This computer’s least costly model is again $1399 and includes a Core i5 processor running at 1.6GHz per core with 4GB of memory and a lovely 128GB of SSD. That’s more space than any normal person could possibly want, yes? You can upgrade to a full Core i7 processor for $200 more if you wish, and if you’re in the mood for more space you can get another whole 128GB for $300 more. Any setup you get at the moment will be set to ship on the 17th of February, 2012, so get em in now!

As for how lovely this device is in person – we’ve got you covered! We had a look at this laptop of true power back at CES 2012 and we’d just love to let you in on some hands-on knowledge. Though this laptop certainly isn’t the thinnest Ultrabook in the world at the moment, it more than makes up for it in odd bits and pieces. Have a look here in our hands-on video or head down to the timeline to get all the information you need!

[via HP]

Alternatively, one of those PCI cards can be used to slot in a separate graphics card, or indeed you could use Sandy Bridge‘s onboard GPU capabilities to drive up to four displays simultaneously. Using an mSATA-SSD, fitted into the Mini-PCIe slot on the mainboard, means the system can take advantage of Intel’s proprietary Smart Response Technology, exclusive to the Z68 desktop chipset, to bolster the performance of the regular hard-drive.

Such drives can be fitted into the XPC SZ68R5′s two 3.5-inch bays (one internal, one external) or into the 5.25-inch bay (which otherwise could be used for an optical drive). Motherboard connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gbit ports, two SATA 3 Gbit ports, two USB 2.0 and an RS232 port, while on the outside there are four USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, an eSATA/USB combo, 7.1-channel analog audio, and S/PDIF digital audio. The standard PSU is a 500W unit, and one of the front USB ports gets 2 Amps for charging power-hungry devices like your iPad.

Shuttle is asking €301 ($397) for the XPC SZ68R5, though that doesn’t include a processor, RAM, any standalone graphics cards, optical or hard-drives, or SSD memory for the Smart Response Technology boost.

The company even finds room to slot in a DVD burner, with a Blu-ray drive as an option. Storage is courtesy of a 1TB 7,200rpm HDD, and there’s room on the Mini-ITX motherboard for up to 8GB of DDR3 memory.

Connectivity includes gigabit ethernet along with WiFi a/b/g/n, six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, audio in/out, HDMI 1.4, a pair of digital audio ports (optical and coax) and standard analog audio. The dinky desktop is supplied with a 250W PSU as standard, but those keen to overclock the X51 can specify a 330W PSU instead.

Vertical or horizontal positioning is supported, and unlike many SFF chassis there’s the promise of easy access to the guts of the system for upgrades and general tinkering. The traditional Alienware lighting is present too, with customizable zones, and the Alienware Command Center app is preinstalled to handle power management and other performance aspects.

The Alienware X51 is available direct from Dell now, priced from $699. That gets you a Core i3 chip and 4GB of memory.

Graphics are courtesy of whichever Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3, i5 or i7 processor you slot in, so basically HD Graphics 2000 or 3000, and the XH61 can take a CPU with a maximum TDP of 65W. Ports include HDMI, D-Sub, three audio outputs (with 7.1-channel surround sound support), gigabit ethernet, six USB 2.0 (two up-front behind a drop-down panel) and two PS/2 for legacy peripherals.

The box can be positioned upright or flat on your desk, or even screwed into a VESA mount on the back of your display, and while it may look nowhere near as slick as the aluminum Mac mini, there’s plenty of flexibility for turning it into a media center PC or something similar.

The Shuttle XH61 is priced at €146 ($186) though you’ll have to supply your own processor, memory, hard-drive and optical drive on top of that. Drop a Core i7 inside and you might have quite the little slab of potency.

The XPS 13 isn’t Dell’s first ultraportable notebook but, as Tim Peters – CSMB Client Business Strategy and Planning at Dell, pointed out to us, previous models have had more than their share of compromises. “Adamo… beautiful thin, but no substance. Two thousand dollars! We had XPS which we had to crowbar in the technology, very chunky.”

“We looked at XPS and a key trend of consumerization of IT … You had a consumer that wanted aesthetic appeal, premium design, craftsmanship and a lightweight design, and Apple’s MacBook Air came and in really hit that hard. They always wanted the instant-on, accessible data and location-aware of a device like a tablet. Then they also wanted horsepower and substance: I don’t want to compromise on taking a Core i3 only, I want something real to be productive. And, I’d like to be able to use this as my personal device, and the only way an IT manager would allow that to happen is that if it’s data-secure.”

The display is a 13.3-inch 1366 x 768 panel running at 300-nits, and covered in a sheet of edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass, powered by Intel HD 3000 graphics. Above is a 1.3-megapixel webcam and dual-array digital microphone. Connectivity includes WiFi a/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0, a single USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, mini DisplayPort and a headset jack. Unlike some rival ultrabooks, Dell has managed to squeeze in a full-sized backlit keyboard.

“We started our development a year and half ago,” Peters explained, “it’s taken us a lot of time – in fact we’re the last ones to come out with an ultrabook – because we were crafting something a level above in terms of innovation.” Although Dell obviously had other ultrabooks in mind when it designed the XPS 13, Apple’s MacBook Air has obviously also been a consideration. The new Dell’s display actually offers a similar viewing area to that of the 13-inch Air, but in a 15-percent smaller device.

Rather than solely rely on aluminum, like Apple, HP and others, Dell turned to carbon-fiber for the XPS 13′s base. “Carbon-fiber has two functional performance benefits,” the company says, “it dissipates the heat better – it’s cooler on the lap and in the hands – and it’s lighter.” That improvement in heat management has meant Dell can slot in up to Core i7 chips without worrying about overheating. In fact, Dell mentioned that the company’s engineers are actually working on a fanless version, though there’s no telling when that might arrive.

Hands-on, it feels impressively light and thin. The keyboard is nicely spaced and the keys themselves have reasonable travel given the limits of the keytray. There are plenty of neat details, like the battery gage on the side, while Dell tells us that the machined aluminum lid saves even more weight compared to some rival’s punched-aluminum production. The speakers are embedded underneath the keyboard, creating a surprisingly loud and clear soundstage, though unsurprisingly they lack some bass.

LIke other ultrabooks, the XPS 13 has Intel Rapid Start for boot times of around 5s, and instant-on resume from standby. However, Dell also implemented Intel SmartConnect, which periodically wakes the ultrabook to check calendar, email, social networking accounts and other data so that you’re up to date as soon as you open the lid. There’s also location-awareness, setting up apps for nearby restaurants, ATMs and other POIs with your current position.

Enterprise customers get Dell’s usual array of custom imaging and BIOS settings, along with asset tagging and BitLocker data encryption with TPM. There’s also ProSupport, with Dell Command Center support for speedy repairs and replacements. As for all the labels and stickers most Windows laptops are plastered in, on the new XPS they’re hidden away out of sight.

Dell expects the Core i5 version of the XPS 13 – with 4GB of memory and a 128GB SSD – to start at under $1,000 when the ultrabook ships in February. Final pricing will be decided just prior to launch.

“It’s the world’s best ultrabook” Peters concluded, “the smallest, the most powerful, the most aesthetically pleasing, the best to touch, the best at being enterprise-ready… the best of any product out there.” We’ll have to wait until we can put the XPS 13 through its paces in the full SlashGear review to find out whether we feel the same.

The IdeaPad U310 is 0.7-inches thick and 3.74-pounds, with Intel Core processors paired with GMA 3000 HD graphics powering its HD 16:9 aspect display. The IdeaPad U410, meanwhile, is 0.83-inches thick and 4.18-pounds, with processors from the same Intel range but paired this time with NVIDIA GeForce 610M 1GB graphics.

Each supports Intel WiDi for wireless display streaming, and they’ll come in a choice of “fun colors”: Aqua Blue, Cherry Blossom, Graphite Gray, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue and Spearmint. Software-wise it’s Windows 7 with Lenovo’s Smart Update tool, which automatically keeps your mailbox, IM and social media messages up to date, even when the IdeaPad is in sleep mode.

Battery life is up to eight hours, Lenovo claims. The Lenovo IdeaPad U Series will go on sale in May, priced from $699.

LG says that’s a matter of “powerful performance and sleek design unseen in ordinary ultrabooks” though we’ll have to wait until we get some hands-on playtime before we can judge quite how successful the company has actually been on those fronts. The Z330 has a 13.3-inch 1366 x 768 LED-backit display, a choice of Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, 4GB of DDR3 memory and HD 3000 graphics, along with either a 120GB or 256GB SSD, 10/100 ethernet, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0+HS.

The LG Z430 boosts the display to a 14-inch panel, though running at the sam resolution as its smaller sibling, and increases the maximum supported RAM to 8GB. Storage is different too, with a standard 500GB HDD paired with an optional 16GB or 128GB of SSD storage; we’re guessing the 16GB is used for speedy resume, just as with Samsung’s Series 5.

Ports on both models include a multiformat memory card reader, single USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and HDMI, along with audio in/out. There’s a 1.3-megapixel webcam and a 4-cell battery, though LG isn’t talking runtimes yet. The Z330 measures in at 315.4 x 214.7 x 14.7 mm and 1.21kg, while the Z440 is a little larger at 329.4 x 226 x 19.9 mm and 1.5kg.

No word on pricing at this stage.

Samsung’s Series 5 uses the ultrabook name, though it doesn’t quite conform to all of the original minimum specifications Intel mandated. The ultraportable uses a 500GB hard-drive, rather than SSD storage, but pairs that with 16GB of ExpressCache that is used to pare down boot times; Samsung reckons users will go from hibernate to the desktop in seven seconds, or from sleep mode in two seconds.

Otherwise there’s Intel HD Graphics 3000, WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+HS and WiDi support, along with gigabit ethernet, a multiformat memory card slot, 1.3-megapixel webcam and 4W speakers. Connectivity includes a single USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, a combo audio in/out and HDMI, and the whole thing measures 12.4 x 8.6 x 0.58-0.69 inches.

J&R isn’t saying when the Series 5 is expected in stock, only that it’s “coming soon”; still, it’s pricing is competitive (compared to both the converted Korean pricing and Samsung’s own Series 9 range).

[Thanks Deron!]

Unfortunately you don’t get room for an internal TV tuner, which means you’re stuck using external USB tuners if you want to play or record broadcast video. Options include a Blu-ray drive and a Core i5 processor. Tranquil is positioning the MMC-12 as a good option for network streaming and IPTV, using services like Netflix, Hulu Plus and iPlayer.

Ports, meanwhile, include two USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0, ethernet, HDMI and DVI, along with audio input/outputs.

Pricing kicks off at £649 ($1,005) for the entry-level model with a Media Center remote and a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium; you can also get the barebones chassis, with no CPU, RAM, drives or OS, for £278 ($430). If storage is a deal-breaker, there’s the matching SU0 external drive unit for up to four HDDs, priced at £279 ($432).

[via PCLaunches]

There’s also WiFi b/g/n, HDMI, USB 3.0 and Dolby Advanced Audio, along with 9.25 hours battery life from a full charge. Gigabit ethernet and Bluetooth round out the main specs, and the whole thing is said to be semi-ruggedized so that it should stand up to some semi-rough treatment in your rucksack or briefcase.

RRP for the HP Folio 13 is from $900, though thanks to our friends at Logicbuy there’s a $200 deal to be had. Follow their instructions and you can net the Core i5 1.6GHz version for $703.49, an impressive saving if you’re in the market for an ultraportable without an Apple logo.

The 15-inch model is 1.11-inches thick and tips the scales at 5.79 pounds, while the 17-incher is 1.28-inches thick and 7.37 pounds. Then there’s the Envy 17 3D, which throws in a full HD Radiance 3D 120Hz display, a pair of active shutter 3D glasses and a Blu-ray HD player.

The ENVY 15 is meant to start at $1,100, but Logicbuy has a coupon for a Core i5 version at $949.99; meanwhile the ENVY 17 is meant to be from $1,250, but the deals site has a coupon for it from $1,099.99. Finally, the ENVY 17 3D has an RRP of $1,599, but Logicbuy has details on how to get it for $1,172.99.

Inside there’s a choice of Intel’s Core i5-2467M or Core i7-2637M processors, paired with 4GB of RAM and a choice of 120GB SATA 6Gbps SSD or a 256GB SATA 3Gbps SSD. Graphics are courtesy of Intel’s HD GPU, while connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+HS, Intel WIDI, USB 3.0 and a microSD card reader.

LG is particularly pushing the Xnote Z330′s rapid boot abilities, with the ultrabook being ready to go in just 7s (resume time). It’ll also shut down quickly too, being off in 9.9s. The company reckons the combination of the speed fettling, the second-gen Intel chips and the SSD storage makes the Z330 20-percent faster at multitasking than its ultraportable predecessors.

Pricing is set at 1.7m – 2.6m Won ($1,509 – $1,863) depending on processor and other specifications when the notebook arrives in South Korea in the middle of this month. No news on when we might see the LG Xnote Z330 arrive in the US.

