If you thought Intel’s super-charged Core i7 CPUs were only for desktops, then AVADirect reckons it can change your mind. The company’s Clevo P270WM notebook comes strapped to the back of either a six-core i7-3930K or an over-sized i7-3960X, while still leaving plenty of room for dual GeForce GTX 580M graphics, a Bigfoot Killer WiFi adapter, three hard drives and four memory slots offering up to 32GB of RAM. Topping it all off is a 3D-capable 17.3-inch Full HD LED glossy display and backlit keyboard. The base configuration with the 3930K processor, single graphics card and 750GB HDD will set you back over $3,000, and if you have to ask how much the NVIDIA Quadro graphics option costs then you’re probably better off with something like this.

SOURCE via Ava Direct

The Daily claims to have seen two Windows 8 netbook prototypes with a Kinect sensor mounted in the chassis, built by Asus and sanctioned by Microsoft. Given that the Redmond company officially announced Kinect for Windows earlier this month during CES 2012, the news shouldn’t be a surprise. But so far both companies have yet to announce anything backing up the report.

According to The Daily, the prototype netbooks featured an array of small sensors stretching across the top of the screen where a webcam typically resides. Mounted along the bottom of the screen was what appeared to be a string of LEDs. The report also noted that an unnamed source at Microsoft confirmed that the two prototypes were indeed official. Unfortunately, the rest of the story is mere speculation, providing little else of the actual hardware details.

As reported during CES 2012, Microsoft has released the Kinect for Windows SDK to developers back on February 1. This means the Kinect drivers and APIs is now available for both commercial software developers and the general public. The company said that it’s currently working with more than 200 companies to build applications for Windows that take advantage of Kinect’s technology.

“We are building the Kinect for Windows platform in a way that will allow other companies to integrate Kinect into their offerings and we have invested in an approach that allows them to develop in ways that are dependable and scalable,” said Craig Eisler, General Manager, Kinect for Windows.

Suddenly a netbook with a built-in Kinect sensor doesn’t seem quite so far-fetched after all.

Depending on the price per unit, using a Kinect sensor may be cheaper than installing a touchscreen when building an “interactive” netbook or notebook. Gaming would seem out of the question given the compact nature of the notebook/netbook form factor, but waving through various windows or activating applications via voice would seemingly be ideal. As Microsoft indicated earlier this month, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

“We are excited for the new possibilities that Kinect will enable on the Windows platform, and to see how businesses and developers reimagine their processes and their products, and the many different ways each Kinect could enrich lives and make using technology more natural for everyone,” Eisler said.

Thursday during AMD’s Financial Analysis Day, Engadget spotted an “ultrathin” ODM reference unit from Compal featuring AMD’s upcoming Trinity APU. The chip was believed to be one of the lower variants — either 17W or 25W — housed within an 18-mm form factor. This particular model was reportedly one of many prototypes currently being shopped around to OEMs.

According to the site, the prototype featured plenty of connectivity onboard including two USB 3.0 ports, mini-DisplayPort and HDMI mounted on the left, and audio jacks, another USB port, Ethernet and power mounted along the right. AMD is looking to sell the final product at half the price of Intel’s ultrabook form factor, ranging from $500 to $600 USD.

On Thursday AMD also revealed its desktop and mobile roadmaps for 2012 and 2013. Later this year AMD will replace the Bulldozer line with the 32-nm performance-driven Vishera series which will contain 4 to 8 “Piledriver” cores. Also slated for 2012 will be the mainstream 32-nm 2nd-generation A-Series APUs codenamed Trinity with 2 to 4 “Piledriver” cores and a 2nd-generation DirectX 11 GPU, and the low-power, 40-nm E-Series APUs codenamed Brazos 2.0 with 2 “Bobcat” cores and a DirectX 11-capable GPU.

