Maximum range: WiMax is a form of wireless Internet that operates in much the same way as Wi-Fi, but offers greater range, in theory up to 40 km from a central transmitter, and faster speeds than its sibling. It is also just starting in Japan, whereas Wi-Fi is ubiquitous. As part of a concerted push to promote WiMax in Japan, Onkyo's computing outfit, Sotec, has just brought out a netbook that comes equipped with both Wi-Fi and WiMax.

The wireless setup is the standout feature of the C204A5, which is an otherwise normal netbook with a 1.6-gigahertz Atom N270 processor, 1 gigabyte of memory and 10.1-inch screen. The model weighs 960 grams. The netbook runs on Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and its battery life is a typically modest four hours. At least Sotec doesn't stint on the style, and considering the Onkyo connection, the prominent cylindrical speakers between the screen and the keyboard no doubt offer better than normal sound.

Sotec does throw in one other difference maker in providing a 32-gigabyte solid state drive of memory, rather than the standard hard disk of 160 gigabytes or so. The tradeoff is much smaller memory for the greater speed and sturdiness of a solid state drive. The Sotec has a price tag of ¥59,800 for the standard model, and ¥79,800 if the Windows Office Personal 2007 suite of programs is included and is penned in for release in mid-July.