This Gigabyte Booktop T1132N has an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 pixel capacitive touch display with discreet graphics, and will just be lovely for when you switch over to Windows 8 and all of its touch-ready goodness. You’ll be able to plug in up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, you’ve got HDMI, D-Sub, Ethernet, and audio ports, and a 2.5-inch hard drive bay. You’ve got one single USB 2.0 port and a set of four speakers, two of them bass woofers, and you’ve got the option of hooking this whole rig up with 3G connectivity. Of course you’ve also got the option of a 802.11b/g/n WiFi connection as well.

The dock station has a built-in DVD burner and you can plug the whole mother in to your own HD monitor at your own discretion. You’ve also got a few other ports on the desktop dock including HDMI. Play some gigantic games with your integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 and NVIDIA® GeForce® GT520M 1GB GPU.

The price has not yet been revealed, but you can bet it won’t just be a few hundred bucks. This look like something you’d be willing to use on a daily basis? Anyone have a need for a machine that acts as several different kinds of PC? What about loading Linux?

[via Gigabyte]

There’s also a choice of up to 750GB 7,200rpm hard-drives or a 256GB SSD, along with WiFi a/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0. Intel WiDi is supports, along with up to six hours and 49 minutes of runtime with the 8-cell battery. That’s all in something that measures a compact 0.9 x 13.19 x 9.21 inches and weighs 4.36 pounds, made from anodized aluminum and magnesium alloy.

The XPS 14z follows its 15-inch sibling, the XPS 15z, which itself offered the sort of display size you’d expect on a larger notebook in a slick aluminum chassis. In the US the Dell XPS 14z will be priced from $999, while in the UK it will be priced from £799.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro now has a dual-core Core i5 2.4GHz chip as standard and a 500GB 5,400rpm hard-drive. $1,499 gets you an upgrade to a 2.8GHz dual-core Core i7 processor and 750GB 5,400rpm hard-drive. Both use Intel HD 3000 graphics and have 4GB of 1333MHz RAM.

As for the 15-inch models, the entry-level starts at $1,799 with a 2.2GHz quad-core Core i7 processor, and the $2,199 version has a 2.4GHz quad-core Core i7. Both have 4GB of 1333MHz RAM, 500GB and 750GB hard-drives respectively, while the more expensive model gets AMD Radeon HD 6770M graphics with 1GB of video memory. Lastly, the 17-inch MacBook Pro kicks off at $2,499 with a quad-core 2.4GHz Core i7 processor and HD 6770M 1GB graphics, along with 4GB of RAM and 750GB hard-drive.

Both the 15-incher and the 17-incher can be specified with a 2.5GHz quad-core Core i7, while other options include the same 512GB SSD storage. Each new model is listed as in-stock and ships free.

There are no huge changes planned: the new MacBook Pro models will look the same, and there will still be two 13-inch, two 15-inch and one 17-inch pre-configurations on offer. However, although unconfirmed, the changes are expected to be faster Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, with Apple keeping pace with its PC notebook rivals, along with Bluetooth 4.0 as found in the iPhone 4S launching today. Internally the new versions are known as K90IA (13-inch), K91A (15-inch) and K92A (17-inch).

Bluetooth 4.0 is special because it marks a shift to far lower power requirements. Thanks to that extreme frugality – and new profiles which allow devices to wake each other wirelessly – a persistent link is possible without instantly running down the battery. The current Mac mini desktop and MacBook Air ultraportable already come with Bluetooth 4.0 support.

Apple’s updates, therefore, could well be a precursor to Siri gaining a foothold on your OS X desktop. Those with an iPhone 4S – which comes with the intelligent voice control system – could use their smartphone as a gateway for the AI to also take control of their computer, with Bluetooth 4.0 being the low-power glue that holds the whole ecosystem together. That’s unlikely to happen straight away, however.

It’s particularly hard to escape the MacBook Air comparisons with the UX21; let’s be generous and call it half-homage, half-necessity based on fitting an acceptable amount of connectivity into a slimline form-factor. Just 3mm at the front (flaring to 17mm at the back) and 1.1kg in weight, it’s not quite as thin as the 1.08kg 11.8-inch Air, and it has an 11.4-inch display running at 1366 x 768 so is slightly smaller. ASUS also has a Zenbook UX31 with a larger, 13.3-inch display running at 1600 x 900.

The aluminum construction is solid and the hinge – always a worry with these slimline machines – is solid. Audio quality is surprisingly high, too, thanks to ASUS’ pairing with Bang & Olufsen: the ICEpower stereo is impressively strong, with some decent bass for an ultraportable.

ASUS Zenbook UX21 hands-on:

There’s no shortage of power, either. ASUS has slotted a choice of Core i5 or i7 processors inside the Zenbooks, and the i5-2467M in the unit we played with was certainly fast enough to handle browsing and multimedia duties. A microHDMI port makes hooking up an external display straightforward, and ASUS slips ahead of ultrabook rivals with its USB 3.0 connectivity (along with a USB 2.0, mini VGA and a combo audio in/out port).

Battery power is the ultrabook promise, and ASUS reckon 5hrs of active use for the UX21 (7hrs for the larger UX31). The company is particularly proud of its standby time, too, a full two weeks with a resume back to the Windows 7 desktop in just 2s. That’s shorter standby than the Acer Aspire S3, certainly, but a far faster resume time than the S3′s deep-sleep resume of 20 seconds. When the battery dives to 5-percent the Zenbook automatically saves your currently open data to the 128GB SSD. Both sizes have 4GB of RAM, and there’s WiFI b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0.

The ASUS Zenbook UX21 is priced from £849 in the UK, while the Zenbook UX31 is from £999. Both will go on sale from next month. Core i7 processors will be offered as upgrades, along with more memory.

Update: Some live shots of the ASUS Zenbook UX31 added to the gallery below.

Microsoft is putting more emphasis on the software than the tablet itself, though the eagle-eyed might recognize it from earlier in the month. As well as the slate, there’s a docking station and a wireless keyboard; you also get a contentious stylus, since Windows 8 works with both finger-touch and a digital pen for more accurate handwriting recognition and sketching.

Windows 8 Tablet hands-on:

Windows 8 is packed with interesting tweaks that lend themselves to the slate experience – though Microsoft is keen to point out that it’s the new desktop platform too, and will of course be found on more PCs and notebooks than tablets.

The on-screen keyboard is well laid-out and responsive, and there’s a clever lock-screen system where you choose your own photo and then sketch out lines, circles or swipes across it with your finger or the pen. To unlock the slate, you simply replicate those swipes: straightforward for you, but difficult for others to guess.

Like Windows Phone, there’s a Live Tile based desktop and a lock-screen with a custom wallpaper and day/time along with battery life and wireless status.

The Metro UI works well on the larger screen; for instance, the RSS reader lays out different posts as tiles, and then shows the articles themselves in a stripped-down format with simple side-swipe navigation. A swipe from the right edge pulls in a bar of five “charms” - Search, Share, Start, Device, Settings – from which you can navigate back to the homescreen among other things, as well as showing the date/time status display.

The multitasking system is also very impressive, building on the thumbnails in Windows Phone but taking advantage of the larger display real-estate to show concurrently running apps in a sidebar with the primary app taking the bulk of the screen. Some software is obviously designed for the regular Windows homescreen, with the standard desktop and Start bar. There are still some dialogs – particularly context menus – that follow the old UI style, though it’s worth noting that the touchscreen on this particular tablet is precise enough to allow us to tap each option with a fingertip. Still, it’s an occasional reminder of Windows’ desktop origins, and does mar the tablet experience somewhat.

Nonetheless, as you can see in the video, Windows 8 is far, far more tablet-friendly than any previous version of the platform. You could feasibly stay immersed in among the tablet features and avoid the regular desktop for the most part, and Microsoft’s touch interface is consistent and slick. We’ll have more on Windows 8 for tablets soon, so until then enjoy the hands-on gallery and video!

The keyboard is a little short on travel in comparison to larger machines – no surprise given the relatively shallow key tray on offer – but we’ll forgive Toshiba since they used the space to add an 8-cell 47Wh battery. The keys themselves are backlit, too, and water resistant, while above the 13.3-inch display looked bright despite the strong show lighting and the necessarily compact backlighting.

Unlike, say, Apple’s MacBook Air, the Z830 gets an ethernet port, and both HDMI and VGA. There’s also an SD card slot and three USB ports, two USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0 for higher-speed data transfers. Audio in and out round out the main ports, plus there’s WiFi b/g/n inside.

Toshiba Portege Z830 video:

Toshiba isn’t talking pricing yet, but if it can bring the Portege Z830 in at under the $1,000 mark – as Intel originally promised for ultrabooks – with similar specifications to what Apple offers on the MacBook Air, then we can see the company having a hit on its hands. Release date isn’t announced at this stage, but you know SlashGear will be waiting.

Toshiba Portege Z830 walkthrough:

There’s also an optional DVD burner and 3G or 4G mobile broadband, together with Bluetooth 3.0 and gigabit ethernet. Up to 500GB of storage is supported, and there’s a 1.0-megapixel webcam, integrated digital microphone and HDMI port, as well as two USB 3.0 ports and a hybrid USB 2.0/eSATA connector.

A 4-cell battery is standard, but can be upgraded to a 6-cell pack if you want the longer runtime. Intel WiDi rounds out the main specs. The Celeron machine is $499 but expect to pay $100 more for a Core i3 chip or from $799 for a Core i5.

The Gateway ID47H02u has a Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 500GB 5,400rpm hard-drive, DVD burner and Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU, and is priced at $699.99. If you don’t mind taking a trip to Canada, however, and spending CA$799, you can get the ID47H03h, which has the same CPU but throws in 6GB of DDR3 memory, a 750GB hard-drive and NVIDIA GeForce TG 540M graphics with 1GB of video RAM and Optimus auto-switching. Canadians will also get the CA$899 ID57H03h, with a 15.6-inch display and 8GB of DDR3 memory, along with the same GPU and HDD as the ID47H03h.

In the US, the 15.6-inch segment is catered for by the NV55S05u, a $629.99 notebook with an AMD A8-3500M quadcore 1.5GHz APU (that can overclock to 2.4GHz), AMD Radeon HD 6620G graphics, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a 640GB hard-drive and DVD burner. All of the models have an HDMI port, a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, WiFi b/g/n, stereo speakers and a copy of Windows 7.

Battery life on the 14-inchers is up to 8hrs, while the ID57H03h can also run at up to 8hrs. The AMD-based NV55S05u can go for up to 4hrs, and has a smaller battery as standard. All of the new ID and NV models are on sale now.

The new 11.6-inchers are the NP900X1B-A02US, with a Core i3-2357M, 2GB of memory and a 64GB SSD, and the NP900X1B-A01US, with the same processor but twice the RAM and storage. They’ll go on sale in August, priced at $1,049 and $1,249 respectively.

Samsung’s 13.3-inch versions, meanwhile, are all available from today. The NP900X3A-B01US has a COre i5-2467M processor, 4GB of memory and a 128GB SSD, and retails for $1,349, while the NP900X3A-B02US has the same CPU and RAM but doubles up the SSD for $1,649 in total. Finally, there’s the $2,049 NP900X3A-A05US with a Core i7-2617M processor, 6GB of DDR3 memory and a 256GB SSD.

There’s still FastStart, which Samsung reckons will see the Series 9 boot in less than three seconds, along with a casing allegedly twice as strong as aluminum and USB 3.0 connectivity. The displays are also billed as twice as bright as rivals offer.

That means, including the notebook’s own display and its HDMI output, up to four screens can be active at any one time, turning the VAIO Z Series into a performance desktop workstation. Video on the ultraportable itself is courtesy of Intel’s HD Graphics 3000, while connectivity includes WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 3G WWAN, a USB 2.0 port and a hybrid docking station/USB 3.0 port, while there’s also a 1.3-megapixel webcam, fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers.

Battery life is up to 7hrs from the standard internal pack, but add the sheet battery – which covers the entire base of the notebook – and you can extend that to up to 14hrs of runtime. A backlit keyboard is standard, while custom configurations (rather than the VPC-Z21V9E pre-config) can be specified with a Full HD 1920 x 1080 LCD display online.

As for the Power Media Dock, as well as the AMD graphics card that also adds in a gigabit ethernet port, USB 2.0 port, USB 3.0 port and both HDMI and Mini D-Sub for displays. It can drive up to a 1920 x 1080 HDMI display or a 1920 x 1200 analog RGB panel. Unlike Apple’s implementation of Thunderbolt, which uses a Mini DisplayPort, Sony has customized the technology and used a USB port instead; they’re only referring to it as “Light Peak” based.

Both are already up for pre-order at SonyStyle UK, priced from £1,434 ($2,286) including tax for a Core i5 model with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. The Power Media Dock is from £400 ($638) as an accessory, going up to £525 if you want a Blu-ray burner. They’ll ship toward the end of July 2011.

There’s also a DVD burner and an optional TV tuner, while ports include two USB 3.0 with Sleep & Charge for powering up external gadgets like your phone even when the DX1215 is turned off, and four USB 2.0 ports. Toshiba also throws in its Sleep & Music system, which allows you to use the Onkyo stereo speakers with an external audio source even if the PC isn’t on, and there’s upscaling for DVD video to make the most of the display.

That display can also be used with outside sources, thanks to an HDMI input. It’s something we like to see on all-in-ones, as it makes them particularly handy for bedrooms where you might want a PC to double up as a display for your games console.

