SantaRosa
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Mouse Computer rolls out more Santa Rosa-based laptops
It may have been a bit late to get in on the Santa Rosa action, but Japan's Mouse Computer looks to be making up for lost time, following up its just announced m-Books with another pair of new models today. Filling in the slightly lower-end side of things are Mouse Computer's m-Book Z960 series laptops, which pack a 15.4-inch WXGA display, your choice of T7100 or T7300 Core 2 Duo processors, a max 120GB hard drive, up to 2GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS graphics, Intel Turbo Memory, and 802.11n WiFi. Taking things up a notch somewhat, the company's NEXTGEAR-NOTE M3 series laptops boast the same 15.4-inch WXGA display, but give you a choice of T7300, T7500, or T7700 Core 2 Duo processors, with a max 160GB hard drive, and the same NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS graphics, among other Santa Rosa-related specs. Those in Japan should be snag either model immediately, with 'em ranging in price from ¥129,900 to ¥229,950, or roughly $1,070 to $1,890.Read - Mouse Computer m-Book Z960 series [Via Impress]Read - Mouse Computer NEXTGEAR-NOTE M3 series [Via Impress]
Mouse Computer unveils HDMI-equipped m-Book PR200S / PR200X
Joining the Santa Rosa party a bit after the fashionably late crowd is Japan's Mouse Computer, which is kicking out a duo of m-Book PR laptops with Windows Vista and HDMI outputs. The m-Book PR200S gets us started with a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 processor, a 12.1-inch WXGA display, 1GB of dual-channel DDR2 RAM, an 80GB SATA hard drive, dual-layer DVD writer, multicard reader, Intel's X3100 graphics set, 802.11a/b/g/n, 1.3-megapixel camera, fingerprint scanner, and a bevy of ports include VGA, HDMI, audio in / out, FireWire, gigabit Ethernet, a 56k modem, ExpressCard, and a trio of USB 2.0 connectors to boot. The m-Book PR200X mimics the its lesser-spec'd sibling in most ways, but does manage to up the RAM to 2GB, the hard drive to 120GB, and you get Vista Premium versus Home Edition. These ultraportables should be hitting the Japanese streets early next week, and while the PR200S will run you ¥149,940 ($1,235), the minor upgrades in the PR200X demand an additional ¥19,950 ($164).[Via Impress]
BenQ rolls out Santa Rosa-based Joybook S32/S32W
BenQ's adding a bit more Santa Rosa cheer to its ever-expanding line of Joybook laptops, following up its recently-announced Joybook S41 with its new S32 and S32W models. Apparently differentiated only by color (black or white), the new models each boast a 13.3-inch WXGA display, a Core 2 Duo 7100 processor, Intel's GM965 Express chipset with X3100 graphics, up to 2GB of RAM, a max 160GB hard drive, a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, and integrated 802.11a/g/n WiFi, among other features. Perhaps most importantly, the laptops also keep things shiny, using BenQ's trademark "Laminated Color metal technology" for that extra bit of fingerprint-attraction. No word on price, though anyone outside of Asia will likely have to do some importing or trip-planning if they want to pick one up.
Panasonic toughens up Santa Rosa with a pair of new laptops
it's a little late to the game, but Panasonic has now seen fit to bestow some of that Santa Rosa mojo on a couple of its ruggedized Toughbook laptops, recently announcing its new CF-74 and CF-52 models based on the platform. From the looks of it, the CF-74 (pictured above) will be more or less the same as the existing model of the same name, with the notable exception of all those Santa Rosa-related upgrades, including Intel's 965 Express chipset, an unspecified Core 2 Duo processor, integrated 802.11n WiFi, and Intel's Turbo Memory cache card. The CF-52, on the other hand, takes things up a whole digit from the current CF-51 model, with it getting some of the added security benefits of the more business-minded Centrino Pro platform. According to Panasonic, the CF-74 will be the first out the gate in June, with the CF-52 following sometime in July, although there's no word on pricing for either of 'em just yet. [Warning: PDF link]
Toshiba Qosmio F40W does Santa Rosa and DX10
Although you're probably still focused on how ashamed Toshiba should be of itself for hyping up this so-called SED TV for ages only to delay things once again, checkin' out the Qosmio F40W isn't a half bad way to get distracted. The 15.4-inch multimedia-centric machine sports a 1,280 x 800 resolution, Intel's Core 2 Duo T7300 (2GHz) CPU, up to 4GB of RAM, 120GB of hard drive space, a dual-layer LabelFlash-enabled DVD writer, built-in terrestrial digital TV tuner, and NVIDIA's new 128MB GeForce 8400M GS to handle the DirectX 10 action. Additionally, you'll find four USB 2.0 ports, a 4-pin FireWire connector, ExpressCard slot, a multicard reader that handles SD, SDHC, MMC, xD, and MSPro, 802.11a/b/g, Ethernet, VGA / S-Video / HDMI outputs, S/PDIF audio output, and a Li-ion cell that purportedly lasts a paltry 1.3-hours. Of course, no word of an American release, but those over in Japan should be able to snag one within the next week or so for ¥259,800 ($2,136).[Via Impress]
