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Epson's budget-minded Endeavor NJ1000 laptop
Epson's busted out a new laptop for the low end set, loading up its Endeavor NJ1000 with yesterday's specs to keep the price down -- and offering a few upgrade options for those wanting something a tad more respectable. Opting for the base model, however, will net you the most basic of basic laptops, with 15-inch XGA display, Celeron M 410 processor, 256MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a plain old CD-ROM drive -- all for just 64,890 Yen (about $550). If you're in an upgrading mood, you can max out the system (for a price) with a Core 2 Duo T5500 processor, 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, and a DVD burner. A white model is also available although, and reversing the trend, it's the one that'll cost you a few extra Yen in this case.[Via Akihabara News]
Kohjinsha SA1F00A ultra-portable reviewed
The fine folks at Impress' PC Watch recently got a chance to check out Kohjinsha's attention-grabbing SA1F00A ultra-portable laptop to see how it stacks up to the competition (UMPC and otherwise), finding the pros and cons to mostly break down as you'd expect. While some of the finer points are lost in translation, they do seem to have dug the unit's small size and smart design, not to mention the UMPC-beating price point. On the downside, while the 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor helped to keep the battery life in check (about five hours of juice), it is somewhat underpowered compared to other, pricer devices -- although it should still be more than adequate for most common tasks. The small size also means a compromise on screen real estate, with the 7-inch display pumping out a scrolleriffic 800 x 480 resolution, though we suspect that's a price most will be willing to pay.
Details surface on Fujitsu's Core 2 Duo-powered LifeBook T4215
We're all about giving ya options, and we're certainly down with speedy upgrades, and Fujitsu is making sure both areas of greatness are covered in its newly-unveiled LifeBook. The T4215 takes over where the mediocre T4210 left off, but offers up a plethora of new hardware choices, and even promises a respectable battery life. The convertible will sport a trio of 12.1-inch LCD options, including XGA for indoor and / or outdoor use and SXGA+ for indoors, Intel's T5500/T5600/T7200/T7400 Core 2 Duo processors, "up to 120GB" hard drive, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g, and the obligatory inclusion of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. The device is slated to look like a long-lost twin of the prior model, but manages to trim 0.2 pounds from its arguably bulky frame; moreover, the 6-cell Li-ion cell promises "up to six hours" of life, but we'd be happy with just under four. While we aren't sure if this newest addition to the T-Series lineup will be available before the holiday rush, you can expect it to run you $1,799 (and way, way up) whenever it drops.
Logitech's Alto stand elevates your notebook
Looking to take your notebook to new heights? Aside from the overtly deliberate PUN that Logitech is forcing down our throats here, the Alto notebook stand ups the ante of prior renditions by including a full-sized keyboard, sleek(er) design, and an ability to hold notebooks "up to nine pounds." The collapsible device can reportedly be setup in "less than 30 seconds," and measures just 9.33- x 16.84- x 1.41-inches when folded over and not in use. The integrated keyboard touts a variety of "media controls" to handle volume, track, and macro functions, and it also offers a trio of non-powered USB ports for connecting low-power peripherals. Logitech expects to roll these $99 risers out in December for those residing in the UK, while Americans will have to wait until January. [Via Laptoping]
Hitachi to offer auto-encrypting hybrid notebook HDDs in 2007
