AMD, as part of a some kind of PR campaign, is saying the culprit is a battery testing suite called MobileMark 2007:

The parameters for this test include having the screen at just 20 percent brightness, Wi-Fi turned off and no music, video, games or Web pages running. More or less, the test turns a computer into a dimly lit clock, then sees how long it can run.

That is exactly the kind of test you’d have to run to hit manufacturers’ 50-100%-inflated figures, and the perceived ubiquity of the test gives it an air of authority—or at least respectability—within the industry. Using anything more honest would put a manufacturer at a competitive disadvantage.

This is where the story lapses into accusations subterfuge: AMD says these tests don’t just benefit laptop manufacturers in general—they’re unfairly biased towards Intel, whose chips are optimised for these less-than-realistic scenarios. It’s easy to see how this would be upsetting, but it’s not clear what AMD can really do. They’re proposing a system by which manufacturers show two battery ratings—one the shows a theoretical, low-use maximum, and one that reflects heavy use. (To their credit, Sony already does something like that). Intel tacitly admits the practice, but is predictably standoffish, about it, while AMD doesn’t inspire much confidence:

By 2010 or 2011, something might show up from a consortium that could be used. It takes two to three years.”

Well, thanks for trying, I guess! [NYT]

Laptop Mag took a gander at Toshiba’s NB205 netbook and found an awful lot to be happy about. The netbook, which boasts the same specs as every other 10-inch netbook out there (1.66GHz Atom, 160GB hard drive, 1GB RAM, Windows XP) seems to really bring it in the non-component hardware department, with a stellar keyboard and thankfully normal-human-sized trackpad along with an LED-backlit display and, of course, that crazy 6-cell battery. They managed to eke out 8 hours and 33 minutes of real time battery life, which means continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi. That’s far and away the best battery life we’ve seen on this category of netbook, and with its above-average performance, it definitely looks like a mini-laptop worth your attention if you’re in the market for a 10-incher. [Laptop Mag]

Of course, this could be a symptom of wider software optimisations or just a false alarm altogether. If it’s true though, this is great news—aside from a few awkward interface difficulties, diminished battery life is (or was) the best argument against giving OS X a try on your netbook.

Hackintoshers: comment if you’ve noticed anything like this. [MSI Wind Forums via Gadget Lab]

This bests the already respectable 13-hour life of an MSI Wind armed with a 6-cell battery.

For his unofficial test, Johannes used Battery Eater set to its lowest setting. This is obviously as bare bones as you’re going to get, so it’s not unsurprising that he was able to achieve 25 hours, 4 minutes. However, even when you factor in what the time would have been if the netbook was being used for web surfing or other netbook-related tasks, you’d have to think the 9-cell would get 18 hours or so, as Liliputing suggests. [EeePC.de via Liliputing]

If you hate the look of a huge bezel around your screen (and have elf hands), you’ll probably be better off with the N110, but it’s not a bad idea to just stretch the chassis a bit to accommodate at 12″ laptop’s keyboard; anything to make typing on a tiny, tiny netbook easier, I’m down with. Crammed into the bezel you’ll also find an enhanced 2.1 SRS speaker set, with a tiny dedicated subwoofer buried somewhere within.

And on top of that, the N120 is packing the jumbo 6-cell battery thus far only touted on the NC310 in Asia, building on the N110’s 8 hours with a promised 10.5 hours of runtime. That’s a lot.

Are you confused yet? Good. So far the only one with confirmed pricing and availability for the US is the N110 ($US469, next month), so we’ll see what happens with the others and keep you posted. [via T3 and Netbooknews.de (translated)]

South Korea, March 24, 2009. Samsung Electronics, a market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT technology, today launched the innovative Samsung N120 mini notebook. Samsung Electronics, a market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT technology, today launched the innovative Samsung N120 mini notebook. Although slim at just 10.1″, the N120 is designed for optimum usability and performance, with its full-size 12″ notebook style keyboard, larger touchpad and an ultra-lightweight and robust slim line casing. Although slim at just 10.1 “, the N120 is designed for optimum usability and performance, with its full-size 12″ notebook style keyboard, touchpad larger and an ultra-lightweight and durable slim line casing. What’s more, its enhanced sound system means you can experience a rich multimedia experience when you are on the go. What’s more, its enhanced sound system means you can experience a rich multimedia experience when you are on the go.

