Posts in Notebooks
Toshiba launches world's first notebook with three Nvidia GPUs
John Chan | Nov 07, 2008
Picture credit: Toshiba
Nvidia seems to be making a lot of headway in the mobile computing world. Just recently, Apple announced that its lineup of new notebooks would come with integrated and/or discrete Nvidia GPUs (graphics processing units). Today, it pulled off another coup with Toshiba announcing that its latest gaming notebook, the Qosmio X305 will come with three Nvidia GPUs.
We have not made a typo. One of these GPUs is the integrated GeForce 9400M while the other two are a pair GeForce 9800M GTS GPUs working together using the chipmaker's SLI technology. Like the new MacBook Pro, users can switch between the 9400M for battery stamina and the dual graphics for performance. Each of the 9800M GPUs come with 512MB of dedicated DDR3 video memory. That alone tells you how much power Toshiba has put under the hood of these gaming class notebooks.
Two variants are available and they cost either US$1,999 or a sky-high US$4,199. The insanely expensive model also comes with an Intel QX9300 Core 2 Extreme processor and two hard drives, one of which is a 128MB SSD--no doubt one of the main factors driving up its cost significantly compared to the cheaper model which comes with just one regular 320GB hard drive.
These notebooks are now available in the US though not yet in Asia. We are checking when they will arrive in our region and will update this article as soon as we can.
Honey, I shrunk the Wireless-N USB adapter
Dong Ngo | Nov 07, 2008
The GW-USMicronN next its D-Link counterpart.
(Credit: Dong Ngo/CNET Networks)
I just got my hands on the GW-USMicronN, Planex's latest USB Wireless-N adapter that the company announced at the end of last month. I've seen a lot of USB wireless adapters and I am generally not impressed with them.
The GW-USMicronN, however, is very different: it's tiny--just about a sixth of the D-Link DWA160, which is already rather compact among USB Wireless-N adapters.
Despite the small form factor, the GW-USMicronN supports Wireless-N with MIMO technology and is backward-compatible with Wireless-G. It supports all encryption standards and Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which allows you to quickly hook a wireless device to a network without having to enter the hard-to-remember encryption key.
Read more »
As the Mac turns: MacBook Air delayed, Mac Mini coming soon?
Tom Krazit | Nov 06, 2008
Those who ordered a new MacBook Air with the regular hard drive might have to wait longer than expected for their new purchase to arrive.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET News)
Apple customers awaiting their new MacBook Airs may have to wait a little longer than they had thought, but potential Mac Mini customers should sit tight.
That seems to the state of the Mac this Wednesday, according to AppleInsider. The site notes that customers who ordered the new MacBook Airs with the 120GB hard drive option are receiving notices from Apple apologizing for a shipping delay.
The systems were expected to go out this week, but now won't go out until the end of November. Those who ordered the more expensive solid-state drive option have already started getting their new systems, which were updated as part of Apple's October notebook event.
But Mac customers hoping to see a new Mac Mini should be pleased to hear the story told by one AppleInsider reader, who reports hearing back directly from an Apple representative after e-mailing hardware honcho Bob Mansfield a plea to save the Mini. The fate of the Mac Mini has been up in the air a bit as we close out 2008, given the length of time since the last update, reports from Europe that retailers aren't getting further shipments of the current model, and Apple's statement that it won't be releasing new Macs before the end of the year. Macworld in January now seems a likely bet.
Via CNET News
Hong Kong gets Fujitsu Netbook
Darius Chang | Nov 06, 2008
Online vendor Expansys has started shipping the first Fujitsu Netbook to consumers in Hong Kong.
Priced at HK$4,900 (S$939.35), the Fujitsu M1010 comes with the expected Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor and 1GB RAM in an 8.9-inch form factor. Bluetooth and 802.11b/g connectivity come standard, while a 60GB harddisk instead of SSD is included. The most exciting future for this machine is that it joins the Netbook ranks as one of the few to be equipped with an ExpressCard/34 slot. We are still awaiting availability for this Netbook in other regions, but we suspect it won't be long before it starts hitting other Asia-Pacific markets.
Dell showcases prototype updates to its Inspiron Mini 9 Netbook
Darius Chang | Nov 06, 2008
At a press event offering media glimpses into its Taiwan Design Center, Dell showcased possible design updates to the Inspiron Mini 9 range.
Not satisfied merely with color options, the US maker is heading for the fashion crowd with new multi-colored motifs. Though currently in the prototype stage, journalists were treated to Inspiron Mini 9 units with etched flower patterns on the top cover. For a little retro look, a shiny gold cover with Mario (from the Super Mario gaming franchise) gracing the surface was also displayed. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos of the new designs or told when these would be available. However, Peter Lee, Dell's industrial design senior manager, said we should be expecting new motifs on the laptops in the near future.
Another possible update lies with the keyboard. The current iteration of its 8.9-inch Netbook has one of the better keyboards in its segment. Not content to rest on its laurels, Dell showcased a prototype unit featuring individual keys (like those on the MacBook and Sony VAIO TT). By removing the beveled edges on traditional keyboards, this design allows for a larger surface and a better tactile feel.
It was emphasized that these models are just prototypes and may not even make it to the market. Still, it's nice to know that Dell has ideas to bring its Netbook segment to the next level.
Crave is...
The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.
Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.
Crave for...
» Mobile Phones (967)
» Digital Cameras (567)
» Notebooks (697)
» PC & Peripherals (760)
» Handhelds (354)
» Printers (50)
» Home AV (649)
» Music & Play (533)
» Gadgets (1195)
» Future Tech (244)
Previously...
Copyright © 2008 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
