Acer not making a tablet, will focus on ultra-thin laptops

We’re sort of loving Acer’s new bad-boy vibe — not only have company execs recently gone on record saying that US PC manufacturers will be dead within 20 years and that they want to “change the Microsoft-Intel environment” with Chrome OS, but now they’re standing firm while everyone else races to do a tablet. At least that’s the word from Acer Taiwan president Scott Lin, who told Digitimes that while Acer can certainly produce a tablet device, it doesn’t fit into the company’s business model. What’s more, he doubts that other companies can simply copy Apple’s hardware and succeed — instead, Acer’s going to focus on ultra-thin laptops, a category Acer expects to account for 20-30 percent of its business this year. Lin also said Acer will introduce some new models that are less then 2cm (.7 inches) thick — assuming there’s an ARM-based Chrome OS netbook in that mix, we can certainly see the super thin and light laptop category and the tablet category aligning as direct competitors in the near future.

Acer not making a tablet, will focus on ultra-thin laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Adamo falls to under $1,000 for the first time, tempts you mercilessly

You know what’s hard to resist? This. You know what else is difficult to turn a blind eye to? One of the sexiest machines Dell has ever made, at a price point that’s below the all-important four figure mark. Starting today, the Adamo Admire is sporting an altogether sultry base price of $999, which nets you a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, Windows 7 Home (64-bit), 2GB of DDR3 RAM and a 128GB solid state drive. If that’s a little weak for your tastes, the upmarket Adamo Desire has also undergone a price reduction, enabling you to get a 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo chip, 4GB of memory, integrated mobile broadband and a 256GB SSD for $1,799 — a full $500 less than it was in October. You’re blowing it off like you just don’t care, but you know you’ll be back to visit that Source link when no one’s looking. And the video after the jump, too.

[Thanks, Ben and Ryan]

Continue reading Dell Adamo falls to under $1,000 for the first time, tempts you mercilessly

Dell Adamo falls to under $1,000 for the first time, tempts you mercilessly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG X300 hands-on: thin, light, and handsome

LG X300 hands-on: thin, light, and handsome originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS UL30Vt-A1 pops up on Amazon for pre-order: silver, 5600mAh battery, $849

ASUS’ UL30Vt-X1 was largely hailed as the CULV machine to get when it finally went on sale just a few weeks back, and it has a Core 2 Duo CPU alongside a switchable graphics solution to thank. Still, the main two gripes on it were the inability to choose a color and the (comparatively) lackluster battery. Thankfully for those who managed to hold off, ASUS has quietly pushed its UL30Vt-A1 onto Amazon’s pages, complete with a silver paint job, a capacious 5,600mAh battery (good for “up to 12 hours” of usage) and an asking price that’s $50 higher than the X1. All other specs have seemingly remained constant, from the 1.3GHz Intel SU7300 CPU to the 4GB of DDR3 RAM to the 500GB hard drive. You’ll also get a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium and an NVIDIA G210M (512MB) + GMA 4500MHD GPU setup, but there’s no telling when your order will actually ship. Here’s hoping for sooner rather than later, yeah?

[Thanks, Paul]

ASUS UL30Vt-A1 pops up on Amazon for pre-order: silver, 5600mAh battery, $849 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo leaks ThinkPad Edge, X100e, T410s, W510, T510 and more ahead of CES

Hey Lenovo, your cards are showing. Just weeks after the FCC tipped us off on a new pair of netbooks that are all but definitely slated for a CES unveiling, Lenovo has no one but its web administrator(s) to blame for this one. A “New product showcase” portal over on the outfit’s site has just revealed a half dozen new lappies that are slated to go on sale starting January 5th – 7th, with the ultra-sleek 13.3-inch ThinkPad Edge leading the way. Said rig boasts up to 7.8 hours of battery life, a dual-core CPU, Windows 7, Bluetooth and WiMAX options, integrated WWAN / GPS, WiFi, a spill-resistant keyboard, three USB ports, a 5-in-1 media card reader and an option for a red paint job. There’s also a sub-3 pound ThinkPad X100e ultraportable with an 11.6-inch display, AMD processor and an only-available-overseas Arctic White color option. The T410, T410s, T510 and W510 are bringing up the rear, with their (admittedly brief) specification lists spelled out in the source links below.

[Thanks, Jake and Daniel]

Lenovo leaks ThinkPad Edge, X100e, T410s, W510, T510 and more ahead of CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Best 13-inch laptop on the market?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Moe, who is dead-set on snagging a 13-inch machine just as soon as a model is decided upon. Help a brother out, won’t you?

“I’m in the market for a new laptop, and I want a 13-incher. I need something with a great keyboard for typing, as this will mostly be used for note taking in class. I am absolutely smitten with the XPS 13, but I’m afraid that with its age Dell is going to give it an update soon. Any advice for someone in my shoes? Thanks!”

There’s no doubt that an update is around the corner, but there’s no telling how far that corner is from being reached. USB 3.0 updates are unavoidable, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few new SSD options creep up, either. That said, there’s nothing quite like the here and now, so if any of you ultraportable owners wish to help out, you know where to head.