In the box is a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse – usefully pre-paired with the all-in-one – though we’d have liked to have seen a remote control there too. Still, you get media controls on the ‘board. The Toshiba DX1215 will drop in Best Buy stores, priced at $929.99, from July 3.

There’s also Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio, HDMI, USB 3.0 – which is persistently powered even when the notebook is shut down, so as to continue charging external devices – and an HD webcam running at 1280 x 1024 resolution. Connectivity includes WiFI b/g/n and gigabit ethernet as standard, with Bluetooth an option.

The Aspire TimelineX 3830T is 4.12lbs and 0.87 to 1.15 inches thin; the Aspire TimelineX 4830T and 5830T are 4.88lbs and 5.6lbs respectively. The latter two also have DVD burners and dedicated numeric keypads. Pricing for the range – which is available now – kicks off at $599.99.

Press Release:

Acer TimelineX Notebook PCs Deliver Big on Style, Mobile Performance, Long Battery Life

Award-winning line delivers new slim sophisticated design with more entertainment features including Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 7, 2011 – Acer America today elevates its highly-touted Acer Aspire TimelineX series notebooks with a new sleek and stylish, thin and light design complemented by long battery life and the latest technology and new entertainment features, including Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio.

The Acer Aspire TimelineX Series is a best-in-breed notebook line that combines performance and portability in an incredibly beautiful and refined form factor. The notebook’s upscale look and feel centers around its uncluttered, elegant design. The notebooks have a clean layout with a large touchpad and chiclet keyboard to promote both enjoyment and productivity. Available in three sizes – the 13.3-inch 3830T, 14-inch 4830T and 15.6-inch 5830T – the designs measure about an inch thin and are very light-weight.

Powered by the latest second-generation Intel Core i5 and i3 processors with Turbo Boost technology, the Acer TimelineX notebooks deliver the performance that savvy consumers, students, small businesses and families have come to expect for running multiple websites, videos, email, games and more. In addition to providing superb performance, Acer PowerSmart Technology provides extra long battery uptime of up to nine hours on models with integrated graphics and up to eight hours for models with discrete graphics, as well as a long battery lifecycle of up to four years(1).

The new Aspire TimelineX notebook PCs are perfect for entertainment thanks to new High- Definition audio support with Dolby Home Theater v4 Audio that delivers crisp and clear sound through its two built-in 3DSonic Stereo speakers and when connected to a home theater system. The notebooks also have HDMI 1080p output, so customers can use a convenient single cable connection to deliver HD video and audio to an external source. In addition, the notebooks have a USB 3.0 port for fast transfers. Plus, the port can charge USB devices even when the notebook is turned off.

The new Acer Aspire TimelineX models feature an HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit display with 16:9 HD True Cinematic View and excellent 1366×768 resolution for stunning clarity and viewing at any angle. Several models in the new lines come with integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M and Nvidia 520M graphics with NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology to deliver crystal-clear images, brilliant color and lifelike video while maximizing battery life. Additional models feature Intel® HD Graphics to provide superb visual performance with sharp images and rich color.
“From its inception, the Acer Aspire TimelineX Series has hit the mark in style, mobility, performance and battery life for ultimate PC productivity,” said Eric Ackerson, senior product marketing manager, Acer America, “The new updated models build upon this proposition to provide even more value for our customers.”

The thin and light TimelineX Series is ideal for staying in touch on the go. The HD webcam has a high 1280×1024 resolution and is placed in the center of the notebook for convenient video-chatting and capturing photos and video. The built-in digital microphone supports the webcam to convey excellent voice quality, while minimizing background noise and echoes. All of the new models have 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi for connecting to wireless networks as well as Gigabit Ethernet LAN for a reliable wired connection. Also, many configurations include Bluetooth.

A Range of Sizes to Meet Customers’ Needs
The Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830T thin and light notebook has a 13.1-inch display, weighs only 4.12 pounds and measures only 0.87-1.15 inches thin.

The Acer Aspire TimelineX includes models for customers that want extra features along with portability, battery life and performance capabilities. Both the Acer TimelineX 4830T (14-inch screen, 4.88 pounds) and Acer Aspire Timeline X 5830T (15.6-inch screen, 5.6 pounds) come with integrated DVD drives and feature a dedicated numeric keypad for quick and easy number input.

Software, Pricing and Availability
The new Acer Aspire TimelineX 3830T, 4830T and 5830T models are ready to use right out of the box with Windows Home 7 as well as useful extras including Nook for PC, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Reader, WildTangent Demo Games, Skype, Norton Online Backup, and Microsoft Office 2010 (preloaded for online purchase).

The new Acer Aspire TimelineX notebooks also come with Acer clear.fi, a cross-platform solution for media enjoyment and sharing with DLNA-compliant devices, so customers can easily access, store and enjoy digital media from almost anywhere in an office, home or from the cloud.

The products are available at retailers now. The Acer TimelineX Series starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $599.99.

Limited Warranty
The new Acer Aspire TimelineX models come with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. All Acer netbooks are backed by toll-free service and support.(2)

The G53SX can convert 2D content into 3D, and even show 2D and 3D windows on-screen side-by-side, “without compromising brightness, contract or color fidelity” ASUS claims. We’re not sure what that would do to our eyes, but it’s exciting nonetheless. There’s also 2GB of dedicated video memory, a 10,000rpm hybrid hard-drive with SSD partition for reduced boot times, 3DTV Play connectivity, THX and EAX 5.0 3D sound and a stealth-bomber style design.

That styling is shared by other new ASUS gaming notebooks, like the ROG G74Sx 3D, which has the a choice of Core i5 or i7 processors along with GTX 560M GPU, but a regular NVIDIA 3D Vision display demanding active shutter glasses. It has a 17-inch HD display, backlit keyboard and a new thermal design which uses twin fans pulling cool air from the front of the case and twin rear exhausts to expel warm air out the back.

The desktop ROG CG8565 Gaming System, finally, comes with a second-gen Core i7 processor with Z68 chipset and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 GPU. It has a dedicated “Level Up” overclock button on its fascia, automatically boosting performance using ASUS’ DIGI+ VRM technology.

Eventually ASUS will have a video demonstrating the new kit, but at the moment it’s still set to private. No word on pricing or availability of any of the three systems.

Press Release:

Experience a New Era of ROG with a Range of High-Performance Products for Demanding PC Gamers

Experience a New Era of ROG with a Range of High-Performance Products for Demanding PC Gamers

New Republic of Gamers products announced for 2011 include motherboards, graphics cards, high-end gaming notebooks, a headset, a powerful desktop and a stunning 27-inch 3D desktop display

Taipei, Taiwan, (Computex, 31st May, 2011) — ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announced a number of exciting new products for high-performance gaming PCs to further expand its Republic of Gamers (ROG) range. Established five years ago, ROG is committed to developing the ultimate high-performance hardware.

“The ROG philosophy is based on the core ideals of class-leading performance, innovative user controls and gamer-focused design,” said ASUS Vice President and GM of Worldwide Sales, Jackie Hsu. The products announced today not only hold true to these ideals, but also introduce a host of new innovations that push high-end PC performance to even greater extremes.

Designed for hardcore gamers who want to be able to play anywhere, the G74Sx gaming notebook uses a second generation Intel® Core™ processor and NVIDIA® GTX 560M graphics for outstanding performance. The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D makes lifelike 3D without the need for glasses a reality on a sleek and powerful portable PC. Gamers looking for similar instant action in desktop form are well-served by the new CG8565 Gaming System with a Z68 chipset-based motherboard, stealth fighter-inspired case design and a host of easy-to-use overclocking features.

Also unveiled today are three new ROG motherboards based on the latest Intel® and AMD chipsets that bring new levels of performance for PC builders. The Maximus IV GENE-Z and Maximus IV Extreme-Z both use the new Intel® Z68 chipset to deliver unparalleled gaming and overclocking features, while the Crosshair V Formula is the first AMD 990FX-based motherboard supporting both 3-Way SLI™ and CrossFireX™, and with a graphical UEFI BIOS. Two new NVIDIA® GTX 580-based graphics cards, the MATRIX GTX580 and MARS II, further expand the ROG range.

Recognizing that a successful gaming experience depends on more than just what is inside a PC, ROG now also includes new PC peripherals. The first peripheral in the ROG family is the Vulcan ANC gaming headset with active noise-cancelling technology, which ensures an immersive audio experience, whatever the gaming environment. Combine all the great ROG hardware and attach it to an ASUS VG278H 3D 27-inch display that is designed for gaming, and gamers can become immersed in the latest titles.

Zane Ball, General Manager for Desktops at Intel, said: “We’ve had great success in the gaming market and we appreciate that a vendor like ASUS is devoted to this field. Brands such as ROG demonstrate the best practice for gaming and overclocking PC hardware, and the two new motherboards and one desktop with Intel Z68-based chipsets announced today offer exciting new performance-turning opportunities.”

Over the past five years, ROG products have been recognized by a number of renowned industrial design awards bodies such as iF Design, Red Dot and Good Design and have been well received by power PC users worldwide. Over 1,200 awards from the media are testament to the quality and innovation delivered by ROG and its commitment to delivering total domination in the high-performance PC field. Rest assured that ROG will continue to annihilate records and crush the competition for years to come.

“We are keen to provide the most innovative and powerful solutions for our users, which is why ROG has a team dedicated to researching and developing ideas that go well beyond what you might expect,” said Jackie Hsu.

Visit ASUS at Computex 2011

Please refer to the attached appendices for further details of these new ROG products, or visit the ASUS ROG Computex 2011 Booth at the Nangang Exhibition Hall. Please stop by to see the latest innovations ROG has in store or visit our Computex 2011 website for more information: http://press.asus.com/computex2011/rog/

APPENDICES

1. ROG G74Sx 3D gaming notebook

The G74Sx 3D is a high-performance notebook for gamers who don’t want to drag a full PC around to gaming events, or do not have room at home for a full desktop set up. The G74Sw 3D has the clean, angular lines of a stealth fighter and the power to match, thanks to the latest second generation Intel® Core™ quad-core i5 and i7 processors. NVIDIA® GTX 560M graphics ensure blistering frame rates at native resolutions and high detail settings on the 17-inch Full HD screen, while NVIDIA® 3D Vision offers players a new dimension to games and movies.

Powerful it may be, but the G74Sx 3D always keeps its cool with an innovative thermal design that uses twin fans to draw cool air from the front of the case and twin rear exhausts to expel warm air out the back. The gamer-friendly keyboard brings an extra edge to the playing field, too. The metallic base is does not flex, the backlit keys ensure frags in dimly lit environments and a large cursor key cluster sits away from the main keyboard to minimize mistyped keys in the midst of the action.

* More details will be revealed in early June.

World’s first glasses-free 3D gaming notebook
The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D makes lifelike 3D without the need for glasses a reality on a sleek and powerful portable PC. The unique technology works with a whole catalogue of games and multimedia content, even instantly converting existing 2D visuals into glasses-free 3D. Advanced research has also resulted in mixed mode, where one window can display in 2D while another shows in 3D, both on-screen at once. This is achieved without compromising brightness, contract or color fidelity, exceeding the output of older 3D technology that relies on glasses.

These figures are driven by a 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 CPU and discrete, DirectX® 11-compatible NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560M graphics with a massive 2GB GDDR5 video memory, specs that allow titles such as StarCraft II to run in high resolution with anti-aliasing turned all the way up. Performance is also driven by the inclusion of a solid state hybrid drive that runs at approximate 10,000rpm speeds, cutting down boot time by as much as 52%.

The ROG G53SX Naked Eye 3D ships with a full suite of 3D content creation and editing software, giving users access to advanced authoring tools, including 3DTV Play connectivity. Sound is rendered in THX and EAX 5.0 3D for pristine spatial sound in gaming and other applications, with up to 128 additional sound effects at once compared to traditional gaming notebooks.

In terms of design, the G53SX shares the same ergonomic and stylish look of its stable mates. The 5-degree inclined keyboard promotes comfort during long gaming sessions, aided by rubber-coated palm rests that prevent sweating and wrist fatigue. Oversized twin rear exhausts push heat to keep the machine cool even under load while remaining quiet at all times. Users get a cool and silent environment that makes gaming much more enjoyable.

2. ROG Crosshair V Formula series motherboard

The Crosshair V Formula with AMD 990FX chipset-based is not only the first ROG motherboard with AM3+ CPU support, but it is also the first ever AMD motherboard to support both 3-Way NVDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ as well as offer UEFI BIOS. The usual selection of advanced ROG overclocking tools are on hand too, while onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 delivers the most intense and immersive gaming audio experience. Better still, high-performance Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst technology creates a LAN connection that is fast enough to keep up with the pace of modern multiplayer gaming over an internet connection that is also used being used for other online tasks.

To really make it the ultimate gaming motherboard, the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt also comes with the ThunderBolt audio/LAN combo expansion card. The class-leading XONAR™ audio technology provides dramatically better sound quality than any standard audio card, while its built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable impedance settings make it perfect for getting the drop on the gaming competition. The Crosshair V Formula/Thunderbolt also incorporates the award-winning Bigfoot Networks™ Killer™ E2100 networking platform with exclusive Advanced Stream Detect™ technology that automatically classifies and prioritizes traffic for online games, HD video and audio streams for optimum performance, even when performing these tasks simultaneously.

