Hands-on: Ben NanoNote Micronotebook

The Ben NanoNote keyboard has improved sensitivity in comparison to many other netbooks. The keys are not only more sturdy, but also reside under a protective clear plastic surface, which helps avoid wear and tear. Additionally, the lid's rigid hinges resist wobbling and the lid itself (which could be a bit heavy, as the device often tips backward) has a small clasp to store it securely. The mini-USB port has a decent rubber covering and the bottom of the device has some convenient, small rubber pads. The labels for the MicroSD port, mini-USB port and reset button are etched recessed in the case. In fact, the only noticeable flaw in our test model had a second Delete key in place of the Enter key, though the Enter function itself worked as intended.

Apart from the keyboard, the Ben NanoNote has no other input capabilities. Installing end-user software is somewhat tedious. The Ben NanoNote does have its own package manager and even a Gtk installed, but nothing other than a console will run. Much tinkering is required, but the project makes no bones about it. One problem, however, is the screen surface: trying to remove streaks from it for our photos resulted in some serious scratching.

The Ben has OpenWrt-based Linux with an ash console, BusyBox and the opkg package manager. Connecting the mini-USB cable provides USB network connectivity. The dmesg kernel ring buffer command that it registers as highspeed USB device with the cdc_ether (communications device class, or CDC) kernel module. The kernel version is 2.6.32 and the images are often newly built, which the NanoNotes changelog explains. The last version (image 2010-03-26) added Python, PHP 5, make, OpenVPN and tcpdump. The new image can be updated via software or hardware or USB boot. The latter is great for tinkerers, but more than tedious for end-users. For us, a couple of circuit board connections shorted out while removing the battery.

The USB connection is, by the way, the only functional network connection, as wireless doesn't seem to work. There are some instructions, however, on how to get SSH access from the Ben. The project also has a wiki that includes the hardware specs and software plans.

At US$ 99 plus shipping in the U.S., the user gets quite a bit for the money. Keep in mind that the device is still in its infancy: after all, the name Ben is derived from the Chinese word for "beginning." If looking for a gimmick for the well-versed or a hobby that fits in the pocket, take a closer look at the Ben NanoNote. It might grow on you.

Update: Sharism.cc, a NanoNote Shop outlet, tells Linux Magazine Online that it had already been aware of the soft screen surface problem and ordered other models with firmer screens for sale. It also replaced the second Delete button with the proper Enter button. There is also an image that just came out that boots graphically.