AMD: No Atom-beating Low-Voltage Chip For Netbooks

Bit-tech quotes comments made by AMD’s chief marketing officer Nigel Dessau this week by eWeek, that there are no chances for an Atom-beating low-voltage chip to come from AMD.
According to those sources Nigel Dessau AMD isn’t looking to compete in the low-cost ‘netbook’ market. Furthermore Dessau is quoted by eWeek as saying that the company isn’t saying “[the netbook market] is not an important segment and we’re not saying it’s not a growing segment” but admits that “[AMD is] a smaller company and we have to focus on what we do well at this point. We are watching that segment rather than playing in it, but as it matures we’ll see where it goes.”

While it’s unsurprising that AMD is shy about competing head-on with Intel’s Atom range and ultra-low-voltage chips from specialists such as Via, it’s hard to deny that there is a rapidly growing market for the relatively underpowered ultra-portable low-cost ‘netbook’ devices – a market that rival Intel, a name that is cropping up in the overwhelming majority of such devices, is riding to success…

Bit-tech | eWeek

Acer: Centrino 2 For Aspire And TravelMate Notebooks

Yesterday Intel’s ‘Montevina-Day’ – and – of course Acer was also unveiling information on new Centrino 2 laptops. Nine new notebooks, which take advantage of Intel Centrino 2 with faster processors and FSB. Four notebooks of the Aspire lineup will support WiMAX functionality and are aimed towards the multimedia user. Five new TravelMate notebooks are geared towards business users. Though not all details were unveiled, Acer gave some basic information on the new laptops.

The 12.1-inch TravelMate 6293 is one of the more portable systems offered by the third largest PC vendor. Its Core 2 Duo processor coupled with up to 4GB of RAM should provide the performance punch for road warriors and its 802.11 a/b/g/n the connectivity they need. We are also happy to see the smaller system has got an optical drive and up to a 320 GB hard drive.

This TravelMate has also got mobile broadband capablities, with GSM/GPRS/EDGE options. It sports an embedded webcam and select 6293 models will come bundled with a VoIP Bluetooth phone.

Above the ultraportable, Acer is adding the 6493 with a 14.1-inch display to its TravelMate line. The 6493 comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo vPro processor, Intel 64 architecture, and Intel Virtualization technology. It will be available with up to 4GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, and an optical drive. This one doesn’t only support mobile broadband, but is primed for WiMax.

Moving up the ladder is the 15.4-inch TravelMate 6593 which is equipped with Intel’s Centrino 2 vPro for added security. This larger system will come with a choice of graphics options: an ATI Mobility Radeon graphics card or Intel’s integrated graphics. In addition to the optical drive and 320GB hard drive, it has a swappable MediaBay which allows for swapping in another hard drive, optical drive or second battery. Mobile broadband and WiMax will be options are also available for configuration.

The 5730 similarly has a 15.4-inch display and provides the end user with a choice of graphics cards. With a choice of configuring the notebook with ATI Mobility Radeon or NVIDA GeForce graphics cards and an optional Blu-ray drive, it’s hard to say if the TravelMate is meant for business or pleasure.

Rounding out the line is a 17-incher, the TravelMate 7730. Supporting up to 4GB of RAM, the desktop replacement is meant to handle productivity chores and multi-tasking, but also provides a sweet mutlimedia experience. With a similar choice of NVIDA or ATI graphics and a built-in optical drive, it can handle your media collection just as well as your spreadsheets.

Acer did not announce other specifics, including the ship dates nor pricing for the models.

Via Laptops

Sony: New Montevina-Based Vaio BZ, FW, SR And Z

Now Sony has confirmed the new Sony Vaio models out of the BZ, FW, SR and Z notebook and laptop series. Of course, the new linup is based on Intel’s brand new Centrino 2 mobile technology platform, codenamed ‘Montevina’. All Vaio laptops rely on Intel 45-nanometer processors and feature now Intel’s X4500 integrated graphics beside dedicated GPUs from ATI and Nvidia. The FW and Z series have the new screen sizes of 13.1 and 16.4, which are said to become standard this year. More infos to follow …

Via Sony

Fujitsu: Six New Notebooks Based On Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology

Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation today debuted six LifeBook notebooks powered by next-generation Intel Centrino 2 processor technology offering increased performance and longer battery life. Perfect for advanced users and consumers who want desktop performance and sophisticated style on the go, the enhanced LifeBook A6210 notebook features a stylish high-gloss black lid, bright 15.4-inch LCD display, wireless USB, faster E-SATA port, and a new gesture-enabled touchpad that lets users control many functions though simple finger movements for an enhanced interactive experience.

