Notebooks

NVIDIA Pushes 3D Vision Into The Mobile Space

News — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:27:40 GMT

NVIDIA EXPANDS AWARD-WINNING 3D VISION TECHNOLOGY TO NOTEBOOK MARKET

ASUS Launches World’s First NVIDIA 3D Vision Notebook—the G51J 3D; Industry Leaders Declare Support for 3D Ecosystem

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Nov. 18, 2009—Introduced earlier this year for desktop PCs, NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ technology instantly became the preferred 3D solution for playing computer games, watching movies, or viewing photographs in full resolution stereoscopic 3D. NVIDIA today, along with the world’s leading PC manufacturers, notebook panel manufacturers, and content developers, is pleased to announce the expansion of the NVIDIA 3D Vision ecosystem to include high-definition notebook platforms that integrate advanced 120Hz 3D Vision-capable displays directly into the chassis for on-the-go 3D.

“We are extremely excited about bringing the first NVIDIA 3D Vision notebook to market,” said PC Wang, Corporate Vice President & General Manager, Notebook Business Unit, System Business Group at ASUS. “NVIDIA and ASUS have a passion for gaming and cutting-edge technology, and this is another example of how great companies working together can deliver awesome new platforms to our combined customers.”

NVIDIA is leading a transformation of the PC gaming and entertainment experience from flat 2D to rich 3D worlds. NVIDIA 3D Vision technology is a combination of high-tech wireless glasses, a wide-range IR emitter, and advanced software that transforms hundreds of PC games into full stereoscopic 3D experiences. More than 400 PC games work out of the box with NVIDIA 3D Vision, and recent games such as Resident Evil 5, Borderlands, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Star Trek D-A-C are providing gamers with truly immersive gaming experiences, complete with additional 3D cut scenes and out-of-screen visual effects—which leading gaming publications are calling “impressive” and “truly a feast for the eyes.”

“Resident Evil 5 garnered some of the best reviews we have ever seen, many of which extolled the virtues of NVIDIA 3D Vision technology,” said Jun Takeuchi, General Manager of R&D Strategic Planning Department at Capcom. “Resident Evil 5 in true 3D presents an amazingly immersive gaming experience. We look forward to further collaboration with NVIDIA to bring PC gaming to the next 3D level.”

NVIDIA has worked closely with display manufacturers, including CPT, LG, CMO, and Samsung, to bring state-of-the-art 120Hz 3D Vision-capable panels to notebook platforms. These new displays provide stellar 2D capability with crystal clear images, but also deliver flicker-free 3D, with support for high definition playback of 3D games, movies, and photographs.

“NVIDIA 3D Vision is by far the most immersive, highest quality, full-resolution stereoscopic 3D technology available today,“ said Ryan Chung, Chief Director of Notebook Business Unit of CPT. “This is an exciting time for users, who will finally be able to see their games, movies and pictures with true 3D depth.”

“LG Display is planning to fully support NVIDIA 3D Vision technology with our next generation of 120Hz notebook panels,” said David Choi, Vice President, LG Display.

“NVIDIA’s 3D Vision technology provides the best 3D experience that we have seen, and we look forward to bringing this technology to market on notebook panels,” said SH Moon, Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung LCD Division is fully behind NVIDIA’s 3D Vision ecosystem.”

With notebook displays available, PC manufacturers are eager to bring 3D Vision notebooks to market. Notebooks will include the 120Hz 3D Vision-capable panel and bundle 3D Vision active-shutter glasses. ASUS is readying the first ever NVIDIA 3D Vision notebook—the ASUS G51J 3D—for worldwide release in early December, followed by other OEMs in 2010, including Clevo and others.

“We look forward to bringing NVIDIA 3D Vision-capable notebooks to the market,” said Stephen Chien, WW Sales and Marketing VP at Clevo. “The era of 3D is upon us, and immersive 3D gaming and movie watching is indeed an exciting proposition.”

“NVIDIA 3D Vision is the best 3D technology available today,” said Vincent Sung, VP of Notebook Engineering team at MSI. “We are excited about developing new MSI notebooks that offer this awesome technology and bring 3D gaming and movies to the masses.”

Asus Intros First 3D Notebook, TS Mini NAS Drive

News — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:30:07 GMT

You knew it was bound to happen. The 3D revolution started with the TV, but now it's seeping into everything. Cinemas, projectors and now notebook PCs. Before long, we're guessing a 3D version of the Nintendo DSi and Sony PSP will be out and about. All possible kidding aside, Asus has just announced that it'll be matching Acer's 3D laptop launch with one of its own. The G51J 3D is a modified version of the gaming notebook we reviewed just over a week ago, so if it's depth and wild glasses you're after, hopefully you held off.

Reportedly, this is the planet's first notebook to utilize NVIDIA's 3D Vision technology. Within, you'll find a GeForce GTX 260M GPU (1GB DDR3), a Core i7 processor, Windows 7 64-bit, and a pair of glasses to experience the 3rd dimension. It'll be available in North America "soon" for $1699.99.

In other news, Asus is also introducing a new Windows Home Server, the TS Mini. Designed to serve homes and small businesses, the $349.99 (starting) server is up for pre-order now and is equipped with an Intel Atom CPU. It's capable of backing up data from up to ten computers daily, and it features six onboard USB ports, two eSATA ports, a year of free 500GB storage over the Web, Gigabit Ethernet and either 500GB or 2TB of hard drive space.

Gaming Just Got Real — Introducing the ASUS Republic of Gamers G51J 3D Gaming Notebook
ASUS Launches the World’s First Notebook Utilizing NVIDIA® 3D Vision
for Truly Immersive Gaming
Fremont, CA (November 17, 2009) - As the first notebook capable of producing realistic 3D visuals in games and videos, the new ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G51J 3D is designed to deliver a truly immersive gaming and multimedia experience to gamers everywhere. Equipped with NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ and bundled with specially designed 3D glasses, the ASUS G51J 3D—which sports an NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M with 1GB DDR3 video memory — delivers adrenaline-pumping, edge-of-your-seat visuals anytime, anywhere. EAX and CMSS audio technology further enhances in-game immersion, delivering crystal clear sound and compelling environment audio effects through bespoke Altec Lansing® speakers. Powered by an Intel® Core™ i7 processor and 64-bit Windows® 7 operating system, the ASUS G51J 3D is the weapon of choice for discerning gamers who enjoy gaming-on-the-move.
Immersive Gaming: Bridging the Gap between the Virtual and Reality
Equipped with NVIDIA® 3D Vision™, the ASUS G51J 3D delivers ultra-realistic graphics that come to life before the user. A pair of 3D Vision™ active-shutter glasses coupled with a wide-range infra-red emitter delivers stereoscopic images with clarity, brightness and depth-of-field (DOP) at full resolution without any viewing angle restrictions. The GPU driver and a 120Hz 3D panel render each scene twice, delivering up to 60 images evenly to each eye, amounting to a total of up to 120 images at any given time. Gamers can experience total immersion into their games from what were previously flat 2D worlds, to true-to-life 3D. With up to 400 PC games that work out-of-the-box with 3D Vision, gamers can experience a whole new dimension of gaming never-before seen, with recently released games such as Resident Evil® 5, Borderlands™, World of Warcraft®: Wrath of the Lich King™, Batman®: Arkham Asylum™ and Star Trek® D-A-C.
“NVIDIA® is excited about the world’s first 3D Vision notebook coming from ASUS,” said Phil Eisler, General Manager of 3D Vision business unit at NVIDIA®. “The ASUS G51J 3D notebook will set the standard by which gaming and 3D notebooks will be judged. Congratulations to ASUS for achieving this monumental milestone!”
Complementing the immersive visual effects is EAX Advanced HD 4.0 3D audio technology and CMSS surround sound. EAX Advanced HD 4.0 audio technology enhances in-game environments and scenarios by providing corresponding three dimensional sound effects. It can provide up to 64 additional sound effects from its sound library, and produces ultra-realistic spatial effects for more than 300 supported games. Together with high fidelity Altec Lansing® speakers, the ASUS G51J 3D delivers a gaming and multimedia audio experience that no other notebook can match.
A Juggernaut of Power: Multitasking and Gaming Performance
Powered by the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processor for multitasking muscle on-the-move, the ASUS G51J 3D features four dedicated physical cores working in tandem with the operating system and applications for additional performance. It allows users to utilize and launch multiple applications, and to enjoy high definition multimedia and processor-intensive games effortlessly.
Set to Stun: Mind-blowing Graphics at Incredible Speeds
The main area of concern for any discerning gamer when it comes to a gaming notebook is graphics, and the ASUS G51J 3D is designed specifically to meet or exceed their expectations. ASUS’ engineers have cleverly circumvented the thermal and placement issues that typically arise from fitting an NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260M into a 15.6-inch notebook. With 1GB DDR3 video memory onboard, the ASUS G51J 3D attained a 3DMark®06 score of well over 11,000*, a significant leap from other 15-inch to 16-inch notebooks in the market today.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS G51J 3D notebook will be available in North America soon from Amazon.com, Newegg.com and other authorized resellers. The introductory MSRP is $1699.99 USD. For more information please visit our website.

