ConvertibleTablet
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How would you change HP's TouchSmart tx2z?
The TouchSmart tx2z isn't the first multitouch laptop out, but HP's pretty adamant that it's the first multitouch "consumer" convertible tablet. Semantics aside, we're interested in finding out just how impressed you early adopters are with what the company has crafted. Are the multitouch capabilities as awesome as you had hoped? If not, what areas could be improved? Would you still recommend it to prospective buyers looking to give their digits a bit more work? We get the feeling we'll see loads of multitouch laptops gracing our presence over the next few months / years, so make sure you really unload on this one. It's what makes progress possible, people.
Panasonic's Toughbook 19 / 30 get even tougher, better
Make no mistake, Panasonic's Toughbook 19 ($3,749) and Toughbook 30 ($3,649) have been around for quite some time. Some would attribute their longevity to their burly nature, but we know the truth -- Panny just keeps upgrading 'em without changing the model name. Bantering aside, these two are receiving yet another round of refreshes that incorporate 1,000 nit LCDs with circular polarization technology and anti-glare / anti-reflective screen treatments to enhance screen viewability. Additionally, they each tout "improved security and remote management," Intel's Centrino 2 with vPro, expanded memory capabilities, 40 percent longer battery lives, larger capacity hard drives and optional SSDs. Our favorite new feature? "Concealed mode," which enables users to "easily turn all device lights off (screen and LEDs) using just a function (Fn) key. Check the full rundown of specs and new inclusions after the break.
Eee PC T91 convertible tablet lives (Update: Video!)
It's been expected for months, now Asus has announced its Eee PC T91 convertible tablet ripe for a fresh Windows 7 tossing. The 2-pound (right, two!), 1-inch thick tablet features an 8.9-inch LED backlit touch panel riding atop Intel's Z520 Atom processor. It also features a TV-tuner and built-in GPS. No other details yet but it won't be long.Update: Added video after the break of this svelte convertible floating in air with its incredibly dreamy UI. It's destined to make all your touchable dreams come true. No, really.
Qualcomm shows off Snapdragon-based netbook / tablet concept
It's already doubled the power of its SnapDragon platform with a new dual-core processor, but it looks like Qualcomm is now really making a push to take on Intel in the netbook / MID space, with it recently showing off a seemingly fully-functional concept device. As you can see above, the device is a convertible tablet, which should surely make Intel's head spin, as will the fact that it is running a curiously familiar-looking OS. Being a concept, however, Qualcomm isn't offering too many specifics just yet, although it does say that devices like this one should last for four to six hours on a single charge, and that the first batch of devices based on the platform (but not necessarily this device) should be available sometime next year, with twelve different companies having already signed up to build devices.[Via jkOnTheRun]
HP reveals multitouch TouchSmart tx2 convertible tablet
While HP mistakenly claims that its sparkly new (but previously rumored) TouchSmart tx2 is the world's first multitouch consumer notebook, we're still decidedly stoked about this here convertible tablet. Boasting a 12.1-inch swivel display (LED-backlit) that's just dying to have your prints all over it, the tx2 will come loaded with Windows Vista, a bezel-mounted fingerprint reader, integrated webcam with microphone, Bluetooth / WiFi, stereo speakers, a 5-in-1 multicard reader and a LightScribe SuperMulti DVD burner. HP's also delivering the oh-so-stylish Reaction Imprint exterior, an AMD Turion X2 dual-core processor, the firm's own MediaSmart 2.0 software, a VGA output, Ethernet and at least one USB port from the looks of things. You're supposed to be able to add one of these to your digital shopping cart right now via HP's own webstore or Amazon.com, but both links currently lead to sections of the intarwebz you don't ever, ever want to see. Hold tight -- we've a feeling HP will be getting really official with this one momentarily.Read - TouchSmart tx2 micrositeRead - Hands-on with TouchSmart tx2
Fujitsu's LifeBook U820 mini tablet now on sale, starts at $999
We're still scratching our noggins in a futile attempt to figure out the LifeBook U820's real purpose on this Earth, but for those who've got it all figured out, you'll likely be thrilled to know that this puppy is now on sale. $999 buys you a mini convertible tablet with an Intel Atom Z530 CPU, a 5.6-inch WXGA touchscreen, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 60GB 4,200RPM hard drive, built-in GPS / Garmin Mobile PC, Ethernet, a webcam / fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth / WiFi and a 4-cell battery. There's also a $1,299 version if that other variant just isn't up to your standards, but at any rate, feel free to punch the read link and have a think before pulling the trigger on either.[Via jkkmobile]%Gallery-35995%
HP EliteBook 2730p gets shown off on video
We didn't exactly get the best look at HP's new EliteBook 2730p tablet when it was announced earlier today, but Notebooks.com has now thankfully come through with a video of the device, in which HP's Kyle Thorton helpfully shows off every nook and cranny of sleek yet supposedly rugged convertible. That includes a peek at the tablet's jog dial, which makes a welcome reappearance after being ditched on the 2710p, and its "double clutch" stylus-holding system, which promises to keep you from losing your trusty input device (it's actually pretty slick). Head on past the break for the full show.
