Mac tidbits: 17-inch MacBook Pro shipping, new iMacs soon?

Apple's new 17-inch MacBook Pro is shipping on schedule.(Credit: Apple) A couple of tidbits surfaced Friday related to Apple's current and future Mac lineup. First of all, the 17-inch MacBook Pro introduced at Macworld 2009 is now shipping, MacNN discovered. Apple is quoting a 7- to 10-day lead time for shipments from its online store, which means it won't arrive until February, but Apple had only promised to start shipping the notebook by the end of January. It doesn't seem to be available in Apple's retail stores yet; at least, it wasn't available at the downtown San Francisco store as of Friday. Secondly, AppleInsider reports that Apple resellers are being told to expect limited quantities of 24-inch iMacs in the coming weeks, which generally means that the current model is being phased out. There have been several signs that Apple is planning to tweak the iMac in the coming weeks, most recently via an analyst report suggesting Apple was weighing whether to use dual-core or quad-core processors in the new models.

Thanks: cnet.com

• Trusted Computing Group spec to be foundation of storage encryption
• Intel said to be prepping eight- core Xeon for launch next month

Acer confirms plans for Linux, SSD-equipped 10-inch Aspire One netbooks

It wasn't making any promises on launch day, but Acer has reportedly now confirmed that it will indeed be offering both Linux and SSD options on its new 10-inch Aspire One netbook, though you won't be able to get either option right out of the gate. Expectedly, the Linux distribution on tap is Linpus Linux, and it looks like the only SSD option will be a 16GB drive -- no word on pricing for either, unfortunatly. There's also no firm word on a released date, though it'll apparently be some time after the mid-February roll out of the Windows XP-equipped model.


Thanks: Engadget

• Dell to take $280 million fourth-quarter charge
• Dude, Putin is so not getting a Dell

Acer uncages AMD-powered Ferrari 1200 ultraportable

Wow, has it really been almost a year since Acer's Ferrari 1100 ultraportable was released from the garage? Believe it or not, the proper successor to the aforesaid machine is just now getting its inspection sticker, and it's apparently planning to hit the streets of Britain in the near future. The Ferrari 1200 arrives with an elegant LED-backlit 12.1-inch panel, a carbon fiber cover, a unique ventilation design that "echoes the exhaust pipes of F1 cars" and an "anodized-metal touchpad that resembles the brake and acceleration pedals of a Ferrari car." Corny? Sure, but it's good to know you aren't paying a premium for a logo and nothing more, right? At any rate, you'll also find a bundled BT wireless mouse, an optional Xpress VoIP phone, WiFi module, an AMD Turion X2 Ultra CPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a SATA HDD and a fingerprint reader for good measure. Mum's the word on pricing / availability, but we'd bank on "expensive" and "soon."

Thanks: Engadget

• Create PDF from web pages in Chrome, Opera, or on your iPhone
• Lian-Li's PC-888: if the Burj Al Arab were a PC chassis

Forget chocolates, Samsung offers pink NC10 for Valentine gifting

If a pink MSI Wind isn't the way to your significant other's heart, Samsung has an alternative for you in the form of a rose-colored NC10. The similarly-spec'd 10.2-inch netbook sports a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, and Windows XP Home. Additionally, it's got a suspiciously-long 7-hour battery life and anti-germ keyboard. UK retailer dabs has it listed for ?316 ($434) with VAT and a February 9 release date. Let's just hope she doesn't lament the color choice come March.


Thanks: Portable Monkey

• Specs for HP's Mini 1100 pop up, ExpressCard/54 slot is a go

Specs for HP's Mini 1100 pop up, ExpressCard/54 slot is a go

Looks like HP's web monkeys are filling in the product pages for those unannounced Mini 1100s we spotted earlier -- spec pages for the 1133CL, 1135NR, 1140NR and 1141NR have been posted, and those rumors of an ExpressCard/54 slot are apparently true. It sounds like the 1141NR is the Vivienne Tam edition -- it comes with a "Vivienne Tam sleeve" -- but apart from that and Bluetooth in the 1135NR and 1140NR, they've all got the same 10.1-inch 1024 x 576 display, 1.6GHz Atom N270, 1GB RAM, 60GB drive, and three-cell battery. No idea why HP's got so many different confusing model numbers for what seems like the exact same product, but we're guessing we'll find out more soon -- hopefully there's a bit more sense behind this silliness than with the Eee alphabet soup.

Thanks: engadget

• The 10- inch Acer Aspire One takes some beauty shots

The 10-inch Acer Aspire One takes some beauty shots

Sure, the 10-inch Acer Aspire One isn't what you'd call classified material, but most of the leaked pictures we've seen so far have been pretty low-rent -- so this latest batch of leaked photos showing the Atom-powered netbook all gussied up for the camera might stir some deeper feelings in that cold heart of yours. It looks like we'll be getting multiple colors in addition to that new non-stupid trackpad button layout, so that's fun -- we're quite taken with the red model here. Now if Acer would just hurry up and tell us what we already know. More shots at the read link.

Thanks: Engadget

• Sony doth protest too much: don't call the VAIO P a netbook?
• Video: OQO model 2+ MID gets unboxed, previewed

Atari Touch Tablet unboxed 25 years after the fact

Are you an artist wishing to unchain the shackles of traditional media, looking for a way to catapult yourself and your work into the 20th Century? A chap named Benj Edwards has been kind enough to unbox for us Atari's Touch Tablet, a classic piece of kit from the bygone age of 1984 that -- alongside the Atari Artist software -- lets users manipulate the size, location and color of shapes and lines. Digitally. The software comes in two versions: the four color version for those of you with 16K RAM, and the 16 color version for those of you with 24K powerhouse workstations. When you're done with your pixel-based Mona Lisa, you can back it up to a cassette -- which will sit in a box in your parent's garage until your older sister gets around to taping an REO Speedwagon album over it. What are you waiting for? Hit that read link.

Thanks: engadget

• ASUS spices things up with 16-inch F50 / 17.3-inch F70 laptops
• Dell Adamo to hit the streets in the second half of 2009 ?

Video: OQO model 2+ MID gets unboxed, previewed

We were pretty stoked about the OQO model 2+ when we got to spend a few quality minutes with it at CES this year, and apparently actually getting one delivered to your house is even more spectacular. The cool cats over at MID Moves were able to score one of the Gobi / OLED-equipped handhelds for review, and rather than making us wait until all opinions were formed, they've hosted up a nice preview video along with a few high quality unboxing shots. Initial impressions seem pretty positive, with the SSD helping things along quite significantly. Granted, we would've preferred a WiFi-on battery life of more than two hours, but what fun would it be to not have a single gripe to harp on? More pictorial delight is in the read link, and the vid's just past the break.





Thanks: Slashgear

• youtube begins adding download links on select videos
• AMD earnings: more fear, uncertainty and doubt?

ASUS spices things up with 16-inch F50 / 17.3-inch F70 laptops

At first glance, there's nothing exceptionally, um, exceptional about the new F50 and F70 lines from ASUS, but upon further investigation, each family does actually do a decent job of differentiating. Both crews sport the "new generation Infusion styling," which is reportedly exactly like looking at the Aurora Borealis (really, ASUS?), and they also boast Full HD (1080p) panels, an HDMI port and a fresh "Chocolate keyboard" which melts in your mouth, not in your hand. The whole lot also features the Express Gate instant-on OS, and hardware geeks will appreciate the upwards of 1TB of hdd space and optional Blu-ray drive. Per usual, ASUS isn't dealing prices or ship dates, but you can have a look at all possible configurations down in the read link. One more shot is after the break.


