Kogan Agora Netbook Range

rockofclay · 26th March 2009, 9:59 PM

Well its not so much a range as it is two netbooks, but they look damn snazzy to me.

The more expensive model seems to have the good stuff, but both are worthy pieces of hardware.

http://apcmag.com/kogans-netbook-is-it-a-contender.htm

Might spend my stimulus pack on this!

The cheapo (499) is

Quote:

Processor Intel® Atom™ N270 (1.60GHz) ^
Memory 1Gb
Operating System

gOS (based on Ubuntu) *
Please Note: Compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7, Ubuntu and most other operating systems.
Hard Drive 160Gb
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 #
Sound Integrated Stereo Sound
Monitor Widescreen 10.1-inch LCD
Resolution: 1024 x 600
Webcam 1.3Mp
Wireless Card 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth Optional
(Mini USB Dongle can be purchased for $10)
Microphone Built In
Ports

3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x VGA (video) port
1 x RJ45 (network) port
1 x SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro memory card slot
1 x Microphone jack
1 x Headphone jack
1 x AC adapter port
Battery 3-Cell Lithium-Ion (up to 3 hours)
Dimensions 265 (width) × 31 (height) × 185 (depth) mm
Weight

About 1.2kg
(when fitted with 3-cell battery pack)

The more expensive one, coming in at a grand total of 539 is

Quote:

Processor Intel® Atom™ N270 (1.60GHz) ^
Memory 2Gb
Operating System

gOS (based on Ubuntu) *
Please Note: Compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7, Ubuntu and most other operating systems.
Hard Drive 160Gb
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 #
Sound Integrated Stereo Sound
Monitor Widescreen 10.1-inch LCD
Resolution: 1024 x 600
Webcam 1.3Mp
Wireless Card 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth Mini USB Dongle included
Microphone Built In
Ports

3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x VGA (video) port
1 x RJ45 (network) port
1 x SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro memory card slot
1 x Microphone jack
1 x Headphone jack
1 x AC adapter port
Battery 6-Cell Lithium-Ion (up to 6 hours)
Dimensions 265 (width) × 31 (height) × 185 (depth) mm
Weight

About 1.4kg
(when fitted with 6-cell battery pack)

Deanodriver · 27th March 2009, 6:17 PM

Looks like a pretty decent deal actually.

For those worried about a lack of Windows, just buy an XP licence and install it.

NanoDuke · 29th March 2009, 6:29 PM

Direct site here
http://www.kogan.com.au/shop/category/netbooks/

Might have to keep an eye on it too.
Thanks for the heads-up

rockofclay · 31st March 2009, 12:54 PM

Got one last night, used the KGNBUCK code to get 5% off, came to 540 inc postage!

Can't wait!

Gierke · 31st March 2009, 2:35 PM

I wonder how the 2GB model would cope with Vista basic. Replacing the HDD with a ~32GB SSD would be a good move imo.

rockofclay · 31st March 2009, 5:27 PM

Should be fine I'd suspect.

I'm more interested how OSX will go on it though

Smoke87 · 31st March 2009, 5:30 PM

You would have to be a fucking looney it purchase his shit...

rockofclay · 31st March 2009, 5:36 PM

Why is that?

It seemed to get good reviews.

okisub · 31st March 2009, 8:02 PM

As dodgy as the Kogan guy seems on ACA/TT, I'm very tempted by one of these...

ir0nhide · 31st March 2009, 9:16 PM

This thing actually looks all right. The latest atom + 2 gigs of ram in what appears to be a decently sized chassis with a reasonable battery.

Pity I don't need one, although I'll probably find some excuse

AndyRoo · 31st March 2009, 9:38 PM

Will be watching this very closely, looking to get a netbook and the specs and previews of this machine looks good. Will wait though until see an actual proper review, they haven't even started shipping yet so a bit silly to give them your money - just in case

AndyRoo · 1st April 2009, 11:05 PM

Looks like the Kogan netbook is a re-branded Sotec/Onkyo.
Found these links
http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news...g+Netbook.html. The specs and case look identical. Just have to wait and see

[IMG]

Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store[/IMG]
Of course, this is pure speculation, but they look very similiar

sammy_b0i · 3rd April 2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyRoo

Looks like the Kogan netbook is a re-branded Sotec/Onkyo.
Found these links
http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news...g+Netbook.html. The specs and case look identical. Just have to wait and see

image
Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store]image
[/URL]
Of course, this is pure speculation, but they look very similiar

He quoted on his blog to a similar question that the shell of it is generic and can be bought by anyone. And as most netbooks seem to have the same atom, ram, and hard drive. I think its just a coincidence.

g12345567 · 3rd April 2009, 11:42 AM

For an extra $40 you get

2 GB ram
Longer lasting 6 cell battery
Blue tooth dongle included

Over the cheaper model
1gb ram
lower capacity 3 cell battery
bluetooth extra. Not included

Considring it would cost alot more than this to upgrade the cheaper model to the these features at a later date. Especially the cost of a 6 cell battery.

The only downside is the OS. It only comes with Linux. But many will still want XP.

Id say most people will just get the more expensive model as it works out much better value.

