SantaRosa
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Gateway's E-265M, E-475M laptops released and reviewed
In a departure from other companies, it looks like Gateway has managed to keep its new Santa Rosa laptops from leaking out before today's big release, although it does seem to have been willing to send out a few units for some early reviews. Aimed primarily at business users, the E-265M and E-475M boast virtually identical designs and specs, differentiated mainly by the 14.1-inch display on the former and a 15.4-inch one on the latter model. Otherwise, each laptop will give you a choice of Core 2 Duo processors, either ATI Radeon HD X2300 or Intel GMA X3100 graphics and, perhaps most notably, a promised 10 1/2 hours of battery life (if you opt for both the 12 cell battery and the modular battery, that is). As for how they stack up, the folks at CNET found that they both proved to be decent enough systems (giving same 7.4/10 rating to each), although they weren't exactly blown away by the switch to Santa Rosa, finding only modest gains in performance. Also, while they liked the $1,399 starting price, the cost of adding some of those desirable upgrades proved to more be a tad off-putting.Read - Gateway Press ReleaseRead - CNET, Gateway E-265MRead - CNET, Gateway E-475M
Sony bumps Vaio SZ and AR notebooks to Santa Rosa
Looks like Sony's decided to go all the way with Santa Rosa -- not only did it introduce the new FZ today, it's also giving the AR and SZ lines the full Centrino Duo makeover, with Core 2 Duos ranging from 1.80 - 2GHz sitting on that oh-so-popular 800MHz frontside bus and 802.11n networking. The AR (pictured above) is the real bruiser here, with a 17.8-inch XBRITE screen powered by an NVIDIA GeForce 8400M, a built-in webcam, HDMI out, a recordable Blu-ray drive, and a digital TV tuner beakout box with a CableCARD slot. All that power doesn't come light, though -- the AR tips the scales at 8.4 pounds. Road warriors will be more interested in the 4.1-pound SZ, which drops the old-school EDGE modem of its predecessor for a Sprint EV-DO model but otherwise remains basically the same: 13.3-inch XBRITE screen with the ability to toggle between integrated Intel X3100 graphics and an NVIDIA GeForce 8400M chip to save battery life, built-in webcam, and a trick carbon fiber body on the Premium model. No word on pricing or availability, but these two rolled out at around $3000 each the last time around, so we're not expecting any mad rush here.
Dell officially announces Santa Rosa-based D630 and D830
Not one to be left out of today's Santa Rosa madness, Dell has officially announced a couple of laptops that, like most of the Santa Rosa laptops now rolling out, have already managed to make themselves known. In case you missed it, the Latitude D830 and D630 offer two variations on the same theme, with the former boasting a 14.1-inch display and the latter a 15.4-inch one, and each packing integrated 802.11n WiFi, as well as your choice of an Intel Turbo Memory cache card or a hyrbrid hard drive to help speed things up a bit. Dell's also showing a bit of love to AMD (who must be feeling a little left out today), officially announcing its 15.4-inch D531 Latitude, available with your choice of Turion 64 or Sempron processors, but lacking the SSD and hybrid storage options of the Intel-based Latitudes. From the looks of it, all three are available now, with the D630 and D830 starting at $1,189 and $1,249, respectively, and the D531 coming in at $839 for the base configuration.
HP gets official with new laptop lineup
There's not a lot of surprises given all the leaks we've seen, but HP has now officially taken the wraps of its expansive new lineup of laptops, all of which are based on Intel's new Santa Rosa platform. On the consumer front, the company's introducing a slew of new Pavilion laptops, including the dv2000 series, dv6000 series, dv9000 series, and the previously-announced beast that is the Pavilion HDX. Of the less gargantuan laptops, three new models pack 14.1-inch, 15.4-inch, and 17-inch widescreen displays, respectively, and each come loaded with a variety of Core 2 Duo processors, Nvidia GeForce 8400M graphics, built-in webcams (optional in some models), and integrated WiFi (including 802.11n in some models). Look for these to boast starting prices of $999, $949, and $1,199. For the more business minded, HP's also busted out a number of new laptops in its Compaq Presario line, including the 14.1-inch V3000 series, 15.4-inch V6000 series, the 17-inch 8710 and 8510 series, the 2710p convertible tablet, the 2510p ultralight and, last but not least, the 6910p, 6710, and 6510b "Balanced Mobility" models, which boast 14.1-inch and 15.4-inch displays. On the low-end, you'll be able to get a V6000 laptop starting at just $899, with starting prices going all the way up to $2,199 for the top-end 8510w model. As for availability, you can look for all the Pavilion laptops and the Compaq Presario 6910p, 6710, and 6510b to start rolling out immediately, with some more Presarios following in mid-July and the rest trickling out over the course of the summer.
