Laptop Care

SONY introducing a pair of the least expensive Blu-ray capable notebooks. The 15.4-inch VAIO NS replaces the NR. The NS can be equipped with a Blu-ray combo drive while still sitting at the $1,000 mark. It also introduces a new AV menu that not only supports media playback but also shortcuts to favorite apps and websites. The base system is also relatively fast for the cost and results in a $650 NS140 carrying a 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 3GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive and an integrated webcam; the more expensive Blu-ray version carries 4GB of memory but otherwise leaves the system unchanged. Blue, gray, and white versions of the NS will be available when the notebook ships in the fall.

Don't call it a netbook. Placing Raon Digital's featherweight powerhouse up against relative monsters like the Eee PC or MSI Wind, this between ultra-mobile and ultra-portable. Looking at a device that is tiny and fast, but at $879 is woefully overpriced. Its battery life as below that of your typical 6-cell netbook (3 hours on average or 2:15 if you can't live without WiFi), but indicates its dual-core AMD Turion X2 gives it the power to "span ultra mobile and desktop duties" .

The innovative VIA OpenBook Mini-Note Reference Design paves the way for the next generation of ultra-portable notebooks based on the VIA Ultra Mobility Platform. The VIA OpenBook introduces a host of new innovations and features to fans of the mini-note market segment. The new slim and curvy clamshell design weighs in at a mere 1kg and open source access to CAD files for the OpenBook case design opens up even more possibilities for customization of the look and feel. The flexible local WiFi and long range WiMAX, HSDPA or EV-DO/W-CDMA 3G cellular connectivity options ensure users instant broadband internet access from virtually anywhere. This selection of data access providers, puts the VIA OpenBook's connectivity in a class of its own. Combine these features with a stunning 8.9" screen that supports up to 1024x600 resolution, and DirectX 9.0 3D graphics performance and users will enjoy a rich on-the-go multi-media experience. (via.com.tw) Visit the site

B300 is another fully rugged notebook from GETAC, that has been designed to be fully customizable, with an extensive list of security, power and connectivity options. The B300 features an ultra-bright 13.3 inch sunlight readable display making it an ideal choice for daylight viewing. Its exterior is made from magnesium alloy, and is equipped with shock mounted hard disk drive, vibration and shock resistance body, and sealed I/O caps and doors to prevent damage from solid particles and moisture. It is also heavily armed for privacy and data security via its fingerprint scanner, TPM V1.2, optional smart card reader and includes comprehensive connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wireless LAN, GPS and 3G. The computing specs include Intel® Core™2 Duo Merom L7500 1.6GHz processor, 512MB DDR2 expandable to 4GB, SATA 80GB expandable to 250GB, DVD Super Multi Drive, and more. It currently retails starting at an unconfirmed price of approx. $3200.

THERE has been a lot of press surrounding the “One Laptop per Child” campaign, but there is a similar concept presented by IDEO and Project Inkwell called the Spark. Project Inkwell has a goal to put easy-to-use mobile devices into the hands of the students, so they can learn anytime and anywhere. The Spark uses wireless networ king for Internet-based learning. This allows the student to learn in any environment, and the company believes that students at the K-12 level will learn better on th ese laptop computers. Spark takes the concept of a laptop and a desktop and merges the two. There is a zipper pocket designed for a spare battery and even a Bluetooth wireless mouse, and skinny keyboard. Source

THE notebook is not just looking green from the outside, but also on the inside and more, introducing Bamboo-Case Green Notebook from ASUS. The company claims throughout every phase of the laptop’s life – from its conception, production and use to its eventual recycling and disposal, the bamboo-clad laptop is truly green. In developing the laptop, the company enforced its management to utilize tools that strictly adhered to the green principles. The Bamboo Series Notebook will come in both 12.1- and 11.1-inch variants, weighing 1.57kg and 1.25kg, respectively. Both will feature Intel Core 2 Duo processors, DDR2 RAM, and LED-backlit displays. ( ASUS )