The Crosshair V Formula motherboard is available now; the Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt will be available for purchase in the end of July,

3. ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z motherboards

Although both are based on the new Intel® Z68 chipset, the ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z offer two different takes on the high-performance motherboard.

The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is the latest model in a long line of ROG motherboards designed from the ground up to be an overclocking enthusiast’s dream come true. The Maximus IV GENE-Z takes the successful ROG motherboard recipe and shrinks it to a microATX form factor that will appeal to speed freaks and case modders alike. Support for both NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFireX™ offers the ultimate in flexibility for 3D graphics, but that does not mean the integrated GPU features of the Intel® Z68 chipset are wasted. Full support for the Lucid® Virtu™ graphics virtualization engine means the Maximus IV GENE-Z can seamlessly switch between discrete and integrated graphics on-the-fly as the application demands, while SupremeFX X-Fi 2 audio and Intel® Ethernet with GameFirst ensure a first-class gaming experience.

4. ROG MATRIX GTX 580 graphics card

The ROG MATRIX GTX 580 is a high-performance graphics card for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the very best with NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 580 GPU. Enhanced TweakIt, ProbeIt and Safe Mode overclocking utilities offer unparalleled hardware adjustment, while GPU Tweak provides instant settings adjustment and monitoring. The 19-Phase Super Alloy Power technology provides greater overclocking headroom with enhanced power efficiency and component durability.

ASUS DirectCU II technology also provides extremely effective cooling by combining copper heatpipes that fix in direct contact with the GPU core with two huge sound-dampened fans that suck through 600% more air and achieving 20% cooler operation than the reference design.

5. ROG MARS II graphics card

The ROG MARS II/2DIS/3GD5 elevates extreme high-performance gaming to greater heights. The dual NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 580 design ensures phenomenally high frame rates in the latest games at maxed-out detail settings, while the all-new GPU Tweak overclocking utility with real-time clock and fan speed adjustment offers unparalleled tweaking opportunities. 19-Phase Super Alloy Power technology and Direct CU dual-fan cooling makes for cool, rock-solid operation too.

6. ROG CG8565 Gaming System

With its stealth fighter-inspired design, the angular, matte black exterior of the ROG CG8565 Gaming System belies the power that lurks within. Built for gamers who want a ready-made high-end gaming experience, this stunning desktop PC delivers awe-inspiring amounts of power, thanks to the second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor with Z68 chipset and NVIDIA® GeForce GTX 590 GPU.

Overclocking features form an integral part of this competition-destroying desktop, with a one-touch ‘Level Up’ button built directly into the chassis for an instant real-time speed boost. Exclusive ASUS DIGI+ VRM technology and innovative thermal management ensures that the ROG CG8565 stays cool even when it is pushed to the limit, while the ASUS Xonar sound card provides immersive gaming audio.

7. ROG Vulcan ANC Headset

The ROG Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset completes the new range of Republic of Gamers accessories. It is perfect for gaming in noisy environments, or just those times when external speakers are not appropriate. The Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset uses active noise cancelling technology specially designed to filter external noise from both its high-quality speakers and boom microphone. The result is crystal-clear sound quality for music, movies, games and even VoIP calls.

8. ASUS VG278 3D 27” desktop monitor

Recognizing that a successful gaming experience depends on more than just what is inside a PC; ASUS has also introduced a new range of PC peripherals to enhance that experience with the VG278H 3D display. Designed for gamers who want complete immersion in the latest titles, this 27-inch LED backlit screen has full support for 3D graphics cards via HDMI 1.4 and a built-in infrared emitter for a wire-free desktop.

There’s also a 1TB 7,200rpm hard-drive, so at least women aren’t expected to scrimp on specs. Samsung have added some neat touches, too, like a simple connectivity system between the AIO and the company’s cellphones that’s set up by snapping a photo of a QR code. There’s also a permanently powered USB port for charging gadgets while the Windows 7 PC is turned off.

Other ports include USB 3.0, and there’s a TV tuner, Bluetooth and Blu-ray. The Samsung AF315 will go on sale from tomorrow, May 26, priced from 2.19m won ($1,987).

[via 3D-Display-Info]

The entry-level model gets a 320GB hard-drive, though a 128GB SSD is $280 while an Intel 160GB SSD is $360. Maximum memory is 8GB, though since there’s only a single DIMM slot it’s a whopping $450 to upgrade. Bluetooth 3.0 is another $20.

WiFi b/g/n is standard, but can be upgraded with various Intel b/g/n 2X2 or 3X3 WiFi cards and optional WiMAX. There’s also the choice to fit the X1 with a $125 Sierra Wireless MC8355 Gobi 3000 WWAN card. Find out whether the ThinkPad X1 is worth the money in our full review.

[via LogicBuy]

Although it often seems like all the attention is paid to slender ultraportables or super-fast desktop replacements, the 15.6-inch notebook segment is still where the money is. With pricing kicking off at $999 in the US or £899 in the UK, Dell reckons it has something a little different in the XPS 15z. According to EMEA director of product marketing Peter Winkle, the company used the lessons learned from the Adamo around crafting aluminum chassis and focused on bringing it down to a more affordable price point.

To that end, the XPS 15z has an aluminum outer casing with a magnesium alloy interior that frames a distinctive chiclet keyboard and larger-than-average trackpad.  The “hinge-forward” display – which basically means that the hinge section (one of the few plastic components) is pushed further toward the user, which Dell’s focus groups apparently prefer, as well as shifting those hinges further out of the way of damage – is thinner than previous Dell notebooks, and in fact the 0.97-inch thick chassis makes it the slimmest 15-incher around. Nonetheless, it still packs a slot-loading DVD burner along with HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, eSATA and a pair of USB 3.0 ports. Inside is WiFi a/g/n and optional Bluetooth 3.0.

Borrowed from the MacBook line is a row of battery status LEDs – to let you know how far through the 15z’s 8hr battery life you are – and there’s an SD card reader and gigabit ethernet ports too. Two displays will be on offer: a standard 1366 x 768 200 nit panel, and an optional 1920 x 1080 Full HD panel running at 300 nit. While we asked Winkle whether Dell would be offering a matte finish option, he said the cost impact of trying to produce matte displays in suitable volume made it economically unfeasible. Instead, he suggested, backlights were getting brighter to compensate.

Inside there’s the expected selection of Intel 2011 series Core i5 and Core i7 processors paired with up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, up to 750GB of 7,200rpm hard-drive, and a choice of NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB or 2GB graphics with support for Optimus switching. The obvious competitor is HP’s ENVY range, though Winkle insists that the X15z has a better mixture of performance and thin design. With ENVY, he suggested, HP had focused on sound (with the BEATS audio system), whereas Dell has a better level of power, pricing and screen quality. Dell is trying to avoid comparisons with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and to be fair we can’t blame them. The XPS 15z is targeting a different segment and is priced to match.

Hands-on and – while we were using a non-final model – the XPS 15z feels surprisingly solid for a mainstream notebook. The backlit chiclet keyboard and eye-catching patterned speaker grille may not to be everyone’s taste, but it’s easy to type on and the notebook is light for its size. We were able to pick it up single-handed and comfortably hold it, which is certainly not always the case for a 15-inch machine. Sales kick off today.

Press Release:

Dell Introduces the Powerful XPS 15z – One of the Thinnest 15-inch PCs on the Planet

 Less Mass, More Appeal: the Ultimate Blend of Style and Performance
 Uncompromising Performance with 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM i5 & i7 Processors, Optional Full HD Screens and Up to Eight Hours of Battery Life
 First in a Series of New Thin, Powerful Laptops from Dell This Year

BRACKNELL, UK, May 24, 2011 – Dell today introduced the XPS 15z laptop, one of the thinnest 15-inch PCs on the planet , and the first in a series of new thin and powerful products from Dell to come this year. With the XPS 15z, everyone from mobile warriors to students and small-business owners now have everything they need to work hard and play hard in one stunning package.

A leading-edge combination of uncompromising power and stunning design, the XPS 15z offers 2nd-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, optional 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) display for superior entertainment and web-browsing experiences, a backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness and up to eight hours of battery life – all housed in a luxurious, eye-catching and elegantly crafted case that is less than an inch thick.

The XPS 15z is the first in a series of upcoming thin Inspiron- and XPS-branded products that deliver the ultimate blend of style and performance so you can pursue your personal passions.

“The XPS 15z delivers uncompromising performance in our most beautifully designed laptop yet,” said Sam Burd, vice president of Dell’s Consumer and Small/Medium Business product group. “It delivers all the must-have features — from next-generation Intel Core i processors for incredible performance to optional full HD screens that are up to 50 percent brighter than standard displays – all in a stunning form factor that makes it one of the thinnest 15-inch PC on the planet.”

“The XPS 15z provides a glimpse into a series of visually stunning and powerful systems coming soon to our consumer and small-to-medium-business product portfolio,” said Steve Felice, president of Dell’s Consumer and Small/Medium Business group. “We’re committed to introducing next-generation products that help people pursue their personal and professional passions.”

Less Mass, More Appeal
A technology package perfect for pumping out spectacular, media-rich office presentations or watching the latest award-winning movies, the XPS 15z includes 2nd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, a brilliant 15.6-inch WLED display with a Full HD option that has almost two times the HD resolution of standard HD displays, NVIDIA graphics with 3DTV play capabilities , built-in WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, USB 3.0 and a backlit keyboard.

Despite its incredibly slim exterior, the XPS 15z delivers uncompromising performance, including NVIDIA discrete graphics with Optimus technology that automatically switches to power-saving integrated graphics under reduced workloads, helping the battery last longer on coast-to-coast flights and for movie marathons. In addition, it offers ample hard drive storage and a slot-loading DVD +/- RW drive for watching the latest movies or burning music to a disc. And the optional Full HD (1080p) display brings HDTV-type quality to the laptop screen.

Advanced wireless features make XPS 15z your go-to device from the road or the living room. Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity ensure it’s fast and easy to connect with e-mail, websites, Skype and Facebook from almost anywhere . For at-home entertainment, the optional Intel Wireless Display feature enables videos and photos to be streamed wirelessly from your XPS 15z to an HDMI-equipped TV. And with the exclusive Dell Stage user interface, it’s easy to access personal content such as music, photos and videos.

At first glance, the XPS 15z design, with its clean aluminium exterior, appears to float above the surface, and the polished, brushed finishes with sophisticated accents add to a luxurious appearance.

Priced from £899 including VAT excluding delivery, the XPS 15z, like all XPS computers, is designed and built from the ground up to provide a premium computing experience with the best materials, technology, performance and reliability Dell offers.

Availability:
The XPS 15z is available today from Dell’s global online stores, including www.dell.co.uk in the United Kingdom, with retail availability to follow shortly.

Detailed Information:

 Thin (0.97”/24.68mm) laptop PC with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium; aluminium and mag-alloy enclosure
 2nd-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 Dual Core processor choices
 Standard HD or optional Full HD (1920×1080) WLED display
 Fast NVIDIA graphics options :
o NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M with 1GB graphics memory
o NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M with 2GB graphics memory
 Includes NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology; NVIDIA 3DTV Play technology
 4GB up to 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz memory options
 Fast 7200RPM hard disk storage, up to 750GB
 Built-in Slot load DVD +/- RW (reads & writes to CD/DVD)
 Backlit, Chiclet-style keyboard with adjustable brightness
 Optimized touchpad
 Built-in Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 A/G/N and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity
 Intel Wireless Display-ready
 Up to 8 hours of battery life with 8-cell battery
 USB 3.0 (2), USB/eSATA with PowerShare, HDMI 1.4, Mini Display-Port, Gigabit Ethernet and audio connectors
 Built-in 9-in-1 media card reader
 Built-in 1.3MP HD Webcam with dual array digital microphones and stereo speakers
 Dell Stage software for fast access to content like music, videos and photos
 Dimensions: Height: 0.97” (24.68mm) / Width: 15.15” (384.85mm) / Depth 10.25” (260.37mm); Weight: starting at 5.54lbs (2.51 kg)

There’s also a second 21.5-inch pre-config model, with a 2.7GHz Core i5, Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB of storage, for $1,49. The entry-level 27-inch iMac is $1,699 and has a 2.7GHz Core i5 CPU, Radeon HD 6770M graphics and a 1TB drive. Options include up to 2TB of storage, a 256GB SSD and additional DDR3 memory from the 4GB standard.

A FaceTime HD camera for video calls with other Macs and the iPad 2/iPhone 4, SD card slot and IPS display are all standard. There are also two Thunderbolt ports on the 27-inch model, each of which doubles as a Mini DisplayPort connector; both sizes have a FireWire 800 port, four USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet and audio in/out. Integrated WiFi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR round out the key specs, and there’s a choice of a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad along with the standard wireless keyboard.

The new Apple iMac goes on sale today.

Press Release:

Apple Announces New iMac With Next Generation Quad-Core Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today updated its signature all-in-one iMac® with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime® HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.*

“With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we’ve made the world’s best desktop even better.”
“Our customers love the iMac’s aluminum enclosure, gorgeous display and all-in-one design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we’ve made the world’s best desktop even better.”

