05/09, 11:30pm
Survey includes notebooks, tablets, phones, excludes actual sales
In its latest report, industry research firm Canalys is reporting on what it calls "worldwide smart mobile device shipments" for the first quarter of the year -- a term that includes smartphones, notebooks and tablets. Of the 308.7 million devices that fall under one of those categories that shipping in Q1, around 60 percent were said to be Android devices, reflecting the platform's strength in smartphones -- the fastest-growing area of mobile electronics. Apple's iOS placed second again, despite a dominant presence in tablets.
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04/24, 7:30pm
Study shows clean install of Windows is best for stability
A new study by a cloud-based PC admin software maker, Soluto, concludes that bloatware included on most Windows PC notebooks by the manufacturers is harming the Windows experience to such an extent that the best portable on which to run Windows is now Apple's MacBook Pro. In part this is because, like the other PC models judged to be the most reliable, the Mac requires a "clean" copy of Windows. The company gathered boot-up times, crash or hang incidents, background process logs and BSOD reports from 150,000 notebook PCs to come up with the rankings.
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04/16, 1:14pm
Budget student notebook includes Windows, Ubuntu OS options
Dell has introduced a new budget notebook aimed at students and businesses, as well as a storage system for the education market. The Latitude 3330 is a lightweight notebook with a 13.3-inch, 1,366x768-resolution display, while the new Mobile Computing Cart can be used to securely store and transport up to 30 notebooks at the same time.
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03/12, 7:25am
Asus intros 15-inch Vivobook models with multitouch displays
Asus has added two new 15-inch Windows 8 touchscreen notebooks to its VivoBook line up. The new VivoBook S500 and S550 adopt a relatively thin .85-inch profile, but still weigh 4.6-pounds each. However, each builds on its ultrabook looks by incorporating hybrid storage options with combinations including a 24GB flash memory for quick booting and a 500GB spinning hard drive for expanded storage.
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02/15, 5:59am
Notebook lids inspired by Sega console history
Game producer Sega has started to sell limited edition branded notebooks. The range of four notebooks, sold in partnership with Japanese retailer Enterbrain, have lid designs that resemble consoles from the company's history, namely the Sega Saturn, the Dreamcast, and the Mega Drive, as well as a fourth that matches the blue in Sega's logo.
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01/17, 12:22pm
Similar hardware to Windows-based ThinkPad counterpart
Lenovo has updated its ThinkPad line with a notebook running Chrome OS aimed at students and educational staff. The ThinkPad X131e Chromebook is effectively the same as the Windows-based version, except that the option for an AMD E-series processor is no longer available, instead replaced by an Intel-based counterpart.
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01/08, 4:28pm
New Inspiron models include Intel Core i3, i5, i7 processor options
Dell has revealed updated versions of its Inspiron notebook product line at CES. Customers in the United States, Canada, and other countries will be able to buy notebooks that, following feedback from users, have higher battery capacities and ultra-low voltage versions of Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, requiring half the power of those used in Inspiron notebooks last year.
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01/04, 1:22pm
Windows notebooks see tougher hit
For a period between November 18th and December 22nd, MacBook sales came in 6 percent lower year-over-year, according to new NPD Group data. It's not clear why MacBook sales suffered, although there are several potential reasons. The major driver may be that Apple released only one updated MacBook in late 2012, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro; every other MacBook was updated earlier in the year. In late 2011, the entire MacBook Pro lineup was refreshed.
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12/03, 7:49am
Student notebook houses Ivy Bridge processor, Windows 8
Acer has released the latest addition to its TravelMate line of notebooks. The TravelMate B113 is aimed at students and institutional customers, and sports a Core i3 Ivy Bridge processor with 4GB of RAM, a 1366x768-resolution 11.6-inch LED-backlit display, and a choice of either Windows 7 or Windows 8 Pro pre-installed.
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07/05, 5:14pm
PC instruction schools expand on classes started in factories
Fujitsu is going to offer build-your-own computer classes to customers in Japan. The Hands-on Custom PC Assembly Service will teach absolute beginners how to build their own computer, as well as fundamental knowledge about its inner workings, and to perform computer support tasks themselves.
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06/26, 11:09am
Growth of rival metal notebooks exacerbates problems
Apple is continuing to dominate demand for metal chassis parts from Asian supply companies, DigiTimes says. The company has reportedly booked "most" of the capacity available to build the parts for its MacBooks, which are now entirely housed in unibody aluminum. Intensifying the situation are Apple's rivals, which DigiTimes' upstream supply chain sources say are compensating for weak ultrabook sales by turning to ultrabook-like notebooks, causing both metal chassis and slim panel shortages.
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06/22, 12:52pm
Current forum topics
Earlier this week in the MacNN forums, Clinically Insane forum goer besson3c started a thread titled "new Retina MBP unrepairable" to discuss Apple's decision to make the new MBP very hard to fix yourself. Earlier this week one Senior User was trying to fix an aluminum MacBook and has turned to the forums for some tips about what to do once they are inside.
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06/04, 5:19pm
US and UK will see IdeaPad U310 and U410 later in June
Lenovo has announced that its IdeaPad U310 and U410 ultrabooks are now shipping in most markets. The previously announced notebooks are available in a range of configurations, including a choice of Core i7 Ivy Bridge processors that take advantage of Lenovo's RapidBoot technology and Ultra Smart social network updates in sleep mode.