ASUS Unveils TS Mini Server for Today’s Small Office/Home Office
-- Compact, energy efficient and pre-installed with Windows® Home Server, the TS Mini serves the need to access and share content on-demand --
Fremont, California (November 18, 2009) – ASUS, a worldwide leader in personal computers, today introduces the TS mini small office/home office (SOHO) server. The TS mini targets modern home and small office users that frequently exchange data from multiple computers and require access from various locations. The TS mini secures documents, multimedia, and other digital content into a sleek repository. It further safeguards data on multiple computers across the home or office with automatic backups and cloud storage. TS mini allows centralized file access with local networks, attached storage devices and remotely over the internet. Equipped with an Intel® Atom™ processor, the TS mini delivers quiet, energy efficient, always-on access. Operating on the Microsoft® Windows™ Home Server Platform, it simplifies management of digital content. The TS Mini is available now for pre-order at Amazon.com and NewEgg.com starting at $349.99 USD.
“Consumer demand for rich content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on any device is fueling innovation in networking and storage of media and data in the home,” said Seth Bobroff, general manager, Data Center Group – Storage, Intel Corporation. “The Intel® Atom™ processor in the TS mini enables ASUS to deliver the ability to stream media, share files and protect data while remotely accessing it, all in a sleek and energy-efficient 2-bay design.”
“We are pleased to welcome ASUS, one of the industry’s leading PC manufacturers, to the Windows Home Server family,” said Leslie McGuire, Microsoft Director of Windows Server Marketing. “Customers tell us they want an easy and inexpensive way to store, manage and protect their digital content. ASUS helps them achieve all of that with their TS Mini Server, which includes a robust option for adding data capacity through external Web storage.”
Easy Backup and Restoration of Home Computers
The TS mini can automatically back up data from up to 10 computers daily. With six USB and two eSATA ports, the TS mini lets users directly back up, synchronize, and manage their files across various USB and eSATA devices and the internal hard disk drive. In a recovery scenario, users can bring individual computers or the entire office back online by loading the latest recovery information saved on the TS mini.
Convenient Content Sharing and Easy Remote Access
The TS mini makes it easy for users to stream photos, music, video and other digital content to various devices including TVs, computers, Media PCs, and gaming consoles—for all-around content access. With the Remote Access feature, users outside the local network can also leverage their personal Windows Live™ account to access the TS mini and its content. Additionally, they can stream music and multimedia content through the online connection.
Large Data Capacity with Exclusive Web Storage
For additional storage capacity, the ASUS offers TS mini users a year of free 500GB storage over the Web. Users can boost their storage or synchronize backups online for improved data security. Additionally, users can save large peer-to-peer files on the Web, and share data with user accounts worldwide.
Energy-saving Features
In line with global energy-saving initiatives, the TS mini uses minimal power—consuming 24.5W when in idle mode and 27.9W during activation. The TS mini is the ideal choice for 24/7, non-stop data center operation.
Pricing
The ASUS TS mini is available in 500G and 2TB models at $349 and $529, respectively.
Specifications
ASUS HOME SERVER TS mini
CPU Intel® Atom Processor N280 1.66GHz
Memory 1GB/2GB DDR2-800
Hard Drive 500GB/2TB, 7200 RPM
Networking 1x 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 LAN
Interfaces 6x USB 2.0, 2x eSATA, 1x K-Lock
LED Indicators System, HDD1, HDD2, Network status indicators
AC Power Adapter (Watt) Output: 19V, 90W
Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimensions 9.6" (H) x 3.8" (W) x 8" (D)
Weight 3.3/3.9 kg; 7.26/8.58 lbs.
Operating System Powered by Microsoft Windows Home Server
Accessories Quick start guide
User manual
AC adapter (90W)
Power cord
RJ45 LAN cable
Software installation CD
Recovery DVD
Restore CD
HDD screws package
Warranty card
Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more details.

Asus Unveils 12" Ion-Powered Eee PC 1201N Netbook

News — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:44:54 GMT

Netbooks based around NVIDIA's Ion graphics technology aren't entirely new, though the few that are equipped just started shipping recently. Up until now, Asus has managed to avoid Ion within its expanding Eee PC line, but we're thrilled to see the company's first netbook announced with what amounts to being a real, hard-working GPU.

The Eee PC 1201N Multimedia Netbook ($499 MSRP) is one of the best specced netbooks out there, packing an Atom 330 processor (dual core), NVIDIA Ion graphics, a total of 750GB hybrid storage, a 12.1" HD screen, HDMI output, 2GB or 3GB of DDR2 RAM, Wi-Fi and a 0.3MP camera. It will ship in black or silver, but a specific release date isn't available.

ASUSShatters Netbook Conventions with High Performance
Eee PC™ 1201N Multimedia Netbook

Effective Integration of Intel® Atom™ 330 Dual Core Processor andNVIDIA® ION™ Graphics Acceleration Delivers Unprecedented Netbook Performance

Fremont, CA (November 18, 2009) - Multimedia-minded consumers who prize the portability ofnetbooks but lament the typical lack of processing muscle now have a reason torejoice. ASUS has launched the Eee PC™ 1201N, a multimedia netbook sporting an Intel®Atom™ 330 dual core processor and an NVIDIA® ION™ graphics processor thatdelivers a level of performance never before seen on netbooks. The stylish EeePC™ 1201N also offers exceptional typing comfort through a full-sized ergonomicchiclet keyboard, and comes with a total of 750GB* hybrid storage to house andhost massive multimedia collections.

Faster than Ever Before
The EeePC™ 1201N marks a radical departure from other netbooks that usually featuresingle core Atom™ processors. With its Intel® Atom™ 330 dual core processor,NVIDIA ION graphics, and two-DIMM, dual-channel DDR memory architecture, theEee PC™ 1201N will set new netbook performance benchmarks. More importantly,this combination shatters today’s netbook conventions by delivering a richmultimedia experience.

A New Worldof Multimedia Possibilities
The EeePC™ 1201N features the award-winning NVIDIA® ION™ graphics processor whichprovides a superior multimedia experience including support for HD video and PCgames. NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology further boosts the Eee PC™ 1201N’s ability towork with visual content, accelerating processor-intensive tasks such as videoediting and conversion.

The EeePC™ 1201N also comes preinstalled with ArcSoft SimHD, which upscales standarddefinition video content to high definition. SimHD, a plug-in for ArcSoftTotalMedia Theater, dramatically enhances the quality of images and supports awide range of file formats. Users can enjoy a smooth HD video experience on theunit’s 12.1” high definition screen, or have the option of enjoying full 1080pHD video with true-fidelity 7.1 audio on HDTVs via the built-in HDMI port.

ReneHaas, general manager for notebook GPUs at NVIDIA said, “The ASUS Eee PC 1201N deliversexceptional performance for a netbook. This ION-powered Eee PC is ideal foranyone who wants a netbook with the ability to watch HD video, share and editphotos, play casual games, and convert video to a portable media player. Withthe upcoming Flash Player 10.1 from Adobe, it will soon handle streaming HDvideo as well as a high-end desktop PC.”

Massive Storage for Massive MultimediaCollections
The EeePC™ 1201N is fully equipped to handle the large amounts of memory that digitalmedia consumes. Boasting a 250GB HDD and 500GB*** of online ASUS WebStorage—atotal of 750GB—the Eee PC™ 1201N provides ample storage for users’ movies,music and photos. ASUS WebStorage not only makes it easy for users to sharetheir media with friends and family, it grants them access to free games,desktop wallpapers, and software via a simple drag and drop interface.

Specifications

Eee PC™ 1201N

Display

12.1" LED-backlit WXGA screen (1366 x 768)

Operating System

Genuine Windows® 7

CPU

Intel® Atom™ 330 Dual Core processor

NVIDIA® ION™ Graphics

Default Memory

DDR2 SO-DIMM 2GB/3GB**

Storage

250GB HDD/320GB + 500GB* ASUS WebStorage

Wireless Data Network

802.11b/g/n @2.4GHz, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR**

Battery Life

5hrs*, 6-Cell 63Wh Li-ion Battery

Multimedia

Camera

0.3M Pixels** (with digital zoom function)

Audio Codec

Hi-Definition Audio CODEC

Speakers

Stereo Speakers

Built-in Mic

High Quality Mic

Interface

1 x VGA Port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in), Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)

Physical

Dimensions

296mm (W) x 208mm (D) x 27.3~ 33.3mm (H)

Weight

1.46kg (3.22lbs)

Colors

Black, Silver

*Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions andconfigurations. For more information, please visit http://eeepc.asus.com/global/computing.html.The estimated maximum battery life in Windows® 7 is measured with MobileMark® 2.
** Availabilityis dependent on selected model, country or operator support. Check with yourlocal ASUS website for more details.
*** Complimentaryone-year 500GB ASUS WebStorage trial. Please visit www.asuswebstorage.com formore details.
Specificationsare subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for moreinformation.

