For the people on the move. A complete PC with a DVD super-multi burner, a 64 GB high-speed NAND flash solid-state disk drive, a 12.1-inch screen, an Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor at 1.2GHz and 2GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 ($2,999.00 configuration).

It runs Windows Vista Business and you can take it down to 1.72 lbs if you choose a 3 cell battery and no optical disk drive. You can take a further look here. The Portege R500 with the SSD should be available now.

The panel has a resolution of 1280x800 and uses what they call Transreflective Display with High Brightness (for better visibility under a bright light). Why couldn't they just say that!

You ever tried to open your laptop? Had bad lack with a bunker-like model? Take a look at Tom's Hardware slide-show featuring Asus C90S and you will see there was no need to make it that way. It looks very often like the only reason for some screws to be there is to prevent you from opening it, right? But Asus is targeting an audience that just can't have it that way. Only four screws need to be removed to open the bottom cover, and from there, you have unrestricted access to Hard drive (lower right), SO-DIMM memory (lower center), the MXM2 graphics module (upper center) and the processor (upper right). You can also see at the top heat pipes conducting GPU and CPU heat to where the four fans in the back will cool the components.

The C90S uses the older 945P chipset but a newer version is due this summer featuring Intel’s “Bearlake” chipset.

Users can manually set the power mode between a fanless “quiet-mode,” the “power-saving” mode, and the gaming mode which will overclock the CPU 30 percent.

The barebone basic specs are:
    * Supports Intel Conroe Socket 775 processors up to 2.93 GHz.
    * 15.4" screen.
    * 2.0 Megapixel camera built-in.
    * HDMI.
    * Bluetooth.
    * TV-Tuner integrated.
    * E-SATA.
    * 8-in-1 media card reader.
    * 802.11n.
    * Graphics: NVidia (MXM2 module).
    * Finger Print reader.
    * HD-DVD and Blu-Ray drive capable.
    * 3 USB ports.
    * Serial ATA drive.

Computex was not the only thing happening in Taiwan, last week. In Taipei, VIA hosted its eighth annual VIA Technology Forum, with the main theme of Ultra Mobility.

Mobile computing has been growing fast in recent years, and still you have to pay a high premium if you want to reduce weight. Two or three kilograms may not sound like much at the begining, but if you are on the move they can become a serious ballast. Smaller, cooler, lighter pieces and longer battery life are needed for a good mobile experience. And this would be even better if you didn't have to pay more for it than any other laptop.

Intel and (more recently) AMD developed great platforms for the mobile world, with not a big performance hit and the option to reduce size... at a price. VIA, on the other hand, has developed a very efficient and cheap desktop platform (EPIA), but with little success in the notebook market. Maybe the resolute partnership of Packard Bell will be what they needed, as long as prices don't go up compared to what traditional partner ECS offered.

"With a bright 7" touchscreen display, full-size keyboard, touchpad, Wifi and Bluetooth, it's hard to believe the NanoBook weighs only 850 grams and is less than 30mm thick. Careful analysis of the ultra mobile device market has resulted in a device with the optimal balance of productivity with portability. [...] The ultra low power consumption of the VIA Ultra Mobility Platform enables the NanoBook to extend beyond 4 hours of battery life."

The VIA Ultra Mobility Platform consists of the VIA C7-M processor and the VIA VX700 chipset, that promise to consume only 7W of power together. Manufactured using IBM's 90nm SOI process, the VIA C7-M processor is available at speeds from 1.0 to 1.5GHz, which isn't a lot considering it's performance. The VIA VX700 integrates North and South bridges into a single chip. Graphics will be taken care of by the VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP with a shared memory of up to 64MB; not your 8800 precisely, but they say it supports Windows Vista. Add to that a 4-in-1 card reader and you are ready to go.

We are talking about a complete PC that's not bigger than a portable DVD-player and for a reasonable price. VIA's NanoBook won't be able to compete with the other two CPU manufacturers solutions, but if costs a fraction of what the others are asking for them, you will probably think twice whether you really need that performance.

These are bad times for AMD. Core 2 Duo took away from them both the performance and the efficiency crown. Since then, they have tried almost everything. First, there was the price wars, to that Intel answered slashing the price on their stock of Pentium D. Then their merger with ATI started the marketing fight. Nothing seemed to stop the downfall.

Recently, we saw an ad were it wasn't clear if they praised the 690 chipset (a real, currently available, new product) or nVidia cards. True, AMD sells processors, and selling chipsets supporting their CPUs is also part of the business, but it's socking to see ATI technology at the service of Geforce chips.

Now, AMD is doing basically the same thing but the other way around: to sell a graphics card, they promote an Intel processor (more precisely, an Asus notebook). By all means, go buy something from them!

Even if you don't have to deal with P4's anymore, laptops still lack good cooling conditions. Whether you find it too hot to rest on your lap or you're concerned about it's components durability, looking for an additional cooling source is always a good idea.

Notebook coolers are unfortunately quite noisy, heavy and/or reduce your battery life. This one from Thermaltake is another story altogether. It may look like a useless mat (300x230x13.8mm), but it's filled with Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate. It's a substance that solidifies when cold, and absorbs heat until it gets liquefies. It's absolutely silent, weights only 640g, does not require power and is as easy to install as, well, a mat.

If you're wondering what notebooks it can cool and how much, you can take a look at BigBruin. They have performed some light tests and, without putting much pressure on it's capabilities, it decreases temperatures between 7 and 10ºC.

New HD DVD Rewrite Capabilities Turn Mobile PCs into Desktop Replacements with More Tools to Create High-Definition Content. That's the word from Toshiba as it promises to make HD standard on Toshiba laptops.