Thanks: Engadget

• Turn any USB flash drive or HDD into a bootable Windows 7 installer
• Lenovo trots out new trifecta of unexciting desktops

Uninspired Archos 10 netbook announced

Archos is totally getting in on the netbook game with the announcement of their own branded model (actually just a re-packaged Hasee MJ125), the Archos 10. This little 10.2-incher (with 1024 x 600 resolution) is going to pack a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive, with a 3-cell battery, WiFi, and three USB ports -- nothing to get too excited about, for sure, but we'll wait with breath bated for word on pricing and availability.

Thanks: DAPreview

• Prevent snoops from recovering your erased files
• battery maker Boston-Power fills coffers to expand

Battery maker Boston-Power fills coffers to expand

Laptop battery maker Boston-Power on Wednesday said it has raised $55 million to expand its manufacturing, and develop lithium ion batteries for transportation and potentially other applications. The Series D round was led by Foundation Asset Management, the investment arm of a Swedish foundation, along with existing investors Oak Investment Partners, Venrock, GGV Capital, and Gabriel Venture Partners. Altogether, 4-year old Boston-Power has raised $125 million.

Boston-Power founder and CEO Christina Lampe-Onnerud holds a Sonata lithium ion battery cell.(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET Networks) Boston-Power's first product a long-lasting battery called Sonata, is available for Hewlett-Packard laptops. While the run time of current laptop batteries starts to degrade after about 150 charges, the Sonata can go for 1,000 charges without the same degradation, according to the company. It can also be charged quickly, getting 80 percent of capacity in half an hour. The Westborough, Mass.-based company has sought to make its batteries environmentally sustainable as well by not using PVC plastic or heavy metals--cadmium, arsenic, or mercury--in the manufacturing process. With the fresh funding round, Boston-Power intends to boost its manufacturing, and develop batteries for cars and potentially for utility-level energy storage, co-founder and CEO Christina Lampe-Onnerud said. "We took on the mission of creating a more satisfying experience with laptops, and now we can go into transportation more seriously," Lampe-Onnerud said. The funding--a sign of confidence in an energy technology company--comes at a time when many clean-tech start-ups are having to scale back with layoffs in order to preserve cash. Certain technology areas, including energy storage and energy efficiency, however, are better placed than others.

Thanks: cnet.com

• Olidata Conte ultraportable makes its shiny debut
• Dell Mini 10 hands-on

Olidata Conte ultraportable makes its shiny debut

It doesn't look like this one was actually on display at CES, but Italy's Olidata does seem to have taken the opportunity to announce its shiny new Conte ultraportable, which takes square aim at the growing ranks of 13.3-inch ultra-thin laptops out there. From the looks of it, this one will be available in two different versions: one with a 16:10, 1280x800 display, and one with a 16:9, 1366x768 display, each of which will come equipped with a small form factor Core 2 Duo processor, optional built-in 3G or WiMAX, and a promised battery life of more than four hours (or seven with an extended battery). The 16:10 model will also add a few bonuses like Intel Turbo Memory, a fingerprint reader, a backlit keyboard, and 3GB of RAM as standard. Sadly, there's no indication of a release' round these parts just yet, but both models will supposedly be hitting Europe in May for "less than €1,000" (or somewhere under $1,300).

Thanks: engadget

• Dell's 22- inch UltraSharp 2209WA LCD monitor surfaces
• Asus's Eee PC 1000HE pulls the shift key in from right field

Asus's Eee PC 1000HE pulls the shift key in from right field

Eee's 1000H is generally held to be one of the more complete netbook packages out there, but the placement of the right shift key to the starboard side of the up arrow drives many a touch-typist bonkers. Welcome, then, to the 1000HE, or "extended." It features a chiclet-style keyboard that slightly increases the size of each key, but more importantly has a slightly revised layout, moving that shift key to the left. New too is a six-cell pack full of 2.9 amp batteries (versus 2.7 amps in the 1000H), said to add another hour to the Eee's life, up to a total of 8.7 according to Asus. Finally, the company announced an "HAE" model that sports 802.11n, Bluetooth, and presumably a higher price tag. No word on what that price will be on either model, though, or when you might be able to get your fingertips on them.

Thanks: Engadget

• Viliv's S7 ultra-portable gets official specs, but not a release date
• Sony's flexible OLED mockups

Viliv's S7 ultra-portable gets official specs, but not a release date

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Viliv's S7 "productivity MID" got announced in August at the Intel Developer Forum, and, while we were impressed by the form factor and the promise, it's always hard to get too excited without a full spec sheet and an MSRP. Now at CES we're still in the dark about price (and availability), but are finally hearing just what's going on under the keyboard; Atom processors in 1.3GHz and 1.6GHz flavors, a 7-inch, 1024 x 600 screen, 1GB of RAM, and either 16GB worth of SSD or 60GB served up on platters. Wireless connectivity is handled over 802.11b/g, WiMAX, and HSDPA, and the device promises "blueray HD video playback" -- which we're taking to mean it can display 1080p footage without completely choking, but we're not sure just where that video would come from given the lack of optical drive. But, hey, look at that sexy picture! Rest assured we'll prop this up against a VAIO P as soon as we can get our hands on one.

Thanks: UMPC Portal

• Video: Viliv S7 hands on and VAIO P comparo
• HP's TouchSmart all-in-one PC slips on its business socks

Dell's 22-inch UltraSharp 2209WA LCD monitor surfaces

Dell Canada is good for being the first to show off new LCDs, and yet again we're getting an early look at a forthcoming monitor courtesy of the Great white North. The 22-inch UltraSharp 2209WA will evidently arrive with a 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, 300 nits of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree viewing angles and a 5-millisecond response time. It also features VGA and DVI connectors, four USB 2.0 ports and an undisclosed price tag. It'll supposed ship in one to two weeks, but given that there's not even an image available yet, we're not so sure we'd bet the farm on that estimate being accurate.

Thanks: whirlpool

• Live from dell 's Adamo press event!
• White dell Adamo pictures leak out

Dell Mini 10 hands-on

We just caught up with the Dell Mini 10, and while it's not as crazy hot as the white Adamo, it's still pretty sweet -- much nicer looking than the Mini 9, and more compact than the Mini 12. No wonder Dell's calling it a "perfect 10." The multitouch trackpad is really similar to the one on the newest Macbooks, but it's a little less intuitive -- the buttons are pushed into the corners, so a middle press doesn't do a lot. On the other hand, it's a little more useful -- not only can you do the usual zooming and scrolling, laying three fingers on the pad brings up a slick little launcher screen. Too bad we don't have pricing or availabilty -- if this thing comes in at a reasonable number, it's going to be our favorite netbook. We stacked the 10 up against the 9, the 12, and a MacBook Air, check it all out in the gallery below!
Thanks: engadget

• Vista to Windows 7 upgrade date and details revealed
• Video: ASUS AIRO laptop with amazing sliding keyboard

Video: ASUS AIRO laptop with amazing sliding keyboard

ASUS was kind enough to take its beautiful AIRO laptop out from behind the glass at CES for an Engadget exclusive look at the functional sliding mechanism. The design raises the keyboard to cool the hot running components beneath allowing for a fan-less, convection-cooled design. Unfortunately, this prototype is just a chipset-less mechanical shell. Raise the lid and the keyboard slides back smoother than a greased-up Pete Rose. This allows for a larger, more comfortable wrist rest from which to slap those angled keys. Sexy? oh yeah, with mojo to spare. Check the video after the break.


