Norhtec presents Gecko EduBook, first netbook running on AA batteries

Norhtec has introduced its latest product a super-cheap laptop which runs on rechargeable AA batteries. A new computer, called Gecko EduBook has a 8.9-inch, 1024 x 768 600 LED-backlit screen and looks like the netbooks based on Intel Atom N270 or N280 processors. All the characteristics are conventional. As we have already said the novelty of EduBook is its battery, or it's better to say 8 NiMH (nickel metal hydride) AA batteries that according to the manufacturers provide a maximum life of four hours, using only about 1.2-watts of power. In addition Norhtec assures that the device has an internal power supply and can be recharged by a simple, easily replaced AC line cord.

Here you can see Gecko EduBook specifications:

CPU	1GHz Xcore86 Device on ChipTM
Graphics	Integrated Graphics Chip
Memory	256MB / 512MB / 1GB DDR2
Display	8.9" WSVGA 1024 x 600 resolution TFT LCD screen with LED backlight
HDD	SD Card or IDE Flash Disk
Audio	Line-out, Mic
Ethernet	Built in 10/100 Base-T
USB 2.0 ports	External : 3 ports, Inernal : 1 port (reserved for WIFI, GPRS, CDMA, 3G or 3.5G USB dongles
I/O	D-sub 15 pin VGA out, integrated SD card reader, touch pad
Power / Battery	Rechargeable AA Battery - NiMH 8 pcs (4 hours max) or  Li+3S (4 hours max) or Li+3S2P (6 hours max)  AC 100V-240V (no external adapter)

The Gecko Laptop comes installed with Ubuntu Remix containing many applications. These applications include office suite, e-mail client, web browser, instant messenger (IM) client, video conferencing software, games, educational software and more.

While the Gecko Laptop comes preinstalled with Ubuntu Remix, virtually any Linux distribution will work. Appropriately configured Gecko laptops will support Microsoft Windows XP.

Gecko EduBook will become available in July for just $200 with Wi-Fi module and an 8GB SD card included.