NetbookTech

We’ve been wondering for some time when ASUS would finally update their popular UL series of thin-and-light notebooks with the latest Intel Core 2010 processors. Well it looks like the updates are FINALLY rolling out (albeit slowly) starting first with the 12 inch UL series.

According to Electronista, two new models are coming out replacing the UL20A system – a model featuring the 1.2 GHz Core i3 processor (known as the UL20FT), and a model featuring a 1.06GHz Celeron U3400 processor (which is currently available in Japan).

Both models offer 720p capable displays, integrated Intel HD graphics, and 2GB of RAM. Other notable features include a 320GB hard drive, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, a six cell battery, HDMI output, and a 0.3 megapixel webcam.

The Core i3 version will be priced around $629 and is expected to be out by August 6th.

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Gateway expanded their netbook product portfolio with yesterday’s announcement of the new LT32 series of netbooks. Straddling that hazy line between netbooks and thin-and-light notebooks, the LT32 aims to deliver high-definition multimedia playback support via a combination of AMD Neo processors, ATI graphics, and an HD-resolution 11.6 inch display.

Features and specs to the LT32 include:

• 11.6 inch LED backlit display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• AMD Athlon II Neo K125 processor
• 2GB DDR3 memory
• 250GB HDD
• ATI Radeon HD 4225 graphics with 384MB of dedicated system memory
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Built-in HD webcam
• Built-in digital microphone
• Three USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet port, VGA port, Microphone, Headphone/Speaker/Line-Out Jack with S/PDIF Support
• Multi-in-one digital card reader
• Built-in speakers
• Matte chassis cover
• Measures 10.43 x 14.9 x 3.15 inches
• Weight of only 2.76 pounds
• 5.5 hours of power on a six cell battery

The starting price for the Gateway LT32 is $449.99.

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Jarred Walton over at Anandtech recently published a “first look” into the updated Alienware M11x 11.6 notebook (The R2 edition). First off, some specs for all of you to digest:

• Support for up to Intel Core i7 640UM processor
• Intel QA57 Express Chipset for Core i5/i7 or Intel GS45 Chipset for Core 2 Duo
• Windows 7 64 bit OS
• Up to 8GB DDR3 memory
• External USB slot-loading DVD burner
• Up to 500GB 7200RPM HDD or 256GB SSD
• 11.6 inch WideHD 1366 x 768 LCD display
• 1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M graphics
• Intel GMA 5 series integrated graphics
• NVIDIA Optimus Technology (only on the Core i5/i7 processor versions) allowing users to intelligently switch between integrated graphics and discrete graphics
• Intel HD 5.1 surround sound audio
• Bluetooth 2.1, Internal WWAN mobile broadband, 802.11 a/b/g/n 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi
• 8 cell 64 WHr primary battery
• Firewire port, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 3 in 1 media card reader, 2 audio-out ports, audio-in/microphone port, and Ethernet port
• 2 Built-in front speakers

Yes, this isn’t your normal thin-and-light notebook. The M11x comes in a body better suited for 13.3 inch notebooks and has enough power for decent mobile gamage. They’ve yet to finish the review but here are some interesting tidbits from the first look:

• PCMark Vantage shows an improvement of 36% over previous model
• 3DMark results show an improvement of between 5 to 15%
• Battery life looks promising – with times upwards of 7 hours for lighter loads – thanks in no small part to NVIDIA Optimus Tech.

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Oh boy.. could the Acer Aspire TimelineX AS3820T be the next thin-and-light notebook to drool over? The new Core i3-based 13.3 inch notebook is now available for purchase over at Amazon.com for a cool $729.99. That’s a pretty good price when you consider Core 2 Duo SU7300-based Acer UL30 series notebooks are ranging in price from $599 to around $700 dollars on Amazon.com.

Not familiar with the Acer AS3820T? Here’s what you need to know about the system (actually it’s the model AS3820T-5246).

• Intel Core i3-350M processor clocked at 2.26GHz
• 13.3 inch HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit display
• 320GB 5400RPM HDD
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• Intel HD graphics with 128MB dedicated RAM
• 8x SuperMulti-DVD+/-R/RW drive
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Built-in stereo speakers with third-gen Dolby Home Theater technology
• Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11 b/g/n, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• Multi-gesture touchpad
• Multi-in-1 digital media card reader with support for SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, and xD-Picture Card
• 4 USB ports
• HDMI output
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit OS
• 6 cell 8 hour battery
• Weight of 3.97 pounds

Hmm.. so let me get this straight. We have a Core i3 processor-based thin-and-light notebook weighing under 4 pounds with an 8 hour battery and priced at $729.99 at Amazon.com . Sounds pretty darn good if you ask me!!

It certainly looks like Toshiba could have a winner on their hands with the new Satellite T200 series lineup of thin-and-light notebooks. Featuring the 11.6 inch T210/T215 and the 13.3 inch T230/T235, the new series come with raised tile keyboards and wider touchpads reminiscent of those found on the NB series of netbook systems. Additionally, the new notebooks feature a dual-tone Fusion Chrome design with three color options for the patterned lid – red, white, and black.

