Connectivity, meanwhile, includes two USB 2.0 ports, a USB/eSATA combo, VGA and audio in/out, along with WiFi b/g/n and optional WiMAX and Bluetooth 3.0. There’s also a tweaked webcam and full-sized keyboard.

Dell claims the Vostro V130 will go on sale today, though there’s no sign of the ultraportable on the company’s site at time of writing.

Press Release:

Entrepreneurs Work Beautifully with Dell Vostro V130

Durable, high-quality laptop gives small businesses style and substance
One of the thinnest and lightest ultraportable 13-inch laptops available
The first ultra-thin laptop to offer Hyperbaric Cooling, an Intel® Advanced Cooling Technology

ROUND ROCK, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Dell today unveiled the Vostro V130, the latest and most stunning addition to its award-winning Vostro laptop line.

Designed with the needs and wants of on-the-go entrepreneurs in mind, the Vostro V130 combines head-turning style with best-of-breed durability and security. The Vostro V130 is one of the thinnest [as thin as 0.65” (front) to 0.78” (rear)] and lightest (starting at 3.5 pounds[i]) ultraportable 13-inch laptops available and includes color options Lucerne Red and Aberdeen Silver. Constructed from sturdy aluminum and reinforced with zinc hinges and a magnesium alloy palm rest, it is also road-ready and able to survive everyday bumps and thumps. In addition, the V130 is the first ultra-thin laptop to offer Hyperbaric Cooling, an Intel® Advanced Cooling Technology, to help it stay quiet and cool.

To increase productivity, the laptop can run Windows® 7 effortlessly while performing everyday tasks quickly thanks to the new Intel Core ULV processor, full-sized keyboard and 13.3-inch High Definition WLED display. In addition, the new laptop provides business-class security and superior service and support when and where it’s needed, giving customers the power to do more while carrying less. With the Vostro V130, customers can choose their own level of 24/7 coverage with optional Dell ProSupport™ services and Accidental Damage Service2, as well as get help when they need it with DellConnect™3, which allows tech-support agents to troubleshoot and help repair system issues remotely. The laptop also comes equipped with the latest Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services to protect your system and servers from viruses and virtual threats, as well as CompuTrace4 anti-theft.

“Small and mid-sized firms are re-examining their IT needs and are ready to implement technology that gives them comprehensive access to all the capabilities they need, even while on the road,” said Ray Boggs, vice president of small and medium business research at IDC. “Notebook PCs are on SMB shopping lists in a big way as firms shift from desktops and implement product refreshes that have long been delayed. Dell continues to keep SMB needs in focus with effective design, connectivity options and more processing muscle.”

Vostro V130: The Perfect On-the-Go Ultraportable for Small Business

The Vostro V130 is the perfect follow up to the popular V13 and includes new connectivity features based directly on customer feedback, including the addition of an HDMI port for easy connection to High Definition TV, the ability to back up seamlessly or quickly connect devices and peripherals using the two USB 2.0 ports, shared USB/eSATA port and VGA.

Small businesses can work virtually anytime anywhere wirelessly with 802.11n wireless technology, optional WiMAXtechnology (U.S. only)5 and Bluetooth 3.0 for easy wireless connection to devices and peripherals such as keyboards, mice and headsets within a short distance. The new SIM card slot and upgraded built-in webcam complete the package, helping you stay connected to your business.

“With the V130, we are adding the functionality customers asked for without sacrificing the beautiful design they fell in love with in the V13,” said Sam Burd, vice president, Consumer, Small and Medium Business Product Group, Dell. “Starting today, I predict the V130 will fast become the must-have travel companion for today’s mobile professional.”

Pricing and Availability

The Vostro V130 is available today worldwide, starting at $429.

First impressions and hands-on video of the Libretto W100 after the cut

The design may be unusual, but the specs are relatively mainstream. As well as the 1.2GHz processor there’s 2GB of DDR3 memory, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and optional mobile broadband. You also get a single USB 2.0 port, microSD card reader, 1-megapixel webcam and a battery good for just 3.5hrs of use. The Libretto W100 measures 202 x 123 x 30.7 mm and weighs 819g, and has a built-in accelerometer to flip screen orientation.

Toshiba Libretto W100 promo:

As you might expect, Toshiba has had to do some serious software work in order to bring Windows 7 up to speed with the Libretto W100′s form-factor. A different app can be running on each display – a browser in one and a document in the other, for instance, with content dragged from one screen to the next – or you can have a choice of virtual keyboards. These include a regular QWERTY layout, a simplified QWERTY which drops the separate numeric row and symbols, and a DialKeys-style split ‘board intended to be used with the thumbs while holding the W100. Each supports haptic feedback, the Libretto vibrating slightly as you tap each button.

Toshiba also preload their LifeSpace suite, which includes a finger-friendly document browser called ReelTime that’s a little like CoverFlow, displaying previews on the top screen, and a Bulletin Board app. The latter can be used to create multiple virtual cork-boards, navigated by swiping left or right, and onto which you can pin images, Post-It notes of reminders, calendar widgets and even files that can be dragged between the top display and the Bulletin Board. Meanwhile you can also snip screenshots or sections of the top screen and drag them to the Bulletin Board (see a demo in our hands-on video) together with take photos using the built-in webcam and pin those too. In all it’s a similar concept – though less complex – to Microsoft’s Courier idea of a virtual scrapbook.

Having spent some time with a pre-production version of the Libretto W100, there’s plenty we like about the ultraportable but still some gaping holes that are easy to identify. Battery life and, a decent amount of RAM aside, the limited potency of the CULV processor mean the W100 is nowhere near an all-day device nor a serious Kindle or iPad rival for long periods of ereading. We’re not convinced by the size, either; at around the same dimensions as a hard-back book, you’ll need a big pocket in order to carry the W100 bag-free. Still, the dual-hinge seems sturdy – and a nice balance between being straightforward to open and position, and tenacious enough to hold the Libretto at the chosen angle – and the displays are bright. The touchscreens don’t support multitouch, as far as we could tell, and needed calibrating since they were particularly picky about how exactly you tapped; more worrying, though, was a UI that proved less than intuitive at times.

Toshiba Libretto W100 hands-on:

For instance, there’s a dedicated keyboard button to the left of the lower display and a Home button to the right, with the latter supposed to automatically open up LifeSpace when in Windows mode. However it seemed inconsistent in its action, and often we were left trying to figure out the various unlabelled icons running along the bottom of the lower display. Even a Toshiba employee had trouble bringing up the Bulletin Board app; in the end we had to clear the keyboard and get to the regular Windows 7 desktop, then load the app from the Start Menu. Dragging apps between the two screens was straightforward, though we’d like to have been able to use a pinch-zoom gesture to maximise them rather than peck at the icons, but automatic screen rotation proved a little sluggish at times (though we can probably put that down to the pre-production status of the hardware). Outside of Toshiba’s custom apps, of course, you’re at the mercy of what support – or lack of – for touchscreen use that Microsoft or third-party developers have coded into their software.

Still, Toshiba are upfront about their expectations that the Libretto W100 will be very much a niche product, and they seem to be using it more as a tester for the market by their ultraportable device team rather than a serious attempt to convince the mainstream. The biggest issue will likely be pricing: while the company aren’t saying exactly how much the W100 will cost when it goes on sale in July 2010, we were told it would likely be somewhere in the £800 to £1,000 range ($1,180 to $1,480). That takes it out of the companion device market and drops it resolutely in among regular ultraportables that, while lacking the double displays, deliver more than twice the battery life and far more potent processors. A tough sell, then, but a concept we’re hoping Toshiba stick with and refine into something more tempting – and affordable – to the mainstream.

Press Release:

Your world at your fingertips: Toshiba launches the dual touchscreen Libretto W100

London, UK, 21st June 2010 – Toshiba UK today announces the launch of the Libretto W100 – a compact, sleek, dual touchscreen laptop offering a unique way for users to create and consume content. Designed to provide a rich mobile computing experience, the new device combines a laptop-style clamshell form factor with dual touchscreen technology, creating an intuitive, easy to use and stylish device that enables users to utilise their content in a number of different ways.

The world’s first dual-screen laptop to be powered by Windows 7, the Libretto W100 features two 17.8cm (7”) touch-sensitive screens, providing a unique interface on which to enjoy web and computing applications. Simple to navigate and easy to use, Windows 7 utilises the W100’s dual-screen technology to the fullest extent, allowing users to navigate menus, run applications side-by-side and interact between applications by easily dragging content from one-screen to another.

Toshiba launches the World’s first dual touchscreen laptop to use Windows 7
Dual 17.8cm (7”) touchscreens with LED backlighting provide intuitive controls and enhanced interaction
Unique form factor provides unrivalled flexibility, allowing users to enjoy content in a number of different ways

Thanks to the Libretto W100’s unique form factor, users can easily separate the two screens and use them for different purposes. One screen can be used for content creation, like word documents or emails, while the other could be used to browse the web, social networks or multimedia programmes. Additionally, the device can also be used vertically thanks to an integrated accelerometer.

Powerful, connected and ready to go
Powered by Intel allowing users to run multiple programmes simultaneously. For example, when used as a laptop, users can transform the function of the lower screen to seamlessly switch between a selection of virtual keyboard options or other background applications.

The integrated 62GB SSD provides plenty of storage space for applications, documents and multimedia content. Users are also able to expand storage or quickly transfer files between devices thanks to the integrated MicroSD card reader and additional USB 2.0 port. The latest Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to get online from any wireless hotspot, and an optional integrated 3G module allows users to enjoy Mobile Broadband over cellular networks1, allowing users to remain connected to the web wherever they are. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity allows users to pair the Libretto W100 with a range of optional peripherals.

The Libretto W100 offers a unique way to manage files, access stored content or create personal reminders, using Toshiba’s LifeSpace applications. Using the Libretto W100’s dual touchscreen interface, users have a quick, simple and intuitive way of navigating documents with ReelTime – a picture based timeline of recently opened items. Additionally, Bulletin Board allows users to drag favourite files to a virtual pin-board, or quickly bring up links or post-it notes for fast reference – content is ready and just a touch away.

The Libretto W100 will be available from late summer 2010.

However, the U3400 won’t support Turbo Boost – something Intel doesn’t allow its Celeron range chips to offer – but it will get integrated 45nm graphics which can overclock from the standard 166MHz to 500MHz.  There’s also 2MB of cache and DDR3 800 memory support.

