Posts in Notebooks
Centrino 2 laptops in Asia to get WiMAX from 2009
Reuben Lee | Jul 16, 2008
It looks like notebook users in Asia will have to wait a little longer before they can get their hands on the new WiMAX-enabled Centrino 2 laptops.
While Centrino 2 machines (from ASUS and Acer) are expected to go on sale tomorrow in selected Asian markets such as Singapore, these laptops will feature the Intel Wi-Fi Link 5000 series chipset with wireless-N support. The WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 series chipset, which offers WiMAX connectivity, will be launched later this year in Centrino 2 laptops sold only in the US. WiMAX-compatible Centrinos are slated to reach Asian shores in the first half of 2009. A company representative estimates that machines equipped with the WiMAX option will cost an average of 10 to 15 percent more than those with just the regular 802.11a/b/g/n chipset.
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Lucid's Hydra to revolutionize PC graphic upgrades
Eric Franklin | Jul 16, 2008
1. "Cost-effective graphic performance with a near-linear to above-linear performance."
2. "Eliminate bottlenecks that exist in typical 3D graphic applications."
3. "Provide interoperability with all GPUs and chipsets."
4. "Work with the latest versions of DirectX and OpenGL."
The key things that stand out to me are the "above-linear performance" claim and the "all GPUs and chipsets" detail. The current video card in my PC is the ATI Radeon X1950. So, supposedly with Hydra, I'll be able to add an Nvidia GeForce 8800 card to get better performance than the two cards are normally capable of. Whether or not the technology will actually work remains to be seen. LucidLogix claims this will improve the performance of any 3D application dynamically without developers having to write specific code. The trick here will be getting all of this to work seamlessly. I hope they can pull it off, as I'm in need of a "cheap" upgrade and I don't want to deal with any headaches. Hydra is set to be available starting in the first half of 2009.
Via CNET Crave
Lenovo adds color to IdeaPads
Michelle Thatcher | Jul 16, 2008
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
Michelle Thatcher and John Chan | Jul 15, 2008
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
Michelle Thatcher | Jul 15, 2008
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
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