SantaRosa
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HP leaks Santa Rosa laptop specs aplenty
HP has already (indirectly) let out word of Santa Rosa upgrades to a couple of its business laptops, but it doesn't look to be stopping there, with details on a number of new Santa Rosa-based consumer laptops now also leaking out. Those getting the upgrade in this batch include the HP Pavilion DV2500, DV6500, and DV9500, along with the HP Compaq Presario V3000 and V6000. None of them are exactly on the ultra portable side of things, with screens ranging form 14 to 17 inches, along with 1.6GHz T5450, 1.8GHz T7100, or 2.0GHz T7300 processors, and integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics on all but the Pavilion DV9500, which gets a slightly more powerful NVIDIA GeForce 8400M with 256MB of dedicated RAM. As all the information is coming from leaked product manuals, there's no word on pricing or availability, but we'd expect that to be coming from HP before too long.[Via Laptoping]
HP cooking Santa Rosa into Compaq 6510b and 6710b laptops
We've already seen the AMD versions of HP's new Compaq business laptops, the 6515b and 6715b, but now, thanks to a couple of leaked maintenance manuals, we've got word of Intel Santa Rosa versions of those two models: the 6510b and 6710b. Just like their AMD brethren, both models come with a WWAN option, and the main difference between the two is the 14.1-inch WXGA screen in the 6510b and 15.4-inch WXGA or WSXGA+ screens in the 6710b. Processors range from the 1.8GHz T7100 to the 2.4GHz T7700, and both stick to Intel GM965 integrated graphics. Both laptops can be specced pretty much any way you can imagine, and can come with anything from Vista Business to SuSe Linux pre-installed. No word on price or availability, but with all sorts of Santa Rosa-tops getting ready to launch, it shouldn't be much longer of a wait.[Via Notebook Italia]Read - HP Compaq 6510b manual (Warning: PDF link)Read - HP Compaq 6710b manual (Warning: PDF link)
Sony spills more info and pics on upcoming laptops
We got some more info today from a friendly tipster about Sony's upcoming and not-so-secretive summer laptop lineup. The FZ info we had for the most part, but it's nice to get a bit of confirmation that Sony is actually going with 2GB of RAM and Santa Rosa across the board for the Vista laptops, along with Blu-ray in the FZ11Z. The other goodness we've got here are the first pics of the 11.1-inch TZ series (shown above), some downright sexy ultraportables that are replacing the comparatively frumpy TX laptops. Sony is touting up to 9 hours of battery life, with 1GB of RAM and a 80GB hard drive in the TZ11MN/M, and 2GB / 100GB in the TZ11XN/B. Both laptops feature integrated cameras and microphones, just like the FZ series, and are running Vista Business on Core 2 Duo U7500 processors. Still no word on price, but the info we have has these hitting at least the UK in July.%Gallery-2895%
Sony's summer laptop lineup leaked, including Santa Rosa FZ series
There isn't quite an abundance of info about these up-and-comers from Sony, but it's better than nothing. Sony is prepping the 15.4-inch FZ series, 13.3-inch SZ5, 11.1-inch TZ11, 13.3-inch CZ and 14-inch CR for a summer launch, and is apparently having a hard time keeping the info under wraps. We've got a few shady specs on screen resolution and whatnot for a few models, but the fact that the 11-inchers on up to the 15-incher are sporting WXGA resolutions seems to cast a bit of doubt on the proceedings. Luckily, we've got the skinny on the FZ19 (pictured above), which includes the new Santa Rosa chipset from Intel, along with integrated X3100 graphics, 2GB of RAM and a 120GB HDD. Most of the laptops, including the FZ series, include built-in webcams and heaping helpings of RAM. The TZ series is a refresh to the TX line of ultraportables, and seems to be making some good strides, including a purported business-friendly redesign and an SSD option due for a later revision. Not too many specifics on launch dates, but July seems to be the general word, at least for the CZ and CR series. Hit up the read link for more detailed specs.
Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 and R61 Santa Rosa-tops leaked, due in May
While the classic IBM ThinkPad stylings might play well in the ultraportable range, we've never been quite impressed with Lenovo's widescreen attempts at business friendly minimalism. That said, there's a lot to love in the specs department of Lenovo's upcoming T61 (pictured) and R61 Santa Rosa 14-inchers, which IBM leaked info on today -- which is odd, considering the fact that the IBM logo has left these things completely -- and while the looks might be a tad frumpy, the actual sizes aren't so terribly chubsy. Of course, the big news here is the Santa Rosa processor action, with chips like the T7100, T7300, T7500 and T7700 bringing up to 2.4GHz of 64-bit Core 2 Duo lovin' to the two models. Other notables include Intel's latest PM965 integrated graphics chipset, Intel Turbo Card "Robson" flash memory cache tech in select models, and a LCD "roll cage" in the T61. You can also toss in discrete NVIDIA graphics, or pretty much whatever else you're up for: wireless, connectivity and storage options abound. No word on price, but we should be seeing the first of these around May, with NVIDIA, 160GB encrypted drives and Blu-ray versions following in July.[Via NotebookReview]Read - Lenovo ThinkPad T61Read - Lenovo ThinkPad R61
Zepto's Znote 6625WD does DX10, HSDPA, and HD DVD
Considering that Zepto isn't exactly "the name" in full-blown gaming laptops, we certainly hope this one won't turn out like ones prior, but the Znote 6625WD purportedly packs a plethora of lavish innards if it proves legitimate. The 15.4-inch machine is based around Intel's Santa Rosa, er, Centrino Pro platform, and sports a WSXGA resolution, Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, NVIDIA's 512MB GeForce Go 8600 graphics card, DirectX 10 support, an optional HD DVD writer, 802.11a/b/g/n, HSDPA compatibility, and to top things off, an HDMI output. The company will supposedly be taking customized orders in May to satisfy your wildest dreams, and while the bottom-end of the bunch could land at around "$1,100 to $1,200," we imagine that some of the aforementioned luxuries will ratchet that right on up.[Via Laptopical]
Fujitsu introduces their FMV-BIBLO laptops to Santa Rosa
Ok, let's not forget Santa Rosa just yet. After all, Fujitsu just unveiled their lineup of Santa Rosa spec'd FMV-BIBLO laptops. The lithe 13.3-inch MG series (pictured) start at just 1.58-kg (3.48-pounds) and 22.4-mm (0.88-inches) yet come slammed with up to 4GB of memory, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, 120GB 5400rpm SATA disk, and a multi-bay drive for a DL DVD burner or extra battery for up to 9.2-hours of untethered operation. Unfortunately, they don't specify which CPU this lappie is running. The NF series on the other hand, slaps a Santa Rosa generation, T5500 Core 2 Duo processor with 800MHz FSB (Front Side Bus) inside a 15.4-inch rig with additional support for ExpressCard/54. Fujitsu also announced seasonal updates to their AV-centric 17-inch NX series and 10.6-inch LOOX T-series. The NX gets some updated Core 2 Duos (non Santa Rosa editions) to accompany some serious AV expansion-works while the LOOX T welcomes a bump to an ULV Core Duo processor. All available in April for prices ranging from ¥420,000 (about $3,521) for the NX on down to about ¥150,000 ($1,257) for a bare-bones NF model. Pics of 'em all after the break. Read -- FMV-BIBLO MG and NF Read -- FMV-BIBLO NX and LOOX T
Forget Santa Rosa, how about a quad-core Penryn?
Honestly, we don't exactly know how to take the news that Intel's already looking beyond next month's Santa Rosa release to a reported quad-core Penryn mobile processor. On one hand, our eyes relish the opportunity to play the latest titles at the highest resolutions whilst bragging aimlessly to our online pals, but then again, we don't look forward to the presumed third-degree burns that could likely develop from tossing these in such tight quarters. Nevertheless, Intel managed to drop a few more details in regard to its mobile CPU plans, and noted that Santa Rosa's successor would likely be based on the 45-nanometer Penryn design and offer high-end gaming notebooks a ridiculous amount of power. Additionally, an Intel exec showcased the future chip's ability to be user-overclocked, suggesting that it would be "your responsibility to take care of cooling." Of course, if Intel could buddy up with IBM's miracle-working cooling solutions, the forthcoming chip could manage to breathe a bit easier, but we've got until "the first half of 2008" to see about all that.