With the N120 you can enjoy high-quality sound anywhere using its integrated SRS 2.1ch system, featuring 2 x 1.5 Watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer. With the N120 you can enjoy high-quality sound anywhere using its integrated SRS 2.1ch system, featuring 2 x 1.5 watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer. It also features a larger touchpad and a full-size 12″ notebook style keyboard with optimised key spacing, so you can type faster and make fewer mistakes. It also features a larger touchpad and a full-size 12 “notebook style keyboard with optimised key spacing, so you can type faster and make fewer mistakes. Its ergonomic design places less stain on your wrists, which all adds up to a more enjoyable and productive experience. Its ergonomic design places less stain on your Wrists, which all adds up to a more enjoyable and productive experience.

Shielded by the robust Samsung Duracase, this mini notebook is more than capable of rolling with the punches. Shielded by the rugged Samsung Duracase, this mini notebook is more than capable of rolling with the punch. Having passed a grueling series of quality assurance tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical surges, it sets new standards for survivability and resilience, giving you much less to worry about when you’re travelling. Having passed a grueling series of quality assurance tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical Surge, it sets new standards for Survivability and resilience, giving you much less to worry about when you’re traveling.

As well a being extremely portable, the N120 also delivers a significantly longer battery-powered performance of up to 10.5 hours* with a long-life 6 cell battery, independent of any power supply, for maximum freedom and mobility. As well a being extremely portable, so the N120 delivers a significantly longer battery-powered performance of up to 10.5 hours * with a long-life 6 Cell Battery, independent of any power supply, for maximum freedom and mobility. The unique combination of its power efficient LED display and optimised processing performance coupled with Samsung’s class-leading engineering ensures that you’re always ready to go anywhere and do anything thanks to the N120’s vastly improved battery life. The unique combination of its power efficient LED display and optimised processing performance coupled with Samsung’s class leading engineering ensures that you’re always ready to go anywhere and do anything thanks to the N120’s vastly improved battery life.

To help you get the most out of life when you’re out and about the N110’s small form is packed with comprehensive array of the latest technology for maximum performance on the move, including advanced connectivity tools to help you stay in touch. To help you get the most out of life when you’re out and about the N110’s small form is packed with comprehensive array of the latest technology for maximum performance on the move, including advanced connectivity tools to help you stay in touch.

An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera, so it’s much easier to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging. An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera, so it’s much easier to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging .

To make it as simple as possible to exchange data, including documents, pictures and music, between almost any modern camera, peripheral or audio-visual device, the N120 incorporates a range of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). To make it as simple as possible to exchange data, including documents, pictures and music, between almost any modern camera, peripheral or audio-visual device, the N120 incorporates a range of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate).

As well as safeguarding your data, the N120 also uses the latest medical technology to protect your health by providing a more hygienic computing environment. As well as Safeguarding your data, so the N120 uses the latest medical technology to protect your health by providing a more hygienic computing environment. Its anti-bacterial keyboard is coated with a special finish that successfully eliminates virtually all bacteria by making it almost impossible for them to live and breed. Its anti-bacterial keyboard is coated with a special finish that successfully eliminate virtually all bacteria by making it almost impossible for them to live and breed.

“Now everyone can afford to experience exceptional portability and usability with the full sized keyboard and advanced communications tools of the ultra-light Samsung N120 mini notebook. “Now everyone can afford to experience exceptional portability and usability with the full sized keyboard and advanced communications tools of the ultra-light mini Samsung N120 notebook. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who needs to stay in touch on the go,” said Seong Woo Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung Computer Systems Division. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who needs to stay in touch on the go, “said Woo Seong Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung Computer Systems Division.
The Samsung N120 will be available from April in European, CIS, Asian, and also in the US country. The Samsung N120 will be available from April in the European, CIS, Asian, and also in the U.S. country.