The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.

iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire® and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad® 2, iPhone® 4, the current generation iPod touch® and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop line is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard®, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife®, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Snow Leopard builds on more than a decade of innovation and includes the Mac App Store℠ for finding great new apps for your Mac. iLife ’11 features iPhoto® with stunning full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand® with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US).

Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare® Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.

*Testing conducted by Apple in April 2011 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/imac/features.html.

**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of April 2011. EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

There’s also a 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 display, up to 16GB of DDR3 memory (spread across four slots), a Blu-ray burner, and a choice of hybrid or SSD drives for storage. Connectivity includes HDMI, optical digital out, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth, along with 7.1-channel surround. You also get an optional TV tuner, USB 3.0 and eSATA.

As you might expect, none of this comes cheap. ORIGIN offer various custom paint finishes and designs, and the base model – with a 2.5GHz Core i5-2520 dual-core, 1.5GB GeForce GTX 460M graphics and 2GB of RAM - kicks off at $1,759. If you want the 4.5GHz overclocked Core i7-2920XM quadcore then it’s another $1,144 on top, while the GeForce GTX 484M is another $495. ORIGIN expects to start shipping the EON17-S from May 9.

Press Release:

ORIGIN EON17-S Laptops Overclocked up to 4.5GHz with Turbo Boost Available Now

The Highest Mobile Processor Clock Speed in the World

Miami, FL – April 25, 2011 – ORIGIN PC announced today the availability of overclocked processors in the EON17-S. Featuring 2nd generation INTEL “Sandybridge” processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 485M graphics cards, the laptops are the most powerful ORIGIN laptops available with mobile processors.

The EON17-S laptops have updated B3 stepping motherboards and feature overclocking and Turbo Boost technology allowing ORIGIN engineers to successfully increase the speed and power of the processor without impacting system stability or longevity. EON17-S laptops with overclocking are fully covered by ORIGIN’s unsurpassed warranty featuring free part replacement, free shipping, and free lifetime support.

EON17-S Features and Technology:
• 17.3 Full HD Widescreen, LED Backlit, 16.9, 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
• Customizable ORIGIN top cover
• 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 Processors
• Overclocking up to 4.5GHz with Turbo Boost on Core i7 Extreme Edition processors
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M 1.5GB or GTX485M 2GB
• FOUR Memory Slots for up to 32GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333Mhz or 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
• Bluray burner & reader, Hybrid and SSD drive with RAID options
• Full size keyboard with numeric pad
• HDMI Out; Optical Digital Out, up to 7.1 HD Audio with THX TruStudio support
• Built-In 802.11n & Bluetooth Support
• Bluetooth 3.0 & Wireless Video options
• Built-In TVtuner support
• Built-in USB 3.0 & E-SATA ports
• (W)16.22″ x (D)10.87″ x (H)1.65″ – 1.79”
• 8.6 lbs with the battery

“The EON17-S laptops are remarkably portable and with 2nd generation Intel processors overclocked to 4.5GHz, they are the fastest ORIGIN laptops ever built on an Intel mobile platform” said Kevin Wasielewski ORIGIN CEO and co-founder.

ORIGIN systems feature a 1 to 3 year free shipping and free part replacement warranty backed with the best in class integration, quality testing and support. ORIGIN offers a free life-time phone and online service guarantee and each customer has a dedicated support team and free life-time labor for upgrade needs.

About ORIGIN:
ORIGIN builds custom, high-performance desktops and laptops for hardware enthusiasts, professionals, and gamers. ORIGIN PCs are hand built, tested, and serviced by knowledgeable gaming enthusiasts, industry veterans, and award winning system integrators. Their staff is comprised of award-winning, experienced experts in the gaming and PC markets who want to share their passion with other enthusiasts. ORIGIN is located in Miami, FL and ships worldwide. For more information, please visit www.ORIGINPC.com or call 1-877- ORIGIN-Ø. (674-4460)

The Alienware M14X has GeForce GT 555M graphics with either 1.5GB or 3GB of dedicated memory, together with using NVIDIA Optimus intelligent GPU switching. That allows the notebook to reach up to six hours runtime on a single charge. The display runs at 1366 x 768 or, optionally, 1600 x 900; other options include WiMAX. Ports include USB 3.0 and HDMI 1.4i, while pricing starts at $1,199.

Meanwhile the updated M11x now has up to 10 hours battery life thanks to the new processors and Optimus graphics, while still finding room inside the compact chassis for optional LTE, WiMAX or 3G connectivity. It’s priced from $999. As for the Alienware M18x, that will drop in May from $1,999.

Update: UK pricing will be from £899 for the M11x and from $1,099 for the M14x.

There’s also 2GB of RAM as standard on the X220, along with a 250GB hard-drive and Intel HD Graphics 3000. The X220T gets 4GB of RAM but the same HDD and GPU. Both have WiFi b/g/n as standard, and can be configured with Bluetooth and/or integrated WWAN.

Meanwhile the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E220s is also up for sale today, priced from $749 with the Core i5 processor and from $819 with the Core i7 processor. It has a 12.5-inch display and Intel HD Graphics 3000.

[via Logicbuy 1, 2 & 3]

As well as the integrated Intel HD Graphics there are NVIDIA’s GeForce GT440, GT435M and GT420 GPUs, which can be paired with up to 1.5TB of storage and a choice of hybrid analog/digital TV tuners. There’s also gigabit ethernet, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a 2-megapixel webcam and a Blu-ray reader/DVD burner.

Ports include eight USB 2.0 (though no USB 3.0), audio in/out, VGA (though no HDMI, DVI or DisplayPort) and PS/2, along with a memory card reader. The whole thing runs Windows 7, with various preloaded apps, but there’s also a Linpus Console Mode for quick-booting and getting online fast. The display runs at 1920 x 1080 resolution.

The Acer Aspire Z5761 will go on sale in early May, priced from £799 ($1,300).

Press Release:

New Acer Aspire Z5761: A touch of style and performance

London, 6th April 2011 – Acer introduces the new Acer Aspire Z5761: combining great performance, excellent entertainment and stylish modern design, this all-in-one desktop heralds next generation computing.

Thanks to the screen with multi-touch functionality, the Aspire Z5761 not only offers a dynamic user experience, but also delivers one of the easiest ways of interacting with your PC and integrating all your multimedia contents. Starting point for this smarter way to access the PC and the web, the Acer TouchPortal provides a truly hands-on experience bringing together a full suite of touch enhanced applications and gadgets for fun and entertainment:
TouchBrowser is a touch-friendly web browser designed for searching, retrieving and presenting information from the Internet.
TouchCam features handy touch controls to add fun video effects while chatting online, or do theme-style recording and share with friends on YouTube™.
TouchMusic, lets you browse, manage and play your favourite music.
TouchPhoto integrates photo management with photo sharing capabilities and is designed to interact with both local images and online albums.
TouchVideo includes video management and sharing features. It allows you to enjoy Blu-ray or DVD movies and home videos, as well as browse and share your videos to YouTube.

But the Acer TouchPortal is not the only way the Aspire Z5761 brings your digital life together. It also comes with Clear.fi, Acer’s new media sharing system based on the idea that it’s easier if all multimedia content is simply brought into a single system with a common interface. No matter where they are. Clear.fi is a cross-platform solution that works straight out of the box, automatically detecting the Clear.fi-enabled devices connected to the wireless home network, and then allowing all digital content stored on any of these to be shared seamlessly using the Clear.fi media interface.

Featuring a modern, minimalist design, the Aspire Z5761 easily fits into any décor, gracing any living or working space with a sophisticated look and feel. Sharp-cut geometric lines set off the combination of aluminum with matt and glossy black surfaces, creating a luxurious effect. Cool blue lighting placed above the integrated speakers lights up the keyboard. When not in use the keyboard can be nicely tucked away below the PC, enhancing the overall minimalist look as well as increasing the free area in front of the desktop. Inspired by modern art, the silver stand is designed with a window for organizing cables while keeping a simple, yet stylish design.

Performance-wise, this is an advanced PC, rich of cutting edge technologies engineered to convey an enhanced computing experience. Exploiting the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor family, that features Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, capable of increasing perfomance in response to the most demanding tasks such as editing multimedia files, or playing fast-paced games, this desktop can deliver optimal speed enabling smoother multitasking and ensuring maximised entertainment and productivity. What’s more it combines turbo-charged computing power with energy efficiency.

Top-quality visual and audio components make the most of your entertainment. With a spacious 58.4 cm (23”) Full HD 1080p 16:9 display, fast 5ms response and powerful graphics solutions, you will catch even the tiniest details of your favourite movies, games, pictures, and digital TV thanks to ultra-sharp and colorful imagery. Captivating and immersive audio is brought about by an integrated 5W stereo speaker system and professionally tuned Dolby® Home Theater® v4.

With a Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive (optional), multi-in-one card reader, and TV-tuner (optional) these models bring together all facets of your digital life, from movies to games, from TV to pictures: an all-in-one design also in terms of entertainment.

Full connectivity is ensured by the most advanced wireless and wired technologies: 802.11b/g/n network connection, Gigabit LAN and optional built-in Bluetooth® 2.1. The built-in microphone and high definition webcam will help you keep in touch with friends and family through video chats and conference.

In terms of storage, up to 1.5TB of capacity offers plenty of space for all your digital archives. Up to 8GB of DDR3 memory ensure seamless running of the most demanding application, while a total of eight USB port supplies handy connection to all your peripherals.

The Aspire Z5761 will be available in early May with prices starting from £799 inc Vat

As for the ASUS Eee Slate EP121, that will arrive on April 10 as an Amazon exclusive in the UK (until May 1). It will be priced at £999 ($1,602) complete with a 12.1-inch touchscreen with active digitizer and stylus, Intel Core i5-470UM processor, WiFi b/g/n and a 64GB SSD.

We’re at ASUS’ London press event today, and will be grabbing hands-on with the Transformer and EP121 as soon as they let us. Keep reading SlashGear for more!

Update: ASUS Eee Pad Transformer hands-on is now live!

Press Release:

Transform your life at home, work and beyond with the ASUS Eee Pad tablet

ASUS launch Eee Pad Transformer tablet with Android 3.0 Honeycomb and unique hybrid docking design

ASUS have today announced the launch of the hugely anticipated Eee Pad Transformer tablet – the first to market with Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system.

Boasting a unique design and up to 16 hours’ battery life* the 10.1” Transformer can be used as an independent pad or can be docked with the fully functional keyboard base for a traditional notebook approach.

The Eee Pad Transformer is fun-sized and lightweight – perfect for bags and big pockets. It features a non-slip lid and Corning® Gorilla® scratch-proof screen for a safe and worry-free way to keep connected and entertained in every situation.

With stunning picture and sound quality and Adobe Flash 10.2 support this intuitive tablet offers the means to enjoy a mini-cinema experience, whilst two high quality cameras provide instant support for video conferencing.

What’s more – unlimited online storage and access to Android Market opens the door to thousands of applications with one for every need, whilst the ASUS Waveface interface brings a host of utilities to the fingertip including remote access and a personal library for both books and multimedia.

The Eee Pad Transformer will be available from 6th April 2011 at a price of £379 inc VAT for the pad only, or £429 for the pad and keyboard dock.

Key benefits:
* Unique two-part design with docking keyboard
* Android 3.0 operating system & ASUS Waveface Interface
* NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core processor for optimum performance
* Up to 16 hour battery life for all-day computing (pad + keyboard dock)
* 10.1” LED backlit high resolution, scratch-proof screen
* Lightweight, non-slip design for practical portability
* Front and rear facing high quality cameras
* Access to thousands of home and work applications via Android Market
* 10 Finger Multi-touch support and sensors including GPS
* Preloaded utilities including remote access, work suite and library
* Mini HDMI output to extend stunning visuals to external devices
* 3D Stereo audio quality with SRS sound technology

A world of entertainment, productivity and online content available at your fingertips:

Google’s Android 3.0 (nicknamed ‘Honeycomb’) is a long-awaited new operating system which has been tailored especially for tablets, and brings an uncompromised combination of performance, entertainment and mobile diversity to your hands – whether you are at home, at work or on the move.

Honeycomb and the ASUS Waveface user interface are geared to enrich and make life easier, fun and more productive, with an ASUS Launcher toolbar offering the means to experience a host of applications, online content and services through just a few taps.

56% of users want more applications on their tablet device**, and the Eee Pad Transformer is the perfect solution with access to Android Market; an ever-growing service which offers thousands of applications to download including many for free. The apps database covers a multitude of topics such as home & garden, learning, games, business or shopping.

Applications as complex as piano-playing or multi-player games can be experienced to the max thanks to the 10 finger multi-touch support. Internal sensors such as the gyroscope and G-sensor make movement-based games possible whilst the added GPS and compass modules mean you need never lose your way again.

ASUS Waveface also plays host to a set of helpful and unique utilities:

* MyNet: In 3 simple steps you can wirelessly stream media content between devices around the home including desktops and TV.

