Asus has formally launched its N10... well, it's not a netbook despite being based on Intel's 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, it's more a scaled down executive laptop.

In addition to the Atom CPU, the N10 comes with 2GB of DDR 2 memory and full-scale GPU, an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS with 256MB of dedicated video Ram. It also has a 160GB hard drive.

All these are essential, becuase this boy runs Windows Vista.

Asus' N10: based on Atom, runs Vista

Like Fujitsu-Siemens' upcoming Amilo Mini Small, Cheap Computer, the N10 has an ExpressCard 34 slot. It also sports an HDMI port, S/PDIF digital audio output Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11n Wi-Fi. Bluetooth 2.0+EDR is listed as an option.

Other specs are standard Small, Cheap Computer fayre: memory card slot, 1.3-megapixel webcam, analogue audio ports, and a 10.2in, 1024 x 600 display.

The whole thing weighs 1.5kg and measures 276 x 195 x 29-37mm, so it's on the large side for a netbook.

Alongside the N10, the 12.1in, Core 2 Duo-based N20

Asus claimed the N10 can deliver up to seven hours' battery life, but that's with the company's "Super Hybrid Engine" enabled - essentially, it underclocks the CPU to 800MHz to eke out the power.

Launched in Japan, the N10 will retail there for ¥99,800 ($934/£518/€659).

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The N10 is part of a series of 'N' notebooks, the rest boasting bigger screens - 12.1in, 14.1in and 15.4in - a range of Core 2 processors, optical drives and, of course, a larger chassis to get all this extra stuff in.

Netbooks and Mini-laptops Buyer's Guide

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