FEATURES: FEATURES:

Intel® Atom™ processo
r Intel ® Atom ™ processor
Incorporating Intel’s smallest and lowest power processor, the Intel® Atom™ processor, which is specifically designed to deliver an amazing Internet experience using mini notebooks. Incorporating Intel’s smallest and lowest power processor, the Intel ® Atom ™ processor, which is specifically designed to deliver an amazing Internet experience using mini notebooks. Based on an entirely new microarchitecture, the Intel® Atom™ processor increases energy efficiency to extend battery life, while delivering enhanced mobile performance and increased system responsiveness. Based on an entirely new micro architecture, the Intel ® Atom ™ processor increases energy efficiency to extend battery life, while delivering enhanced mobile performance and increased system responsiveness.

Genuine Microsoft Windows® XP Home Genuine Microsoft Windows ® XP Home
Packed with multimedia features, Windows XP Home Edition aims to unlock the full potential of your mini notebook. Packed with multimedia features, Windows XP Home Edition aims to unlock the full potential of your mini notebook. Designed exclusively for home computing, Windows XP Home Edition puts the exciting experiences of the digital age at your fingertips. Designed exclusively for home computing, Windows XP Home Edition puts the exciting experiences of the digital age at your fingertips. From digital photos, music, and video to building a home network, Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with ease. From digital photos, music, and video to building a home network, Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with ease.

Richer sound Richer sound
Enjoy a full and rich multimedia experience on the go with high-quality sound thanks to the integrated SRS 2.1ch system, featuring 2 x 1.5 Watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer. Enjoy a full and rich multimedia experience on the go with high-quality sound thanks to the integrated SRS 2.1ch system, featuring 2 x 1.5 watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer.

Large size keyboard Large size keyboard
Makes typing easier and faster with a full-size 12″ keyboard packed into a 10.1″ mini notebook. Makes typing easier and faster with a full-size 12 “keyboard packed into a 10.1″ mini notebook. Despite its small form, the ergonomic design, with optimised key spacing and larger touchpad, provides a more pleasurable and productive experience, with less strain on your wrists, fewer errors and faster typing speeds. Despite its small shape, the ergonomic design, with optimised key spacing and larger touchpad, provides a more pleasurable and productive experience, with less strain on your Wrists, fewer errors and faster typing speeds.

Slim line design Slim line design
The class-leading slim line design lets you do more on the move – and still look good! The class-leading slim line design lets you do more on the move – and still look good! As well as premium ergonomics and haptic styling, the elegant, durable casing ensures maximum portability and reliability – making it easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase or luggage. As well as premium ergonomics and styling Haptic, the elegant, durable casing ensures maximum portability and reliability – making it easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase or luggage.

Long-lasting battery life Long-lasting battery life
Delivers longer battery-powered performance of up to 10.5 hours* with a long-life 6 cell battery, independent of any power supply, for maximum freedom and mobility. Delivers longer battery powered performance of up to 10.5 hours * with a long-life 6 Cell Battery, independent of any power supply, for maximum freedom and mobility. This vastly improved battery life is guaranteed by the power efficient LED display and optimised processing performance coupled with Samsung’s class-leading engineering. This vastly improved battery life is guaranteed by the power efficient LED display and optimised processing performance coupled with Samsung’s class leading engineering. So you’re always ready to go anywhere and do anything. So you’re always ready to go anywhere and do anything.

Light weight Light weight
Experience optimum mobility with this ultra-light mini notebook, which weighs just 1.28 kg (including a 6 cell battery) – allowing you to carry less, but do more. Experience optimum mobility with this ultra-light mini notebook, which weighs just 1:28 kg (including a 6 cell battery) – allowing you to carry less, but do more. Despite its compact size, it still incorporates comprehensive functionality for maximum performance on the move, including advanced connectivity tools and an ergonomic keyboard. Despite its compact size, it still incorporates comprehensive functionality for maximum performance on the move, including advanced connectivity tools and an ergonomic keyboard.