On the 2012 mobile front, AMD is releasing the Trinity APUs with both standard (35W) and Low Voltage (17 to 25W) options. The E-Series APUs will be accompanied by the C-Series with power options ranging between 9 to 18W. For the tablet and fanless ultra low power sector, AMD will introduce the Z-Series APU codenamed Hondo sporting 1 to 2 x86 cores, ultra low voltage (4 to 5W) and a DirectX 11-capable GPU.

As for 2013, AMD will release the 2nd-generation 32-nm FX desktop CPUs codenamed “Vishera” on the performance front, sporting 4 to 8 “Piledriver” cores. AMD will also launch the 28-nm 3rd-generation “Kaveri” APU with 2 to 4 “Steamroller” x86 cores, a Graphics Core Next GPU and HSA application support for the mainstream sector, and the 28-nm Kabini APU with 2 to 4 “Jaguar” x86 cores and a Graphics Core Next GPU for the low-power “essential” end.

AMD’s 2013 mobile assault will include the 28-nm Kaveri APU with 2 to 4 “Steamroller” x86 cores, a Graphics Core Next GPU and HSA Application support. For both the mainstream and essential markets, AMD will release the 28-nm Kabini APU with 2 to 4 “Jaguar” x86 cores and a Graphics Core Next GPU. The tablet and fanless ultra low power sector will receive the 28-nm Tamesh APU with 2 “Jaguar” x86 cores and a Graphics Core Next GPU.

In a separate slide, AMD revealed that in 2012 it will launch the discrete 28-nm Southern Islands GPU with Graphics Core Next and DirectX 11 support. Then in 2013 AMD will launch the discrete Sea Islands GPU sporting a new architecture and HSA features.

“AMD’s strategy capitalizes on the convergence of technologies and devices that will define the next era of the industry,” said Rory Read, president and CEO, AMD, on Thursday. “The trends around consumerization, the Cloud and convergence will only grow stronger in the coming years. AMD has a unique opportunity to take advantage of this key industry inflection point. We remain focused on continuing the work we began last year to re-position AMD. Our new strategy will help AMD embrace the shifts occurring in the industry, marrying market needs with innovative technologies and become a consistent growth engine.”

Who knew a “p” packed so much punch? Just weeks after Lenovo cut loose with a boatload of new machines, the outfit has quietly slipped out an even newer model tailored for gamers. The 14-inch IdeaPad Y470p looks just about like the existing Y470, but swaps out the middling NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M for a far more potent Radeon HD 7690M. (For those wondering — yep, that’s the same chip in HP’s new Envy 15.) There’s also a 2.2GHz quad-core Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, an optional 1TB HDD, JBL speakers and a native 1,366 x 768 screen resolution. The unit tips the scales at 4.85 pounds with a six-cell battery, which is supposedly good for up to four hours of usage (in presumably ideal conditions). Other specs include a Blu-ray Disc drive, a two-megapixel webcam, HDMI out and USB 3.0. For now, at least, it looks as if eager beavers can get one headed their way for as low as $799, but the more specced-out models are reaching well over $1,200.

SOURCE via The Verge

Earlier this week, the folks at OLPC unveiled their brand new XO 3, a tablet aimed at children in the developing world. However, OLPC isn’t the only company working the low-cost educational PC market. This week at CES, Lenovo unveiled its new Classmate+ laptop and convertible notebooks, which promise to be even more rugged and affordable than the last Classmate PC while providing longer battery life and improved ease of use.

Based on Intel’s N2600 Atom CPU (which just started shipping last month), the Classmate+ features a 10.1-inch anti-glare screen (with touch capability on the convertible model) as well as optional high-brightness or HD on both, as well as the option for a capacitive touch screen with a pen stylus on the convertible version. It boasts up to 2 GB DDR3 memory and up to 320 GB in HDD storage. Solid State storage is also available, up to 32 GB of it, and the whole thing runs on a 6-cell battery that provides a maximum 10 hours of usage.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ve also got three USB ports, VGA, and an optional HDMI port for transferring data and outputting standard and high definition video to an external display. As for that extra-ruggedness we were promised, the Classmate+ keyboard packs enhanced water resistance, as well as a tougher corner design, a reinforced steel hinge and a strengthened DC jack.

