Image courtesy of Wanxin

I've been saying since last summer that Microsoft missed a huge opportunity by not pushing Windows CE as the base platform for netbooks. Windows CE can do something that Windows XP/Vista/7, Ubuntu Netbook Remix, and Linpus Linux Lite can't do: True instant on and suspend. So, I was very interested to note WindowsForDevices.com's great find of...

ARM netbook runs Windows CE 6.0

...and headed over to the manufacturer's product page to learn more about the...

Wanxin H1 Netbook

The H1 features a 9=inch display with an 800x480 display. It has 256MB of RAM (plenty for Windows CE), a 4 or 8GB SSD (Solid State Drive), WiFi, 3 USB ports, Ethernet, and 2 to 4 hours of battery life (this needs to be doubled). Options include a 0.3 megapixel webcam (this should be standard), VGA-out (also should be standard), RS-232 serial (who cares?), and 3G wireless data.

I doubt if we'll ever see the Wanxin H1 appear in the U.S. But, it is good to know that someone out there is testing the netbook waters using the truly instant start Windows CE for its engine.

FYI: The current Windows Mobile generation (including Windows Mobile 6.5) is based on the older Windows CE 5. Windows CE 6 was released back on November 1, 2006 but still hasn't been used for Windows Mobile smartphones despite its superior memory management capabilities.