Razer has announced that it has sold out of the first batch of its Blade gaming notebooks within 30 minutes. The high-end notebooks were originally slated for the holidays, however the launch was eventually delayed until late January as the company made a last-minute decision to switch to SSD storage.
LG is among several computer makers that have unveiled ultrabooks this week at CES in Las Vegas. Electronista had a chance to try out the company's new premium notebooks, the Z330 and Z430, which are labeled "super ultrabooks" and feature compact housings and a metallic silver finish.
Lenovo has introduced a range of new notebooks, including U-series ultrabooks, S-series mini notebooks, Y-series performance offerings, and midrange Z-series models. The U310 and U410 feature 0.7-inch thick housings and weigh in at 3.74 lbs., falling close to the 13-inch MacBook Air's external specs.
Today in the MacNN forums one Fresh-Faced recruit turned to the forums for some MacBook Air buying advice, click here to join in. One Senior User has been having some possible graphics card issues and is asking other forum goers for their advice in this thread.
HP has introduced the 3115m, a new notebook that serves as a business-focused variant of the company's Pavilion dm1. Both 11.5-inch notebooks center around a dual-core AMD E450 processor and Radeon HD 6310M graphics, however the 3115m adds Windows 7 Professional and HP's ProtectTools software suite.
AMD has announced that it has updated its C- and E-Series Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) for ultrathin and low-cost notebooks, netbooks, all-in-ones and desktop PCs. The revised Fusion APUs are said to deliver improved graphics performance, enhanced memory, and DisplayPort ++ (dual-mode support for both HDMI and DVI over DisplayPort). Power management is also improved with 12 hours of resting battery life from a single charge, up from 8 hours in previous models.
MSI has expanded its line of multimedia notebooks with the new CR430, a 14-inch variant aimed at budget-conscious buyers. The notebook is powered by AMD's dual-core 1.65GHz E-450 processor with Radeon integrated graphics. On the outside, the design offers a chicklet-style keyboard with nickel-plated touchpad keys below a multi-touch trackpad.
Lenovo has unveiled its first mobile monitor, the ThinkVision LT1421 Wide, alongside two new ThinkPad Edge notebooks. The monitor integrates a 14-inch LCD panel, with 16 different brightness levels and tilt adjustment to change the viewing angle. The display is powered via a USB cable, which also carries the display signal.
Acer is expected to sell over three million notebooks through retail channels in the month of June, sources have told DigiTimes. The company reportedly sold 1.6-1.8 million notebooks in April, while its May numbers jumped by approximately 60 percent. The strong performance was said to be a result of inventory clearing, however, as the company's suppliers did not achieve parallel growth during the same period of time.
A detailed breakdown of Apple's Q2 results shows a variety of significant facts. Even though desktop Mac sales slid 12 percent year-over-year to sit at 1.009 million units, MacBook numbers were up a substantial 53 percent to sit at 2.751 million. The surge may be related to the popularity of the overhauled MacBook Air, as well as updated MacBook Pros.
Asus is reportedly set to introduce several new ultraportables, including three models carrying the model designations U31SD, U31E and U63SD. The three 13.3-inch variations were first spotted by the Swedish site Technytt, though the U31SD has already been added to ASUS' website. Configurations include a choice between Intel's Core i5 2410M or Core i3 2310M processors.
Toshiba's R800-series notebooks, which were detailed in recent reports, have finally been paired with prices and detailed specs. The company's website lists several R835 configurations, including an $889 option with Intel's Sandy Bridge Core i3 processor running at 2.1GHz. Moving up to $929 jumps to a Core i5 processor running at 2.3GHz.
Acer has taken less than two weeks to turn around notebooks affected by the Intel Sandy Bridge chipset flaw. According to a report by Digitimes, Acer is already shipping the flaw free notebooks to its retail channels globally. It is the first manufacturer to have re-started shipping Sandy Bridge-based notebooks after being forced to recall those that it had already shipped before the flaw was detected.
Confirming a recent leak, Lenovo has officially unveiled six new ThinkPad notebooks based on Intel's Sandy Bridge series of Core and Core vPro processors. The T420s, T420, T520, L420, L520 and W520 models are all geared for business users, with improvements to battery life and performance compared to the previous generations.
