Toshiba Satellite X205 laptops with NVIDIA SLI Technology

Toshiba has rolled out two new laptops with SLI Technology. Part of the Satellite range, the X205-SLi1 and X205-SLi3 are pitched at the avid PC gamer - with extra features to ensure mobility and connectivity.

Both machines are based on an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, although the SLi1 uses the 2GHz T7250 and the SLi3 has the more powerful 2.2GHz T7500. Each has a maximum 4GB DDR2 memory capacity, although both machines only ship with around half of that capacity used. However, 2GB is sometimes considered a "starting capacity" for gaming-orientated machines and is enough to run Vista – as both machines do.

As the SLi3 model is the more expensive of the two, it would have been nice to see Toshiba up its graphics performance over the SLi1. Unfortunately, it's chosen to ship both with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT GPUs, each with 512MB GDDR3 memory. Toshiba has also crammed two SATA hard drives into each machine, giving the SLi1 240GB and the SLi3 320GB across two equally split-capacity drives.

Each machine has a 17in widescreen display, making them good for watching DVDs. The SLi1 has a lower spec 1440 x 900 resolution, and its counterpart a slightly better 1680 x 1050 resolution. The real bonus of the SLi3 is the Toshiba external USB HDTV tuner, through which users can run games or watch films at either 720p or 1080i, but not "true" HD. Four built-in stereo speakers and a subwoofer are also included in both machines, which may help your games or DVD sound slightly better than average tinny laptop speakers.

Wi-Fi is possible over 802.11 a/g/n and short-range connections over Bluetooth 2.0+EDR with both machines, although Toshiba hasn't opted for version 2.1+EDR, which was recently adopted as the succeeding version by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. To ensure they have all the bells and whistle required, Toshiba has also thrown in a webcam, microphone, and fingerprint reader.

The Toshiba Satellite X205-SLi1 and X205-SLi3 are available now in the USA for $2,000 (£1,000/€1,350) and $2,500 (£1,250/€1,500) respectively. There's no mention of a UK release yet and neither machines appear on Toshiba's UK website.

Satellite X205-SLI3 Unique Specifications:
-- Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit version)
-- Intel Core2 Duo Processor T7500
-- 2.2GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB
-- 2048MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory
-- Maximum capacity 4096MB
-- 320GB (5400 RPM) using two Serial-ATA hard disk drives
-- Primary: 160GB + Secondary: 160GB
-- HD DVD-ROM/DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive supporting 12 formats
-- Toshiba USB HDTV Tuner (External)
-- Broadcast high-definition (720p or 1080i)
-- Broadcast standard definition (480i)
-- 17-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite display
-- 1680x1050 native resolution (WSXGA+)
-- NVIDIA SLI technology with dual GeForce 8600M GT GPUs with 512MB GDDR3 discrete graphics memory
-- 4 built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers with subwoofer
-- Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
-- Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate
-- Embedded Webcam and microphone
-- Fingerprint reader

Satellite X205-SLI1 Unique Specifications:
-- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version)
-- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7250
-- 2.0GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB
-- 2048MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory
-- Maximum capacity 4096MB
-- 240GB (5400 RPM) using two Serial-ATA hard disk drives
-- Primary: 120GB + Secondary: 120GB
-- HD DVD-ROM/DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive supporting 12 formats
-- 17-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite display
-- 1440x900 native resolution (WXGA+)
-- NVIDIA SLI technology with dual GeForce 8600M GT GPUs with 512MB GDDR3 discrete graphics memory
-- 4 built-in Harman Kardon stereo speakers with subwoofer
-- Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
-- Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate
-- Embedded Webcam and microphone
-- Fingerprint reader

Source: - http://www.finalsense.com/news/it/notebook_pocketpc/toshiba_satellite_x205.htm

Voodoo PC Envy M:152 with Core 2 Extreme

HP comes back with a new notebook PC in Voodoo line up with the latest Intel Core 2 Extreme processor. The 15.4-inch Envy M:152 is a full Centrino Duo system and comes with 802.11n Wi-Fi standard. It can also scale up through the full Core 2 mobile range and tops out at the 2.6GHz Core 2 Extreme, beating out many systems its size in terms of sheer CPU speed. Voodoo PC similarly loads the system with a 512MB GeForce 8600M GT to drive games as quickly as possible without case heat becoming a concern. The M:152's choice of components and cooling is actually quieter than most ENVY systems, Voodoo PC claims.