Durable casing Durable casing
Shielded by the robust Samsung Duracase to ensure reliability and durability, this mini notebook is more than capable of rolling with the punches, giving you less to worry about when travelling. Shielded by the rugged Samsung Duracase to ensure reliability and durability, this mini notebook is more than capable of rolling with the Punch, giving you less to worry about when travelling. A grueling series of 54 quality assurance tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical surges, set new standards for survivability and resilience. A grueling series of 54 quality assurance tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical Surg, set new standards for Survivability and resilience.

Always stay in touch Always stay in touch
An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging. An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging. The camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera. The camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera.

Simple data sharing Simple data sharing
Enables simple data sharing with a host of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). Enables simple data sharing with a host of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). That means you can easily transfer pictures, movies and data to and from virtually any modern camera, peripheral or audio-visual device. That means you can easily transfer pictures, movies and data to and from virtually any modern camera, peripheral or audio-visual device.

Healthy working environment Healthy working environment
Using the latest medical technology, the Samsung anti-bacterial keyboard is coated with a special finish that makes it almost impossible for bacteria to live and breed. Using the latest medical technology, the Samsung anti-bacterial keyboard is coated with a special finish that makes it almost impossible for bacteria to live and breed. So, virtually all bacteria are successfully eliminated and the notebook remains clean, creating a more hygienic computing environment. Thus, virtually all bacteria are successfully eliminated and the notebook remains clean, creating a more hygienic computing environment.

ECO friendly Eco friendly
Samsung’s own certification mark (ECO), which guarantees Eco-friendly features, including removal of hazardous substances and material, optimised energy efficiency and effective material usage for a more environmentally friendly product. Samsung’s own certification mark (ECO), which guarantees Eco-friendly features, including removal of hazardous substances and material, optimised energy efficiency and effective material usage for a more environmentally friendly product. >

Warranty, On Time – and On Us Warranty, On Time – and On Us
All this is backed up with the peace of mind that your notebook is protected by Samsung’s class leading warranty service. All this is backed up with the peace of mind that your notebook is protected by Samsung’s class leading warranty service. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your notebook, the Samsung international warranty infrastructure will provide you with a fast track collection repair and return service for your notebook in order to minimize disruption and get you back working as quickly as possible. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your notebook, the Samsung International warranty infrastructure will provide you with a fast track collection repair and return service for your notebook in order to minimize disruption and get you back working as quickly as possible.

The NYT quotes the editor of Battery University as saying mobile phone batteries last longer if they’re kept cooler. Cooler, as in not at your body temperature. So, if you’re really running low on juice during the day, get a holster or a purse. Plus, you should probably keep your junk cool and away from your mobile phone if you ever want to have kids either. It’s win/win.

There are other tips such as shoving a wet phone in rice, putting a car alarm fob up to your chin and freezing a broken hard drive we’ve seen before, but head on over if you need a refresher. [NYT]

Image credit

Priced at $US40 and available now, the SOLiCharger battery pack (left) is compatible with all of your standard iPhone charging options (AC, USB and car), but its big claim to fame is the ability to recharge itself via bundled solar panel (right).

The only catch is that the SOLiCharger contains only half the battery capacity of the iPhone, meaning that a theoretical 8 hours of sunlight would be needed to fill the iPhone entirely. But if you’re stuck in the desert, your leg trapped under a rock, and just want to browse the NYTimes in your remaining time on earth, it seems like a feasible, decently-priced solution pending your blood loss is not too rapid. [SOLiCharger via Crave]

That cost is $US55 tangibly, but which is more expensive–the money or the emotional damage done by the relentless playground fat jokes for your G1? At least you’ll be able to check your email until dinner time. [Seidio via Crunchgear]