Apricot intros 8.9-inch PicoBook Pro with WiMAX

Apricot Computers has recently announced it will return to the UK market with its 8.9-inch PicoBook Pro netbook, which is powered by a 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ultra low voltage processor sitting on a VIA mainboard that also houses integrated graphics processing. The company promises a WiMAX module will be an available option for the netbook, which would make it among the first, if not the very first, netbook to offer access to the wireless high-speed broadband network.

The PicoBook Pro includes 1GB of RAM, while its 60GB hard disk contains the Linux OS, with Windows XP available. Boot time is pegged at less than 30 seconds. Wireless network access is made possible via a Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g module, and users get a 1.3-megapixel camera for video chats. Users can hook up external monitors via a VGA output, or USB-equipped external drives and other devices via two USB 2.0 ports. Bluetooth and a memory card slot let users transfer information to and from the small portable PC. Thanks to its small footprint, the netbook will weigh in at under 2.2lbs, with a battery life rating of four hours.

UK customers can order the PicoBook Pro via the company's website now, with the ship date set for November 1st. The basic PicoBook Pro with Linux is priced at £279, or the equivalent of about $481. [via Pocket-lint]