ultra-portable
Latest
Asus intros U1E ultra-portable laptop
We just caught sight of three new Asus laptops, but it looks like that's not all the company has up its sleeve, with its ultra-portable U1E model now also making its first appearance. This one boasts an even smaller form factor than the company's just-announced 12.1-inch, 3.3 pound U6S laptop, in this case shrinking things down to an 11.1-inch WXGA display and a mere 2.2 pound carrying weight (albeit with only a 3 cell battery). Otherwise, you'll get an Intel Core Duo ULV7500 processor, up to 2GB of RAM, a 100GB hard drive, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, with an external DVD burner thrown in for good measure. A nine cell battery is also available for those that actually want to get some work done, with it apparently promising upwards of six hours of running time. Look for this one to be available next month, in Italy at least, for €1,999 (or $2,844).
Sony intros upgraded and drip-proof VAIO G-Series laptop
It looks like Sony's found yet more room for improvement in its VAIO G-Series ultra-portable laptop, and not just in terms of the usual spec bumps. While it certainly has that front covered, it's also mangaged to squeeze in some newfangled water-proofing measures, which apparently discharges water through a "water pit" at the rear of the laptop, and can even shut down the laptop when there's too much water for it to handle. As for the more conventional upgrades, the laptop is now available with your choice of 48GB or 64GB SSD drives in addition to the previous 32GB one, and your choice of U7600 or U7500 Core 2 Duo processors, with lower-voltage Core Solo processors apparently still an option. As with the previous models, however, this one's still only available in Japan, where it'll set you back between ¥154,800 and ¥275,000 depending on the configuration (or roughly $1,350 to $2,400).[Via Akihabara News]
Apple working on 13-inch ultra-portable and uninspiring MacBook updates?
AppleInsider has the word on the updates to Apple's portable range, which have been missing out on all the Santa Rosa action that seemingly every other notebook range has been enjoying lately (this is getting to be a habit). If AI's sources are correct, then we're to expect some rather uninteresting updates to the MacBook range. The next refresh of the MacBooks will supposedly be particularly unimpressive, as AI says they'll be missing out on the Santa Rosa architecture and those LED backlights that SJ promised. For those updates you'll have to cash in for the MacBook Pros, which will be getting Core 2 Duo Santa Rosa CPUs up to 2.4GHz, and the LED backlights if the rumor proves right. In a resurrection of a rumor that seems to have been circulating since the PowerBook 2400 was discontinued in 1998, AI is also saying that an ultra-portable Apple laptop will come with on-board NAND flash for boosting application performance, a 13-inch LCD, and will be thinner and lighter than existing Apple laptops thanks to the absence of an optical drive. Like most cases of Apple rumors, it'll only exist when it's out. Until it does / doesn't, we'll continue to see this kind of speculation.
