Packard Bell Dot notebook ditched

New model around the corner

10 March 2009 12:52 GMT / By Chris Hall

Packard Bell is to ditch the dot notebook netbook just months after it first announced the new model, Pocket-lint has learnt.

"The DOT is going end of life and will be replaced by new model", a spokesperson for Packard Bell told Pocket-lint before eluding to there being "some changes made to the brand".

The model, which was supposedly going to go on sale in January 2009, starting at £299, never actually made it to retail.

Based on the Acer Aspire One, it promised a 1024 x 600-resolution display, the Intel Atom processor and 1GB of RAM.

With a 160GB hard drive, three USB ports and 5-in-1 card reader, the new netbook promised built-in Wi-Fi (b/g), an optional 3G module and integrated webcam.

It is not clear at this stage what changes are to be made and if they will affect all products in the Packard Bell line-up.

We will keep you posted.

UPDATE:
Packard Bell has been in touch with Pocket-lint to clarify its comments regarding the Dot, pointing out that the Dot remains a strong asset in the Packard Bell 2009 line-up and making it clear that the Dot will still exist, and it is only the specific model that won't be hitting shelves:

"Packard Bell was one of the first PC manufacturer to enter the subnotebook market with the EasyNote XS (a 7in display netbook) in 2007. Since then Packard Bell launched the Dot, with an attention to details that count for an easy-to-use mobile usage. Discreet and practical with its multigesture capabilities accessible on the touchpad, Dot has been very successful in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Nordics.

As a company of the Acer Group with strong ambitions on mobility, Packard Bell is deeply convinced that the netbook segment will drive the notebook's growth in 2009 with an increase of the screen size and consumers' expectations for more design and handy features. In the coming weeks the brand will announce new products that will meet the expectations of consumers who need the perfect companion to socialize."

Full tags

Hardware, Netbooks, Packard Bell, Acer