Though many people will still say the MSI Wind U100 which includes XP, internal blue tooth , wireless N and 6 cell battery as standard, will still be better value. Since its been out longer and has a good well regarded reputation.

AndyRoo · 3rd April 2009, 3:34 PM

Just ordered a Wind u100+ red from TECs, been looking for a red one for ages - everything goes faster in red!

. Was seriously considering the Kogan, but what swung it for me was that the Wind has been out longer so there is more internet support and knowledge available, regular BIOS updates, plenty of guides on how to update hardrive, wireless, operating systems etc (would like to put OS X on just to try out) plus from a known manufacturer so hopefully warranty shouldn't be a problem.

27th March 2009, 6:17 PM	#2
Deanodriver Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Melbourne Posts: 6,953	Looks like a pretty decent deal actually. For those worried about a lack of Windows, just buy an XP licence and install it. __________________ sifnt.net.au \| I brew, therefore I am. Last edited by Deanodriver; 27th March 2009 at 6:19 PM.

29th March 2009, 6:29 PM	#3
NanoDuke Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sutherland Shire Posts: 2,035	Direct site here http://www.kogan.com.au/shop/category/netbooks/ Might have to keep an eye on it too. Thanks for the heads-up __________________ Currently Playing: My Brute Currently Playing: Eve Online - IGN: OCAU NanoDuke

31st March 2009, 2:35 PM	#5
Gierke Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Barossa Valley Posts: 1,562	I wonder how the 2GB model would cope with Vista basic. Replacing the HDD with a ~32GB SSD would be a good move imo. __________________ \| AMD X4 955 \| 4GB DDR2 \| 8800GTS 512MB \| WD 320GB AAKS \| Lian Li A03B \|

31st March 2009, 9:16 PM	#10
ir0nhide Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,790	This thing actually looks all right. The latest atom + 2 gigs of ram in what appears to be a decently sized chassis with a reasonable battery. Pity I don't need one, although I'll probably find some excuse __________________ gone mobile, yay!! Hot Flashing Group member #1

31st March 2009, 9:38 PM	#11
AndyRoo Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 85	Will be watching this very closely, looking to get a netbook and the specs and previews of this machine looks good. Will wait though until see an actual proper review, they haven't even started shipping yet so a bit silly to give them your money - just in case __________________ \|Q6600 B3 @ 3.2 GHz\| GA-ex38 DQ6 \| 2x1G Geil Ultra DDR2-800 \| Antec Nine Hundred case \| ATI X800 \| Dell 2407 A4 \|

31st March 2009, 12:54 PM	#4
rockofclay Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne Posts: 418	Got one last night, used the KGNBUCK code to get 5% off, came to 540 inc postage! Can't wait!

31st March 2009, 5:27 PM	#6
rockofclay Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne Posts: 418	Should be fine I'd suspect. I'm more interested how OSX will go on it though

31st March 2009, 5:36 PM	#8
rockofclay Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne Posts: 418	Why is that? It seemed to get good reviews.

31st March 2009, 8:02 PM	#9
okisub Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 174	As dodgy as the Kogan guy seems on ACA/TT, I'm very tempted by one of these...

1st April 2009, 11:05 PM	#12
AndyRoo Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 85	Looks like the Kogan netbook is a re-branded Sotec/Onkyo. Found these links http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news...g+Netbook.html. The specs and case look identical. Just have to wait and see [IMG] Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store[/IMG] Of course, this is pure speculation, but they look very similiar __________________ \|Q6600 B3 @ 3.2 GHz\| GA-ex38 DQ6 \| 2x1G Geil Ultra DDR2-800 \| Antec Nine Hundred case \| ATI X800 \| Dell 2407 A4 \| Last edited by AndyRoo; 1st April 2009 at 11:09 PM. Reason: Trying to get image link to work

3rd April 2009, 11:42 AM	#14
g12345567 Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 255	For an extra $40 you get 2 GB ram Longer lasting 6 cell battery Blue tooth dongle included Over the cheaper model 1gb ram lower capacity 3 cell battery bluetooth extra. Not included Considring it would cost alot more than this to upgrade the cheaper model to the these features at a later date. Especially the cost of a 6 cell battery. The only downside is the OS. It only comes with Linux. But many will still want XP. Id say most people will just get the more expensive model as it works out much better value. Though many people will still say the MSI Wind U100 which includes XP, internal blue tooth , wireless N and 6 cell battery as standard, will still be better value. Since its been out longer and has a good well regarded reputation. Last edited by g12345567; 3rd April 2009 at 11:49 AM.

3rd April 2009, 3:34 PM	#15
AndyRoo Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 85	Just ordered a Wind u100+ red from TECs, been looking for a red one for ages - everything goes faster in red!. Was seriously considering the Kogan, but what swung it for me was that the Wind has been out longer so there is more internet support and knowledge available, regular BIOS updates, plenty of guides on how to update hardrive, wireless, operating systems etc (would like to put OS X on just to try out) plus from a known manufacturer so hopefully warranty shouldn't be a problem. __________________ \|Q6600 B3 @ 3.2 GHz\| GA-ex38 DQ6 \| 2x1G Geil Ultra DDR2-800 \| Antec Nine Hundred case \| ATI X800 \| Dell 2407 A4 \|