We already knew Hitachi was planning to unveil 20GB Microdrives and perpendicular notebook drives in 2007, but now the HDD giant is one upping itself by adding some juicy details about next year's 2.5-inch hard drive roadmap. Aside from offering both 5400 and 7200RPM units "in the quarter-terabyte range," next year's Travelstar lineup will likely boast "hybrid" technology in order to conserve battery life, enable zippier bootup times / recovery from hibernation, and provide "greater reliability and higher performance" -- oh, and it's seemingly a requirement to rock Windows Vista Premium (on a laptop), too. Moreover, the firm is touting its "HDD-level encryption solution" as being "virtually impenetrable" (read: fuel for a hacker's fire) and it reportedly won't bog your machine down the way similar software-based security applications will; Hitachi's version "scrambles data using a password-generated key" as the data is written, and then descrambled with the key as it is retrieved using the highly-touted Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. Consumers can expect 7200RPM 200GB flavor to be available in "the first half" of 2007, while the larger (albeit slower) 5400RPM 250GB edition should land in notebooks before the year's end.[Via CNET, thanks resource]
Asus rolls out leather-clad W6 and S6 notebooks
Asus has unveiled a leather-clad duo of notebooks today -- the W6 and upgraded S6 -- to presumably tackle that oh-so-lucrative "luxury computing" market. While the S6 has donned the leather outfit for some time now, Asus is releasing it in a "limited run" of hot pink, which is sure to take top priority on your lovely lady's wish list. Also boasting camel / black colors, the S6 is powered by an Intel Core Duo L2300 / L2400 processor, sports an 11.1-inch WXGA display, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, S-Video out, five USB 2.0 inputs, and an ExpressCard slot to boot. The mightier W6 loses the pink shade, but gains options for Intel's T5500 / T5600 / T7200 Core 2 Duo processors, and a 13.3-inch WXGA screen. While there's no word on pricing or availability, we expect these tastefully decorated machines to demand a stiff premium when they hit stores. [Via Laptoping]
Mouse Computer's LuvBook NX
Japanese manufacturer Mouse Computer has updated its LuvBook line of laptops (or given them some more luv, if you will), adding some Core 2 Duo horsepower while keeping the size down. The top-end LuvBook i1200NX-W sports a 12.1-inch WXGA display, with a 1.66GHz Core 2 Duo T5500 processor, 40GB hard drive, 512MB RAM, Intel 945GM Express graphics, a super multi DVD drive, and built-in WiFi -- all in a 4.5 pound package. On the lower-end, the LuvBook i800NX will give you the same screen and chassis but dials things back to a 1.46GHz Celeron M 410 processor and a paltry 256MB RAM, with just a CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo drive in place of a DVD burner. Both look to be available now for ¥119,700 and ¥89,880, respectively ($1,000 and $750).[Via Impress]
DosPara's Prime Note Altair TB: a 14-inch laptop for low-end gaming
With a name like the Prime Note Altair TB, you'd think this new 14-incher would pack all kinds of swank. You'd be wrong, however, so wrong. This budget box is heading to DOSPARA shops in Japan courtesy of Third Wave Corp targeting the low-end gaming market, uh, if there is such a thing. As such, you get the yawntastic specs of a 1.3MHz Celeron M 350 proc, 40GB 5400RPM UltraATA disk, and DVD multi-drive coupled with a WXGA (1280x728) resolution on a glossy screen, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, and built-in ATI RADEON Xpress 200M graphics. Hell, it might just pull-off duty as your low-end, 5.3-pound portable gaming machine after all. And that low (for Japan) pre-order price of ¥87,580 or about $733 (sans OS) certainly helps the cause.[Via Impress]
Haier's 12.1-inch W12N laptop
If Haier's 14-incher is just a bit too unwieldy for ya girlie-man then how about trying on their svelte, new 12-incher? Oh yeah ultra-portable lovers, the W12N 12.1-inch laptop goes WXGA (1366 x 768) and loves on the T5600 Core 2 Duo processor, integrated Intel 945GM graphics, 512MB DDR2 RAM, 80GB disk, CD/DVD combo drive and slaps a 2 megapixel swivelin' camera up in the top bezel. Niiice. Still, without dimensions, price, and launch date well, we're going to keep our pawn shoppe hearts in check for now.