Meanwhile, DigiTimes is reporting that the 6-series desktop CPUs will arrive in Q1 2011, including the Q67, Q65, B65, H67 and P67.  Of the five, the H67 and P67 will be Intel’s new consumer-focused range.  Meanwhile, Intel have also apparently confirmed that they are looking to streamline their motherboard labelling by retiring the various Core i3, i5 and i7 logos in favor of a single “Intel Core CPU” brand; the exception will be an Intel Core i7 Extreme logo for the company’s highest-performing chips.

Acer executives have previously expressed their disappointment with the “inferior power” of Intel’s CULV processors, pointing to underwhelming performance as a reason why sales slipped 5-percent.  Instead, the TimelineX range uses Core i3-330M and i3-350M (2.12GHz or 2.26GHz), Core i5-430M, i5-520M and i5-540M (2.26GHz, 2.40GHz or 2.53GHz) and Core i7-620M (2.66GHz) chips, though Acer promises the same battery longevity.

Intel, for their part, say they won’t comment on unannounced products, but market watchers reckon the Q3 2010 CULV refresh will be very much dependent on whether the rest of the notebook industry follows Acer’s lead or not.  Calpella chips are reportedly in short supply at present.

System overview and design

To be fair, while Lenovo are pushing their high-gloss black or red lid colors, you can also get the ThinkPad Edge 13 in traditional matte black. Still, the notebook has more of a consumer style approach than the rest of the ThinkPad line, although build quality is still high. There’s little flex in either the lid or the base, and the whole thing measures a decent 1.2-inches thick; that doesn’t make it the slimmest ultraportable around, but the Edge 13 doesn’t feel unduly chubby either.

While the Edge 13 line kicks off at $579 with an AMD Athlon Neo X3 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, our review model steps up to Intel’s Core 2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz from their CULV range. That’s paired with 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 320GB 7,200rpm hard-drive, along with Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. The 13.3-inch display runs at 1366 x 768 – and floats in the midst of a reasonably chunky bezel – with a low-light capable webcam on top. Unfortunately it has a gloss finish, rather than the X100e’s matte coating.

As for ports, there are three USB 2.0, both VGA and HDMI outputs, an ethernet port and a 5-in-1 memory card reader, along with a combined audio in/out socket. No optical drive, which isn’t unusual for a machine of this size, though you don’t get an ExpressCard slot either. The standard battery is a 6-cell 64Whr LiIon pack, and there’s the traditional Lenovo TrackPoint nubbin in the center of the keyboard along with a broad, multitouch-capable trackpad underneath.

ThinkPads have a reputation for excellent keyboards, and happily the Edge 13 continues that tradition. Like the X100e, the keys themselves are “chiclet” style and slightly bowed to fit your fingertip; also like the X110e they’re a great success. Resistance is perfectly balanced and there’s no keyboard bow which you can often find on CULV machines made to a budget. The TrackPoint works as you’d expect it to, though the trackpad proved a little over-sensitive until we dialled it down in the Windows 7 Professional 64-bit settings. Still, if you do a lot of typing while mobile the Edge 13 should be high on your shortlist.

Performance and benchmark

A CULV notebook will always be a choice of mobile longevity over performance, but the ThinkPad Edge 13 manages to impress nonetheless. We ran it through Geekbench, a synthetic test of processor and memory performance, and it scored 2086 points overall. That’s a little less than double the X100e’s score, and more than twice what an Atom N450 processor can manage. In daily use, the Edge 13 was swift enough to handle reasonable multitasking, and while you wouldn’t reach for it if hardcore gaming was intended, it’s capable of playing streamed YouTube HD video back smoothly. Hooked up to our HDTV via HDMI, the ThinkPad was also content pumping out 1080p footage from locally-stored files, too.

Battery life

Lenovo rate their standard battery as good for up to eight hours runtime, and that proved a reasonable estimate. In general use, browsing the internet over WiFi and occasionally playing audio, the Edge 13 managed just under seven hours, while solidly playing video cut that down to a little over five. We found the area underneath the hard-drive became particularly hot by the end of this latter test. Lenovo preload their own Power Manager app which promises extended battery life at the cost of scaled down performance, though we didn’t find it made a vast difference to eventual runtimes.

Verdict

Still, for its balance of performance and longevity, combined with excellent build quality and a brilliant keyboard, there’s plenty to like about the ThinkPad Edge 13. The glossy display is a mild frustration, but otherwise this is a solid machine with plenty to offer both business and consumer buyers. The $799 sticker price can be undercut by around $100 if you shop around, and at that point the Edge 13 almost becomes something of a bargain. With its glossy lid the Edge 13 might stand out from the ThinkPad rank and file, but the family lineage is strong where it counts.

Gallery

The VNB132 ViewBook pairs the SU2300 Celeron CPU with a 320GB HDD and 2GB of memory, along with WiFi b/g/n, three USB 2.0 ports, a 7-in-1 card reader, both VGA and HDMI outputs, a 1.3-megapixel webcam and a 4 cell battery.  It retails for $649.  Meanwhile the VNB141 ViewBook gets the SU7300 Core 2 Duo CPU, a 250GB HDD and 2GB of memory, as well as WiFi b/g/n, the same ports as its smaller sibling, and an integrated DVD burner.  It retails for $829.

As for the ViewSonic VPC190 All-In-One, that runs Windows 7 Home Premium on 2GB of memory, and has a DVD burner, 1.3-megapixel webcam and six USB 2.0 ports.  There’s also WiFi b/g, 10/100 ethernet and a 4-in-1 memory card reader.  It retails for $629.

Press Release:

ViewSonic® Expands Breadth of its Mobile and All-in-One Computing Categories
Company furthers smarter, greener computing commitment with additional ULV ViewBook™ and All-in-One PC solutions

WALNUT, Calif. – March 16, 2010

ViewSonic® Corp., a leading global provider of visual display, computing and digital content solutions, today announced the commercial availability of three new mobile and desktop PC products previewed at CES 2010 to meet every individual’s computing needs.

ViewSonic VNB132 and VNB141 ViewBooks™ – All the power you need, to go

The ViewSonic 14” VNB141 ViewBook offers the latest ULV SU7300 Intel® Core 2 Duo processor, Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system, 2GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive to handle applications with ease. Ideal for students and people on the move, this thin and powerful PC provides full functionality and connectivity with two USB ports, integrated 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity, VGA and HDMI outputs. For enhanced multimedia capabilities, the VNB141 also includes a 1.3MB built-in webcam, long-lasting 6 cell battery and integrated DVD RW Super Multi Drive.

ViewSonic’s thin and lightweight 13.3” VNB132 ViewBook offers portability and style with the latest ULV SU2300 Intel Celeron processor and Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. Additionally, this device features a 320GB hard drive and 2GB internal memory. Perfect for those on the move, this notebook features integrated 802.11b/g/n wireless, three USB ports, a 7-in-1 card reader, VGA and HDMI outputs, an integrated 1.3MB webcam and a 4 cell battery.

The ViewSonic ViewBook VNB141 and VNB132 are currently available for respective MSRPs of $829 and $649. For more information about ViewSonic’s ViewBook and ViewBook Pro mobile computing solutions, click here.

ViewSonic VPC190 All-in-One – The smarter desktop PC

Also shipping today is the eco-friendly VPC190 All-in-One PC. With a clean, ergonomic design that compliments any environment, this 19” (18.5” viewable) PC is the perfect second home computer and is also ideal for call centers, libraries, school computer labs and anywhere else that space is at a premium. The VPC190 features the latest Intel® Atom D510 1.6Hz processor with Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and 2GB of internal memory provide a complete desktop computing solution, while the bright, 1366×768 screen, built-in 1.3MB webcam and 2×3-watt speakers lend to an overall enjoyable viewing experience. Easily transfer and share files, photos and more through the VPC190’s integrated 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless, six USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 card reader and built-in DVD RW Super Multi drive for full multimedia capability.
The ViewSonic VPC190 All-in-One PC is currently available for an MSRP of $629.

Video review after the cut

In fact, the BC10C only managed 3.5hrs in this pre-production sample.  That’s in no small part because there’s no CPU throttling in use: the 1.3GHz chip runs at full speed all the time.  Of course, that shouldn’t be the case in shipping versions, which will begin to hit Asia come March 25th.

Even with patchy runtimes, jkkmobile is still very impressed with the Hanvon slate.  It’s key strengths are web browsing and multimedia – there’s an HDMI output for using the Intel GMA 4500 graphics with an external HDTV or monitor – and as long as you can stomach the US $877 price it looks like this is a table you’ll actually be able to buy in the near future.  Considering the number of competitors we see once or twice then never hear of again, that’s impressive enough by itself.

Acer have apparently codenamed the upcoming notebooks as their Calpella Slim range, and are believed to be planning to discount their current range of ultraportables so as to better differentiate between the lines.  In fact, the sources reckon that Acer is considering pushing the Calpella Slim range as their primary line in future.

The leaks follow Acer’s public expression of disappointment with CULV notebook sales, where company chairman Wang Jeng-tang accounted a 5-percent fall in notebook shipments in the quarter to such models’ “inferior power”.  Calpella, meanwhile, will include Core i5 and i7 ULV processors and be compatible with Intel’s Turbo Boost feature.

According to Wang Jeng-tang, Acer’s hardware is ready to go but the company is watching consumers to see whether they embrace the platform.  Only if they deem the segment has the potential to be profitable will Acer release any device.

Wang also saved some critique for Intel’s CULV processor platform, blaming their “inferior power” as contributing to a 5-percent decrease in notebook shipments this quarter.

[via E-Reader-Info]

While Lenovo will eventually offer dual-core processors, our review unit came with a 1.6GHz AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 CPU, paired with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB 5,400rpm hard-drive. Graphics are courtesy of an ATI Radeon HD3200 chipset, and the battery is a 6-cell 2,600mAh pack Lenovo rate for up to 5hrs runtime. Connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n (Bluetooth is a $20 option, not present on our unit), three USB 2.0 ports (one of which is powered), VGA, a combo mic/headphone socket and gigabit ethernet.

The ThinkPad X100e’s display is an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 HD Ready panel, LED backlit, and with a webcam above. In terms of appearance, the ThinkPad heritage is obvious; it’s an angular, squared off notebook, and the traditional red TrackPoint nubbin nestles among an isolated key “chiclet” keyboard, in addition to a multitouch-capable trackpad and two sets of mouse buttons.