* MyLibrary: A clever way to consolidate your must-read books and magazines into one easy-to-navigate profile. Supporting PDF and ePub formats, it offers global content including Googlebooks, and a set of handy utilities to make reading easier including a dictionary, translator, bookmarker, notes and even text-to-speech (requires app download).

* MyCloud: Easy access to cloud content including WebStorage and the ASUS @Vibe media library (which offers downloads of a huge range of music, video and games to enjoy wherever you are).

* MyDesktop: A secure remote log-in application which lets you control files and applications on your other devices via the Eee Pad Transformer – including Android, Windows or Mac computers. So, if you forget to email an important file to work and it’s still on your home computer, you can connect to Desktop and do it from where you are.

Android 3.0 is also preloaded with Polaris Office 3 – a professional standard productivity suite which supports the viewing and editing of popular document formats including PowerPoint (.ppt), Excel (.xls) and Word (.doc), making it easier than ever to keep on track with work outside the office.

Switch between a tablet or a notebook to suit your mood and style:

The Eee Pad Transformer does exactly what it says on the box – it transforms. Thanks to a unique docking keyboard, the modernistic device can be used either as an independent tablet when you want a lightweight option to carry around the home or whilst travelling, or with a simple clip-in-place action it transforms into a traditional netbook perfect for longer typing demands or recharging. With such freedom of design you can perfectly tailor the Eee Pad Transformer to suit your tasks at hand.

The portable docking attachment boasts a fully functional QWERTY chiclet keyboard making it comfortable and intuitive for longer use and a obliging response to demand – 33% of users wanted larger keyboards in tablets**.
Additional Android function keys provide a one-click way to control media, brightness and volume or toggle wireless options on or off with ease.

A whopping 16 hour battery life* mean you can stay connected and efficient all day long:

The standalone pad offers up to 9.5 hours of battery life, and charges when docked to the keyboard station. When docked, this already-impressive battery life extends to up to 16 hours – more than enough to keep those active kids quiet on long car journeys. Even the slim-line AC mains adapter (which connects to each half of the device) has been thoughtfully designed so that when you need more time you can still travel light.

A tablet designed for real life: non-slip, bump-proof, scratch-resistant and as light as a feather:

Given the extraordinarily wide range of uses for an Eee Pad Transformer, ASUS have thoughtfully designed it to laugh in the face of life’s demands.

Measuring 271 x 177 x 12.98mm and weighing a mere 680g, the curvy pad is barely larger than an A5 piece of paper and lighter than a bag of sugar. Such a portable size means the Eee Pad Transformer is ideally placed to fit into backpacks, handbags, large pockets or even just carry around – the textured lid gives some grip and means it won’t slip out of your hand.

The IPS panel screen is made from Corning® Gorilla® glass – a super-strong material which is bump and scratch proof yet still reassuringly lightweight, so when the kids get hold of it to check out the latest homework hints, you can smile and stay worry-free.

Store, share and synchronise with no fuss:

ASUS WebStorage offers unlimited online storage (free for 1 year) to complement the 32GB internal space and provides a reliable and secure means of accessing your data from anywhere, anytime.

What’s more, with the inclusion of high-speed wireless (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1, SD/eMMC card-readers and a port to connect and synchronise your PC, it’s reassuringly effortless to back-up, store and share your favourite photos and important documents without any additional hardware.

The Eee Pad Transformer is designed for sharing, and even supports 10 finger multi-touch gestures to allow more than one person to play multi-player games on the same device.

Front and rear cameras make sure you can capture the moment in high quality:

The Eee Pad Transformer features two built-in cameras; one on the front (1.2MP) and one on the rear (5MP). With auto focus technology and the ability to record movies in high definition quality, this double-helping of practical technology will make sure you don’t miss the best moments in life for sharing.

Not only that, but the Eee Pad Transformer makes it easier to stay in touch with long distance friends and family or work colleagues through video conferencing and to experience the latest virtual reality-based applications and games on the Android Market.

Powerful hardware with spectacular video and sound for versatile, outstanding entertainment at home and on the move:

The Eee Pad Transformer integrates an array of powerful hardware, including 1GB of memory and the super-speedy NVIDIA Tegra 2 – a Dual Core processor which delivers uninterrupted web browsing and fast response times even whilst multi-tasking.

Supporting Adobe Flash 10.2 for rich HD content streaming alongside fast graphics support, the device delivers outstanding mobile game playability for console-quality gaming, alongside a visually engaging and highly-responsive user interface.

The 10.1” LED backlit screen (1280 x 800 resolution) provides the perfect balance between portability and a respectable size for working and watching movies. Visuals are crisper and harbour a 50% more accurate colour range in comparison with other tablets available today, and with a generously wide viewing angle of 178°, it’s never been easier to gather friends and family around to share your favourite content in astonishing clarity.

With a mini HDMI port integrated into the keyboard dock, you can also connect external devices to stream photos, video and other content onto a larger HDTV or projector, making this the must-have versatile gadget not only for home entertainment but for professional work presentations too.

Discrete speakers radiate a superior 3D stereo audio experience thanks to the built-in SRS Sound Technology with 5.1 channel, maximum bass response and a wide sound field. Movie and music fans will love the ability to hear every sound in the finest detail, from the creaks and rumbles of horror and action movies to the rhythmic notes of your R&B or pop stars.

A video of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer can be found on the ASUS Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/asus

Pricing and Availability:

Tablet, 16GB, WiFi, unlimited ASUS Webstorage: £379
Tablet & keyboard dock, 16GB, WiFi, unlimited ASUS Webstorage: £429
Tablet, 32GB, WiFi, unlimited ASUS Webstorage: £429

UK-wide range of retailers including PC World, Currys, Comet and Carphone Warehouse – pre-order online at Amazon.co.uk and Ebuyer.com from midnight today (30th March 2011).

In stock from April 6th (first units will be available in stores and pre-orders will be delivered shortly afterwards)

About ASUS

ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era.

ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones.

Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than ten thousand people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company’s revenue for 2009 was US$7.5 billion.

Press Release:

Eee Slate EP121: The Intuitive Way to Work, Learn & Play

ASUS Announce Eee Slate EP121 with Intel Core i5 Processor and Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System

ASUS have today announced the launch of the Eee Slate EP121 – a handy slate computer which combines the freedom of a tablet with the functionality of a notebook.

With Windows 7 Home Premium and a range of input options including a Bluetooth keyboard and Wacom Digitaliser, the Eee Slate EP121 is an intuitive, easy-to-use option for a range of uses from home entertainment to learning in the classroom, through to working on the move to presenting at the office.

The Eee Slate EP121 is also the first tablet to feature a full-power Dual Core Intel Core i processor, providing a wealth of power and performance to ensure a smooth, responsive environment for the multi-tasking users who demand it.

The Eee Slate EP121 will be available to buy from Amazon.co.uk at a RRP of £999 inc VAT (http://amzn.to/hBGp6C).

A product video and additional information can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Demo/159011907481873?sk=app_186464421389010

Key benefits:

* Multiple input options: fingertip, Wacom Digitaliser stylus or fingertip
* First tablet with Dual Core Intel Core i processor (Intel Core i5-470UM)
* Intel GMA HD graphics and Adobe Flash 10.1 support
* Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
* Highly durable and scratch-proof Cornel Gorilla 12.1” LED Backlit screen
* 64GB SSD drive for robust data storage
* Front facing 2MP camera for video conferencing
* Lightweight and slim profile for travelling – just 17mm thick
* Mini HDMI output for connecting to external HD devices

Multiple input options to suit you in every working scenario:

The Eee Slate EP121 offers three clever ways in which data can be inputted into the device:

Bluetooth Keyboard: Using the bundled Bluetooth keyboard, users can easily input large quantities of text with speed, ease and comfort over long period of use. The slate boasts Bluetooth 3.0 technology ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience.

Stylus: When out and about, the active stylus accessory with Wacom Digitiser will make a lighter option to travel with whilst still providing a high level of precision, thanks to the intelligent palm rejection function to improve accuracy. What’s more, built-in pressure recognition technology makes the stylus a particularly useful tool for creating graphics and artwork, and those in the design industry or even just those with a creative bug, will appreciate the pre-loaded Art Rage graphics application.

Fingertip: With a multi-touch screen, fingertips can be used to pinch, scroll, zoom and manipulate data on screen. Not only does this provide an incredibly intuitive and natural way to navigate (especially for younger children), it supports multi-user input, providing a collaborative interface for sharing media, games and work projects with friends and colleagues.

A reassuringly durable design provides protection against loss both inside and out:

In such a portable form (it boasts a profile only 17mm thick) it is inevitable for the Eee Slate EP121 to be used in a range of demanding scenarios both inside and out – glaring sunlight, rough journeys or even just excited kids. ASUS have thoughtfully designed the device both inside and out to ensure damage and data loss is kept to a minimal risk.

Inside, data is stored on a Solid State Drive (SSD) which, with no moving parts, is much more robust against physical bumps and shocks than traditional hard disk drives. With a 64GB capacity there is plenty of space to keep your most prized documents and photos safe.

On the outside, the Eee Slate EP121 features a 12.1” Cornel Gorilla screen, which is highly durable and scratch-resistant. Optical bonding ensures reduction in condensation and sunlight reflection, making it far easier to read and see the screen in a range of external environments – whether it’s on a sunny day in the garden or on a dimly lit plane journey for meetings.

Perfect for sharing media and staying connected with friends, family and work:

The Eee Slate EP121 plays host to a range of features which make sharing files and staying connected a breeze.

The 12.1” LED backlit screen with AFFS boasts a 175 degree viewing angle which means it can be turned and rotated and still be easily viewed by a big audience – a feature great for sharing videos with friends or showing a project outline with colleagues or classmates.

With a mini HDMI port included, users can easily connect an external HD display and enjoy movies and presentations in full 1080p HD quality for a rich cinema experience.

A high quality front-facing camera (2MP) means users can take advantage of video conferencing tools – whether it’s for staying in touch with long distance friends or conducting a last minute work meeting across the miles.

Integrated fast wireless (802.11b/g/n) alongside Bluetooth 3.0 and a built-in card reader means it is fast and effortless to copy files between your devices or to share across networks with friends or colleagues.

High performance technology provides a smooth environment for work and play:

As the first tablet to feature a full-power Intel Core i processor, the Eee Slate EP121 surpasses performance levels previously possible in a slate form and can handle high demands responsively.

The Intel Core i5-470UM processor in combination with Intel GMA HD graphics allows users to enjoy a rich multi-tasking environment for work, learning and play without compromising performance. Support of Adobe Flash 10.1 means the Eee Slate EP121 is readily compatible with a huge range of video, animation and gaming content online.

What’s more, the processor integrates Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 alongside Hyper threading technology – essentially this combination means that the Eee Slate EP121 distributes power and performance to applications which need it most at the right times, giving users a speedy and uninterrupted experience whether they are enjoying movies with family or preparing an important work presentation.

Windows 7 Home Premium provides a convenient and familiar environment to use:

Many users don’t have time to learn a whole new operating system just to take advantage of the mobile benefits of tablets.

The Eee Slate EP121 with Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) provides a familiar, convenient way to work and play, with a huge range of compatibility and support for files and applications already in existence.

Microsoft Office is supported by the system, and users can easily navigate their working environment by organising windows side by side, viewing previews of open applications from the taskbar or viewing lists of recent documents.

Plug-and-play is recognised so users can easily connect a variety of external devices such as cameras, printers and scanners without the need to install extra software.

Windows Live Mesh enables synchronisation between other computers, with easy access to the latest version to avoid working on an older document – making it a superior option for those who often work away from the office/home, or for collaborative groups who share working documents.

That software suite includes a touch-based browser, a clippings app called MyJournal, a social network aggregator pulling in Flickr, Facebook and YouTube content, and various other digital media tools. There’s also an on-screen keyboard and gesture support, along with Gorilla Glass to protect both of the displays. RAM is 4GB as standard, as is a 640GB hard-drive and 1.3-megapixel webcam.

At last week’s UK launch event for the Iconia Tab W500, Acer told us that sales of the Iconia Touchbook – which has been on sale in the UK since mid-January – had been “good, for the £1,500 segment” but declined to give specific figures.

[via CrunchGear]

Press Release:

Acer Iconia Touchbook Dual-Screen Tablet Provides Engaging, Natural Way to Interact with Digital Data

World’s First and Only Tablet Featuring Two 14-inch Touch Screen Displays Now Available for Pre-Sale in the U.S. and Canada

SAN JOSE, CA – March 29, 2011 – Acer today announced that its much anticipated dual screen tablet, the Iconia-6120 Dual-Screen Touchbook is now available for pre-sale in North America. Providing a powerful, immersive touch experience like no other, it is the world’s first and only tablet to offer two touch-enabled 14-inch high-definition widescreen LED backlit LCDs.

Intuitive to use and customizable to individual needs, it combines the power of Intel Core i5 processing with the familiarity of Windows 7, and is destined to change how people use technology to engage with the world. A winner of this year’s prestigious “Last Gadget Standing” award at CES, the Iconia was noted for incorporating the best features of any notebook or tablet device.

With the flexibility to use a finger, type on a virtual keyboard, or use a combination of both, the Iconia Touchbook provides many ways to make the computing experience a truly personal one. Consumers can customize what is shown on each screen, allowing them to watch a video on the top screen and browse their multimedia library on the bottom one, or view a single web page across the two displays. Using the bottom screen to manage and control the action on the top screen keeps presentations, movies or web pages free of icons and other navigational tools.