AT&T Lands Samsung Go Netbook For $199 On Contract

News — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:27:27 GMT

AT&T sure loves to subsidize netbooks, and we think we know why. Most discounted netbooks are sold for just $100 off of their retail price (most $299 netbooks go for $199 at carriers), while those that purchase one are tied to a pricey data plan for two whole years. It's a much better deal for AT&T, than say, selling someone a discounted iPhone 3G. They lose quite a bit on every iPhone sale, but not so with gently discounted netbooks.

Today, AT&T introduced its newest netbook, the Samsung Go. It weighs in at 2.8 pounds and can connect to AT&T's data network (where available), sports an eye-catching midnight blue color, a soft texture design, LED-backlit, borderless glass display (which is scratch resistant, by the way) and comes with a 4-cell battery. There's also 3 USB sockets, a 160GB hard drive, Windows 7 Starter, a 1.3MP camera and an Atom N270 CPU.

The Samsung Go is available beginning Nov. 22 through AT&T retail locations or online at www.att.com/netbooks for $199 after a mail-in rebate and with the purchase of a 2-year AT&T DataConnect service agreement, with pricing starting at $35 per month (for 200MB) and going to $60 per month for 5GB of data.

Key features and specifications of the Samsung Go include:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition
Processor: Intel® Atom™ processor N270
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Storage: 1GB of system memory, 160 GB HDD
Battery: 4-cell (4000 mAh)
I/O Ports: 3 USB 2.0 ports, external VGA port, headphone/speaker/line-out port, microphone-in jack
Communication:
WWAN: Option GTM382W module (based on Qualcomm MSN 7225)
HSPA (7.2/5.1 Mbps): 850/1900/2100 MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
SIM lock (device locked to AT&T network)

WLAN:
802.11 b/g WiFi

Other:
Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)

Display: 10.1” 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
Dimensions: 10.3” x 7.3” x 1.1”
Pricing & Availability
The Samsung Go is available beginning Nov. 22 through AT&T retail locations or online at www.att.com/netbooks for $199 after a mail-in rebate and with the purchase of a 2-year AT&T DataConnect service agreement, with pricing starting at $35 per month.
For more information on AT&T netbook offerings, visit www.att.com/netbooks.
For more information and detailed disclaimer information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

Asus UL30Vt: A 13" Ultraportable With Switchable GPUs

News — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:48:22 GMT

We had the pleasure of reviewing Asus' UL30A back in September, but now it seems that another model has popped onto the scene. The UL30Vt is landed just after the Windows 7-packed UL80Vt, and just like the others in the UL line, this one also features switchable graphics for those looking to game at times and save battery during the other times.

There's also a promised 12 hour battery life (somehow we doubt that'll be true under real-world conditions), a Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor, DDR3 RAM and a chassis that's under 1-inch thick. It also classifies as an ultraportable with its 13" display, and if the integrated Intel GPU isn't cutting it, the GeForce G210M can be selected to push higher frame rates.

There's no mention just yet on pricing, but as with the other UL machines, we're guessing it'll be reasonable.

UnLimited Performance with ASUS Turbo33 Technology

The ASUS UL30Vt features the ground-breaking ASUS Turbo33 Technology, which integrates both hardware and software to enhance system performance by up to 33%. This turn of speed is almost twice faster compared to notebooks without ASUS Turbo33 Technology. It enables you to enjoy smoother videos, online streaming and various other forms of multimedia without a hitch for entertainment unlimited.

UnLimited Performance with Intel Core™2 Duo Processor and DDR3 Memory

ASUS UL30Vt is powered by Intel Core™ 2 Duo SU7300 Processor for its ability to provide the best multitasking performance while using less energy. It also features the latest DDR3 memory, which delivers faster data transfer rates and consumes 17% less power compared to DDR2 memory.
UnLimited Portability: Stylishly Thin and Less than 1-inch Thick Profile

Feast your eyes upon the ASUS UL30Vt, with a profile measuring less than 1-inch. Its aluminum alloy structure accords you with style and grace as you make your way through the day. It fits effortlessly into your day bag, haversack or briefcase, and with the brushed aluminum design, it shrugs off scratches and abrasions, protecting its gorgeous exterior.

UnLimited Versatility: ASUS GraphiX Boost Technology for Switchable Graphics

The ASUS UL30Vt features a 13-inch high definition LED backlight display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, with graphics supported by GraphiX Boost technology. It allows users to maintain a balance between surreal graphics performance and battery conservation. The ASUS GraphiX Boost allows users to switch between a dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce® G 210M graphics card for graphically intensive applications, and Intel® integrated graphics options for better energy savings.
UnLimited All-day Computing with Up To 12 Hours Battery Life

The ASUS UL30Vt features an impressive 12-hours battery life*, thanks to the ASUS Power4 Gear Technology, which facilitates the deployment and usage of power according to the users’ preferences in relation to the specific tasks that they need to perform. It also provides users with the option to turn off hardware devices to conserve even more energy, and works in conjunction with an Intel® Core™2 Duo processor for maximum energy efficiency.

New Invention Could Prevent Lithium Ion Battery Fires

News — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:28:08 GMT

Over the past few years, we've seen a number of recalls involving faulty batteries that can overheat and cause a fire. Now there's a new technology called Stoba that could be on the market as soon as the first quarter of next year that could help prevent lithium-ion batteries from catching fire or exploding in devices such as laptops and mobile phones. Stoba was developed at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan's national research organization.

When lithium-ion batteries develop internal shorts, it doesn't take long before they can heat up to as much as 932 degrees Fahrenheit, making them likely to catch fire or explode. Stoba works to prevent a fire or explosion by sitting between the positive and negative sides of the battery. If the battery reaches 266 degrees Fahrenheit, Stoba transforms from a porous material to a film and shuts down the reaction.

Battery makers in Taiwan are currently testing Stoba. Manufacturing for Stoba-equipped cells has increased and shipments are expected in the first quarter of 2010. It's expected that Stoba will only add 2-3% to the cost of manufacture.

Sanyo's Eneloop Stick Booster Provides Anytime/Anywhere Juice To USB Gizmos

News — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:59:28 GMT

Let's face it: just about any gizmo worth using these days has a USB connector, and more often than not, it's actually charged over USB as well. But also, battery life has sunk in recent years as devices are made to be slimmer and hold less spacious batteries. The solution to this quandary? Sanyo's Eneloop Stick Booster, of course!

For those unaware, the Eneloop line of rechargeable batteries have been around for a little while, and those that use them tend to swear by them. If you're alread on the Eneloop bandwagon, this product shouldn't be a tough sell. Basically, the Eneloop Stick Booster is a tube that holds a pair of AA Eneloop batteries. When your USB-related gizmo needs a boost, you simply plug this in and flip it on. Once the Eneloop batteries run dry, you just recharge them, rinse and repeat. They'll be shipping in the US this December, though pricing still seems to be up in the air.

With its USB port, KBC-D1AS easily charges various mobile devices^*3such as mobile phones, portable game units, and personal audio devices.Regular emergency chargers that use dry cells to charge mobile phonesmay not be able to properly charge certain phones that require highcurrent for charging. Thanks to SANYO’s output control technologyhowever, the KBC-D1AS can provide a steady charge to devices thatrequire high current, such as the iPhone*5, by regulating the chargecurrent sent to the device. The Handy Power Source has a slide switchto turn the charge output on and off, as desired.

The KBC-D1AS features a stick-type aluminum body design. With adiameter of less than two centimeters, and weighing just 76 grams withbatteries installed, the slim and lightweight design makes it perfectin all kinds of situations such as business and pleasure trips, orcommuting.

This product comes packaged with two new ‘eneloop’ batteries^*6 that can be recharged about 1,500 times^*7 offering the industry’s No.1^*8reusability. They can charge various mobile devices more easily thandry cells, as they deliver a steady high current. Even after therecharging lifespan of the batteries has been reached, they are easy toreplace.

Asus G51J Core i7 Mobile Gaming Notebook Tested, Burned In

News — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:20:55 GMT

Windows 7 is upon us, and with the launch of Microsoft's self-proclaimed "best operating system" comes a slew of new desktop machines, notebooks, and netbooks looking to take advantage of its added stability and features. One of the companies that is looking to serve up a number of new Win7-based rigs is Asus, and without a doubt they have assembled an interesting and compelling offering in their G51J-A1 notebook. Hitting the sweet spot between the average-sized 15" machine and the full-on desktop replacement, the refreshed G51 maintains the 15" form factor yet packs enough horsepower, with it's Core i7 mobile CPU and GeForce GTX 260M GPU under the hood, to plow through even the latest game titles.

Asus G51J Core i7 Mobile Gaming Notebook Review

Dell's Adamo XPS Gets Real: $1799 For The World's Thinnest Notebook

News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:50:47 GMT

Dell sure has been teasing this machine long enough, and finally we're able to stop wondering and start digesting. What we have here today is the planet's thinnest laptop. Granted, that record seems to be broken and re-set about every other month now, but honestly, we'll be shocked if someone makes a notebook thinner than this before Santa comes climbing down the chimney.