Thanks: Engadget

• Open Source Free Download Manager v3 adds tons of new features
• OQO officially launches Gobi / OLED-equipped model 2+, we get hands-on

VAIO P in-depth impressions

Yeah, we saw this when it first hit the FCC, nabbed blurrycam spyshots before the debut, got the drive-by snaps of the laptop at launch, and pitted this thing against an assortment of laptops the other night, but now that we've finally gotten some quality time with the thing, we've got a better idea of what the VAIO P is -- and isn't -- capable of, outside of inspiring deep, deep gadget lust and nerdy debates about netbook terminology. Check out our thoughts and some video after the break.

Design

At first blush, this thing is just stunning. It's impossibly thin, light and "short," seemingly designed to merely accommodate a keyboard and a screen, nothing else. The glossy top along with the perimeter buttons, lights and ports are distinctly VAIO, which should probably tell you as much as you need to know about the aesthetics -- Sony isn't breaking a lot of new ground here design-wise.
The shiny lid is incredibly smudgable, but while the screen on the flip side is fairly glossy, it's not distractingly so, and the utterly sharp and bright screen LCD cuts through any glare that might occur -- still, you're in for a bit of trouble using this thing outdoors. And that resolution? It's pretty dang squint-inducing, but for some reason it's clear enough to actually be usable, and if it's not there are zoom in and out function keys to make the experience a bit easier on the eyes -- just make sure to get your glasses prescription checked before you drive yourself to blindness.

We found the keyboard a bit stiff at first, but it's been growing on us -- the hard button presses are somewhat reassuring. The layout is very natural, and we were touch typing in no time, something we can't say for a majority of our netbook experiences. The trackpoint-style pointer has grown on us as well, and we actually appreciate the subtleties of its movement as compared to a touchpad, since the high resolution screen requires some very specific mousing to be able to work with. We're also big fans of the mouse button layout, perfectly placed below the spacebar. If you're a real ninja, you can actually click with the trackpoint, but it's a bit sensitive, so we're still building up to it.
Unfortunately, as well as much of this seems laid out, we're still having a bit of trouble with the form factor. It's difficult to use on a lap or when lying down, and even when flat on a desk there's some awkwardness to the "shortness" of it all. There's no palm rest, so as thin as the laptop is, there's still a bit of a lift to the keyboard, which isn't exactly angled to meet our fingers.

More exciting is the incredibly small power brick, which can be attached to a small breakout box that has a VGA port and Ethernet, and plugs into a small proprietary port on the side.
Performance
This is probably going to be the main pain point with this laptop. Windows Vista is a hefty load to bear, and even with a stripped down XP install or Linux distro, Atom is Atom -- all that sexiness doesn't make it go away. Perhaps the best illustration of this fact is Sony's own XMB, which has a dedicated shortcut button under the keyboard, is slow to load and choppy to use, ironic for an interface that runs just fine on a $200 PSP.

We've seen worse netbook web browsing experiences, but we certainly wouldn't call this "snappy." Scrolling is choppy, and pages take three or four times longer to load than on a "real" computer. It's better than smartphone browsing, but it doesn't seem like $900 worth of surfing.
Other aspects of the OS seem a little better -- Word launches pretty fast, and we haven't had any trouble hopping into connection utilities and connecting to WiFi and EV-DO. Sony's proprietary apps and utilities are, as always, the real killers (in the negative sense of the word), and we're guessing a clean install that lets us avoid those entirely is the safest way to avoid slowdowns and frustration. Our other thought here is that Window 7 -- well enough optimized -- could be the P's real killer app, so we'll be looking into that.
Wrap-up
So yeah, it's not the netbook that will replace your laptop, not by a long shot, but there's some cool stuff happening here. $900 worth of cool things? That's your call.

Thanks: engadget

• Microsoft ces ninja booth tour: hello Windows 7
• Windows 7 Beta goes public

ASUS debuts 18.4-inch W90 gaming laptop at CES 2009

Got an itch for a gaming laptop that's big enough to span the laps of both you and your lover? ASUS has you covered. Here in the desert, the outfit has introduced a potent 18.4-inch gaming rig with a 1080p panel, twin ATI mobility radeon HD 4870 X2 GPUs, three RAM slots (a world's first, mind you) stuffed with 6GB of DDR2 memory, a Core 2 Duo processor, a half dozen (seriously) Altec Lansing speakers and a Turbo Gear function that will enable users to overclock the system and boost performance by as much as 25%. A few more configurations are available, including one with a 17-inch panel, an NVIDIA graphics option, dual HDDs, an optional Blu-ray drive and enough ports to put your average desktop to shame.

Thanks: Engadget

• Gateway's UC Series contains its first 13.3- inch notebook
• Gateway trots out bargain-minded 15.6- inch MD Series notebooks

