System76 Continues Linnux Netbook Line With Second-Gen Starling

A little gem from the System76 has just been released as the second generation Starling netbook. As far as specs go, System76 keeps on with the norm. They have the Atom, the 10″ screen size and the almost typical memory and storage size. However, they do have something that sets them apart. They offer their products — netbooks, laptops, desktops, et al — with appropriate versions of Ubuntu Linux pre-installed.

When netbooks originally started, it was hard to get one without Linux. That was before Windows finally adapted and took over the entire game. Now the situation is in reverse and it is hard to find a netbook without some form of Windows pre-installed. But System76 is still offering Linux systems and the latest Starling is a nice little treat for netbook lovers.

Finished with rubber exteriors, this netbook comes in two color options — Obsidian Black and Coral Red. The rubberized finish gives it quite the look and you are going to be happy to parade it around.

As far as specs go, it is pretty updated. It is powered by the latest Atom N455, clocked at 1.66GHz with one integrated single-channel DDR controller, an integrated graphics core and also support for multi-threading. It is also SSE3 and 64bit capable — making it quite the deal. This is a system-on-a-chip and its graphics bit is derived from GMA 3100, which gives it the hypothetical power to run 720p videos. However, the realization of that will depend on how good the drivers are.

The new Starling comes pre-installed with Ubuntu 10.4 and the display is 10.1″ with a native resolution of 1024×600. It has LAN, WiFi (b/g/n), VGA out, 3 USB 2.0 ports, SD Card reader and a built in 0.3 MP webcam. It also has a Kensington lock slot. The price starts at USD389 and you have to pay $25 extra for the Coral Red soft rubber finish.

[via]