The Adamo XPS is a unique, strange and niche device. It's not for gamers, it's not for cheap-skates and it's not for power-users. So, who is it for? Good question, but we're guessing it's just those willing to pay a significant premium for a stylish machine that'll do basic tasks on the go. If you think your computer should be a fashion accessory, you'll probably think that this should be your next computer.

Measuring just 0.4mm thin, the Adamo XPS ships with 4GB of DDR3-800 memory, a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, 128GB solid state drive, and a 13.4" display. It also ships with Windows 7, and a new capacitive latching device enables you to simply swipe your finger over the unit to open the LCD. Finally, there's a replaceable battery, full-size keyboard, 802.11n Wi-Fi, two USB 2.0 ports and Ethernet (via dongle). Sadly, this gorgeous machine starts at $1,799, so you better be ready to feel the burn in the wallet if you'd like to take one home.

DELL ANNOUNCES ADAMO XPS, A DAZZLING GIFT IDEA FORSTYLE-MINDED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

World’s Thinnest Laptop is 0.4-inch thin

Adamo XPS Reinforces Dell’s Commitmentto Craftsmanship and Design

Advanced Head-Turning Design OffersFull Feature Set for On-The-Go Computing

ROUND ROCK, Texas, Nov 5, 2009 … Last spring Dell setthe computing industry abuzz with the introduction of its Adamo brand, andalong with it the world’s thinnest laptop PC. Today, the world meets a newchampion of thin: The Dell™ Adamo XPS™, measuring 9.99mm or just four-tenths ofan inch. Both laptops set new standards for craftsmanship, design andengineering excellence.
Adamo XPS is a stunning laptop whose design provides aunique experience. With the swipe of a finger, the keyboard appears from underthe display as the system is open. The feature set challenged engineers tobuild the latest technology into a compact space, including:

4GB* DDR3 800 memory;

IntelCore 2 Duo (1.4Ghz) ultra-low voltage processor;

Thin 128GB SSD for faster, cooler, quieterand more durable storage than traditional hard drives;

A13.4-inch high-definition display.

The attention to detail is apparent in the black, jewelrybox-like packaging that is as striking as the laptop itself. A tug on a clothloop reveals the Adamo XPS and assorted accessories that accompany the system.The Adamo XPS was recently recognized as the hottestWindows 7 product by leading technology analyst Rob Enderle with DigitalTrends.
Adamo, derived from the Latin word meaning “to fall in love,”is a flagship in a line of products created to disrupt the personal computingspace with the combination of new design aesthetics, personalization choicesand sought-after technologies.
The Adamo by Dellbrand was launched last March with the first Adamolaptop, which combined high-performance technologies in a finely-machinedaluminum case only .65-inch thick.
The pencil-thin Adamo XPS weighs just over 3 pounds** andmeasures 13.39 x 10.71 inches. Dell expects to begin taking orders and shippingthe Adamo XPS with Microsoft® Windows® 7 pre-installed in time forthe holidays. The Adamo XPS is priced starting at $1799. More informationis available at www.adamobydell.com .
The News:

Adamo XPS is the thinnest laptop PC ever,at about 0.4-inch thin.

When opened, the body of the Adamo XPS israised so the keyboard is angled to enhance cooling.

Capacitive latching device – one fingerswipe opens the latch.

Built-in location awareness to provide realtime local maps to show people where they are.

Replaceable battery, with optionalhigher-capacity battery available.

Full size keyboard with aluminum keycaps;touchpad with gestures.

Built-in 802.11n wireless.

High Definition (720p) 13.4-inch WLEDdisplay.

I/O: display port, 2xUSB 2.0, audio,Ethernet (via included dongle).

Operating system: Windows7 64-bit edition.
Quote:
“Our engineers and designers are breaking new ground andthrowing away the old rules with the introduction of Adamo XPS,” said AlexGruzen, senior vice president of Dell consumer products. “We think the AdamoXPS will inspire an emotional connection with anyone who sees it.”
Links:
www.dell.com
www.adamobydell.com
www.dell.com/home/laptops
www.Flickr.com/photos/dellphotos
*Shared Memory (SDRAM) - (under 4GB) - Significant systemmemory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on system memory sizeand other factors.
**Weights vary depending on configuration andmanufacturing variability.

iBUYPOWER Introduces First Core i7 Notebook

News — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:47:35 GMT

iBUYPOWER is launching its first Core i7 notebook today. The new Battalion 101 W870CU is a 17.3-inch notebook with a Full HD 1920x1080 widescreen LCD and NVIDIA GTX280 graphics. The W870CU is customizable, offering three Core i7 CPUs to choose from including the 2.00GHz 920XM Mobile Processor Extreme and up to 8GB DDR3 memory. The Battalion 101 W870CU starts at $2,114 and is available from iBUYPOWER's website.

iBUYPOWER Launches Powerful Core i7 Gaming Notebook – Battalion 101 W870CU

17.3” W870CU features full HD 1080P Widescreen LCD, NVIDIA GTX280 graphics card and up to 8GB of DDR3 Memory

El Monte, CA – November 11, 2009 - iBUYPOWER, one of the leading gaming systems manufacturers in the world, is excited to announce its first Intel® Core™ i7 based notebook – Battalion 101 W870CU. Starting at $2,114, the W870CU offers gamers three Core i7 CPUs to choose from, including the 2.00GHz 920XM Mobile Processor Extreme, up to 8GB DDR3 memory, and a breathtaking 17.3” Full HD 1920x1080 widescreen LCD high definition resolution.

iBUYPOWER paired the HD display with the NVIDIA GTX280 graphics card, the highest performing notebook GPU ever. The GTX280 takes full advantage of the NVIDIA’s PhysX Technology and the ultra realistic gaming environments it provides. The GTX280 can also be paired with a Blu-ray drive to enhance the movie watching experience on the W870CU with sharp images, vibrant colors, and smooth playback.

Gamers looking for a slightly larger display can go with the similar Battalion 101 M980NU and its 18.4-inch Full HD display, starting at $2505.

The Battalion 101 W870CU Gaming Notebook is available now exclusively at www.iBUYPOWER.com. iBUYPOWER systems come standard with a 1 year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.

Battalion 101 W870CU
LCD	17.3” Full HD 1920x1080 Widescreen LCD
Processor	Up to Intel® Core™ i7-920XM Mobile Processor Extreme Edition (4x 2.00GHz/8MB L3 Cache)
Memory	Up to 8GB [4GB x 2] 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Video Card	Mobility DDR3 1GB NVIDIA GTX280 PCI-Express 3D Video
Hard Drive	Up to 500 GB 7200rpm Serial-ATA Super Slim Notebook Hard Drive
Optical Drive	Up to 2X Blu-Ray-R/8x Dual Format DVD±R/±RW + 16x CD-R/RW Combo Drive
Card Reader	Built-in 7-in-1 Media Card Reader/Writer
Sound Card	3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard
Network Card	Built-in 10/100/1000 Network LAN
Wireless Network Adapter	Intel Pro/Wireless 5300 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi Link Half-MiniCard
Operating System	Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Toshiba Satellite T135 Win 7 CULV Notebook Review

News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:52:16 GMT

We're seeing more and more CULV notebooks hit the market these days. The growing sector of Consumer Ultra Low Voltage machines attempts to bridge the gap between lower cost netbooks and full-size notebooks, offering a more powerful chip than the ubiquitous Atom options we see in netbooks, but one that consumes less power than the mainstream Core 2 Duo processors we see in many full-size notebooks.

The Toshiba Satellite T100 Series fits in the CULV segment and attempts to offer the comfort and convenience of a standard laptop in an ultra-thin package. As the larger model in the T100 series, the T135 we look at ths in article features Windows 7, a 13.3-inch widescreen display and measures only 1.35 inches at its thickest point...

Toshiba Satellite T135 Win 7 CULV Notebook Review

For Sell :Sony VAIO® PCG-K35 PC Notebook

dwelbeck2 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:38:28 GMT

For Sell :Sony VAIO® PCG-K35 PC Notebook Affordable, full-sized notebook with eye-catching great looks that are sure to get noticed. Equipped with essential features like fullsized ergonomic keyboard, Integrated 802.11b/g Wireless LAN, and Memory Stick PRO media slot. The gently slanted keyboard provides a comfortable hand and wrist position. Enhanced 15.4 wide screen format lets you take full advantage of DVD4 movies, view side-by-side page layouts, spreadsheets and toolbars. Go from work center to multimedia centre. Integrated optical drive and pre-loaded software lets you create, edit and burn CDs, enjoy music, watch movies and organize photos anywhere your notebook can go with you. Sony® VAIO® K Series notebooks are beautiful, ergonomic, affordable and equipped with integrated wireless capabilities and multimedia features that will take you from work day to night life. It's a totally versatile entry-level notebook that combines the technology you need for mobile survival with a price that's easy on your wallet. To purchase it get back with details below : Where are you located ? How many you want to buy ? How soon do you want it ? For more details about purchase Contact Me via e-mail at electronicwise12@live.com electronicwise12@gmail.com www.electronic-wise.page.tl God Bless

Sprint Enters The Netbook Game With Dell Mini 10

News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:16:07 GMT

If you're looking for a new netbook, and you don't mind paying for a mobile broadband plan to go with it (so long as it's cheaper up-front), both AT&T and Verizon have plenty of options for you to pick through. Up until now, however, Sprint has been notably absent from that group, but thanks to a new partnership with Dell, even Sprint shelves will soon house computers.

