Introduction

Earlier this year we had the opportunity to test drive Packard Bell’s first netbook, the Dot.be. Their original config featured a 8.9” LED screen (1024x600) based on Intel Atom 1.6Ghz CPU, 1gb RAM and 160Gb HDD. There was a config available with 3G if you paid extra.

Today we have a brand new config from Packard Bell, dubbed the Dot M/A it features a larger screen, more memory, larger hard drive and is based on an AMD Athlon L110 CPU and ATI Radeon integrated GPU. One the few AMD netbooks around in Belgium.

Specifications

We received a test model, so no fancy packing, it also featured slightly less memory and HDD; the official specs are quite complete for a €399 (incl VAT) netbook:

OS: Windows Vista Home Basic (Includes Adobe Elements 6 and MS Works 9)

CPU: AMD Athlon L110 (1.2Ghz)

Memory: 2Gb

Storage: 250Gb HDD

Memory Card Reader: 5-in-1 (MMC/SD/XD/MS/MS-PRO)

Graphics : ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 128Mb

Screen : 11.6” LED (1366x768)

Integrated Webcam, Two Stereo Speakers and Microphone

10/100 Lan UTP , 802.11 b/g Wireless, Bluetooth

3x USB 2.0 ports, Headset/Microphone jack

Battery: 6 Cell Li-Ion (5200 mAh)

Weight: 1.35Kg

Warranty: 2 Years


Packard Bell Netbook DOT Series

The original Dot was launched with three different configurations, all Intel Atom based, all 8.9” screens, the cheapest had 3-cell battery, the middle one had 6-cell battery, the high end added 3G support. Packard Bell has refreshed their line-up completely this time around. And they are now using letters instead of numbers to differentiate between the product lines;

The first two under Dot S come with Windows XP Home:

Dot S: 10.1” €299: Atom 1.6ghz – 1gb – 160Gb HDD – Wireless network – 3 Cell battery

Dot S: 10.1” €399: Atom 1.6ghz – 1gb – 160Gb HDD – Wireless network – 6 Cell battery - Bluetooth

Then we have a larger, more power friendly Dot M, with XP home

Dot M: 11.6” €399: Atom 1.33ghz – 1gb – 160Gb HDD – Wireless network – 6 Cell battery - Bluetooth

The fourth model is the one we’re testing, the Dot M/A, all of these Dots share the same color and design scheme, slick piano block finish with stylish logo:



Let’s have a closer look ->