Posts in Notebooks

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Japanese know-how makes a difference

Darius Chang | Aug 18, 2006

Editors' update:

There is an update on Fujitsu's use of third-party notebook batteries. According to new information from its engineers, some laptop models sold outside Japan are bundled with third-party power cells instead of Fujitsu-made batteries as mentioned in the article.

With Dell's recall of its Sony-manufactured notebook batteries early this week, the safety of power cells have hit the spotlight. Since Sony laptop cells are used by several other vendors, the question of how this may impact non-Dell systems has been raised.

According to a recent report by Reuters, a Fujitsu spokesman claims that most Japanese makers design their charging systems such that high voltage does not pass directly from the AC adapters to computer batteries, hence avoiding spectacular pyrotechnic-like power cell failures. We spoke to Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific and were told that it manufactures its own notebook batteries for models sold outside Japan and does not rely on third-party power cells.

When approached by CNET Asia on whether its VAIO notebook line would be impacted, Sony Asia Pacific mentions that there have been no reported cases of battery failure in its product line. Moreover, "Sony's VAIO adopts its own design for safety technology," says the the Japanese vendor, "the battery charging system that VAIO uses is different from that of Dell."

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Ranger notebooks make a comeback

Darius Chang | Aug 16, 2006

We just love it when the underdogs get their second wind and return from the great beyond. Just when we thought that its notebook line had been penetrated and defeated, Ranger bounces back with a new wave of Core 2 Duo and Pentium M portables.

The Ranger iNote D800 (pictured on the left) leads the way with the latest Core 2 Duo platform. A 14-inch model, this unit strengthens the assault with a DVD writer and built-in 1.3-megapixel Webcam. Complete with a faster serial ATA harddisk and high-definition audio chip, we are rather disappointed that this soldier had decided an integrated graphics card is sufficient for its mission.

Shockingly, the Ranger iNote M600 is not a Centrino system, despite packing an older Pentium M chip, and goes with the rare SIS chipset. Based on a 14.1-inch screen, we feel this system needs a rock-bottom price tag to make an impact on the competitive mobile computing scene. These laptops are primed to debut at the upcoming COMEX 2006 in Singapore.

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NEC's Skype-with-me

Darius Chang | Aug 15, 2006

Fancy making almost free overseas calls using VOIP but can't stand the hassle of launching your Skype account? The upcoming NEC Versa E6200 and E6210 have the answer with a dedicated one-touch button to Skype's Internet telephony service.

Departing from boring plastic facades, the Japanese manufacturer has followed the example of the leather-clad ASUS S6F and commissioned award-winning Japanese designer Jun Katsunuma to give a new face to its Core Duo line. With a latchless display and rounded chassis, the top cover is textured with a non-slip and scratch-resistant coating. These full-featured entertainment notebooks also come with strong security features like fingerprint sensor and TPM security chip.

For those who can't wait, the Versa E6200 starts at S$2,399 (US$1,720.33), while the Versa E6210, which incorporates an Nvidia GeForce dedicated graphics card, is priced from S$2,599 (US$1,863.75). Both will be available from mid August in the Asia-Pacific market.

The Core 2 Duo versions are slated to retail at the end of September.

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ASUS leaps ahead with Core 2 Duo

Darius Chang | Aug 08, 2006

Even as desktop Core 2 Duo systems are being primed at the starting line, ASUS leaps ahead with the announcement of its first Core 2 Duo notebook.

Billed as a corporate machine, the ASUS V1J comes with high-end components and an equally impressive price tag. Sporting a 1.83GHz T5600 Core 2 Duo chip, the ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 graphics chip should also appease those looking for a portable gaming platform. However, it does not forget its roots as an business machine, as a docking station is available as an option.

For those looking to stand at the cusp of portable computing excellence, be prepared to shell out S$3,398 (US$2,436.72) at the third week of September to own the coolest, and possibly the fastest, notebook in town.

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Apple MacBook Pro battery recall

Darius Chang | Aug 02, 2006

Seems like there have been quite a number of notebook battery recalls recently, with Apple's newest MacBook Pro joining the fray. According to the Cupertino company, some units of its MacBook Pro batteries do not meet its performance standards.

Fortunately, the defect is not a safety hazard. Hence, users can continue to utilize their recalled batteries till replacements arrive. The affected batteries apply to model number A1175 and have a 12-digit serial number ending in U7SA, U7SB or U7SC.

Though Apple Asia Pacific was unable to confirm if this was a worldwide recall or localized to the US market, we suggest that MacBook Pro users follow instructions in the Apple's advisory to determine if their units are eligible for the exchange.