The tried-and-true Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is coming to Sprint's network, where it will sell with an integrated CDMA/EVDO module that'll get you online pretty much anywhere in America. Unfortunately, Sprint missed its opportunity to roll this out with 4G WiMAX support, which would've easily made it the most interesting subsidized netbook in existence. As it stands, the netbook is priced way too high at $199.99, as that price requires you to sign a 2-year mobile broadband agreement with data rates of $59.99 per month for 5GB of usage.

The machine is the same as it ever was, with a 10.1" LED screen, Z520 Atom processor, Windows Home XP, 160GB HDD, 1.3MP webcam, Intel's GMA 500 graphics, a 5-in-1 card reader, Bluetooth and 802.11g Wi-Fi. Still, this rig can be had for around $200 if you catch the right sale, so we'd think twice about buying in here. Now, if this supported WiMAX, we'd be all over it. Hear us, Sprint? It should be noted that this is only available in the "Bay Area" for now, though.

Acer's Aspire AS8940G-6865 18.4" Gaming Notebook Is Serious Business

News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:51:08 GMT

Think Acer has forgotten how to make a gaming notebook? We know the outfit's netbook line has taken center stage here of late (what can we say--they're hot at the moment!), but clearly the company knows that a market exists in the higher-end, too.

The new Aspire AS8940G-6865 notebook is no small matter, with an 18.4" display, an Intel Core i7 quad-core 720QM processor and Windows 7 Home Premium. Yeah, you can tell they're serious by those specifications alone. The machine was designed to crank on multimedia and 3D games, NVIDIA GTS 250M (1GB) graphics, Blu-ray support, a 500GB hard drive and plenty of RAM. There's also Intel Turbo Boost Technology, which boosts CPU clock speed up to 75% when the system is stressed.

You'll also find a 1920x1080 resolution panel, Dolby Home Theater audio enhancements, five built-in speakers, Acer’s Touch-Capacitive Media Control Interface and a FineTip keyboard with backlight. The usual suspects are already here, meaning eSATA, Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, and it should be ready for purchase this holiday season starting at $1,349.99.

Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 720QM (1.60GHz, 6MB L3 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
18.4" Full HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit Display
(1920x1080 Resolution, 16:9 Aspect Ratio)
4GB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz Memory
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250M with 1GB dedicated DDR3 VRAM
500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive ⁽¹⁾
4X Blu-ray Disc^™/DVD SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 802.11a//bg/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
Acer Crystal Eye™ Integrated Webcam
Touch-Capacitive Media Control Interface
5 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 HDMI Port, 1 eSATA Port
8-cell Li-Ion Battery (4800mAh)
Dolby Home Theater® Audio Enhancement
Acer CineSurround Sound System (5 built-in speakers)
Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
MSRP $1,349.99

Sony's Power Problems Continue With Recall Of AC Adapters

News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:25:15 GMT

It seems Sony's Vaio power problems aren't over yet. Almost a year after recalling 100,000 notebook batteries and 13 months after recalling almost a half-million notebooks due to overheating concerns, Sony and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 69,000 Vaio AC adapters.

Apparently, insulation inside of the AC adapters can fail over time, thereby posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers. So far, Sony has received four reports of adapters short-circuiting. None of the incidents have occurred in the U.S., and no injuries have been reported.

The AC adapter model that is affected by the recall is the Sony VGP-AC19V17. The adapter was sold over a four-year period from September 2005 to October 2009. The adapter was sold with the Vaio VGC-JS240, VGC-JS250, VGC-JS270, and VGC-JS290 series and the VGC-LT series all-in-one computers. The following notebook docking stations are also affected: VGP-PRFE1 and VGP-PRBX1.

Customers with an affected AC adapter should turn off their computers, unplug it, and stop using the recalled AC adapter. After you contact Sony, the company will arrange for a free replacement of the affected AC adapter.

To see if your adapter is included in the recall, visit Sony's Support page or call Sony toll-free at (877) 361-4481.

Dell's 12.1" Latitude XT2 XFR Is Tiny Yet Rugged

News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:31:13 GMT

With Windows 7 out, we're apt to see a whole lot more Dell machines shipping with multi-touch capabilities. One of the best attributes to Win7 is its ability to natively interact with multi-touch applications and hardware, but even before that, Dell was dabbling in the technology with some of its notebooks.

Now, the company is mixing two niche product groups together in order to get this: the Latitude XT2 XFR. Hailed as the industry's smallest 12.1" rugged convertible tablet PC with a multi-touch display, this little guy is one tough cookie. It's small and thin--not much larger than some netbooks, but it's far more durable and able to withstand the elements for those who spend more time working in the field than in the office.

Designed to meet the unique and demanding needs of customers in the military, police, border patrol, field service organizations, factory fulfillment and first responders (not to mention argonauts and clumsy consumers), this laptop is built to handle bumps and finger presses. The XT2 XFR is available in the U.S., Canada, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany and Italy via all of Dell’s sales channels, including PartnerDirect. It starts at $3,599 and more information is available here.

Inspired by discussions with the defense, law enforcement, homeland security communities, field service departments and utility companies, Dell developed a convertible tablet that can adapt to changing mission requirements and withstand harsh environments. Features of the Latitude XT2 XFR include:
- At 1.5 inches (38.1 millimeters) it is the thinnest 12.1-inch rugged convertible tablet and starts at 5.4 pounds (2.45 kilograms) with four-cell battery and solid state drive¹, it is engineered and independently tested to meet MIL-810G standards for operation in harsh environments. Dell expects MIL-810G certification in the coming weeks.
- Compression-sealed and rugged I/O doors, LCD, and keyboard, provide an IP54 level of Ingress Protection, or resistance to moisture and dust.
The Latitude XT2 XFR can be installed in police or first-responder vehicles where critical information can be accessed with one hand. The Latitude XT2 XFR is also ideal for field-service and industrial manufacturing workforces who need an easy to carry, rugged system that can stand up to drops, spills and temperature extremes.
The Latitude XT2 XFR is available with Dell’s optional remote management capabilities and next business day service and support.²
The rugged tablet shares common images and components with the Dell Latitude XT2 tablet for easy integration into existing environments. The Latitude XT2 XFR also includes:
- Intel Core 2 Duo processors with up to 5GB³ of DDR3 1066 MHz memory.⁴
- QuadCool Thermal Management System enables excellent performance, even in extreme temperatures from minus 10 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Four-, six- and nine-cell battery options.
- Standard data security features that include Dell ControlVault and Dell ControlPoint, as well as optional solid state and spinning disk drives with full disk encryption.
- Impact resistant, sunlight viewable, 12.1-inch wide LED display with capacitive multi-touch gestures-enabled or optional resistive touch screen.
- Optional hot-swappable modules including GPS (in the coming weeks) and webcam.
- Optional expansion sliver provides camera/light, serial, and RJ11 inputs.
- An extensive range of optional accessories and services that include mobile rugged docking and mounting solutions in the coming weeks.
- A full complement of wireless connectivity options including wireless LAN 802.11 a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 and mobile broadband.

Lenovo Announces New Windows 7-Equipped IdeaPad And IdeaCentre Rigs

News — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:50:43 GMT

Most PC makers decided to push their new Windows 7 machines on October22nd, the day that Microsoft officially launched its next generation OSinto the public realm. Lenovo, however, decided to let the worldbreathe a bit, and we can't say that's such an awful strategy. Now, ithas the spotlight to itself in the introduction of its new IdeaPad andIdeaCentre machines: three new notebooks (U150, U550 and Y550P) and three new desktops (B500, K300 and H230) are on deck, and all sixof them have Win7 loaded on. All of the machines should be listed atLenovo's site in order for customers to customize and order, but thefull release (with individual specifications) is listed below.

Lenovo New IdeaPad Laptops and IdeaCentre Desktops Deliver Style, Ease of Use and Multimedia Features for Consumers

New PCs Bundle Lenovo Enhanced Experience Certification for Windows 7 and complementary Intel Processor Technology

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – October 26, 2009: Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) today unveiled a lineup of new IdeaPad laptops – U150, U550 and Y550P – and IdeaCentre desktops – B500, K300 and H230 – designed to meet the performance, style and usability standards of today’s multi-tasking consumers.

The new Idea PCs combine stylish designs and innovative features enabled by the ultra low power Intel® Core™ processor family of products and improved performance with an Intel® Core™ i7 processor. These new products ship with Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system and also include the unique Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7 – the result of joint engineering by Lenovo in collaboration with Microsoft to provide users with faster system boot and shutdown, richer multimedia features and easy system maintenance tools.

“Our Idea products are designed with the user experience in mind - every aspect of product design and technology is engineered to improve how consumers seamlessly use these products to enrich their daily lives,” said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. “Today’s additions to the Idea product portfolio are among Lenovo’s most feature-rich and powerful PCs to-date, providing our customers more choices to find the PC that best meets their unique digital lifestyle.”