Gateway trots out bargain-minded 15.6-inch MD Series notebooks

We were all about what Gateway was doing with its MC Series, and if you were too with the exception of the price, here's your sign. Launching today alongside the 13.3-inch UC Series is the bargain-minded MD Series. The 15.6-inch machines tout a lowly 1,366 x 768 resolution panel, support for Intel or AMD chips, a 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 (or a GMA 4500MHD), 160/250/320/500GB SATA hard drives, up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, a 5-in-1 card reader, LabelFlash technology, WiFi, Ethernet, a DVD burner (Blu-ray is optional) and inbuilt speakers. There's also an HDMI 1.3 socket, four USB 2.0 connectors, VGA, audio in / out, ExpressCard and a six- or eight-cell battery to boot. The 7.7-pounder ships this month with Windows Vista Home Premium and a starting tag of $799.99. Full release is after the break.
New Lines Serve Range of Mobile Customers Looking for Mobility, Style with Latest Technology, Excellent Value
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2009 – Gateway today launches two new notebook lines – the Gateway® UC Series and Gateway MD Series.
Optimized for multimedia enthusiasts on a budget, the new 15.6-inch Gateway MD Series notebook line leverages the fashion-forward style and the capabilities of the popular Gateway MC Series to deliver cinematic mobile entertainment and mainstream performance. It is available now at leading retailers. Prices for the MD Series start at $649.99; Gateway offers this model in several configurations.
The new Gateway UC Series is the company's first notebook with a 13.3-inch widescreen display, an ideal size for those looking for maximum productivity a highly portable, streamlined design. It is available now at leading retailers. Prices start at $749.99; Gateway offers several configurations.
"These two new offerings are the result of Gateway's focus on the needs of distinct mobile customers," said Ray Sawall, senior product marketing manager for Acer America. "These notebooks are incredibly different in terms of style and form factor, yet they both include best-in-class technology at incredible values. The entertainment and multimedia capabilities of the MD Series and the all-around mobility of the UC Series make them perfect for today's savvy customers who know what they're looking for in a new notebook."
Gateway MD Series – Cinematic Multimedia on a Budget
Digital media enthusiasts will appreciate the entertainment-ready MD Series with a 16:9 aspect ratio and high-definition 15.6-inch widescreen display that vibrantly delivers a first-rate viewing experience. The high-resolution 1366x768 display makes movies and digital content appear crisp and clear. Sharing video and audio externally is easy with the HDMI v1.3 media connection; it lets consumers connect to a display device for enjoying high-definition video and audio through a single connection. In addition, the line has the option for dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 graphics with DirectX 10 support and 512MB Confirmed Dedicated Memory for enjoying cinematic playback of games, graphics and video with 3D visual effects.
In addition, the Gateway MD Series is ready for entertainment at any time and in a range of lighting conditions. Illuminated Multimedia Touch Controls give consumers quick, easy access to their digital media and frequently-used entertainment programs. The ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness according to the external lighting, so customers always have an excellent viewing experience.
Additional popular technologies allow customers to stay connected and be productive while on the go. The integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam lets consumers take and send video emails, voice over IP and still photos as well as enjoy live videoconferencing. Consumers can connect via 802.11a/b/g Draft-N with expanded wireless features, and all models include Gigabit Ethernet for a fast wired connection.
The premium design of the new MD Series is as impressive as its capabilities. Available in two colors, burgundy and black, the new notebook line features a sculptured design that blends materials and edges for a cohesive look and feel marked by the cover's distinctive branding stripe flanked by silver accents. Both burgundy and black feature a textured palm rest and polished keyboard surround.
The MD Series notebook line was designed to support a range of technologies that will meet consumers' daily entertainment and productivity needs while fitting into many budgets. The MD Series platform will offer processor technology from both Intel and AMD, including Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon X2 and AMD Turion X2 processors. It can support up to 500GB of storage space and 4GB of DDR2 memory. Plus, the line was developed to support new technologies as they become more widespread, such as Blu-ray optical drives for enjoying the latest high-definition movies.
Gateway UC Series – Mobility and All-Purpose Performance
The new Gateway UC Series notebook line hits the sweet spot of mobile entertainment with an excellent pairing of a chic portable design, widescreen display and mainstream notebook performance. Gateway's first notebook PC with a 13.3-inch widescreen display, it sports a small footprint and lightweight 5.3-pound design that is idea for travel and taking to work and class. Consumers will get the latest in wireless technology for an enhanced wireless connection with Intel® WiFi 5100 Link (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g Draft-N) WiFi or Gateway 802.11 a/g Draft-N.
Performance-ready for the highly mobile consumer that needs to remain productive, the Gateway UC Series uses either Intel Centrino 2 or Intel Centrino Processor Technology, along with an Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Pentium processor. Customers can use the integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam to take and send video emails, voice over IP and still photos as well as enjoy live videoconferencing.
Entertainment on-the-go is fun and enjoyable thanks to the UC Series' many features. The touch sensitive media keys provide quick access to content, and a slot-load DVD+/- with LabelFlash technology makes saving, labeling and sharing content easy. Video and other applications look bright and crisp on the UC Series' 13.3-inch Ultrabright TFT LCD with a high 1280x800 resolution and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. It also has an HDMI connector for sharing digital media.
All of this innovation comes in a chic and elegant design featuring a glossy moonstone casing. Customers will enjoy the comfort of the black brushed aluminum keyboard surround and palm rest. Also, the UC series has a round touchpad that is ideal for the way people navigate websites and programs today. Other features such as the brushed aluminum barrel hinges, metallic trim and rounded edges and corners shows the attention to detail given to this fashionable new line.
Configurations, Price and Availability
The Gateway UC Series and MD Series are available now in several different configurations at leading retailers in the U.S. The MD Series starts at $649.99, and the UC Series starts at $749.99.
The Gateway MD7801u is equipped with Intel Centrino Processor Technology and comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz), 4GB of Dual Channel DDR2 667MHz Memory and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. The huge 500GB(1) hard drive is ready for storing massive digital media and other files. The notebook comes with an 8X Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW w/ DVD-RAM featuring LabelFlash Technology(2) for labeling CD and DVDs after content is saved to it. It comes with an 8-cell Lithium Ion battery and has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $799.99. The Gateway MD7818u is also now available in the same SKU as the MD7801u, but comes in a burgundy chassis. It is also priced at $799.99.
The Gateway UC7807u comes with leading-edge technology including an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz) with Intel Centrino Processor Technology, 3GB of DDR2 667MHz memory and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. It is ready for storing and sharing digital media with a large 250GB(1) hard drive and a convenient slot-load 8x DVD Super-Multi Double Layer DVD-RW with DVD-RAM. It comes with a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery and has an MSRP of $799.99.
All models come either the powerful Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit or 32-bit Edition with SP1. They also come loaded with Microsoft Works 9.0 as well as a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007.
Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support
The Gateway MC-Series is backed by a one year limited warranty.(3) Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company's standard limited warranty options, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.(4)
About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning products and world-class service to customers worldwide. Gateway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., the world's third-largest PC company. See www.gateway.com for more information.

Thanks: Engadget

• MSI's upgraded Wind U100 gets tested and overclocked
• New Mac mini mentioned in third party press release

