Centrino2
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Rock rolls on, unveils four new Centrino 2-based gaming laptops
It's hard to stop a rolling stone, don't you know? Just months after you figured you'd never hear of Rock again, the recently rescued outfit has introduced a few Centrino 2-based lappies of its own. At a high level (tenth time you've heard that today, office dwellers?), we've got the Xtreme 780 with a Core 2 Duo Extreme X9100 and GeForce 9800M GTX, the Xtreme 620 with a Core 2 Extreme T9500 and 512MB GeForce 9800M GT, the Pegasus 520 and the Pegasus 320. As for pricing, you can expect a mild level of sticker shock when the crew goes up for pre-order later today. Check the read link for the full rundown of specs -- try not to get lost in there.[Via Pocket-lint]
HP joins the Centrino 2 crowd, ships lots of business laptops
Hey, what do you know? More Centrino 2 news hot on the heels of Intel's official announcement. Today we've got HP shipping the Centrino 2-based EliteBook, Pavilion and a number of HP Compaq business laptops, with specs and pricing varying pretty wildly based on what you're looking to squeeze out of your rig. If you're looking to wrap your noodle around 'em, tap the read link and bust out the reading glasses.[Via Electronista]
Toshiba announces Centrino 2-based Satellite Pro S300, Tecra M10 and Tecra A10
Get ready for a flood of Centrino 2 laptops, kids -- hot on the heels of Intel's big announcement and Sony and Lenovo's updated lineups comes Toshiba with the new Satellite Pro S300, Tecra M10 and A10, and Qosmio X305, F55 and Cell-based G55. The Qosmios actually aren't that new -- all three of them were initially announced back in June, but they're actually available now, with the gaming-oriented X305 exclusive to Best Buy. The $1,299 Satellite Pro S300 (pictured) is a little more interesting, with a 2.4GHz P8600 Core 2 Duo on Centrino 2's 1066MHz bus and Intel 4500MD integrated graphics powering a 15.4-inch display, as well as sleep-and-charge USB ports and a docking port. The more business-oriented Tecra lappies also get a similar Centrino 2 treatment, sharing a motherboard design to reduce repair costs. The $1,399 M10 sports a 14.1-inch screen, while the 15.4-inch A10's pricing hasn't been announced. Pictures of the new Tecras after the break.Read - Satellite Pro S300Read - Tecra A10 and M10Read - Qosmio X305Read - Qosmio G55Read - Qosmio F55
Intel unleashes the Centrino 2 -- finally
Just when we were about to forget about you, Centrino 2, here you come with your efficient bad self. Intel finally announced the new 802.11 Wi-Fi, integrated graphics-packing mobile platform after delays related to the wireless tech. Centrino 2 will come in two varieties: one for consumers and the vPro platform for the briefcase crew. The chipset can be configured for gamers, using a discrete graphics chip rather than the integrated set, if that's your thing. Of most import (or amusement) is Intel's HUGI (Hurry Up and Get Idle), which it says is the tech behind the Centrino 2's uber-efficiency -- faster speeds mean less time spent doing stuff, of course. It notes that the tech allows for an entire Blu-Ray disc to be played back for two hours on one battery charge. Finally, Intel promises a WiMax version this fall, so if you have the patience, you may want to wait for that barring further delays.
Montevina-Based Sony VAIO FW, Z, SR, BZ laptops around the bend?
We'll start this by suggesting you take everything from here on out with a healthy dose of salt, but given that Sony has a history of updating its VAIO laptop line in one fell swoop, there's enough credibility here to pass it along. With everyone that hopes to remain relevant in the laptop sector going to Montevina as soon as feasibly possible, it's no shock to hear that Sony's VAIO FW, Z, SR and BZ series units will be making the same leap this summer. Currently, there aren't a whole lot of specifications floating about, but we do know the VGN-FW line will sport an atypical 16.4-inch display while both the VGN-Z and VGN-SR lines check in as subnotes. For a wee bit more on the supposedly forthcoming crew, surf southwest to the read link.[Via Laptoping]
Compal joins the Centrino 2 pack with JHL, JHT series laptops
Another day, another batch of Centrino 2 laptops, these ones coming to us from ODM bigwig Compal, which has just announced four models based on Intel's latest and greatest platform. Those include the 15.4-inch JHL90 and JHL91, and the 14.1-inch JHT00 and JHT01 models, each of which are available with your choice of Penryn processors, along with NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics on the JHL90 and GeForce 9300M GS on the JHT00, or integrated Intel graphics on the two lower-end models. Otherwise, you can expect to get your choice of 5,400 rpm or 7,200 rpm hard drives (no SSD though), a max 4GB of RAM, Intel Turbo Memory, a DVD burner or Blu-ray drive, and integrated WiMAX in addition to the usual WiFi and Bluetooth. No word on a price or release date, but you can pretty safely bet that you'll be seeing these under any number of brands in the not too distant future.[Thanks, Michele]
Santech rolls out Centrino 2-based X46 laptop
While we've yet to see the expected flood of Centrino 2-based gear, things certainly seem to be picking up as we near the end of that little delay, with Santech only the latest to debut a laptop based on the platform once known as Montevina. Dubbed the X46, this one comes packing a 15.4-inch WXGA+ display, along with your choice of Core 2 Duo processor up to 2.8GHz, up to 4GB of RAM (plus 2GB of Intel Turbo Memory). a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics card, a max 320GB hard drive (or 200GB if you want to do 7,200 rpm), and your choice of a DVD burner or Blu-ray drive. Look for this one to start shipping in Europe by June 30th, with prices starting around the $1,000 mark for the default configuration.
