Review: HP Compaq F500 Series

Specs

Here are the specifications of the model at the time of purchase.

• Model: F560US (GF593UA)
• CPU: 25W AMD Sempron 3500+ 1.8GHz 1600MHz FSB 512K L2 Cache
• Chipset: Nvidia
• Memory: 512MB DDR2 P5300 2 Slots, 1 Open 2GB Max
• Hard Drive: 80GB 5400RPM Fujitsu (MHV2100BH) SATA
• Screen: 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 Glossy
• Optical Drive: LiteOn DS8A1P DVD+/-RW/-RAM
  • 8x DVD+/-R, 4x DVD+/-RW, 4x DVD+/-R DL
  • 5x DVD-RAM
  • 24x CD-R,16x CD-RW
• Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 128MB Shared
• Network: Broadcom Wireless BG, Nvidia 10/100 Ethernet, Modem
• Inputs: 86 Key Keyboard and Two Button Trackpad with Scroll Zones
• Buttons: Power and WiFi On/Off Switch.
• Ports:
  • 3 USB 2.0 Ports - Two Left Side, One Right Side
  • S-Video and VGA Out
  • Line-In and Headphone
• Other: Microphone Integrated into LCD Housing
• Battery: Six Cell
• Dimensions:
  • Width - 14.1”
  • Depth - 10.1”
  • Height - 1.5”
• Weight: 6.6 Lbs.
• Operating System: Vista Home Basic
• Warranty: One Year

Pros

• Price, Price, Price
• Gorgeous Glossy Screen
• Decent Build Quality
• Good Sound Quality

Cons

• Poor Performance as Configured
• Minimal Port Options
• Noisy and Shallow Keyboard

Review: Gateway P-171XL FX Edition

This notebook has the following specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Duo X7900 (2.80GHz/ 800MHz Front Side Bus/ 4MB L2 cache)
• Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
• 3GB DDR2-667 dual-channel RAM
• 17.0" WUXGA (1920x1200) matte finishe
• Nvidia GeForce 8800M-GTS graphics card with 512MB dedicated memory
• 400GB Total HD space in RAID 0 configuration (200GB Hitachi 7k200 x 2)
• HD DVD-ROM/DVD Super Multi (+/- double layer)
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965 AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone
• Fingerprint reader
• Ports: 3 USB, Kensington Lock Slot, Modem, LAN, Headphone/Mic, Firewire, HDMI, eSata, VGA, SD Card Reader, ExpressCard/54
• Size: 15.75 x 11.5/12.25 x 1.5"
• Weight: Notebook 9lbs 4.5oz, AC Adapter 1lb 10oz
• 120w AC Adapter
• Warranty: 1 Year standard

Conclusion

Pricing in at $2,999, our Gateway P-171XL FX Edition review model is priced towards the middle of the gaming notebook segment, with the Toshiba X205 coming in at $2,000 and the Dell M1730 starting at $3,538 for a system with similar capabilities. For consumers looking at purchasing one of these models, it really comes down to user preference, on what brand they trust the most, and what design you want to carry around to show off at class. The Gateway offers very good hardware and performance for the price, and is a worthy contender against gaming notebooks.

Pros

• Fast all around with a great GPU, CPU, and hard drive combo
• Great color design
• Great Keyboard and Touchpad

Cons

• Flexible plastic around screen and palmrest
• Some software issues relating to power profiles

Review: Toshiba Satellite L355D

Satellite L355D-S809 specifications:

• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 32-bit version)
• AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-60 (2.0 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, HyperTransport Technology @ up to 800MHz)
• 2GB PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory (Maximum capacity 4GB)
• 200GB (4200 RPM) Serial ATA hard disk drive
• DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash drive supporting 11 formats
• 17.1" diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display with 1440x900 native resolution (WXGA+)
• ATI Radeon X1250 128MB-831MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Atheros 802.11 b/g wireless-LAN
• 3 USB Sleep-and-Charge ports, 5 in 1 SD-Card Reader, 10/100 LAN, 56k Modem
• Built-in Webcam and microphone
• 4000mAh 10.8v battery and 75w AC Adapter
• Weight: 7lbs 0.6oz
• Dimensions: 15.6 x 11.4 x 1.8"
• One-year standard Limited Warranty

Conclusion

The Toshiba L350 series notebook offers consumers an excellent budget desktop replacement notebook with a great deal of features for a low starting price of $749. As a mild refresh from the previous P200 series notebook the L350 gives you a slimmer and lighter body, as well as a smudge and scuff resistant matte paint finish.