Hands-on with the Flybook V ultra-connected ultra-portable
Unlike CES, there is no shortage of newly announced UMPC devices here at CeBIT. Perhaps that's due to this being the 1st anniversary of the platform's launch. But if you're looking for the ultimate in QWERTY portability, then look no further than the new FlyBook V5. This 1.2kg pup packs pretty much everything the discerning road-warrior could want: 1.06GHz Intel Core Duo ULV U2400 processor; up to 2GB of DDR2 memory; Intel 945GM graphics; 8.9-inch, 32-bit color, 1024 x 600 (WXGA) touchscreen display which works with the touch of a finger or included stylus in both landscape and portrait (tablet) modes; 40GB hard disk; 1.3 megapixel swivelling camera built-in to the bezel; Gigabit LAN; stereo speaker; and fingerprint reader. It also brings a reasonable mix of expansion which includes Express card, 2x USB 2.0, and TV-out. The best part, however, is the number of radios packed into this ultraportable. It starts with Bluetooth 2.0, sprinkles in some 802.11a/b/g WiFi, and and then smothers it all with 3.6Mbps UMTS/HSDPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM. The V5 measures just 235 x 163 x 30-mm and packs a 1.2kg heft making it feel solid, not heavy in the hand. Good thing too, cause those controls you see between the keyboard and display allow you to pick the unit up while in a traditional laptop config and continue navigating the display. The miniature 80-key keyboard of the working prototype v5 that we tapped upon was seriously springy. The reduced size and key bounce would certainly take some getting used to. A sacrifice we'd be privileged to make if we could call this unit our own. Still, things might stiffen up before the April release – The Netherlands and Italy first with the rest of Europe to follow "soon" thereafter. Sorry, no definite plans for a US release date making us want one even more.%Gallery-2185%
Hands-on with the Asus U1 ultra-portable: 1.78-pounds of Core Duo hotness
Sony's Vaio G -- remember that sweetness? Just a few months back we were all salivating for the G's 12.1-inches of Core Solo action in a slim, 1.98-pound kit. Now steel yourself brother, ASUS has an unannounced U1 under wraps set for global -- yes, global -- release in mid-to-late February. The U1 features an 11.1-inch WXGA (1360x768) LED display, 1.06GHz U2400 Core Duo processor, up to 1.5GB of DDR2 RAM and 80GB disk, Bluetooth (and WiFi we can assume), a webcam in the bezel, external optical multi-drive and even a port replicator. It also delivers some added peace of mind via integrated fingerprint reader, motion sensor and HDD protection. It's not clear what graphics processor the U1 packs but rest assured, the whole kit is Vista compatible. Decent specs all around for kickin' back with a few Office apps or browsing the web on a very slight, 1.78-pound (with 3-cell battery installed) sled. So, we bet you're wondering how it feels, right? Light as hell. So light in fact, that we thought it was an empty shell of a mock-up before ASUS hit the power switch. The keyboard had an unsettling spring to it, however, which will hopefully get sorted before the U1 goes production. Starting price: $2,199. Pics-a-plenty in the gallery below. Hands on with the Asus U1 ultra-portable: 1.78-pounds of Core Duo hotness
Sony bringing its 32GB Vaio UX Premium Micro PC to the US
Finally, we ultra-portable nerds in the US can experience the agony of deciding whether to part with $2,500 for the 32GB flash memory-based Vaio UX Micro. Dubbing it the UX Premium Micro PC, the device is a US-market version of the Japanese 32GB Vaio UX that will also be coming to Europe as the VGN-UX1XN. Like its European cousin, the Premium Micro will run Vista and sport a 1.3GHz Intel Core Solo U1500 processor, a 4.5-inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, a 32GB solid state disk, a Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11g, USB 2.0, Firewire, and Memory Stick Duo memory card slots, and it's also going to have integrated Wireless WAN with EDGE connectivity. You'll have until February to either save the two and a half grand or cut up your credit cards to prevent financial ruin; click on for another pic.