Ask Engadget: Best 13-inch laptop on the market? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 in action: good benchmarks, so-so multitouch

Step aside, VAIO P, Fujitsu’s managed to take too-small screens on netbooks to new heights with the UH900, and the addition of a touchscreen makes you seem seriously early 2009. So, how does it perform? UMPC Fever is feeling it, with a CrystalMark score helped along by the UH900’s SSD, even if done few favors by the 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor. Unfortunately, while the touchscreen display does offer multitouch gestures, they seem rather laggy — as demonstrated in the video after the break. And thus we witness the odd disconnect of “laptops” and “phones,” as the screen size and processor speed borders on a merging point and the interaction styles (or at least the execution on those styles) almost couldn’t be further apart.

Continue reading Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 in action: good benchmarks, so-so multitouch

Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 in action: good benchmarks, so-so multitouch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI slides out 13.4-inch X-Slim X350 CULV laptop

MSI has been quite the snake of late. Just over the past fortnight alone the outfit has slyly rolled out a new Wind Top all-in-one PC, a revamped X-Slim X600 Pro and now a brand new CULV rig that promises up to 9 hours of battery life and weighs just 3.31 pounds. The 13.4-inch X-Slim X350 doesn’t deviate from the design mantra established in earlier X-Slim models, and within you’ll find an Intel CULV Core 2 Duo processor, a ‘chiclet’ keyboard, LED-backlit 1,366 x 768 resolution display, an integrated HDMI socket, GMA 4500MHD graphics set, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, gigabit Ethernet, optional Bluetooth, WiFi, an SD / MMC card reader, audio in / out, a couple of USB 2.0 sockets and Windows 7 Home Premium runnin’ the show. There’s also an optional external optical drive available (DVD or Blu-ray), your choice of a 4- or 8-cell battery, VGA output and a pair of inbuilt speakers. Mum’s the word on pricing and availability, but we suspect the firm will be showcasing this shortly when CES kicks off.

MSI slides out 13.4-inch X-Slim X350 CULV laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI X-Slim X600 Pro tweaks the 15.6-inch thinsanity formula

The last time we bumped into MSI’s 15.6-inch X-Slim X600 we were unimpressed with the build quality — it just seemed like too much plastic in too thin of a form factor to be trusted. Well, the X-Slim X600 Pro seems to have addressed some of the perceived quality issues, with a new scratch-resistant surface and silver inlays, but we’ll have to play with one before we really know if these refinements are merely skin deep. The largest hardware tweak is the new chiclet keyboard, while inside the laptop has scored “the latest” Intel Core 2 Duo CULV processor, matched with the same ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics from last time. There’s no word on price or availability, but we’re sure we’ll be seeing and hearing more at CES.

MSI X-Slim X600 Pro tweaks the 15.6-inch thinsanity formula originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultrathin LG XNote LGX30 surfaces at FCC rockin’ Windows 7

Looks like Dell isn’t the only one who knows how to produce an ultrathin laptop, as LG’s latest concoction has just landed at the always-revealed database of the FCC. The XNote LGX30 (not to be confused with the Ion-based X30) is an 11.6-inch netbook with a 1,366 x 768 resolution panel, solid state drive, integrated webcam, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a multicard reader, GMA500 graphics set and a 3-cell battery. The machine weighs just 1.74 pounds and is based on some sort of Atom CPU, and as expected, it’s Windows 7 running the show. We’re hoping to hear a lot more about this thing when CES rolls around, but till then, feel free to peruse the user guide down there in the source link. It’s a riveting read, we tell ya.

Ultrathin LG XNote LGX30 surfaces at FCC rockin’ Windows 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Apple’s unibody MacBook?

Quietly unveiled alongside the 27-inch iMac and the Magic Mouse was this: Apple’s attempt to force the unibody construction that we’ve already seen used on its MacBook Pro into the lowly MacBook line. This 13-incher didn’t revolutionize Apple’s low-end laptop line, but it did add a pinch of style and an integrated “7-hour” battery while keeping the price tag steady at $999. We certainly had our fair share of gripes when testing this scuff-magnet out, but now that you’ve had nearly two months to toy around with your own, we’re anxious to hear what you’d do different next time. Is the build quality up to your standards? Are you still weeping uncontrollably as you search in vain for a FireWire 400 port? Is the 9400M GPU potent enough for you? Did this honestly deserve to be priced at a few hundies less? Feel free to unleash hot fury in comments below — maybe ole Steve will feel the heat.

How would you change Apple’s unibody MacBook? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell’s Adamo XPS now shipping to some (and we’ve got pics to prove it)

Dell’s 9.99mm thin Adamo XPS wasn’t supposed to ship to even the earliest orderers until December 22nd, but it seems as if a minor Christmas miracle has happened over at Adam’s office. In fact, those ordering one of these slimsters today won’t see it until mid-January, but if you got in early, there just might be hope for you yet. Oh, and if you’re pretty certain that your order will simply be delayed indefinitely as Old Man Winter holds you down, feel free to cheer yourself up by perusing the gallery below. Or slip into an infinite loop of depression — your call.