Considering how well-esteemed ThinkPad keyboards are, happily the X100e delivers in terms of usability. Key feel and response is some of the best we’ve experienced on an ultraportable of this size, and belies the X100e’s “budget” segment positioning. Unlike some of Lenovo’s other recent models, however, it seems there hasn’t been the space for keyboard layout tinkering; the commonly-used keys, such as Delete, are the same size as their infrequently-tapped neighbours. As for the screen, we’re fans of the matte finish which banished frustrating reflections, and even makes the X100e suitable for outdoors use (though particularly bright days will still wash out the 200 nit backlight).

Unfortunately, building to a price rears its head when it comes to overall build quality, and the X100e is noticeably lacking in comparison to other ThinkPad ultraportables. To be fair, it’s probably better made than other CULV notebooks out there, but then again some of those start $100-$150 less than the Lenovo does. It’s also not a quiet machine, with the fan particularly loud and, even when it’s been running for some time, the X100e still hot to the touch.

Real-world performance is competitive in comparison to Intel’s Atom counterpart paired with integrated graphics, which is to say it’ll multitask with several browser tabs, media playing and email, but you wouldn’t want to consider anything as serious as video processing or heavy-duty image editing. Similarly gaming is out of the question, unless your ambitions are particularly low.

We ran Geekbench, which tests processor and memory performance, and the ThinkPad X100e scored 737 (see update below) 1192 overall. That’s actually over a hundred points less than an Atom N270 based netbook with 1GB of RAM. What is disappointing, however, has been battery performance. While Lenovo rate their 6-cell battery for around 5hrs runtime, in practice we found that average use drained the X100e in around 3hrs. We didn’t have access to the optional 3-cell battery (2,200mAh) which is rated for 2hrs, but we can’t imagine it being of use to anyone but the most desk-bound of users, to whom “mobile” is moving their laptop between the office and the boardroom.

Update: Having compared the X100e’s Geekbench scores with other MV-40 systems, we suspected something was causing this machine to underperform.  Sure enough, when we updated the existing BIOS (v1.04) to the latest available version (v1.10) and retested, the ThinkPad X100e scored a far healthier 1196. The stock BIOS had dragged down scores in all four of the performance categories Geekbench tests for; meanwhile battery performance has also increased slightly, up to 3.5hrs on average. The moral of the story is to make sure your computer is up to date with its drivers, as these can significantly affect performance. We’ve updated our conclusion accordingly.

At the start we wondered whether a comparatively budget notebook could deliver not only sufficient power for a mobile professional but tick all the boxes we’ve come to expect from ThinkPads. With the updated BIOS, the Lenovo ThinkPad X100e puts in a significantly stronger showing than regular Intel Atom netbooks, overshadowed only by middling battery longevity. Faster dual-core processors should increase performance even more, but we’ll have to wait and see what damage they might do to to runtimes. As for this particular SKU, for those users who prioritize text-entry above all else the X100e’s keyboard is significantly better than many other 11.6-inch models on the market, and it’s paired with speed sufficient for everyday tasks. Road warriors spending long periods away from an AC point should look elsewhere, but the ThinkPad X100e still puts in a decent showing.

The 11.6-inch CULV ultraportable also runs warm and – spec’d as on their test bench – is reasonably expensive, too, at $749.  Still, it has some good points too: battery life is strong, at around 6.5hrs, Windows 7 Home Premium booted in just under a minute, and the U150 was “highly responsive” at everything Laptop threw at it.

Nonetheless, we keep coming back to that “mushy” ‘board – and the fact that the $150 cheaper Acer Aspire Timeline 1810T manages 2hrs extra battery life.  Laptop reckon it’s a “classy” machine and a “compelling choice”, but we’d save some money and make do with the Acer.

The keyboard and trackpad are apparently “the best” reviewer Peter Cartwright has used on an 11.6-inch machine, and the matte display earns Lenovo points too.  The AMD processor may not be a powerhouse, but it’s good enough for 1080p playback; however there’s no HDMI output for easily plugging in a big-screen TV.

That’s not the only problem; the 6-cell battery is large but only manages 3-4 hours of runtime, the bottom of the X100e gets very hot, and overall performance – at least until the dual-core Athlon and Turion processors arrive later in 2010 – is nothing better than a mainstream netbook.  For $449 we’re not entirely convinced, but frequent typers should probably give the X100e a look.

With the screen in place, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the U1 Hybrid apart from a regular notebook. In the traditional configuration power is courtesy of an Intel Core 2 Duo CULV processor running Windows 7 Home Premium; you also get a 128GB SSD for speedy storage. We obviously couldn’t run benchmarks, but it certainly felt like one of the more nippy CULV notebooks we’ve tested, only let down by some patchy response from the 11.6-inch touchscreen. This is a pre-production prototype, mind, and we’re hoping Lenovo work some magic in the meantime.

Pulling out the slate flips the IdeaPad U1 into its Smartbook mode, with a similar panel-based interface to the Lenovo Skylight. Both use the same processor, too, Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon; there’s a noticeable difference in navigation speed compared to the regular CPU on the U1, but it’s certainly usable. An accelerometer automatically controls portrait/landscape screen rotation, and does so quickly and with minimal screen-redraw fuss. Similarly the switch between notebook and tablet modes is rapid, with Lenovo aiming for sub-3-second times.

There are going to be some usability issues, of course. Since the 128GB SSD is in the base section – the slate gets its own 16GB of separate flash memory – you’ll need to make sure that any files or media you want to access in tablet-mode are duplicated across the two. Since the ARM-based slate runs a custom Linux build, too, your regular Windows 7 apps won’t work either. Lenovo are positioning the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid as an entertainment/internet tablet when the screen is detached, rather than a full Tablet PC, but it’ll still require a little thinking ahead to make sure that files are available and all media codecs are supported.

Still, we’re left intrigued and looking forward to the production model’s arrival on June 1st. It won’t be cheap for a CULV notebook – Lenovo are saying the IdeaPad U1 Hybrid will start at $999 – but if you add up an 11.6-inch web-slate and a laptop then the price seems a little more reasonable. We’ve got video of the IdeaPad U1 processing; until then, enjoy our hands-on gallery.

Windows 7 is available in whatever flavor you would like as well as a lot of other nifty stuff such as Blu-ray, a Digital TV tuner, 802.11n Wi-Fi and a fingerprint scanner. With the extended battery you can expect up to 17 hours of life while the standard battery still offers a considerable 11 hours of use.

With netbooks based on Intel’s Pine Trail platform slated to hit store shelves early this January, it is uncertain if tech shoppers will be willing to pay the substantial Sony premium ($1,405) for a CULV ultraportable.

[via netbooked]

According to the FCC listing, the notebook will be branded not only as a Gateway and an Acer but – as some of the photos show – as a Packard Bell.  The company’s various brands are sold in different regions, so it’s unlikely that all three will appear on the same shelves at the same time.

Ports include HDMI, VGA, three USB 2.0, audio in/out and power, and the tablet is believed to boast up to 8hrs of battery life.  A large port on the bottom gives easy access [pdf link] to the hard-drive, RAM slots and wireless card; no word on when they’ll go on sale.

[via New Netbook Reviews]

The crafty Aussies have also slotted in a choice of 2.5-inch drives, up to 256GB SSD or a full 1TB of regular HDD, together with optional 3.5G.  Graphics are courtesy of Intel’s GS40 UMA chipset – with both VGA and HDMI outputs – and WiFI b/g/n is standard; you can also throw in Bluetooth while a 1.3-megapixel webcam is standard.

Other ports include three USB 2.0, audio in/out, a 4-in-1 memory card reader and ethernet, and the whole thing measures 289.7 x 201.5 x 26.9 mm.  It’s on sale now, priced from AU$699 ($629).

Hardware specs for the special edition aren’t confirmed, but we’re assuming it has the same sort of components as the dot m/u netbook.  That packs an 11.6-inch display, 1.3GHz Celeron M processor, 3GB of RAM and a 250GB hard-drive, along with GMA 4500MHD graphics, WiFi b/g/n and gigabit ethernet.

Also unknown is pricing and specific availability, but we’re guessing it’ll come in a little more expensive than the roughly £399 ($650) dot m/u and arrive sometime in the new year.  Expect the usual bevy of wallpapers by artist Aldo Druids.

[via Netbook Italia]

The X350 has a choice of 320GB or 500GB hard-drives and an external optical drive, while the X600 Pro has up to 640GB and an internal DVD/Blu-ray combo drive.  Otherwise connectivity is pretty much the same, with both models getting two USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet, VGA, a combo USB/eSATA port and 2-in-1 memory card reader.

Battery life is up to 9 hours on the X350, but MSI are keeping quiet on similar estimates for the X600 Pro.  No word on when either machine will go on sale, nor for how much; full specifications in the gallery below.

Video demo after the cut

Processor choices start from a 1.2GHz Celeron and rise through a 1.3GHz Core 2 Duo or 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo, and graphics are courtesy of the X4500MHD chip.  While it’s a little thicker than the Adamos that went before it, that does mean you won’t be searching for useful ports in vain: the Vostro V13 has ethernet, USB, eSATA, audio in/out, an SD card slot and an ExpressCard slot, arguably making it more useful for the everyday business traveller.

All this news comes from Dell Singapore, who have jumped the collective corporate gun slightly in revealing the Vostro V13′s specifications.  We’ll hopefully have full pricing and details when Dell US wake up to the fact that their $450 secret is out of the bag.

[via Engadget]

You also get WiFi b/g as standard (WiFi b/g/n is on the higher-spec Core 2 Duo machine, at $749), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR together with gigabit ethernet.  OS is Windows 7 Home Premium and the standard battery is a 6-cell pack which Lenovo reckon is good for up to 7hrs runtime.  Ports include two USB 2.0, one USB/eSATA combo, both VGA and HDMI, and a 4-in-1 memory card reader.

The whole thing measures in at 11.4 x 7.5 x 0.5-1.35 inches and tips the scales at just 3.31lbs.  It’s available to order now, but if you go via the Dealzon link below you can save a little more and bring the entry price down to around $550.

[via Dealzon]

Similarly, the keyboard is more cramped than on other 11.6-inch machines, with Netbooked blaming the wasted space either side.  That leaves you with smaller-than-normal function keys, while the trackpad is also cramped and lacks multitouch support.

