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Tag: Ultrabook

  • Ultrabooks: The Next Generation Of Laptops

    The ultrabook, a new revolutionary laptop, has been released and they have all kinds of features for people to get excited over. There are plenty of brands and designs to choose from, and while a lot of it may be personal preference, each one is designed slightly different from the others. Some weigh more or less than others and the screens also vary in size for the different models.

    The ultrabook will soon be the latest technology trend and much like the new I-phone, everyone will want to get their hands on one. The one downside to the ultrabook is certainly the high price and everyone will not be able to afford these high-tech toys at first. For those people that have been following the release of the new laptop, many people have probably alreaday been steered away because of the high prices. Although, it is possible that they may go down in price soon.

    One company, Lenovo, has already released a model called the IdeaPad U430 Touch, that attempts to compete with other brands in price range. According to a feature in PC World, “if you think an Ultrabook is out of your price range, you haven’t seen Lenovo’s IdeaPad U430 Touch.” Lenovo is a well-respected brand and will look to continue its success with this new model. The article continues to go on and talk about how the new U430 model also carries over many of the features that make their laptops so appealing, including a rigid but elegant all-aluminum enclosure and an exceptionally good, island-style, backlit keyboard. The Lenovo model runs for a low price of $700.00 and with a very long battery life of 6 hours and 38 minutes, it is also made to last. A couple of its downsides are having only one USB port and being a bit heavier than other models and for its size.

    With several models available, it is important for viewers to make an informed decision when buying a new and expensive product. The HP Spectre 13 also seems to be a very attractive model and its features are thoroughly explained in an article from CNET. The HP Spectre comes in both the ultrabook design as well as the detachable hybrid version. The high tech laptop features Beats Audio speakers, and they each feature a 1,920×1,080-pixel-resolution IPS screen. Each device features dual USB 2.0 ports and a full-size HDMI port. The ultrabook additionally includes a full-size SD card slot, and a mini DisplayPort. However, physically, the Ultrabook differs in one major way, featuring an extra wide touch pad that allows users to use certain Windows 8.1 gestures without touching the screen. This feature can come in very handy and save users the extra effort, when they are doing multiple things at once. The ultrabook version will run for $999.99, but a release date is not yet known for the product.

    There will be a number of new models available shortly and to check all of them against each other, visit PC Magazine’s web page for more info.

    Image via Youtube

  • Samsung Unveils New Notebook PCs Ahead Of CES

    Samsung Unveils New Notebook PCs Ahead Of CES

    The Windows PC market isn’t exactly doing that well anymore, but that doesn’t mean OEMs are going to give up on Windows 8 just yet. One of the bigger OEMs, Samsung, is even announcing some new Notebook models before CES next week.

    Samsung announced today that two new models in its Series 7 Notebook lines would be officially unveiled at CES. The new notebooks show that Samsung is going after the power hungry consumer with these latest models instead of the price conscious consumer that may instead go with one of Samsung’s Chromebooks.

    “2012 was a definitive year for Samsung’s PC business – we expanded our lineup, taking advantage of the new form factors and consumer demand. This led to significant growth in the Industry,” said David Song, Senior Vice President of IT & Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics. “In 2013, we will continue to focus on innovation delivering products that fit into customer lifestyles while maintaining Samsung’s high-end design and performance standards. The new Series 7 Chronos and Ultra products are just two examples of what you can expect to see from us throughout the year.”

    The first new model is the Series 7 Ultra, an Ultrabook that boasts a 1080p display, 16GB of RAM, backlit keyboard, a 1GB AMD HD570M GPU and the consumer’s choice of either an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. Consumers can also choose between 128GB or 256GB SSD storage solutions.

    The other model is a new version of last year’s Series 7 Chronos notebook. The PC now features a faster AMD Radeon 8870M GPU for increased graphics performance. It also comes equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, an optional touchscreen, and an approximate 11 hours of battery life.

    As expected, both models will come with Windows 8. Both are also equipped with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, HDMI out, Ethernet port, mini-VGA and a memory card reader.

    It will be interesting to see what other PC OEMs bring to the table in terms of Notebooks/Ultrabooks at CES. They haven’t been selling as well as expected, but there’s still a lot of potential in the market. The main hurdle is of course in price, but the introduction of AMD GPUs instead of Nvidia may help Samsung market these new Notebooks at a more affordable price.

    It’s expected that price and availability of both models will be announced at CES.