Averatec goes dual-core with ultraportable 2300
After blessing its slightly larger offerings with that dual-core goodness, Averatec is finally looking after the little guy by upping the innards of its slim and trim 2200. The 2300 retains the same 1.3-inch thickness and four pound weight as before, while receiving a welcome upgrade in the CPU department. Still sporting the tantamount 12.1-inch WXGA AveraBrite LCD, the machine boasts an 1.6GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 dual-core processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 100GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive, 802.11b/g, and a dual-layer DVD burner. It also packs a plethora of ports for its size, including gigabit Ethernet, 56k modem, audio in / out, 4-in-1 flash card reader, VGA output, 4-pin FireWire, a trio of USB 2.0 connectors, and a snazzy ExpressCard slot to boot. To top it off, Averatec coupled the boosted specs with a drop in price -- the 2300 ranges from just $849.99 to $949.99, depending on those BTO add-ons.[Via Laptoping]
Belkin unveils ExpressCard Notebook Expansion Dock
If you're tired of seeing those poor excuses for universal docks that connect via USB 2.0 -- most of which can't even export video without bringing your machine to a grinding halt -- you'll be elated to know that Belkin has upped the ante on the lackluster alternatives with its Notebook Expansion Dock. This device provides the extra USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet jack, and stereo inputs / outputs you've come to know and love, but steps it up in the A / V department where other units simply can't find the bandwidth to compete. By interfacing with your laptop via the oh-so-speedy ExpressCard slot, this universal dock "quadruples" the amount of available bandwidth compared to the sluggish USB 2.0 offerings, and boasts an impressive "2.0Gbps of throughput" for your media-centric needs. By relocating the bottleneck, the device can push full-motion video through its DVI or VGA ports at an unparalleled 1,600 x 1,200 resolution, channel 5.1 surround sound through the Toslink digital output, and operate peripherals connected to any of the five USB 2.0 connectors -- all while allowing your mouse cursor to function sans jerkiness. Windows XP users (sorry, Mac brethren) that aren't reserving that zippy ExpressCard slot for some other gizmo can pick up the Notebook Expansion Dock for $199.99.[Via PocketLint]
CompAmerica unveils ultralight Snow Leopard 6220
Better known for its ultra-wide and uber-powerful lap-burners, CompAmerica is taking things down a few notches with its newly-released Snow Leopard 6220. Complimenting the high-end machines, this ultralight "bundle of mobile computing joy" sports the usual me-too white enclosure, 12-inch WXGA LCD, 1.2GHz Intel U1400 Core Solo processor, 512MB of RAM, 40GB 5400RPM hard drive, dual-layer DVD±R / RW burner, 802.11a/b/g, integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics set, and a 4-in-1 flash card reader. This 2.8-pound (including battery) notebook also sports a myriad of ports, including 4-pin FireWire, PCMCIA, 56k modem, audio out, Ethernet, VGA output, and a trio of USB 2.0 connectors. While the Windows XP-powered machine may mimic the ole MacBook at first glance, the magnesium alloy casing should withstand a bit more abuse, and the built-in fingerprint scanner offers up a warm feeling of security to boot. The Snow Leopard 6220 can make your holidays white regardless of locale for $1,399.[Via Laptoping]
Terminal Tip: Keep your Mac portable from waking when the lid is opened
Although I'm a Mac Geek by trade, I tend to avoid the terminal unless I'm out of other options. I'm a GUI kind of girl. It's the Mac OS that I love, not its Unix underpinnings. I appreciate the power of the command line - I just don't want to spend all day there. Still, once in a while I come across a tip like the one, which Glenn Fleishman posted in the most recent TidBITS, and I find myself unable to resist the urge to fire up the Terminal. This tip solves a problem that I've experienced myself and many of my clients have complained about - laptops waking from sleep while in their cases because the latch won't keep the lid closed. This can cause overheating, which can lead to a variety of other problems, like hard drive failures, etc. My solution is, of course, to fix the latch! But there are times when that isn't convenient and even if it's convenient it doesn't happen often enough for some people to even bother stressing about it. By harnessing the power of pmset, the command line app that controls power management settings, you can fix it so that your sleeping beauty stays asleep, even when the latch isn't doing its job.The command is an easy one - a single line. Ready for it? sudo pmset lidwake 0 By setting the lidwake value to 0 you prevent the machine from waking until you tap a key on your keyboard, and since the value gets written just to a plist file, it takes hold right away. Of course you'll need administrator privileges since you'll be asked for an admin password before the command is executed.For more pmset options, have a look at the "man" pages at Apple's Darwin Reference library, or open your Terminal and type "man" (without the quotes), hit return and then type "pmset" (without the quotes.)
