Casino Netbook Blog

Posts Tagged ‘netbook computers’

Play 300 Shields for Gore, Glory, and Riches

January 31st, 2011

Play 300 Shields for Gore, Glory, and Riches

300 Shields is a new online 5-reel, 25-payline online slot machine from NextGen Gaming with a Spartan warrior theme. Derived from Frank Miller’s graphic novel which was also turned into an American film by Zack Snyder, 300 Shields is an online slot game where players must struggle (spin) through (outstandingly placid) gore to win glory and treasures.

The Spartan Warrior is the wild symbol, who will multiply wins up to 300 times during the Free Spin bonus feature. Players can wager up to €125 on each spin in their quest to win the maximum fixed jackpot of €300,000.

Slots enthusiasts can play 300 Shields for free without needing to either download nor install, taking advantage of Casino Euro’s Flash casino. Though 300 Shields is a contemporary slot, it has relatively simple graphics and animations so it should perform reasonably well on most modern netbook computers. When players join Casino Euro, they will automatically receive a 100% (max. €100) first-deposit bonus.

Smash Fruit (Case) for Cash at Casino Euro

January 27th, 2011

Smash Fruit (Case) for Cash at Casino Euro

Fruit Case slot is a cheerful new online 5-reel, 20-payline video slot game with a fruit theme from Net Entertainment taking the spin out of traditional slot games. In its place is an “Avalanche feature” which causes fruit symbols to fall instead of roll. (This feature has previously been seen by those who joined Gonzo’s Quest for Eldorado at Casino Euro, another NetEnt game.) As long as matching symbols keep queuing up on active paylines, they are squeezed out of virtual reality and new symbols descend to take their place.

Madcap normal symbols in Fruit Case include pears, strawberries, oranges, and preserve jars. The “Fruit Case” logo serves as the wild symbol which will add a multiplier of up to 8x to winnings. “Free Fall” replaces free spins and a bonus game which dishes them out and multiplies wins is activated by three or more “Free Fall” blenders symbols. Players can bet from €0.01 to €100 per fall towards the €360,000 jackpot possible during the Free Fall bonus game.

Players can try Fruit Case out for free without any download in Casino Euro’s Flash casino. As far as truly modern online slot games go, Fruit Case is not that demanding on system resources, meaning it should perform well on most netbook computers. Players who wish to play for real money automatically receive a 100% (max. €100) when they join Casino Eurojoin Casino Euro.

Join Gonzos Quest for Eldorado at Casino Euro

January 13th, 2011

Join Gonzos Quest for Eldorado at Casino Euro

Gonzo’s Quest: The Search for Eldorado is a truly exceptional video slot machine from Net Entertainment. English descriptive words like gorgeous, astonishing, and detailed fail to encapsulate the features within this amazing 5-reel, 20-payline slot game. Barely does it seem proper to dub this slot such, as it appears and feels more like a console video game. Though present, the reels hardly match any traditional definition.

The quest Gonzalo Pizzaro is making is a voyage into the Amazon Rainforest of South America to find the legendary unfound city of gold. Ordinary symbols in this alleged online slot machine include the Alligator Idol, the Health Idol, and the Fire Idol.

The wild symbol is the Question Mark which unexpectedly will also replace the scatter symbol. The scatter symbol is the Free Fall symbol. When five of these (or the Question mark symbols) land in the correct sequence, the Free Fall Bonus Round is activated. This gives free games and may also provide a 15x multiplier. On each spin, gamblers can bet from $0.01 to $10. The maximum payout is $25,000 for 5 Moon Idols on an active payline.

Gonzo’s Quest can be joined at no risk as an instant game in Casino Euro’s Flash casino. As such, Gonzo’s Quest is a superb slot game for gamblers using netbook computers, at least if the machine is new enough. As this game has intense visuals, it may seem sluggish on second-rate netbooks. To play Gonzo’s quest for real money, and receive a 50% deposit-bonus up to €111 join Casino Euro.

Cr-48 Google Chrome netbook fails to impress

December 16th, 2010

Google Chrome OSOut of the hundreds of new netbook computers that have been slated for release during 2010, few generated as much hype as Google’s Chrome netbook. The Chrome web browser has become extremely popular with users since its release two years ago, and the prospect of seeing an entire netbook-friendly operating system built around the Chrome model had many computer users waiting anxiously.

In theory, a Chrome OS netbook would be perfect for online netbook gaming. The web-focused approach of Chrome epitomizes what a netbook is all about. It would let players turn their favorite no download casino games into semi-permanent features by locking them down in dedicated game tabs, integrating them seamlessly with other features the netbook operating system has to offer.