Intel's Centrino Duo and Centrino Pro Santa Rosa chipsets go live
If you haven't noticed by now, the laptop industry is going Santa Rosa crazy today, and for good reason: Intel's next-gen chipset is officially "out" as of now, following up the Napa / Yonah combo of last year. Intel is sticking with the Core 2 Duo "Merom" processor for the time being, but is releasing new, faster versions that take advantage of Santa Rosa's faster front-side bus, which is up at 800MHz, compared to 667MHz of prior versions. The new processors are odd-numbered to set them apart, and include the 1.8GHz T7100, 2GHz T7300, 2.2GHz T7500, 2.4GHz T7700, 1.4GHz L7300 and 1.6GHz L7500 -- with the latter two being low-voltage versions. As seen on many of the models announced today, or leaked in the recent weeks, the new Intel 965 Express Chipset includes more than the FSB goodies, with support for the new DirectX 10 and Vista-friendly Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics and the Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN 802.11n chip. That's the gist of the consumer-oriented Centrino Duo, while the Centrino Pro adds in a Gigabit Network Connection that supports remote wake-up over WiFi. Unfortunately, while the processors and front-side bus are all ready to go, laptop memory is still stuck at 667MHz, and Intel hasn't made it clear whether the Santa Rosa platforms will be able to handle the 800MHz memory due to launch later this year.
Fujitsu LifeBook S6410 13.3-incher added to a considerable collection
While we wouldn't say there are too many laptop manufacturers exactly slacking off on Santa Rosa introductions, Fujitsu-Siemens is making everyone else look bad, with this here S6410 laptop being about the tenth Santa Rosa-top we've seen from this manufacturer in a week. The 13.3-inch LifeBook S6410 naturally runs that new Core 2 Duo goodness, along with Intel's 965 chipset and GMA X3100 graphics. Fujitsu has also tossed in a UMTS modem, Smart Card reader and webcam, along with a Bluetooth option and Intel's Turbo Memory Robson tech in the near future. No word on price or availability, but where's the fun in that?
Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 laptop gets official
Just in case the leaked specs weren't solid enough for you, Lenovo has finally opened up and revealed the 14.1-inch T61 to the world. In what's being dubbed the "strongest, coolest, and quietest ThinkPad ever," the T61 comes sheathed in a magnesium alloy frame (Top Cover Roll Cage in Lenovo lingo), and touts an "improved cooling system, enhanced wireless connectivity with Ultra Connect II, and up to 15-percent longer battery life through its Battery Stretch control option." Furthermore, you'll find a WXGA+ display, a wide range of Intel's Core 2 Duos, up to 160GB of 5400RPM HDD space (or 100GB at 7200RPM), NVIDIA's 128MB Quadro NVS 140M graphics set, an optional Blu-ray drive, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n, and even an option for WWAN connectivity via EV-DO or HSDPA; additionally, there's a four-in-one media card reader and your choice of Windows XP / Vista. It looks like the May timeframe we had heard about earlier will actually stay true in this case, and while you can price this bad boy as high as you can dream, the base machine will run you $1,399.[Via LaptopLogic]
Samsung Aura Q45 details emerge
The action on the Santa Rosa front continues to heat up as details about Samsung's Aura Q45 leak out. The 12.1-inch little monster, which we first spotted in concept form at CeBIT, sports a 1.8GHz Intel T7100 Core 2 Duo on an 800MHz bus with a 128MB NVIDIA Geforce Go 8400M powering a 1,280 x 800 screen. No word on that oh-so-hot integrated HSDPA / WiBRO modem or the built-in DMB tuner on Sammy's CeBIT concept, but the 1.3 megapixel webcam and the multiformat memory card reader seem to have made the cut. The Q45 is expected to drop in Europe "shortly" for €1,159 ($1,578) -- not bad, not bad at all.[Via Electronista]
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]
LG announces Santa Rosa lineup
The first Santa Rosa laptops are appearing at a frenzied pace these days, but unlike the leaked models we've seen from other manufacturers, LG has decided to go official with five upcoming X-Notes based on Intel's new chipset. Ranging from 12.1-inches (R200) to 15.4-inches (R500 and E500), these new units all come equipped with Core 2 Duo processors, between 1GB and 2GB of RAM, pleasantly non-integrated graphics from either NVIDIA or ATI, between 120GB and 160GB of storage space, and -- for every model other than the E500 -- high-speed 802.11n WiFi. Looks like these Vista-powered machines are available immediately, though as you probably expected, only LG's fellow Koreans will be snatching them up for the time being. [Via PC Joint]
HP set to release yet more Santa Rosa-based laptops
HP already has more than a few Santa Rosa-based laptops set for release, but it looks like the company isn't quite done with the platform just yet, with word of a half dozen more laptops coming out today. All of these fall under the Compaq moniker, and include model numbers 2510p, 6910p, 8510p, 8510w, 8710p, and 8710w. Specs-wise, this bundle pretty much runs the gamut, from the ultraportable 2500p with its 12.1-inch WXGA display and 2.8 pound carrying weight, to the desktop-replacing 8710w and 8710p, which each pack 17-inch displays, NVIDIA graphics, and Blu-ray drives as a option. All but the 2510p also pack Core 2 Duo processors ranging from the T7100 to the T7700, and boast integrated fingerprint scanners along with usual built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. As with HP's other Santa Rosa laptops, however, there's no word on pricing or availability, although that should be coming soon enough.