Packard Bell busts out new Puma laptops, trio of new desktop lines
Packard Bell unleashed a big ol' set of machines in Italy today. Among the new laptops, the EasyNote RS65 13.3-incher cued some unusual design elements like red and chrome highlights and circular touchpad. It packs an Intel Centrino 2 and dedicated video card with DVI and HDMI. Other machines include the multimedia-friend ML (15.4-inch) and SL (17-inch) based on the Puma platform. Also of note are the MT (15.4-inch) and ST (17-inch) laptops, which include a "Battery Boost" button that allows you to switch between dedicated video and integrated Intel GMA chipsets in order to conserve unwired time. Finally, the TN line (pictured above) is set to appeal to a younger audience with low prices and multimedia features. In the desktop category, Packard Bell intro'd new i-Media, family-Extreme, and i-Max machines that run the gamut from diminutive budget boxes to gamer-friendly powerhouses. Peep the read link (in Italian) to get a deeper scoop.
HP goes wild: 16 new business / consumer laptop models
Over at HP's Connecting Your World event, there's a lot more to see than a new color-critical display and ultrathin all-in-one PC. More specifically, the outfit has rolled out 16 new laptop models, so we'll just cut right to it. Up first is the business-centric EliteBook premium series, which now arrives in a new slate of sizes and configurations. You'll also find a new selection of Pavilion Entertainment notebooks (dv4, dv5 and dv7) with ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection, and there's even a few HP Compaq Presarios (CQ45, CQ40 and CQ50) out there with a fresh "industrial design and HP Imprint 2 surface finish." As you can imagine, there's far too many hardware specifications to cover in this space, so bury your face in the read link for more details on the whole July-bound lot. %Gallery-24786%
Intel gets early hands-on with Intel-based ASUS M70VM
Looks like Intel and ASUS are gearing up to demo some Centrino 2 (Montevina) gear at Computex, as Intel's Senior Technical Marketing Engineer for Corporate Demonstrations blogged on Intel's site about running around using the yet-unreleased M51VA with WiMAX in Taipei. Sounds like he sure is enjoying the hardware his company produced, even despite the recent delays which are keeping it out of the hands of non-Intel folk like you and us.
Montevina and Puma-based ASUS notebooks leak out
With Intel's Montevina platform (hopefully) on the way and AMD's claim that "over 100" laptops will launch with Puma, it's kind of surprising that we haven't seen even more pre-release info on machines due to ship with the new chips, but apparently ASUS is getting ready to hit us with some new gear at Computex. Based on the existing M51 and M70 lines, the M51VR will feature a 2.26GHz Penryn P8400 with 3MB of L2 cache on Montevina's 1.06GHz bus, while the M51VA and M70VM (pictured) will get 2.53GHz T9400s with 6MB of cache. ASUS should also be showing off the Puma-based F5Z and X50Z laptops with 1.9GHz AMD Athlon64 X2 QL-60 chips, 667MHz buses, ATI Mobility Radeon HD3200 graphics and 15.4-inch screens at Computex, so it'll be interesting to see how these bad boys do side-by-side.[Thanks, Sergio]Read - ASUS Montevina laptopsRead - ASUS Puma laptops
AMD's Turion Ultra to launch June 3, additional Puma details revealed
We already knew that AMD had its Puma and Griffin-based Turion line coming, but a June 3 launch at Computex is all but confirmed now. The Puma platform will be based on the Turion Ultra processor with an integrated Mobility Radeon 3200 graphics chip along with as WiFi. Discrete graphic chip options will include the ATI Mobility Radeon 3450, 3650, and 3850. SSDs will make a limited appearance due to what AMD is citing as a prohibitive high cost. Nonetheless, it looks like AMD is doing whatever it can to take the spotlight away from Intel, especially now that the Centrino 2 has been delayed.
Centrino 2 delayed, AMD Puma licks chops
We were all excited to see Intel's Montevina-based Centrino 2 next month, but it looks like that was never meant to be. Citing problems with the chip's integrated graphics and issues with 802.11n certification, Intel has pushed its launch to July 14, with the complete line hitting streets in the first week of August. Says AMD, "Hi. We're AMD. We have a little chip called Puma, it has no integrated graphic issues, and it'll be available in June. How YOU doin'?"