Toshiba's fancy new Qosmio G40 desktop replacement
Toshiba has finally shed the frumpy aesthetics of its Qosmio GXX line of desktop replacements and co-opted the clean white lines of the R400 for the brand new Qosmio G40. There's the "usual" 17-inch 1920 x 1200 screen, dual 200GB hard drives, T7300P Core 2 Duo processor (Santa Rosa), 2GB of RAM and other basic necessities like that, but things get extra interesting with the 512MB GeForce 8600M GT graphics, an HD DVD-R drive and HDMI 1.3. The laptop should be come to at least Europe in June, with an asking price of around 3000 euros (about $4004 US).[Via Electronista]
Intel rolls out first Core 2 Duo ULV processors
So those pokey UMPCs and super-duper ultraportables that we love to hate are about to get a little more peppy, thanks to a pair of ultra low voltage processors from Intel that just happen to sport that AMD-killin' Merom core. Without much fanfare (or any at all, really -- where's the OCC ULV chopper?), Santa Clara introduced the 1.06GHz U7500 and 1.2GHz U7600 CPUs today, the latest chips to join the powerful Core 2 Duo family. Headed straight for the smallest of the small PCs, the new models are compatible with both the Napa and upcoming Santa Rosa platforms, with a minor pinout change necessary to accommodate the latter when it's released. Pricing details were not immediately available when we wrote this, but you can probably expect these two low-enders to be some of the cheapest Merom parts yet.
Intel gets official on Centrino Pro, adds vPro
Things are shaping up nicely for prospective laptop buyers holding out for Santa Rosa systems before they make the plunge. Intel just confirmed that the platform will be making its way into laptops in the second quarter of this year, and clarified that Centrino Pro is only part of the action, not the whole dealio. Intel also has come forward with a welcome feature addition for enterprise types: vPro, which Intel unleashed on the desktop side last year, will be included in Centrino Pro, allowing for remote management and upgrades of systems by IT folks, and improved virtualization. Of course, it'll also involve signing up for a smorgasbord of Intel-only parts, such as the 802.11n MIMO WiFi, but that's just the way Intel rolls.[Via Laptoping]
Gigabyte unveils U60 UMPC, Centrino Pro notebooks
Gigabyte chose to unveil the products it'll be showing off at CeBit today, and though we had been anticipating the 6.5-inch, Via-powered U60 UMPC Medion-rebadge, the five new Santa Rosa / Centrino Pro-based notebooks come as mostly a surprise. Built around Intel's latest, Merom-specific mobile platform, all five models sport a capacious 10,000mAH eight-hour battery and are loaded up with Vista. The entire spec sheets won't be made available until the show kicks off, but what we do know for now is that the W251U is a 12.1-inch ultraportable with built-in webcam, the W466U and W468N are both 14.1-inch machines -- with the latter offering 256MB NVIDIA NB8P graphics as well as Robson quick-boot technology -- the 15.4-inch W566N sports the same chipset along with Dual-Heatpipe cooling, and the 17-inch W756N is a gaming workhorse with 1GB worth of graphics cards in SLI. Obviously with the lack of details comes a dearth of info on pricing and availability as well, but all that and more should be revealed in just a few short days. [Warning: PDF link].[Via Core Duo News, thanks Staska]
Intel's Crestline integrated graphics to run DirectX 10
It's an utterly inevitable upgrade to Intel's ubiquitous integrated graphics mobile chipsets, but we're still pleased to hear that it's coming sooner rather than later. TG Daily has learned that Intel's upcoming GM965 Crestline chipset, the core of the "Santa Rosa" platform, is indeed DirectX 10 compatible. It was already a bit of a surprise that some integrated graphics chips could handle Vista's Aero, but DirectX 10 implies a level of performance that should considerably exceed what we've seen in integrated laptop graphics previously. Naturally, we're not expecting much in the way of Crysis-level accomplishments (pictured), but that game is only the most visible of what are sure to be many more DirectX 10 games and apps in the future. The most recent word is that the chipset should be making its debut in May, with four FSB800 processors in tow: the 1.8GHz T7100, 2.0GHz T7300, 2.2GHz T7500 and 2.4GHz T7600. A couple of low-voltage versions should show up soon after that.
