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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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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Dell announces a new “beauty” for the corporate world with yesterday’s introduction of the new thin-and-light Latitude 13 notebook. Taking design cues from the popular Vostro 13, the Latitude 13 is supposedly the “world’s thinnest 13 inch commercial client laptop” and comes with many of the same internal guts as those found on the Vostro 13.

Additional corporate features on the Latitude 13 include:

• Support for Broadcom TruManage technology and Dell ImageDirect service which lets IT create, update, and deploy system images 24/7 from a secure online location
• Desktop virtualization through certification from Citrix and VMware
• Customized security offerings including solid state drives, full-disk encryption, Trusted Platform Module control, and Computrace software
• Complete range of connectivity options including optional WWAN mobile broadband, Bluetooth, and 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi
• Optional external Blu-ray drive
• 13.3 inch display
• Weight of 3.36 pounds
• Intel ULV processor support
• Choice of Windows 7 or Windows XP

The Latitude 13 will be available in the coming weeks.

Gateway also expanded their EC lineup of thin-and-light notebooks during CES 2010 with the introduction of the EC14D model featuring an integrated DVD drive. An integrated DVD drive is unique among thin-and-light notebooks which often come without a built-in drive and instead rely on optional external USB drives.

One specific EC14D model is the EC14D07u which has the following specs:

• Intel Pentium ULV Processor SU4100 processor clocked at 1.3 GHz
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset
• 11.6 inch HD TFT LCD display with 1366 x 78 resolution
• 320GB HDD
• 4GB of RAM upgradeable to 8GB
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 6 cell battery for up to 8 hours of power
• Built-in webcam
• Multi-in-1 media card reader
• Integrated 8x Super-Multi DVD player
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• Multi-gesture touchpad
• 6 cell Lithium-Ion 5600mAh battery
• Weighs 3.55 lbs
• Measures 11.49 x 1.12 x 8.33 inches
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Starting prices for the EC14D is $629.99

Dell brings the thin-and-light notebook to the business market with the introduction of the new 13.3 inch Vostro V13. With a starting price of $449, the V13 measures as thin as 0.65 inches, features an ultra-low-voltage Intel processor, and is encased in brushed aluminum with reinforced zinc hinges. Features and specs include:

• Choice of Intel Celeron 743 (1.2 GHz) processor to Core 2 Solo SU3500 (1.4GHz) to Core 2 Duo SU7300 (1.3 GHz)
• Windows 7 or Windows Vista OS
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset ICH9M-Enhanced
• Intel GMA 4500MHD
• 13.3 inch diagonal LED-backlit HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare display
• 7200RPM SATA HDD up to 500GB or 7200 RPM SATA HDD with full disk encryption  up to 250GB
• Free fall sensor on the motherboard
• Optional external 8X DVD burner or Blu-ray disc
• Stereo headphone jack
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone
• 6 cell Lithium-Ion sealed
• Wireless options including 802.11 g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and WWAN mobile broadband
• Up to 4GB of DDR3 SDRAM
• 5 in 1 card reader
• 34 mm ExpressCard slot
• 1 USB 2.0 port
• 1 USB 2.0/eSATA combo
• Measures 13 x 9.06 x 0.65 ~ 0.78 inches
• Starting weight of 3.5 lbs with 6 cell battery

The low-end $449 system comes with the Celeron M processor ULV 743, Ubuntu Linux, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Wi-Fi, and 6 cell battery.

The mid-range $559 system comes with the Intel Core 2 Solo processor, Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit, 2GB RAM, 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD, 1.3 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and 6 cell battery.

Finally, the high-end $649 system comes with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium, 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD, 1.3 megapixel webcam, Wi-Fi, and 6 cell battery.

About the only uncertainty with this system is the battery life (the 6 cell battery is a 30WHr internal battery). The Vostro V13 looks to be a winner in the thin-and-light category, if not because of the technical specs, then definitely because of the price.

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It may look like a netbook but the new Gateway EC1805u is actually an 11.6 inch thin-and-light notebook with features such as an 11.6 inch display, an Intel Core 2 Solo CULV processor, and 7+ hours of battery life. Features and specs to the EC1805u include the following:

• Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor clocked at 1.4GHz
• 2GB RAM
• 250GB SATA HDD
• 11.6 inch HD widescreen LED backlit display
• Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset
• Built-in webcam
• Multi-in-1 media card reader
• Dolby Sound Room Audio Enhancement
• 802.11 b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI port
• Multi-gesture enabled touchpad
• 6 cell Li-Ion battery
• Measures 8.03 x 11.22 x 1.18 inches and weighs 3.08 pounds
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Up to 7 hours of power

The EC1805u will be available on Amazon.com starting on December 9th for $449.99.

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ASUS launches a new thin-and-light notebook in the form of the UX30. Weighing only 1.4 kg and measuring a mere 19.6mm thick, the UX30 features:

• Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 processor
• 13.3 inch TFT LED backlit LCD display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Intel GS45 Express Chipset
• 320GB HDD
• 3GB RAM
• media card reader (SD, SDHC, miniSD, MMC)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g/draft-N Wi-Fi
• Mini VGA, HDMI port
• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit OS
• Measures 328 x 222 x 6.8 ~ 19.6mm

The UX30 will be available in Japan for 99,800 Yen (or $1109.44 U.S. dollars).

[Check it out via Akihabara News]