“Lenovo and Intel share a vision to create products that are faster, lighter, thinner and with longer battery life and delivering them to consumers in the quickest and most cost effective way,” Gregory Bryant, vice president, Sales and Marketing Group, Intel Corporation. “Whether you are looking for ultrathin, stylish laptops with exceptional performance or beautiful and powerful desktops, Lenovo and Intel are working together to deliver Idea products with the right Intel® processor technology inside to meet your needs.”

“As a result of our joint engineering investments, Lenovo is demonstrating their commitment to Windows 7 by making significant improvements in important areas like start-up, shutdown and resume times. We congratulate Lenovo on its work, as we think it will help business customers and consumers benefit from a better computing experience on Lenovo’s leading products,” said John Kalkman, vice president of OEM Engineering and Services at Microsoft Corp. “With Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience, customers can be confident that their new PC delivers more of the exciting benefits that Windows 7 has to offer.”

Idea Product Facts

Lenovo’s latest IdeaPad laptops and IdeaCentre desktops meet consumer demands for mobility, added power to effectively multitask, flexibility to support professional and personal computing needs, data security, stylish designs and the latest multimedia features.

IdeaPad Y550P – Cutting-edge power for multimedia on the go
The Y550P is ideal for today’s multi-tasker and the most powerful laptop in Lenovo’s consumer portfolio. The Y550P is Lenovo’s first notebook to use the new Intel Core i7 processor with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology1 that automatically speeds up the processor when the PC needs extra performance. This high-performance laptop also features powerful NVIDIA discrete graphics, a 15.6inch HD widescreen display, Dolby® Home Theater™ surround sound, and unique Lenovo tools like SlideNav – a touch-sensitive bar above the keyboard that makes it faster and easier to navigate programs, documents and shortcuts, or even quickly change the desktop wallpaper on users’ systems.


Click To Enlarge

IdeaPad U150 – Slim and chic portability
The U150 is just 13.5mm thick and weighs only 1.35kg2, yet under the textured red or black cover lies a range of features designed to strike the right balance between mobility and functionality. The ultraportable U150 with an energy-efficient Intel Core 2 Duo processor offers up to 8GB DDR3 memory, 11.6in HD widescreen display and long battery life. The Active Protection System on the U150 helps protect the hard drive if the laptop is dropped or gets bumped. A new version of OneKey Rescue System, Version 7.0, performs data backups up to twice as fast and includes more powerful antivirus scanning that can be run even before loading the operating system.

Click To Enlarge

IdeaPad U550 – Ultraportable laptop with added flexibility for the office and home
At just 24mm thick and with a 15.6in wide HD wide screen display, the new IdeaPad U550 laptop with Intel Core 2 Duo processor includes a range of features that make it easy for users to transition between work and home use. For example, switchable graphics let users turn their discrete graphics card on and off at the press of a button to better manage PC battery life. Dolby® Sound Room surround-sound via the laptop’s large, integrated speakers brings presentations to life and makes games and movies more enjoyable. The Ambient Light Sensor automatically adjusts screen brightness based on light conditions, reducing strain on the eyes. An integrated DVD drive delivers added flexibility to access and share content. The integrated fingerprint reader and VeriFace™ facial recognition software on the U550 provide additional ease of use when logging onto the PC.


Click To Enlarge

IdeaCentre B500 – High performance all-in-one, immersive entertainment experience
Featuring an Intel® Core™2 Quad processor, powerful discrete graphics, up to 8GB DDR3 memory and 1TB HDD storage space, the IdeaCentre B500 all-in-one desktop is the ultimate PC for serious gamers and multimedia users. The 23in Full HD screen and high-quality JBL- brand integrated speakers provide a quality viewing experience. Coupled with a 4-in-1 remote control that acts as a motion-drive games controller, VOIP handset, air mouse and media remote, the B500 supports a dynamic multimedia entertainment experience. Additional unique Lenovo features on the B500 include CamSuite, a tool that helps to keep users in the center of the Web camera’s focus and adds special effects to live video feeds.


Click To Enlarge

IdeaCentre K300 – Desktop PC with optimized power and control
The IdeaCentre K300 with the Intel Core 2 Quad processor is a performance desktop loaded with powerful technologies including high-performance RAID configured hard drives for added storage and peace of mind. It also includes the Lenovo Power Control Switch, which makes it simple for users adjust the level of power they need - from all-out performance to more energy-efficient modes.

Click To Enlarge

Lenovo H230 – Functionality at a value price
Available starting at US $299 and equipped with a range of HDD and DDR3 memory configurations, the H230 is designed to offer consumers the perfect mix of performance and value. Integrated tools such as Lenovo Rescue System provide users a worry-free experience by enabling quick and easy data recovery and advanced antivirus technology.


Click To Enlarge

Lenovo U350 and S10-2 – Eye-catching new textures and patterns marry fashion with functionality The IdeaPad U350 ultraportable laptop and S10-2 netbook are now available in a range of new textures and colorful patterns. The U350 can be purchased with a cool, eye-catching cover texture such as brown lizard print, white lamb skin print and red light weave. Using the latest PC cover-painting technology, the popular S10-2 comes in new colorful designs such as pop art, violet floral, red floral, green floral, phoenix, garden, sailing and origami.



Click To Enlarge

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information
see www.lenovo.com.

Verizon Intros First-Ever Subsidized Windows 7 Netbook

News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:29:16 GMT

If it's a subsidized netbook you're after, it's Verizon Wireless thatyou should be looking at. The wireless operator has a whole slew ofnetbooks on the cheap (provided you sign up for pricey 2-year dataplan), and if the current crop isn't good enough for you, two more arehitting today courtesy of HP.

But there's something extra with one of these two. The HP Mini311-1037NR is the first Verizon netbook to support Windows 7 HomePremium, while the HP Mini 110-1046NR sports the tried and true WindowsXP Home Edition. Both of 'em come with integrated WWAN modules to getyou connected wherever a Verizon tower is near, and if coupled with aVerizon Wireless GlobalAccess service plan, they can surf in over 185international destinations.

The HP Mini 311-1037NR is available for $249.99 after a $100 mail-inrebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a Mobile Broadbandplan, while the HP Mini 110-1046NR will ship in the middle of nextmonth for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and signing the same broadband plan. Full specifications of both machines are listed below.

Key Features and Specifications of the HP Mini 311-1037NR:
Operating system: Genuine Windows(®) 7 Home Premium
Offers a rich entertainment experience with:
11.6"-diagonal HD LED BrightView widescreen display (1366 x 768)
16:9 aspect ratio for full-screen HD content playback
Audio: Altec Lansing speakers
Graphics Card: NVIDIA ION for Windows 7
Processor: Intel(®) Atom(TM) Processor N270
Processor speed: 1.60 GHz
System memory: 2 GB RAM
Storage hard drive: 160 GB
Radio/frequencybands: CDMA/1X/EV-DO Revision A: 800/1900 MHz; UMTS/HSPA: 850/1900/2100MHz; GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone
Integrated 5-in-1 digital media reader for SD, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
External ports: 3 USB 2.0; 1 HDMI; 1 RJ-45 (LAN); 1 VGA (15-pin)
Dimensions: 11.4" (length) x 8.03" (depth) x 0.78-1.2" (height)
Weight: 3.22 lbs.
Power: 65W AC Adapter; 6-cell lithium-ion battery (usage up to 6.25 hours with Windows 7)
Bluetooth(®) capabilities
Right and left button on track pad for easier, more familiar use

Key Features and Specifications of the HP Mini 110-1046NR:
Operating system: Genuine Windows(®) XP Home Edition
Offers customers the perfect mobile companion with:
10.1"-diagonal SD LED anti-glare widescreen display (1024 x 576)
Windows Media Player 11
Audio: HD audio, stereo speakers and integrated microphone
Processor: Intel Atom Processor N270
Processor speed: 1.60 GHz
System memory: 1 GB RAM
Storage hard drive: 160 GB
Radio/frequencybands: CDMA/1X/EV-DO Revision A: 800/1900 MHz; UMTS/HSPA: 850/1900/2100MHz; GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g
HP Webcam with integrated microphone
Integrated 5-in-1 digital media reader for SD, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
External ports: 3 USB 2.0; 1 RJ-45 (LAN); 1 VGA (15-pin)
Dimensions: 10.3" (length) x 6.77" (depth) x 1.04-1.29" (height)
Weight: 2.57 lbs.
Power: 30W AC Adapter; 3-cell lithium-ion battery (usage up to 3.5 hours with Windows XP, 3.75 hours with starter)

Acer Aspire 5738DG Turns 2D & 3D Content Into 3D Entertainment Experience

News — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:16:13 GMT

Acer announced its new Aspire 5738DG notebook with the unique TriDef 3D solution. This solution includes a 3D screen, software, and glasses to enable 3D visuals. It can also take 2D content and replicate a 3D experience.

The notebook has a 15.6-inch Acer CineCrystal HD display coated with a special 3D film. The 3D polarizer glasses filter 2D images to 3D. The TriDef Ignition tool enables 2D to 3D conversion for games and applications supporting DirectX 9 and above.