AOpen intros Santa Rosa-based miniPC Duo
Given all the buzz surrounding Intel's new Santa Rosa platforms for laptops, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before some company would get the bright idea of re-purposing it for use in a pint-sized desktop PC. From the looks of it, AOpen is the first to go that route (though we somehow doubt it'll be the last), recently introducing its Santa Rosa-based miniPC Duo MP965-VDR. While complete specs are still a bit light, you can expect much of what we've been seeing in Santa Rosa laptops as of late, including Intel's 965GM chipset, support for the latest Core 2 Duo processors, 802.11n WiFi, and an Intel Turbo Memory cache card to speed things up a bit further. Still no word on pricing or availability, unfortunately, though we wouldn't expect AOpen to hold out too much longer on that.[Via 64-Bit Computers]
Evesham intros Zieo N500-HD laptop
Evesham looks to be slowly expanding its line-up of Santa Rosa-based laptops, following up the pair of no-frills models released earlier this month with the higher-end Zieo N500-HD model. This one's aimed squarely at those in the market for a desktop replacement, boasting a 17-inch display (1680x1050), a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo T7500 processor, Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics, a 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM, an Intel Turbo Memory cache card, a built-in TV tuner card, 802.11n WiFi, an ExpressCard slot, and an HDMI port, among other features. As you might expect, all that comes with the slight downside of a hefty carrying weight (nearly eight pounds), but if you don't mind the workout, you can grab one now for for about $2,180.[Via PC Launches]
Averatec's 15.4-inch 8300 gets Santa Rosa'd
Korea's TriGem just made their first trip to Santa Rosa this morning with the launch of their Averatec 8300 laptop. We're talkin' a 15.4-inch widescreen display, 160GB disk, DVD super multi-drive, a 1.3 megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel, and "the latest graphics card." Unfortunately, there's still no official word on the TG website, so let's just assume an HD 2900 XT and be done with it. What?
SanTech announces Santa Rosa T34, V35, and X36 laptops
Santa Rosa continues its relentless march into laptop hardware with the Italian company SanTech announcing that it has a whole line-up of machines running on the new chip and ready to go. The bottom end machine is the T34, which has a 13.3-inch display, a Core 2 Duo clocked at 1.8GHz, and a 256MB GeForce Go 8400M video card. Running on Vista, the T34 comes with 1GB RAM, has a multi format DVD burner, either a 5400RPM 160GB hard drive or a 7200RPM 100GB drive, 802.11n, Bluetooth, and a 2-megapixel webcam. The V35 simply ups the screen size to 14-inches, but drops the graphics card down a notch to the slower GeForce 8000M model. The X36 moves the screen estate up to 15.4-inches, the processor to 2.4GHz, and the graphics card up to a GeForce Go 8600GT with 512MB of video ram, but the hard drive space stays at 100GB along with the other specs from the T34. All of these models come with 1GB of Turbo Memory cache, but you probably won't be too excited about that. Unfortunately, the only information that we have on pricing or availability is that the models will probably be limited to Italy. Lets hope you're all booked up for a trip to Tuscany this summer then.[Via Electronista]
Sony kicks out VAIO N30 laptop, sleek LA3 desktop
While details surrounding Sony's SZ series leaked long ago, the firm is now busting out two new machines in its VAIO lineup that we've yet to witness. On the laptop side, the N30 (pictured after the break) sports a carbon fiber frame, 15.4-inch WXGA display, Intel's GMA 950 graphics set, an Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 or T7400 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 120GB shock-mounted hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11b/g, a bevy of bundled software including Office 2007 and Vista Premium, an integrated webcam, fingerprint scanner, and optional HSDPA via ExpressCard. On the desktop side, the LA3 shows off its stylish good looks and packs a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, NVIDIA's GeForce Go 7600 graphics card, a 19-inch WSXGA+ LCD, 802.11a/b/g, and Vista Premium to boot. Of course, both systems are customizable to the hilt, but the April-bound VGN-N31M/W and VGN-N31Z/W will run you €899 ($1,213) and €999 ($1,347) respectively for the basics, while the base VGC-LA3 will ring up for €1,999 ($2,696) when it lands in May.[Via TrustedReviews]