  • Acer Aspire S5 Ultrabook Coming at the End of June

    The most recent news in the realm of laptops/ultra books has been the new line-up of Macs. Right now anyone is going to have a hard time competing with Apple’s Monday release. But Acer is attempting to just that with the Acer’s Aspire S5. The product, which was announced at CES, now has a release date of June 25. This may or may not be enough time for the MacBook to run out of steam; we shall see.

    The ultrabook weights merely 2.65 pounds and is only .44 inches at its thinest spot. .59 at the thickest. Ultabooks are entering the market in high numbers this year, each of them claiming to be the thinest, lightest, smallest, et cetera. Toshiba now has the medal for the lightest. You can give Acer the award for the thinnest.

    The Aspire S5 will have a price tag of $1,399. Pricey for an Acer, but it does come with some top of the line features, including Ivy bridge i7 processors and plenty of RAM.

    Here’s the specs:
    13.3-inch LED-backlit display (1366 x 768)
    3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3517U Processor (4MB L3 cache, up to 3.0GHz) with Turbo Boost Technology
    4GB DDR3 dual channel RAM
    256GB SSD
    2 USB 3.0 ports
    1 Thunderbolt port
    2.65 pounds
    12.77 inches x 8.95 inches by 0.59 inches (tapers to 0.44 inches in the front)

    The casing is designed black with magnesium alloy and a brushed metal chassis, so it is very easy on the eyes. Something that cannot be said for all Acers. It also comes with some cool extras that make it even more worthwhile. It features a ‘MagicFlip I/O Port’, which pops out to reveal USB 3.0, HDMI and a Thunderbolt (only a handfull of ultrabooks come with Thunderbolt). The MagicFlip conceals all of the ports, adding to the ultrabook’s sleek appeal.

    It will be the first Acer product in the U.S. to include AcerCloud, which is exactly what it sounds like. AcerCloud allows remote access to Cloud storage on the ultrabook, as well as their Android tablet and smartphone.

    [The Verge]

  • Toshiba Launches Ultralight Ultrabook: Portege Z935

    Earlier, we talked about the new Satellite U845W Ultrabook Toshiba is launching in July. It is the first ultrabook with a widescreen 21:9 display, and probably one of the most interesting Ultrabook releases we have seen recently. Well, there is another release we think is noteworthy, and that is the Portege Z935.

    Portege Z935 is being called the world’s lightest ultrabook at just over 2.4 pounds. That is ever so slightly less than the 13.3-inch MacBook Air. The Z935 comes with a 13.3-inch screen and a slim 8.3 mm profile at its thinnest point.

    The Z935 comes with Ivy Bridge Processors, Intel HD 4000 graphics, up to 12GB of DDR3 RAM, and up to 512GB SSD. It comes with a brushed magnesium alloy casing a backlit keyboard, and a 13.3-inch non glare 1366×768 resolution LCN. It comes complete with a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, VGA and SD card reader slots.

    It comes out on June 24 at a starting price of $899.99. That’s quite a bit cheaper than the 13-inch Macbook, so it may make for a good substitute if you want the thin design but don’t have the cash. Or, if you just don’t like Mac OS. In the U.K. the Portege will be released sometime in Q3 at a price of 899 Pounds.

  • Intel “Core VPro” Processors Powering the Next Wave of Ultrabooks

    Intel “Core VPro” Processors Powering the Next Wave of Ultrabooks

    Good news for Intel, they are providing all the processors for the next wave of Ultrabook computers. The latest version of their Core processor (Generation 3) offers the most advanced 22nm 3-D tri-gate transistors, making the new Ultrabook devices more responsive with the best enhanced security. Intel has signed agreements with several leading touch panel manufacturers in order to meet expected demand for the touch-enabled Ultrabooks.

    Here are the highlights from Intel regarding the new Ultrabook:

    * The next wave of Ultrabook devices powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors is more responsive and offers enhanced security in a choice of designs.

    * Intel announced agreements with Cando, HannsTouch, TPK and Wintek to ensure capacity of touch technology for the expected growth of touch-enabled Ultrabook convertible designs.

    * New Ultrabook systems offer enhanced security with Intel Anti-Theft technology built in and free, limited-time service subscriptions out of the box from Absolute Software, McAfee, Norton and Intel in select global markets.

    * Bringing the best of Intel technology to mobile devices with three Intel-based smartphones now available from Lava International, Lenovo and Orange; 20 tablet design wins based on the Intel Atom SoC, codenamed “Clover Trail,” designed for Microsoft Windows 8.

    Intel Corporation’s Senior Vice President Tom Kilroy introduced the new Ultrabooks at a keynote address in Taipei and here are a few things he had to say:

    “Our life experiences are defined by our senses — by what we see, hear and touch,”

    “These human senses are also at the foundation of Intel’s vision for the Ultrabook to deliver a no-compromise, must-have computing experience.”

