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Lenovo's new ThinkPads hide a fingerprint reader in the power button
Lenovo has revealed the latest models — refreshed versions of previous laptops with new features that include a power button with built-in fingerprint reader — joining its ThinkPad line.
Sony VAIO T14 and T15 touchscreen Ultrabooks arrive at Sony's store, Best Buy starting at $770
Sony flaunted its VAIO T series 14- and 15-inch Windows 8 touch-enabled Ultrabooks at CES 2013 last month, but we weren't able to do anything at the time but snap, film and fondle them a bit. Now those models have arrived on Sony's store for pre-order, giving us a complete picture of pricing, specs and availability. We knew about the 15.5-inch, 1920 x 1080 touchscreen for the T15, and now we also know it'll be available with 3rd generation Intel Core i3-3227U, i5-3337U and i7-3537U processors starting at $770, $950 and $1,150 respectively. You'll also get Intel HD 4000 graphics, HDMI out, USB 3.0 and a DVD burner, with 4GB of RAM and 500GB + 24GB hybrid hard drive (HHD) on the i3 model; 6GB of RAM and the same HHD on the i5 model; and 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD and Blu-ray disk player on the top Core-i7 model for $1,400. The VAIO T series 14-inch models, meanwhile, will sport a 14-inch, 1366 x 768 touch display with 3rd gen Intel Core i5-3337U processors, 6GB of RAM, 500 GB + 24GB SSD HHDs, a DVD burner, Intel HD 4000 graphics, HDMI out and USB 3.0. That model will run $900, but of course you'll be able to customize it (or the T15) to your heart, and wallet's content. Meanwhile, Best Buy is also showing the VAIO T15 model with Core i5, 8GB of RAM and the 500GB + 24GB HHD for $930 or so. Sony's got most of them in stock, with custom models shipping by February 19th, well before its CES prognostication of "early Spring" -- so if you've been hoping to actually, you know, do something with those famous Windows 8 live tiles, hit the source. [Thanks, Erik]
Sony details VAIO T15, touchscreen T14 Ultrabooks on their way to Japan
Sony was mum on most of the details of the VAIO T15 and a touch-upgraded T14 when they appeared at CES. We won't have to wait until the spring launch in the US to know what some editions of the Ultrabook will carry, though. At least for Japan's February 9th release, the T15 won't be running any Haswell-based parts -- the top-spec system carries a 2GHz Core i7 from the current generation, a BDXL drive and a 1TB hybrid hard disk. The touch-ready T14 will be just as modest with a 1.8GHz Core i5, a DVD burner and up to 750GB of hybrid storage. We wouldn't be shocked to see performance boosts to either PC before they cross the Pacific, but we at least know what to expect as a baseline.
Sony announces 14-inch VAIO T14 Ultrabook, says it will offer the T13 with an optional touchscreen
In case you haven't noticed, Sony just announced pricing for all sorts of touch-friendly Windows 8 products -- namely, the VAIO Duo 11, Tap 20 and the E14P multimedia laptop. But not everything in the company's lineup needs to have a touchscreen. The outfit just announced the VAIO T14, a reasonably priced 14-inch Ultrabook that you'll have to use the old-fashioned way: with a keyboard and trackpad. So far as we can tell, it's the same metal-and-plastic industrial design as the existing T13, except now the speakers sit above the keyboard, instead of on the front edge. As you can imagine, the 14-inch version (pictured above) is a bit thicker and heavier than the 13-inch model (3.77 pounds, up from 3.54), which means the chassis is now wide enough to accommodate an optical drive. What's slightly disappointing, though, is that while the T14 has a larger footprint, it doesn't add any additional ports. As with the T13, you get two USB ports (one 3.0, one 2.0), HDMI output, an Ethernet jack, audio-out and a VGA socket. Another USB connection or two would've been nice, is all. In addition to announcing the T14, Sony also revealed that it will start offering the T13 with an optional touchscreen -- a $100 upgrade you can add during the configuration process. (Sony's Japanese and UK divisions already announced a touch-enabled version of the T13, but until now it was unclear whether it would ever go on sale in the US.) As you might have guessed, that touchscreen adds a few ounces to the weight. The upside, though (aside from having a touchscreen, if that's what you're into) is that it has a prettier, edge-to-edge glass display -- a definite improvement over that standard wide bezel. (Check out the shot after the break to see what we mean.) The T13 will continue to sell for $670 and up, with the touch option becoming available this month. The T14 will also go on sale in the coming weeks starting at at $670.
Orbitsound T14 soundbar debuts at CES, will take its sweet time getting to market (hands-on)
You'll be forgiven for being a little misty on who exactly Orbitsound is -- the British company has only sold its T12 soundbar in the domestic market -- but today it's reminding everyone of its presence with a brand new product for CES-goers in the T14 you see above. The company's patented "spatial stereo" sound is still the big selling point, promising a revolutionary aural experience that eliminates the need to occupy the traditional sweet spot for enjoying stereo sound. That's achieved via six 2.5-inch drivers and a studio-class amp that "senses" surrounding acoustic conditions and calibrates output for best results. A bold claim, to be sure, but you'd expect no less for something that will cost $600 when it becomes Orbitsound's first global launch later this year. Wireless technology is also put to good use, with the T14 communicating through the air with its accompanying subwoofer and wireless iPod / iPhone dock. We'll be tracking one down while here in Vegas and trying to figure out just how spaced out its sound really is. %Gallery-112590%
