Netbook-schmetbook. eMachines isn’t calling its first laptop in two years a netbook, which would imply that it’s smaller and cheaper than a traditional laptop computer. 

The Irvine-based brand, which exited the competitive laptop business two years ago, simply calls the new eMachines eMD620-5777 a notebook. And technically, only one feature makes it similar to a netbook: the $430 price tag.

Netbooks are cheaper, smaller but less powerful laptops. Nearly every PC maker jumped into the me-too ring this year. Netbooks weigh under 3 pounds, have 10-inch screens or smaller, cost below $500 and include an Intel Atom chip.

A key difference between most netbooks and the new eMachine is the chip. Instead of the Intel’s Atom, eMachines is using the new AMD Athlon 2650e. No one has tested the 2650e against the Intel Atom but tech site ArsTechnica says that specs show the 2650e would ‘beat the stuffing‘ out of the Atom. Similarly, another unreleased AMD chip, the AMD Athlon X2 3250e, is a dual-core chip that would crush the Atom.

So, combine a more powerful chip with more standard laptop features — a 14.1-inch screen, 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM memory, Wi-Fi, dual-layer DVD burner, 2 USB ports — and you get a pretty cheap 5.3-pound laptop. A similar model is also available at BestBuy.com’s Canadian site for $399 (Canadian dollars, I assume).

Missing from the new eMachine: Bluetooth, a webcam, ExpressCard slot. But what do you expect for $430?

It does include Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports, stereo speakers and ATI Radeon x1200 integrated graphics chip with up to 1919 MB of ATI’s HyperMemor (translation: better graphics, video than any netbook out there).  It also has the much loved/hated Windows Vista Home basic.

While Gateway, which acquired eMachines in 2004, doesn’t have a netbook, Acer, which acquired Gateway last year, does. So, why now for eMachines, which is known for its budget-minded desktop computers? Lisa Emard, a Gateway spokeswoman, responded:

Now is a great time for laptops. As you probably saw in IDC’s report this week, U.S. shipments have surpassed desktops. The trend of consumers choosing notebooks has been growing steadily in recent years. Acer does have a full line of Acer and Gateway-branded notebooks, and eMachines is the ideal complementary brand to our Acer and Gateway lines. The eMachines brand is one that many consumers turn to when they’re looking for incredible value. We think that many families and budget-minded shoppers will consider this product for its low price point and full feature set.

The new laptop will be available at Best Buy beginning Nov. 1.

Related:

• Toys ‘R Us to start selling netbook computers
• Samsung enters PC world with 4 laptops, plus netbook
• eMachines finally comes out with sub-$300 computer
• Toshiba won’t release netbooks in the U.S. — for now
• OC’s Averatec offers twist on computers
• A netbook with an 18-inch monitor
• Dell jumps into netbooks with $399 PC
• Acer cuts price of its 2-month old ‘netbook’ PC
• Will crazy colors spur interest in new netbooks?
• Another PC company to launch cheap ‘netbook’
• Mini PCs you may have missed
• Netbooks everywhere. Do people really want them?

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