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05/15, 10:50am
New CPUs added to L, T, W and X series
Lenovo has introduced a range of revised ThinkPad notebooks, each equipped with Intel's latest Ivy Bridge processors. Aside from the 14-inch ThinkPad X1 Carbon—dubbed the "lightest 14-inch ultrabook in the industry"—the company also added new models to its L, T, W, and X series.
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05/11, 2:00pm
Asus Zenbook UX32A and UX32Vd gain latest CPUs
Asus is improving the Zenbook lineup with another pair of aluminium-clad notebooks. A Taipei press event was used to show off the Ivy Bridge-powered UX32A and UX32Vd, with the former relying on Intel integrated graphics and the latter a switchable 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT620M graphics card, according to Netbooknews.
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05/03, 2:02am
Coated canvas, poly models offer weather protection
Clear Laptop Sleeve maker Altego has expanded its product line with new notebook bags and cases designed for the MacBook line and iPad but suitable for other, similar-sized notebooks and tablets. The two lines, featuring a coated canvas Cyan and channel-stitched Ruby series, offer quilted inner linings to protect the devices, custom-molded waffle-design back waffle back padding, a flannel-lined inner iPad pocket, seat-belt webbing shoulder straps and more.
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04/11, 8:45pm
Series maintains aluminum/magnesium construction
HP is reportedly set to launch a successor to the EliteBook 8460p business notebook. Both models share the same 14-inch display and bead-blasted aluminum/magnesium construction, however the forthcoming EliteBook 8470p is said to take advantage of Intel's latest Ivy Bridge processors.
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03/05, 10:35pm
Ultrabook available with standard or ULV chipsets
Gigabyte has introduced several new notebooks, including two 14-inch ultrabooks and a 15.6-inch gaming notebook. The ultrabooks include two variants, the U2442N with standard-voltage Core i5 or i7 processors, and the U2442V with ultra-low voltage Core i5 and i7 chips for improved battery life.
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03/01, 11:10pm
Chips not expected until June
Just days after Intel admitted that its Ivy Bridge technology may not launch until June, Samsung appears to have posted one if its upcoming Series 7 notebooks for preorder to ship when the chips become available. Retailer J&R currently lists the NP700Z7C-S01US 'Nike', a 17.3-inch notebook powered by a Core i7-3615QM processor running at 2.3GHz.
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02/17, 3:00pm
Current forum topics
Today in the MacNN forums one Fresh-Faced Recruit asks "why bother with Apple's desktops (as opposed to their notebooks)?" as they are considering getting a computer as a gift for their parents. Also today iM@k was given a 30-inch Apple Cinema Display with a faulty tension spring, as such they are looking for a the correct part number for a VESA mount plate for it, click here to join in.
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01/31, 7:25pm
Company "working hard" to meet demand
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.
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01/11, 8:00pm
LG's latest premium notebooks
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.
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01/08, 7:00pm
Devices feature RapidBoot, sleep mode updates
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.
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12/13, 7:55pm
Current topics from the forums.
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.
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11/03, 12:15am
Notebook offers Beats audio
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.
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08/22, 6:50am
AMD Fusion APUs, better performance, battery life
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.
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08/15, 8:45pm
Notebook powered by AMD CPUs
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.
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08/12, 1:30pm
Mobile monitor powered via USB
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.
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06/13, 11:40pm
Performance outshines 1.6-1.8m for April
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.
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04/20, 5:25pm
Asia Pacific shows biggest regional growth
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.
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04/18, 10:30pm
Notebooks available with Core i3/i5 CPU options
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.
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03/23, 11:25pm
Core i3 and Core i5 options all under $1000
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.
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03/03, 4:50am
First to re-start shipments after flaw detected
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.
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02/22, 12:00am
Lineup geared for mobile business users
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.
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02/07, 5:55pm
Tablets to make up 35 percent of mobile by 2014
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.
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01/06, 11:50pm
New notebooks based on new Core processors
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.
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01/05, 5:55pm
Notebook features aluminum housing,
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.
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01/05, 3:35am
Latest G Series, F Series and C Series
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.
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12/30, 2:25pm
Notebook slips out ahead of official launch
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.
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11/17, 4:45pm
Notebooks, TVs, e-readers follow behind
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.
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10/21, 11:00pm
Compact design geared for "road warriors"
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.
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08/27, 6:50pm
Dell misses mark, times LSD to strenuous activity
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.
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08/24, 6:55pm
Systems automatically switch to discrete graphics
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.
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08/09, 10:40pm
Sonata cells promise 80% life over 3 years
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.
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07/27, 4:40pm
Eliminates need for cables
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.
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06/21, 9:30pm
AMD offerings limited to entry-level VAIOs
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.
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05/21, 3:35pm
Mid-range devices offer Radeon HD 545v graphics
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.
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05/19, 2:15pm
Envy 17 prices start at $1400 with Core i5
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.
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05/19, 1:05pm
Joins current MacBook Pros, iMacs
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.
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05/04, 7:50pm
Inspiron M501R built on AMD M880G chipset
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.
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