Showcasing Fujitsu design ingenuity, the LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet PC, the successor to the Fujitsu flagship LifeBook T4220 convertible notebook, and the new LifeBook T1010 convertible tablet PC are equipped with a 13.3-inch display, yet weigh in at just 4.35 pounds – among the lightest convertibles with the largest displays on the market. The enterprise class LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet PC offers a modular bay that can accommodate an optical drive or a second battery and supports Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology, offering security and remote manageability on a chip. The LifeBook T1010 convertible tablet PC, which offers a fixed optical drive, and has all the power of the LifeBook T5010 notebook without the additional high-end security features required by enterprise customers, is more geared towards consumers, small businesses and educational institutions.

The LifeBook E8420 notebook, the new powerhouse of the Fujitsu corporate desktop replacement portfolio with comprehensive security features and performance on par with a desktop PC, supports Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology. Rounding out the Intel Centrino 2 powered notebooks introduced by Fujitsu are the ultra-mobile 4-pound LifeBook S6520 notebook with a 14.1-inch widescreen Crystal View display, one of the thinnest and lightest in the 14-inch class, and the thin-and-light LifeBook S7220 notebook with a 14.1-inch anti-glare widescreen display and built-in webcam.

The LifeBook A6210 notebook offers two 15.4-inch wide-screen display choices. Users can choose the Color Enhanced Crystal View display model for an enhanced viewing experience or the standard power-saving Crystal View LP display model. Both models feature an integrated HMDI port, which makes it easy to connect the notebook to high-definition televisions. The gesture touchpad translates finger movements into on-screen motions, for instance, parting two fingers to zoom in on a photo, simplifying and accelerating many activities.

The Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium operating system with Service Pack 1 enables an integrated home-entertainment experience that includes photos, music, video, and television. Options include faster 802.11n wireless for up to 450Mbps of upload/download speed, and an E-SATA port for faster data exchange. The LifeBook A6210 notebook also offers a choice of shared or dedicated graphics, an external ExpressCard TV Tuner, a fingerprint sensor for security and password management, and an optional Blu-ray ROM drive.

The LifeBook A6210, LifeBook T5010, LifeBook T1010, LifeBook E8420, LifeBook S6520 and LifeBook S7220 notebooks are available to order immediately. The LifeBook T5010 and LifeBook E8420 notebooks will be available with Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology in 30 days. The LifeBook A6210 notebook is priced at $1,149 for a base configuration. The LifeBook T5010 tablet PC is priced at $1,769 for a base configuration. The LifeBook T1010 tablet PC starts at $1,299 with a $50 mail-in rebate. The LifeBook E8420 notebook is priced at $1,359 for a base configuration. The LifeBook S6520 notebook is priced at $1,529 for a base configuration. The LifeBook S7220 notebook is priced at $1,229 for a base configuration. All six notebooks are available through the Fujitsu direct sales force, website, channel partners and select retail outlets. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their system using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program.

Source: Fujitsu Computer Systems | Digg Story

Sony: Teaser For Centrino 2 Notebooks On Monday

Sony posted today a teaser confirming the start date for its new Centrino 2-based Vaio line. Sony expects to formally unveil the new range on July 14th at 9PM Eastern and is known to be introducing several new models as well as potentially refreshing existing systems for the initial launch. Additionally the Centrino 2 notebooks should also consume less power in most models.

With this launch Sony brings its first 16:9-ratio notebooks, including the 13.1-inch VAIO Z and the 16.4-inch VAIO FZ. Sony should also redesign conventional models with the 13.3-inch SR series and 15.4-inch BZ series. Most laptop models start with a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo and 3GB of RAM, some basic models using the new X4500 integrated graphics that come with Intel’s new platform.

Last of Sony leaks details VAIO BZ pro notebook

A series of leaks of Sony VAIO updates has wound to a conclusion on Friday with the appearance of the VAIO BZ. The 15.4-inch pro system shifts to a new 1440×900, LED-backlit display which both produces a better picture, reduces the power draw, and more eco-friendly; like other recent leaks, both systems are also based on Intel’s imminent Centrino

read more | digg story

Intel Centrino 2 Platform Launches Monday

Intel Centrino 2 Platform Launches Monday and the Intel integrated graphics are still not ready. On Monday, only platforms with Nvidia or ATI based graphics chips will be available, as Intel are having problems their own integrated graphics for the platform.

read more | digg story

Netbooks: Low Price Storm

Acer Aspire One: Pics And Comparison

HP 2133: Test And Review Of HP Mini-Note 2133

Itsogo.net brought a nice review of the HP 2133, HP’s netbook answer to Asus’ Eee – oops, sorry HP – i forgot you don’t like the 2133 to be compared with other MIDs, Mini-Notes and UMPCs …

But let’s be honest: Asus’ Eee PC has cleared the way for low-priced and ultra-portable notebooks. The folks from Asus were the first to start the subnotebook revolution but now that the market seems to be more acceptable, US brand HP wants a piece of the action, and so they introduced the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC.

