ARM-Based notebooks are on the way

We already know that Apple is testing ARM processors on their MacBook lineups, and now it seemed that others are also following the upcoming trend. Unnamed sources are reporting that industry heavyweights Samsung, Toshiba, Acer and Asus are currently working on notebooks using ARM-based processors, one of which is a 13-inch solution from Asus using Nvidia's ARM-based Tegra and Google's Android OS.

But the sources also pointed out that ARM-based notebooks sporting an Android OS hit the market a few years back under the “smartbook” name. These essentially tanked because consumers expected the same compatibility and performance seen with traditional laptops. However, this new round of ARM-based notebooks should be more successful given that the processors are multi-core and storage capacities have inflated. And thanks to the beefed up processing capabilities, these notebooks will have an enhanced user interface.

Given that ARM-based chips are usually more energy efficient than x86 solutions provided by Intel and AMD, industry sources believe that this new line of notebooks will actually create a brand new market segment in the IT industry. ARM-based solutions are generally cheaper too, and will likely bring surprisingly low price tags to these notebooks, possibly $299 or less. Then again, with Windows 8 installed, the price points will be substantially steeper than those with Chrome or Ubuntu installed.

A few weeks ago, ARM chief executive officer Tudor Brown said that Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 OS - which we saw running on ARM-based SoCs back in January - will actually push its technology into 40-percent of the market's netbooks by 2015. He also estimated that ARM will command 85-percent of the tablet market in that same year.

According to Brown, the combination of Windows 8 and ARM-based processors will seemingly take the emphasis off solving heating problems caused by current (Intel) x86 solutions and drive industry innovation, thus resulting in even lighter, cheaper, and longer lasting battery standards.

Thursday industry sources said that the reported ARM-based notebooks from Samsung, Toshiba, Acer and Asus are expected to arrive possibly by the end of 2011 although Windows 8 models won't hit store shelves until 2012.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Panasonic Toughbook C1 gets updated

You can't get any more rugged when it comes to computers and notebooks than with the Panasonic Toughbook C1. The Japanese company has already churned out what they deem to be the world's lightest 12.1" convertible tablet PC, and with this new update, it will sport a 320GB hard drive for the base model, boasting up to a dozen hours of battery life, 2GB RAM that can be expanded to four times the amount, an Intel Core i5-2520M vPro processor (2.50GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz), and up to 30% faster boot up time compared to its predecessor – that ought to help it give you a boost where productivity is concerned.

Connectivity options are aplenty with the upgraded Toughbook C1, where you will get Bluetooth v2.1, Wi-Fi, and the optional Gobi 2000 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. Since this device is certified on the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G networks, it ought to let you remain connected at all times without missing a beat.

It ain't too heavy either at a mere a 3.28 lbs, thanks to its triple-hinge design which results in an extremely mobile device. Tough enough to withstand drops from approximately 30", the spill-resistant keyboard also does it part to prevent a heart attack when your nephew knocks over a glass of water while your work is unsaved.

Expect the upgraded Toughbook C1 to arrive in July later this year for $2,599.
source: Ubergizmo

Deal of the Day - 10% Coupon for Lenovo ThinkPad X1 13.3' Ultra-Think Laptops with Core i3 and Core i5

Today's LogicBUY deal is 10% off the ultra-thin 13.3" Lenovo ThinkPad X1 laptop starting at $1079.10 for the Core i3. Features: backlit and spill-resistant keyboard, Gorilla Glass screen, RapidCharge battery, weighs 3.7 pounds, 0.65-0.84" thick, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, Ethernet, 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, 1 eSATA/USB 2.0, 4-in-1 card reader.

Cheapest Core i3: $1585 – $386 off - 10% coupon code = $1079.10 with free shipping

Cheapest Core i5: $1690 – $386 - 10% coupon = $1173.60 with free shipping

This deal expires June 29, 2011 or sooner. Check the above link for more details on this deal, and check the LogicBUY home page for other deals.

No black MacBook Air?

Earlier this morning, we looked at the possibility of a black MacBook Air – but then it seems that a few hours can prove to be the vital difference between a rumor coming true or otherwise. Word has it that the MacBook Air will remain in its pristine silver color, although there is still some hope for that shade since new materials used to construct the updated MacBook Air doesn't rule out a black shade – but there was no mention other than the standard shade of silver either, leaving it open to speculation to a certain degree.

As for the MacBook Air's new price point, it seems that there will be a price cut which will drive the final sticker price down to $899, which is feasible since most of the newer computers and notebooks will be moving on to the Sandy Bridge platform, which would eliminate the need for a a dedicated NVIDIA chipset – hence driving down the price further.