On the positive side, it runs at 1,366 x 768 resolution, can handle 1080p Full HD video playback and manages to squeeze in a 6-cell battery with no protrusions.  That battery is good for around 4.5hrs normal use, too.  What we still don’t know is how much HP USA will be charging for the Pavilion DM1; HP Japan are asking the equivalent of around $686.

In fact it’s a good job that hardcore processing isn’t on the menu, as the Adamo XPS packs a mere 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor, paired in this case with 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 128GB SSD.  The battery is a warm-swappable, and with the optional “extended” pack the XPS will run for over five hours.  Connectivity, meanwhile, includes WiFi a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 and an external USB ethernet dongle.  The display is a 13.4-inch 16:9 aspect 720p-capable panel.

As we discovered in our hands-on with the Dell Adamo XPS earlier this month, it’s certainly an alluring and surprisingly solid machine.  Whether we’d pay $1,799 for it, we’re not so convinced, but then again Dell seem to be considering the Adamo XPS as a halo product to encourage attention to the rest of their line, rather than expecting sales of the ultraportable itself to shoot through the roof.

Dell Adamo XPS hands-on:

[via Dealzon]

Given that Acer acquired Gateway back in 2007, it comes as little surprise that the EC54′s hardware design and build quality are pretty much on a par with Acer’s recent Aspire consumer notebooks. It’s a reasonably stylish, if not especially eye-catching notebook, with a glossy lid that’s guaranteed to pick up fingerprints. While the majority of the chassis is solid, the keyboard does feels a little flimsy; happily the trackpad is pleasantly smooth and responsive.

Inside, Intel’s CULV processors make an appearance, in this case the 1.3GHz Pentium SU4100, paired here with 4GB of DDR3 memory and a 320GB 5,400rpm hard-drive; it comes with Windows 7 Home Premium. While we’re used to seeing the CULV chips show up in 11- to 13-inch ultraportables, it’s a little unusual for them to crop up in a 15.6-inch machine which might more regularly have a mainstream CPU. As a result, the Geekbench benchmarking results aren’t especially impressive: with an overall score of 2105 the EC54 lags slightly behind the 1.4GHz Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T we reviewed four months ago.

In use, however, the SU4100 manages to keep things moving at a reasonable pace, and while we wouldn’t want to tote the EC54 as our video crunching machine it’s nonetheless capable of simultaneous web browsing, media playback and email. Gateway have squeezed in a reasonable amount of connectivity, too, with three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, multiformat memory card reader and audio in/out, along with a DVD drive. Still, we’d like to have seen eSATA, either as a dedicated port or a combo option with one of the USB 2.0. Wireless is standard WiFi b/g/n, but Bluetooth is an option.

The EC54′s 15.6-inch LED-backlit display runs at 1,366 x 768, and while you would be wise not to expect dramatic things from the GMA 4500MHD graphics chipset, we were at least impressed by the brightness of the panel. While it’s not specifically an “outdoor” screen, we were able – at the higher end of the brightness scale, at least – to use the Gateway outside with no visibility problems. Speakers are reasonably loud and crisp, but as you might expect lack bass.

Gateway rate the EC54 at up to eight hours runtime from the 6-cell 5,600mAh Li-Ion battery. In practice we managed around seven hours of mixed usage, made up of around two hours internet surfing, an hour’s worth of online flash video playback and four hours of Xvid video playback. That’s a decent showing for a 15.6-inch machine, and with more cautious use – or a diet of simple typing rather than video playback, along with shutting the WiFi off and dimming screen brightness – we don’t doubt that you could hit and potentially exceed Gateway’s predictions.

Overall, the Gateway EC54 squeezes into a reasonable niche among CULV notebooks, offering the extended runtime we’d expect from a smaller machine with the larger display from a regular laptop. If you’ve found yourself squinting at 14-inch or smaller models then the 15.6-inches on offer from the Gateway – while not exactly overspilling with pixels – should give your eyes a rest. With an MRSP of $649.99, meanwhile, the impact on your wallet should be pretty painless, too; however, if you err toward performance versus prolonged time away from an outlet, we’d suggest shopping around for more powerful machines that sacrifice a little battery life.

After the cut: Dell Adamo XPS hands-on impressions, gallery, and video

To say the Dell Adamo XPS is thin is the understatement of the year. Both times I have seen it in person I have been equally as shocked at how freaking slender the notebook really is and just how amazing it looks. Measuring 13.4 x 10.8 x 0.4-inches and tipping the scales to 3.2 pounds, it was like carrying around a legal sized notepad in the crook of my arm. (The Macbook Air is taller at .7 inches at its thickest point, but does weigh a minuscule 0.2-pounds less). How is it that Dell accomplished creating the almost emaciated Adamo XPS, you ask? The answer lies in the notebook’s completely radical design. Its keyboard folds into the display allowing it to basically disappear when it is closed.  This is accomplished with a totally different hinge creation; the hinge is actually beneath the system which causes the keyboard to be propped up, but more on that soon. Either way, it is as crazy as it sounds!

Of course, that thinness comes with some sacrifice. The notebook only has two USB ports (one more than the Macbook Air!), a DisplayPort and a headphone jack.  An Ethernet and DVI adapter will come in the box and a good old external optical drive will be sold separately.

Clad in all aluminum there is no doubt that the futuristic system has a similar look to its long lost twin the Macbook Air, but the notebook has more pizazz or gimmicks, whichever you decide. Along the front of the lid is a “capacitive latching device” that unlocks the notebook. Seriously, the notebook will not unlock unless you rub a finger across the strip. It is totally James Bond, and is cool at first but I’m thinking it will get annoying to have to rub your finger on this strip every time you want to open your laptop (the whole process takes about 7 to 10 seconds). And don’t think it is some sort of security feature; anyone’s finger can unlock the lid.

When you finally do unlock the key to the Adamo XPS’s chastity belt you are greeted by a glossy 13.4-inch 1266 x 768 resolution display and an elevated keyboard. When I placed the notebook on a table the keyboard  was propped up, much like a desktop keyboard, and was insanely comfortable to type on. The keys themselves are coated in metal and felt really solid. Putting the laptop on my lap while sitting back on a couch wasn’t as cumbersome as I expected and it didn’t tilt as I typed on it, though I did have to adjust the screen angle ever so slightly to get everything at the right angle. As for the trackpad, it seemed pretty spacious and I think Dell may have finally have gotten it right by leaving out the multitouch failures and integrated mouse buttons.

The Adamo XPS is clearly the front runner in the best looking laptop competition, but will it also be about performance? All signs point to yes. The notebook doesn’t have a Intel Atom processor like the Sony X Series (and every other netbook on the market). Instead it has a dual-core 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive with Windows 7 Premium (64-bit). The notebook itself should be a decent performer, though it seems its battery life won’t be as strong as some other ULV notebooks on the market. With its included three-cell battery (which can be swapped out) it is rated for just over 2 hours of runtime.

The question on everyone’s mind: what the heck will it cost!? That’s a good question and though Dell is answering most of our questions with the official specs of the Adamo XPS they are still leaving the price out of the conversation. We were told the notebook will start at $1,799 (including the 128 GB SSD, three-cell battery and VGA and Ethernet dongles). Funny, that is just as much the Macbook Air with its faster processor and NVIDIA graphics. But hey, the Air doesn’t have the design of the Adamo XPS, an awesome propped up keyboard, or require a finger stroke to open it.

The Booktop M1305 itself looks physically similar to the M1022, but squeezes in up to 4GB of RAM, up to 500GB of storage and an optical drive.  Native connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, two USB 20 and a combo eSATA/USB port.  There’s also VGA, audio in/out, a multi-format memory card reader, 1.3-megapixel webcam and a fingerprint reader.

As for the included docking station, that gets six USB 2.0 ports, VGA, HDMI and DVI video outputs, gigabit ethernet and audio in/out, along with that NVIDIA graphics card of course.  The standard M1305 battery is a 6-cell 3,800mAh pack which Gigabyte claim is good for up to 6.5hrs of runtime; you can also swap out the optical drive for a secondary battery adding another 4hrs.

No word on pricing, nor specific availability; Gigabyte only say the CULV notebook is “coming soon”.  NetbookNews had a chance to grab some hands-on time with the Booktop M1305 and shot the following video demo:

[via Mobile+Notebook]

And if only words could kill. Last week at the launch of Windows 7, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke about the dreams of the new operating system and showed off a group of new notebooks that ran the improved Windows, but none were netbooks. He remarked that many have been disappointed in the poor performance and graphics of the mini laptops, echoing almost exactly what Michael Dell had to say a week earlier. The CEO of the corporation that has a complete line of Inspiron Mini netbooks indicated that users are dissatisfied with the small screen sizes and limited power of them after 36 hours of usage. Bottom line: users would rather use a larger sized notebook, according to Dell. (Funny, I’ve been using the same netbook during travel and couch surfing for the past 18 months and I get far more mileage out of my netbook than that, Mr. Dell.)

Clearly, Dell along with Intel and Microsoft want to promote the sales of more profitable machines with full priced operating systems (not a cheap, eight-year-old version of Windows) and a higher powered processor and chipset. And can you really blame them, especially when we heard last week that Apple’s high-priced MacBook line is selling better than ever? When consumers choose a netbook over a more expensive notebook with a higher-priced processor and full $100 version of an operating system, the manufacturer takes a hit and makes little to no moolah.

The phenomenon isn’t new, however. Author of Disrupting Class Clayton Christensen refers to it as over servicing the customer base or “disruptive innovation.” If the vast majority of consumers simply do not need or use the amount of computer power in a typical notebook, then the innovation of the netbook appeals to them, thus fundamentally disrupting industry. And that is exactly what has been happening according to DisplaySearch’s latest numbers. The revenue of notebook sales has gone way down, while netbooks are up by over 200 percent.

But will Michael Dell and the other would-be netbook killers really destroy their own invention? Will they take the knife to the throat of the 10-inch, Intel Atom powered, Windows XP netbook knowing full well that customers are craving the product? They are trying to by releasing, with the help of Intel, a new crop of notebooks with larger sized screens that still maintain the long battery life of netbooks yet pump out more performance. Powered by Intel’s ultra low voltage processors the new products are about $200 to $400 more expensive than a netbook.

