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Toshiba's Windows 8 RT laptop gets demoed by TI (video)
When Toshiba broke out its Windows 8 RT, Transformer-like tablet at Computex we were quite sad to find it was only a non-functional prototype. Especially since TI was on hand as well, maker of the OMAP processor that will be under the hood. Well, we'll call it a consolation prize, but the Dallas-based chip maker does have a functional version of an ARM laptop that Toshiba will be releasing. The video is more or less the same demo we were given on the OMAP 4470 development tablets -- some swiping between apps and light web browsing. We don't have any new details to share about the touchscreen clamshell device unfortunately, but you can see it in action after the break.
Intel Ivy Bridge touchscreen Ultrabook reference design hands-on (video)
Interested in replacing both your tablet and that clunky notebook with a svelte all-in-one portable? Intel might have just the gadget for you -- an Ivy Bridge Ultrabook with a built-in 13.3-inch 1600 x 900-pixel capacitive-touch LCD. We happened upon such a device in the bowels of Intel's gaming-centric CeBIT booth, and had a chance to go hands-on with the company's one and only (at this show, at least) reference design touchscreen Ultrabook. The device we saw appeared to be no larger or thicker than similar portables, but integrated a gorgeous 13.3-inch touchscreen, along with that elusive 1.5GHz Ivy Bridge processor. Unfortunately Intel was mum on detailed specs, though the prototype we saw did include a pair of USB 3.0 ports, SIM and SD card slots, and an HDMI port. And according to the system info page, the touch feature supports up to 10 individual input points. We're also told that there might be NFC functionality on-board, though the only visible confirmation of this hardware feature was a piece of medical tape with the letters "NFC" inscribed.The touch functionality worked just as expected -- if you've used touch on a high-end tablet before, you're already familiar with the experience here. We were able to navigate the installed Zinio app with ease, flicking through magazine pages and pinch-and-zooming our way around a cover. You can of course use the touchscreen to adjust system settings, drag-and-drop files or input text with the on-screen keyboard, though we found the trackpad and hardware keyboard to be more practical here. Overall, this appears to be a no-compromise solution -- it will surely add to the manufacturing cost for next-gen Ultrabooks, but if you opt for a touch-equipped model only to find that you prefer traditional input controls, there's not much lost on the feature front. And, if you do happen to enjoy flicking your way around a notebook, you're definitely in for a treat. You'll find our hands-on video just past the break.
Ask Engadget: best multitouch / touchscreen-enabled laptop?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Sid, who ain't buying a laptop if it's LCD doesn't react to his digits, you understand? If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "What is the best multitouch entertainment laptop? The only one I'm aware of is the HP DV6Tse with a multitouch display. I'm just wondering if there's a better value multitouch laptop out there?" Well, we know for sure that you have a few options, but that whole "value proposition" thing is anyone's call. Any readers out there care to chime in on what their favorite / least favorite touchscreen laptop is? You know where to go.
Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 in action: good benchmarks, so-so multitouch
Step aside, VAIO P, Fujitsu's managed to take too-small screens on netbooks to new heights with the UH900, and the addition of a touchscreen makes you seem seriously early 2009. So, how does it perform? UMPC Fever is feeling it, with a CrystalMark score helped along by the UH900's SSD, even if done few favors by the 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor. Unfortunately, while the touchscreen display does offer multitouch gestures, they seem rather laggy -- as demonstrated in the video after the break. And thus we witness the odd disconnect of "laptops" and "phones," as the screen size and processor speed borders on a merging point and the interaction styles (or at least the execution on those styles) almost couldn't be further apart.
Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 spotted in the wild, courtesy of shouting speech bubbles
There could only be two reasons for why we got a bit excited upon the discovery of this Asia Pacific-only, $1,415 Fujitsu UH900 in Hong Kong: one was the sugar rush from two custard tarts earlier in the day, and two was the speech bubble overload on this smartbook laptop thing. We quickly sobered up when we heard about the two-hour battery life -- more pessimistic than Fujitsu's own press release, which promises three hours in ECO mode. While there was no hands-on opportunity to try out the multitouch screen -- a self-proclaimed world's first on this form factor -- we weren't impressed by the overall glossiness and the dull side bezel, but kudos to the guy who managed to keep a straight face while revealing the petite battery life. %Gallery-80607%
