Reports of death, as Mark Twain once had to establish, are sometimes greatly exaggerated.

The Netbook idea did enjoy a brief moment in the sun, it’s true, but market realities and newer more capable devices have cast quite a shadow over it, as WhatsYourTech contributor Ted Kritsonis has rightly pointed out.

But then I heard about this new netbook, it made me think that new life may be added to the concept.

When I spoke with Elizabeth Doucette, VP of PCD Canada and Joe Cufari, Vice President of Marketing, they were of course quick to describe the unique features and functions that other netbooks do not have and the new X220 does.

(We’re hoping and expecting to get a review unit in soon, so we can find out for ourselves and report back here on WhatsYourTech.)

In the meantime, Joe echoed some of Ted’s points about the problems with netbooks, noting for example that “The big push was colour – that’s the kind of customization drives the profit. The margins are so razor thin; and the product was seen as a loss leader by the big manufacturers. You’re not going to make lots of friends at Dell just ordering a black book,” he laughed.

 

 

So, what’s PCD and X220 have that the other netbook manufacturers don’t?

“One big thing that this device has that basic netbooks don’t is the flexible configuration (options for memory, storage, camera, Bluetooth and wireless config among them). I think people will want this for its form and function, not just because it is a low cost laptop. The iPad is (US starting price) $499 – I am still less expensive than that, with a lot of tablet and PC features built in.”

Specifically, there’s the 10-inch touch screen – a rotatable touch screen on a swivel base that accepts handwritten input. A nice ‘e-tablet’ feature.

There’s also a hard keyboard, one that can be used while still keeping your eye on the screen. A nice ‘PC’ feature.

The device has a built-in webcam, it’s Wi-Fi enabled (802.11g), there’s a three-cell Li-ion 2200mAH battery, a 3-in-1 card reader (SC/MS/MMC), two external speakers and an internal microphone. It measures 10.2 in. X 7.2 in. X 1.1 in. and weighs just under three pounds.

And, it can come embedded with either a 3G EVDO or 3G HSDPA wireless module for wireless connectivity.

PCD developed the unit and its wireless features in conjunction with the carrier community – you know, the Bells, Rogers, Winds and Telus’ of the world – specifically for more advanced HSDPA network capabilities. External USB air sticks for Wi-Fi are supported.

“The traditional computer manufacturer doesn’t have a relationship with the carriers,” is how Liz explained it. “But through bundling and other service offerings, people are now more used to dealing with their carrier company. We hope we will end up on that route, and we will be announcing shortly who we will go with, and what channels we will be working with. We have a relationship with every Canadian carrier.

“I don’t want to speak out of turn — they will make their own announcements — but there are carriers looking at different types of plans. Lower cost plans may come with the purchase of certain products, and then the customer may be able to bring on other services a la carte.”

As more carriers look at a la carte, she continued, they will also look at how to tack on a ‘pay as you go meter’ depending on the device being used.

“It’s a way to soften the blow, as you say, and to target different demographics based on individual services and products,” she continued, pointing out the success that certain carriers in Canada  have already achieved with their acquisition of major retail chains or outlets.

Over the last little while, Bell has purchased some 750 stores from the national electronics chain, The Source. Telus, meanwhile, purchased the Black’s Camera chain and its more than 100 stores. Rogers and now Wind have their own branded storefronts

That means expanding the telcos are expanding their retail reach, and opening the door to broader demographics, including tech fans, media enthusiasts, electronic DIY’ers, small business owners and major corporate purchasers.

Joe says that the flexibility of use and configuration for the X220 is in the hands of the buyer, whoever they may be.

“I might start with a Wi-Fi only device, and use my USB airstick,” he said. “I know full well that if I want to select a specific plan from one of the carriers down the road, I am ready. Of course, I can use my phone as a modem, if I have a data plan with an existing handset.”

The X220 is compatible with Windows XP and Windows 7.

PCD Canada Personal Communications Devices operates out of facilities in Mississauga, ON. You may or may not recognize the name, but the company has been around for a while, under the labels of Audiovox and UTStarcom. The company also carries cellphones and handsets.