The Aspire S3 is Acer’s first ultrabook. The notebook is almost unabashedly a MacBook Air clone with straight lines and a clean design but it’s also $400 less. There are some trade-offs when comparing this to the Air, sure, but for the most part the Aspire S3 is a fine ultraportible for the Windows crowd.
What Acer and all the rest of the ultrabook makers are building are by all accounts fine computers but will no doubt catch flack because of their similarities to the MacBook Air. The Aspire S3 isn’t a MacBook Air killer. Not alone at least. This notebook gives me hope that the PC isn’t dead and ultrabooks will be the genesis of this revival. → Read More
It’s a red-letter day, folks: Gateway just release a $700 NV laptop with WiMAX built-in, namely the Intel 6250 Wi-Fi/WiMax card. Otherwise this is pretty bog-standard for a laptop although it does seem to mirror HP’s sexy styling on their own Envy line. WiMax connectivity comes from carriers across the country and isn’t included in the package. Press release after the jump. → Read More
Looking for a repair manual for your laptop? Odds are, you can find it on Tim’s website. Apparently for about the last year, Tim has been compiling ever single laptop repair manual he can find. And now he needs your help. → Read More
Short Version: Tenba’s Messenger Photo/Laptop bag is my favorite so far this week. It combines the two features I really need: a padded, secure way to transport my laptop, and somewhere to put my DSLR when I don’t want to pack all my camera gear with me. → Read More
Sony has announced that their latest F and C series laptops will include a special “overheating” feature caused by a bug in the heat management system in the BIOS.
Users who wish to disable this feature can update the BIOS themselves or return the laptops for service. Those who wish to use the laptops to make grilled cheese and panini are free to do so although getting cheese grease in the battery will void your warranty. → Read More
Happy FatheR’s Day! Dell just released the new Inspiron R series laptops, available now starting at $449. Pertinent specs abound: * Intel Core i3 and i5 mobile processor options for outstanding everyday performance with Microsoft Windows 7 * Choice of models offering bright 14-, 15-, and 17-inch displays, with high definition (HD) resolution offered on all systems * Choice of optional colors on select models : Mars Black, Peacock Blue, Tomato Red and Lotus Pink * Optional Intel Wireless Display that allows for a cable-free connection to most HDTVs when paired with a separate third party Intel Wireless Display TV adapter * Optional 1GB ATi graphics provide realistic video effects * Up to 640GB* hard disk drives on select models for storing large photos, music and video collections * Up to 8GB* DDR3 memory performs tasks quickly and seamlessly Peacock blue! Anyway, fun laptops, yay team. → Read More
Whoa. This isn’t your Dad’s Lenovo. Heck, it isn’t even your cool older cousins. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d is a 3D multimedia machine with a 15.6-inch screen running Windows 7 and up to 8GB memory and 750GB hard drive. It has TriDef 3D technology with 3D glasses and Dolby Home Theater surround sound. A Core i7 adds a wee bit of power along with a Radeon HD5730. Also it has a freaking screaming eagle/tribal tattoo/demo sword on it! ROAR! It starts at $1,199. I would totally marry this laptop if I weren’t already married. → Read More
Panasonic is rolling out the F9, the latest in its Toughbook series of ruggedized laptops. The 14.1″ laptop features a spill resistant keyboard, can survive a drop from one foot to a “non-yielding surface” while off, as well as drops from 30″ (a little over the height of an office desk) while running. It packs an Intel Core i5 processor, integrated DVD drive, and 320GB hard disk. Also included are WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional WiMax or 3G mobile communications. All that in 3.6 pounds! → Read More
Short Version: The Sony Vaio Z-Series is a thin and light with a mission: to prove that a tiny – but expensive – laptop can run Windows 7 and almost anything you throw at it like a champ. → Read More
Lenovo’s new line-up is heavy on the all-in-ones but has a few surprises up its sleeve. I got a chance to look at most of the new line last week and came away extremely enthused by the twee Q150. From the press release: If your idea of fun is tricking out your living room entertainment center, then the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 is the perfect solution. At just 0.82 inches wide and 6.7 inches high, the Q150 enhances the living room entertainment experience and can fit into just about any small space in the home. The Q150 is an affordable nettop PC that can be connected to a TV or monitor, or even mounted behind with the VESA bracket to create a virtual all-in-one. Featuring an optional NVIDIA® ION™ 512MB graphics processor, which delivers smooth Full HD (1080p) video via the onboard HDMI output, the IdeaCentre Q150 is a great way to enjoy Internet video in your living room. The IdeaCentre Q150 also features an optional multimedia remote with an integrated trackball mouse and mini keyboard to make it easy to multi-task between e-mails, Web browsing and video playback on a single device. This little PC looks like it might give the value proposition of many streaming and DVR systems a run for their money. → Read More
HP gave up the details on their updated Envy today. Nothing too terribly exciting, they’re sporting the latest in the Dual Core CPU, discreet graphic chipset and motherboards. More details after the jump. → Read More
While the rest of the world is going nuts trying to make the next MacBook, Panasonic keeps chugging away, releasing laptops that look for all the world like computing devices designed for Robocop to use in the bathroom. And that’s a good thing. Let’s say hello to the Panasonic CF-T8 (above) and the CF-52 (below) Toughbooks. The CF-52 is a i5-based laptop has 2GB RAM and 250GB hard drive in a shock-mounted case. Both have special straps so you can hold them in multiple positions and it even as A-GPS, 3G Mobile capability. The CF-T8 has a 12-inch touchscreen LCD. → Read More
Asus leaked their own product this time, by revealing that their newest secret project, the Eee PC 1218. The details are sketchy of course, but what we can see looks hawt. → Read More
What’s least energy efficient part of your laptop? The LCD, correct. What are your options? Stop using computers? I would if I could, believe me. Or, you could be a little adventurous and try to swap out the LCD with another, more energy efficient one. Sort of like hammering a nail with a sledgehammer, yes. → Read More
Word on the net is that Apple is working on some cooling related patents, specifically related to venting via the USB and firewire ports. In a way it makes sense, but there’s definitely a potential for disaster. What if all your USB ports are filled up with novelty devices? → Read More
We all know by now that HPis the largest PC seller out there. Good for HP. But when you’re shopping for your next system, it helps to know how Brand A compares to Brand X. Our friends at Laptop Magazine have done just that, and put together a series showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of this brand versus that brand. Best part: regular users—like you!—are invited to give your thoughts, which will be compiled into a sort of go-to glossary. Good idea. → Read More
Not to be left out of the deluge of new releases at CES, Dell is giving us a look at their new 5-inch tablet concept and Android-smartphone for AT&T. There’s also some new laptops and things, you know, if you’re into that. → Read More
Short Version: The Commute 2.0 is from Timbuk2′s new TSA friendly generation of messenger bags. Essentially this means that they’ve added some commuter friendly features to a standard messenger bag. → Read More