Packard Bell sneaks into Santa Rosa with the EasyNote SB85 and SB86
While the name Packard Bell usually just conjures up images of hopelessly-broken Windows 95 machines in Radio Shacks, the company has been sold several times since leaving these shores in 1999, and though the specs on the new EasyNote SB line aren't exactly turning us green with envy, they're respectable enough to make us think that current owner Lap Shun Hui knows what he's doing. Both the EasyNote SB85 and SB86 feature Intel's Centrino Duo chipset with 802.11n support, 15.4-inch screens with integrated 1.3 megapixel webcams, 2GB of RAM, dual layer DVD±RW drives, and HDMI ports. The lower-end SB85 will set our European friends back €1199 ($1624) and comes with a 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo T7100, a 256MB GeForce 8600M GS, and a 160GB drive, while the €1499 ($2029) SB86 ups the processor to a 2GHz T7300 and the video card to a 512MB GeForce 8600 BS, while weirdly dropping the drive size to 120GB. Packard Bell says it'll be dropping the SB line later this month -- we're certain all of Europe is going crazy with anticipation. [Warning: PDF link][Via SlashGear]
ASUS' Lamborghini VXS2 laptop given a Santa Rosa shine
No official word from ASUS yet, but Italian site Notebookitalia has it that the Santa Rosa class Lamborghini VX2S will be out in June. The update to the 15.4-inch VX2 brings a new 2.4GHz T7700 Core 2 Duo proc, Blu-ray Disc drive, and 512MB of NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics to a list of specs which includes draft-N WiFi, 2GB DDR2 memory, and a 160GB disk spinning at 5400rpm. Rounding things out are HDMI, e-SATA, ExpressCard, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 2.8-kg weight when fitted with the 8 cell (5200mAh) battery. Much to love... or loath depending upon your taste for these niche, co-branded products.
Acer fleshes out Aspire / TravelMate portfolios
While Acer did make a quick stop to confirm that this Gemstone brouhaha was indeed becoming a reality, the firm has apparently gotten around to fleshing out the rest of its healthy Santa Rosa lineup. On the consumer side of things, the the Aspire 5720 touts a 15.4-inch CrystalBrite display, integrated CrystalEye webcam, Dolby Digital Live audio, and a choice of ATI graphics cards. The 7720 steps it up by packing more powerful Core 2 Duo processors, a 17-inch widescreen display, an ATI graphics card with up to 512MB of RAM, webcam, and an optional DVB-T tuner, while the 9920 takes things to the extreme with a 20-inch screen, NVIDIA's DX10-capable GeForce 8600M-GT, and an HD DVD drive to boot. Meanwhile, the TravelMates are also seeing updates, as the 6592 packs a Core 2 Duo CPU, 802.11a/b/g/n, dual-layer DVD burner or HD DVD drive, ATI's Mobility Radeon X2300-HD graphics, and a 15- or 15.4-inch display. The 6492 loses an inch of screen space, steps down to integrated X3100 graphics, but sports up to 8.5-hours of battery life with a secondary cell installed in the media bay, and the 6292 wraps things up with a 12.1-inch display, WiFi, ezDock II compatibility, and a lightweight design. No word just yet on pricing or availability, but at least you've got a smattering of choices on the Acer horizon to decide upon.Read - Acer TravelMate lineupRead - Acer Aspire lineup
BenQ rolls out Santa Rosa-based Joybook S41
BenQ isn't going as all out as some companies in jumping on the Santa Rosa bandwagon, but it's not entirely missing out on the action either, trotting out its new Joybook S41 series laptop while the going's still good. This one looks to fall squarely in the middle of the Santa Rosa pack, boasting a 14.1-inch widescreen display, a T7100 Core 2 Duo processor, up to 2GB of RAM, a max 160GB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS graphics, built-in 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, and an integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam, among other standard fare. BenQ has managed to squeeze in a few things to help it stand out from the crowd, however, most notably an HDMI output and a still-less-common-than-it-should-be ExpressCard slot. No word on price, unfortunately, although it should be available sometime this month.[Via PC Launches]
Santa Rosa: el rodeo completo
Well, the flood's slowing down to a trickle -- looks like most of the laptop manfacturers that are going to be jumping on Intel's Santa Rosa Centrino Pro / Duo bandwagon right away have gotten their machines out the door. We're still waiting on a couple stragglers -- hello, Apple -- and HP's really the only company to update across the board, but it certainly seems as though Intel's hit a home run here. A full list of updated machines after the jump.
