OCZ Technologies claims to offer the first Do It Yourself netbook on the market with their Neutrino DIY model. Though other manufacturers like Dell offer customizations and different configurations, OCZ's approach gives customers greater freedom in choosing hardware components.

The Neutrino DIY has a 10" WSVGA LED backlight display with a maximum resolution of 1024x600 pixels, dimensions of 10.35 (W) x 7.28 (D) x 0.77 (H) inch and weighs 2.86 lbs. The netbook is equipped with an Intel Atom N270 processor with a clock rate of 1.6 GHz (533MHz FSB), integrated Intel 945GSE graphics and memory controller, 1 PCI-Express card, 2 high quality speakers (1.5W), integrated micro pad, a 83 Keys keyboard with inverted-T cursor keys, 1 VGA port, 1 RJ-45 port, 2 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 DC-in Jack, 1 Headphone Jack, a built-in 1.3MP digital video camera with built-in Microphone, 802.11 b/g WLAN, and a 4 cell 2200mAh battery

For building your individual netbook, you can choose from the following hardware options:

• RAM: up to 2GB DDR2-667
• SSD: 30GB-250GB Solid State Drive
• Hard drive: supports up to 2.5" 250GB Hard Disk Drive at 5400 RPM
• 4-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro)
• Supports Kensington Lock Security Devices
• External Display up to UXGA 1600 x 1200

The netbook is not bundled with an operating system but specified as compatible with gOS/Ubuntu Linux and, if you really need it, Microsoft Windows XP.

The Neutrino DIY netbook is interesting for hardware tinkerers who know what they do and want. It is certainly a niche product and not likely to become the best selling netbook on the market, but that does not mean that the approach taken by OCZ Technologies may not be successful.

Personally, I prefer configuring the hardware from a range of options and having it assembled by the vendor. But, I do like the freedom of choosing the operating system and not being forced to buy a license of a software that had better be called an annoyance rather than an operating system.