Extremely durable and scratch resistant, the Iconia’s 14-inch LCDs are made of ultra-thin Gorilla® Glass from Corning, a renowned manufacturer of extremely durable glass. With a wipe and clean coating, it’s easy to keep the displays shiny and smudge-free.

“The Acer Iconia Touchbook delivers a computing and visual experience like no other,” said Eric Ackerson, senior product marketing manager, Acer America. “Whether the Touchbook is used by a small business owner or a student, its unique dual screen design enhances the interaction they will have with their digital data. Our compelling design and applications will let them discover new and much more personal ways to communicate and enjoy the computing experience, regardless of whether it’s work related or for personal enjoyment.”

The Heart of Iconia – the Acer Ring Control Interface
The unique Acer Ring Control Interface makes navigating by touch simple and intuitive. By placing five fingers in a circular pattern on the bottom display, the Acer Ring appears, providing instant access to favorite applications and features. From this point, consumers can use their fingertip or launch the virtual keyboard to change the tablet’s settings, surf the web, capture screen images, post photos and status updates to a social network, watch a movie and more, all in the manner most comfortable and natural to them.

AppCards Provide Quick and Easy Access to Productivity and Entertainment-Based Applications
Appearing on the either side of the Acer Ring is a unique set of Iconia touch-based applications, called AppCards. Using a finger, users can scroll to the one they want, and simply tap it to have instant access to a range of compelling programs ideal for either business or home use.

• TouchBrowser is specifically designed to offer a more comfortable web surfing experience when using touch input. Upon launching, web content will flow across both screens. A toolbar at the bottom of either screen provides easy control over the open pages. To enter a website address, consumers can use the virtual keyboard or enter it using handwriting gestures. A pinching action will zoom in on the content on the page. Pages can be added to Favorites by simply tapping the Add Favorites icon.

• MyJournal is a handy place to keep clippings of websites and other information. Images can be captured from any web page and organized onto a single, easy-to-view page. It includes pre-set tabs for News, Sports, Entertainment, Politics and Business. The selected website content on the tabbed pages is automatically updated each time it’s opened. A toolbar at the top of the page makes it easy to edit, resize, rename and move clips to other pages. In a business environment, a professional will find this feature useful in tracking news on competitors or to keep an eye on the stock market. A consumer can follow a local news story, their favorite sports team or keep an eye on their favorite celebrity’s latest antics.

• Social Jogger simultaneously connects to three of the most popular social networking sites — Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube, presenting them a simple interface on one screen. Users can check posts and updates on one screen at a glance, and use the other screen to view one of the sites in more detail, surf the web, view photos or work on a spreadsheet.

• Scrapbook is a convenient place to store website and photo images and other content. It includes a pen tool for drawing or entering handwritten text, such as adding comments or reminders. From there, images can be exported to the clipboard for insertion into other applications, or saved as an image file.

• TouchPhoto, TouchMusic and TouchVideo provide direct access to multimedia files stored on the tablet.

Easy-to-use Tools Make Navigating Intuitive and Fun
Appearing directly on the Acer Ring are a number of useful functions and tools, including Virtual Keyboard, Gesture Editor, Capture, Webclip, Windows Manager and Device Control. Tapping the desired tool’s icon brings it up for immediate use.

• The Virtual Keyboard gives users the ability to enter data and navigate in a familiar fashion. Combined with its touch capabilities, the Iconia Touchbook is a flexible and powerful tablet designed for maximum efficiency and productivity. When both palms are placed on the bottom screen, the virtual full-sized keyboard instantly appears. Adaptive typing and predictive text allows for quick data entry and minimizes mistakes. A numeric touchpad with handwriting recognition converts handwriting to text. The palm rest area can also be customized with any image on the computer – a company logo or a scenic background — so users can personalize the tablet even more.

• Gesture Editor is a simple and quick way to instantly launch specific applications, access favorite websites, or even to lock the computer with a simple finger motion. A set of pre-defined gestures is included, but customized gestures can be created in just five easy steps. For example, simply drawing a $ (dollar sign) on the screen can launch a financial or accounting application, or a v (checkmark) can open a to-do list.

• The Capture tool allows users to clip parts of an image (a photo, illustration or a webpage) and save it to the Scrapbook application for further editing. It’s a great way to collect images for use in a PowerPoint presentation. And it couldn’t be easier to do. With the picture on the top screen and the Scrapbook page opened on the bottom display, users just tap the Capture tool, run their finger around the desired image and then tap the area to open a menu that will allow them to drag and drop it onto the Scrapbook page. The captured image will automatically be added as a thumbnail image above the scrapbook page for quick and easy viewing. They can then drag and drop the desired thumbnail onto the page, where it can be rotated or resized with pinching actions.

• The Web Clip tool is specifically for clipping parts of web pages to save to MyJournal. Tap the screen, select the area to crop, tap and drag on any of the corners of the selected area to size it, and then tap the area again to open a menu to paste the content into MyJournal, Scrapbook or copy it to the clipboard. It can also be saved as a bitmap file.

• Window Manager provides a touch-friendly interface for controlling the various open windows on the displays. Users can customize which screen the application appears on as well as its size.

• Device Control is an easy way to access and adjust power, display and volume settings, wireless connections and various devices connected to the HDMI, VGA and USB ports.

Clear.fi makes data sharing convenient in small office environment or the home
Making it easy to share multimedia content, the Acer Iconia Touchbook features clear.fi, Acer’s digital media sharing solution. Clear.fi automatically connects all Acer devices on a network (smartphones, notebooks, desktops, HD media players and storage devices) and then gathers and organizes media files by type (video, music, photo, pre-recorded TV). Users can browse the categories and then drag and drop the media to any of the connected PCs or devices for playback.

No-Compromises Tablet Features Leading Technology for Maximum Productivity and Fun
A super charged tablet filled with enough leading technology to rival many desktop and notebook PCs in performance, the Iconia-6120 Dual-Screen Touchbook is powerful enough to handle demanding applications and graphic intensive multimedia files. Featuring an Intel® Core™ i5 Processor with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology(2), 4GB of memory and Intel® HD graphics, the Touchbook is equipped for heavy lifting. In addition, Dolby® Advanced Audio™ v3 brings vibrant sound to business presentations, movies, music, and games.

Windows 7 Premium 64-bit provides a familiar computing environment, and is compatible with today’s most popular applications and media formats, and supports full web browsing with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1. For professional environments, Windows 7 delivers what is expected in a business-class PC: manageability, security and the ability to run the applications used within most organizations today, including Microsoft Office.

To maximize productivity, the Touchbook includes the new USB 3.0 standard with a top speed that’s 10 times faster than standard USB 2.0; a 25GB high definition video file can be transferred from an external USB 3.0 storage device in just 70 seconds and stored on the roomy 640GB SATA hard drive(3). Two 2.0 USB ports and an HDMI port are also included.

A 1.3 megapixel HD webcam is ideal for face-to-face videoconferencing or for staying in touch with business associates, friends and family. Connect reliably with 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ or Gigabit Ethernet LAN from work, home or while on-the-go. Weighing in at just 6.18 pounds, it’s as convenient to carry as any notebook computer, and fits comfortably in a briefcase or backpack.

U.S. Configurations, Pricing and Availability
With an MSRP of $1,199.99, the Acer Iconia-6120 Touchbook is available for pre-sale now and will be available in April at leading retailers nationwide.

Canada Configurations, Pricing and Availability
With an MSRP of $1,199.00(CAD), the Acer Iconia-6120 Touchbook will be available in April through authorized Canadian resellers.

The Windows 7 tablet is already up for pre-order in the US, priced from $969, but it’s still out of stock and with no delivery estimates in sight. In fact, this is the first time a solid date has been attached to the EP121; previously all ASUS would say is that it was due near the start of April.

While not appealing to everybody, the ASUS tablet does have plenty of promise for enterprise users and digital artists, who will appreciate the more precise active digitizer. More on the Eee Slate EP121 in our hands-on coverage of the tablet.

RAM is up to 8GB and there’s Intel’s WiDi for streaming 1080p and 5.1 surround sound to a nearby display. Alternatively HDMI 1.4a does the same thing for those still into wires. An HD webcam and USB 3.0 round out the key specs, along with WiFi and optional mobile broadband.

In the US, the Dell Inspiron 14R will start from $579.99, the 15R from $529.99 and the 17R from $579.99, all with black lids. Additional lids will be from $39.99. In the UK, only the 15R and 17R will be available initially, priced from £479 and £529respectively, with extra lids from £29.

Press Release:

Switch Into Spring With The New Inspiron R Series From Dell

· New InspironTM R line expands Dell’s leading-edge portfolio of products with 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM processors

· Inspiron R is fun, stylish and fast featuring the latest technology, a superior entertainment experience, impressive battery life and a new interchangeable lid option

· Just pop.click.switch: New SWITCH by Design Studio lids allow for a new look at any moment

BRACKNELL, UK, March 17, 2011 – The new Inspiron R series joins Dell’s expansive collection of laptops and desktops equipped with the latest Intel processors and are fun, stylish and lightning quick. Available today at Dell.co.uk, the new Inspiron R 15- and 17-inch laptops deliver incredible mobile entertainment, high-definition displays and outstanding battery life, but that’s just the beginning.

The perfect combination of brains and beauty – the latest addition to the Inspiron family also introduces an innovative new design twist: new SWITCH by Design Studio interchangeable lids that switch the look of Inspiron R laptops with just a pop and a click[i]. The SWITCH by Design Studio collection includes 23 new eye-popping lids sporting vibrant colours and unique designs. Start the day with a Peacock Blue lid, and switch it out for a design-inspired look at night. SWITCH by Design Studio will be available with select lids at launch, with more options introduced in the coming weeks.

But the Inspiron R shouldn’t be judged by its cover(s) alone. Packing the latest 2nd generation Intel Core technology, the Inspiron R laptops benefit from sleek form factors, up to 13 hours of battery life[ii] with the optional 9-cell battery and incorporate the latest USB 3.0 technology to make transferring photos, videos, music and other graphics-rich files faster than ever.

Performance? Check! What about the lids? Curated collections carefully selected from Dell Design Studio are coming soon. The contemporary art and graphic designs available from SWITCH by Design Studio and will offer exclusive selections from outstanding independent artists, designers and partners including OPI and Threadless and (PRODUCT)RED™, where a portion of proceeds go to The Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa [iii].

“Our Inspiron R models equipped with 2nd gen Intel Core processors deliver the ultimate in entertainment and mobility and because customers value both performance and style, the eye-catching lids are designed to suit your mood or style at any given moment,” said Sam Burd, vice president Dell’s Consumer & SMB Product Group. “With the Inspiron-R series, we’re living up to our heritage of delivering the performance you need to do more, and with SWITCH by Design Studio, you can look good while doing it,” Burd added.

Inspiron R: The Dell Difference

With a range of entertainment, storage, productivity and show-stopping design options available on the Inspiron R, Dell makes it easy for people to go online and choose the perfect Inspiron R laptop with confidence, knowing it will be a smart investment that will deliver the ideal technology-by-design for them.

Inspiron R: Key Features

· 2nd generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor options and up to 8GB of memory [iv]

· Weight starting at 2.65kg / 5.84 lbs for the Inspiron 15R[v]

· 6-cell battery included with 9-cell battery options[vi]

· SRS Premium Audio and high-definition video performance

· Intel Wireless Display technology for wireless projection of full 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound to your home theatre for a breath-taking movie-viewing experience[vii]

· Support for Blu-ray 3D movie playback when equipped with the optional Blu-ray drive and connected to your 3D TV (HDMI 1.4 required)[viii]

· Integrated Dell Stage software, providing one-click access to photos, music, videos, social-networking sites, e-books and more

· HD capable webcam

· ChicletTM-style keyboard[ix]

· Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium with option for Professional

· Optional SWITCH by Design Studio lids featuring the new India Collection and designs from OPI, Threadless.com, (PRODUCT)RED™ and various artists

Pricing and Availability

Inspiron R
The new Inspiron R models are available today in the UK on Dell.co.uk

· Inspiron 15R (SWITCH by Design Studio model with black lid): Starts at £479 inc VAT and shipping

· Inspiron 17R (SWITCH by Design Studio model with black lid): Starts at £529 inc VAT and shipping

· SWITCH by Design Studio lids: Start at £29[x]

Press Release:

Switch into Spring with the New Inspiron R Series from Dell

New InspironTM R line expands Dell’s leading-edge portfolio of products with 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM processors
Inspiron R is fun, stylish and fast featuring the latest technology, a superior entertainment experience, impressive battery life and a new interchangeable lid option
Just pop.click.switch: New SWITCH by Design Studio lids allow for a new look at any moment
ROUND ROCK, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The new Inspiron R series joins Dell’s expansive collection of laptops and desktops equipped with the latest Intel processors and are fun, stylish and lightning quick. Available today at Dell.com, the new Inspiron R 14-, 15- and 17-inch laptops deliver incredible mobile entertainment, high-definition displays and outstanding battery life, but that’s just the beginning.

