Japan always gets the good stuff first, and this time around it got the first netbook based on a dual-core Atom and coupled with Nvidia's ION chipset. Actually, it's a 12-inch design, so we probably shouldn't even call it a netbook, as it looks more like a proper notebook.

It packs 2GB of memory, has a 320GB hard drive, an optical drive, HDMI, three USBs, Bluetooth 2.1, n-draft wireless, gigabit LAN and even a 56k modem, just in case you happen to travel back through time. However, its main selling point is the 12-inch 1,366×768 screen.

At 305×225x37.5mm and 1.92kg, it's pretty obvious it's quite a bit closer to notebooks than netbooks. In Japan it retails for about €439 without an OS, and we have no idea if it will show up in other markets anytime soon.

More here.