Kohjinsha SX3 gets reviewed on video
The WOW-POW folks gave us our first taste of the Kohjinsha SC3 on video, and now they're back with the SX3KP06MA convertible "UMPC" (SX3 for short) in a full video review. We'll let you watch the 10 minute review at your leisure, but in summary they found the computer faster than its SC3 sibling, despite identical Atom chipsets, and are of course general fans of the DVD-RW drive, 1280 x 768 glossy screen and pretty much all things Kohjinsha. Video is... wait for it... after the break.[Thanks, Larry]
Kohjinsha SX-series convertible tablet edges out of UMPC territory
Kohjinsha's cranked out some interesting convertible UMPCs, but the new SX-series pushes the definition about as far as it can go with its chunky looks and packed feature set -- this bad boy is probably even too loaded / expensive to be properly called a netbook. You're looking at an 8.9-inch convertible tablet running Vista on a 1.33GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a 60GB drive, built-in dual-layer DVD drive, WiFi, Ethernet, dual cameras, ExpressCard/34 slot, VGA out, 1seg tuner, card reader, and 2 USB ports, with a 4.2-hour battery life (8.2 hours with the extended unit), all in a 2.7-pound unit about an inch thick. Available soon in Japan for €650 ($1,000) to €850 ($1240) depending on options, let's hope it follows some of Kohjinsha's other devices to our fair shores.[Via jkkmobile]
Hands on with Gigabyte M912 and M724 convertible mini-tablets
Carving out the newest niche in the low-cost, mini-laptop, ultra-portable, *gasp* netbook category is the Gigabyte M912. As a convertible, touch-screen mini-tablet, the M912 runs Vista or Ubuntu Linux atop Intel's Atom processor. Unfortunately, it looks like it might be hampered by a 4-cell battery showing just over 1.5 hours of battery left on a 95% charge. The 7-inch M724 apparently shares the same chassis as the M912 but is meant for classrooms-only, not consumers. Uh, right. That was the original market for all these netbook-class machines as we recall.Read -- Gigabyte M912 Read -- Gigabyte M724
HP Pavilion tx2000 tablet goes on sale
It's a little late, but it looks like the HP is finally ready to take your money and hand over a tx2000 tablet. Nothing really new to report specs- or price-wise: $1,299 buys you a 2.1GHz AMD Turion, 2GB of RAM, GeForce Go 6150, 160GB disk, LightScribe dual-layer burner and a fingerprint reader, while $2,311 bumps you up to a 2.2GHz Turion, 250GB disk, Verizon 3G ExpressCard, and Vista Ultimate. And, of course, that 12.1-inch touchscreen that "has a digitizer!" Not a bad deal, actually -- anyone going to take the plunge?[Thanks, Sky]
Dell Latitude XT tablet unboxing
Since some of you have apparently been waiting on Dell to make a tablet PC for well over three years now, we imagine that the first unboxing of the company's Latitude XT convertible will be welcome eye-candy to the true believers. With dual input methods (finger or pen), integrated 802.11n, and optional SSD and WWAN, this model definitely delivers on a number of fronts, though the relatively low resolution and high price may be too much for some to bear. Check out another shot after the break, and then hit up the Read link for the full ritual over at I Started Something.
HP readying new Pavilion tx1400 series convertible tablets
It looks like that batch of laptops HP trotted out yesterday wasn't all it had in store, as the folks at Notebook Italia are now reporting that the company is set to update its Pavilion tx1300 line of convertible tablet PCs with all new tx1400 series models. What's more, it seems that at least one retailer (linked below) already has one of those tablets (the tx1410us) up for pre-order, with it setting you back $1,200. For that, you'll get the same 12.1-inch touch screen as before, along with a 2.2GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 processor, Geforce Go 6150 graphics, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a DVD burner, and built-in 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth, all in a 4.5 pound package. No word on any of the other models in the line just yet, but according to Notebook Italia, this one is apparently only the first of more to come.Read - Notebook ItaliaRead - JR.com, HP Pavilion tx1410us[Via Mobile Whack]
Fujitsu LifeBook U810 tablet reviewed
Fujitsu attracted a fair bit of attention back in August with its $1,000 U810 convertible tablet PC, and it's now out to prove its worth when it comes to reviews, one of the first of which looks to have come from the folks at Laptop Magazine. While it's apparently not without its faults, they found quite a bit to like about the device, saying "you can't beat the price for a unit with a usable built-in keyboard and tablet functionality." They also especially dug the tablet's sharp 5.6-inch screen, and it's long battery life, which wound up around 5 hours and 14 minutes in their tests. On the downside, they were less impressed with the performance from the 800MHz A110 processor (no surprise there), and by the lack of integrated mobile broadband, not to mention the somewhat lackluster keyboard and mouse. That apparently wasn't enough to keep it from getting a decent 3.5 out of 5 rating, however, with that $1,000 price tag working considerably in its favor.