HP's HDX Pavilion 20-inch gaming notebook from more angles
Remember that 20-inch HP HDX Pavilion laptop from yesterday? Well, more shots of the massive gaming laptop have turned up from different angles to give us a better idea of how this top-end laptop looks. This new angle puts the HDX closer in style to the traditional laptop form factor than its main "inspiration," the Dell XPS M2010. Still, the sheer size of the screen coupled with the remote means that this is a laptop with one helluva identity crisis: is it best to think of it as a portable home entertainment system, or a maxed out machine for those with very wide laps? A capable gaming machine it may be, but we have a feeling this won't be the only area where it draws interest. Hopefully, as the unveiling of Santa Rosa nears, HP will grace us with an official press release and we'll be able to get a better idea of the HDX's currently unconfirmed specs.
Asus G1S and G2S gaming notebooks with Santa Rosa
The Santa Rosa bonanza continues with the "leak" of information on two new Asus laptops. The Asus G1S and G2S are updates on the G1 and G2, and will come with Santa Rosa Core 2 Duo processors up to 2.2GHz. Both models get bumps in screen resolution, with the 15.4-inch widescreen G1S moving to the G2's 1680x1080 resolution, and the 17-inch G2S going for 1920x1200. Powering those multiple megapixel displays is an Nvidia GeForce 8600M with 256MB of video RAM, which gives these models the DirectX 10 compatibility which all the kids seem to want these days. Rounding out the specs is all the usual high-end laptop gear -- 2GB RAM, 160GB and 200GB HDDs, DVD burners, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth -- which is just what you'd expect with the €1700 and €1900 ($2300 and $2560) pricetags. The source says that these numbers will hit on May 21, and judging by the Euro pricing information, we'd guess that they'll remain Europe only for now.
HP preparing Pavilion HDX 20-inch gaming laptop?
It looks very much like HP is planning to release its first gaming laptop in the form of the 20-inch Pavilion HDX: the evidence being renderings which have appeared on electronista.com. Even though we've seen 20-inch monster laptops before, the HDX is quite a sight, with the extra width apparently being used to contain a Windows Media Center remote and a full size number pad. The launch date and pricing of the HDX isn't known, but the source suggests that it may be timed to coincide with the launch of the Santa Rosa Core 2 Duos which will be included in the HDX at 2.4GHz speeds, and possibly at an "factory-unclocked" frequency of 2.6GHz. This behemoth weighs in at a rather lean -- consider the competition -- 12-pounds, and "may" come with an 8800-series GeForce Go graphics card to grab those oh-so-elusive gaming PC credentials. Of course, this could all be one humongous fake, although with HP leaking like crazy in recent days, we're leaning on this being legit.[Thanks, Jonathon]
Compal readies IFL90, IFL91, IFT00, and ITF01 Santa Rosa laptops
The race to crank out Santa Rosa-equipped lappies has just become a sprint, as even Compal has joined the ranks of Fujitsu, Dell, Asus, and HP (among others) to loose a bevy of new machines on the world. The IFT00 and IFT01 each sport a 14.1-inch display, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, an option for an HD DVD player, gigabit Ethernet, an ExpressCard slot, four USB 2.0 ports, FireWire, WiFi, a biometric scanner, and a SATA hard drive to boot. The IFT00, however, ups the ante on its lesser-spec'd sibling by throwing in a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 8600, while the IFT01sports Intel's integrated GMA X3100 graphics set. The IFL00 and IFL01 maintain most of the same specifications, but offer up a 15.4-inch WXGA+ or WXGA display and the option for a nine-cell battery. All four units should drop in Europe sometime soon, with pricing details to disclosed at a later time.[Via PCLaunches]
Fujitsu's newest LifeBooks: the E8410/8490 and A6030
Just a day after seeing the Amilo Pi2515, a few FCC sleuths have discovered that a different pair of Fujitsu machines are waiting for release here in the US. Looking to add to new options to the LifeBook lineup, the E8410/8490 should tout a 15.4-inch WUXGA or WSXGA display, Intel's 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo T7700 processor, and a WM3945ABG Mini-PCI WLAN module that completely shuns 802.11n. The LifeBook A6030 looks to posses the same CPU as its more expensive sibling, but chops the resolution on its 15.4-inch screen down to WXGA. Unfortunately, that's all the dirt that the existing documentation was able to spill on these up and coming lappies, but after this paperwork get ironed out, it shouldn't be too long before it happily joins the ever-growing Santa Rosa population here in America.[Via PCJoint]