No doubt, consumers will buy these new thin and light laptops. The $800 13-inch ASUS UL30 has been getting rave reviews for its mix of battery life and portability. But those 10-inch netbooks will be hard to kill off. They line the shelves of Best Buy and continue to be the bestselling consumer electronics item on Amazon. And believe me, this upcoming holiday season that won’t be changing. People like the attractive price point and when they are living in the Cloud and enjoying the portable form factor it doesn’t seem to be a big issue that they are only useful for only a few hours at a time.
Netbooks struck a cord, which is why the Frankenbook will still be haunting Mr. Ballmer and Mr. Dell come next Halloween.

Elsewhere there’s a 1.3-megapixel webcam, two USB 2.0 ports, a combo USB/eSATA connector, both HDMI and VGA and audio in/out.  The trackpad recognizes multitouch gestures, and there’s a multiformat card reader and “Dolby Sound Room” speaker technology to try to eke out decent audio from what are likely to be pretty darned compact drivers.

Lenovo claim 7hrs runtime from the 6-cell battery when running Windows 7 Home Premium, and the whole thing is 1.5kg and measures 13.5-34.3mm thick.  All that’s left to find out is pricing and US availability; considering the U150 goes on sale in Japan today, along with Windows 7′s official launch, we’re guessing we’ll see the CULV ultraportable sooner rather than later.

[via Netbooked]

Connectivity includes WiFi a/g/n, gigabit ethernet, an HDMI port, three USB 2.0 ports and a multiformat memory card reader.  You also get a webcam, stereo speakers, a 6-cell 4,400mAh battery good for up to 6hrs and a multitouch trackpad.

The whole thing tips the scales at 3.08lbs, which isn’t bad for an ultraportable with an 11.6-inch 16:9 display.  Options include doubling the RAM and up to a 250GB hard-drive, but we reckon most people will see the entry-level Acer Aspire AS1410 as the bargain it as and just spend the $399.99.

Press Release:

NEW ACER AS1410 SERIES BRINGS STYLE AND AFFORDABILITY TO ULTRAPORTABLE COMPUTING

11.6-inch notebook lightens the load for mobile users who want to enjoy social networking, video and productivity applications on the go; available for just $399

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2009 – Bringing affordability to the ultraportable notebook platform, Acer America today announced the new Acer Aspire AS1410 Series. These new notebooks integrate enough power for enjoying digital entertainment in a very sleek, stylish design for just $399.

“With the rising popularity of social networking, consumers are more connected than ever to the online world,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “When it comes to selecting a notebook, they’re increasingly concerned with size, weight and style. The AS1410 Series is small enough to be carried in a backpack or even a large purse but with enough power for spreadsheets and presentations. Aggressively priced, the AS1410 is an affordable mobile solution for checking Twitter updates, viewing YouTube videos and handling productivity applications on a plane, at school or a coffee house. Those in the market for a netbook should consider this notebook as an option, due to the step up in processing power.”

Just one-inch-thin and 3.08 pounds, these systems are sleek and light, but with a full-size keyboard. The full-sized keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on, particularly for taking advantage of productivity applications. The compact size combined with a traditional keyboard comprises a convenient platform for frequent travelers and students. With the needs of mobile users in mind, the AS1410 Series is designed to suit an individual’s own personal flair with three elegant color options – Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Ruby Red.

Powerful Performance; Petite Package
Although it’s the size of a netbook, the Aspire AS1410 Series is truly a mainstream notebook with the performance to suit a variety of users. Featuring an Intel® Celeron® processor and 2GB DDR2 memory (upgradeable to 4GB), the notebooks have plenty of power for document creation, media playback and daily task management.

The systems are also outfitted with the new Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and up to a 250GB hard drive,(1) which is large enough to store a vast library of music, images and spreadsheets. Offering plenty of productive time when away from a power outlet, a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery provides up to a whopping six hours of battery life,(2) enough power to keep the PC charged on a coast to coast flight.

The systems are also primed for visual clarity. The 11.6-inch widescreen HD LED-backlit display is large enough to comfortably view videos, photos, documents and web pages. Featuring LED backlit technology, a 16:9 aspect ratio and Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, the AS1410 Series delivers realistic HD pictures with crisp detail and smooth video playback.

Integrated speakers and Dolby® Sound Room® audio enhancement deliver lifelike sound for enjoying videos, movie downloads and music. A webcam and digital microphone make it fun and easy to get virtual face time with friends and family via live video streaming and video chat.

Intuitive PC Navigation, Convenient Connectivity
Affording easy, intuitive PC navigation, the new Aspire notebooks have a multi-gesture touchpad. Users can scroll, zoom in and out and quickly flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more by pinching, flicking and swirling their fingers across the touchpad.

Despite the compact form factor, the new notebooks offer a wide array of ports including an integrated multi-in-one media reader to conveniently transfer files from digital devices. An HDMI port allows the systems to support any PC or TV video format via a single cable, while three USB 2.0 ports enable connection to the latest peripherals and digital devices. Advanced Intel 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless and Gigabit Ethernet LAN enable fast access to email, the web and social networks.

Pricing/Configurations/Availability
The Acer® Aspire AS1410 Series notebooks will be available for U.S. customers at leading retailers this holiday season. A sample configuration as well as specifications and pricing follow.

Acer® Aspire AS1410 Notebook PC – Prices begin at $399.99
• Intel® Celeron® Processor SU2300 (1.2GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 11.6-Inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-Backlit Display (16.9 Aspect Ratio; 1366×768 Resolution)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 2GB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz Memory (Upgradeable to 4GB)
• 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive(2)
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11 a/b/g/Draft-N
• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
• Two Built-In Stereo Speakers and Dolby® Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
• Full-Size Acer FineTip Keyboard
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad Supporting Circular Motion, Scrolling, Pinch-Action Zoom and Page Flip
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• HDMI Port
• 6-Cell Li-Ion Battery (4400 mAh), up to Six Hours Battery Life
• 3.08 Pounds
• Two-Year International Travelers Limited Warranty

About Acer
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has constantly pursued the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Focused on marketing its brand-name IT products around the globe, Acer ranks as the world’s No. 3 vendor for total PCs(3) and No. 2 for notebooks,(4) with the fastest growth among the top-five players. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to Acer’s continued growth, while the successful mergers of Gateway and Packard Bell complete the company’s global footprint by strengthening its presence in the U.S. and enhancing its strong position in Europe. The Acer Group employs more than 6,000 people worldwide. 2008 revenues reached US$16.65 billion. See www.acer.com for more information.

The EC14 can be specified with a choice of Pentium dual-core, Celeron dual-core or Celeron single-core CPUs, and comes in Cherry Red and NightSky Black.  It has a dual microphone array, webcam, multiformat memory card reader and tips the scales at 3.79lbs; ports include HDMI, gigabit ethernet and three USB 2.0.

As for the EC54/EC58 models, they come in Arctic Silver and Pacific Blue, and can be outfitted with Core 2 Duo or Pentium dual-core CPUs.  They, too, have the same microphone array and webcam, together with a one-touch PowerSave button, HDMI port, multitouch trackpad and a DVD drive.

Pricing for the Gateway EC14 range starts from $549.99, while the EC54/EC58 range starts from $649.99.  All models will launch from October 22nd with Windows 7 preinstalled.

Press Release:

Thin-and-Light Gateway EC Series Notebooks Deliver Long Battery Life and Distinctive Style

All-day productivity, fun, communication with up to eight hours of battery life in head-turning lightweight and thin designs

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2009 – The new Gateway EC Series notebook PCs debut today in two of the most popular sizes for today’s busy computer users – 15.6-inch mainstream size for productivity maximizers and the 11.6-inch ultraportable size for road warriors – both delivering up to eight hours of battery life(1).

The new Gateway EC Series models will both be available this week in retail stores nationwide with the launch of Windows 7.

The new Gateway EC58, EC54 and EC14 notebook PC lines deliver all-day productivity, reliable wireless connectivity and 6-8 hours(1) of battery life, so customers can get more done while away from their home or office. Plus, the Gateway EC models let customers go longer without having to recharge, reducing energy consumption and making them very environmentally friendly.

The upscale and distinctive design of the new Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines is the ideal complement to its advanced battery life and thin-and-lightweight form factor. Both models start at only 5.29 pounds and are merely an inch thin, so they can be comfortably transported by hand or in a briefcase or backpack. The sleek form factor still has room for a large 15.6-inch LED-backlit HD widescreen display that delivers video in stunning detail, for excellent mobile cinematic entertainment. Plus, the EC58 and EC54 notebook PCs come in a sophisticated and understated design featuring a brushed aluminium alloy chassis available in Arctic Silver and Pacific Blue.

Mobile enthusiasts who want to remain connected and productive on-the-go will find the Gateway EC14 ultraportable notebook the ideal choice for them. With its 11.6-inch HD LED-backlit display, notebook-standard Intel processors and a full-size keyboard, customers can use it to enjoy web browsing, video chats and running all their usual applications. Plus, it’s designed for mobility — its integrated 802.11b/g/Draft N Wifi, compact form factor and low weight of only 3.79 pounds make it ready to take on the road. Flashy and fun in an eye-catching glossy chassis, the Gateway EC14 series comes in Cherry Red and NightSky Black.

“The new Gateway EC Series product lines were designed for the many PC users that have embraced the fun and productivity of being able to compute and stay in touch while away from their home or office,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “We’re delivering exactly what they need – incredibly long and reliable battery life, vibrant widescreen displays, and wireless connectivity – all in uniquely stylish thin and lightweight designs.”

Full Productivity and Entertainment in a Sleek, Lightweight Size
Elegantly crafted, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 Series notebooks are thin and light enough to take anywhere, and so stylish that customers will want to show them off. The slim one-inch profile simplifies mobility, since it’s easy to grip and handle on the go. The ultra-durable aluminium alloy design delivers excellent protection for the display, while the brushed silky smooth cover is upscale in its minimalist approach.

The high-capacity 6-cell Li-ion battery gives users up to eight hours of battery life(1) for all-day productivity, fun and communications. Integrated 802.11b/g Draft-N wireless provides a reliable untethered connection to hotspots and wireless networks. Plus, the integrated webcam and digital microphone delivers smooth video and voice quality for real-time video streaming, online chatting, and video conferences. In addition, Gateway customers can enjoy even more uptime with the Gateway PowerSave one-touch key, which puts the notebook into energy conservation mode with a single touch. The Gateway EC58 and EC54 lines feature the Gateway MyBackup Manager for backing-up important files and information, as well as the PowerSave solution for maximizing battery life.