Dialogue's Flybook V33i reviewed
We've been salivating over Dialogue's FlyBook V33i for some time now. Finally, we've dug-out a review of this "dressed to kill" 2.6-pound tablet-style PC with smokin' suite of WWAN connectivity options including HSDPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM and EDGE / GPRS / GSM. Thing is, as the reviewer quickly points out, the V33i is not a tablet PC although you might be fooled by that rotating touch-screen. Instead, Dialogue goes with Windows XP and some Ritepen handwriting recognition software which, when coupled with the keyboard, means you "might not find that a disadvantage" -- just prepare to re-calibrate after each screen rotation. Although the 1.1GHz Pentium M is starting to show its age, the V33i includes a 64MB ATI Radeon XPress 200M which helps offset the load somewhat, albeit not enough for any serious gaming, but certainly enough for normal office-type usage. The Carrypad review also found the key pitch tight on the keyboard which took some getting used to and the stylus was just plain "terrible." Although they were stoked by the removable 2.5-inch hard disk which allows for DIY upgrades while the battery delivered an expected 2-2.5 hours under typical load. After four "privileged" days with the machine, Carrypad dubs the v33i a winner in terms of looks and performance particularly for those in need of an ultra-mobile PC with a full suite of fixed and WWAN connectivity options.
HP's Pavilion dv9000t goes HD DVD
Looks like the bevy of holiday updates are getting a bit of a headstart this year, as HP is already hoping its revamped Pavilion dv900t will be the prized jewel under a few lucky trees. Raising the already heightened bar, the flagship unit in the dv9000 series is receiving an oh-so-coveted HD DVD drive that doubles as a dual-layer DVD burner. It also packs a 17-inch 1,440 x 900 resolution LCD, 2.16GHz T7400 Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, dual 100GB SATA drives, nVidia GeForce Go 7600 graphics, 1.3 megapixel webcam, HDMI, 7.1 audio out, ExpressCard slot, twin headphone ports, the usual complement of connectivity options, and battery life stretching just over 2.5 hours. For those of you who rushed out to pick up last month's flavor and just can't get that craving for HD DVD to subside, HP's also bringing the High Definition DVD-ROM drive (that's an external HD DVD drive, folks) to the table. Both items should be hitting shelves (and shopping lists) soon, and while the dv9000t will set you back a respectable $2,395, pricing for the standalone HD DVD unit remains up in the air.
Samsung's M55 HD DVD laptop, yes HD DVD
Like Acer,and fellow "strong" Blu-ray supporter LG, Samsung is showing the hi-def crowd how to mix it up by opening their Blu-ray love affair to the HD DVD camp. Here we have their M55 -- formerly billed as the "world's thinnest and lightest 17-inch widescreen" at 30.5 ~ 34.4-mm thick and 2.99-kg -- only now packing some swank HD DVD action along with an apparent pixel increase to 1920x1200. Just to run down the rest of the specs on this: you get a glossy 17-inch display, 256MB GeForce 7600 Go graphics, up to 120GB of SATA disk, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, a wide range of in and outs including HDMI and S/PDIF, and suite of SRS audio features all powered by an Intel T2500 Core Duo proc. No drop date but they should pull about €3,000/$3,810 -- yeah, we know. And yes, gentle readers, there is a woman in that photo, now please try to comment on the laptop, mkay? We don't want to get rough, see.