Dell says "us too!" with Latitude D830 and D630 Santa Rosa and AMD models
We're not out of the woods yet when it comes to Santa Rosa releases. Dell is throwing its business-friendly hat into the ring with the 14.1-inch D630 and the 15.4-inch D830, according to some leaked info Laptoping got ahold of. The laptops are not only going to feature Santa Rosa chips and Vista, but SSD and hybrid storage options (like Dell recently added to the D420 and D640) and up to 4GB of RAM. Depending on the model, the laptops will come with an Intel GM965 or PM965 chipset, along with X3100 integrated graphics -- though it's likely a dedicated graphics choice will be offered as well. The 14.1-inch D630 is sporting the same case as its D620 predecessor, and offers up 1280 x 800 or 1440 x 900 screen resolutions. The D830 does 1280 x 800, 1680 x 1050 or 1920 x 1200 on its 15.4-inch screen, and sports the same look as the D820 before it. Both laptops feature 802.11n, gigabit Ethernet and PCMCIA, while the D830 also adds in Smart Card and ExpressCard slots. Dell is also reportedly prepping the Latitude D531 and D631, which feature similar specs to those of the D630, but run AMD Turion 64 X2 processors and integrated ATI Radeon X1270 graphics. The hybrid and SSD stuff is all here, though the D531 does lose the 802.11n. You can get the D531 with a 1280 x 800 14.1-inch screen, or a 15.4-inch 1280 x 800 or 1440 x 900 screen, while the 14.1-inch D631 sports those latter two.Read - Dell Latitude D630Read - Dell Latitude D830Read - Dell Latitude D531, D631
ASUS announces A7S, F3SV, F3SC, A8SC and W7S Santa Rosa laptops
Just in case the recent outpouring of Santa Rosa wasn't doing enough to keep you satisfied, ASUS just announced five laptops sporting the new mobile processor. None of 'em break much ground on the design or form factor side of things, but Santa Rosa isn't the only thing these laptops have going for them. The 17-inch A7S-7S006C runs a 2GHz T7300 Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 1440 x 900 screen and perhaps most excitingly, the new NVIDIA GeForce 8400G mobile graphics card with 896MB of RAM. For sheer power, the ASUS F3SV (pictured) is teh win, with T7100 to T7700 procs at its disposal, up to 2GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M graphics with up to 1GB of RAM. The F3SC is similar, but steps graphics down to an 8400, with 384MB of RAM -- both laptops feature 1280 x 800 15.4-inch screens. The same graphics card ends up in the A8SC, alongside a 1.8GHz T7100 processor, 1GB of RAM and a 14.1-inch 1280 x 800 screen. Finally, the W7S brings up the rear with a 1.3-inch 1280 x 800 screen, T7100-T7500 processor, 2GB of RAM and 128MB of GeForce 8400 graphics. All of the laptops feature webcams of various resolution, along with plentiful connectivity. No word on when specifically these are due to wow us with their DirectX 10 prowess, or how much those fun and games will cost.
Fujitsu Siemens intros Santa Rosa-based Amilo Pi2515 laptop
It doesn't look like the flood of Santa Rosa-based laptops is showing any signs of letting up, with Fujitsu Siemens now tossing its new Amilo Pi2515 into the mix alongside models from HP, Lenovo, Sony and others. At over six pounds, this one isn't exactly a lightweight, but you do get some decent specs with that added heft, including a 15.4-inch WXGA display, your choice of T7100 or T7300 Core 2 Duo processors, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, up to 2GB of RAM, a max 200GB hard drive, a dual-layer DVD burner, and a welcome ExpressCard slot to let you take advantage of the growing amount of gear out there. Unfortunately, as is the case with many of the other Santa Rosa-based laptops we've seen, there's still no word on what it'll cost or exactly when it'll be available.
Acer, BMW team up for Aspire laptop refresh
There's no need to fix it if nothing's broken, and apparently Acer isn't deviating from the lucrative automotive partnerships anytime soon. While the Ferrari lineup tends to cater to the high-end laptop buyer, the company has now partnered with BMW to provide stylish, automotive-inspired machines to "the average consumer." The team will collaborate to refresh the Aspire series (dubbed Gemstone), and while specifics aren't entirely clear, we do know that users can expect a curvaceous design and a dash of Santa Rosa under the hood. Additionally, the BMW lappies will offer up WiFi, Dolby surround sound, and HDMI, and there was even a hint of a 17-incher and an option for HD DVD. Best of all, it sounds like users will have a choice between an AMD or Intel processor, and although pricing information wasn't divulged, Acer did state that "no premium for the extra design work" would be tacked on.