It must be noted that a price cut is not something Apple does all the time, since the last time they sold a system for $899 was the new iBook G4.
source: Ubergizmo

Lenovo IdeaPad S100 Now Available For Pre-order

The Lenovo IdeaPad S100 is now available for pre-order via Amazon. This entry-level netbook packs a 10-inch 1024 x 600 display, a dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor, the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition, a 1GB of DDR3 RAM, a 250GB HDD and a battery that provides 5 hours of operation time. The Lenovo IdeaPad S100 is priced at $329.99.
source: TechFresh

From Russia with Love Samsung brings its Solar Powered Netbook to the USA

So far only available in Russia Samsung's NC215S a solar-powered notebook is now heading to the US within this July.

Put aside its Solar panel top lid and this NC215S comes with the usual 10.1x1024×600 screen, 1GB of RAM, and a Dual Core Intel ATOM N570 CPU at 1.66GHz. Looking to get one?

Now when it comes to the NC215S solar Panel, Samsung announced that its netbook would just need two hours of sunlight will give you're an additional one-hour of battery life.
source: Akihabara News

E-Machines brings a new 15.6 Budget Laptop in Japan

Announced at around 38,000 Yen or cheaper than most netbooks (Netbooks sucks anyway), E-Machines new eME729Z is the company new 15.6" budget Notebook that comes with a 1366×768 resolution, a Pentium P6100 CPU, 2GB of RAM, WiFi BGN, 250GB of HDD and a Super DVD Multi Drive.

Sure this many not be the most powerful notebook we ever seen, but for someone who may just need to write a few letters, surf the web and send email, the eME729Z and its 15.6" is by far the best deal you can find here in Japan.
source: Akihabara News

New Toshiba Satellite P700 Series

Toshiba announced a new family of premium laptops, the Satellite® P700 Series. Available with Toshiba’s textured Fusion X2 finish in Platinum, the Satellite P745, P755/P755 3D and P775 laptops feature 14-, 15.6- and 17.3-inch diagonal HD TruBrite LED backlit screens, respectively. These laptops incorporate the second-generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors and select configurations feature NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with battery-saving Optimus technology or the all-new AMD A6-3400M accelerated processing unit with discrete-class AMD Radeon® graphics.

Additional standard features include premium raised tile keyboards, harman/kardon® speakers with sound enhancements from Dolby and Waves Audio, an HDMI port and a USB 3.0 port for faster data transfers and storage options up to 750GB5. Latest-generation technologies, including Intel Wireless Display, 4G WiMAX and a Blu-ray Disc player are also available in select models.
source: LAPTOPGRAM

Samsung's Solar-Powered Netbook Comes to U.S.

Solar-powered netbooks is unheard of in the United States, even if the country has been on an “eco” mood lately. Don't worry though, because Samsung has announced that its NC235S solar-powered netbook will be available in the US beginning July 3.

The gadget features a 10.1-inch matte display with 1,024 x 600 resolution, 1GB of RAM, a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N570 dual-core processor, and a bunch of solar cells built into the lid. Samsung claims the netbook gets an hours of battery life for every two hours of basking under the sun, adding that it can work for up to 14 hours straight.

The Samsung NC215S solar-powered netbook will be sold with a suggested retail price of $399. It will also be available in Africa and Russia.
source: Gadget.com

Toshiba Satellite L700 Series

Featuring Toshiba's glossy Fusion Finish with an all-new Matrix pattern in a variety of colors, new models all now feature USB Sleep & Charge technology, enabling users to charge mobile devices even if the laptop is turned off. The laptops will be available in a variety of colors, including Graphite, Silver, White, Red and Brown. Also, for the first time, select models of the Satellite L700 Series will be available in Brushed Aluminum Blue, offering consumers a sophisticated look that also helps resist fingerprints. Certain configurations will also feature a Blu-Ray Disc player and HDMI port.
source: LAPTOPGRAM

Toshiba Qosmio X770 and Qosmio X770 3D Series

Starting at $1,199 MSRP, the Toshiba Qosmio X770 and Qosmio X770 3D series feature a high-performance blend of processor technologies from Intel and NVIDIA, while delivering ultra-fast components, entertainment-focused features and 3D technology for consumers looking for maximum mobile performance.

Featuring a 17.3-inch diagonal HD+ TruBrite LED backlit display, the Qosmio X770 features built-in premium harman/kardon speakers and subwoofer tuned with sound enhancement technologies from Dolby and MaxxAudio 3 by Waves Audio. Dressed in a premium Fusion X2 finish and a raised-tile keyboard enhanced with red LED backlighting, the Qosmio X770 delivers distinctive and durable styling that is sure to turn heads. The laptop features a full range of Toshiba "Smart" features, including USB Sleep & Charge8 and Toshiba Sleep & Music, enhancing the laptop's capabilities to power up smartphones and sound to MP3 players while powered down. Additional configuration options include a Blu-ray Disc™ player and Bluetooth v3.0.