Unfortunately, the Google Chrome OS is not ready for public use, and probably won’t be ready for some months. But a Chrome-based netbook called the Cr-48, was given out to press and hardware reviewers last week. The Cr-48 was designed as a test platform for the Chrome OS, and will never be made available for public sale. Judging by the reviews that have hit the net during the last few days, this is a good thing.

The biggest complaint is that Chrome netbooks are absolutely useless without an internet connection, since they don’t support any native apps. One could argue that this is the whole idea behind a NETbook, but it is really is limiting.

But the Cr-48 demonstrates that Chrome is bound by more than its marriage to the internet. It cannot accept peripherals like printers or webcams. It gives users no access to its file system, so it’s impossible to save, move, or delete files. In fact, it offers little more than a portal to the internet, and it assumes that users will perform 100% of their computing online. This is OK if you only intend to play online casino games and surf the net, but if you hope to get more out of a netbook than that, then you have few options with Chrome.

This is a bold approach. Some might call it revolutionary. But according to one reviewer with Business Insider, Google Chrome netbooks are nothing but a waste of time.

The best and worst gaming netbooks of 2010

November 26th, 2010

Best and worst gaming netbooksTechnology is changing all the time, but this change is not always for the better. This year has seen a huge rise in the popularity of netbook computers, while at the same time the increased availability of tablet PCs and the Apple iPad have created some tough competition. Here is a look at the best and the worst netbooks of 2010.

Best netbook of 2010: Asus Eee PC 1015PE
Asus practically invented the netbook, so it’s no surprise that they are still leaders in netbook technology. The $400 1015PE was one of the first netbooks on the market to sport an Intel Atom N475 processor, and this fact alone makes it worth checking out. The machine is small, with its screen measuring in at just 10.1 inches, but it’s bright and fairly crisp, with a native resolution of 1024 x 600.

With 1gb of RAM, this little guy can run even the most demanding no download casino games with ease. Its 6-cell Lithium Ion battery offers a very impressive 13 hours of life, letting users play for longer periods of time. A large hard drive, high speed networking capabilities, and a multi-touch touchpad help sweeten the deal. All things considered, the Asus Eee PC 1015 PE is the best netbook of 2010.

Worst netbook of 2010: The $99 Sylvania Netbook
In early September, news got out that pharmacy chain CVS was selling a netbook computer for $99. It sounded too good to be true, and indeed it was. This ultra-cheap netbook from Sylvania was definitely not worth the money, even at such a bargain price.

The netbook ran on a Via 8505 processor and only offered 128mb of RAM. Its minuscule 2gb hard drive is half the size of a standard DVD. Its 7” display running at 800×480 was too tiny to be worth looking at, and the whole machine ran on Windows CE, giving it very limited software potential. The machine would have a tough time just surfing the web, and would definitely choke up when trying to run online casino games.

There you have it – the best and the worst netbooks of 2010. Choosing the best netbook wasn’t easy because there are a lot of good contenders on the market right now. Choosing the worst wasn’t tough at all, even though the cheap Sylvania system is really more of a toy than a true netbook.

Anyone looking for a new netbook for Christmas for playing online casino games can go for pretty much any “real” netbook out there, since most systems will run the top online casinos without any problems at all.

Gigabyte T1005M convertible: A safe bet

November 10th, 2010

Gigabyte T1005MConvertible netbook computers have been done before, but never like this! The new Gigabyte T1005M is a hot topic this week in the netbook world, and it doesn’t take a tech guru to see why.

This little machine offers a 10 inch touch display that is mounted on a swivel hinge, letting the device transform from a typical clamshell netbook design to a flattened-out tablet design. It lets netbook gamers enjoy the best of both worlds, using the keyboard to do business, then switching to tablet mode to enjoy touch-screen blackjack, slots, and other games from the web’s top no download casinos.

A dual core Intel Atom N550 processor gives it enough juice to run the toughest apps, while eSATA and USB 3 ports offer good support for peripherals. Its 6 cell batter is a quite large and heavy, and the touchpad design is a bit cumbersome with its buttons on the sides, but these quirks are a small price to pay for the latest and greatest netbook technology.

Speaking of price, the Gigabyte T1005M convertible netbook rings up at a hefty $599.99. This is on the higher end of current netbook prices, and there are cheaper devices out there that are well-suited for playing online casino games, but most don’t offer the convertible touch screen goodness that this Gigabyte model provides.

Chrome OS coming to netbooks this year

October 14th, 2010

Google Chrome OSBefore the year is out, the elusive Google Chrome OS will finally be released into the wild. The unique operating system is based around the popular web browser, and based on previews and specs, it is something worth getting excited about.

Chrome OS is all about simplicity. It helps netbook users focus on web apps and online cloud computing by offering a minimal and intuitive interface that has been specifically designed with netbook computers in mind. It introduces a tabbed approach to netbook computing, following a model almost identical to the Chrome web browser. A home tab gives access to frequently used websites and web apps, while sticky tabs keep important things like Gmail and Google Docks open and ready to use.

