The Simmtronics Simmbook isn’t exactly a state of the art netbook. It features a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive. In other words, it looks like virtually every netbook that was released in the summer of 2008. But here’s what the netbook has going for it: It’s cheap.

Earlier this year we reported that it would be available in India for about $300. Now we have some more details, and it looks like the netbook will run Ubuntu Linux and come preloaded with IBM business software including Lotus Symphony, Lotus Notes, LotusLive iNotes, and other desktop and cloud-connected applications. The Simmbook could sell for about $190 in markets including South Africa, India, Singapore, Honk Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. While the focus is on developing nations, it sounds like the Simmbook could be sold in the US and UK as well.

via ReadWriteWeb

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8 replies on “IBM, Simmtronics to offer $190 Linux netbooks”

    1. The model of the chasis I think is called the S30 where i think liliputing have covered efore or link to shanzai.com in regarding this. It is a standard some chinese manufacturer used to manufacture this netbook.

  2. If they could sell it in the USA for about $200, it could help support the lower price in other countries; IMO. With the low price, I think it should do well.

    Since Simmtronics is offering the Linux netbook and IBM is providing the software, should the title read ‘Simmtronics is offering a Linux netbook with IBM software preloaded?’. It seems that IBM is just providing the software and not the hard ware.

  3. I wish somebody would make a good netbook or smartbook targeted at U.S. schools for $200 – or even $250. The above specs are fine, but swap out the hard drive for a solid state drive and give it a 6-cell battery and you’re all set. Yet it’s hard to find something suitable for under $300.

  4. I always wondered how much it cost to build the standard netbook. I bought a mini 9 for $199 and I am sure Dell did not loose money.
    Most 10 inch netbooks have the exact same parts( i know there are a few that are different) anyone know what they cost to build?

  5. You see that case design used for a lot of inexpensive netbooks. I think one of the Coby netbooks shown has that same front pacing mic/headphone jack design.

    Maybe, it is a silly dream but I would love a solid, 2008 tech netbooks selling in the US for $199. I was really hoping Coby would pull out teh stops and do it, but it would be nice if someone would do it. I really want to get my nephew a computer. He’s six so he needs one can be ‘expendable’ at a price that would make taht feasable.

    It would be nice if Acer would use the Gateway brand as their ‘affordable badge’ with the LT2021u set at $200.

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