“Our Inspiron R models equipped with 2nd gen Intel Core processors deliver the ultimate in entertainment and mobility and because customers value both performance and style, the eye-catching lids are designed to suit your mood or style at any given moment”
The perfect combination of brains and beauty – the latest addition to the Inspiron family also introduces an innovative new design twist: new SWITCH by Design Studio interchangeable lids that switch the look of Inspiron R laptops with just a pop and a click1. The SWITCH by Design Studio collection includes 25 new eye-popping lids sporting vibrant colors and unique designs. Start the day with a Peacock Blue lid, and switch it out for a design-inspired look at night.

But the Inspiron R shouldn’t be judged by its cover(s) alone. Packing the latest 2nd generation Intel Core technology, the Inspiron R laptops benefit from sleek form factors, up to 13 hours of battery life2 on the Inspiron 15R with the optional 9-cell battery and incorporate the latest USB 3.0 technology to make transferring photos, videos, music and other graphics-rich files faster than ever.

Performance? Check! What about the lids? Carefully selected from Dell Design Studio’s curated collections, the contemporary art and graphic designs available from SWITCH by Design Studio offer exclusive selections from outstanding independent artists, designers and partners including OPI and Threadless and charitable partners, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and (PRODUCT)RED™, where a portion of proceeds benefit each organization, respectively3. And new with SWITCH by Design Studio, available today, are four Eastern-inspired designs from the India collection.

“Our Inspiron R models equipped with 2nd gen Intel Core processors deliver the ultimate in entertainment and mobility and because customers value both performance and style, the eye-catching lids are designed to suit your mood or style at any given moment,” said Sam Burd, vice president Dell’s Consumer & SMB Product Group. “With the Inspiron-R series, we’re living up to our heritage of delivering the performance you need to do more, and with SWITCH by Design Studio, you can look good while doing it,” Burd added.

Inspiron R: The Dell Difference

With a range of entertainment, storage, productivity and show-stopping design options available on the Inspiron R, Dell makes it easy for people to go online and choose the perfect Inspiron R laptop with confidence, knowing it will be a smart investment that will deliver the ideal technology-by-design for them.

Inspiron R: Key Features

2nd generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor options and up to 8GB of memory4
Weight starting at 4.94 lbs for the Inspiron 14R5
6-cell battery included with 9-cell battery options6
SRS Premium Audio and high-definition video performance
Intel Wireless Display technology for wireless projection of full 1080p video and 5.1 surround sound to your home theater for a breath-taking movie-viewing experience7
Support for Blu-ray 3D movie playback when equipped with the optional Blu-ray drive and connected to your 3D TV (HDMI 1.4 required)8
Integrated Dell Stage software, providing one-click access to photos, music, videos, social-networking sites, e-books and more
HD capable webcam
ChicletTM-style keyboard9
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium with option for Professional
Optional SWITCH by Design Studio lids featuring the new India Collection and designs from OPI, Threadless.com, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, (PRODUCT)RED™ and various artists
Pricing and Availability

Inspiron R

The new Inspiron R models are available today in the U.S. on Dell.com and will be available through Dell’s U.S. retail partners in the coming months.

Inspiron 14R (SWITCH by Design Studio model with black lid): Starts at $579.99
Inspiron 15R (SWITCH by Design Studio model with black lid): Starts at $529.99
Inspiron 17R (SWITCH by Design Studio model with black lid): Starts at $579.99
SWITCH by Design Studio lids: Start at $39.9910

The Series 2 kicks things off with Celeron chips in the 12.5-inch models and Core i3 chips in the 14-inchers. They also get up to 4GB of storage and a 320GB HDD, while graphics are courtesy of Intel’s GMA HD chipset. As for the Series 4, both the 12.5- and 14-inchers can be spec’d with Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, along with up to 6GB of RAM and up to 500GB of HDD storage.

Finally, the Series 6 notebooks come in 14- and 15.6-inch versions with Core i3, i5 or i7 processors and up to 8GB of RAM and 500GB of storage. A 128GB/256 SSD is an option, as is NVIDIA NVS 4200M graphics. The Samsung Series 2 and Series 4 notebooks will arrive in April, while the Series 6 notebooks will follow on in May. No word on pricing at this stage.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG EXPANDS ENTERPRISE COMPUTING LINE WITH SERIES 2, SERIES 4, AND SERIES 6 BUSINESS LAPTOPS
March 16, 2011

New feature-rich notebooks combine reliability, versatility and performance for the managed-IT environment

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., — March 16, 2011 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, today announced three new mobile PC lines for the workplace. The Series 2, Series 4 and Series 6 laptops combine first-rate reliability and enhanced security with features like anti-shock hard drives and pressure-resistant casings to meet the needs of a fast-paced enterprise or educational environment.

“Samsung’s new mobile PCs deliver an unrivaled experience for the workplace, with features specifically designed to meet the needs of IT managers and end users,” said Scott Ledterman, director of mobile PC marketing at Samsung Enterprise Business Division. “The new Series 2, 4 and 6 laptops present a unique opportunity for Samsung to specifically focus on the enterprise and educational channels and underscores Samsung as a global leader in the enterprise PC market.”

Comfortable, Performance-Driven Experience
With all-day use in mind, Samsung engineered the Series 2, 4, and 6 mobiles PCs to provide the most comfortable and efficient experience possible. The sleek new laptops feature the latest 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor technology and Intel HD graphics, with select models offering optional nVIDIA Optimus Technology for outstanding graphics performance and long battery life. . Additionally, the 300-nit 16 million color SuperBright display offers a 50-percent brighter screen than conventional displays. The new enterprise-focused mobile PCs also feature comfortable keyboards and an optional TrackPoint in addition to a large touchpad to create an enhanced user experience even during periods of extended use.

Samsung’s Fast Start technology helps users take control of their work flow, allowing users to begin working within 3 seconds of opening the display or pressing the power button when in sleep mode. Samsung Fast Start also automatically saves data onto the HDD, to prevent data loss in the event the device loses power or the battery is removed. For added performance in the business world, Samsung’s Fast Browsing feature offers up to a 15-percent improvement in web response time, allowing users to quickly access information and databases online.

Samsung’s new line of business notebooks provide outstanding battery life with a high capacity 6-cell battery providing up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge. The optional 9-cell battery provides even longer battery life for mobile professionals on the go.

Unwavering Reliability, Durability and Security
Ensuring that a workforce can perform whenever and wherever they need, durability and reliability is at the core of the new lines with a standard 3-year warranty on all models and US-based Tier 2 customer support. For education and small businesses customers, the Series 2 mobile PC offers users a durable and affordable computing option while the Series 4 and Series 6 laptops are ideal for users with more demanding computing needs.

Each of the new laptops is constructed with a super-hard external casing and metal hinges for rugged durability. For further protection, Series 6 business rugged notebooks are equipped with reinforced magnesium alloy construction for enhanced durability.

For added peace of mind, the Series 2, 4 and 6 computers all feature an anti-spill design with a sealed case, reducing the risk of damage from minor spills on internal components. Moreover, the laptops feature Samsung’s anti-shock hard disk drive (HDD) protection, which uses an accelerometer to detect movement and stop the disk from spinning, preventing potential data loss upon impact.

For CTOs and IT managers that need to ensure sensitive contents remain secure at all times, each of the new notebooks is equipped with a range of security features such as pre-boot authentication. Series 4 and Series 6 notebooks add additional security features including a Fingerprint Sensor and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. Series 6 notebooks further enhanced security and manageability features with Intel vPro technology.

Improved Usability and Connectivity
Flawless integration with existing enterprise technology is a primary concern within an office environment. With this in mind, Samsung’s Easy Migration service allows users and IT managers to easily transfer files, settings and profiles from a user’s previous PC to one of Samsung’s newest models. Users can also rapidly backup and share data using a high-speed USB 3.0 connection.

For users that need teleconferencing capabilities, each model features enhanced audio/visual components, including a 1.3MP webcam and array microphone – making sharing business plans or presentations with clients and vendors simple and cost effective.

All three of the new lines of mobile PCs come with a standard three year warranty and Samsung Support. The Samsung Series 2 and Series 4 are scheduled to be available in April 2011. The Samsung Series 6 will be available in May 2011. All Samsung mobile PC products are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-866-SAM4BIZ or by visiting www.samsung.com.

Key Specs:
Series 2:
- Sizes Available: 12.5-inch, 14-inch,
- CPU:
- Intel® CeleronTM Processor (12.5-inch)
- Intel® CoreTM i3 Processor (14-inch)
- Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit)
- Memory: 2GB ~ 4 GB (expandable)
- Storage (max): 320GB
- Screen:
- 12.5-inch HD LED-backlit display
- 14.0-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
- Resolution: 1366 x 768
- Graphics: Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics

Series 4:
- Sizes Available: 12.5-inch, 14-inch,
- CPU:
- Intel® CoreTM i3 ~ i7 Processor (3MB ~ 4MB) (12.5-inch)
- Intel® CoreTM i3 ~ i7 Processor (3MB ~ 6MB)
- Operating System:
- Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (12.5-inch)
- Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (14-inch)
- Memory: 2GB ~ 6GB (expandable)
- Storage (max): 320GB ~ 500GB 7200RPM
- Screen:
- 12.5-inch HD LED-backlit display
- 14.0-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
- Resolution:
- 1366 x 768
- Graphics:
- Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics (12.5-inch)
- Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics (14-inch)
- Battery: 6-cell; up to 7 hours
- Docking station connector

Series 6:
- Sizes Available: 14-inch, 15.6-inch
- CPU:
- Intel® CoreTM i3 ~ i7 Processor (3MB ~ 6MB) (14- and 15.6-inch)
- Operating System:
- Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (14-inch)
- Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (15.6-inch)
- Memory:
- 4GB ~ 8GB (14-inch) (expandable)
- 4GB ~ 8GB (15.6-inch) (expandable)
- Storage (max):
- 320GB ~ 500GB (7200 rpm sATA)
- Optional 128GB ~ 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Screen:
- 14.0-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
- 15.6-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
- Resolution:
- 1366 x 768, 1600 x 900
- Graphics:
- Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics or nVIDIA NVS 4200M
- Battery: 6-cell; up to 7 hours
- Docking station connector

There’s also a 128GB SSD, Intel HD GT graphics driving the 1366 x 768 display, and WiFi b/g/n. OS is Windows 7 Home Premium, though a Windows 7 Professional version of the notebook will arrive in mid-April for $50 more.

That will be accompanied by an 11-inch version of the Samsung Series 9, complete with a 1.33GHz Intel Core i3-380UM processor, 64GB SSD and Intel GMA HD graphics. No word on pricing for the smaller model at this stage.

Press Release:

JUST IN TIME TO “LIGHTEN UP” FOR SPRING, LIGHTWEIGHT SAMSUNG SERIES 9 BECOMES AVAILABLE IN THE U.S.
March 16, 2011

Samsung’s new ultra premium laptop goes on sale March 17

What: Samsung Electronics America Inc. today announced that the highly anticipated 13-inch, Series 9 laptop featuring Windows® 7 Home Premium will be available in the U.S. through Best Buy and other select retailers and e-tailers beginning tomorrow, March 17.

The 13-inch Series 9 laptop equipped with Windows® 7 Professional will become available at retail/e-tail and through select channel partners in mid-April.

Additionally, an 11-inch Series 9 laptop featuring Windows® 7 Home Premium and 64 GB of HDD storage will also be made available in mid-April.

Where: Series 9 laptops will be available through a variety of retail and reseller channels including Best Buy, Amazon and Tiger. For a full list of local Samsung resellers and distributors call 1-800-SAMSUNG or visit www.samsung.com.

MSRP: Series 9 13-inch, Windows® 7 Home Premium: $1,649 MSRP.
Series 9 13-inch, Windows® 7 Professional: $1,699 MSRP. .

Series 9 Specs:
- CPU:
- 13” – Intel® CoreTM i5 Processor 2537M (1.4 GHz, 3MB)
- 11” – Intel® Core™ i3 Processor 380UM (1.33 GHz, 3MB)
- Operating System:
- 13” – Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 bit) or Windows® 7 Professional (64 bit)
- 11” – Windows® 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
- Memory:
- 13” – 4GB DDR3
- 11” – 2GB DDR3
- Storage (max):
- 13” – 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- 11” – 64GB SSD
- Screen:
- 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright Plus display (400 nit)
- 11.1-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright Plus display (340 nit)
- Resolution:
- 13”/11” – 1366×768
- Graphics:
- 13” – Intel HD GT
- 11” – Intel GMA HD (Integrated)
- Speakers:
- 13”/11” – 3 watt (1.5W x 2) stereo speakers
- Battery: Lithium Polymer; up to 7 hours
- Wireless: 802.11b/g/n; WiMaxi
- Weight:
- 13” – 2.89 lbs.
- 11” – 2.31 lbs.

Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, power management settings, applications used, and wireless settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and use. Test results based on independent third party Battery Mark tests. Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice Non-Metric weights and measurements are approximate. Total amount of available memory may be less based on configuration.

Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes, GB = 1 billion bytes, TB = 1 trillion bytes. Please note that a portion of the hard drive is reserved for system recovery, operating system and preloaded content software