Kohjinsha and MSI
Kohjinsha - Kohjin-who? - is a Singapore-based manufacturer that has been creating mobile solutions for the Japanese market for years. One of its netbook offerings, the SX3, pictured below, is arguably the most interesting netbook we've seen so far.
Rather than follow the trend set by netbooks that came before it, the SX3 does things differently. There's an 8.9in touch-screen that swivels to make it a tablet PC when needed, and it boasts a 1,280 x 768 resolution.
On the inside, the SX3 hasn't used the familiar 1.6GHz Atom N270, instead it utilises the 1.33GHz Atom Z520. That's coupled with 1GB of RAM, a 60GB hard-disk drive, and Windows Vista Home Premium.
What you'll also notice in the above picture is the optical drive - and that's no optical illusion, this is one of the only netbooks we know of that features a built-in DVD writer. Somehow, the whole system manages to weigh only 2.65lbs.
We have a winner, right? Well, not exactly. Kohjinsha's SX3 is only available in Japan and it doesn't come cheap. The cost of importing the system into the UK is around £620 - that's more than twice the cost of an Eee PC 901.
Related reading: Kohjinsha launches impressive subnotebook with a twist
Getting back to familiar-looking netbooks, here's the popular MSI Wind. The Wind netbook has a 10.2in screen with a 1,024 x 600 resolution, 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM and an 80GB hard-disk drive. Like the Eee, it's another system that follows the netbook rule book closely, but it manages to do it well.
Having launched with a disappointing three-cell battery, MSI now offers the system with an improved six-cell battery - that's simply a must. The problem with MSI's Wind is its £350 price-tag. UK consumers, however, can get their hands on a Wind for a whole-lot less.
If you happen to like the Wind, head on over to a Currys or PC World store, and you'll find a system called the Advent 4211. Take a closer look and you'll find that it's actually a re-badged MSI Wind, with a much lower price-tag of £279.99. That makes it a whole lot more interesting.
Related reading: MSI Wind notebook: is it the Eee-beater we've been waiting for?
We've seen our fair share of netbooks now, so let's get on to some closing thoughts.