The Qosmio X770 3D, featuring NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, offers full stereoscopic 3D entertainment for gaming, movies, photos and more. Featuring a 17.3-inch diagonal 120Hz 3D-ready, 1080p HD TruBrite LED backlit display, this laptop includes a pair of wireless active shutter glasses for out-of-the-box 3D enjoyment, plus essential components for Blu-ray 3D playback, 2D-to-3D movie conversion, plus output to a 3DTV, the Qosmio X770 3D delivers a full suite of 3D enjoyment.

Offering the same high-end processors, components and styling featured in the Qosmio X770, the Qosmio X770 3D maxes out the platform even further with a 1.25 terabyte hard drive with Hybrid Drive technology, plus a Blu-ray Disc Rewriteable drive. The Qosmio X775 3D carries as MSRP of $1,899.99 MSRP.
source: LAPTOPGRAM

GearZap 15? Notebook Sleeves Review

The Built NY 15-16? Laptop Sleeve and foofbag MacBook Pro 15? Sleeve are two of the many Macbook/slim notebook sleeves available from GearZap – “a specialist online retailer of Netbook and Laptop accessories.” This retailer only ships to the UK and most EU member countries, so be sure to check their delivery information page if you're thinking of ordering from them. With that caveat out of the way, lets look at the Built NY microdot and the foofbag tsunami sleeves. Each provides decent protection to a MacbookPro or similarly sized Notebook, with the Built roomy enough to accommodate thicker (somewhere under 2? thick) notebooks as well.

Built… for most Notebooks

The Built NY comes in several color/pattern options, and in both a 15x16? size and a smaller 13x15? size. All share the same materials.

The sleeve is made from thick neoprene, with a “wetsuit style” zipper – indeed the zipper and the exterior seem quite durable, and likely to protect the contents from causal moisture exposure and somewhat rough handling. A nice touch is a set of “shark gills” (ridges stitched into the sleeve at the waist area) that give your hands something to grip when you're carrying your sleeve-encased notebook.

The inside of the sleeve has a soft fleece covering. This keeps your notebook scratch free, and makes it possible to slide it in and out of the bag. In a non-lined sleeve the neoprene can grip your notebook a little too well – the fleece lining solves that quite well.

The neoprene material and somewhat roomy cut of the sleeve accommodates even somewhat thicker notebooks.

I've stuffed in a 1.6? thick 15? HP laptop here, and can easily zip shut the bag. Of course, the slimmer 1? Macbook Pro slides in with ease. The sleeve itself doesn't add significant bulk – you could easily slide a sleeved notebook into a regular backpack.

Built Well

I found the Built NY sleeve to be quite functional. If the funky pattern shown (“microdot”) is too wild for your corporate image, a basic black version is available.

foofbag… Get Your Fleece On

The foofbag is… foofy. This is a cotton exterior open-ended sleeve, with a 3mm layer of non-compressing foam for protection, and an inner lining of , I kid you not, sherpa fleece.

Sherpa fleece you say? According to the website this is a man-made sheep fleece-like material, that gives you the padding and softness, without the need for the sheep.

It's not supposed to scratch, and it doesn't seem to. So, pretty much a soft cushy lining, and then some foam, and then a cotton exterior. Sized so that a MacbookPro 15? slides in like a hand in a glove.

You can see from the photo above that the foofbag is open-ended. It's a pretty tight fit, but the verbiage on the web page does admit that you can, if you try hard enough, shake the notebook out of the bag if you hold it open-side down. I was able to do it, but it wasn't easy… it's not like the notebook shoots right out when you turn it over. Also, no claims to water repelling abilities are made.

In practice this is an excellent liner to keep in a backpack that lacks a protective, notebook specific pocket. When used that way, the foofbag's open top is an asset, allowing quick/easy insertion and removal. It provides quite good all-around impact and scratch protection, and you can grab and go keeping your notebook in the foofbag if you trust yourself to not try and shake it out.

foofproof? I'd consider the foofbag for use in a regular backpack or a briefcase to protect an otherwise free-floating MacbookPro, but I'd prefer a little moisture protection. It sure seems like there could be some way to provide something to keep the notebook inside – even a Velcro strap across the middle would work. Other than that, it's a great sleeve.

source: The Gadgeteer

Packard Bell EasyNote TX86 15.6-Inch Notebook

Packard Bell has recently unveiled another one of its upcoming 15.6-inch notebook in Europe called the EasyNote TX86. Measuring only 21.9mm thick, the machine is packed with a 15.6-inch LED-backlit display, up to 2.80GHz Intel Core i7-640M processor, a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 400x500-series graphics card, up to 6GB RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, a multiformat card reader, WiFi, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, a 6-cell battery and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium OS. Pricing and release date are still unknown at the moment. [Notebook Italia]

