Packard Bell announces limited edition laptop for Valentino Rossi fans

Posted on 10 Feb 2010 at 13:07

With the slew of 'jelly mould' netbooks and CULV ultraportables around, Packard Bell has tried to differentiate its new dot VR46 by making it a limited-edition model complete with nine-times Moto GP world champion Valentino Rossi’s pattern.

The VR46 takes its name from Rossi's initials, plus the number he's always raced with - this is visible both on the lid and inside, at the top of the 11.6in screen. Although Packard Bell calls the dot VR46 a netbook, it's powered by an ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo or Celeron (depending on the model) so is more of an ultra-portable laptop by our reckoning. It also makes the price seem more reasonable as it's more in line with other CULV-based laptops like Acer's Timeline 1810. Whether the VR46 can match the Timeline's amazing blend of usability, battery life and value remains to be seen.

No finalised UK specifications have been announced, but models will be available with up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM and with a hard disk up to a 640GB in capacity. The screen will have a 1,366x768 resolution and be powered by Intel's GMA 4500MHD chip. All models will come with Windows 7 Home Premium.

Two batteries will be offered, with the larger 5600mAh version taking weight to 1.35kg and is claimed to last up to eight hours. A smaller 4400mAh battery will last up to six hours.

For video-chatting there's a VGA webcam and microphone, plus 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1 for staying connected. There are rumours of an integrated 3G radio, but this may or may not feature in the UK model. A trio of USB ports, a memory card reader and a VGA output round off the expansion options.

Prices will start at £450, but no official release date has been announced for the UK.

Author: Jim Martin

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