NVIDIA confirms GeForce 8-series for laptops
NVIDIA may be talking up its high-end graphics for cellphones these days, but that doesn't mean it's forgotten about those who prefer their portable gaming slightly less portable, recently firming up some details on its GeForce 8-series graphics hardware for laptops. The big news is that the company has confirmed that they plan to ship the new-and-improved hardware in time for the launch of Intel's upcoming Santa Rosa platform, otherwise known as Centrino Pro, which still seems to be on schedule for a Q2 launch. Assuming ATI doesn't have something up its sleeve, that would make the GeForce 8-series the first DirectX 10-compliant laptop graphics hardware, able to handle high-definition video as well as games. As you might have guessed, there's unfortunately no word yet on how much of a premium it'll add to sure-to-be-already-pricey laptops.[Via Laptoping]
MSI's GX700 gives way to Intel 965PM and NVIDIA NB8P
It's no secret that CES gave way to a smorgasbord of new kit for us all to drool over, but it seems that MSI showcased two forthcoming technologies that weren't exactly set for public unveiling. NotebookReview happened to take a gander at the innocent looking 17-inch GX700, and in the process of admiring its expansive WSXGA+ display and Core 2 Duo processor, they also noted the strange black line crossing out the Intel 965PM chipset feature, which is supposedly the yet-to-be-disclosed "Crestline" chipset that will support the Santa Rosa (er, Centrino Pro) processor platform. Additionally, the lappie sports a full-size keyboard, dual-layer DVD burner, 4-in-1 card reader, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, an optional DVB-T tuner, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, and curiously enough, an NVIDIA NB8P graphics card, which also lacks a formal announcement of its existence. Of course, both of these mysterious components could face naming changes or technical revisions before getting official, but it's fairly safe to assume that we'll be seeing a new chipset / graphics card finding homes in laptops here before too long.[Via Laptoping]
Intel's Santa Rosa platform officially dubbed Centrino Pro
While the Mac faithful are still twiddling their thumbs waiting for Apple to finally bump those sexy MacBook Pros to Merom status, Intel's not wasting any time officially dubbing its next generation notebook platform. The company unveiled the Santa Rosa chipset, complete with integrated HSDPA, at this year's Intel Developer's Forum, but we've now learned that it will not only be built "around the 64-bit dual-core Merom" processor, but it'll carry a "Centrino Pro" nametag to boot. Although specific speeds weren't announced, the chip giant did say that next year's Core 2 Duo lineup would include "T7300, T7500 and T7700 models," which boast an "800MHz front side bus and 4MB L2 cache," while the low-end T7100 gets it on-die cache halved. Simultaneously, Intel's "GM965/PM965 chipsets and 82566MM Gigabit Network/Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN network chips" will be unveiled to complete the Centrino Pro trifecta. Intel's planning on having these expeditious goodies ready by "Q2 2007," and the $300 million its throwing down for "promotion purposes" should keep us all very informed on its progress.[Via Laptoping]
Intel's Santa Rosa chipset to rock with integrated HSDPA
Today at the Intel Developer Forum, the company announced that the next generation of mobile processor chipset, known as "Santa Rosa," will feature an integrated HSDPA radio from Nokia. (Oh, and it should bump the FSB to 800MHz and drop power consumption, as usual.) This follows a trend that we've been seeing over the last year with various laptops frontin' 3G access so you can get your speedy internet on wherever life may find you, be it Northern California or elsewhere -- though we've not necessarily seen it so deeply embedded. In other news expected to materialize in 2007, Intel says it will also offer a new ultra-mobile chip based on the Core 2 Duo design but with half the power draw and one-fourth the physical size. No word on if that HSDPA and low-power stuff will make it into that sexy sketch of a sports car we saw earlier, though.