Pros

• Very quiet with great thermal management
• Nice keyboard with excellent support
• New matte paint finish doesn't scratch as easily as older gloss finish
• No fingerprints visible anywhere on the finish when my review was completed

Cons

• Only three USB ports and no firewire

Review: Lenovo IdeaPad U110

Our IdeaPad U110 has the following specifications:

* Processor: 1.60GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 (800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
* Graphics: Intel X3100
* Screen: 11.1-inch WXGA (1366 x 768, 370 nit) display
* Memory: 2GB (up to 3GB configurable)
* Storage: 120GB Parallel ATA HDD (4200rpm)
* Optical Drive: None internal (external Dual layer CD/DVD recordable drive)
* Wireless and Communications: Intel 4965AGN (802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi), BlueTooth 2.0 EDR
* Battery: 4-cell Li-Ion and 7-cell extended life Li-Ion batteries included
* Ports: 3 USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394 Firewire, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard/34, VGA monitor out port, AC adapter, headphone/line-out, microphone/line-in, Gigabit Ethernet
* Dimensions: 10.8" x 7.7" x 0.72" - 0.88"
* Weight: from 2.42lbs with 4-cell battery and 2.92lbs with 7-cell battery
* Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
* Other Features: Integrated web camera with VeriFace application
* Warranty: 1-year

The pricing on the U110 starts at around $1,899, and that is the configuration we are reviewing. Needless to say, this isn't something the average consumer will be dropping their money on in place of an $800 Dell. Still, if having a stylish, compact notebook is important for you then the U110 makes an attractive choice.

Conclusion

Overall, the IdeaPad U110 is a nice notebook with an amazingly stylish design and reasonable performance in a small footprint. Consumers with some extra disposable income and a desire for an attractive laptop will be hard pressed to find a nicer overall choice than the IdeaPad U110. However, Lenovo made a few questionable choices with this notebook.

The display on the U110 is quite simply one of the worst we've seen in our office. Sure, color and brightness were fine, but the shimmering graininess and horrible levels of reflection made the screen physically painful to view for more than about 30 minutes. Likewise, while the keyboard feels fantastic and looks cool, the glossy surface picks up smudges from your fingerprints and the keys are too flat and too close together. Lastly, there's the issue of price. At the starting price of $1,899 most consumers won't be able to justify this purchase.

In the end, the IdeaPad U110 is an innovative notebook with some very attractive design elements and a solid feature set. Unfortunately, the display, keyboard and price make it an unlikely choice for most laptop shoppers.

Pros

• Cool design

• Light weight

• Nice battery life with extended battery
  

• Acceptable overall performance

Cons

• Horrible screen

• Slow startup (VeriFace causes significant startup lag)

• Keyboard not good for touch typists

• Expensive

Overview: MSI GT735

Here is another laptop released by Micro-Star International, optimized for intensive applications and mobile gaming. MSI GT735 features a special button on the keyboard which as you press the processing speed is instantly increased based on the Turbo Drive Engine Technology. It works while in the AC mode.
There is also the ECO Engine, a power management system accessible via a dedicated touch sensor, which switches between Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office and Turbo Battery modes, to suit your current applications and increase the battery life when you don’t need to perform high-demanding tasks.

MSI GT735 has a large LCD display of 17 inches in diagonal, great for watching movies, and perfect for gaming. Graphics are powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3850 video card with 3D imaging support and 512MB VRAM memory, and working together with the Dolby Theater Class 4.1 Channel Surround Sound Effect and Subwoofer, create the right environment for both movies and games.
The processing power comes from the AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile CPU, which is a great alternative solution for Intel processors. There are also HDMI connectivity, a built-in 2MP web camera for video conferences, and a DTV receiver for live shows.