The Aspire 5738DG features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 Graphics with 512 Dedicated DDR3 VRAM, Dolby surround sound, built-in stereo speakers, and 5.1-channel surround sound output. The notebook runs on Windows 7 Home Premium.

Other features include a 320GB hard drive, multi-in-one media reader, HDMI port, four USB 2.0 ports, 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, and an Acer Crystal Eye webcam. The Aspire 5738DG also has a Multi-Gesture Touchpad which lets users pinch, flick, and swirl fingers on the touchpad.

The new Acer Aspire 5738DG 3D notebook will be available this week at select retailers. Pricing begins at $779.99.

Acer Aspire 5738DG-6165 3D Notebook PC Specifications

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T6600 (2 MB L2 cache, 2.2GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
15.6" HD 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, high-brightness (220-nit) Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD with integrated TriDef® 3D screen
Mobile Intel® PM45 Express Chipset
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4570 with up to 2304MB of HyperMemory™ (512 MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM, up to 1792 MB of shared system memory)
4GB of DDR2 1066 MHz memory
320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive1
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
8X DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
Integrated Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
Dolby®-optimized surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers
Multi-Gesture Touchpad
4 - USB 2.0 Ports
6-cell Li-ion Battery (4400 mAh)
6.16 lbs. (system unit only)
15.1 x 9.9 x 1.03/1.5 inches
Gemstone design
MSRP: $779.99

MSI Ships GT640, GT740 and CR610 With Windows 7

News — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:39:53 GMT

Hey, it's Windows 7 day! And do you know what that means? Lots and lots(and lots!) of new Windows 7 machines, including a trifecta from thecrew at MSI. Today, alongside Microsoft's release of its newest OS, thecompany is issuing its GT640, GT740 and CR610 machines with Win7. Ofcourse, the company's entire range of machines has received WindowsHardware Quality Labs (WHQL) Windows 7 X86 and X64 certification, butit's the new gear we're focused on today.

The G-Series GT640 and GT740 machines can both be ordered with an Intelquad-core Core i7 processor, while specs remain elusive on the CR610.The rest of MSI's announcement can be seen below:

MSI is the first to release pre-installed Windows 7 in itsnew models. With newly evolved hardware and software, consumers have achance to be the first to appreciate the advantages of the Windows 7operating system.
Not only do the GT740, GT640 and the Classic Series model CR610 comepre-installed with Windows 7, MSI has preemptively had its entire rangeof notebook computers undergo WHQL testing in order to receive Windows7 X86 and X64 compatibility certification. These certificationsguarantee 100% stability and ensure consumers can safely upgrade to thenewest Window's OS.

MSI's WHQL Windows 7 certified notebooksinclude many red-hot features, including the ultra-light, beautifullycurved-arch designed X-Slim series and the brilliant Wind12 U Series12" models. Both rely on an ultra-thin, power-saving hardware platformarchitecture, teamed with the new Windows 7 user interface, to createan entirely new user experience. Additionally, the MSI Classic Seriesnotebooks, with comprehensive I/O ports and outfitted with highperformance software, offer the highest performance/price ratiocurrently on the market.

MSI also supports the Microsoft Windows 7upgrade program and has established a dedicated Windows 7 section onits official web site to assist Vista users with operating systemupgrades. Detailed information can be found by at: http://www.msi.com/html/popup/win7/home.html.

Lenovo Expands Portfolio With Windows 7 Models

News — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:35:39 GMT

Lenovo announced its latest portfolio of Think and Idea-branded PCs running Windows 7. Included with the announcement are the new ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 laptops. These laptops feature 16:9 high definition screens with VibrantView and Anti-glare technology and Intel Core2 Duo processors. Select models come with 3G connectivity. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and optional Bluetooth technologies are also available. To help users stay in touch using VoIP, Lenovo increased the resolution of the cameras, added a microphone mute button, and improved the digital microphone for clearer, crisper sounding conversations. The ThinkPad SL410 and 510 laptops are available immediately with prices starting at approximately $529.

Lenovo Boosts Digital Entertainment and Personal Productivity with Windows 7-Based PCs

Introduces New ThinkPad SL Laptops for Small to Medium Businesses

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – October 22, 2009: Lenovo today announced that it is now offering a broad portfolio of Think and Idea-branded PCs running the new Windows 7 operating system. Lenovo is also introducing two new ThinkPad laptops geared for the way small to medium businesses (SMB) work.

Packed with performance and the little extras that make a big difference, the new ThinkPad SL410 and SL510 laptops feature crisp and clear 16:9 high definition screens, make voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calls rich and seamless and sport a new look and feel with a matte-finish cover.

Lenovo has certified many of its Windows 7 PCs under the Lenovo Enhanced Experience program. This certification ensures the PCs provide powerful performance, rich multimedia and flexible ease of use. The combination of Windows 7 plus Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience certification represents a significant advancement in digital entertainment and personal productivity for consumers, small-to-medium business (SMB) and large enterprise customers.

“For three years, Microsoft and Lenovo engineers have worked tirelessly together to jointly create a PC experience that is better, faster, more stable, and more secure," said Rory Read, president and chief operating officer, Lenovo. “This has been an unparalleled effort to integrate hardware and software from the ground up. As a result, we've created new innovations in touch technology, improved speed and performance across the board and developed a host of other enhancements that will make a meaningful difference to our customers worldwide."

PCs That Work Hard and Play Hard for SMBs

The new ThinkPad SL laptops are the ideal technology companions for busy, on-the-go SMBs. Powered by Intel Core2Duo processors, these versatile laptops can power the next business meeting or help entertain off the clock. Along with their 16:9 screens, they support bright colors and reduced glare with VibrantView and Anti-glare technology. They also support HDMI and VGA output for high definition and standard external monitor displays. Using the two-finger multitouch touchpad, objects on the screen can be enlarged and minimized easily.

To stay connected 24/7 with business colleagues, family and friends, select models come with 3G connectivity. Wi-Fi, Ethernet and optional Bluetooth technologies are also offered. For a strong VoIP experience, Lenovo increased the resolution of the cameras, added a microphone mute button and improved the digital microphone for clearer, crisper sounding conversations. The new laptops are also some of Lenovo’s greenest. They are the first ThinkPad laptops to use post-consumer recycled materials, helping keep waste out of landfills, and are rated EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 5.0.

To keep connected, protected and productive, the laptops come with Lenovo ThinkVantage Technologies (TVTs) – a set of hardware and software tools that are particularly helpful for SMB users who often do not have a dedicated IT staff. These tools help make critical activities like connecting to the Internet, managing passwords, recovering data and updating the laptop easy. The laptops include a number of TVTs such as Access Connections, Client Security Solutions, Rescue and Recovery, Presentation Director and System Update. For times when IT help is required, Lenovo’s SMB service offerings include Priority Support and Online Data Backup.

“Customers expect a great PC experience, and that’s what Microsoft and Lenovo have worked together to deliver,” said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president, Original Equipment Manufacturer division, Microsoft Corp. “Our collaboration and joint innovations have resulted in faster and more reliable scenarios so customers can use their PCs in more new and exciting ways.”

A Faster, Richer and Easier Experience

Lenovo Enhanced Experience certified PCs deliver a faster, richer and easier computing experience over identical configuration, non-optimized PCs. Business customers can choose from Think-branded PCs including the ThinkPad T400s, R400 and X200 laptops, X200 Tablet, ThinkCentre A58 and M58 desktops and ThinkStation S20 and D20 workstations. Consumers can choose a variety of Idea-branded PCs including the IdeaPad Y550, Y450, U450, 450p, U350 and IdeaCentre A600 all-in-one desktop.

Enhanced Experience certified PCs start-up significantly faster than identical configuration, non-optimized Lenovo PCs. For example, on select Think PCs, Windows 7 starts up to 56 percent faster compared to running Windows XP or Windows Vista, and shuts down in as little as five seconds.¹ The PCs also include multimedia enhancements and easy system maintenance tools on Idea PCs, and performance-optimized ThinkVantage Technologies for advanced productivity and security on Think PCs. For example, Enhanced Experience certified PCs are giving customers a new way to reach out and touch technology with optional multitouch screens on the ThinkPad X200 Tablet and T400s laptop. Equipped with SimpleTap, users can easily manipulate hardware functions through the touch screen. More information on Enhanced Experience can be found here.

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkPad SL410 and 510 laptops are available immediately through business partners and www.lenovo.com. Models start at approximately $529.

¹Without Enhanced Experience -Think systems integrated with Window-7 Professional beta, hardware device drivers, utilities, Lenovo and 3rd-party software as of January 2009 with no optimization performed by Lenovo With Enhanced Experience - Think systems integrated with Window-7 Professional RTM, hardware device driver, utilities, Lenovo and 3rd-party software as of September 2009 after optimization by Lenovo engineers to integrated software components.