Gateway's UC Series contains its first 13.3-inch notebook

HP's doing it, Dell's doing it -- heck, everyone is pumping out 13.3-inch notebooks these days, so it's quite refreshing to see Gateway finally joining the fray. The UC Series is getting birthed today with the introduction of the UC Series notebook, a 5.2-pound ultraportable that packs a Core 2 Duo / Pentium dual-core CPU, 1,280 x 800 resolution panel, ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 graphics (switchable to GMA 4500MHD), 160/250/320GB SATA hard drive choices, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and support for a slot-loading DVD / Blu-ray burner. You'll also find the usual 1.3-megapixel camera, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Ethernet, built-in speakers, three USB 3.0 ports, VGA out, audio in / out, a 6-cell Li-ion battery and an HDMI 1.3 connector for good measure. It's slated to start shipping this month for a completely reasonable $799.99, though we imagine the nicer configurations will look a lot uglier in terms of value. Full release is after the break.New Lines Serve Range of Mobile Customers Looking for Mobility, style with Latest Technology, Excellent Value
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2009 – Gateway today launches two new notebook lines – the Gateway® UC Series and Gateway MD Series.
Optimized for multimedia enthusiasts on a budget, the new 15.6-inch Gateway MD Series notebook line leverages the fashion-forward style and the capabilities of the popular Gateway MC Series to deliver cinematic mobile entertainment and mainstream performance. It is available now at leading retailers. Prices for the MD Series start at $649.99; Gateway offers this model in several configurations.
The new Gateway UC Series is the company's first notebook with a 13.3-inch widescreen display, an ideal size for those looking for maximum productivity a highly portable, streamlined design. It is available now at leading retailers. Prices start at $749.99; Gateway offers several configurations.
"These two new offerings are the result of Gateway's focus on the needs of distinct mobile customers," said Ray Sawall, senior product marketing manager for Acer America. "These notebooks are incredibly different in terms of style and form factor, yet they both include best-in-class technology at incredible values. The entertainment and multimedia capabilities of the MD Series and the all-around mobility of the UC Series make them perfect for today's savvy customers who know what they're looking for in a new notebook."
Gateway MD Series – Cinematic Multimedia on a Budget
Digital media enthusiasts will appreciate the entertainment-ready MD Series with a 16:9 aspect ratio and high-definition 15.6-inch widescreen display that vibrantly delivers a first-rate viewing experience. The high-resolution 1366x768 display makes movies and digital content appear crisp and clear. Sharing video and audio externally is easy with the HDMI v1.3 media connection; it lets consumers connect to a display device for enjoying high-definition video and audio through a single connection. In addition, the line has the option for dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3650 graphics with DirectX 10 support and 512MB Confirmed Dedicated Memory for enjoying cinematic playback of games, graphics and video with 3D visual effects.
In addition, the Gateway MD Series is ready for entertainment at any time and in a range of lighting conditions. Illuminated Multimedia Touch Controls give consumers quick, easy access to their digital media and frequently-used entertainment programs. The ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness according to the external lighting, so customers always have an excellent viewing experience.
Additional popular technologies allow customers to stay connected and be productive while on the go. The integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam lets consumers take and send video emails, voice over IP and still photos as well as enjoy live videoconferencing. Consumers can connect via 802.11a/b/g Draft-N with expanded wireless features, and all models include Gigabit Ethernet for a fast wired connection.
The premium design of the new MD Series is as impressive as its capabilities. Available in two colors, burgundy and black, the new notebook line features a sculptured design that blends materials and edges for a cohesive look and feel marked by the cover's distinctive branding stripe flanked by silver accents. Both burgundy and black feature a textured palm rest and polished keyboard surround.
The MD Series notebook line was designed to support a range of technologies that will meet consumers' daily entertainment and productivity needs while fitting into many budgets. The MD Series platform will offer processor technology from both Intel and AMD, including Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon X2 and AMD Turion X2 processors. It can support up to 500GB of storage space and 4GB of DDR2 memory. Plus, the line was developed to support new technologies as they become more widespread, such as Blu-ray optical drives for enjoying the latest high-definition movies.
Gateway UC Series – Mobility and All-Purpose Performance
The new Gateway UC Series notebook line hits the sweet spot of mobile entertainment with an excellent pairing of a chic portable design, widescreen display and mainstream notebook performance. Gateway's first notebook PC with a 13.3-inch widescreen display, it sports a small footprint and lightweight 5.3-pound design that is idea for travel and taking to work and class. Consumers will get the latest in wireless technology for an enhanced wireless connection with Intel® WiFi 5100 Link (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g Draft-N) WiFi or Gateway 802.11 a/g Draft-N.
Performance-ready for the highly mobile consumer that needs to remain productive, the Gateway UC Series uses either Intel Centrino 2 or Intel Centrino Processor Technology, along with an Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Pentium processor. Customers can use the integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam to take and send video emails, voice over IP and still photos as well as enjoy live videoconferencing.
Entertainment on-the-go is fun and enjoyable thanks to the UC Series' many features. The touch sensitive media keys provide quick access to content, and a slot-load DVD+/- with LabelFlash technology makes saving, labeling and sharing content easy. Video and other applications look bright and crisp on the UC Series' 13.3-inch Ultrabright TFT LCD with a high 1280x800 resolution and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. It also has an HDMI connector for sharing digital media.
All of this innovation comes in a chic and elegant design featuring a glossy moonstone casing. Customers will enjoy the comfort of the black brushed aluminum keyboard surround and palm rest. Also, the UC series has a round touchpad that is ideal for the way people navigate websites and programs today. Other features such as the brushed aluminum barrel hinges, metallic trim and rounded edges and corners shows the attention to detail given to this fashionable new line.
Configurations, Price and Availability
The Gateway UC Series and MD Series are available now in several different configurations at leading retailers in the U.S. The MD Series starts at $649.99, and the UC Series starts at $749.99.
The Gateway MD7801u is equipped with Intel Centrino Processor Technology and comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz), 4GB of Dual Channel DDR2 667MHz Memory and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. The huge 500GB(1) hard drive is ready for storing massive digital media and other files. The notebook comes with an 8X Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW w/ DVD-RAM featuring LabelFlash Technology(2) for labeling CD and DVDs after content is saved to it. It comes with an 8-cell Lithium Ion battery and has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $799.99. The Gateway MD7818u is also now available in the same SKU as the MD7801u, but comes in a burgundy chassis. It is also priced at $799.99.
The Gateway UC7807u comes with leading-edge technology including an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz) with Intel Centrino Processor Technology, 3GB of DDR2 667MHz memory and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. It is ready for storing and sharing digital media with a large 250GB(1) hard drive and a convenient slot-load 8x DVD Super-Multi Double Layer DVD-RW with DVD-RAM. It comes with a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery and has an MSRP of $799.99.
All models come either the powerful Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit or 32-bit Edition with SP1. They also come loaded with Microsoft Works 9.0 as well as a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007.
Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support
The Gateway MC-Series is backed by a one year limited warranty.(3) Gateway's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company's standard limited warranty options, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.(4)
About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning products and world-class service to customers worldwide. Gateway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., the world's third-largest PC company. See www.gateway.com for more information.

Thanks: Engadget

• Exper Style's colorful 8.9- inch netbook rolls out in Turkey
• HP officially launches Firebird with Voodoo DNA

OQO officially launches Gobi / OLED-equipped model 2+, we get hands-on

We already knew a fresh OQO handheld would be headed to Digital Experience! here at CES, and lo and behold the model 2+ has arrived in our oh-so-fortunate hands. The 800 x 480 (native) OLED touchscreen was positively gorgeous to look at, and the Qualcomm Gobi dual-mode HSPA / EV-DO WWAN chipset was much appreciated. It's also sporting a 1.86GHz intel Atom CPU, 2GB of RAM, WiFi / Bluetooth, DirectX 9 and H.264 video decode support, 3.5 hours of battery life (7 hours on the double capacity cell), a world keyboard and a global power supply. The unit checks in at under a pound and can support 1,9200 x 1,200 external displays with HDMI / DVI / VGA interfaces. Get ready to lust after one (we already are) when it ships in 1H 2009 starting at $999.

Thanks: ArsTechnica

• HP greets us with 13.3-inch Pavilion dv3 entertainment laptop
• 17-inch unibody MacBook Pro with non-removable battery rumored for Macworld

ASUS EeePC T101H tablet netbook peeked at CES

ASUS had us so dazzled yesterday with the announcement of Eee PC T91 and and the S121 that we nearly didn't notice this guy -- the T91's bigger sidekick -- hiding in the "unannounced but still very much here" pile. There's precious little in the way of info, specs or anything else, but we know it's got a 10-inch display, and it's a very, very dapper tablet.

Thanks: engadget

• PowerBook G4 Titanium inelegantly modded into desktop
• Japanese DIYer shows asus how not to make an Eee Tablet PC

Sony VAIO P hands-on

We just grabbed a first look at Sony's new vaio P. At first glance, the screen is bright and ultrasharp -- certainly stretching the limits of our eyesight. We'd say the keys are a little bit light and shallow for our taste, but good as far as most "netbooks" go, and the "nipple," like all like pointers, will take getting used to and careful calibration, though it's definitely sensitive. It's certainly not hefty, but we'd say there's the standard amount of sony build quality, and while high for a netbook, $900 doesn't "feel" too far off. We love lightweight, but this netbook almost feels like it lacks innards, the real deal seems almost like it's a mock-up device. Videos of all its best sides after the break.