Designed to readily handle everyday computing tasks, the EC58 and EC54 notebooks use ultra-low voltage Intel Core 2 Duo and Pentium Dual-Core processors. The notebooks deliver excellent computing performance and generate low heat output, since they use Intel’s Laminar Wall Jet technology to cool internal components and the case. As a result, the Gateway EC58 and EC54 notebooks are incredibly comfortable in customers’ hands as well as on their laps.

On-the-go entertainment is dynamic and exciting with the large 15.6-inch LED-backlit display that features a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixel resolution. Images are incredibly clear and crisp, while the cinematic-quality video is realistic and smooth. Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement and two built-in speakers deliver crisp, natural surround sound to complement the stunning video.

Compact, Packed with Features
They eye-catching design of the Gateway EC14 Series lets everyone know it’s the ultimate notebook for on-the-go computing. Available with a 6-cell battery, the Gateway EC14 notebook line provides battery life of up to eight hours, so customers can use it nearly all day to stay in touch.(1) This long battery life is the perfect complement to the ultraportable notebooks’ sleek size that measures only about an inch thick and weighs only 3.79 pounds.

Updating social networking sites and exploring web pages is easy with the EC14′s integrated Wifi 802.11b/g/Draft N. Plus, customers can capture video and photos and stay in touch via video chat with the integrated webcam and built-in digital microphone that provides excellent voice quality. Consumers will enjoy listening to audio with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.

To ensure customers have all the horsepower they need to drive applications, the Gateway EC14 line is well-appointed with Intel Ultra Low Voltage Pentium Dual Core, Celeron Dual Core and Celeron (single core) processors, a hard drive up to 500GB in capacity, a multi-in-1 media card reader and 4GB of memory that may be upgraded to 8GB.

The attention-grabbing design of the Gateway EC14 models is fun and youthful, while details such as rounded edges, engraved logo and silver trim make the design even more compelling. The textured palm rest provides a comfortable hand rest for consumers.

Gateway Extras Maximize Mobile Capabilities
The Gateway EC Series notebooks enhance productivity with a Multi-Gesture Touchpad that can be used with unique movements so customers can intuitively move through Internet sites and digital media. For example, customers can make an inward or outward pinching motion to naturally zoom in and out on photos. They can move two fingers horizontally to flip through photos and web pages. Also, customers can swirl their fingers in a circular motion to scroll through web pages, long lists of files and music playlists. The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

Additionally, these new models come with Windows 7 Home Premium, which makes mobile computing more reliable and responsive, enhancing the user experience. In addition, the Gateway EC notebook lines are Energy Star qualified.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability
The new Gateway EC Series will be available beginning Oct 22, each with Windows 7. Sample configurations and pricing are listed below.

Gateway EC1430u – MSRP $549.99
• Intel® Pentium Dual Core Processor SU4100 (1.3GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 11.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• Integrated webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ehternet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• Gateway MyBackup Button
• 3.93 lbs.
• 11.2” (W) x 0.87-1.18” to 1.18” (H) x 8.03” (D)

Gateway EC5409u MSRP $649.99
• Intel Pentium® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• 15.6-inch HD Widescreen Ultrabright LED-backlit TFT LCD (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory upgradeable to 8GB
• 320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• 8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• Integrated HD webcam
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
• 2nd Generation Dolby Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
• Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
• Gigabit Ehternet LAN
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
• Dedicated numeric keypad
• Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
• 5.29 lbs.
• 14.85” (W) x 1.01-1.08” (H) x 10.0” (D)

Gateway Limited Warranty, Service and Support
The Gateway EC Series notebook PCs are backed by a one year warranty.(3) Gateway’s commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its award-winning line of PCs as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. In addition to the company’s standard limited warranty options, its extensive online support center helps customers maximize their PC investment; it gives them easy access to customer support representatives and information on important issues such as warranties, technical issues and upgrading.(4)

About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Irvine, Calif.-based Gateway has been a technology pioneer, offering award-winning products and world-class service to customers worldwide. Gateway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Inc., the world’s third-largest PC company. See www.gateway.com for more information.

# # #

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by retail location. Applicable taxes extra. ©2008 Gateway, Inc. Gateway Terms & Conditions of Sale apply. Trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Intel and Core are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

(1) Your computer’s battery life may vary depending on product specifications, computer settings, and applications or features launched. Gateway Power Save button must be enabled to achieve the 8+ hours. All batteries’ maximum capacity diminishes with time and use.
(2) Accessible capacity varies; MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes.
(3) Service methods subject to change without notice or obligation.
(4) Limited warranties and service agreements apply; visit gateway.com or call 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. Service agreements are issued and performed by third parties. May not be available in all locations. Availability varies. Other conditions apply.

That’s sufficient to drive the 11.6-inch glossy display at 1,366 x 768, though it’s a far cry from NVIDIA’s Ion GPU.  Connectivity includes WiFi b/g, HDMI, VGA, ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports and a 5-in-1 memory card reader, along with a headphones socket.  HP have also squeezed in some Altec Lansing speakers, together with a webcam.

The 6-cell 55Wh battery is apparently good for up to 8hrs runtime, and the whole thing weighs 1.5kg.  It’ll be priced at around 70,000 yen ($686) when it drops in mid-November with Windows 7, and pretty much go head to head with Acer’s new Aspire Timeline AS1810TZ.

[via Netbooked]

There’s also the usual bevy of WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth, along with gigabit ethernet, and a webcam built into the display.  No touchscreen this time, but the new Timeline does get a multitouch-capable trackpad, and there’s a button which switches the notebook between power-saving and performance modes.

The whole thing weighs just 3.08lbs and pricing kicks off from $549.99 when the Aspire Timeline AS1810TZ arrives on October 22nd.  It’ll be available in a range of colors, including black, blue and brushed aluminum.

Press Release:

Acer Adds New 11.6-Inch Model to Aspire Timeline Notebook Series; Expands Entire Line with Dual-Core Processors for Enhanced Power, Performance

Latest Aspire Timeline series offers style and performance with eight hours of battery life, Windows 7, and a sleek, thin and light design

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2009 – Acer America, part of the world’s third largest manufacturer of notebook PCs (1), today expands its Aspire Timeline series of all day computing (3) notebooks with a new 11.6-inch model that is ideal for road warriors and ultraportable enthusiasts.

In addition, the company announced today that it has expanded its entire line of Acer Aspire Timeline series notebooks with models that feature Windows 7 and new Intel CULV dual-core processors for enhanced performance and functionality. The lines starts at just $549.99 (MSRP) and the line comes in several color choices including a new chic, yet subtle “espresso” color for the 15.6-inch model.

The new Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810TZ 11.6-inch notebook brings the promise of all day computing to a new ultraportable size. This new notebook offers users elegant styling, great performance and advanced functionality in a thin and light design. Boasting an 11.6-inch HD LED-backlit display, a full-size keyboard, HD audio/visual enjoyment, advanced wireless connectivity and 8 plus hours(3) of computing time, the notebooks are ideal for road warriors and anyone who needs to be connected and productive while on-the-go.

All day computing is made easy with the Aspire Timeline series. On just a single charge, consumers can remain productive and entertained from morning to night, making it easier to get more done while travelling and working remotely.

“Acer is providing consumers with the best of all worlds with the new 11.6-inch Timeline – an affordable ultraportable that delivers long battery life and great performance in a compact and stylish design,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “By adding dual-core processors to the entire line, we’ve taken affordable mobile computing solutions to a new level.”

Dual-Core Processors Add Power and Energy Efficiency to All Day Computing
The new Aspire Timeline series is more powerful, energy-efficient and light. All of the new notebooks feature Intel dual-core ultra-low voltage processors, allowing users to take advantage of great performance while saving energy, enabling longer battery life and generating less heat. Several of the notebooks feature Intel’s Laminar Wall Jet technology that allows air to be jet cooled and redirected along the bottom of the system, making the notebooks cooler to the touch.

A single charge to the standard high-capacity 6-cell Li-ion battery gives users eight hours of battery life (3), allowing all day, on-the-go computing. Convenience features such as the PowerSmart button also help save valuable battery consumption. A simple push of the button enters the notebook into power saving mode. Another push and the notebooks are quickly ready for maximum performance. Additionally, the Acer PowerSmart Adapter senses when the notebook is fully charged and stops consuming energy.

Mobile Computing that is Both Stylish and Practical
With prices starting at $549.99, the new Timeline series models offers something for everyone – road warriors, families or students. The notebooks offer users a range of choices in size and color.

The new Timeline AS1810 is the thinnest and lightest of the new notebooks, weighing only 3.08 pounds with an 11.6-inch display. For those in need of a slightly larger mobile system, the AS3810 weighs 3.5 pounds and offers a 13.3-inch display while the AS4810 adds an optical drive and 14-inch display and weighs 4.4 pounds. For those in need of an even larger screen with optical drive and dedicated numeric keypad, the AS5810 weighs 5.3 pounds and features a 15.6-inch screen.

At its slimmest point, all models are less than one-inch thin, and just over one-inch at their thickest. This thin and lightweight design enhances the notebooks’ mobility, making them easy to carry in a backpack, briefcase, laptop carrying case, or even a purse.

The elegant, high-tech design also provides solid protection to the display and internal components. The system is also lead- and mercury-free, making it easier to recycle. The new Timeline notebooks come in a variety of colors (depending on the model), including Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue, Brushed Aluminum and the new Espresso.

Enhanced Performance to Maximize Mobile Capabilities
The new Timeline notebooks pack powerful performance and features in a small package. In addition to the Intel CULV dual-core processors, the notebooks feature ample memory for multitasking and large hard drives for quickly storing and retrieving files.

Usability is significant in the design of these notebooks. The Timeline features high-definition CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen displays (16:9 ratio) that bring superb color and motion to any digital media while being energy efficient. Additionally, full size keyboards make computing easier and more comfortable.

Keep in touch easily by accessing email, browsing the web or connecting to a social network with 802.11b/g Draft-N wireless or Gigabit Ethernet LAN. An integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam and digital microphone delivers smooth video and voice quality for real-time video streaming, online chatting, and video conferences. Consumers can also enjoy surround sound music and video sound with the Dolby Sound Room from headphones or stereo speakers.

A Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows users to pinch, flick and swirl their fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows users to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

The Timeline family of notebooks also includes a backup button that lets consumers easily select and protect their irreplaceable digital files through regular scheduled backups or on an as-needed basis. Data can be backed up to an external hard drive, flash card, thumb drive or to a secure hidden partition on their PC.

Additionally, the addition of the new Windows 7 Home Premium makes mobile computing more reliable and responsive, enhancing the user experience.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability
Available October 22, the Acer Aspire Timeline series includes numerous models within the 11.6-inch AS1810, 13.3-inch AS3810, 14-inch AS4810 and 15.6-inch AS5810 lines. A sample configuration from each is listed below.

Acer Aspire Timeline AS1810T-8679
Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor SU7300 (1.3GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
11.6-inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)
Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
4096MB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz memory
320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam
Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
Dolby Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED®
Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
3 – USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port
Multi-Gesture Touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
Full –size Acer FineTip keyboard
Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
3.08 lbs.
11.2″ (W) x 0.87″ to 1.18″ (H) x 8.03″ (D)
Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
MSRP $599.99
Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810T-8737
Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor SU7300 (1.3GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
13.3-inch HD Widescreen Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)
Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory
500GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
Integrated HD webcam
Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
2nd Generation Dolby Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED®
3 – USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port
Multi-Gesture Touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
3.5 lbs.
12.7″ (W) x 0.9″ to 1.1″ (H) x 9.0″ (D)
Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
MSRP $799.99
Acer Aspire Timeline AS4810TZ-4508
Intel Pentium® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
14-inch HD Widescreen Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)
Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory
320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
Integrated HD webcam
Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
2nd Generation Dolby Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED®
3 – USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port
Multi-Gesture Touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
4.4 lbs.
13.3″ (W) x 0.9″ to 1.1″ (H) x 9.44″ (D)
Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
MSRP $649.99
Acer Aspire Timeline AS5810TZ-4784
Intel Pentium® Dual-Core Processor SU4100 (1.30GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
15.6-inch HD Widescreen Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)
Mobile Intel®GS45 Express Chipset
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
4096MB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz memory
320GB(2) 5400RPM SATA hard drive
8x DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
Integrated HD webcam
Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
2nd Generation Dolby Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi certified
4 – USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port
Multi-Gesture Touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip
Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)
Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
5.3 lbs.
14.9″ (W) x 0.97″ to 1.16″ (H) x 10.2″ (D)
Energy Star® 5.0 compliant
MSRP $649.99
All models come with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer notebook PCs are backed by toll-free service and support.

In the mobile space, meanwhile, comes the Fujitsu MT/E50-Series notebook, a 12.1-inch convertible with both a Wacom active digitizer for precise stylus input and a multitouch panel for finger-control.  The MT uses Intel’s CULV SU9400 Celeron processor, paired with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard-drive.

There’s also a Fujitsu NF/ER-Series notebook range, which like the F/ER-Series desktops attempts to corral that multitouch support for elderly or less PC-savvy users.  All of the new machines run Windows 7.

[via Akihabara]

Update: Fujitsu Europe have just announced the same CULV ultraportables as the Lifebook P3310, which will arrive in Europe, Middle East and Asia from November 9th in Ruby Red.  A second version, with 3G/UMTS connectivity, will arrive from November 23rd in black and silver.  Full press release after the cut.

There’s also 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard-drive, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR as standard, together with Windows 7 and three USB 2.0 ports.  Other connectivity includes VGA, ethernet, a multiformat card reader and audio in/out.  The whole thing weighs 1.6kg.

Two batteries are on offer, with the dual-core Fujitsu FMV LOOX C/E70 having a pack rated for up to 9.2hrs runtime, while the entry-level FMV LOOX C/E50 gets a smaller pack good for 6.2hrs.  Pricing is just under 100,000 Japanese yen for the C/E70 ($1,113) while the C/E50 comes in at around 80,000 yen ($890), which is on the expensive side; they’ll launch in Japan on October 29th and 27th respectively.

Press Release:

Sleek Design and Value in Fujitsu’s LIFEBOOK P3110

Appealing design, connectivity and energy-saving components set LIFEBOOK P3110 apart

Munich, October 13, 2009 —

Fujitsu today announces availability of the new LIFBOOK P3110, a sleek, ultra-thin notebook delivering the perfect balance of style and performance. Well equipped for on-the-go computing, the LIFEBOOK P3110 offers an expanded screen width but is light enough to carry all day. Further attractive features are its long battery life and energy-efficient LED backlight display, perfect for working outdoors.

The LIFEBOOK P3110 has an appealing design with a premium high-gloss, scratch-proof lacquer coating, available in black, ruby red and silver. Weighing in at just 1.6kg, the LIFEBOOK P3110 offers comfortable working. With its high resolution 16:9 aspect ratio screen measuring 29.5cm (11.6 inches), the display fits both the regular field of vision and the original DVD format. An expanded screen width provides more real estate for running multiple applications, tool bars, gadgets and instant messaging.

Constructed from environmentally-friendly components with an ultra-low-voltage Intel® processor, the LIFEBOOK P3110 continues Fujitsu’s long-standing commitment to green IT and meets the demands of environmentally-conscious users. The energy-efficient LED display maximizes battery life and efficiency, meeting ENERGY STAR® 5.0 requirements. Total battery life of approximately six hours maximizes convenience for travelers who may have limited access to power.

The LIFEBOOK P3110 is well connected, making it easy to get online anywhere, anytime, even at locations where wi-fi is unavailable. Integrated pre-n WLAN, Bluetooth and an optional embedded 3G/UMTS module ensure constant connectivity, while integrated Bluetooth wirelessly synchronizes data between the LIFEBOOK and handheld devices. Sound and vision is also built-in, with the integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam and array microphone making the notebook perfect for video conferencing and internet calls.

Rajat Kakar, Vice President Clients Group at Fujitsu Technology Solutions says: “The LIFEBOOK P3110 is the perfect traveling companion. Its stylish design, long battery life, energy efficiency and built-in connectivity make it a must-have notebook for users who want mobility at a good value. There’s something for everyone in Fujitsu’s portfolio; our LIFEBOOK P3110 shows that our notebooks can be as individual as our users.”

The LIFEBOOK P3110 (the ruby red edition, without 3G/UMTS), is available across EMEA as of November 9, 2009. Black and silver models, and 3G/UMTS options are available from November 23.

[via Netbooked]

All three models have WiFi a/g/n and Bluetooth as standard, together with a multitouch trackpad, webcam and Windows 7.  The quoted battery life is only really possible if you make use of ASUS’ Power4Gear system, which offers four power profiles (for high-performance, entertainment, “quiet office” and battery saving), though if you’d prefer to flush away your battery in short order then you can always switch to “Turbo” and boost performance, ASUS claim, by 33-percent.

The ASUS UnLimited Series will arrive in the UK come October 22nd.  Prices start at £599 for the 13.3-inch UL30, £699 for the 15.6-inch UL50AG, and £799 for the UL50VG; the UL30 will also be available through Carphone Warehouse, as a freebie if you sign up to a new mobile broadband contract.

Press Release:

The 12 Hour Aluminium Revolution: ASUS Debut UnLimited Series Notebook Range

The UnLimited (UL) Series Notebook range is set to launch later this month and sets a whole new standard for notebook appeal.

Encased in a modish brushed aluminium cover, the UnLimited Series notebook offers a complete solution for users who seek a fashionable yet powerful means of working on the move, and staying entertained when it’s time to relax.

A host of technology features and power settings combine to deliver a polished and superior performance, with energy saving features allowing a staggering 12 hour battery life*. The latest Intel® CULV processor technology not only supports for a skinnier and lightweight design for improved portability, but yields a fast and flawless computing experience for definitive usability.

Available from 22nd October 2009 at a range of high street and online retailers, the pricing will be £599 inc VAT (13.3” UL30), £699 inc VAT (15.6” UL50AG) and £799 (15.6” UL50VG with dedicated graphics). The UL30 will also be available free from Carphone Warehouse as part of a mobile broadband contract (see in-store for specification and contract details).

Key Features:
* 12-hour battery life* for all-day computing
* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CULV Processor SU7300 – latest generation
* 13.3” or 15.6” high definition widescreen displays
* Dual Altec Lansing speakers with rich sound quality
* AI Light sensor technology for optimum working comfort**
* Ergonomic chiclet keyboard with full-size numeric keypad**
* Multi-touch touchpad for intuitive fingertip control
* GraphiX Boost technology** for switchable graphics to save energy
* Power4Gear technology adjusts settings for power consumption
* Up to 500GB storage**
* Wi-Fi 5100 a/g/n and Bluetooth for connectivity and file sharing
* Webcam built in for instant video communication
* Windows 7 Operating System
* 2 Year Global Collect & Return Warranty

* From £599 inc. VAT**

UnLimited Style – for fashion conscious computer users:
The UnLimited Series notebooks are not just powerhouses – they are powerhouses packed into the most stylish and portable of cases, with a profile less than 1 inch thick and a stunning brushed aluminium cover.

The aluminium materials not only lend a contemporary appeal to the notebook, but are incredibly lightweight and provide incredible resilience against bumps and knocks – making it the ultimate mobile device and perfect for work and play anywhere on the move.

Such a slim design is helped by integrating the next generation Intel® CULV processors which run at cooler temperatures – eliminating the need for bulky fans.

UnLimited Time – All-day computing for uninterrupted productivity:
Offering the ultimate solution for all-day computing, the UnLimited series notebooks are fitted with an eight-cell battery, boasting a life of up to 12 hours* – making it easy for users to work wherever, whenever without worrying about finding a wall socket.

Such a staggering lifespan is thanks to extensive power savings generated by the integration of GraphiX Boost technology** (switches between graphics settings depending on whether graphics-hungry applications are being used) and Power4Gear technology.

Power4Gear offers the ability to turn off hardware devices to conserve energy, and has 4 pre-configured power setting profiles to choose from: High Performance (for power-intensive sessions such as gaming), Entertainment (for movies or music playback), Quiet Office (for general word-processing and work activities) and Battery Saving (for basic use on the move, such as emails and web browsing).

UnLimited Performance – for fast and efficient work and play:
The UnLimited Series notebooks integrate Turbo33 Technology, an exclusively designed feature which enhances performance levels by 33% by fine-tuning the hardware and software. Just select the ‘Turbo’ option and the resulting power buzz leads to smoother graphics and online streaming for uninterrupted entertainment whether laughing at the latest clips on YouTube or receiving video messages from friends.