Kohjinsha SA1F00B scores English review
We finally have an english review and video of that hot little SA1F00 ultra-portable from the company behind the budget Sotec line-up of PCs in Japan, Kohjinsha. It's all what you'd expect: lots of love for the portability, spec-sheet, "nice" keyboard, and pivot screen for tablet folding action; knocks for "cheap looking" materials and a 500MHz Goede LX800 processor which Akihabara assumes won't be up to decoding DVD and DivX videos with high resolutions and bit rates. This was not tested in the review, however. Now, as Carrypad points out and we're happy to underscore, both the Raon Vega and PepperPad 3 which sport the same LX800 chipset can handle XViD/DivX at over 2Mbps just fine -- no frame drops. Still, everyone agrees, that little Geode is all you need for web surfing, email, and common MS Office tasks and should help eke-out 5 hours from the battery in the process. With a $1,000 pre-order from Dynamism, it's also the cheapest 7-inch ultra-portable, UMPC-like, XP thingy out there with a QWERTY keyboard. Now get over to Aki for all the pics and video.[Via Carrypad Journal]
NEC's UltraLite VersaPro VC 12.1-inch laptop: a rugged 2.14-pounder
NEC has an update to their rugged, UltraLite series of laptops in the chute with this, the VersaPro VC. In what should be an oxymoron of features, these ultra-lightweights start at just 970-grams (2.14-pounds) yet are rugged enough to withstand up to 150-kg of pressure to the case. The 12.1-inch laptop with up to a 1280x1024 pixel display can be configured with a 1.06GHz Core Duo U2400 or Celeron M 423 processor, Intel 945GMS Express graphics, up to 1.5GB of DDR2 memory and 100GB 5400rpm SATA disk, dual-layer DVD writer, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, and security via fingerprint scanner and FeliCa port. You can even squeeze out 14.5 hours off an optional battery if you don't mind the added weight. Pre-order now, nicely spec'd for about ¥271,950 or about $2,351 when these ship in late January. [Via Impress]
Fujitsu's concept PC now a working prototype (video)
Fujitsu can be hit or miss when it comes to product design. Then there's this odd-ball, tri-fold computer first spotted last year which we can't decide to love or hate. Before we could just pan it off as novel concept, but it turns out that working prototypes are now flittering about inside Fujitsu R&D. No specs have been released but we can tell that device features a fingerprint reader for security and what are most likely dedicated media or gaming (or both) controls available before unfurling the QWERTY. Well, if Sammy can release their SPH-P9000 in December, we say why the hell not Fujitsu... Godspeed. Check the vid after the break.
Kohjinsha SA1F00A ultra-portable reviewed
The fine folks at Impress' PC Watch recently got a chance to check out Kohjinsha's attention-grabbing SA1F00A ultra-portable laptop to see how it stacks up to the competition (UMPC and otherwise), finding the pros and cons to mostly break down as you'd expect. While some of the finer points are lost in translation, they do seem to have dug the unit's small size and smart design, not to mention the UMPC-beating price point. On the downside, while the 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 processor helped to keep the battery life in check (about five hours of juice), it is somewhat underpowered compared to other, pricer devices -- although it should still be more than adequate for most common tasks. The small size also means a compromise on screen real estate, with the 7-inch display pumping out a scrolleriffic 800 x 480 resolution, though we suspect that's a price most will be willing to pay.
Arima UM650UV1 UMPC: another XP ultra-portable that won't run Vista
It's been a long time since we've heard a notable peep from Taiwan's Arima... and then this. Meet the Arima UM650UV1 UMPC. This 1.1-inch thick / 1.5-pound UMPC delivers the, er, tricked-out specs of the UMPC poster boy -- Samsung Q1b -- only with a slim slidin' QWERTY always in tow. So we're talking a 1GHz VIA C7-M processor, 512MB DDR2 memory, VX700 UniChrome Pro graphics, up to 40GB of 4200RPM P-ATA disk, integrated webcam, and a 5-hour capable battery under a slightly leaner 6.5-inch 800x480 touch-sensitive LCD with LED backlight. Only thing is, you'll have to suck it up with your WiFi and Bluetooth jutting out the side on a USB stick. No? Us neither. You know, it's nice to see all these XP ultra-portables coming out of the woodwork suddenly, albeit, 6 months too late. What with Vista right around the corner, how 'bout announcing some of those v2 UMPCs running Vista we've been waiting on? Yes Acer, Averatec, LG, and Samsung, we're looking at you. [Via Carrypad]
