Dubbed the CloudBook Max, Everex’s new version sports Via’s C7-M ULV processor which runs at 1.6GHz, 1GB of RAM with room for 2GBs, an 80GB Hard Disk Drive, 8.9″ 1024 x 600 widescreen display, integrated support for WiMAX 802.16e and 802.11b/g, a gigabit Ethernet Port, VGA out, 3 (count ‘em! three!!) USB 2.0 Ports, an integrated card reader, two 2MP webcams, and a 2600mAh LiIon battery rated for 4 hours. WiMAX itself is via Sprint’s upcoming Xohm 4G network, so if you have Sprint now, you can be really happy later on when this thing ships. The kink in the wire, however, comes in the form of Windows Vista Home Edition, which is apparently shipped standard on the unit. 

Unfortunately, we must look back to the inauspicious introduction of the previous minuscule CloudBook which, when delivered to buyers, couldn’t be set up unless you knew the obscure capability of Xwindow servers to move windows from anywhere by holding the ALT key. They’ve also saddled the Max with an unfortunately untrue slogan, “Ubiquitous internet has finally arrived…” This is untrue for two reasons. One, WiMAX will not be rolled out everywhere at the same time. Two, 802.11b/g is widespread but by no stretch of the imagination ubiquitous. We also have no idea of how much it will cost, exactly when it will be available with any greater detail than mid-2008, and via whom. More when we get it.

written by Tyler Regas