Toshiba Portégé R600 - World’s Lightest, Fully-featured Notebook

At 2.4lbs, Toshiba claims that the new Portégé R600 is the world’s lightest full featured laptop PC. The system packs quite a punch into the small package. Features include a durable magnesium thin and light design, up to 5GB RAM, 128GB SSD, integrated DVD burner drive, and as much as 8 hours of battery life. The Portégé R600 also includes the latest wireless connectivity options and fingerprint security. Of course, the Portégé R600 does not match the weight of some ultra-portables, but those notebooks do not include functionality present in the Toshiba system, such as an optical drive. The Toshiba Portégé R600 is priced at $2,399.

Full Specifications:

Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage Processor SU9400 (1.40GHz) with Intel Centrino 2
Mobile Intel GS45 Chipset
Up to 5GB DDR2 RAM
128GB SATA Solid State Drive (SSD)
Integrated DVD Super-Multi Double Layer Optical Drive
12.1” Widescreen, High Brightness LCD Display
Intel GMA X4500 with 256MB Memory
802.11a/g/n Wireless and Bluetooth
0.3 MP Webcam
Fingerprint Reader
Spill Resistant Keyboard
Microsoft Windows Vista

Alienware M17 Gaming Notebook

Alienware’s latest M17 gaming notebook is feature-packed with ATI CrossFire multi-GPU technology (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 GPUs), Intel’s first mobile quad-core CPU (Core 2 Extreme QX9300), up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, as much as 1TB disk storage (via dual 500GB HDDs in a RAID0 configuration), enhanced sound system (two speakers, with a built-in subwoofer), backlit keyboard, and much more. The system is 17, and offers two display options (a standard LCD with a 1440×900 screen resolution or a Clearview WUXGA LCD with a 1920×1200 resolution). The notebook features the Intel PM45 + ICH9M-E chipset, which can be outfitted with a TV tuner as well. The laptop is powered by a 12-cell lithium-ion battery.
Although the pricing begins quite reasonably for an Alienware system ($1,399), expect to pay significantly more for a fully-loaded configuration.

Asus N20A Ultraportable Notebook

ASUS is new to the notebook and desktop PC market. They have long been known for making quality motherboards, video cards, and other PC components, but the company has just recently entered the field of custom desktop and notebook computers. The ASUS N20A notebook is ultra-portable, sleek, and stylish, yet it also offers top of the line security and high-end specifications to meet the needs of business users. The system’s display is a 12.1" WXGA, glare resistant color shine screen. It features the ASUS Express Gate, which provides an 8-second boot time to a Linux-based environment with web browsing and basic tools. Other features of the ASUS N20A include facial recognition technology, a fingerprint reader, and eSATA connectivity.

ASUS used state-of-the-art technology in the production of the N20A notebook. ASUS’s Unique Infusion Technology provides a scratch resistant exterior and helps maintain the system’s "brand new" sheen, even after prolonged use. Its additional operating system known as Express Gate enables a rapid boot up for quick access to everyday features, such as your web browser, instant messenger, music player, and more. The facial recognition system, otherwise known as SmartLogon, recognizes the users face and can logon without having to press a key. It also looks for changes in the users facial features and no matter the lighting, it can normally detect the user. Using the AuthenTec fingerprint sensor with Trueprint Technology, the ASUS N20A can accurately read anyone’s fingerprint as well.

As for the system’s actual specifications, it boasts an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Intel GMA X4500HD integrated graphics, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, up to 320GB hard drive, 1280×800 resolution display, 1.3 megapixel webcam, HDMI and VGA output ports, DVD burner, Wi-Fi connectivity, ExpressCard expansion slot, 8-in-1 memory card reader, and optional Bluetooth and 3.5G connectivity support. The ASUS N20A ships with Windows Vista pre-installed, with prices starting from $999, and increasing depending on your configuration.

CyberPower Gamer Xtreme M1 Gaming Notebook

Recently, Alienware released their portable monster, the M17, easily topping the charts as the best laptop around. However, a few days ago, custom gaming PC builder CyberPower introduced a rival to the M1. The name of the PC is the Gamer Xtreme M1, and this gaming system can stand up to most Alienware machines that have been released. The downside is that CyberPower decided to install a standard DVD burner rather than a Blu-ray optical drive, which seems odd considering everything is moving HD now.