Fuelled by two independent processors within the same package (multi-core) and ample memory inside, the UnLimited Series notebook gives a massive acceleration to everyday computing tasks. Users can watch movies, send emails, research on the Internet and create that all-important presentation at the same time – and still notice a faster, smoother multi-tasking experience.

UnLimited Mobility – for busy people on the move:
The mobile essence of the UnLimited series notebooks is completed with the integration of essential components such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a Web Camera – enabling Internet connection, file share and communication away from the home or office.

UnLimited Audio Visual – for mind-blowing multimedia experiences:
With high definition LCD display (in sizes 13.3” and 15.6”) the UnLimited Series notebooks have a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and feature high quality dedicated graphics cards** – a supreme blend which delivers true-to-life visuals for an astounding movie or video game experience.

Two bespoke Altec Lansing® speakers with SRS Surround Sound™ support the visual magic, distributing pitch-perfect, top quality sound that you wouldn’t expect from a notebook – by providing a wider frequency range and deeper bass lines – making home movie-nights and popcorn a rival to the cinema.

UnLimited Comfort – for non-stop work without strain:
An ergonomic chiclet keyboard with full-sized numeric keypad** complements the flushed multi-touch touchpad, which provides an up-to-the-minute means of navigating and using the notebook, with fingertip controls such as pinching, scrolling and sliding offers users an intuitive means of browsing and controlling data.

AI Light Sensor technology** enables the UnLimited Series notebook to automatically adjust the screen brightness levels according to the surrounding environment. In dimmer conditions, such as on an airplane, the brightness will lower to reduce glare on the eyes, and outdoors on a sunny day, it will increase to help visibility – so, users can feel comfortable for longer, allowing them to make full use of their 12 hour battery life* without strain.

The internal specifications, casing design – hinge apart – and ports are all said to be the same as the 1480T/1810T, so the only difference here is Windows 7 and the finger-friendly display.  By giving the screen its swivelling skills, Acer have added 300g to the ultraportable’s weight.

No word on launch date, pricing or anything else, but we’d assume this is the tipped multitouch notebook industry sources in Taiwan were muttering about back in June.  Hopefully we’ll see it land shortly after Windows 7 itself gets its official launch on October 22nd.

In its current incarnation, the VAIO X-series packs an Intel Atom processor with an 11.1-inch display and a battery Sony claim is sufficient for a full day’s use.  However the company have also revealed that they’re considering CULV processors, which would give the X-series more flexibility and power.

Ports include two USB 2.0, VGA, ethernet and a multiformat card reader, all squeezed into a half-inch thick carbon fiber and aluminum chassis.  The VAIO X is predicted to land shortly after Windows 7 makes its full debut on October 22nd, so we’ll know full specifications then.

[via Netbooked]

Live gallery after the cut

Both models have WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 as standard, together with a webcam with facial recognition, three USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and support for sleep-and-charge.  The T110/T115 weighs 1.58kg while the T130/T135 weighs 1.76kg.

SlashGear had a chance to play with the new Windows 7 machines, and came away reasonably impressed.  Build quality seems decent, and the keyboards show little flex and are well spaced, even on the smaller model.  The displays are very glossy, however, and there was some slight lag on the Celeron single-core models Toshiba was showing.  Battery life is tipped at up to 11hrs from the standard pack, which exceeds even Toshiba’s own netbook range, though it does mean the base of the notebooks are not flush-fitting.

The Toshiba Satellite T130 and T110 will go on sale after October 22nd, priced from £429 in the UK.  Meanwhile the same units, as the T135 and T115 respectively, will go on sale in the US at the same time, priced from $599 for the T135 and $449 for the T115.

Press Release:

Toshiba introduces stylish Intel® CULV energy efficient laptops with the Satellite T130 & T110

London, UK, 29th September 2009 – Toshiba UK today announced the Satellite T110 and T130 – the first Toshiba laptops to feature Intel® CULV (Consumer Ultra Low Voltage) processors, designed to offer the performance and functionality of full-sized laptops with portability and a battery life of up to eleven hours.

The Satellite T-series is the perfect balance of thin and light eye-catching design, portability, extensive connectivity and stunning battery performance, at an affordable price point. Consumers have a choice of sizes and colour options – the T130 is available with a 13.3’’ screen, whilst the smaller T110 offers an 11.6’’ alternative. The T130 will be available in the Satellite Pro range for business users.

Elegant design

Only 22.2mm at its thinnest point and a mere 1.58kg in weight1, the slender, tapered chassis of the Satellite T-series offers a stunning mobile computing experience. The range features an elegant, subtle pattern design – available in a choice of Precious Black, Iron Red Metallic and Luxe White Pearl (model dependent) – that continues inside the laptop, around the keyboard, screen and display.

Satellite T130 and T110 laptops add brand new CULV product category to the Satellite and Satellite Pro (T130) ranges
Energy efficient processors offer powerful performance with a battery life of up to eleven hours
Compact 13.3” or 11.6” screens combine with impressively thin and light design for ultraportability
1 1.58kg weight refers to the Satellite T110.

Portability without compromise

While both the Satellite T110 and T130 boast a thin, compact design, they also deliver a powerful performance thanks to the Intel® CULV processors. The Satellite T130 is available with the choice of Intel® Pentium®, Intel® Single Core or Intel® Celeron Single Core ultra low voltage processors, and the Satellite T110 has the option of either an Intel® Pentium® or Intel® Celeron Single CoreTM ultra low voltage processor.

The ultra low voltage CPU allows for a much longer average running time between charges whilst still providing the processing power necessary for resource intensive tasks such as word processing or image editing, with consumers able to enjoy up to eleven hours use on a single charge. Up to 4GB DDR3 (800MHz) of RAM and up to 500GB of hard disk drive space allow consumers the flexibility to keep their important files with them and run several programs simultaneously.

Mobile working on the Satellite T130 and T110 is made even easier by the inclusion of an LED backlit 16:9 widescreen featuring a resolution of 1366 x 768, at screen sizes of 13.3’’ and 11.6’’ respectively. Meanwhile, both models feature Toshiba’s 3D sensor for HDD protection, which detects free falls, shock or vibration and locks down the hard drive to prevent the loss of valuable data.

Comprehensive features

The Satellite T-series also features Toshiba’s innovative gesture support. A multi-touch control pad enables users to pinch, zoom, swipe and rotate objects simply by moving their fingers. An integrated webcam makes video conferencing and web chats simple, and with Toshiba’s Face Recognition technology, it is possible to access files by simply looking into the camera – no need for passwords.

Users can also further maximise the efficiency of their laptop by adjusting the power settings with Toshiba’s Eco-Utility tool – a software application, developed by Toshiba, which allows users to monitor how much energy their laptop is using and reduce the energy consumption by up to 25% in idle mode. The power saving Eco Utility Tool demonstrates the efficiency offered by Eco Utility in direct comparison to the standard power mode.

The Satellite T110 and T130 laptops offer a wide range of connectivity options including integrated Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity. Furthermore, all Satellite T- series laptops provide three USB 2.0 ports with Toshiba’s Sleep-and-Charge technology allowing multiple devices to charge even when the laptop is switched off. An HDMI port on all versions also allows users to connect to high definition television sets.
Available from late October, TPPs starting from £429.

Satellite T110
Intel® Pentium® or Intel® Celeron Single CoreTM ultra low voltage processor Up to 3GB (DDR3) 250GB HDD 11.6” LED Backlit 1366 x 768 Screen
Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n Integrated Web Camera with Face Recognition 3 x USB 2.0 Sleep and Charge, 1 x HDMI 1.58kg Available in Precious Black or Iron Red Metallic

Satellite T130
Intel® Pentium®, Intel® Single Core or Intel® Celeron Single Core ultra-low-voltage processor Up to 4GB (DDR3) Up to 500GB HDD
13.3” LED Backlit 1366 x 768 Screen Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n Integrated Web Camera with Face Recognition 3 x USB 2.0 Sleep & Charge, 1 x HDMI
1.76kg Available in Precious Black, Iron Red Metallic or Luxe White Pearl

Satellite Pro T130
Intel® Celeron Single CoreTM or Intel Core 2 Duo ultra-low-voltage processor Up to 4GB (DDR3) Up to 320GB HDD 13.3” LED Backlit 1366 x 768 Screen
Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n Integrated Web Camera with Face Recognition 3 x USB 2.0 Sleep & Charge, 1 x HDMI 1.76kg Available in Precious Black

Meanwhile the new CULV notebook is a 11.6-inch machine, the HP Pavilion dm1, with Windows 7, up to 500GB hard-drive and up to 5GB of RAM.  HP are claiming it will run for up to 9hrs on the standard battery, and they’re offering an external DVD burner and two chassis colors, white and black.

Finally, the new desktop replacement is the 18.4-inch HP Pavilion dv8, with Intel’s Core i7 CPU, up to 1TB of hard-drive space, an integrated TV tuner and NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M 1GB video card.  It also has a Blu-ray drive, remote control and integrated subwoofer, and will launch with Windows 7.

However, while ASUS’ eye-catching concept device may have dual displays, it’s unlikely that their eventual production device will be so complex.  Instead, it’ll likely slot in at the budget end of the market, hoping to do for ebook readers what the Eee PC originally did in the ultraportable space.

ASUS CEO Jerry Shen also confirmed that the Eee Keyboard would arrive in October, and that the company is looking at other CULV-based notebooks for release later in the year.  In all, the company is predicting total shipments of ultra-thin notebooks to amount to 600,000 by the end of 2009.

[via EeePC.it]

Earning particular praise are the specifications – which start with Intel’s Core 2 Duo SU9600 from the company’s CULV range, and then bolt on 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard-drive and GMA 4500 graphics – and the connectivity; ASUS stuff not only WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth inside this particular notebook, but the UL30A also gets an integrated 3G modem.  The battery – rated for up to 9hrs – managed a healthy 6, and build quality is high.

In the minuses column are a chiclet keyboard that shows more flex than you’d want, an insanely glossy display and a mere 0.3-megapixel webcam.  Not bad at all, and while we’ll save our own enthusiasm until we have a chance to go hands-on with the ASUS UL30A ourselves, this certainly seems to be a vote for the compact ultraportable.