The standard notebook's display runs at a near full HD, 1680x1050 resolution and is accompanied by a 2-megapixel camera in the lid and a fingerprint reader for physically locking the system down at a LAN party or at a work desk. The Voodoo ENVY M:152 retails for around $3300, though Voodoo PC says it will accept orders and begin customizing systems as of today.

Source: - http://www.finalsense.com/news/it/notebook_pocketpc/voodoo_envy_m152.htm

Review Asus Eee PC (4G) quotes

The Asus Eee PC, a popular ultraportable notebook computer, has been reviewed recently by Laptoping, Laptop Magazine, NotebookReview, TrustedReviews, PC Magazine, and CNet. According to the reviews, the Eee PC is a good and affordable solution for basic computing purposes.

Currently, there are three Asus Eee PC models available in the United States: the white and black Eee PC 4G models priced at $400, as well as the Eee PC 4G Surf version in white color for $350. These compact and light sub-notebooks weigh two pounds and feature 7-inch displays with a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels. The laptops have the Intel Celeron M processor at 900MHz and 910GML chipset with the GMA 900 integrated graphics, 512MB of system memory, 4GB of storage capacity, a built-in 802.11b/g wireless module, an Ethernet LAN connection, a web camera, three USB ports, a VGA output, and a media card reader.

Unlike the Eee PC 4G, the 4G Surf has no built-in webcam. The Surf model provides a battery life of up to 2.8 hours, which is shorter than 3.5 hours in the Asus Eee PC 4G.

The laptop uses a Linux-based user interface, that offers six simple options: Internet, Work, Learn, Play, Settings, and Favorites. The system features a lot of free software, including the Firefox web browser, Skype, an instant messenger, the OpenOffice 2.0, a media player application, the Photo Manager, and various games.

According to Laptop Magazine, the Eee PC with its streamlined, tab-based interface should appeal to kids and grandparents alike. Although it has a diagonal of just 7-inch, the Eee PC’s display is claimed to be “pretty easy on the eyes”, especially when compared with 5-inch and 5.6-inch Ultra-Mobile PCs. Laptop Magazine says the downsides are a lack of drivers for the webcam and no mobile broadband support. Also, it is not easy to find and load new applications.

NotebookReview reports the Asus Eee PC is a small and light, easy to use laptop, which is reasonably well built and durable. It has a low price for an ultra-portable notebook and “works right out of the box”. On the other side, it is little expensive for a notebook with only 4 GB of storage and its plastic chassis looks cheap. In addition, a lack of Microsoft Windows pre-installed is a negative for some buyers.

TrustedReviews concluded the Asus Eee PC is “refreshingly innovative and scandalously cheap”.

“A great keyboard makes working on it surprisingly easy, while media playback adds a little extra to the package. Internet browsing is also a key component and though the low resolution screen lets it down somewhat, at this price it would be churlish to penalise it too greatly,” TrustedReviews says.

PC Magazine reports the Eee PC is an “amazing bargain”, while it is designed like a high-end laptop. Its “Pros” are the integrated webcam (Eee PC 4G model), three USB ports, good speakers, and the speedy and solid Xandros Linux operating system with comprehensive selection of software. The notebook’s “Cons” are a limited storage capacity and cramped keyboard. Also, it is not powerful enough to stream audio and video from an external optical drive accordingly.

CNet points out that the Eee PC’s solid-state hard drive is fast and efficient and that the laptop has a low screen resolution for comfortable work.