Aside from that, the CyberPower Gamer Xtreme M1 comes fully loaded with an ultra clear 17" WUXGA TFT LCD display which runs at 1920×1200 pixels. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme processor, you won’t have to worry about slow operation, or opening too many applications with the 4GB of DDR3 that is also featured. The notebook comes with built-in dual ATI Mobile Radeon 512MB DDR2 graphics cards in a CrossfireX configuration. It also offers built-in bluetooth, a 2MP camera (webcam), and fingerprint sensor. The laptop is presented to buyers with a pre-installed copy of Window Vista.

With Christmas around the corner, this is a great present for gaming enthusiasts. Pricing starts at $2199, and the system is customizable.

ASUS Triton 81 CPU Cooler for Core i7 Systems

ASUS has released its first CPU cooler for the soon to be released Intel Core i7 platform. The ASUS Triton 81 offers a 90mm fan that functions between 800 RPM and 2,500 RPM, with a noise level of 18 dBA during normal operation. The cooler is controlled by the motherboard’s PWM, and presents a blue glows when running. ASUS’s Triton 81 is constructed of copper, and includes copper heatpipes that link its base with the fins. The unit weighs 24.16oz, and supports Intel (sockets 1366 and 775) and AMD (sockets 939/940/1207/AM2/AM2+) motherboards. Pricing and availability information has not yet been announced.

ASUS G71 Quad-core Gaming Notebook

The ASUS G71 notebook was designed specifically for the gaming market. The machine emphasizes audio quality and video performance to offer a complete gaming experience. Features include an Intel Core 2 Extreme processor QX9300 (quad-core), DDR3 RAM, dedicated NVIDIA graphics, and a Blu-ray optical drive. The ASUS G71 offers three different processor speed options via the Direct Console 2.0 overclocking and configuration software. Gaming hotkeys are also provided that can be configured to launch a favorite game or execute in-game commands. Similar to the Dell XPS systems, the G71 also features a programmable lighting system that lights up and blinks during in-game events. The lighting options are configurable through the Direct Console 2.0 software. Pricing information has not yet been made available.

Laptop Specifications:

Intel Quad Core QX9300 Processor
Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset + ICH9M-E
Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5100
Windows Vista Ultimate
Up to 4GB DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT with 512MB GDDR3 VRAM
Intel Turbo Memory Technology with 2GB NANDFlash
17" WUXGA High Brightness Display
1 Terabyte Disk Space via Two 500 GB 5,400 RPM Hard Drives
Blu-ray Optical Drive
2 MP Swivel Web Camera
Built-in Bluetooth V2.1+EDR

ASUS G50V-A1 Gaming Notebook

The ASUS G50V-A1 is a new 15.4" gaming notebook to hit the market this holiday season. The G50V-A1 is one of the best machines produced by ASUS performance-wise, but it has other issues that should be considered if your intention is to use the "gaming notebook" heavily for its intended purpose.

The notebook offers excellent performance powered with an Intel Core 2 Duo T9400, high-quality WSXGA+ screen, and numerous features that make the system stand out. It is even bundled with useful accessories that do not normally come with a laptop, including a backpack and gaming mouse. The G50V is covered with a two-year warranty, and the first year includes accident damage coverage as well. The ASUS G50V-A1 also comes with a recovery disk that can be useful in the case of emergency.

If the system was marketed as a business machine, we could stop there with an exceptional review. However, while the laptop offers great stock performance, the G50V-A1’s over clocking and power management abilities didn’t fare so well. Even though the machine was nearly flawless during regular usage, it’s always a plus for it to perform during rigorous benchmark tests (WorldBench, Mobilemark, etc.). Another serious issue is that it lacks driver support for widescreen resolution (1440×900), which would come in handy. It runs perfectly in its normal resolution of 1680×1050, but having to step down to 1280×768 for a decent widescreen resolution is not a good look.

The G50V-A1 comes with Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit, with 4GB of DDR2-800 RAM. The notebook includes an 8X DVD-RW Super Multi drive, 8-in-1 memory card reader, built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam, and Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100AGN with built-in Bluetooth support. Overall, the G50V is a quality gaming platform. The design and numerous features are great. The graphics card it uses (the NVIDIA GeForce 9700 GT) is a bit of an undershot for ASUS since it’s quite underpowered for a gaming laptop.