DisplaySearch, a market research firm focuses on the display supply and solar cell industries, predicts a near doubling of the tablet market in 2011, to 55.7 million units. The company forecasts that the arrival later this year of the first wave of serious contenders to the iPad -- as well as the expected second-generation iPad itself -- will build on the market momentum created by Apple and Google and the strong trend towards mobile devices of all kinds. DisplaySearch expects that by 2014, mobile computing devices (notebooks, netbooks, tablets) will ship over 500 million units, with tablets rising to nearly 35 percent of that total, or 172.4 million units.
Toshiba has introduced several new notebooks that have been added to the company's Satellite and Qosmio groups. The Satellite E305 represents one of the many new notebooks based on Intel's second-generation Core i5 processor. A 14-inch display and chiclet keyboard both integrate LED backlighting, while the back of the screen is protected by an aluminum cover.
Samsung has introduced a new notebook, the 9 Series, with a feature set that competes directly with other small notebooks such as the MacBook Air. The device integrates a 13.3-inch display with LED backlighting, a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, and 400-nit brightness. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts display brightness and keyboard backlighting.
MSI has taken wraps off of the latest generation of its three series of notebooks making use of Intel's new Sandy Bridge chipset, starting at the top with the gaming minded and aptly named G Series, followed by the F Series, which MSI says is intended to offer a blend of performance and fashion appeal, while the final third of the trio comes in the form of the business oriented C Series.
An HP dv7 notebook powered by Intel's Sandy Bridge processor appears to have slipped into the hands of a customer ahead of the platform's official launch. The device, which was reportedly purchased at the Ohio-based computer store Micro Center, features a quad-core i7-2630QM processor that runs between 2GHz and 2.9GHz depending on the Turbo Boost mode.
Of Americans planning to buy high-tech electronics during the holidays, most are picking the iPad or some other form of media tablet, says Retrevo. The shopping and review site recently conducted an online survey of over 1,000 people, which it says points to people spending 16 percent more on electronics this holiday period over 2009. After tablets, notebooks were the next most sought-after gadgets in the survey group, followed by non-3D TVs.
MainGear has expanded its notebook lineup with two new devices, the Clutch-13 and Clutch-15. Both models are geared for "on-the-go" individuals, with a focus on portability and light weight. The basic notebooks offer limited ports and no optical drive, however an included docking station adds VGA and DVI video outputs and several extra USB ports.
In a nod to Apple's attention to detail and human engineering, Flood Light describes how Apple got its sleep status indicator right, while Dell got it wrong. A July 2002 patent for a Breathing Status LED Indicator describes how the blink rate of a sleep status LED would be timed to a slow breathing rhythm. The blink rate of current Mac notebooks falls within the average respiratory rate of an adult -- between 12-20 breaths per minute. For example, the blink rate of the MacBook Pro 15in late 2008 is exactly 12 cycles per minute.
Taiwanese notebook maker Clevo has introduced two new models, the B5100M and B7110M, featuring NVIDIA's Optimus technology. Both notebooks combine integrated Intel graphics with GeForce GT 330M 1GB components, while the Optimus system automatically switches to the discrete chip when higher performance is needed.
ASUS has introduced several new notebooks, the B Series, featuring Boston-Power's Sonata batteries. The lithium-ion cells focus on longevity rather than increasing capacity. The company claims the batteries will hold 80 percent of their original capacity for three years, a promise that is backed up with a three-year warranty.
Accessory maker Kensington has released the Laptop Locking Station, a new anti-theft product. To secure a notebook, users must simply put an open computer in place and squeeze the lock's arm shut. To release, a key is turned in a side slot. The station uses a steel backbone and deflector plates to fight cutting or prying.
Sony has finally returned to AMD processors in two new entry-level VAIO notebooks, the EE25FX and EF22FX. The company years ago dropped AMD components from its notebook offerings, instead focusing on Intel chipsets. Both of the new notebooks integrate Athlon II X2 P320 CPUs running at 2.10GHz with 1MB of L2 cache.