Toshiba Storage Device Division announced the world's first slim HD DVD-RW drive for mobile PCs, further extending high-definition recording capabilities to the IT arena. The new drive can read, write and rewrite to HD DVD-RW discs, as well as read and write to HD DVD-R discs and standard DVD and CD discs.

Toshiba's SD-L912A enables mobile PCs to replace larger desktop systems in the home with this additional high-definition functionality. The drive allows backup of large-capacity PC hard disk drives to the reusable format of HD DVD-RW discs and provides capabilities to store data-rich, high-definition digital content. HD DVD-RW functionality also opens the door to a wide range of applications involving storage and rewriting of large volumes of data.

"High-definition broadcasting and increasing consumer interest in high-definition televisions and camcorders are spurring demand for a high-definition experience across the entire PC and consumer electronics ecosystem," said Scott Maccabe, vice president and general manager of Toshiba Storage Device Division. "HD DVD is the best solution for transitioning to a high-definition world because it is compatible with existing DVD and CD technology. Our new rewritable drive will extend the functionality of HD DVD as a tool for creating and enjoying digital content in the mobile PC environment."

Scheduled for sample shipments in July, the SD-L912A supports high-speed read and write for standard DVD and CD discs, including the complete library of DVD and CD formats. The new drive is compliant with the EU RoHS(1) directive on environmentally hazardous substances, which came into effect in July 2006.

 

Someone at Anandtech must have had that same question, so they tried to answer it.

It is a known fact that desktop displays are better, even those that are based on the same technology (TFTs) but, have there been no improvement over the years? Are they still far away? Quite so. In order to meet space and power considerations, compromises must be made:

- brightness: very few can even break the 200 cd/m2.
- color accuracy: multimedia professionals should discard the laptop's LCD for production purposes.
- viewing angle: do not believe what the box says, laptops rarely achieve even a miserable 45° arc.
- response time: 25ms or more is commonplace.

The first shortcoming comes from the wish to extend battery life (it would be a good idea to give buyers the opportunity to choose here), the others maybe can be overcome by using something other than a TN panel. Some new technologies are being researched (v.g. OLED displays) that could also fix those problems.

It is interesting to note that all the specifications that matter are hidden by manufacturers (except resolution), which means you have to find them out. Be warned, too, about brands, because the same one may provide either the best or the worst display experience. Our advice is to look up the model you have in mind over the internet to read whatever review you find.

On May 10th , Intel officially launched the last Centrino update: Santa Rosa. Notebooks built around it will get 800MHz FSB, up from the previous 667MHz. There are also a couple of improvements like the introduccion of SpeedStep technology for its FSB and Turbo Memory (designed for use with Windows Vista's ReadyBoost, ReadyDrive and SuperFetch).

AMD has been working on a serious competitor to Intel's mobile platform and they may have it ready around the middle of 2008. By that time, they will probably have to face Montevina, which means performance will surely not be their best bet, especially considering that Griffin will be based on the current generation 65nm K8. Instead, AMD is hoping on getting a power efficient platform: Puma. Their goal is to extend battery life beyond 5 hours. To achieve that, several techniques will come into play:

- Each CPU core gets an independent voltage plane: it can work at a different frequency and/or voltage.

- Mobile optimized memory controller: it also operates at a separate voltage than the rest of the CPU.

- Power optimized HyperTransport 3: either the inbound or the outbound link can be scaled down or turned off.

- PowerXPress: if you have an external graphics solution (other than the one integrated on the RS780), it will be disabled while on battery power.

Mobile or desktop? One of the factors that tilts the balance in favor of the latter is the freedom it allows the user to expand and tweak. You can select components, customize or mod them and, more important, you can overclock.

As appealing as laptops are, they're frustrating for anything more than general PC computing. You can't change bus speed, adjust memory timings or significantly improve the cooling system and gaming is never as good as on a desktop PC. Usually.

From time to time, a model surfaces with some of above mentioned abilities. This is the case of the XPS M1710 reviewed at Anandtech. But as the article shows, you only get a limited control over the CPU, which is a multiplier unlocked T7600G. There's an option between the BIOS that lets you change it from 14X to 19X. That's all. Contrary to what you might imagine, it's not much use because in such an adverse enviroment hotness builds and... throttling happens. At least the marketing boys will have something to shout about but for the rest you'll probably want to stick to overclocking your PC.

iSkin today announced SOHO, its new line of laptop protective sleeves for MacBook, MacBook Pro and similarly sized PCs. Made from premium synthetic leather and dyed using only environmentally safe inks, these handsomely designed sleeves offer sturdy protection that mates couture looks with rock star flare.

The SOHO features a multi-layered design that combines the protection of a durable outer layer, a reinforced padded center and a plush inner lining. Together, they perfectly encapsulate your laptop keeping it safe from everyday hazards.

The SOHO is offered in a variety of flavors with just the right touch of color for all seasons. It's available in two separate sizes for the 13" MacBook, 15" MacBook Pro and also accommodates older PowerBooks, iBooks and similarly sized PCs.

"People need sturdy, functional protection for their computers but don't want to carry around something that conflicts with their personal style," said Tomas Rojcik of iSkin. "SOHO is sophisticated enough for the professional, yet stylish enough for the student -- and it proves computer protection can be as great looking as it is practical."

The SOHO line features five black sleeves with color accented zippers and stitching. They include: Azure (Black with Blue), Graphite (Black with Grey), Magnum (Black with Red), Sahara (Black with Orange) and Amazon (Black with Pink). The complete SOHO line is available at http://www.iSkin.com for $59.99 USD (13")/ $64.99 USD (15").

If anybody can tell us what Couture means, please let us know. Obviously Mac people are more educated than us PC folk