laptop
Latest
Samsung's Q35 reviewed
What can you say about a Samsung laptop (hot) that's already supposedly the smallest Core Duo machine in the world (very hot)? Well, not a lot else except that you really like it, in TrustedReviews' case; the gave Samsung's Q35 an average 9/10, finding notable "improvements" over its predecessor the Q30, like an integrated DVD burner and PC card slot (so sue us, we like our ultraportables to have external drives and maybe an ExpressCard slot, where possible). And that's not even to mention the nice widescreen display, a 5-in-1 media reader, solid keyboard, and a semi-reasonable £993 ($1,830 US) price tag that TR thinks makes this thing "impossible not to recommend."
Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m reviewed
Ok suits, listen up. It's time to pilfer the IT budget 'cause the business-class, Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m just pulled a stellar review over at NotebookReview. This Core Duo beast boasts a titanium lid which makes it, dare we say, attractive in that sisterly kind of way, but she's all ThinkPad underneath. The 15.4-inch widescreen model under review featured the 2.0GHz Core Duo T2500, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 5400RPM 100GB SATA disk, and a 128MB ATI x1400 graphics card which allowed the reviewer to blast through the performance tests and should keep Vista's GUI puttering along for at least the terms of your lease. Meanwhile, that 6-cell battery eked out a respectable 3 hours 20 minutes while under a typical workday load -- you know, bidding on eBay auctions, checking stocks, and hunting down ex-lovers all google style. Sure, it's built "like a rock" coming in a bit too heavy and thick for the reviewers liking, but your wage monkeys won't complain will they mister boss-man?
ASUS' A8Jm Core Duo laptop reviewed
According to Notebook Review, ASUS' 14.1-inch A8Jm Core Duo-powered laptop is a powerful, feature-filled machine that provides good value for its $1,550 pricetag -- but you also have to factor the cost of potential Geek Squad service calls into that price, because ASUS' tech support options, both online and over-the-phone, are judged to be pretty mediocre. Still, even after having no luck -- and getting no help -- figuring out why the InstantON button on his unit was causing the notebook to boot directly into Windows, the reviewer doesn't hesitate to recommend the A8Jm almost without reservation, citing its video capabilities (a nVidia GeForce Go 7600 card pushing 1,280 x 800 pixels), connectivity options (WiFi, ExpressCard, card reader, and FireWire, DVI, S/PDIF, and five USB 2.0 ports), quiet operation, and most importantly, the speed of its 1.83GHz T2400 processor and 667MHz DDR2 RAM. Besides that buggy InstantON button, the lack of built-in Bluetooth seems to be the only real knock against this model (especially since European versions have it while North American ones don't), but that's an issue you can easily remedy on your own.
PQI has 64GB SATA 2.5-inch flash drive ready for August
We knew PQI could put their flash memory prowess to better use than that "The card is just not a card!" deal they were messing around with last time we saw 'em. It looks like they've gone and done us proud with a 2.5-inch SATA flash drive for notebooks with a whopping 64GB of storage, giving it a real claim to replacing that clunky old HDD in our laptop -- once we can scrounge up the $2000 this thing will be selling for. The best news is that the drive should be out in August of this year, almost even beating Samsung's $1000 32 gigger to the punch. Supposed transfer speeds are at a not-too-shabby 32MBs, but the real payoff for early adopters will be the reliability and battery life afforded by these things.
Kensington's Notebook Expansion Dock with Video
Just as we anticipated, Kensington has released that laptop dock we heard about a few months ago featuring Newnham Research's "NIVO" technology for connecting external monitors through a USB connection. Using only one USB hook-up to your notebook, the wedge-shaped (for keeping your machine cool) Notebook Expansion Dock supports multiple USB devices, Ethernet networking, desktop speakers, and a monitor as big as 17-inches at 1,280 x 1,024 pixels and 32-bit color. You can start turning your laptop into a desktop replacement immediately, for $180.
Acer's new HD DVD Laptops; NVIDIA or ATI?