MSI has expanded its CX-series of mid-range notebooks with the new CX500DX, CX620MX, and CX420MX. The CX500DX integrates a 15.6-inch display with 1366x768 resolution, while graphics are powered by ATI Radeon HD545v discrete components with 512MB of RAM. The notebook is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, with DDR2 memory up to 4GB.
HP has begun shipping its flagship Envy 17 notebook, along with several new Pavilion models. The 17-inch Envy 17 starts at $1,400 for the 2.26GHz Core i5-based configuration with 4GB of RAM, a 320GB HDD and Radion HD 5850 graphics.
The updated plastic MacBook is compatible with audio-out via Mini DisplayPort, Apple support documents note. The feature can greatly simplify playing video through an HDTV, since it allows the use of just one HDMI connection, instead of separate audio and video cables. A Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter is nevertheless required.
Dell's website has been expanded with a teaser page for upcoming notebooks based on AMD's quad-core Phenom II X4 CPUs. The new Inspiron M501R notebook is based on AMD's M880G chipset with integrated Radeon HD4250 graphics, while customers can choose to add Radeon HD 550v discrete graphics components with 1GB of memory.
Apple has been experimenting with the idea of using the sun or other light sources to illuminate notebook displays, a patent application reveals. Submitted in September 2008 but published just this week, a filing explains various means by which external light could be used to amplify an LCD's output, including more mundane options such as a light bulb accessory. The solar option would involve a rear-mounted "light harness," reflecting light into the back of a screen.
Samsung on Friday announced that its R80-series notebooks are set to launch next week through Best Buy. The devices are based on Intel's Core i3 and i5 CPUs, with multimedia features such as Blu-ray drives, 16:9 aspect ratios and NVIDIA GeForce graphics components on several models.
RadTech has announced that a new notebook stand, the OmniStand, is now available for pre-order online. The accessory allows allows heat from a computer to dissipate without fans or other powered cooling techniques. It is built with an aluminum alloy, and supports four different height adjustments for as many as seven different working positions. RadTech has also designed the OmniStand to be portable, folding down to less than a centimeter in thickness.
Toshiba late Thursday introduced the Satellite E205 notebook, a next-generation "thin and light" notebook that features distinctive styling as well as performance-based specs and support for Intel's Wireless Display technology. As the second collaboration between Toshiba and Best Buy, the notebook will be marketed under the retailer’s "Blue Label" initiative and includes the recently announced Intel Wireless Display technology, which makes it possible for consumers to wirelessly connect the notebook to a TV (via an adapter).
Sony at CES introduced several new Z Series and F Series VAIO notebooks based on Intel's Core i5 and i7 platforms. The 13-inch Z Series design is attractive and extremely light, weighing under 3 lbs, as the frame is constructed from carbon fiber and machined aluminum. The notebook offers backlit keys and a keyboard design that closely matches Apple's aluminum MacBooks.
Dell on Thursday morning unveiled its ultra-mobile gaming laptop as well a 5-inch tablet concept and an Android-based smart phone for AT&T -- both of which are slated for launch in 2010. The new "Slate" concept shown the demo was very thin, multi-touch device with a 5-inch screen, but the company said that you could imagine larger versions -- up to 10-inches. In addition, Dell also refreshed its Inspiron, Studio and Alienware systems incorporating the new Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors and announced that AT&T will become the next mobile operator to offer the Mini 3 Android-based smart phone.
Confirming earlier rumors, MSI at CES unveiled several 3D notebooks, a dual-screen e-book reader concept, and new netbooks. The new G-Series gaming notebooks include the GT640, GT740, GX640 and GX740, with each model integrating discrete graphics cards. The GT-series devices feature Intel's Core i7 processors, while the GX-series notebooks are built on the Core i5 platform.
Targus has announced a new product in its line of notebook gear, the USB 2.0 Docking Station with Video. The dock supports a range of devices, from mobile phones to peripherals including mice, keyboards and printers. Features include two USB ports capable of powering devices, and a DVI output that supports a maximum resolution of 2048x1152.