Samsung's SPH-P9000 Deluxe MITs: Windows XP at 75 MPH
Ultra-portable XP devices have been getting a whole lot of interesting lately. Now Samsung just upped the ante with this -- the SPH-P9000 Deluxe MITs -- at the Mobile WiMax Summit 2006 in South Korea. Measuring in at chubby 143 × 94.3 × 29.75-mm / 580-g (5.6 × 3.7 × 1.17-inches / 1.28-pounds) when folded, this Windows XP device unfolds (dare we say) origami-like to reveal a 1GHz Transmeta CPU and both Mobile WiMAX (AKA, WiBro which is already launched in Korea) and EV-DO for data connectivity. No WiFi apparently, this all about Mobile WiMAX kids, with Internet speeds of 2-3 Mbps even when travelling up 120-KPH (75-MPH). The SPH-P9000 packs a 5-inch 854x480 (WVGA) LCD, 30GB disk, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and apparently ships with both an internal 2980mAh and 7200mAh external extended-battery. People who have played with a prototype on display at the show complained about the screen being too small (in DMB-cellphone crazed Korea!?) and of excessive heating. Well, they can at least work on the latter before the scheduled Korean launch in the first half of 2007. No pricing yet but we've got plenty more pics after the break. [Via AVING and The Korea Herald]
Kohjisha's SA1F00: better and cheaper than a UMPC
Japan has a new mini-PC in the works this time from the obscure Kohjisha company. Besting the specs of most UMPCs while combining a 77-key keyboard, the SA1F00 might just be what the aspiring UMPC fan boy has been waiting for. Ok it's not a true UMPC, but this ultra-portable Windows XP device features AMD's 500MHz Geode LX800 CPU, a 7-inch 800x480 touch-sensitive display, up to 1GB of memory and 80GB of disk, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 3-in-1 memory card and CF card slots, and respectable 5-hour battery with a 2.2-hour full recharge or 1.5-hours for 85% juice. Oh, and it measures just 218 x 163 x 25.4-mm / 8.6 x 6.4 x 1-inches while tipping the scales at 960-grams / 2.1-pounds. And get this, it all starts at a mere ¥89,000 (about $754) with a 40GB disk on up to ¥109,800 (about $930) for 80GB of disk and MS Office pre-installed. Compare that to the $1,178 Raon Vega, $2,000 Vaio UX290P, or $800 ASUS R2H and you'll understand the fuss. [Via Akihabara News]
Haier's 12.1-inch W12N laptop
If Haier's 14-incher is just a bit too unwieldy for ya girlie-man then how about trying on their svelte, new 12-incher? Oh yeah ultra-portable lovers, the W12N 12.1-inch laptop goes WXGA (1366 x 768) and loves on the T5600 Core 2 Duo processor, integrated Intel 945GM graphics, 512MB DDR2 RAM, 80GB disk, CD/DVD combo drive and slaps a 2 megapixel swivelin' camera up in the top bezel. Niiice. Still, without dimensions, price, and launch date well, we're going to keep our pawn shoppe hearts in check for now.
Dialogue's Flybook V33i reviewed
We've been salivating over Dialogue's FlyBook V33i for some time now. Finally, we've dug-out a review of this "dressed to kill" 2.6-pound tablet-style PC with smokin' suite of WWAN connectivity options including HSDPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM and EDGE / GPRS / GSM. Thing is, as the reviewer quickly points out, the V33i is not a tablet PC although you might be fooled by that rotating touch-screen. Instead, Dialogue goes with Windows XP and some Ritepen handwriting recognition software which, when coupled with the keyboard, means you "might not find that a disadvantage" -- just prepare to re-calibrate after each screen rotation. Although the 1.1GHz Pentium M is starting to show its age, the V33i includes a 64MB ATI Radeon XPress 200M which helps offset the load somewhat, albeit not enough for any serious gaming, but certainly enough for normal office-type usage. The Carrypad review also found the key pitch tight on the keyboard which took some getting used to and the stylus was just plain "terrible." Although they were stoked by the removable 2.5-inch hard disk which allows for DIY upgrades while the battery delivered an expected 2-2.5 hours under typical load. After four "privileged" days with the machine, Carrypad dubs the v33i a winner in terms of looks and performance particularly for those in need of an ultra-mobile PC with a full suite of fixed and WWAN connectivity options.