Evesham intros C515SR and C535S Santa Rosa-based laptops
Proving that the Santa Rosa craziness extends across the pond, U.K.-based manufacturer Evesham has introduced the first of its laptops based on the platform, rolling out the C515SR and C535SR today. The slightly lower-end of the two, the C515SR packs a 15.4-inch WXGA display, along with a T7100 Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, built-in 802.11a/g/n WiFi, and a dual layer DVD-RW drive. Taking things up a notch, the C535SR packs the same display but upgrades the processor to a T7500, adds NVIDIA 8600 graphics (as opposed to the standard Intel business on the C515SR), ups the RAM to 2GB, and increases the hard drive to 120GB. Both can also be customized further to suit your liking. Those in the U.K. can snap up either one of 'em now, with the C515SR starting at £699 ($1,380) and the C535SR coming in at £849 ($1680) for the base configuration.[Via Tech Digest]
Lenovo ThinkPad T61 reviewed
Like many of the other Santa Rosa-based laptops released this week, Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 has wasted no time getting itself reviewed, with the folks at PC Magazine doing the honors this time 'round. They sure seem to have found a lot to like in this one, giving it their Editors' Choice award and calling it the "best business laptop for those who love widescreens." In particular, they found it to out perform all but HP's massive Pavilion HDX in their tests, aided by its top-end T7700 Core 2 Duo processor and NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M graphics, which should even be enough for business-types to get in a bit of gaming. About the only fault they could find with it was the included 56-Wh battery, which could only eek out an hour and 57 minutes during their DVD rundown test (higher capacity batteries are available). The T61's battery also isn't compatible with those from earlier T60s, so anyone 's that's stocked up on those won't be able to carry 'em over to their new laptop.[Thanks, Jacob]
Panasonic brings Let's Note CF-Y7 to Santa Rosa
Not wanting to feel left out of the mad Santa Rosa rush we've seen over the last few days, Panasonic has introduced its first Let's Note model to sport Intel's new chipset, the CF-Y7. This 14.1-inch upgrade features a 1,400 x 1,050 display, 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo L7300, 1GB of RAM, four-flavor WiFi, and a super multi drive, and ships with Windows Vista Business. Also on board are an 80GB hard drive, SD reader, and a claimed 7.5-hour battery, but only a PCMCIA slot instead of the preferred ExpressCard. Hitting Japan on May 18th -- and possible the US as a Toughbook in the future -- the Y7 is expected to go for around ¥275,000 ($2,227). [Via Engadget Japanese and Impress]
Intel releases Santa Rosa notebook chipset
Our sister blog Engadget has the goods on Intel's newest notebook chipset which was released yesterday and is called "Santa Rosa." This chipset is the followup to earlier notebook chipsets which are presently powering the MacBook and MacBook Pro. This presumably means new and faster Mac portables sometime down the road. However, given that there was a delay of a couple of months between the first Windows PCs with the "Merom" Core 2 Duo and the first MacBook Pros sporting that processor, this doesn't mean that there will be new Macs in the immediate future. Whenever they do drop expect the top of the line to increase to 2.4 GHz (though it will remain a Merom Core 2 Duo chip), with front side bus speed increasing to 800 MHz over the 667 MHz of today. There's also a more powerful Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics chip, which should definitely help performance on a new MacBook or Mac mini. The chipset also supports more wireless networking standards, but of course there's no guarantee that Apple will use them.
Acer casts the first Gemstone, the Aspire 5920
Well, that must have been all the buzz Acer could take -- just a week after cryptically teasing the "Gemstone" concept and five days after "officially" unveiling the new design, it's announced the Core 2 Duo-powered Aspire 5920, the first machine to feature the new look. Acer's bizzare PR campaign notwithstanding, there's a lot here to distinguish the top-of-the-line 5920 from the rest of the thundering Santa Rosa herd: a 15.4-inch screen powered by 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M-GT graphics, Intel's Robson cache-to-flash technology, an HDMI port, an HD DVD drive, a DVB-T tuner, and Acer's Bluetooth VoIP phone, which charges when it's stored in the 5920's ExpressCard slot. No word on pricing or availability, but at the rate Acer's going, we wouldn't be surprised if they unveiled a new design concept to replace this one tomorrow.