Thanks: Engadget

• AMD finally launches Phenom II and its Dragon desktop platform
• More VAIO P specs leak out

Sony gets official with VAIO P: world's lightest 8-inch netbook

Not that we really needed Sony to tell us something we already knew, but we certainly appreciate the gesture. The hotly anticipated VAIO P is for real, and it's coming in as the world's lightest 8-inch netbook at just 1.4 pounds. The Vista-based device packs an almost unbelievable 1,600 x 768 resolution LED-backlit XBRITE-ECO LCD display, 802.11n WiFi, 3G WWAN, Bluetooth, a battery good for four hours (eight hours with the optional high-capacity cell) and a GPS module for good measure. You'll also find an instant-on mode that launches directly into Sony's Xross Media Bar interface, and the inbuilt webcam will keep the video chats going well into the morning. It'll start shipping in early February (in garnet red, emerald green, onyx black, crystal white and classic black hues) for $900 and up, and you can peek the full release just after the break.
SONY UNVEils WORLD's Lightest 8-inch notebook
Full-Featured VAIO PC Fuses Style, Mobility and Connectivity for Anytime, Anywhere Computing
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 7, 2009 – Sony today took the wraps off the world's lightest 8-inch notebook- the new VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC.
About the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone, the VAIO Lifestyle PC weighs just 1.4 pounds and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag while integrating full-PC features.
The model incorporates a high-resolution, 1600 x 768, LED backlit 8-inch ultra-wide display (diagonal), making it easy to view everything from entire spreadsheets to full web pages- no side-to-side scrolling necessary. It also incorporates Sony's XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology, producing images in brilliant detail for razor-sharp viewing on-the-go.
Stylish enough to take anywhere, the unit is available in an array of eye-catching colors, including garnet red, emerald green, onyx black, crystal white and classic black. Matching carrying cases and Bluetooth® color-coordinated mice are available to complete the look.
"The VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC is your portal to the world, delivering entertainment and computing in a head-turning device that's small enough to put in your pocket," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. "Designed for the fashionista in all of us, it's the ideal companion."
Engineered to provide the feel of a larger notebook, the VAIO Lifestyle PC provides a convenient typing experience by extending the keyboard to the perimeters of the chassis maximizing the typing area. The spacing between keys has also been engineered to help reduce typing mistakes making it perfect for long fingernails.
The notebook incorporates built-in wireless WAN 3G Mobile Broadband, 802.11n wi-fi and bluetooth technologies. Users can toggle among various wireless options for the most efficient connection – Wi-Fi for working at a coffee shop; Bluetooth for peripherals; and Mobile Broadband service on the Verizon Wireless nationwide network when traveling outside the reach of hotspots (subscription required).
The unit features up to four hours of battery life with the included standard capacity battery and eight hours with the large capacity battery (sold separate).
It also incorporates real-time GPS functionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels or special sites of interest. Destinations can be found by simply typing in an address or keyword and then following the turn-by-turn directions. The Lifestyle PC even includes estimated drive times to let you know how far you are from a destination. No Internet connection is required in the United States or Canada.
The unit also has an instant-mode option that launches directly into Sony's Xross Media Bar™ interface, so you can rapidly boot up and access music, video, photos and the Web. A built-in webcam lets you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party service is required.
The PC comes with the Windows Vista® operating system, supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. A windows arrangement utility has been added to easily organize all open documents or websites with one touch, positioning them neatly along side each other on a single screen.
The VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC will retail for about $900. It will be available for pre-orders tomorrow online at www.sony.com/pr/pseries. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores starting later this month and at other major retailers around the country beginning in February.

Thanks: Engadget

• HP's 12.1- inch Pavilion dv2 with Blu-ray -- don't call it a netbook
• Nano-powered "FreeStyle" netbook hands-on

Dell's XPS 1340 and 1640 get official, latter gets reviewed

The new XPS 1340 and 1640 laptops just appeared yesterday, and now (a mere day late) have been given the blessing of officialdom from Dell. Of course, we already knew all there was to know about them when it comes to specs, so rather more interesting is the first review of the bigger of the two, also called the XPS 16. The 2.4GHz machine scored high marks both when it comes to aesthetics and overall performance, but the thing got a little too hot for comfort, costs a good bit more than the competition, and those glossy screens are always controversial. Overall it sounds like a nice machine if you have the dough -- and don't mind a little glare.

Thanks: Engadget

• dell introduces 15.6-inch Inspiron 15 laptop: starts at $600
• YackTrack shows you all the places people are commenting

MSI's upgraded Wind U100 gets tested and overclocked

While the original wind U100 has stooped below $350 in many shops, the upgraded version -- complete with a 160GB hard drive and a much needed 6-cell battery -- is currently going for around $420. The PC abusers over at HotHardware managed to get this slab onto their testing bench, and test they did. After applying the recently released v1.09 BIOS, which enables press-of-a-button overclocking, they found that it worked remarkably well. In fact, they noted that this feature alone placed the Wind a step above its rivals for those who appreciate even minor increases in speed. They even went so far as to benchmark the OC'd machine against a standard U100 and a few other competitors, but we won't ruin the surprise by blurting out the results here. Have a gander at the read link for more, but don't blame us if you come away with an unexpected urge to buy a netbook.

Thanks: engadget

• MSI at CES: Wind U115 / U120, NetOn all-in-one PC, gaming laptops galore
• HP's new Mini 2140 stuffs Atom, larger screen into original form factor

MSI at CES: Wind U115 / U120, NetOn all-in-one PC, gaming laptops galore

If you thought that MSI would allow ces to pass it by without unleashing a veritable smorgasbord of new kit upon us, you're dead wrong. For starters, the company will be showcasing its Wind U115 and U120 netbooks for the first time in the public eye at CES, and those oh-so-intriguing NetOn all-in-one machines we spotted overseas will also be making their US debut. Said rigs will arrive in 16-, 19- and 22-inch flavors, and it's expected that Intel's dual-core Atom will be powering the trio. Carrying on, we've got the EX625 and EX623 entertainment lappies joining the EX family with inbuilt subwoofers and Blu-ray drives, and the GT725, GT727, GT627 and GX420 will all be sliding into the gamer-centric GX line. Finally, MSI will be demonstrating its first "eco-friendly carbon fiber concept gaming notebook," so we'll definitely be sashaying over to wrap our paws around that. Head past the break for the full release.

