Panasonic ToughBook gets a Core 2 Duo makeover

Panasonic ToughBooks are arguably the hardiest notebooks available in retail stores. Built to withstand 100kg of pressure and 76cm drops, the keyboard is spillproof as well. But unlike military-grade rugged machines which weigh a ton and look like briefcases, the 12.1-inch W series weighs a mere 1.3kg, while the 14.1-inch Y range tips the scales at 1.6kg. Despite its small size, Panasonic even manages to squeeze in a top-loading optical drive under the hood.

However, one of the main issues has been that ToughBooks tend to be at least a generation behind in terms of platform technology (the CF-W5 and CF-Y5 were Core Duo machines released during the Core 2 Duo era). With the new CF-W7 and CF-Y7 (Panasonic did not give a reason for skipping the CF-W6 and CF-Y6 designation), the ToughBook has finally caught up with the times by using the latest Intel 965GM chipset and Core 2 Duo ULV processors. What did not change, unfortunately, is the use of micro notebook memory which costs more than the normal laptop RAM.

Both models will be officially launching in Singapore on November 16, and we will bring you more information after the event.

ASUS Eee PC back in black

Frankly, white is beginning to become seriously overrated. So when Engadget reported that Directron and Expansys have listed a black version of the Eee PC, we foresee this incredibly cheap UMPC becoming even more popular.

Currently, it seems like only the high-end US$399 version has the black option and it ships in seven days in the US if you order from Expansys. Too bad it doesn't ship to Asia for now.

Apple tablet PC is real, says ASUS

Crave hangs with people in high places--that's how we get exclusives and free food. A few weeks ago we were having a civilized dinner with our friends at ASUS and angling for cool stories when we were told in a very hushed manner: "ASUS is helping Apple build a tablet PC."

We're tempted to ignore all Apple rumors because there's just so many of them, but this rings true because ASUS is Apple's contract manufacturer. It's one of the companies responsible for building the iBooks, PowerBooks and MacBooks of this world, so when their guys tell us they're building an Apple tablet, we believe them.

We checked back with our source at ASUS on a different day and they confirmed that the Apple tablet will not be based on existing ASUS designs such as the R1. It will come from a completely new blueprint, possibly based on the patent Apple filed back in May 2005. We're guessing it'll be based on Intel Core architecture, a tweaked version of Leopard, and have all the multi-touch, CoverFlow goodness we've seen in the iPhone and iPod touch.

So, can Apple turn the tablet PC into a success when previous attempts have failed? The short answer is yes. Any company that can make a mobile phone with no buttons, no picture messaging, slow Web access and no video capture into the most desirable phone on the planet can easily make tablets popular.

Sadly, we've no word on when we can expect the Apple tablet PC, nor what the final specs will be, but you can bet your bottom dollar it's being built as you read this. Mac fanboys rejoice.

Via CNET UK Crave

Toshiba offers HD-DVD in Satellite A200

Blu-ray and HD-DVD used to be exclusive to high-end and expensive desktop replacements. Sony put Blu-ray in its VGN-AR series, while Toshiba responded by inserting an HD-DVD in its Qosmio laptops.

The first next-generation optical drive to appear in a 15.4-inch portable was with the Sony VGN-FZ notebook back in July. However, this option bumped up the cost of the unit to S$4,699 (US$3,455.15), a price not many were willing to pay. Today, Toshiba announced that it's putting the HD-DVD into the midsize Satellite A200 laptop, with the basic configuration starting at only S$2,699 (US$1,984.56). This may possibly be the cheapest portable to include a next-gen optical standard in the market. Do note that the drive in the Satellite A200 can only read HD-DVD discs, though it can write to almost any flavor of DVD and CD.

Besides the HD-DVD, the Satellite A200 includes other high-end components like a Core 2 Duo processor and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 graphics engine. A new addition is the HDMI connector for hooking up to a larger panel. Going forward, Toshiba has revealed that it intends to offer HD-DVD drives in all its consumer laptops (Qosmio and Satellite). However, no time frame was mentioned.

The new Satellite A200 with HD-DVD will be available in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines by mid-November.

Creative unveils tiny speakers with big sound

The GigaWorks HD50, unveiled today in Singapore, is Creative's latest stereo desktop speakers aimed at the mid- to high-end audio crowd. Each speaker is fitted with a Titanium Super Tweeter and Creative High Definition Driver (CHDD), which the Singapore-based company claims will "deliver smooth highs and natural, accurate lows". The company has also equipped the HD50 with the BasXPort technology which it believes will offer a good bass without the need for a subwoofer.

However, what's interesting about the HD50 is its really small form factor. It looks no taller than the length of a standard CD case, which makes it ideal for those with limited desktop space. And its seemingly white exterior should appeal to most people. The GigaWorks HD50 is currently available at Creative outlets for S$249. Click here for a larger image.

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