Spec wise, both models feature:

• Built-in webcam
• Hard drive impact sensors
• USB sleep and charge ports
• HDMI port

The T210/T215 will feature an 11.6 inch HD TruBrite LED backlit display, full-sized raised tile keyboard, large touchpad with left/right buttons, 5+ hour battery, and a weight of around 3.3 pounds. Models with a single-core AMD Neo II processor will be priced at $469 while the dual-core version will be priced at $499. 

The T230/T235 will feature a 13.3 inch diagonal HD TruBrite LED backlit display with 16:9 aspect ratio, full-sized tile keyboard, large touchpad with left/right buttons, and support for AMD and Intel processor models. The AMD model will offer 6 hours of power, come with ATI Mobility Radeon 4225 graphics, and be priced around $549. The Intel model will feature the Intel Pentium U5400 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, offer 9 hours of power, and be priced around $629.  Both models are expected to weigh in at around 3.9 pounds and measure 0.7 x 12.7 x 1.03 inches.

The new series will officially launch this Sunday. Check out a ton of cool pictures of the new T series over at LaptopMag.

Toshiba Japan has a new thin-and-light notebook lineup out called the Dynabook MX series. Consisting of the MX/36M and MX/34M models, the models feature:

• Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
• Intel HM55 Express Chipset
• 2GB of RAM (max of 8GB)
• 11.6 inch HD TFT Clear SuperView LED backlit display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• 85 key keyboard
• 320GB 5400RPM SATA HDD
• Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi
• 3 USB 2.0 ports, eSATA port, LAN port, RGB port, and HDMI port
• Measures 284 x 202.8 x 17.6 ~ 26.2 mm
• Weighs 1.48 kg

The MX/36M is the high-end model featuring the Intel Core i3-330UM processor clocked at 1.2GHz while the MX/34M replaces the Core i3-330UM processor with an Intel Celeron U3400 processor clocked at 1.06GHz.

Thanks to a video interview with a Dell rep over at Shufflegazine, we now know Dell plans on releasing updated versions of the Alienware M11x netbook. The updated systems will feature Core i3, i5, and i7 processor options (which presumably will be the new updated CULV processors announced today by Intel) and will continue to offer 11+ inch displays. I doubt we’ll be able to call these systems thin-and-LIGHT though..

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Lenovo announces a refresh of the ultra-portable IdeaPad U series with today’s introduction of the U160, U460, and U460s thin-and-lights. Features of the new models include the following:

• New “U” shaped outline inspired by a closed book lying on its side
• Textured aluminum top cover
• A measurement of less than one-inch thick and a weight of less than 3.8 pounds
• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Ambient Light Sensor, Active Protection System, and data recovery tools

The U460 and U460s both feature a 14 inch display and can be configured with up to Core i7 processor. The U460 supports standard voltage processors while the U460s supports ultra-low voltage processors for longer battery life and lower power consumption.

The U160 supports ultra-low voltage processors, weighs a mere 2.9 pounds and, measures 0.9 inches at its thinnest point.

Lenovo IdeaPad U160 pic:

Lenovo IdeaPad U460 pic:

The new U series models will be available in June with prices starting at $699.

Sony announced a new updated version of the VAIO P notebook PC today (remember – we’re not supposed to call these netbooks even though they feature an Atom processor on the inside!) complete with a built-in GPS, digital compass, and accelerometer all in a package that weighs just over 600 grams.

This updated notebook is also the first VAIO designed for simple use while you’re standing or walking. You’ll find a central trackball as well as an additional touchpad and mouse buttons located at either edge of the screen. Duplicating the main controls, the additional controls allow for comfortable operation with both thumbs while you’re holding the computer with two hands.

Other features and specs include:

• Built-in GPS and digital compass
• VAIO Location Search software delivering a real time map view of your location
• Built-in everywair 3G (WiMAX in Japan)
• Built-in accelerometer allows you to “shake” through pictures, flick through pages of a PDF document, or navigate web pages
• Full-pitch keyboard
• Bright, extra-wide VAIO Display Plus
• Dedicated buttons for Quick Web Access and one-touch access to VAIO Care. Also a “Change Resolution button” for instantly selecting a larger font for easy on-screen reading
• Available in five colors – black, white, pink, green, and orange
• Intel Atom Z530 processor clocked at 1.6GHz or Atom Z560 clocked at 2.13 GHz
• 2GB of RAM
• 64GB SSD
• Intel SCH US15W chipset
• 8 inch display with 1600 x 768 resolution
• 0.31 megapixel webcam
• Bluetooth connectivity

The new VAIO P also supports PS3 Remote Play allowing you to access content on your PS3 directly on the notebook.

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Intel confirmed on Friday the company will soon release a new line of ultra-low voltage Core i3 and Core i5 processors designed for thin-and-light/ultra-thin notebooks. The new processors would fit between current mobile Core i3/i5 processors and low-end Atom processors – an area currently occupied by CULV Celeron/Core 2 Solo/Duo processors.

This information was based on an Intel roadmap presented during a webcast on Thursday showing the new processors would be released this quarter with new laptops expected during the second half of the year. The new ULV processors will be manufactured on a 32 nm process and should provide a considerable boost in performance and battery savings over current ULV processors.

Of course new processors mean one thing – expect sale prices as companies attempt to clear out existing inventory.

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