“As the world’s #1 PC maker in education, we’re committed to enhancing learning via our platform of PC solutions designed for students,” Michael Schmedlen, director of worldwide education at Lenovo, said in a statement. “By joining with Intel to create the new Lenovo Classmate+ Clamshell and Classmate+ Convertible laptops, we’re demonstrating how mobile computing fits into any learning environment, no matter the location or budget.”

The price of the Lenovo Classmate+ laptop and convertible laptop will vary depending on the individual market’s taxes, tariffs, and configuration options, but it’s available this month for governments and qualifying educational institutions.

Ultrabooks are definitely one of the trends at CES 2012. While there’s a ton of them on display, not all of them are new (it’s not at all unusual for companies to bring old or already-announced products to CES to try and catch some of the media rays). However, we’re also seeing some companies announce their first ever Ultrabook, and among them is Dell.

Dell today showed off its first foray into the Ultrabook market in the form of the XPS 13. Boasting a 13-inch 1366 x 768 Gorilla Glass display (which, similar to the HP Spectre, fits inside a chassis that’s an inch smaller), the XPS 13 packs a Core i5 CPU, Intel HD 3000 graphics, a 128 GB SSD, 4 GB of RAM, Bluetooth 3.0, Intel’s Smart Connect and Rapid Start technologies, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, a MiniDisplay port, and a battery life of eight hours.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Ultrabook if you didn’t know how heavy it was and just how it compares to the other super-slim notebooks on the market. To that end, the XPS 13 measures in at 18-mm at its thickest and 6-mm at its thinnest. The whole thing weighs in just shy of 3-lbs and is wrapped up in a sleek aluminum finish.

As far as pricing and availability are concerned, the XPS 13 is set for release at the end of next month and will start at $999. Upgrades to Core i7 and more storage space will push that up quite a bit, though.

Not surprisingly, Acer’s jumping on the quickly-expanding Ultrabook bandwagon here at CES 2012, with the Aspire S5 being the first out of the chute. It’s a 13.3-incher that’ll check it at under three pounds, offering up Instant On functionality, a magnesium-aluminum alloy cover in Onyx Black.

Adorned with a delicately curved chassis in Onyx Black, the Aspire S5′s cover rim wraps around the system body like a protective shell. A magnesium-aluminum alloy cover and palm rest provide a slimmer and sturdier form, while the metallic brushed detail presents subtle elegance. The clean and ultra-fluid contours seen from all angles make the S5 a vision of beauty.

The Aspire S5 is also Acer’s first Ultrabook to feature the new MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 and 10Gbps Thunderbolt. Yes, Thunderbolt port is present here.

We’re told that it’ll start shipping in Q2 of this year, but other details remain under wraps.

The Samsung Series 9 debuted at an odd time, before “Ultrabook” was a buzz word, and when a 2.8-pound laptop was novel enough to warrant a $1,649 price tag. A year later, it returns at an even more pivotal moment: Ultrabooks are cropping up by the dozens, and while their specs are similar to what the original Series 9 had to offer, they cost hundreds less. So with that as the backdrop, Samsung just announced a pair of slimmed-down, redesigned Series 9 laptops: a 13-inch remake, priced at $1,399 and up, and a new 15-inch form number that will cost $1,499-plus when the two go on sale next month.

Though consumers are likely to draw comparisons between that 2.5-pound 13-incher and the umpteen other ultraportables hitting the market, Samsung isn’t positioning the Series 9 laptops as Ultrabooks, but rather, premium, top-tier machines. Still, for something that’s not an Ultrabook, the brothers Series 9 certainly look the part: both pack Core i5 processors, 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSDs, six-hour batteries and backlit keyboards — Ultrabook-like specs if ever we’ve heard them. Even the 15-inch model is missing an optical drive, and isn’t much larger than the last-gen Series 9.