The A1 can be purchased for a little under $1600, but it may be overpriced since the ASUS G50Vt-X1 can be purchased for $1,250. It’s a cheaper machine, but it has a Core 2 Duo processor, a 15.6" 1366×758 display, and a NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GS, which is simply a better graphics card for a gaming platform.

Lenovo Ideapad S10 10″ Netbook

The Lenovo Ideapad S10 is a small, efficient, and affordable laptop with a 10" diagonal screen. Smaller laptops are increasingly popular, and Lenovo’s great reputation for quality laptops makes the Ideapad of particular interest. The S10 goes to the market for just $399, making it an affordable option that could be the perfect gift this holiday season.

The Ideapad S10 will be available in five colors, but currently only black and white are available. Red, blue, and pink are the other choices that will be available in the near future. The system weighs around 2.65lbs, making it an ultra-portable well-suited for businessmen, college students, or anyone else on the go. Being priced at only $399, there are, of course, some downsides such as the lower-power processor and 3-cell battery that provides for only 3 hours of usage unplugged. The low-capacity battery is used because of its size/weight so that the overall weight of the Ideapad S10 is minimized. However, we feel that Lenovo should have still offered a higher capacity battery as an upgrade option. The Ideapad keyboard also does not live up to the ThinkPad standard.

As for the notebook’s performance, it uses an Intel Atom N270 processor @ 1.6 GHZ and 1 GB of DDR2 memory. It’s no Alienware, but it does the job for the average user. It can handle around 6 light-weight programs and one or two heavy applications at once. Hard-core programs like Maya, Photoshop, and After-Effects might be too much for the system to handle. The small size of this laptop is something that will catch the eyes of people who love to move around, and its pricing is a great option for this holiday season.

UMID UMPC (Mini-Netbook)

In size its rival would be the Nintendo DS, but in function it can rival some decent laptops. With 1GB of RAM, a 1.3 mega-pixel webcam, a mini-USB port, wireless connectivity (WIMAX, WiBro, HSDPA), and a card reader, the UMID is a formidable netbook. It probably would not be considered a netbook, though. Like the IMOVIO iKIT handtop computer, it’s more of a mini-netbook. You could almost call it a pocket-sized laptop. It’s screen is 4.8", touch screen enabled, and runs at 1024×600 resolution. The device is powered by Intel’s Atom processor @ 1.33 GHz. It packs quite a punch for such a small device. Some sources on the Internet claim the mini-netbook can support Linux, Windows XP, and even Windows Vista.

The casing looks great, even though there hasn’t been any word on the exact dimensions. It almost looks like the new PDAs or stylish cell phones, but a little bigger. It’s not available outside of Korea yet, but we’re just excited as everyone else. Pricing information should be available soon.

Panasonic Toughbook F8 Released and Toughbook T8 and W8 Updated

Panasonic has released a new Toughbook model as well as updated two of their existing products. The new product is the Toughbook F8, while the models updated include the Toughbook W8 ultra portable laptop and the stylish Toughbook T8 tablet PC. Taking design tips from what Panasonic likes to call the "walking worker", the Toughbook T8 is definitely a contender in the notebook market, with extras such as a stylus, touch screen, and screen rotating software. With a surprisingly convenient rubber hands strap and a 12.1" tough LCD screen, the T8 sports a power saving Intel Core 2 Duo processor, is expandable to 4GB of RAM, is capable of providing 7 hours of battery life, and offers a 120GB hard drive.

It’s sister model, the Toughbook W8, has an anti-glare LCD display that is also 12.1". The main difference between the two machines is that the W8 weighs in slightly less and that the Panasonic Toughbook T8 has the ergonomic hand strap missing from the Toughbook W8. Also, the T8 includes Display Image Rotation software the W8 does not. The T8 weighs about 3.3 pounds, and the Toughbook W8 weighs in at a light 3 pounds. Both machines have exceptional battery life because of the low voltage Intel Duo Core processors utilized.

Both models come with Windows Vista Business pre-installed, but they can also be downgraded to XP if preferred. Both models also come with complete wireless capabilities, including Bluetooth. Pricing on the Toughbook notebooks starts at $2,099. For the durability and power these machines can provide, it’s well worth the money for many users.

