Best netbook 2010 - reviews and comparisons » Benq

Benq Joybook Lite U103 gets Red Dot 2010 design award

Mike — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:22:49 +0000

I’ve just recently found out from a Press Release that Benq managed to score quite a couple of Red Dot 2010 awards with the innovative design of their products, one of them being for the Benq Joybook Lite U103, one of their 10 inch mini laptops.

I for one haven’t got a chance to play with this particular netbook, but from the pictures below you can see it’s quite a looker, although the entire hinge part seems to be inspired from the Vaios, with the round power button placed on the side.

Also, I might be carping, but I for one have seen better looking netbooks than this one. Still, this one ain’t bad although, if only they used something different for the exterior, instead of that glossy plastic. However, the Red Dot Awards handed by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, in Germany, one of the oldest and most highly reputed design institutions in Europe, is something Benq can be very proud of. So if the experts say this Benq looks great, I must give them credit

Benq Joybook Lite u103 - netbook with a design award

In terms of specs, the JoyBook U103 brings the standard specs of a modern netbook: N450/N470 processor, up to 2 GB of RAM, GMA 3150 graphics, good connectivity and ports, nice battery life and 10 inch display with big res (1280 x 720 px). I couldn’t spot a price though for it and neither does it seem to be available in the US, for now.

Keyboard looks appealing also

But stay tuned for more info. A device with a prestigious award around it’s neck, like this Benq Joybook Lite u103 is definitely one worth keeping an eye on.

Via Benq

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Photo quickies: Asus T101MT vs Benq Joybook U121

Mike — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:04:41 +0000

You know i had the new 10 inch convertible Asus EEE PC T101MT netbook on my test bench. Also, yesterday I managed to score a bigger 11.6 inch Benq Joybook Lite U121 Eco. So, since i had them both, why not shoot a couple of quick photos of the two next to each other.

You can find those pictures below. You’ll notice the differences in size: the Benq is overall bigger but is also less thick. that touch-display on the Asus really adds to that size and makes it a little bit bulky. Also, you’ll see the differences between the two displays: the glossy one on the Benq and the matte on the Asus. Last but not least, there’s a nice feature on both these devices: both displays can open up to 180 degrees, and this comes in handy in many situations.

That’s it for now, better check the pictures for more details. And feel free to post your comments if you have any questions or remarks.

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Hands on photos with the Benq Joybook U121 Eco

Mike — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:40:26 +0000

After getting the new Asus T101MT yesterday, it’s time today for another new toy: the 11.6 inch Benq Joybokk U121 Eco . Actually, it’s not that new, as we’re talking about a device launched last summer. But, since i only got it now, there’s no reason not to post a couple of hands-on pictures and some impressions on the gadget.

In terms of hardware, comes with a 1.33 GHz Z520 processor and 1 GB of memory, plus the 160 GB hard-drive. So it’s very much similar to the Asus 1101HA i tested last year. Also offers the same 11.6 inch HD ready display (1366 x 768 px resolution), which offers crisp images but is kind of a strain for the eyes after a couple of hours of use (I explained my view on HD ready resolutions for small displays in here). All in all, a decent performer. Amazingly, it works a lot better than the 10 inch T101MT, but this one comes with Windows XP as an OS.

Also, since it has the Z520 processor, i tried to test the latest Flash 10.1 Beta 3 with 720p flash clips. But, since it comes with XP, i couldn’t make it work (apparently it only does on Windows 7).

It’s nice that this netbook offers a full-size keyboard. However, is the older generation with flat keys and not a chiclet style one like on modern mini laptops. Toucpad however is awful: very cramped and with only one touch button.

Anyway, enough rambling, you’re here for the photos, and you can check them out below.

Also, look for a new post today comparing the Benq Joybook Lite U121 with the 10 inch Asus T101MT .

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Benq Joybook Lite U121, a recommended 11.6″ netbook

Mike — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:59:50 +0000

There are a couple of Benq netbooks at the moment on the market. I for one didn’t have the chance to get my hands on any of them yet, but the folks and PC Autohority did, with the new Benq Joybook Lite U121, and they also reviewed its performances (very lightly though, as they didn’t even included pictures) and recommended it.

We’re talking about a 11.6″ netbook very much similar to the Asus 1101HA I reviewed last month. It comes with the standard specs: an Atom Z530 CPU (others come with the Z520), 1 GB of RAM, 160 GB hard-drive, HD ready resolution and Windows XP. Reviewers liked the overall build quality of the little JoyBook, that comes with a metal-brushed like exterior and very little flex. Keyboard and touch-pad are OK too.

In terms of battery , things look even better: up to 9 hours of work in the “light use test”. Not sure what that really means in real life, but still, sounds pretty good. They do complained about the weight, around 1.4 KGs (2.8 pounds), but that seems to be similar to the one of the other 11.6″ netbooks though.

Benq Jotbook Lite 121 - just a standard 11.6" netbook

I for one would definitely complain about the price: 780 AUS, which can be translated in above 650 USD . I doubt the Benq Joybook Lite U121 will hit the US market with such a price tag, or else i’m sure nobody, but absolutelly nobody would buy it, as you can get similar configs for around $400.

Via: Netbooked

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