Engadget already let us know about rumors indicating Acer would be one of the first third parties to release notebooks with either HD DVD or Blu-ray drives. Now, both NVIDIA and ATI have announced that their graphics cards will be available in Acer's HD DVD laptops. The Aspire 9110, 9510 and 9800 will all feature graphics technology from NVIDIA, including their PureVideo HD acceleration. The Aspire 5670 will utilize ATI's Mobility Radeon X1600 GPU and Avivo high-def acceleration. According to Acer's announcement, all will feature HDMI and HDCP support for outputting high-def content to TVs. The LCD screens on the laptops themselves range in size from 15.4 to 20.1 inches, plus Core Duo CPUs, Acer's stereo speaker and subwoofer technology as well as S/PDIF output for Dolby and DTS output. They should all be available later on this month, no price mentioned.Read - NVIDIA powers Acer HD DVD LaptopsRead - ATI drives high definition in Acer HD DVD LaptopsRead - Acer unveils high definition notebooks
Fujitsu-Siemens' Lifebook Q2010 poised for release
We're a little too excited to type straight right now, but you would be too if you'd just found out that the "world's most desirable laptop" will be available in a mere sixteen days. That's right, the $5,000 Fujitsu-Siemens Lifebook Q2010 -- yes, the one with HSDPA and that snazzy piano black finish -- is a little over two weeks from seeing the light of day, according to a rather uninspired "teaser" site recently posted by the company. Besides the inclusion of wireless 3.5G networking and a fashionable exterior, however, it's still not clear what makes this machine so desirable; for our five grand, we're hoping to see something like AMD's "4 x 4" platform packing four GPUs and two dual-core processors into this hot little 2.2-pound ultraportable -- is that really asking too much?[Thanks, wolwol]
HP's Pavilion DV1700 and DV5200 laptops
HP just gave a bump to their Pavilion lineup with the introduction of their DV1700 and DV5200 laptops in Japan. Destined for casual consumers, not suits, both models feature Core Duo CPUs, up to 2GB memory, ExpressCard slots, a multi-format memory card slot, and HP QuickPlay allowing you to fire-up DVDs and CDs without booting into XP. The DV1700 gets down with a Core D14-inch, 1280 x 768 (WXGA) LCD, up to 100GB SATA disk, Intel's 945GM Express integrated graphics and the ability to tuck the remote control card away in the ExpressCard slot. The DV5200 features a 15.4-inch LCD with a 1280 x 800 resolution, up to 120GB of SATA disk, integrated Altec Lansing speakers, and the same Intel integrated graphics which may, or may not be adequate to make Vista's Aero interface sing. Both slabs will drop in Japan on June 2 with base configs for the DV1700 pulling ¥79,800/$710 while the DV5200 will start at ¥84,000 or about $750. Snap of the DV5200 after the break.[Via Impress Watch]
Alienware Aurora m9700 laptop reviewed
Hot Hardware had the envious position of being able to test out one of Alienware's latest gaming laptops, the SLI-enabled Aurora m9700. As you would expect, the system performed really well, thanks to the dual NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS 256MB graphics cards, AMD Turion64 ML-44 processor (2.4GHz), NVIDIA nForce4 chipset, and 2GB RAM. Suprisingly, they found the battery fared pretty well, getting more than 120 minutes -- not a lot compared to most laptops, but look at what's in the thing. They also liked the big 17-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200 display, but did find that the glossy coating can hinder more than help due to its reflectivity. It's also, obviously, really big and heavy (8.5 pounds), but we're guessing anyone actually considering this system won't be put off much by that. Price starts at a reasonable $1,999, but to get it loaded similar to their review unit will run you more like $3,600.
Seven new laptops from PC-Koubou
Japanese manufacturer PC-Koubou has just released seven new laptops, including two featuring Core Duo processors. The 12-inch Lesance NB QU207IW-DUO laptop seen here comes loaded with a Core Duo T2300 1.66GHz processor, 512MB RAM, 60GB HD, and Intel 945G chipset in a 2 kg package (4.4 pounds) retailing for 139,980 Yen (or just over $1,240US). The other Core Duo-based unit, the CL516IN-DUO-GT, packs the same specs in a larger laptop with a 15-inch SXGA screen and is a bit cheaper at 129,980 Yen, or about $1,150US. Also somewhat notable is the CL511RN-M, which features a Pentium M 750 (1.86GHz) processor, 1GB RAM, and slightly more capable ATI Radeon Mobility X700 graphics, along with a glossy 15-inch SXGA screen - it runs 149,980 Yen ($1,330US). The remaing four are all fairly run of the mill, with all but one using Celeron M processors and ranging in price from 81,980 to 129,980 Yen ($727 to $1,150US). As you've probably guessed, these are all available only in Japan.
