Showing posts with label CES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CES. Show all posts

Thursday, January 8, 2009

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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