HP 2133 Mini-Note PC / The tested specs are bold

HP 2133
Processor	● VIA C7-M ULV 1.6-GHz processor, 800-MHz front-side bus (FSB), 8-W thermal design power (TDP) ● VIA C7-M ULV 1.2-GHz processor, 800-MHz FSB, 5-W TDP ● VIA C7-M ULV 1.0-GHz processor, 400-MHz FSB, 3.5-W TDP
Chipset	Northbridge: VIA CN896 Southbridge: VIA 8237s
Memory	One customer-accessible/upgradable memory module slot Supports up to 2 GB of system RAM PC2-5300, 667-MHz, DDR2 Supports the following configurations: ● 2048-MB total system memory (2048 × 1) ● 1024-MB total system memory (1024 × 1) ● 512-MB total system memory (512 × 1)
HDD capacity	Supports 9.5-mm (2.5-inch) serial ATA (SATA) hard drives Supports the following SATA hard drives: ● 160-GB, 7200-rpm ● 160-GB, 5400-rpm ● 120-GB, 7200-rpm ● 120-GB, 5400-rpm Supports 9.5-mm (2.5-inch) SATA 4-GB flash storage drive
Optical drive	Nope – supports external USB optical drive only
Graphics	VIA Chrome 9, VIA Universal Memory Architecture (UMA) graphics subsystem
Display	All display assemblies include 2 microphones, 2 speakers, and 2 WLAN antenna transceivers and cables ● 8.9-inch WXGA ( 1280 × 768 ) with camera ● 8.9-inch WXGA ( 1280 × 768 ) without camera
Network connections/wireless	Broadcom 5788, 10/100/1000 LAN, S3/S4/S5 wake on LAN: DC – no, S3/S4/S5 wake on LAN: AC – yes 2 WLAN antennae built into display assembly Support for no-WLAN option Support for the following WLAN formats: ● Broadcom 4311AG 802.11a/b/g WLAN module ● Broadcom BCM4312 802.11b/g WLAN module Integrated personal area network (PAN) options by way of Bluetooth module: Support for no-WPAN option Broadcom Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Ports	2x USB2.0, 1x Express Card, 1x VGA, 1x RJ45, stereo headphone, stereo microphone, 2-pin AC power, Kensington
Battery	6-cell, 55-Wh Li-ion battery 3-cell, 28-Wh Li-ion battery
Blue tooth	Broadcom Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Operating system	Windows Vista Home Basic
Webcam	1.3 MP
Weight (kg)	1.28KG (with 3-cell batteries)

Lid with HP Logo

Left side view of the HP 2133 Mini-Note

Right side view of the HP 2133 Mini-Note

The HP 2133 provides a keyboard which is about 92 percent the size of a regular desktop keyboard. Such a keyboard is not found in any of the (current available) subnotebooks from other brands. The keyboard is perhaps the most tactile of all the keyboards in the same category. Because of its size, it becomes appealing to hardcore desktop users or those that have huge hands. In other subnotebooks the keys are 2/3 the size of regular keyboards, which makes it difficult for most people to type with.

HP 2133 Mini-Note power switch

HP 2133 left side: VGA, fan, USB 2.0, microphone, earphone

HP 2133 right side: ExpressCard/54 slot, SD card reader, USB 2.0 port, ethernet, power jack and Kensington lock

From the performance aspect, the HP 2133 performs quite well with the VIA C7-M ULV CPU (1.6 GHz). This means good speed in the majority of software, but don’t expect much with multimedia and stuff like that.

Motherboard and BIOS version

Fast DDR2-667 memory – quite impressive for a netbook.

HD Tune

Battery life and PCMark05

HP HP 2133
Battery Mark
	Battery life	113 minutes
PCMark05	Total score	795
	Processor	878
	Memory	1025
	Graphics	306
	Hard disk	3680

So far, HP seems able to match Asus in the subnotebook space, especially as it incorporated many design features on the Mini-Note not present in other brands. Noteworthy are the larger keyboard, a bigger and brighter LCD screen, better stereo speakers, ExpressCard slot, and large hard disk drive (120 GB). Slow boot time with Vista and a bit pricey.

nb.itsogo.net | digg story