Asus A7J 17-inch Core Duo notebook reviewed
PC Perspective got a chance to check out Asus' massive A7J Core Duo notebook for a review and found that if you like your laptops big, it may be just what you're looking for. The A7J is heavy on both specs and size, with a 17-inch display, Intel T2300 Core Duo CPU, 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1600, 1GB RAM, 100GB HD (only 5400 rpm, though), and an 8x DVD±RW Dual Layer drive, all in a nine pound package that retails for about $1700. And despite a few design quirks -- like a power adapter that can sometimes block the DVD drive -- and a battery that only lasts about two hours, PC Perspective still gives the A7J their recommendation, saying it should meet the needs of just about any user, even gamers. That is, if they don't mind lugging it around.
Sotec's new WinBooks: Core Duo DN7000 and Turion 64 X2 DN6000
Sotec just announced two new WinBook laptops for the Japanese market: the DN7000 and DN6000. Ok, not really two, since the DN7000 and DN6000 are essentially the same slab, only with your choice of Intel or AMD processors as is the rage these days. The DN7000 is the 1.66GHz Core Duo T2300E model with Intel 945GM graphics while the DN6000 nuzzles up to the 1.6GHz Turion 64 X2 and ATI Radeon Xpress 1100. Both feature a 15.4-inch, 1280 x 800 LCD and base-level configs with 512MB of DDR2 RAM, 40GB SATA disk, and dual-layer DVD burner. The DN6000 will set you back about ¥99,800/$889 while the DN7000 will demand another Benjamin for that proud Intel sticker. Available today for our Japanese brethren and the more resourceful amongst you.
Dell XPS M1210 reviewed
NotebookReview got their mits on Dell's brand new XPS M1210 laptop for a looksee and really liked what they found. Indeed, while the design may leave a bit to be desired, it's hard not to like the specs on this one, especially when they're maxed out like the review unit they got. It came loaded with a 2.16GHz T6500 Core Duo processor, a 100GB 7200 rpm HD, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 graphics, and built-in EVDO, all in a 4.4 pound package measuring 11.7x8.7x1.2-inches, with one of those new glossy 12.1-inch LCDs all the cool kids have. Depsite having a few quibbles with the keyboard, and the fact that at 4.4 pounds it's not exactly an ultraportable, NotebookReview gave the XPS M1210 high marks across the board, finding that it lives up to its billing as a gaming laptop, able to run Half-Life 2 on high detail without any problems. They also complained that the laptop ran a bit warm, but then again, what doesn't?[Thanks, Dan H and Ben]
Get your own SmackBook Pro
Remember Scott's 'Smack your MacBook Pro' post from yesterday? It looks like Scott got his wish: now you can go a step further and get your own SmackBook Pro. That's right boys and girls, for the low low price of nothing (all code is released under the GPL), you too can have your very own smackable MacBook Pro. If you don't want to deal with the instructions, some commenters have compiled new versions; scroll down for the links.It sounds like this might work on any Apple notebooks with a motion sensor, as I also noticed some commenters were tinkering with getting this to work on a recent 12" PowerBook. Either way, Erling Ellingsen has ushered in a brave new world of computing - a world where you can literally smack your computer to make it do something productive.[via UNEASYsilence]
MSI releases 12.1-inch, dual-core S271 laptop
MSI has just released another 12.1-inch dual-core laptop, and the specs seem very similar to their S262 ultraportable that we spotted earlier this year, except that the Core Duo processor has been replaced with an AMD Turion 64 X2. Like the S262, the S271 ships with integrated graphics, 256MB or 512MB of RAM (expandable to 2GB), 4-in-1 memory card reader (really just 2-in-1, as it accepts only SD/MMC and MemoryStick/MS Pro formats -- where's the xD love?), and a "Super Multi DVD" drive, but manages to shed a few ounces and add a 200GB HDD option. Available immediately, this model will set you back around $1,500.