About the design we have to mention the use of lightweight aluminum material with the flame pattern on the chassis, as well as the aerodynamic touchpad with black mirror plate on the base and red lines.
Other elements are: the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system pre-installed, up to 4GB memory, 4 built-in speakers with subwoofer, fax/modem, LAN, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN module, a 4-in-1 card reader, 3 USB ports, PCI Express card, up to 500GB HDD storage, a DVD super multi or Blu-ray optical drive, and a 6 or 9-cell battery.

The system measures 395 x 278 x 26.5-35 mm at a weight of 3.2Kg.

Overview: Asus F6, F8V

Asustek has unveled the new Asus F6 13.3-inch and F8V 14.1-inch notebooks, featuring the Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform and stylish designs.


The both laptop feature the latest Core 2 Duo processors, the ATI Mobility Radeon HD3470 256MB dedicated video card, up to 4GB of DDR2 system memory, up to 320GB of hard drive space, and a built-in DVD burner or Blu-Ray drive.


There are also built-in 1.3-megapixel web camera, HDMI, VGA, Firewire, and eSATA ports, an ExpressCard slot, and 8-in-1 media card reader. The F6 and F8v have 4 and 5 USB ports respectively, as well as the Trusted Platform Module 1.2. In addition, the F8V features an optional fingerprint reader.


The F6 weighs around 4.4 pounds with a 3-cell battery and provides a choice of four different designs, while the F8 weighs approximately 5.7 pounds with a 6-cell unit and comes in five different colors.



The new laptops run Windows Vista operating system and include Express Gate mini OS “that empowers users with an 8 second boot-up time for rapid access to a host of multimedia and online applications”.


There is no official information on the pricing and availability. However, we have found a Centrino 2-based Asus F6 model (F6A-A1) with Intel’s 4500 HD integrated graphics for $949 at NewEgg.

Overview: Dell Latitude E6400

• Screen: 14-inch 1440 x 900 WXGA+ LED Backlit (matte finish)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB cache)
• Memory: 1GB DDR2-800 RAM
• Storage: 160GB 5400rpm HDD (Samsung HM160HI)
• Optical Drive: 9.5mm thick PLDS 8A2SDVD+/-RW
• Wireless: Intel 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
• Graphics: Intel X4500HD
• Backlit keyboard
• Express Card
• Built-in web camera and microphone
• Battery: 56Wh 6-cell
• Standard E series 90W PSU and optional slim 65W Auto/Air/AC adapter
• Dimensions: 335 x 244 x 33mm (including feet about 2mm long) or 13.2" x 9.6" x 1.3"
• Weight: Actual weight 2.31kg 5.1 lbs (w/ 6 cell battery)
• WindowsVista Business with XP Pro downgrade

Battery Life

Dell has heavily advertised the 19 hour operation capability of the E6400. OK, that is with a 9-cell main battery and the 12-cell battery slice, but the inference is that 6-cells on the battery should be good for 6 hours.

So far, I haven't been disappointed. See the image below for 89% = 6 hours 68 minutes remaining. Dell also provides a useful power management utility to help with the fine tuning of power consumption.

Review: ASUS B50

Asus has just released a new business portable computer following the design line of all its highly appreciated models coming in black with a stylish mirror finish. Characteristics include a spill-resistant keyboard against 120cc of liquid and built-in LED backlight for low light environments.

Meeting the requirements of business executives in mobile computing, Asus B50 enables high-speed wireless transfers, smart functionalities and reliable features, including a short boot-up time of just 8 seconds via the Express Gate. The latter capability gives the user instant access to the most important applications like web browsing, instant messaging, picture management multimedia player and online gaming.

Running on the Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, the new notebook provides smart power management with low consumption, which leads to an operating time amount of up to 5 hours.
For security, the model comes equipped with biometric technology for fingerprint scanning to allow access to the data stored only to the right users. In addition there is also the Trusted Platform Module for hardware-based encryption and secure login, which is very important during online transactions.
You can use the detachable docking station designed especially for this notebook model to connect all your peripherals and external devices quicker, keeping all your work organized.