Sony VAIO VGN-TXN10 brings the EV-DO Rev A
EDGE, smedge, prepare to taste the speed of EV-DO rev A folks as Sony and Sprint team-up on the ultra-portable VAIO VGN-TXN10. Previously, only available on Cingular's EDGE network, Sprint will be packin' their Power Vision network into this 2.8-pound, sub-incher giving subscribers 450-800 kbps downloads and 300-400 kbps upload speeds (on average) when they begin upgrading to Revision A. For their part, Sony brings that 11.1-inch widescreen display, Core Solo proc, WiFi, Bluetooth, up to 11-hours off battery, and dual-layer DVD burner with Instant Mode for soaking up media without the need to boot into XP. It's not clear when, exactly, this combo will all come come together, but the notebook will cost you about $2300 when this whole thing kicks off in Q4.
Samsung Q35 ultra-portable, now with Core 2 Duo
Mmmm, that tasty Samsung Q35 just went Core 2 Duo. And from the looks of things, that's the only change you're gonna see; same 12.1-inch widescreen display, 80GB SATA disk, up to 1GB memory, and integrated Intel graphics swaddled in a sleek, 4-pound ultra-porable. Still, while the new proc won't be any more efficient with the juice than the Q35's former Core Duo, that promised 20% boost in performance ain't chicken feed. Most of all, kudos to you Sammy for not calling this the World's Smallest Core 2 Duo laptop held by a shoeless waif. Nice to see a bit of restraint on this one. Also announced is the less interesting 15.4-inch, R55 with that same 1.8GHz T5600 Core 2 Duo CPU, disk, and RAM but with GeForce Go 7600 graphics for that extra bit of oomph. Stay tuned for the deluge of Core 2 Duo lappies to come dear readers.
Averatec's almost ultra-portable AV2260-EK1 reviewed
PCMag got their hands on the top dog in Averatec's "ultra portable" – although at 4.2-pounds and 1.43-inches thick, we would classify it as more of a thin-and-light – 2200 series, and the verdict seems to be a resounding "meh". The AV2260-EK1 sports some solid specs, like a built-in DVD burner, 1GB of RAM, 80GB of storage and a 12.1-inch WXGA screen with Averabrite, but the AMD Turion 64 MT-32 can't keep up with most of the new Core Duo machines and dropped battery life to a pitiful 1 hour 42 minutes with the included cell. You can add an extended life battery for an extra $100, but that puts a hurt on the $1079.99 retail price, bumping it to about the same level as the thinner, faster Macbook or Dell's shiny M1210. All that plus a "cramped" keyboard lead us to believe we should keep scrimping and saving until we have enough for something truly ultra-portable.
Hands on with Sony's would-be UMPC killer, the UX180P
Sony is never a company to back down from raising a few eyebrows or ruffling a few feathers in the standards game, and so shall it be with the not-quite-UMPC UX180P. There's little question that the UX whips up on the current crop of UMPCs in the marketplace, sporting a more powerful processor, higher-res screen, integrated keyboard and EDGE -- but at $1800, it needs to. And right there lies the million-dollar question: at almost double the cost of a UMPC, does the UX serve its function? And what exactly is its function, for that matter? Read on for our take on the answers, along with some in-depth imagery.
Averatec's 10.6-inch AV1150 ultra-portable notebook
Averatec has just released the first member of its new 1100 series of ultra-portable notebooks, the AV1150-EW1, which sports the same low voltage Pentium M chip that we saw last year in the company's 1000 series, but improves on several other key specs. The most notable difference between the two series is the inclusion of a DVD burner on the new model, although doubling the RAM from 512MB to 1GB is certainly a much appreciated bump as well. All the rest of the features -- 80GB HDD, integrated graphics, WXGA display, and 802.11b/g -- remain the same, and yet Averatec has still managed to shave off a few ounces to help the 1150 weigh in at just 3.4 pounds. Available immediately online or in select stores, we found this model selling for a wallet-friendly $1,300, which is a bit less than the AV1050 commanded at its debut.[Via The Gadgets Weblog]