As for the Panasonic Toughbook F8, it is proudly branded as the world’s lightest 3G-ready notebook, wielding a 14.1" wide display and an internal optical drive. The Toughbook F8 took a page out of the book of its predecessor, the T8, by adding a handle. This gives it somewhat of a small briefcase appearance when shut. It comes with a DVD burner and a 160GB hard disk drive. Selling for $2,499, the laptop could be irresistible for businesses that require Panasonic’s expertise in designing solid, reliable, and highly durable portable computers.

Intel X25-E Extreme SATA SSD

Intel has made a big splash into the SSD market. Today the company officially announced the X25-E Extreme SATA SSD. The drive boasts up to 250MB/sustained read, 170MB/s sustained write, 35,000 IOPS read, and 3,300 IOPS write performance. A mainstream model has also been announced with lower write speeds. The SSD also offers a <1ms random access time. This new drive is the fastest SSD currently on the market. With a max 80GB capacity, the SSD also offers a good capacity range for SSDs. As with most solid state drives, pricing will be high at launch. The price for the 32GB model will be $695 in quantities of 1,000.

Super Talent 64GB and 128 GB MasterDrive LX Solid State Drive (SSD)

Solid state drives (SSDs) are becoming increasing popular, especially as prices drop. Super Talent now joins OCZ in leading the movement toward affordable solid state drives. Super Talent’s MasterDrive LX is available in 64GB and 128GB capacities in a 2.5" form factor. As with other SSDs, the MasterDrive LX offer about five times better resistance to shock and vibration, support a wider range of operating temperatures and altitudes, consume less energy, and are absolutely silent.

To ensure the highest level of reliability and compatibility, the MasterDrive LX underwent SuperTalent’s formidable arsenal of validation tests. The SSD is completely interchangeable with mechanical hard disk drives since they use the same SATA-II 3Gbps interface. Built with NAND flash, these SSDs provide read/write speeds that max out at 100MB/s and 40MB/sec accordingly. The lifespan of the SSDs are significantly lengthened by the integrated ECC, bad bit management, and wear leveling systems.

The 64GB model costs around $179, while the 128GB SSD is priced at the bargain value of $299. The drives a certainly an attractive option for the stocking of a tech-savvy individual this holiday season!

ThermalRight Ultra 120 Extreme Cooler Kit

The ThermalRight Ultra 120 Extreme Cooler is a large kit that expands on the quality of ThermalRight’s Ultra 120. When you open the box, you’ll find the quite large Ultra 120 eXtreme unit, along with mounting hardware. As with most of Thermalright’s products, the Ultra 120 eXtreme is developed to be used in combinations with just about all of Intel and AMD’s recent models, including Intel’s new LGA 1366 socket to support Intel Core i7 965XE/940/920 processors. If you own an AMD AM2 board, you will have to make an extra purchase of the AM2 back metal plate. Remember that it’s best to check the motherboard compatibility list before making a purchase. From the bottom to the tip of the heat pipe, the Ultra 120 Extreme stands 16.3cm. Being a huge cooler, it is best to also measure from the socket to where you will attach the case side panel, to ensure there’s enough free space before purchasing.

A great function of the Ultra 120 eXtreme is its ability to mount in many different positions, such as facing up, down, to the right or left of the motherboard. This gives you the flexibility to mount it in a way that you can direct the warm air out of the case. ThermalRight’s Ultra 120 and Ultra 120 Extreme do not come with a fan included. This can be a good thing because some users like to purchase a specific fan for their particular needs. Your results can depend on the fan you choose, though, therefore consider selecting a high-end model to match the high-end cooling system. One excellent option that was tested with this cooler is the Scythe S-Flex 800 RPM. The fan, in combination with ThermalRight’s Ultra 120 eXtreme, performed well enough to get within 1 degree Celsius of Thermaltake’s best cooler that was running at 1250 RPM.

The ThermalRight Ultra Extreme 120 is a very impressive cooling system when the right fan is selected. The cooler may be considered pricy since it sells for $60 before buying the fan, but it will be well worth it for many users due to its low-noise and solid performance.

iKey BT-87-TP Bluetooth Keyboard with Built-in Touch Pad

The iKey BT-87-TP is a rugged bluetooth wireless keyboard with integrated touchpad that is fully sealed and industrial quality. In fact, it is the first keyboard of its kind. The keyboard is specially sealed to be completely dust proof and fully submersible. The new BT-87-TP features 87 keys, with 12 functions keys. Utilizing built-in bluetooth technology, users can throw away dongles/adapters, break loose from wires, and be worry free when it comes to holding onto a receiver. The keyboard is built to withstand some of the toughest elements such dirty, dusty, corrosive, and wet conditions. The reason it’s so foolproof and tough is its heavy duty ABS polycarbonate case and silicone rubber key overlay, which makes it also very easy to clean.