While I’ve never used Chrome OS, from what I’ve seen it looks absolutely awesome for netbook gaming. It is designed for users who spend most of their computer time on the internet. This internet-centered approach to netbook computing means online casinos will blend in almost seamlessly with your computer. Players will even be able to create dedicated casino tabs and lock them in place, so that their favorite no download casino games are always just a click away.

Unfortunately, Chrome OS will not be available for download. The only way to get it is to buy it pre-installed on a Google-approved netbook computer. No information is available yet about what these machines will be like, but if the rumors are true, we don’t have to wait long to find out.

Dell Inspiron duo: The netbook-tablet hybrid

September 22nd, 2010

Dell Inspiron duoGamers looking to buy a portable computer often fumble over a simple choice: netbook or tablet? Tablets are flashy and fun, with touch-screens that make online casino games more fun to play. Netbooks on the other hand are good for business too, and the fact that they have a keyboard makes them more versatile than tablets.

“There are times that you have to do work. Tablets are great for entertainment, but they aren’t exactly conducive to productivity,” said Dell executive Dave Zavelson as he revealed the new device at the Intel Developer Forum on Tuesday.

The new Dell Inspiron duo is a device for people who can’t make up their mind. A unique swivel-screen design lets it transform from a standard netbook to a fancy tablet with little effort. From tablet mode, users pop open the case and flip the screen to transform the device into a netbook.

“There are times that you have to do work. Tablets are great for entertainment, but they aren’t exactly conducive to productivity,” said Dell executive Dave Zavelson as he revealed the new device at the Intel Developer Forum on Tuesday.

The device will sport a 10 inch display and a dual-core Atom processor. Details about connectivity, memory, and storage have not yet been revealed. The price is also being held back, though the device should be ready to ship before the end of the year.

“What makes the Inspiron duo unique is its dual personality – it transforms seamlessly between a tablet that delivers an immersive entertainment experience to a ultra-mobile laptop with a keyboard enabling instant productivity on the go,” a Dell spokeswoman said.

While the device will likely come with a hefty price tag, it is sure to appeal to casino players, who can switch between the fun tablet mode and the more productive netbook mode with little effort. It’s basically the perfect gaming netbook!

Apple iPads and the future of netbook casinos

September 14th, 2010

Apple iPadA recent market report from UBS Investment Research has estimated that Apple will sell 28 million iPads in 2011. Maynard Um, the author of the report, believes that this boom in iPad sales will do great harm to the notebook PC industry, and that tablet PCs like the iPad are soon going to take over as the world’s most popular mobile computing devices.

Is there any truth in this claim? More importantly, if the iPad becomes king, what does it mean for future netbook gaming?

First of all, the iPad is a specialized device. It’s pretty, it’s shiny, and nice to play with, but when it comes down to just getting things done, it’s really not so useful. The lack of a keyboard alone cuts productivity quite a lot, making it a poor choice for people who want to use their mobile computer for both work and play.

As for iPad casinos, they are virtually non-existent. The iPad doesn’t run Flash, so most no-download online casino games don’t work on it. Instead, it can only run specially-designed casino games, like the ones found at All Slots Mobile Casino. Overall, the iPad’s casino gaming capabilities are extremely limited.

Netbook casinos, however, are very flexible, running on virtually any PC, laptop, and netbook computer in the world, including Mac and Linux devices. This means one thing: they are here to stay. Even if the popularity and availability of netbook PCs declines over the next few years, netbook casinos will stick around, and netbook users will still have access to their favorite no download slots and other instant play games.

$99 Sylvania Netbook is basically useless

September 8th, 2010

$99 Sylvania netbookPharmacy chain CVS started selling a $99 netbook on Sunday, and most stores sold out within hours. The device is manufactured by Sylvania, and while its price is definitely right, it’s really not worth buying.

Here is a run-down of what this machine has hiding under its admittedly sleek exterior:

• Via 8505 processor
• 128 MB of internal memory
• 2 GB of NAND flash
• 7 “ 800×480 display
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Windows CE 6.0

The components are mostly off-brand, and the specs are pretty bad, but what is really discouraging is the operating system. Windows CE was designed for use with mobile phones, not with netbook computers. It severely limits what this little guy can do.

The netbook comes with an app that can play YouTube videos, but according to reviews that are popping up, it doesn’t even do this very well. If it can’t handle a basic video, then the $99 Sylvania netbook doesn’t stand a chance at running online casino games.

If anything positive can be said about this device, it’s this: it has better specs than last year’s $119 Kmart netbook! Beyond that, it’s a machine to avoid. Anybody serious about picking up a netbook for playing at the top online casinos, it is worth spending a little extra to get a proper device.