
Mobile Computer Review
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Asus EEE
The latest version of the EEE will have the Atom processor, but Asus has multiple versions of their sub, too. The 901 will have the 8.9" screen, but comes in at a higher price point of around $550 (some reports are higher with XP), probably due to their use of a 8gb SSD drive.
The EEE does have the multi-touch touchpad, too.
EEE 900 review (901 not available yet)
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HP 2133 Mini-note
HP's mini-note is a very popular sub-notebook, at 2 1/2 pounds, with choice of operating system from SuSE to Vista. The normal 8.9" screen, almost-full size keyboard, plus optional bluetooth. The aluminum case is pretty sweet, and it starts at $500.
No Atom processor choice yet, but the Via is just as powerful, just not as efficient. HP gives you the regular 2.5" drive options like MSI, or the SSD on some models. No 10" model yet.
HP 2133 Review
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Everex Cloudbook
The 7" LCD Cloudbook is Everex's entry, with the ever-popular (sigh) gOS operating system, but at a great $399 price point. Via processor, 30gb drive and all the basics. This one actually has a DVI port, though. Only 2 pounds, but a touch smaller than the others, it's very small. The 512mb RAM might be a touch low (you can upgrade to 1gb), since it also shares it for video. 800x480 might also be a deal killer, at least for me.
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3K Razorbook 400 The 3K Razorbook 400 makes the list because it fits the bill, to a point. It's only $299, it's got wifi, a 7" screen (800x480), under 2lbs, and a 4gb SSD Drive. It does have limitations.
edit: reports say $299, buyers say $399. be careful.
Where it differs is a customized flash-based OS - Linux, though, with Linux Office Suite, and a 15-second boot time. It also gets 3 usb ports, though with a 2-cell battery, I would be careful using any of them on battery power alone. The 400mhz Igenic CPU and 512mb RAM may be limiting if you're running anything more than the included office suite, but fo $299, it's an option.
Razorbook review
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Acer Aspire One
Acer Aspire one
Official Specs
* 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 LED-backlit display
* 1.6GHz Atom N270
* 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (expandable)
* 1.3 megapixel camera, SDHC and multi-format media readers
* 802.11b/g, Ethernet, three USB 2.0, VGA, and 3.5mm audio out
* One free mini PCI slot for WWAN
* 80GB hard drive (with XP) or 8GB solid state (with Linux)
* 2.5 or 5 hours on 3 or 6-cell batteries in XP model, 3 or 7 hours on Linux
* 1kg (2.2 pounds)
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Dell - coming soon
Dell's new mini?
Gizmodo may have gotten the scoop.
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Gigabyte M912
Official:
# Intel®CPU 1.6GHz
# 8.9”LCD panel/WXGA 1280x768, w/Touch screen, LED Backlight, as 180° rotation angle
# Intel® 945GSE
# 2.5” ,9.5mm S-ATA HDD 120/160/250GB
# Built-in 1.3M pixel CMOS camera
# Speaker 1.5 watt x 2
# 80 key keyboard/Touch Pad
More Official M912 specs
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GeCube 10.2" subnote
Via C7-D CPU 1.6
512mb DDR2 RAM (1gb max)
10.2" 1024x600 LCD
80gb SATA
10/100 ethernet
802.11g
3x USB ports
gOS operating system, supports XP
Tweaktown
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ECS G10IL
A newer entry gives us a 10.2" system, albeit with an odd black shell with white keyboard. The white version looks good.
Has the Intel Atom. Not many specs yet, or price, but looks like the normal stuff.
More pics and info at
laptoptmag.
//adding more, please feel free to contribute and I'll put your stuff on this main post
CS:S admin. PM DennyCrane for assistance. 