MSI US Announces 2009 Product Lineup
MSI at CES – South Hall 4 # 35638 and at
CES Unveiled in the Venetian Ballroom at the Sands EXPO
Tuesday 1/6 4PM
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – January 5, 2009 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is excited to announce it CES 2009 Product Lineup. MSI will be displaying its newest additions to the Wind netbook U-Series, the MSI "NetOn" All-in-One line, new G-Series Gaming Notebooks, and the latest versions of E-Series Entertainment Notebooks.
U-Series – Following the highly successful launch of the Wind U100 Netbook in 2008, MSI will be displaying the much anticipated Wind U115 and U120 Netbooks of the first time at CES 2009. The U115, is the world's first netbook capable of simultaneously running SSD and HDD. By implementing the latest in hybrid storage technology, the U115 provides users with a reliable, shock-absorbent, speedy operating environment and boasts a 6-cell 12-hour battery when operating in Eco mode.
Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, the U120 is designed for portability without sacrificing performance. The Wind U120 features Intel® WiMAX Technology or a 3.5G Solution (optional), offering users the ability to connect in more places and work online at faster speeds. The U120's stylish new case is white with black accents, giving it a sleek look that will be appealing to both business travelers and students alike.
Wind NetOn – MSI will display 16", 19" and 22" versions of the new All-In-One Wind NetOn line at CES. The AE1901 model is the world's first All-In-One to be equipped with the Intel® dual-core Atom processor, which improves operational performance and conserves energy. The AE1901's power consumption is only 20% of that of a normal PC (250W). Its super thin appearance, wall-hung design, 16:9 HD display, touch screen and optional wireless connection will make it one of the most talked about products at CES.
G-Series – MSI will also be exhibiting the newest additions to its G-Series Gaming Notebook line at CES. This includes the GT725, GT727, GT627 and GX420 – MSI' first 14" model which features a 16:9 screen. MSI is especially excited to demonstrate GT725 and GT727, the first two models to break the 10,000 point 3Dmark barrier. MSI will also introduce the world to its first eco-friendly Carbon-Fiber Concept Gaming Notebook.
E-Series – MSI will also be launching two new versions of the advanced E-series Notebooks – EX625 and EX623. These new models feature ATI Radeon HD4670 video cards, a subwoofer, Dolby Surround II capabilities, 16:9 cinema-level displays, and Blue-ray optical drives.

Thanks: Engadget

• Lenovo's ThinkPad W700ds now really official: starts at $3,663
• Voodoo Firefly gaming laptop prototype gets hands-on treatment

HP's 12.1-inch Pavilion dv2 with Blu-ray -- don't call it a netbook

Here we've got the fruits of AMD's new Neo platform: the Pavilion dv2 series of entertainment laptops. Starting at 3.8-pounds with a keyboard 8% short of full-sized, this 12.1-inch (1,280 x 800 pixels) ultra-portable features a 1.6GHz Athlon Neo MV-40 processor, up to 4GB of memory and 500GB of disk, optional 802.11n WiFi, and WWAN (Gobi) support. Now what if we told you that this 64-bit Vista Home Premium laptop (no need for the XP fallback here kids) measures less than an inch thick and can be configured with ATI Mobility Radeon HD3410 discrete graphics and an external Blu-ray player for $899 when it ships in March? More you say? Ok, there's also Bluetooth, HDMI-out, an integrated webcam, and 3.5 to 4-hours of battery with prices set to start at $699. Isn't CES wonderful?

Thanks: Engadget

HP's new Mini 2140 stuffs Atom, larger screen into original form factor

Just when we thought HP had moved on, what with the Mini 1000 getting all the love these days, HP has returned to its original Mini-Note 2100 series of netbooks with the 2140. Supposedly aimed at businesses, the new netbook loses that sluggish VIA C7-M of its predecessors and replaces it with -- you guessed it -- a 1.6GHz Atom processor. There's also a 80GB or 160GB hard drive onboard and a 10-inch screen available in 1366 x 768 and 1024 x 567 resolutions, plus that lovable ExpressCard / 54 slot hasn't gone anywhere, but the machine remains otherwise mostly unchanged. Prices start at $499 for the base model, and OS choices include XP Home / Pro, SuSe Linux, FreeDOS and Windows Vista Home Basic / Premium. The laptop is certainly a nice step up over the Mini 1000, but we sure could use a bit more power under the hood. You know, for business.

Thanks: Engadget

Nano-powered "FreeStyle" netbook hands-on

We had a chance to sit down with VIA's VP of sales and marketing, Richard Brown, earlier today to discuss the finer points of the company's position in the marketplace. While it was a intriguing conversation (mostly about the state of netbook and smartphone CPUs in 2009), our eye was caught by a prototype netbook he'd brought with him. The 'book in question is a Nano-driven model that will be sold under the "Dr. Mobile" brand name and dubbed the "FreeStyle." The system boasts a 1.3GHz CPU (which can be clocked to 1.6GHz), runs atop the VX800 chipset, features an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, a proper trackpad with two real buttons, and sports 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, and optional onboard mobile broadband. Besides having a truly healthy amount of screen real estate for such a small display, the laptop was surprisingly stylish and lightweight -- a welcome change from the stream of generic netbooks we've seen as of late. The company expects it to clock in at $500 when it hits around February, and says that the CPU outperforms similarly-spec'd Atom chips, with decent support for Vista. We should see a working model on the floor at CES, so keep your eyes peeled for a followup. For now, enjoy the hands-on!

Thanks: Engadget

• SUPER video player and encoder releases 2009 version

Dell introduces 15.6-inch Inspiron 15 laptop: starts at $600

So, how's about some news not originating from Las Vegas? Dell has chosen today to take the wraps off of its cleanly styled Inspiron 15 notebook, and while there's nothing here to write home about, the price accurately reflects the low-key nature of the machine. Prospective buyers will notice a 15.6-inch widescreen panel, up to 4GB of RAM / 320GB of hard drive space, an optional Blu-ray drive, integrated webcam, Intel's Core 2 Duo powering the ship and optional Bluetooth / facial recognition software. The rig is expected to be available online later this month starting at $600, though impatient souls can find non-configurable versions right now at Best Buy (USA) and Curry's (UK).

Thanks: Engadget

• Free your Viking friends encased in ice - Time Waster

HP greets us with 13.3-inch Pavilion dv3 entertainment laptop

While you and HP can argue the rest of the night away about the most accurate moniker for its Pavilion dv2, the dv3 is definitely an ultraportable. The AMD-powered machine comes in a plethora of configurations with CPUs ranging from 2GHz (Athlon X2 QL-62) to 2.4GHz (Turion X2 Ultra ZM-86), ATI's Radeon HD 3200 graphics, up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, 160/250/320/400GB hard drive choices, WiFi / Bluetooth, a dual-layer DVD burner, gigabit Ethernet, an ExpressCard slot and a satisfactory array of ports including three usb 2.0 sockets, VGA, HDMI, eSATA combo (with a third USB port) and audio in / out. Users can select from a six or nine-cell battery, and there's even an optional fingerprint reader if you're unashamedly paranoid. Interested? It's available today, junior, for $799 and up.
Thanks: Engadget

• Atomic Power in Supercomputing

Exper Style's colorful 8.9-inch netbook rolls out in Turkey

We don't have a heck of a lot to go on here, but the above is apparently a new, 8.9-inch widescreen netbook from Exper called the Exper Style. It seems to boast standard netbook internals -- a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and an 8GB SSD-- and apparently runs Windows XP. It also costs about $470, and comes in a nearly endless range of super duper-looking colors. We're not sure about when this one will be available, but hit the read link for a video of this darling in all its glory.

Thanks: Engadget

PowerBook G4 Titanium inelegantly modded into desktop

We're all for taking lemons and making lemonade, but at least clean up the mess before you showcase it to the world. All kidding aside (sort of...), Sir Bibin and Nick Lee found something better to do with their jacked up PowerBook G4 Titanium than fetch a few pennies on eBay. When the hinges finally cracked, they decided to just fold 'er on over, epoxy a pair of totally lackluster speakers on the side and add a wired Apple keyboard in to create a makeshift PowerMac (er, iMac, we suppose). Truthfully, we'd be way more into this if not for that very apparent spitball and the circa 1991 telephone cluttering up the masterpiece, but you know what they say about an artist and his / her studio.