Dell XPS M1210 gaming notebook on sale in Japan
Not that we really doubted that the specs and pictures were fake, but now we have confirmation that Dell's XPS M1210 gaming laptop is indeed real, and already on sale in Japan. NotebookReview, who's been following this 12.1-inch UXGA model ever since it was leaked onto the web last month, reports that Dell Japan is offering the M1210 in configurations that max out with a 2.0GHz T2500 Core Duo processor, a hefty 4GB of RAM, 120GB of HDD space, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 graphics, an ExpressCard slot, and the usual assortment of ports and wireless radios. Using our superior knowledge of feature sets, we had predicted that this model would be cheaper than its 17-inch big brother, the $5,000 M1710, and sure enough, you'll be able to shell out at as little as $1,189 for the opportunity to become a proud member of the XPS club.[Via NotebookReview]
Working OLPC prototype gets its close-up
We still miss the crank, and had sort of gotten used to the lime green color scheme. But we have to admit that seeing an actual working prototype of the computer from Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child initiative beats all of the mockups we've been looking at for the past year or so. We don't have any specs (other than the fact that it's clearly running Fedora Linux), but from the looks of it, Negroponte has clearly done a decent job at making this kid-friendly. And the keyboard, while small, doesn't look a whole lot worse than the one on the new MacBook. If this puppy can be outfitted with WiFi, one of Samsung's new NAND drives and a couple of USB ports, customers from the industrial world may just order enough of them to subsidize that $100 price tag for developing countries (if Negroponte is willing to let us buy them, that is). [Via BoingBoing]Update: We also heard from a reliable source that final versions of the PCshouldprobably have a more fleshed out Red Hat build installed, and will have WiFi. We'll let you know more as we do!
Evesham releases 12.1-inch, dual-core Quest A230 laptop
Our favorite UK laptop rebadger is back with a new 12.1-inch member of their Quest series, called the A230, that offers dual-core technology for around $1,500. Featuring AMD's Turion 64 X2 processor, Evesham's A230 also comes with 1GB of RAM under the hood, integrated two-flavor WiFi, a built-in ExpressCard slot, and almost certainly, integrated graphics. British shoppers looking for an ultraportable around 4-pounds (that refers to the weight, not the price, wiseguy) can pick up their very own A230 immediately.[Via Core Duo Info]
Lenovo's new ultraportable V100 notebook
We're using the term "ultraportable" a bit generously here, since the new V100 from Lenovo is a whole 1.25-inches thick, and weighs four pounds. Of course, this unit does include a disk drive -- as opposed to the lighter and thinner X60 ThinkPads from Lenovo -- along with a 5-in-1 card reader and optional 1.3 megapixel camera and fingerprint reader. The V100 will also be retailing for considerably less than those X60s, starting out at around $1000. Processors range from 1.66Ghz Intel Core Solo to the 2.0GHz Core Duo, the optical drive comes as a CD-RW/DVD combo unit or as a DVD burner, and hard drives range from 40GB to 100GB. The screen is a 12.1-inch affair, with a 1200 x 800 WXGA resolution. So yeah, you can walk out the door with brand spankin' new Lenovo sporting an Intel Core processor, but it looks like you'll have to select quite a few options to get this guy up to the level of even the $1099 MacBook.[Via MobileMag]
Warning from Apple: don't put our laptops on your lap
We've heard the stories about overheating MacBook Pros, and have even heard that Apple has quietly updated the line's firmware to resolve the problem. However, the company apparently still doesn't want to take any chances on users getting a little overheated while using the new MacBooks, so they've included a warning in the computer's manual (which also appears in the manual for the MBP), advising customers not to use their laptops on their laps: "Do not leave the bottom of your MacBook Pro in contact with your lap or any surface of your body for extended periods. Prolonged contact with your body could cause discomfort and potentially a burn" Apple's solution to this is to recommend that customers put the computer on a desk or other flat surface. And, not surprisingly, the word "laptop" does not appear once in the MacBook's manual. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're off to chew on an iPod shuffle for a bit.
