Lenovo adds color to IdeaPads

In addition to freshening up its ThinkPad offerings, Lenovo used Monday's Centrino 2 launch to add four colorful models to its consumer IdeaPad line. Two of the new systems--the 13.3-inch IdeaPad U330 and the 14.1-inch IdeaPad Y430--are all-new form factors; the remaining two--the 15.4-inch IdeaPad Y530 and 17.1-inch IdeaPad Y730--are new iterations of previous IdeaPad models.

Building on the success of the gorgeous IdeaPad U110, the new IdeaPad U330 offers a slightly larger screen in a package that still weighs a reasonable 4 pounds and measures less than an inch thick. Unlike its smaller sibling, the IdeaPad U330 can accommodate an optional built-in DVD burner and comes equipped with HDMI. It also includes switchable graphics, which lets you switch between integrated graphics (to conserve battery life) or discrete graphics (for more powerful performance). It's available in two new case colors: indigo blue or black.
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Sony unveils four new VAIO lines

Not one to be left out of the Centrino 2 fun, Sony released details about its newest VAIO laptops. The announcement included multiple configurations within four lines: The 16.4-inch VAIO FW, the 13.3-inch VAIO SR, the 13.1-inch VAIO Z, and the 15.4-inch VAIO BZ.

Among the new systems, the VAIO FW certainly wins the award for novelty. Its 16.4-inch display is still somewhat unusual, though thanks to a push from display manufacturers, we expect to see more laptops in this size going forward. The screen provides the 16:9 aspect ratio that's perfect for playing HD content from the optional Blu-ray drive (there's also HDMI-out if you prefer to watch on an HDTV). Even with the larger screen, the VAIO FW weighs just over 2.7kg, about the same as the 15.4-inch VAIO FZ series. Models in the VAIO FW series will be available later this month at prices starting at US$1,000.

Available in five colors (including two shades of pink), the VAIO SR series features a 13.3-inch backlit LED display and weighs just over 1.8kg. This strictly consumer line incorporates a Webcam and microphone as well as hard drive shock protection. Pricing starts at US$1,400, and configurations will be available at the end of the month.
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Toshiba's Centrino 2 offering: 3 biz laptops

Toshiba celebrated the release of Centrino 2 by announcing three new business laptops built on the new platform: The Tecra M10, Tecra A10, and Satellite Pro S300.

Designed for large businesses, the 14-inch Tecra M10 and 15-inch Tecra A10 incorporate Centrino 2 components and vPro technology for remote management, plus a common motherboard and image that the company claims will make service and support easier for IT departments. Both Tecra systems also offer the option of a 64GB or 128GB solid-state drive, and they incorporate Toshiba's EasyGuard technologies, which include hard drive protection, spill-resistant keyboards, fingerprint readers and Trusted Platform Modules.

The small-business-oriented Satellite Pro S300 also incorporates the EasyGuard technologies--a first for the Satellite Pro line. In another first for the Satellite Pro line, the S300 has built-in support for Toshiba's express port replicator.

All three laptops include an eSATA port for high-speed data transer, and Toshiba's "Sleep-and-Charge" USB ports, which let you charge USB devices (cell phone, MP3 player) even if the laptop is in sleep or hibernate mode, or is powered off, as long as it's plugged into an outlet. Another new addition: A tweak to the integrated Webcam that lets you scan and store business cards.

All three systems will be available starting in early August.

Credit: Toshiba

Via CNET Crave

Fujitsu launches LifeBooks with Centrino 2

To coincide with the launch of Centrino 2, Fujitsu announced six new laptops, all of which incorporate the new platform. Highlights from the announcement include two convertible tablets with 13.3-inch displays--a first--and a media-oriented midsize system with a handful of unique features.