PC Microworks intros Montevina-powered Edge uber-laptop
Heads up, spec hounds. PC Microworks' Edge with Centrino 2 (aka Montevina) is a powerhouse that cannot be denied. This speedster sports a 15.4-inch WUXGA screen, packs a Montevina Quad Core Centrino 2 CPU, 2gb of DDR3 at 1333MHz, nVIDIA Gefore 9800M GTX, HSPDA, and up to 4TB of 7200RPM drives. Don't go running to the credit card gods just yet, though, as the Core 2 Extreme Quad Core QX9300 (2.53GHz/1066MHz/12MB) version won't be available until the end of July. What's more, this baby all decked-out will run you a cool $8,265.[Thanks, Matthew]
New iMacs running an overclocked Penryn chip, not Montevina
Following this morning's iMac introduction, speculation has been rampant as to whether Apple got an early shot at Intel's upcoming Core 2 Duo Extreme X9100 chip. The X9100 is meant to usher in the "Montevina" Centrino 2 era, and boasts significant less power consumption than its forebears, in addition to those spiffy new clock speeds. Well, it turns out the new iMacs aren't Montevina, but instead a special-made 45nm Penryn 3.06GHz chip with a 1066MHz frontside bus. That means most of the juice of the X9100, but at 55 watts instead of 44. This chip exclusivity has been a bit of a pattern with Apple, and one which we're sure its competitors are quite appreciative of. Read - Electronista Read - TG Daily
Cizmo announces Centrino 2-based CX15 laptop
Germany's Cizmo isn't exactly the most well-known laptop manufacturer 'round these parts, but the company's new 15.4-inch, Centrino 2-based CX15 looks like it could well win it some new fans, with it boasting some pretty impressive specs and some not-too-shabby looks to match. Under that shiny exterior is your choice of a P8400, P8600, or P9400 Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX graphics, DDR3 RAM, an optional Blu-ray drive, an eSATA port, and a 32GB or 64GB SSD drive if standard hard drives aren't your thing. If that sounds like it fits your bill, you can look for this one to hit Europe in the first half of June with a starting price of €1,499, or just over $2,400.
Dell's leaked E6400 ATG for mustachioed, overall types (just not Mario)
So you like the looks of Dell's 14.1-inch Latitude E6400 do ya? Well what if we told you that Dell plans a semi-rugged E6400 ATG version? While it won't replace Dell's fully-rugged XFR D630 when the ATG launches in June, we can't help but be intrigued at the prospect of a dust-proof, shock-proof, and spill-proof, humidity and altitude resistant Centrino 2 laptop with super bright 750cd/m2 (or 650cd/m2 touchscreen) display, GPS, UWB, DisplayPort and more. It can get pretty rugged working unwashed in our robes and slippers, you know. Full features listed after the break as our Week o' Dell scoops continues.
Dell's leaked Latitude E6000 and E5000-series of laptops pack GPS, DisplayPort, WWAN, UWB and much more
Our week o' Dell scoops continues with what Dell calls its "mainstream" and "essential" series of Latitude E-series laptops. While the enterprise-ready, mainstream series packs just about everything (and more) that you could hope for in a balanced spec-for-size lappie, the essential series is only essential if you're on a tight budget and just can't live without the comparatively low-end chub. The 15.4-inch E6500 and 14.1-inch E6400 models will replace Dell's D830 and D630 whereas the "essential" 15.4-inch E5500 and 14.1-inch E5400 carry on the low-end tradition of Dell's D531 and D530. With any luck, these will be Dell's first Montevina / Centrino 2 class machines if they all hit the targeted June release date as planned. AMD fans will see the E5500a and E5400a configurations at about the same time. So what can you expect under the hood? Well, just look at the 5.1-pound E6500 which reads like a suit's, geek fantasy: UWB, Bluetooth 2.1, mobile broadband Integrated GPS, yes GPS New 84WHr slice batteries for "all day" computing LED backlighting, 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution, discrete nVIDIA graphics and DisplayPort out Hard, Hybrid, and Solid State disk drive options with eSATA jack for more Optional camera and mic Plenty of security options including contact-less smart cards and encrypted hard disks Time to pad those budgets a bit, eh CIOs? Full low-down in the gallery below.%Gallery-18965%
Intel's quad-core QX9300 laptop CPU in Q3?
Check it high-enders. DigiTimes has been milking their Taiwanese motherboard sources for information about Intel's laptop-class, Core 2 Extreme QX9300 processor. They've come away with a Q3 ship date and price of $1,038 when purchasing the quad-core proc in bulk. Digitimes' own sources had originally pegged the QX9300 for a May release. But such is the life of the muckraker.
Eurocom's M860TU Montebello 15.4-inch laptop rocks the Centrino 2
In case you missed it, it was Eurocom's Phantom-X that managed to swipe that "fastest tested laptop" mark from the MacBook Pro last year -- and totally ruin a perfectly good commercial. Now the company is back for more with the M860TU Montebello 15.4-incher. We'll have to wait for the benchmarks to see how this one stacks up against the recent crop of Penryn laptops, but what's new here is that the Centrino 2 "Montevina" chipset is under the hood, which should support faster Penryn processors, lower power consumption and some new fancy security features. Other specs on the M860TU include a 15.4-inch 1920 x 1200 LCD, 512MB NVIDIA 8800M GTX graphics (with a future option for 9xxxM GTX chips once they're announced), 4GB of RAM, HSDPA and external eSATA and HDMI plugs. Yeah, pretty hot. No word on price, but the laptop is slated to ship May 1st.