Acer Offers Affordable Ultraportable Computing With The Aspire AS1410 Series

News — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:30:18 GMT

Acer is looking to bring affordability to the ultraportable notebook arena this holiday season with its latest Acer Aspire AS1410 Series. These new notebooks feature an 11.6-inch widescreen display with an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. Other key specs include an Intel Celeron processor, 2GB DDR2 memory (upgradeable to 4GB), up to a 250GB hard drive, a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery for up to six hours of battery life, Intel 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless, and Gigabit Ethernet LAN.

The systems measure an inch thick and weigh approximately 3.08 pounds. They start at $399 and will be available at leading retailers this holiday season. Read on for more details and a sample configuration in the press release below.

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, 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, 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; 1366x768 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

Gateway's EC Series Notebooks Boast Windows 7

News — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:56:47 GMT

Whenever Microsoft decides to push out a new operating system, PCmakers--like clockwork--push out all new systems in order to showcasenew wares on a new OS. Take Gateway, for instance, who has justreleased three new machines that are based on none other than Win7. Thetrifecta includes an 11.6" machine, which Gateway insists is an"ultraportable" and not a netbook, along with two 15.6" machines forthose looking for something more mainstream.

The little guy is the EC14, which boasts an 11.6" LED-backlit display,a battery that can last between six and eight hours, a 1.3GHz IntelPentium Dual Core SU1400 CPU (CULV), a 1366x768 resolution panel,GMA4500MHD GPU, 4GB of DDR2-667 memory, 320GB SATA hard drive(5400RPM), a built-in webcam, multi-card reader, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi,Gigabit Ethernet, three USB 2.0 sockets, an HDMI port, multi-gesturetrackpad (with keypad lock) and a weight of 3.08lbs.

The two 15.6" machines don't differ much. In fact, you'll find the sameresolution panel, the same processor, the same OS, the same GPU, thesame HDD, and the same card reader. You will get a built-in opticaldrive (8x Super Multi DVD burner), Dolby Sound Room, faster memory(DDR2-1066), and a MyBackup Button to boot. All three machines will beavailable this Thursday, with the 11.6" machine starting at $549.99 andthe 15.6" rig starting for $100 more. The full specification lists arebelow.

The new Gateway EC Series will be available beginning Oct. 22, each with Windows 7 Home Premium. 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)
Windows7 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 Ethernet LAN
Three USB 2.0 ports
HDMI port
Multi-Gesture Touchpad with Keypad lock
Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery
3.08 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)
Windows7 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
2^nd Generation Dolby Sound Room^® Audio Enhancement
Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED® featuring MIMO technology
Gigabit Ethernet 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
Gateway MyBackup Button
5.29 lbs.
14.85” (W) x 1.01-1.08” (H) x 10.0” (D)

ASUS Produces World's First Notebook Computer to Receive Carbon Footprint Certificate

News — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:44:51 GMT

ASUS Produces World's First Notebook Computer to Receive Carbon Footprint Certificate

Taipei, Taiwan, October 16, 2009 – ASUS, the global IT industry leader in green innovation, today announced that its N51V notebook computer is the world's first notebook to receive both Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and carbon footprint (PAS 2050:2008) certificates. The awarding of both certificates demonstrates ASUS' keen awareness of, and commitment to, enhancing energy savings and reducing carbon footprints—thus lessening the impact of computer manufacturing on the environment. ASUS is the first Taiwanese IT manufacturer to participate in EPEAT and to have its products registered at the Gold level. It is also the first to participate in EU Flower and have products its awarded the EU Flower.

ASUS Notebook Computer First to Receive Carbon Footprint Certificate
ASUS' GHG Reduction Policy states that it supports the strategy to mitigate climate change and embrace the "no-regret policy" by reducing ASUS-owned operation carbon emissions and product carbon footprints through innovations. Through its close adherence to ISO 14025 Environmental Labels and Declarations -- Type III Environmental Declarations, ASUS' N51V notebook is now the first notebook computer to receive the EPD certificate. Based on EPD, ASUS follows BSI PAS 2050:2008 to implement Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) which includes five phases—materials, manufacturing, using, transportation, and disposal—and subsequently discloses completely the direct and indirect GHG emission data during each phase. The process and data are then verified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Through this rigorous process, the ASUS N51V received PAS 2050:2008 certification.

Jonney Shih, Chairman of ASUS, said: "We aim to provide the most outstanding and the most environmental friendly products to create a better world. We therefore promote Green ASUS aggressively across the company, combining technology, innovation and environmental sustainability to make the Earth cleaner and more LOHAS". Jerry Shen, Chief Executive Officer of ASUS, added: "ASUS has strong R&D and management teams, and this is our core competitive advantage. We promise to bring consumers lighter, thinner, more energy-efficient and energy-saving products with great aesthetics and mobility."

With Many Eco Labels, ASUS is the Greenest Computer Company
Since 2008, ASUS has participated in EPEAT (Electronics Products Environmental Assessment Tool), with many of its notebooks registered at the Gold level. The complete set of performance criteria includes 23 required criteria and 28 optional criteria in 8 categories. The products are required to meet all required criteria plus at least 75% of the optional criteria if attempting to be registered at the Gold level—demonstrating that EPEAT is a high-standard international eco label. The ASUS N51V is an EPEAT Gold registered product for its innovative energy-saving technology dubbed Super Hybrid Engine (SHE), which not only improves energy performance by 53.75% as compared to merely following the Energy Star standard (according to V5.0 Category C), but also extends the battery life from 35% to 53%. The reuse, recycle and recovery rate (3R) of the N51V is at least 90%, and the recycled content in the packaging achieves at least 80%.

The EPD and PAS 2050:2008 Awards Ceremony will be held at the Socrates Chamber of GISNTU Convention Center at 1:00 PM on Friday, October the 16th. Mr. Percy Lakdawalla, Global Manager Business Development, Product Certification of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), and Ning Yu, PH.D., President, Environment and Development Foundation, will award the PAS 2050:2008 and EPD certificates to Jonney Shih, Chairman of ASUS, and Jerry Shen, Chief Executive Officer of ASUS, respectively.

Acer's Aspire One AOD250 Netbook Boots Windows XP And Android For $350

News — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:01:25 GMT

Ah, the elusive Android netbook...well, sorta. We've been hearing for quite some time now that mainstream PC makers were looking to shove Google's phone-centric operating system onto netbooks to give buyers another option when it came time to select a mini PC, but to date, few have shown interest in actually coming through on those promises. Blame it on Microsoft's dominance in the field or in the general public's lack of knowledge about Android, but whatever you do, don't blame it on Acer.

After launching an array of machines this week in preparation for the launch of Windows 7, the company has today introduced what amounts to being the world's first publicly ready dual-boot netbook. The machine ships with a dual-boot option that enables it to start up into Windows XP and Android, whichever the user prefers. In our eyes, this is a marvelous compromise. Some folks may be scared to dive in blindly to Android, but with WinXP always here as a safety net, what's to lose?

The Aspire One AOD250 netbook features a 10.1" display, a one-click OS switching function, 6-cell battery, 1GB of RAM, integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, 160GB of HDD space, a multi-gesture trackpad, LED-backlit panel, Crystal Eye webcam, built-in digital microphone, Bluetooth 2.1 and Intel's GMA 950 graphics. There's also a multi-format card reader, two speakers, three USB 2.0 sockets, a 1.66GHz Atom N280 CPU and the availability of four color options: Ruby Red, Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Seashell White.

The 2.79lb. machine can be yours now for $349.99, a small premium to pay for two operating systems.

ASUS HOME SERVER TS mini
CPU	Intel® Atom Processor N280 1.66GHz
Memory	1GB/2GB DDR2-800
Hard Drive	500GB/2TB, 7200 RPM
Networking	1x 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 LAN
Interfaces	6x USB 2.0, 2x eSATA, 1x K-Lock
LED Indicators	System, HDD1, HDD2, Network status indicators
AC Power Adapter (Watt)	Output: 19V, 90W Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimensions	9.6" (H) x 3.8" (W) x 8" (D)
Weight	3.3/3.9 kg; 7.26/8.58 lbs.
Operating System	Powered by Microsoft Windows Home Server
Accessories	Quick start guide User manual AC adapter (90W) Power cord RJ45 LAN cable Software installation CD Recovery DVD Restore CD HDD screws package Warranty card

Eee PC™ 1201N
Display		12.1" LED-backlit WXGA screen (1366 x 768)
Operating System		Genuine Windows® 7
CPU		Intel® Atom™ 330 Dual Core processor NVIDIA® ION™ Graphics
Default Memory		DDR2 SO-DIMM 2GB/3GB**
Storage		250GB HDD/320GB + 500GB ASUS WebStorage*
Wireless Data Network		802.11b/g/n @2.4GHz, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR**
Battery Life		5hrs, 6-Cell 63Wh Li-ion Battery*
Multimedia	Camera	0.3M Pixels* (with digital zoom function)*
	Audio Codec	Hi-Definition Audio CODEC
	Speakers	Stereo Speakers
	Built-in Mic	High Quality Mic
Interface		1 x VGA Port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in), Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)
Physical	Dimensions	296mm (W) x 208mm (D) x 27.3~ 33.3mm (H)
	Weight	1.46kg (3.22lbs)
Colors		Black, Silver