First up, the tablets: The LifeBook T5010 and LifeBook T1010 are the first convertible tablets to incorporate a 13.3-inch backlit-LED display. The LifeBook T5010, aimed at business users, includes such corporate-friendly features as a Trusted Platform Module, modular drive bay, optional WWAN, optional indoor/outdoor display, and support for Intel vPro technology. Likewise, its black lid and conservative design would fit in at any business meeting. The LifeBook T5010 will be available in 30 days with prices starting at US$1,769.

The LifeBook T1010 is nearly identical to the T5010, but it's designed for students, consumers, and small businesses who don't need corporate-level security and management features. As such, the T1010 features a touch-screen display, fixed Webcam, and no WWAN option. It also features a glossy, patterned silver lid and a lower starting price (US$1,299), and it's available for order immediately.

Aside from the tablets, we're most intrigued by news of the 15.4-inch LifeBook A6210. The new midsize system includes a number of unique features, such as wireless USB, an E-SATA port, and a new gesture-enabled touchpad. There's also a choice of integrated or discrete graphics, 802.11n wireless, and an HDMI port, which nicely complements the optional Blu-ray drive. We're also curious to see the laptop's new high-gloss lid, which reportedly departs from Fujitsu's usual ho-hum look. The LifeBook A6210 is available for order immediately, at a starting price of US$1,149.

Other Fujitsu laptops to get the Centrino 2 treatment include the 15.4-inch LifeBook E8420 (starting at US$1,359), the 14.1-inch LifeBook S6520 (starting at US$1,529), and the 14-inch LifeBook S7220 (starting at US$1,229). See the manufacturer's site for more details.

Via CNET Crave

Lenovo announces new small-biz laptops, updates ThinkPads

As Intel officially launched its long-awaited Centrino 2 platform, Lenovo was announcing a boatload of laptops, all of which will feature Centrino 2 components. The wave of new systems includes nine ThinkPad models: three in a brand-new SL series targeted at small and medium businesses; a new X series ultraportable; updates to the existing R series and T series; and a portable workstation in the newly minted W series.

The SL series is arguably the biggest news of the launch. Occupying the middle ground between more-corporate ThinkPads and the ultra-small-business-oriented Lenovo 3000 line, ThinkPad SL series laptops feature a glossy black cover (gasp) and otherwise familiar design. The famed ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint are there, as are the Webcam, WWAN, and Bluetooth options you'd expect on a business-oriented laptop. Less expected, but still welcome, are the optional GPS (which we saw with the ThinkPad X300 earlier this year), HDMI port, and optional Blu-ray recordable drive.

All three SL series models are built on the latest Core 2 Duo processors, with a choice of Intel X4500 or 128MB Nvdia GeForce 9300 graphics. The 13.3-inch SL300 (prices starting at US$899) adds a backlit-LED display to the list of features.

Also of note in today's announcement is the long-awaited update to the ultraportable ThinkPad X series. The three-pound X200 ditches the standard-aspect display of its predecessor, replacing it with a 12.1-inch wide-screen display. The wider case means room for a wider keyboard; the X200 incorporates the same keyboard as (larger) ThinkPad T series laptops.

Additional features include WWAN, Webcam, and GPS options, plus the option for a 64GB solid-state drive. As with its predecessor, the ThinkPad X200 sacrifices the optical drive to achieve maximum portability (though you can get a DVD burner in the company's UltraBase docking station). And the little guy really is meant to be carried everywhere, considering Lenovo's promise of a 9-hour battery life with the the new 9-cell battery. The ThinkPad X200 starts shipping on August 5; no word yet on pricing.

Other ThinkPads announced today include the 14.1-inch R400 and T400, the 15.4-inch R500 and T500, and the 15.4-inch W500 workstation, with starting prices ranging from US$799 to US$1,999.

In addition to new hardware, Lenovo also unveiled the ThinkPlus Secure Business support package, which incorporates next-day on-site warranty service, product repair or replacement in the event of spills, drops, or electrical surges, and online data backup. More information is available at the company's Web site.

Via CNET Crave

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