Mac sales will likely grow 26 percent in 2010, says Caris & Company analyst Robert Cihra. The figure contrasts with the computer market as a whole, which is expected to grow only 16 percent. Macs would thus be moving roughly 1.6 times faster, though during the past three years, Macs have shown an average growth rate 1.8 times higher.
The One Laptop Per Child Association, the manufacturer behind the OLPC notebooks, has axed its plans to build a dual-screen XO device, according to an Xconomy interview with the group's founder and chairman, Nicholas Negroponte. The second generation notebook, originally announced in May of last year, has been scrapped as OLPC instead focuses on adapting the first-generation XO with updated internals.
Samsung's first deployment of OLED notebooks should occur in about a year, an executive from the company explains. Samsung's head of worldwide sales and marketing for computers, Kyu Uhm, revealed the information at this week's IFA expo in Berlin. "Samsung is the largest OLED screen manufacturer. And as soon as it's available commercially for laptops we will adopt it," says Uhm. "Probably sometime Q3 next year."
gScreen has previewed its upcoming Spacebook notebooks featuring dual 15.4-inch displays, according to Gizmodo. The device integrates two full-size screens that sit side-by-side when needed, while users can also slide the displays together to view a single screen. The chassis is also built around a 15.4-inch design, but with significantly more bulk necessitated by the displays and sliding mechanism.
MSI has confirmed the introduction of mobile Core i7 processors with several of its upcoming Windows 7-based notebooks . The company is set to ship 15.4- and 17-inch notebooks based on the Core i7 7200M, Core i7 8200M, and Core i7 920XM CPUs. Along with the high-end notebooks, MSI is also set to release a Wind U150 netbook featuring a touchscreen and Intel's next-generation Pine Trail platform.
Acer chairman JT Wang has admitted that the company's shipments of ultra-thin notebooks has not reached initial sales goals, according to the DigiTimes. The computer maker has adjusted its internal forecasts to reflect the changing conditions, reducing total shipment volumes for the third quarter from 30 percent to 20 percent. Fourth quarter volumes have been similarly reduced from 50 percent to 30 percent.
Maingear on Thursday introduced its latest high-end notebook, the eX-L 18, featuring dual 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M GPUs and an 18.4-inch display with 1920x1080 resolution. CPU options include several Core 2 Duo components up to 2.8GHz, along with the quad-core Core 2 Extreme running at 2.53GHz.
The fastest 13-inch MacBook Pro and an entry-level 15-inch model are proving to be particularly popular with Mac shoppers, argues Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. Shipping delays at the Apple online store are currently between seven to 10 days for the pair, which is said to be unusually significant in that 13-inch MacBooks have not seen similar delays for over two years. At the time, delays were also just five to seven days.
Apple has been both vindicated and condemned in an advertising dispute with Dell, reports say. The latter company earlier filed a complaint with the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, accusing Apple of potentially misleading the public by claiming its unibody MacBooks are the "greenest" notebooks on the market. Dell has asserted that its notebooks also meet high environmental standards, for instance by scaling down mercury, PVC and brominated flame retardant content.
Pictures of the new MacBook Pro being taken out of its box and disassembled have been posted by iFixit and a blogger on TQB. The blogger's photographs indicate that the packaging of the new Pro has not changed since its predecessor. iFixit has gone in-depth, pulling apart the entire computer and analyzing the differences between current and previous-generation systems.
Apple is pushing hard to get rid of older MacBooks still sitting in inventory, a company memo indicates. While having introduced new MacBook Pros on Tuesday, a number of outdated systems continue to be stocked at Apple Stores. "Our Macbook Family has been updated and all current stock of Macbook and Macbook Pros need to be sold," the memo tells store representatives, and various groups supplied by Apple. "All current in store computers are on a first come first serve basis."
Apple's modest increase of specifications for the white MacBook -- including 800MHz RAM, a 160GB hard drive and a 2.13GHz CPU -- has led to a price increase in the UK, local Mac users note. Having formerly been priced at £719, the notebook now costs £749 in the region. In spite of having the same hardware, the US version has remained at $999.
