ECS makes G10IL netbook official with 3G

ECS today took away the mystery of its CEBit expo presence with the formal launch of the G10IL, its first entry in the new netbook class and a direct rival to ASUS' Eee PC. The system is now known to be based on an Intel Atom processor and is one of the few very small portables to ship with 3G support. An HSPA modem allows the system to reach the Internet through cell networks with up to 7.2Mbps downloads and 2Mbps uploads; the modem is tri-band and supports US frequencies as well as Asia and Europe, ECS says.

The system also comes with more options than any of its opponents, including the choice of either an Eee-like solid-state drive or conventional hard disk, an 8.9- or 10.2-inch LCD, and a 4- or 6-cell battery. Users can also upgrade the G10IL with up to 2GB of memory. A 1.3-megapixel camera is standard on the ECS system, which ships in April and will receive its official pricing at the same time.