What separate these sexy books from your garden-variety $900 box is a solid unibody aluminum design and a heartbreakingly beautiful display: a 1600 x 900 panel with a matte finish and 400 nits of brightness. But is that worth shelling out an extra few grand? We’ll know when the final product arrives.

If CES is the place where companies can demo products they don’t intend to sell for another six months, what better place for PC makers to tease their first Windows 8 tablets? Though the OS isn’t expected to reach its final stage until later this year, Lenovo is already showing off the IdeaPad Yoga, a convertible tablet with a screen that flips over, like a cover on a spiral-bound book. If you like, you can bend it partway so that the keyboard functions as a stand when you’re in the mood to watch a movie.

According to some Lenovo reps, it’s clear the company sees this as a laptop first, and tablet second. The proof is in the specs, really. It weighs “less than 1.5kg,” or 3.3 pounds, making it heavier than some ultrabooks. Not only is its display IPS, but it boasts 1600 x 900 resolution — an unheard of pixel count for tablets, let alone most 13-inch laptops. And when this hits, it’ll pack “next-generation” (read: Ivy Bridge) Intel Core processors — albeit, of the ULV variety. Accordingly, it has a laptop price: around $1,000, when it eventually ships, sometime later this year after Windows 8 gets finalized.

Fortunately, the battery life is worthy of a tablet: Lenovo says the 54Wh juicepack can last up to eight hours. It measures 17mm (0.67) inches tall, which wouldn’t be at all impressive for a typical tablet, but seems slim here, all things considered. Interestingly, Lenovo even rejiggered the power port to help minimize the thickness.

Whether you call this a laptop or a tablet, the build quality is top-notch in either category. The patented hinge is rated for 25,000 cycles, and the back cover has a soft, tactile finish. The keyboard, too, feels sturdy, in the style of the IdeaPad U300s. The real start of the show, though, is that IPS display, which offers vibrant colors, crisp detail and wide viewing angles. But even at this early stage, the screen seems responsive. Not just to rote taps and swipes, but 10-fingered input, which at the very least should come in handy for drawing apps. HD videos run fluidly at full-screen too. Of course, the timing of this all depends on how quickly Microsoft can get Windows 8 out the door.

If there’s one thing we don’t like about the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s, it’s that it’s missing an SD slot, and starts at $1,200 — a steep price when you can find many an Ultrabook for under $1,000. (Okay, that’s two things.) And while the company isn’t ready for a complete do-over just yet, it’s clearly trying to fill some gaps in its lineup: the outfit just introduced the 13-inch IdeaPad U310 and the 14-inch U410, which will start at a relatively inexpensive $699. On paper, the IdeaPad U310 bears a strong resemblance to the U300s we reviewed two months ago, with 4GB of RAM, 1366 x 768 resolution, an eight-hour battery, Intel Wireless Display and a choice of Intel Core processors. But, it adds an extra USB 3.0 port, along with that all-important memory card slot. In exchange, you’ll have to make some tougher choices regarding storage: you can opt for a 500GB hard drive or an SSD that tops out at 64GB of space.

The 14-inch IdeaPad U410 offers more of the same, though instead of Intel’s integrated graphics offering, it packs an NVIDIA GeForce 610M card with 1GB of video memory — unsurprising, given that the new ThinkPad T430u Ultrabook also has discrete graphics at a similar price. All in all, not too shabby for $700, though the trade-off for the extra ports and lower price is some extra padding: the 13-inch version tips the scales at 3.7 pounds, versus 2.95 for the U300s. (The U410 weights 4.2.) Then again, when these go on sale in May, we suspect they’ll be plenty light for students looking to get a jump on back-to-school shopping.

The IdeaPad U310 and U410 actually have the same book-inspired profile, comfortable keyboard and expansive trackpad we first saw on the U300s. What’s more, the gain in thickness really isn’t that noticeable, and even if it were, we wouldn’t have minded much, given the affordable price and addition of an SD slot. Even the step down in materials isn’t that big a demotion. No, this isn’t an all-aluminum design, but the palm rest, made of a plastic-glass fiber blend, still feels surprisingly solid.