BenQ rolls out Joybook A53, forgets to invite Penryn

With all these new Penryn-based lappies hitting the shelves, we can't help but be immediately underwhelmed by the BenQ Joybook A53. Sure, the case is fairly attractive, but still, offering up a Core 2 Duo T7250 with just 512MB of RAM is sort of weak. Granted, we've all ideas this one's being aimed at the budget-minded set, so hopefully they'll be down with the 80 to 200GB 5400RPM hard drive choices, dual-layer DVD writer, 15.4-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution display, trio of USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, audio in / out and 6-cell battery good for around 2.3-hours of usage. Also of note, you'll find integrated Ethernet / WiFi, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and a 0.3-megapixel webcam for pixelated video chats. Unfortunately, BenQ didn't mention how costly this one would be, but it will be rolling out to Poland, Russia, China, Thailand, and Australia right away, while the rest of the world has to wait just a few more months.

[Via Electronista]

[ReggieXuk @ Mar 6th 2008 7:59PM]

This book, that book, wish i was a Macbook!

© ReggieXuk 2008

[Thanol @ Mar 6th 2008 8:05PM]

Loser.

[ReggieXuk @ Mar 6th 2008 8:07PM]

and you came by that how?

[Jordan @ Mar 6th 2008 8:25PM]

The fact that this laptop offers only 512 RAM is a joke. In the age of Vista, one needs at least 1 or 2 Gigs of Ram for the computer to function effectively.

http://www.jordanrobison.com/

[theonlybiker @ Mar 6th 2008 10:38PM]

512 is fine.. if you're a linux user :)

[Johan S @ Mar 6th 2008 8:38PM]

What's so special about this laptop? Why is it none of these guys innovate? There is a LOT of laptop innovation that can be tried out!

I want a laptop where instead of the touchpad it's a very wide pen and multi touch sensitive LCD display.

The reason I want it is so that I can have it open in seminars or classes where stylus written note taking on easily finger scrollable virtual paper can be quieter than tapping away on the keyboard. It's sort of a compromise between having a full touchscreen keyboard area in the laptop. When I am not taking notes, the display's LCD would be off (to save power) and it would just function as a normal multitouch touchpad (center area only).

Oh yeah it would be nice if there were an outfacing camera too.

Why not a full tablet PC? .. well - browser screen space .. I do like to web browse while appearing to pay attention to the boring stuff .. my eyes would have to move less to see the person who's talking.

[michael @ Mar 6th 2008 8:45PM]

Hey, Engadget, are you guys going to cover Mix08 at all? There's been some neat announcements, but not hearing much from you guys. Just wondering.

[Kamokazi @ Mar 6th 2008 8:58PM]

It might be more productive to send them news tips:

http://www.engadget.com/contact/tips/

As oppsed to complaining about it in a random article, don't you think?

[michael @ Mar 6th 2008 8:59PM]

@Kamokazi : Thanks, but I'm not trying to complain. I was just wondering, like I said.

I'll send a tip...

[π @ Mar 6th 2008 10:15PM]

"Sure, the case is fairly attractive,"
It looks like a Dell.
Or an HP.
Or a Toshiba
Or any other lame pc maker.

[AutoTom @ Mar 7th 2008 4:19AM]

you dont get out much, do you?

[Jeremy Hambly @ Mar 6th 2008 11:08PM]

I just think it is totally funny how laptop makes simply refuse to put enough RAM in their products. I just literally wrote a blog entry on the same lines at http://www.beyourownit.com I realize its the one thing we can easily upgrade but geez I mean its gotta be one of the cheapest parts of the laptop. Give us enough, plus expandability, is it so hard?

[AutoTom @ Mar 7th 2008 4:20AM]

benq laptops, no thanks

[pallavnarang @ Mar 7th 2008 5:11AM]

I am not buying this if it does not fit in an envelope!
Inferior , non gratifying product!