“For less than $400, the Asus Eee PC 4G offers an impressive package for portable Web surfing and basic productivity, as long as you keep expectations tempered. The incredibly approachable price outweighs any shortcomings; it’s a near perfect choice for a highly portable second or backup laptop,” CNet reports.

Source:- http://www.finalsense.com/news/it/notebook_pocketpc/asus_Eee_pc.htm

Lenovo ThinkPad X61 Penryn-Based Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad X61 ultraportable notebooks with the new 45-nanometer Intel Core 2 Duo processor, codenamed Penryn, will be available starting this month, according to an announcement from Lenovo.

The refreshed Thinkpad X61 12-inch laptops will be available with the Core 2 Duo Penryn T8100 at 2.1GHz and T8300 at 2.4GHz, both with 3MB of L2 cache.

Select retailers already offer the Penryn-based X61 sub-notebooks. At MacMall, the preconfigured X61 with the T8100 processor, 1GB of system memory, and a 120GB hard drive is priced at $1,549.99, while the same laptop with the T8300, 1GB of RAM, and a 160GB HDD costs $1,609.99.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X61 systems feature a 12.1? display with 1024 x 768 resolution, the Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics, support for 802.11a/b/g/draft n wireless networking, and Gigabit Ethernet LAN connection. In select models, there are a wireless broadband module, Bluetooth, and a fingerprint reader. These laptops have three USB ports, a PC Card slot, Secure Digital card slot, Firewire, and a VGA output. An optical drive is available via the separately sold ThinkPad X6 UltraBase docking station.

Regarding operating systems, there are Windows Vista and Windows XP Professional choices.

Currently, it is not known if and when the PC maker is going to release the Tablet PC version of the ThinkPad X61 notebook with the 45nm Core 2 Duo chip.

Source: - http://www.finalsense.com/news/it/notebook_pocketpc/lenovo_thinkpad_x61.htm

Asus U2 Luxury Ultraportable

Asustek rolled out the Asus U2 11.1-inch widescreen luxury notebook series, which is a successor of the U1 ultraportable.

The Asus U2 features the Intel Core Duo Processor ULV (ultra-low voltage) U7500 at 1.06GHz paired with the Intel GM965 Express Chipset, which incorporates the GMA X3100 integrated graphics. The laptop’s thin LED backlight 11.1" display has a 1366×768 resolution and enables a lower power consumption, better luminance, and faster response time, when compared to standard CCFL backlight displays.

The U2 sub-notebook, which starts at 2.75 pounds, comes with up to 120GB 1.8-inch hard drive at 4200rpm or 32GB solid state drive, and supports up to 4GB of system memory. It features the Intel WiFi Link 4965AGN or Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, a LAN port, and a 56K modem, as well as a built-in web camera, three USB ports, a VGA port, and a micro-DVI output.

For enhanced security, there are a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and a fingerprint reader. In addition, the webcam is complemented with ASUS SmartLogon software that “intelligently recognizes its rightful owner and grants access to the computer accordingly after a positive facial scan”.
According to Asustek, the U2’s chassis features materials such as polished stainless steel and premium leather.

This ultraportable runs Windows Vista operating system. Pricing and availability date are currently unknown.

 

Specification:
Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology
- Intel® Core™ Duo Processor ULV U7500
- Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset
- Intel WiFi Link 4965AGN or Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Genuine Windows® Vista®
- Genuine Basic
- Genuine Home Premium
- Genuine Business
- Genuine Ultimate
11.1" WXGA 1366 x 768 LED backlight
80G/100G/120G PATA 1.8" 4200rpm HDD, 32G SSD
2 so-dimm socket for expansion up to 4096MB, DDRII-667 DRAM support
3x USB, 1x VGA, 1x LAN, 1x Phone, 1x micro-DVI
27.7 x 19.4 x 2.49-2.9 cm, 1.25kg with SSD, 1.28kg with HDD

Source: - http://www.finalsense.com/news/it/notebook_pocketpc/asus_u2.htm