Toshiba unveils Satellite M115 budget notebook series
Since Toshiba covered the high-end earlier, it's only fitting that it busts out a bevy of low-end hardware to right the ship. The "Mist Gray" Satellite M115 lineup, supposedly targeted at "on-the-go consumers" looking for "productivity and entertainment" on the cheap, doesn't pack any Merom goodness, but it does manage a decent showing for the price. The Satellite M115-S1061 houses a lowly 1.6GHz Intel Celeron M processor, 14.1-inch WXGA widescreen LCD, Windows XP Home, integrated ATi Radeon Xpress 200 graphics, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, 80GB 5,400RPM SATA drive, CD burning combo drive, WiFi, S-Video out, a foursome of USB 2.0 ports, and a paltry "2.08 hours" of battery life. The S1071 model throws in a DVD burner, while the S1064 is powered by Windows XP MCE. Cranking things up ever so slightly is the Satellite M115-S3094, which rocks a 1.6GHz T2050 Intel Core Duo processor, Windows XP MCE, integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics, 512MB of DDR2 RAM, 80GB 5,400RPM SATA drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11a/b/g, four USB 2.0 ports, video outputs, a 4-pin FireWire connector, and a somewhat more respectable "3.97 hours" of battery life. The S3154 sports a "Smart Indigo" enclosure in favor of the gray, while the S3104 gets a full gig of RAM. Besides the dizzying amount of specs, the real news here is the pricing: the M115-S1061 series starts at just $700, while the M115-S3094 flavors will set you back around $850.[Via Laptoping]
Sony's Vaio C series of 13.3-inchers
Sony just released their 15.4-inch Vaio N series of fashion computers for the home, now they're gunning for your personal style with the release of the Vaio C series. As such, the press release is more focused on the colors on offer -- seashell white, blush pink, spring green, espresso black and urban gray -- than the product itself. In fact, in Europe the names change to karma white, free spirit pink, natural green, timeless black, and nomad grey. Uh, Sony, less time in market research and more time on battery fabrication please. Thanks. Nevertheless, don't be fooled by those girlie looks 'cause these Core 2 Duo offerings bring plenty of power in that Vista Premium ready chassis. Starting with a 13.3-inch XBRITE-ECO wide screen display, Sony delivers 256MB nVidia GeForce Go 7400 graphics, 120GB SATA disk, up to 2GB memory, a dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, ExpressCard and multi-format memory card slot, and the usual array of Firewire and USB 2.0 ports all in a 5-pound slab. Expect 'em to start posing hard in your favorite coffee shop come October when they drop for $1,350 (starting price) or a bit later depending upon your color persuasion. More shots in blush pink and spring green after the break -- come on sissy, you know you want to look.[Via Laptoping]
Toshiba's Satellite A105-S4344 goes Merom
In case you haven't had your fill of Merom-powered notebooks, Toshiba is hoping to spice things up a bit with its oddly-spec'd A105-S4344. We hope you really dig the 6-pounder's "onyx blue metallic" finish, as it's the only available color option at present. If you're still hanging with us, you'll find a 15.4-inch LCD, 1.66GHz T5500 Core 2 Duo CPU, a whole 2GB of RAM, a massive 200GB 4200RPM hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11a/b/g, and even a fingerprint reader to boot. Toshiba apparently felt these impressive inclusions could cover up the lackluster Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, missing Bluetooth, substandard XGA resolution, and the lack of gigabit Ethernet. Anyways, the machine does muster a nice selection of ports, including PCMCIA, ExpressCard, 5-in-1 flash reader, S-Video out, 4-pin FireWire, and a foursome of USB 2.0 ports. Presumably catering to media-centric buyers, Toshiba includes Windows XP Media Center Edition and a reported "4.22 hours of battery life" to watch at least a couple decent flicks while on the move. The snazzy blue A105-S4344 is currently available for $1,399.99 (after rebate).[Via Laptoping]
Toshiba's Satellite AW6 and CW2: Core 2 Duo and Celeron, together at last
Toshiba just gave a full-digit jump to their Satellite AW5 and CW1 laptops. The AW6 offers the same 15.4-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) display but bests its predecessor by offering the 1.66GHz Intel T5500 Core 2 Duo proc, a 256MB GeForce Go 7600 GPU, up to 120GB disk, and dual-layer DVD mult-drive on top of the usual smattering of WiFi, ExpressCard, memory card, USB, and Firewire capabilities we've come to expect. Yet with all the bumps, the AW6 still maintains the price of ¥189,800 or about $1,700 US. The low-end, 14.1-inch CW2 comes configured with choice of Celeron M410 or T2300 Core Duo processors, Radeon Express 200M or Intel 945GM Express graphics, and up to 1.5GB of memory, 100GB of disk, and dual-layer multi-drive for prices ranging from ¥109,800 on upward to ¥149,800 (about $937 to $1,278). Both released today in Japan with a Stateside launch expected soon. You can check the CW2 after the break.