Toshiba Satellite C655D-S5136 AMD Dual-Core 15.6-inch Laptop Price Cut

LogicBuy has started selling the Toshiba Satellite C655D-S5136 AMD dual-core 15.6-inch laptop for $349.99 + free shipping. For your info, the original price was $529.99, so you can save $180. The laptop features an AMD Athlon II P340 dual-core processor, a 320GB hard disk drive, Wi-Fi, a 3GB of RAM, an ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics and the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS.
source: TechFresh

Asus G74 gaming laptop now available for pre-order

Some gaming enthusiasts prefer gaming laptops with spray-painted red dragons and speaker grilles that look like belt buckles, but plenty of you just crave something that isn't going to embarrass you at your next LAN party. Grown-ups, meet the ASUS G74, that buttoned-up fellow you see there. So far, we've found two configurations, both of which include a quad-core Core i7-2630QM CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M graphics with 3GB of video memory, 12GB DDR3 RAM (out of 16GB), dual 750GB 7200RPM drives, a 1080p display, Blu-ray player, backlit keyboard, and a USB 3.0 socket (along with three of the 2.0 variety). That's what the G74SX-A1 ($1,745) looks like, and there's also a $1,979 version with a 3D display, dubbed the G74SX-3DE. That generally matches what the new $1,899 Qosmio X770 has to offer, though the G74 is the clear winner in the memory department and, well, you can't put a price on taste, right?
source: 2DayBlog.com

Mac Pro and Mac Mini to get Sandy, Thunder, and Lion in August?

Apple announced OS X Lion officially a couple of weeks ago via WWDC, and according to CNET TV's Brian Tong, it seems that we be able to get our grubby paws (ha ha) on a Lion machine sometime between the end of July and the first week of August.

Brian's information comes from his source within the Cupertio stronghold, which looks to be the same one that accurately predicted the launch of the latest generation of iMacs in April or early May, and names Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt ports as the key features of these new products.

Historically, Malaysian launch dates come a week after a new Apple product is launched in the USA, so keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
source: 2DayBlog.com

Deal of the Day - HP ENVY 17 3D 1080p 2nd Generation Quad Core i7 Laptop with 3D Glasses

Today's LogicBUY deal is for the updated HP ENVY 17 3D 1080p Quad Core i7 (Sandy Bridge) laptop for $1524.99. This laptop is bundled with 3D Active Shutter glasses and comes with a 2-year warranty. You may customize the laptop as desired.

$1599.99 – $75 coupon code = $1524.99 with free shipping and free glasses

This deal expires June 22, 2011 or sooner. Check the above link for more details on this deal, and check the LogicBUY home page for other deals.
source: The Gadgeteer

HP to Transfer Notebook Production to Japan

While almost every company in the world scramble to have their products manufactured in China, HP takes on a different route. The Japanese business newspaper The Nikkei has reported that the California-based company is planning to bring part of its notebook production from China to Japan. HP plans to eventually make all computers for sale in Japan in factories in Akishima.

In preparation for such a giant leap in manufacturing, HP plans on hiring 50% more workers in Akishima, bringing the number of employees to 450. This is despite Japan's labor costs are about four times higher than in China. The move is apparently brought by HP's plan to increase efficiency, be closer to the Japanese market, pride its “made-in-Japan” tagline, and reduce delivery times to Japanese business customers.

HP is currently ranked 5th in PC sales in Japan for 2010, with a 10-percent market share.
source: Gadget.com

Lenovo IdeaPad S100 now up for pre-order

Folks looking forward to get their hands on the entry-level Lenovo IdeaPad S100 notebook will be pleased to know that the computer is available for preorder from Amazon now. The Lenovo IdeaPad S100 packs a 10″ 1024 x 600 display, 1GB of DDR3 RAM, a 250GB HDD, and a rated battery life of 5 hours. It will feature a dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor which should keep things running well enough for you to do non-CPU intensive tasks like surfing the web or word processing. Watching YouTube videos at 240p or playing simple Flash/HTML5 games shouldn't be a problem either.

The Lenovo IdeaPad S100 ships with Windows 7 Starter Edition can be pre-ordered for $329.99 online; though no ETA has been listed, so there's not telling how long you'll have to wait for it. Head here if you're interested in pre-ordering the notebook.
source: Ubergizmo

Lenovo IdeaPad S100 Now Available For Pre-order

The Lenovo IdeaPad S100 is now available for pre-order via Amazon. This entry-level netbook packs a 10-inch 1024 x 600 display, a dual-core Intel Atom N570 processor, the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition, a 1GB of DDR3 RAM, a 250GB HDD and a battery that provides 5 hours of operation time. The Lenovo IdeaPad S100 is priced at $329.99.
source: TechFresh