The internal configuration includes an Intel Core 2 Duo processor from T9400, P8600, P8400, P7350, T5850 or T5750, the Windows Vista operating system pre-installed, Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset, up to 4GB DDR2 memory, Intel GMA X4500HD graphics chipset, a DVD Super-Multi Light Double Layer to burn CDs and DVDs, up to 320GB S-ATA HDD storage, the Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100, a built-in 1.3MP web camera for video conferences, and an 8-cell battery type.

Asus B50 measures 36.3 x 26.3 x 2.5 - 3.57 cm at a weight of 3Kg with the battery, and sports a 15.4-inch display with Color Shine technology and ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology.

Review: Samsung X360

Samsung showcased its newest ultra-portable laptop computer at IFA 2008 in Germany, presenting a light weight laptop design measuring 13.3 inches in diagonal at a weight of 1.27 Kg, with a retail price set for EUR 1.599. According to the press release, it will be available in the European stores by the end of September.

Samsung X360 with the 13.3-inch LED display of 1280 x 800 pixels is an elegant laptop coming in full black and dark red/black, with 3 USB ports, HDMI connectivity, VGA port, a 35-mm ExpressCard slot, 7-in-1 card reader, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and the upcoming draft N support via the wireless 802.11n module. The built-in web camera for video conferences is not missing either, as well as the 1 Gigabit network connectivity. It is compatible with the Samsung P-Dock Docking Station.



„The X360 brings new standards regarding the form and functionality and convinces via the real style”, said Keith Wrampling, Porduct Marketing Manager Samsung Notebooks Germany. “It offers a high reduction in dimension and weight, without compromising power capabilities. This way the user has all the connectivity ports, an increasingly powerful battery, as well as the PC-comparable hard disk of 120GB.”

Using the removable 6-cell battery, the new Samsung X360 offers up to 10 hours of operating time. This is accomplished in part thanks to the new technology from Intel with low voltage processing.
The LED display technology increases the brightness up to 33% compared to the other non-LED models, which is required especially in low light conditions for clear viewability.
For security the laptop integrates a biometric fingerprint reader and the Trusted Platform Module hardware-based encryption.



It has also a durable construction thanks to the Protect-o-Edge housing technology based on magnesium alloy with nice aluminum accents. The SilverNano keyboard is, as its name suggests, based on the silver nano technology, which involves adding a silver layer on the keyboard in order to maintain it 99% bacteria-free.
The user can choose wither the 160GB HDD drive or the 128GB Solid State Drive for storing media.

Review: MSI EX400

Lately, Micro-Star International has launched several new laptop models for gaming, ultra-portability and business professionals, and the one I’m showing you today is MSI EX400 equipped with the latest mobile technologies for entertainment on the go.
This notebook sports a 14.1-inch WXGA TFT LCD display and the Color Film Print technology with ocean wave patterns, for the most elegant look I personally have ever seen at a black laptop. In addition, the external layer is scratch and fingerprint proof.

Inside it hides the ATI Mobility Radeon HD3450 graphics power featuring 256MB DDR2 VRAM memory, to deliver impressive 3D HD imaging for gaming and movies. Adopting the ECO Engine the model automatically controls the power management in the smartest way to obtain high-performance at the minimum power consumption, increasing the battery life. At a touch of a button you can change the operating mode to Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office or Turbo Battery, depending on your current task performed.

In addition to the high-resolution and high definition support, MSI EX400 supports high-definition sound via Second Generation Dolby Surround Sound technology with bass enhancements and the 2 built-in speakers.

It runs with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor on the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system and features up to 500GB S-ATA HDD storage, a DVD super multi drive, optional Blu-ray, up to 4GB memory, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a 4-in-1 card reader, 4 USB ports, ExpressCard slot, and a 6-cell battery with optional 9-cell version.
The notebook measures 330 x 240 x 25-37 mm at a weight of 2.2Kg including the battery, and comes also with built-in web camera of 1.3MP for video conferences and microphone.

MSI didn’t unveil the price or the availability date yet.

Overview: Dell Precision M2400, M4400

Dell's two latest Precision Mobile Workstations, the M2400 and M4400, are now available. Both notebooks are based on the latest Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform.

