Workhorse Certeza MC10 Gallops Onto the Netbook Scene

Howdy, netbook fans! We just wrastled up some news about a new mini-notebook that will be making its way into the market in a few weeks. Workhorse PC, a McKinney, Texas-based company who makes notebooks for the education and government market, is coming out with its own netbook, called the Certeza MC10 (not to be confused with Samsung’s NC10).The MC10′s specs are pretty much the same as every other netbook on the market, with one or two notable differences. From looking at Workhorse PC”s unfinished MC10 page, it appears that the system will be configurable online. Standard specs include:

• Operating System: Ubuntu Linux, Windows XP, or Windows Vista
• CPU: Intel Atom N270 with 945GSE
• Display/Resolution: 10.1 inches/1024 x 600
• Memory: Up to 2GB
• Card Slots: ExpressCard, 4-in-1 card reader
• 1.3-megapixel Webcam
• Wireless: 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, WiMax, and WLAN (Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and AT&T)
• Size: 10.0 x 7.3 x 0.75 inches
• Weight: 2.9 pounds

According to Jill Henson, Workhorse PC’s vice president, there will be a few different configurations of the MC10, ranging in price from $399 for a Linux version, $449 for XP Home, and $549 for a Vista Business version. The notebook will also be offered with a 4- or a 6-cell battery. From just looking at the photo, we’re pleased to see that the right Shift key is in the correct place. The WiMax and the 3G connectivity options are a nice add-on, too, even if the former is still being rolled out. While we’re a little dubious about how well Vista will perform on a netbook, Henson said that it ran pretty well in their testing. No word yet on where the Workhorse Certeza will be sold, but we plan to get this pony in the corral as soon as possible for a ride.

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