The BT-87-TP is fueled by 2AA batteries and the only time it does require a dongle is if your computer does not have an internal bluetooth radio. It’s the perfect tool for industries such as material handling, the medical field, food and beverage processing, and any other environment in which heavy duty materials are required. Unfortunately, pricing information has not yet been released.

H2O iDive 300 Underwater Speaker / iPod Case

The H2O iDive 300 is a speaker that works underwater and also features built-in housing specially designed to fit an iPod. Connection is done inside the speaker housing so that your iPod remains safe from the water. The unit works with several current and previous model iPods. The iDive is waterproof up to 300ft, making it a perfect solution for those who’d like to listen to music or watch video while scuba diving, free diving, or snorkeling. The H2O iDive is designed to allow video playback to be conveniently seen underwater directly through the speaker. The iDive 300 is being sold for $349.99, and is immediately available for purchase.

Logitech Z-500 Wireless Speakers

Most people use laptops to gain freedom from wires and portability. While it’s true that everything is packed into a small, self-contained machine with a notebook, once you start connecting other devices, your battery life runs low, requiring the power cable, etc., sometimes it feels like we’re back to square one. Logitech recently brought out its Z-500 speakers that help clear the clutter by providing wireless enhanced audio. The Z-500 uses high-performance wireless technology so that you can place the speaker just about anywhere in the vicinity and still enjoy quality music, movies, and other multimedia. Utilizing Stereo XL technology, the Z-500 speakers automatically optimize acoustic levels to provide you a fuller, richer sound. The speakers are connected to your PC in the exact same fashion that you connect a wireless mouse - basically all you’re doing is connecting the Z-500 speakers to the computer using the wireless USB dongle that came with in the package.

If you feel like wiring the speakers up, feel free to use the included USB cable. It also comes with an auxiliary input in the form of a 3.5mm stereo jack so you can connect your iPod or other favorite MP3 player to the device. Inside the speakers is a rechargeable battery that can provide up to 12 hours of playing time from a single charge. No software is required, which makes for a ready-to-go solution out of the box. The unit comes with a protective travel case to help keep the speakers safe, whether you’re walking over to a neighbor’s or on a business flight to France.

Lenovo ThinkPad X301

The base configuration is equipped with 2GB of RAM and an Intel Core 2 Due (1.4GHz) U9400 Ultra Low Voltage processor. The ThinkPad X301 achieved a PCMark Vantage score of 3157, which is 400 points higher than most ultraportables. It’s a great score, but still falls about 60 points shy of the Sony VAIO VGN-Z530N’s and almost 500 points shy of the Lenovo ThinkPad X200.

The X301 didn’t fare so well on all of its graphics tests. On the 3DMark03 benchmark, the X301 (which is powered by an Intel GMA X4500MHD graphics card) netted an 1812, a score that’s 400 points higher than its competitors and its predecessor the X300. However, the 3DMark06 score was 200 points less than other machines in its category. F.E.A.R was also tested in auto-detect mode, and the game ran at a miniscule 14fps. When the settings were increased to maximum, it ran at only 6fps. W.O.W ran at 27.4fps, which is okay, but it is important to remember that this is not a gaming laptop, and should not be expected to out perform Alienware, for example.

Lenovo’s X301’s boot-up time was a little slower than expected. The X301, with its 64GB SSD, took about 1 minute and 37 seconds to boot-up Windows Vista, almost 30 seconds slower than the average ultraportable and 48 seconds slower than the older X300. The SSD did not disappoint and definitely lived up to its fast transfer time copying a 5 GB folder in about 2 minutes and 40 seconds, however. The SSD has a transfer rate of 32.4 megabytes per second, which is miles ahead of the 13.4 megabyte per second transfer rate of competitors using mechanical drives. If 64GB does not fill your needs for capacity, an upgrade option is available for a 128GB SSD, which costs $400.