Thanks: Engadget

Lenovo's ThinkPad W700ds now really official: starts at $3,663

It's sort of tough to say that Lenovo's ThinkPad W700ds is not yet official, but if you've been scouring the intarwebz for a legitimate press release from the outfit, here's your sign. The dual screen beast is at long last being confirmed by Lenovo, offering up workstation performance along with a 17-inch primary display and a 10-inch secondary slide-out panel. Details about exact configurations are scant, but we are told that prospective buyers will be able to equip theirs with high-end Intel CPUs, optional RAID HDD / SSD setups, NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, dual-link DVI / Display Port / VGA support, a 7-in-1 card reader, five USB ports, WiFi, optional WiMAX, a smartcard reader and a dual thermal solution to keep it from melting your legs and / or desk. Reportedly, the machine will be available today starting at $3,663, but as of now, it's still nowhere to be found on the firm's US website.

Thanks: Engadget

• Microsoft pay-as-you-go patent application rejected

17-inch unibody MacBook Pro with non-removable battery rumored for Macworld

9to5Mac is reporting that a unibody, 17-inch MacBook Pro will be announced at Macworld, following in the footsteps of the previously released unibody 13 and 15-inchers. The rumor, backed up by some "whisperers" at Macrumors, isn't really an earth-shattering surprise -- though the accompanying revelation that this model is expected to have a slim, extended-life, non-removable battery is rather eye-opening -- and somewhat disappointing, considering the lameness of non-removable batteries. We'll know for sure on Tuesday at the keynote.
Update: Apple Insider is now independently confirming the imminent arrival of the unibody 17-incher, and also corroborating the fixed internal battery theory.

Thanks: Engadget

• Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 All-in-One Desktop unleashed

Lenovo debuts three new Y Series midrange laptops

Lenovo has just dropped the dime on its new IdeaPad Y Series notebooks, including the 14-inch Y450, the 15.6-inch Y550 and the 16-inch Y650. All of these guys feature 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen displays, up to 500GB storage, up to 4GB memory, surround sound, optional NVIDIA GFX graphics, a multi-touch touchpad, and facial recognition technology. Additionally, the 16-inch Y650 comes packing JBL speakers and an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness levels. And these bad boys are pretty small -- measuring one inch at their thinnest point they weigh a mere 5.6 pounds. Heading out of the gates in March, MSRPs starts at $1,199 for the IdeaPad Y650 and $829 for the IdeaPad Y550 and Y450. Check out the full press release after the break.

"Thin is In" for Consumer PC Design as Lenovo Debuts All-in-One Desktop and 16-inch Laptop
Marks One Year Anniversary with New Collection of Trend-Setting Entertainment-Focused PCs
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – January 5, 2009: Lenovo today announced the latest additions to its Idea brand of personal computers for consumers. The new PCs push the envelope in the pursuit of thinner and more stylish designs, and combine these attributes with unique features like facial recognition and high-definition entertainment technologies to give consumers a computing experience like no other. There are four new IdeaPad laptops – the IdeaPad Y650, the thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptop in its class1, the Y550 and Y430 laptops with a similar family design to the Y650, and the thinnest all-in-one desktop PC, the IdeaCentre A600. With the explosive growth of social networking, Lenovo also continues to enhance its IdeaPad S10 netbook with new instant on capability, facial recognition and easy access to Lenovo's social networking community.
"With the launch of our global consumer Idea brand a year ago, we've shown the world that PC technology can be powerful and beautiful," said Liu Jun, senior vice president and president, Consumer Business Group, Lenovo. "This year, we will keep pushing the limits of good design, balancing form and function, as you'll see exhibited in our super-thin, 16-inch laptop and all-in-one desktop. This unique blend of design and engineering sets us apart from competitors and gives consumers a new kind of entertainment and computing experience."
IdeaPad Y650, Y550, Y450 Laptops
Lenovo's latest IdeaPad Y Series laptops deliver powerful Hi-Definition entertainment in new sizes that are smaller, thinner and lighter than the previous generation to give more choices to consumers. The three Y Series laptops – the Y650, Y550, and Y450 – share the same modern soft black design featuring an interlocked hexagon pattern on the top cover along with a discrete copper accent around the perimeter of the laptop.
Lenovo delivers its first 16-inch widescreen laptop, the IdeaPad Y650, to the distinction of being the thinnest and lightest laptop in its class1. In fact, the laptop weighs even lighter than many 15-inch laptops, providing users with an additional inch of screen space without compromising on mobility. Making use of special materials like carbon fiber, as used in the aerospace and automotive industries, Lenovo has engineered the laptop down to a slender one-inch at its thinnest point with a weight of just 5.6 pounds.
The expanded Y Series add three new 16:9 screen sizes: the 16-inch Y650, the 15.6-inch Y550, and the 14-inch Y450 laptops. The new Y Series laptops are configurable with up to 500GB of hard drive storage space and up to 4GB of DDR3 memory.
Designed for HD and Multimedia
To provide an exceptional Hi-Definition entertainment and multimedia experience, the Y Series laptops are equipped with 16:9 format glossy widescreen panels, optional latest generation NVIDIA GFX graphics for gaming and smooth HD video playback and Dolby® Home Theater™ surround sound. The IdeaPad Y650 laptop also features JBL speakers for a rich, resonate sound.
The Y Series includes the new Lenovo OneKey™ Theater software to enhance the audio and visual experience. By pressing a button, OneKey Theater gives users an easy way to adjust the PC's display and sound effect settings. Users can switch from normal mode to movie mode on the fly to optimize the picture when watching movies or playing games. The Y Series also includes Lenovo Desktop Navigator so users can toggle between shortcuts, files and other frequently used programs just by placing their finger along the touch-sensitive slide bar. For extra convenience, users can simply use the multi-touch touchpad below the keyboard and use their fingertips to enlarge or reduce image size. Additionally, an ambient light sensor on the IdeaPad Y650 laptop automatically adjusts screen brightness based on surrounding light conditions, helping to reduce eye strain.
Lenovo has added new levels of performance to its Y Series by equipping them with the latest Intel processors as well as DDR3 memory to help applications respond more quickly under multi-tasking conditions. Now users can burn DVDs in less time, compress and open large documents more easily and enjoy smoother, more realistic gaming. Y Series laptops have several wireless connectivity options including WiFi and optional Bluetooth.
For added convenience, Lenovo's latest VeriFace™ facial recognition technology combines Windows log-in and file encryption for logging onto the PC and for password-protecting individual files.
The new Y Series also features Lenovo's OneKey™ Rescue System to help users to recover their data and restore critical system files after system failures, viruses and other mishaps.
Pricing and Availability4
The new IdeaPad Y650, Y550, Y450 laptops and S10 netbook will be available beginning in March. Manufacturer suggested retail pricing (MSRP) for models starts at $1,199 for the IdeaPad Y650, $829 for the IdeaPad Y550 and Y450, and $349 for the IdeaPad S10 netbook. The IdeaCentre A600 all-in-one desktop will be available beginning in April with MSRP for models starting at $999.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo's business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.
1Thinnest and lightest in the 16-inch laptop screen class, including offerings from Acer, Sony, HP and Lenovo.
2Compared with competitor existing all-in-ones from Apple, HP, Dell and Sony.
3VOIP functionality requires VOIP software which is freely available for download from a wide range of 3rd party vendors
4Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.

 

Thanks: Engadget

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