Fujitsu Lifebook T4220 convertible tablet reviewed
We didn't have a whole lot of details on Fujitsu's new Lifebook T4220 convertible tablet when we first caught wind of it, but the folks at Laptop Magazine have now thankfully come through to answer all our questions with a full review of the flip-and-fold device. As you might expect, they found the underlying Santa Rosa platform to deliver a noticeable boost in performance, with the tablet's Intel GMA X3100 graphics also faring well with video and Vista's Aero interface, although it likely still won't be enough to satisfy gamers. They were also impressed with the Lifebook's thin and light design (1.5 inches and 4.3 pounds) -- an even more impressive feat given the built-in DVD burner -- and they found the integrated fingerprint reader and SmartCard security to be welcome additions. On the downside, the tablet's battery life proved to be decidedly lackluster, delivering an average runtime of three hours, or just over two hours during their DVD drain test. They were also disappointed by the lack of Firewire and S-video ports. Still, they don't seem to have much trouble recommending the tablet, giving it a solid four out of five rating.
Fujitsu's Santa Rosa-based Lifebook T4220 tablet hits the FCC
As you've no doubt noticed, we're hardly lacking for Santa Rosa-based laptops these days, but Santa Rosa-based tablet PCs have so far been a fair bit harder to come by. That looks like it's about to change, however, with one of the first now coming to us from Fujitsu by way of the FCC. Like the company's other T4000 series tablets, this one boasts a 12.1-inch display along with built-in Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g WiFi, and it gets its processor upgraded to a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 (other specs are still a bit light). As with most of these other Santa Rosa leaks, however, there's no official word on pricing or availability, although we don't expect we'll have to wait too long for that.[Via PC Joint]
Fujitsu intros P70WN, P50WN convertible tablets
Fujitsu seems to be keeping up a steady pace with its convertible tablet PCs these days, introducing another pair of new ultralight models for those willing to accept a few trade-offs in favor of portability. The processor looks to be the biggest difference between the two models here, with the P70WN packing a Core Solo U1400 processor and the P50WN opting for a Celeron M443 instead. Otherwise, each will give you the same 8.9-inch touchscreen with a 1280x768 resolution, and between 60 and 80GB of hard drive space, with the whole thing barely weighing you down at about 2.2 pounds. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing or availability, although we suspect it'll be spending some time in Japan before the rest of us can get our hands on it.
Toshiba Portege R400 getting HSDPA too?
GSM fanboys, rejoice: Core Duo News was trawling the FCC website when they caught the EV-DO-packin' Portege R400 convertible tablet making another run through the certification process, but this time around, it's looking to get an HSPDA modem cleared for takeoff. This being the FCC and all, we can't tell if any of the other specs on this 12-inch, somewhat underpowered notebook have changed along with the 3G standard, but we think it's safe to assume that the only difference is a Novatel PCI Express Mini Card taking the place of whichever Verizon-compatible modem was once there. So grab your checkbooks, Cingular and T-Mobile subscribers, because there's a good chance that the re-spec'ed R400 will hit the scene any day now. And if not, hey, it's never too late to jump on the CDMA bandwagon.[Via Core Duo News]
Fujitsu drops a quartet of new notebooks
So Fujitsu's got four portable machines for us to peep today, but unlike the slew of Merom-powered notebooks we've been seeing, only one of these models rock that dual-core goodness. First off are two new members of the 15.4-inch Biblio NF family (pictured above), the NF60T with a 1.6GHz Turion 64 X2 CPU, and the 1.46GHz Celeron M 410-powered NF40T. The 60T rocks ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 graphics, 512MB of RAM (4GB max), and a 100GB HDD, while the 40T also gives you 512MB RAM (only expandable to to 2GB, though) and just 80GB of HDD capacity and integrated graphics; both machines, however, offer a full complement of connectivity options, with WiFi, FireWire, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, PCMCIA, ExpressCard, and D-Sub standard. Next up is the Core Solo-equipped (1.20GHz U1400) FMV-Biblio LOOX Q, with a 12.1-inch WXGA LCD, integrated graphics, 30GB HDD (hey, it's really slim, at least), 512MB of RAM, and both WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 radios. Finally we have the 8.9-inch LOOX P70T/V convertible tablet, which sports the exact same specs as the Q, but obviously replaces the XP Pro OS with Tablet PC Edition 2005. Look for the ¥185,000 ($1,581) NF60T and ¥150,000 ($1,282) NF40T to drop on September 2nd, the ¥260,000 ($2,222) LOOX Q to be available on the 15th, and the ¥250,000 ($2,136) P70T/V to hit shelves on September 28th -- all initially in Japan, of course.Read- Biblio NFRead- LOOX Q and P
