NEC has announced their unique notebook product, the “PC Parafield”, that comes without a hard-disk drive. So basically, this laptop is a mobile client computer, and it requires a server (and a good network connection) to work with. According to the company, this laptop has been developed as a replacement for existing thin-client systems and combines both high data security with the ability to be used anywhere.

NEC take advantage of the Flash ROM to store the Operating System and application software inside the Parafield, so eventhough network connection is not present, this diskless notebook can still be used. Other data is stored in the computer’s RAM. They will be eliminated when the machine is turned off so a backup before the laptop shut down is required too.

NEC PC Parafield Notebook specifications:

• Intel Pentium M processor (1.73 GHz)
• Windows XP Professional
• 3GB of ROM
• 512MB of RAM
• 12.1-inch TFT LCD (1024×768)
• PC Card slot, an ethernet socket, and a USB 2.0 port
• Measures 10.8 x 9 x 1 inch and weighs 2.8 pounds.

The price is kinda fantastic for a notebook without a hard drive, $3742. With that price, I’d prefer to get another notebook, with hard drive.

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