NEC shows off MGX netbook prototype

 With tablets and ultrathin notebooks taking off, the netbook landscape nowadays could use a refresh of sorts. Japanese corporation NEC is attempting to do just that with its newly announced MGX netbook.

The 7-inch notebook, according to Laptoping, will be just 0.4-inches (1.01cm) thick and be made of stainless steel casing. A small chiclet-style keyboard is provided, but its limited size is to be expected from the already tiny 7-inch 1024x600 OLED screen. Judging from the screenshot, the display appears glossy, but we wouldn't be surprised if it was a Gorilla Glass covering as well. Other features include the all-important WiFi and 3G connectivity.

In terms of software, the MGX is expected to run a version of Android. Whether that will be Gingerbread, Honeycomb or even Ice Cream Sandwich is so far unknown, but the current prototype is said to be running Android 2.X.X. Overall, the unit is aiming to have a 10 hour battery life with a weight of only 0.8 pounds (0.36kg).

Along with the internal specs, the exact release date is not yet set in stone. The source claims that the MGX is over a year away, meaning a 2013 launch is more likely. It may end up costing a pretty penny as well, at just over 80,000 Yen (~$1000) according to the source translation. A netbook that expensive would really have to impress, especially when ultrabooks can be had for around the same price.

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