[Thanks, Adam]

Dell’s Adamo XPS now shipping to some (and we’ve got pics to prove it) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI X-Slim X430 gets an Athlon Neo CPU, Windows 7 and Blu-ray

AMD spoiled MSI’s surprise a bit by snagging an X-Slim X430 early for its VISION gala back in September, but now that Windows 7 is out and about, MSI has decided to officialize its latest thin-and-light. Unlike most of its rivals, this one shuns Intel’s CULV lineup and instead relies on a dual-core AMD Athlon Neo X2 CPU, and with Win7 Home Premium at the helm, performance shouldn’t be too much of an issue when it comes to handling basic tasks. There’s also a 14-inch display (1,366 x 768), 2GB of RAM, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, HDMI / VGA sockets, an SD card slot, a 320GB or 500GB HDD and even an optional Blu-ray drive (albeit an external one). 4 and 8-cell batteries will also be available, and at 3.3 pounds, we’re guessing you won’t need to bulk up before slapping this in your knapsack.

MSI X-Slim X430 gets an Athlon Neo CPU, Windows 7 and Blu-ray originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG X120 netbook comes to the US with 2-year AT&T contract

Continue reading LG X120 netbook comes to the US with 2-year AT&T contract

LG X120 netbook comes to the US with 2-year AT&T contract originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP’s 11.6-inch Pavilion DM1 gets unboxed on video

HP’s Pavilion DM1 has been floating around for a few weeks now in various corners of the globe, but now it seems as if the CULV-based machine is splashing down in at least a few lairs. Sporting an 11.6-inch display, a built-in 3G SIM card slot and Windows 7, this thing looks an awful lot like the Mini 311 (and for good reason). Granted, we’re still waiting for it to ship here in North America, but if you’re too impatient to just wait things out, an unboxing video is posted up just past the break for your enjoyment.

Continue reading HP’s 11.6-inch Pavilion DM1 gets unboxed on video

Filed under: Laptops

HP’s 11.6-inch Pavilion DM1 gets unboxed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo IdeaPad U150 11.6-inch ultraportable hits the streets with $699 asking price

Just in case it had slipped your mind, now is a pretty great time to be looking for a computer. Take this IdeaPad U150 from Lenovo which just started shipping, for instance. For $699 you can get a CULV processor, 3GB of RAM and a 250GB HDD stuffed inside a 3 pound, 0.75-inch thick enclosure, with a 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display and Windows 7 Home Premium. Bump it up to $849 and you’re looking at better internals all around, and while those Intel X4500 graphics might be holding you back performance-wise, the external looks and build quality of this thing almost make up for it.

Read – U150 now available in US
Read – U150 review

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo IdeaPad U150 11.6-inch ultraportable hits the streets with $699 asking price originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo IdeaPad U150 gets unboxed and critiqued (video)

We spotted the IdeaPad U150 sitting pretty as far back as CEATEC, but now it seems the 11.6-inch beaut is finally finding its way out into the wild, wild… wilds. The suave folks over at Netbooked were able to wrap their paws around a retail unit, and aside from just unboxing it on video (which was a nice gesture in its own right), they also ran it through some basic tasks and spit out a few general opinions. Hit the links below if you’d like to follow the journey from undressing to battery life testing, and hop on past the breaks if you’re into this hot new thing called “video.”

Read – IdeaPad U150 unboxing
Read – IdeaPad U150 impressions

Continue reading Lenovo IdeaPad U150 gets unboxed and critiqued (video)

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo IdeaPad U150 gets unboxed and critiqued (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Envy 14 on the horizon?

We’ll keep this short and sweet — the same amateur sleuths who were responsible for revealing the majority of HP’s fall lineup ahead of time are back again, this time indicating a forthcoming Envy 14 model. It doesn’t take much genius to find this information out, mind you, as HP’s Softpaq support docs just keep coming out ahead of official announcements. Two Envy 14 iterations appear to be in the works, though their specifications remain open to speculation. There still shouldn’t be too much of a wait before finding out if this will be just a range filler or a distinctive advancement in its own right, so we’ll leave it to you to decide whether to delay that Envy purchase for just a little while longer.

[Thanks, Al]

Filed under: Laptops

HP Envy 14 on the horizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony’s VAIO X ultraportable gets gently unboxed on video

Sony’s 11.1-inch VAIO X may not have the internal hardware we’d like, but there’s no denying that this thing is as capable as any machine at seducing you into a purchase. The good lads over at NewGadgets have managed to secure one over in Germany, and while their version doesn’t ship with an extended battery, it’s still worth taking a look at. Trust us. It’s waiting for you after the break, and if you’re new to all of this, that giant “Play” button that’ll appear is what you’ll want to press.

Continue reading Sony’s VAIO X ultraportable gets gently unboxed on video

Sony’s VAIO X ultraportable gets gently unboxed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ericsson’s Spider Computer makes portable computing downright creepy

Filed under: Laptops

Ericsson’s Spider Computer makes portable computing downright creepy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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