    “Today, thanks to the work of the industry at-large, we are one step closer to meeting that vision with the arrival of the next wave of 3rd generation Intel Core processor-powered devices. The innovation must continue as we move to touch-based Ultrabook convertible designs, and in the future aim to give them and other devices senses, making our interaction with them natural and intuitive.”

    “Thank you to our partners here in Taiwan and the computing industry at-large for the unprecedented innovation to bring the Ultrabook to life in such a short time,”

    There was no mention of exactly when these new Ultrabooks will available in the United States, but I would bet we’ll be seeing them before the holidays. For more information about Intel’s new Core VPro processors follow this link.

  • Toshiba U845W Takes the Ultrabook in a New Direction

    Toshiba announced today the arrival of several new slim ultrabooks to add to this ever growing market. Normally, this would be nothing special, as all the major laptop makers have now entered the market. What makes Toshiba’s line-up special is the addition of the ultra-wide-screen U845W.

    This variant of the Satellite U845 ultrabook is unique in that it comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio used on many current films and movies. This also allows for 2 windows to easily be opened at once on either side of the screen. It may be a big hit for travelling business people, as it is truly a laptop for both business and pleasure.

    Toshiba is calling the U845W the world’s first “entertainment optimized ultrabook”. As well as the ultra-wide 1792×768 resolution screen, it also comes with premium Harman/Kardon speakers, Ivy Bridge processors and tons of ports.

    The 14.4 inch wide screen is optimized for CinemaScope’s 21:9 aspect ratio, and eliminates any need for letterboxing (the black bars on the top and bottom of widescreen movies played on more box-like aspect ratios).

    The construction is of machined aluminum for the chassis and lid, with a strip of textured rubberized paint running along the edge of the lid and palm rest, and covering the bottom of the chassis.

    Laptop Mag got to test it out and has provided a review:

    The machine will cost $999 for the entry level configuration. This comes with Ivu Bridge i5 processor, 500 GB Harddrive with 32GB SSD cache and Intel HD 4000 graphics. It weights just under 4 pounds and gets around 8 hours of battery life.

    For those that like Toshiba ultrabooks, but don’t want to throw down that kind of cash, the U845 offers the same look without the widescreen or the price tag. This system starts at $699 with the same internal hardware as the U845W.

    Toshiba also announced the release of the Protege Z935, an updated version of the ultralight Z835. This version boasts a weight of 2.4 pounds and a .3 to .6 inch thickness. It ges 7 hours of battery life and starts at $899.

    So there you have it – three new ultrabooks from Toshiba. One claims to be a top of the line entertainment bundle, one an economy version of the same, and one in the ultralight category.

    They will hit store shelves July 15.

    [h/t: PCMag]

  • Sony Announces Its First Ultrabook (Kinda)

    Sony Announces Its First Ultrabook (Kinda)

    Sony has had it’s Vaio line of computer out for years, and now they are finally getting into the Ultra Book game, kinda. Today Sony finally announced the Vaio VAIO T13 and T11, for the European market. The ultrabook will come in 2 sizes 11.6″ or 13.3″ and due to it being so small it is ultra portable. The new Vaio will feature a 1.4GHz Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3-2367M chip and 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 RAM. Buyers will have a choice of a SSD drive or a 320GB 7200RPM hard disk drive with a 32GB SSD cache.

    One of the new features are the “Rapid Wake + Eco” system features the ability for the ultraboook to be put into a deep sleep when you shut it, and stay that way for up to 90 days with out the battery running out. Then when you are ready to start typing again, just open it up and it instantly fires back up. It is able to do this thanks to it’s use of the latest-generation Ultra Low Voltage Intel Core processors.

    One of the coolest things included is a 90 day trial of 90-day trial of Intel Anti-Theft Service3. This service will basically deactivate your ultrabook incase of theft or loss.

    At this time there is no price available, or a release date for when it will come out in the United States.

    Here are the specs for the ultrabook form Sony:

    Model: VAIO SVT1311M1E
    Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-2367M Processor
    OS: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64bit with Service Pack 1
    Memory: 4GB DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM
    Drive: 320GB HDD 5400rpm
    Screen: 33.7cm (13.3″) VAIO Display (1366×768) with wide (16:9) aspect ratio
    Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 3000
    Optical drive

  • Microsoft Pushing Touch Ultrabooks For Windows 8

    Digitimes is reporting that Microsoft is pushing manufacturers of ultrabooks to alter their designs for better use with Windows 8. The new OS will feature the “Metro” user interface, designed with large button icons to be used with touch screens. It is a major, and, for some, confusing, change to Microsoft’s flagship OS.

    Since ultrabooks are so thin, using their screens as a touch interface could be tricky, as the screen would wobble with each poke. To remedy this, Digitimes’ unnamed sources claim Microsoft is suggesting that manufacturers of ultrabooks look at alternative designs for the laptops. Not only that, but the hardware specifications for touch-enabled Windows 8-branded devices have been raised.

    From Digitimes:

    To support touch-enabled technologies available in Windows 8, notebook vendors will roll out ultrabook models with covers available in sliding- and folding-form factors in addition to the traditional clamshell form factor, revealed the sources.

    The site also quotes sources as saying nearly one-third of ultrabooks with screen sizes above 13 inches will ship for the “year-end buying season” this year with touch capabilities. This seems to fit with rumors of an October launch of Windows 8.

    What do you think? Are you anxiously awaiting a light notebook with a touch screen? Wouldn’t someone who wanted a touch interface rather have a less-expensive tablet device? Is Windows 8 Microsoft’s biggest misstep since Vista? Let me know your opinions in the comments below.

  • iPad HD to Rival Ultrabooks in Key Features

    IPad HD, aka iPad 3, may prove to bring tablets to the forefront of the laptop market. Boasting a super high-resolution display, built in 4G LTE, and faster graphics silicon, all in a smaller lighter package, it’s easy to see the appeal. And with so many keyboard peripherals already on the market for the previous iPad, laptops and ultrabooks will have some tough competition ahead.

    With a stunning 2048×1536 pixel display, the iPad HD already surpasses the MacBook Air and Intel Ultrabooks in screen resolution. The Air maxes out at 1440×900 on the thirteen inch display; Ultrabooks are similar at 1366×768 for most models. This is a huge jump on the 9.7 inch iPad 3 screen.

    Neither of those have built in broadband as a standard feature, let alone 4G LTE, the latest and most promising of the 4G networks.

    Apple is even catching up on the chip front, with the A5X or the A6 still as possibilities, Intel may no longer have the advantage in this category.

    OnLive Desktop will help convert laptop owners by making Microsoft Office available on to iPad. This latest app uses the superior computing power of the cloud to run Windows while making these features available on the thinner, lighter iPad. This may not be the exact advantage as having Office on your local hard drive, but people may be willing to exchange speed for portability.

    The new iPad HD may or may not be equivalent to a laptop, but the technology is definitely catching up to the point where people are going to have to make a decision on what they value in portable computing.

  • Rumor: Apple Threatening Pegatron Over Ultrabook Production

    Rumor: Apple Threatening Pegatron Over Ultrabook Production

    Asustek makes a MacBook Air competitor called the Zenbook. The Chinese manufacturer of the Zenbook, Pegatron Technology, just got an order to make iPhones for Apple. I bet you can see where this is going.

    9to5Mac is reporting that Apple has allegedly laid down an ultimatum to Pegatron – either stop making the Zenbook or lose their business. It apparently worked as Pegatron will stop making the Zenbook at the end of march.

    Asustek will be forced to outsource Zenbook production to either Compal Electronics or Wistron. This comes off the news that Pegatron only recently began making iPhones and hopes to make iPads in the future. Pegatron was listed with Foxconn as the two manufacturers behind the elusive iPad 3 that is rumored to launch in March.

    What makes this worse is that Pegatron just received orders for at least five Ultrabooks from second-tier brands. They were set to ship in April or May.

    9to5Mac points out the irony behind all this in that Pegatron used to be a part of Asustek. They became a separate, but still owned by Asustek, entity in 2007. In June 2010, Pegatron officially split from Asustek to become its own independent entity.

    We’ve reached out to Apple for comment. We’ll update the story if we hear back.

  • HP Spectre Ultrabook Teaser Video Reveals Great Video Production

    Eventually, laptops won’t even be seen. They’ll be thinner than air, at least that’s where were headed in the battle for the world’s thinnest Ultrabook. Look for this word to trend heavily in 2012 as we see laptop manufacturers release their specs with measurements which will look like 0.50282827 inches, trying to out-do the competition by marginal differences.

    As of now, the thinnest Ultrabook on the market is the LG XNote Z330 which measures in at an impressive 0.58 inches thick. However, if this epic HP Spectre video shows us anything it’s that they’re pulling out all the stops. The video tells us absolutely nothing, but you don’t throw in a mysterious song with a chant unless you have something amazing to reveal. Not to mention a logo with a special effect animation. Hopefully we’ll know more soon enough.