The M4400 has a 15.4-inch display with LED backlighting and WUXGA resolution options. Graphics horsepower is provided by the Nvidia Quadro FX 770M with 512MB of dedicated memory. It currently starts at $1,469.

The M2400 has a 14.1-inch display with LED options. The graphics card is the Nvidia Quadro FX 370M with 256MB of dedicated memory. It currently starts at $1,349.

Overview: Dell's new Vostro Laptops

Dell today introduced two new Vostro notebooks and two Vostro desktops for emerging markets. The new Vostros are aimed for small businesses, governments, and educational institutions.

The Vostro A680 features a 15.6-inch widescreen display, with processor choices including the Intel Celeron and Core 2 Duo. Ubuntu Linux and Windows Vista are offered as operating system choices.

The Vostro A640 features a 14.4-inch widescreen display with a WXGA (1280x800) resolution and anti-glare coating.

Overview: Acer Aspire One

Our Acer Aspire One specifications:

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor
• 8.9" WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
• 802.11b/g Wireless
• 120GB 2.5" 5400RPM Hitachi Hard Drive (with SDHC storage expansion slot)
• 3-Cell 23Wh battery
• Size: 9.75" x 6.625" x 1.28"
• Weight: 2lb 5.0oz

Heat and Noise

Nearly all of the Intel Atom-based netbooks fall into the reasonably warm while running category, and the Acer Aspire One is no different. Under normal conditions such as surfing the web, typing a document, or chatting on an instant messaging client, surface temperatures stay within reasonable levels. The keyboard maintains a temperature a bit above room temperature and the bottom is slightly warmer.

Noise is the one category where the Aspire One stands out, and not in a good way. Almost as soon as the netbook is turned on the cooling fans starts at a low droning speed. It barely moves any air out of the device, but it is louder than fans found in full-size notebooks. As the Aspire One warms up and needs more cooling the fan speed increases to a very annoying level. It stands out in a busy office setting and in a quiet classroom would get even the teacher's attention.

Battery

In our initial testing the Acer Aspire One lasts for roughly 3 hours with backlight at 60% brightness and wireless enabled. This is with the 3-cell battery which consumers will find available in most Intel Atom devices right now. Hopefully manufacturers start to offer 6-cell battery alternatives soon, as the additional parts cost is minimal, and it doubles the battery life into the 6 hours range.

Review: Dell Inspiron 13

Dell Inspiron 13 (1318) specifications:

• Screen: 13.3" WXGA TrueLife Glossy
• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390 (1.86GHz, 533FSB, 1MB Cache)
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Storage: 160GB HDD (5400rpm)
• Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
• Wireless: 802.11b/g
• Graphics: Intel X3100 Integrated Graphics
• Built-in web camera
• Battery: 11.1V 56Wh
• Dimensions: 12.52" x 9.37" x 1"/1.51"
• Weight: 4lbs 13.5oz
• Retail Price: $698

Conclusion

With a sleek design, reasonable specs, and an attractive price the Dell Inspiron 13 is sure to be a popular notebooks this year. While there are certainly more powerful 13-inch notebooks on the market (like the impressive Toshiba Satellite U405 or LG P300) you'll be hard pressed to find a more capable 13-inch notebook at such a low price.

While issues like cheap palm rests and a noisy slot-loading drive won't bother most people, the limit of two USB ports and use of Pentium dual core instead of a Core 2 Duo processor might make some potential customers look elsewhere. In the end, the Inspiron 13 is an attractive, capable budget notebook. If you're looking for a basic mobile companion with good looks and a low price tag then this is probably the right notebook for you.

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Solid build quality
• Acceptable performance
• Good battery life
• Solid keyboard
• Great price

Cons:

• Only two USB ports ... even $300 netbooks have three USB ports
• Pentium dual core processor is a little week
• Keyboard is a little cramped and touchpad is a little small
• Palm rest plastics look cheap and easily pick up skin oils
• Slot-loading drive is a little loud

Overview: Asus G17V

G71V Specifications:

• Intel Quad Core QX9300
• Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme Processor X9100
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9600/T9400/P8600/P8400/P7350
• Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset +ICH9M-E
• Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5100
• Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium
• DDR2 800MHz SDRAM, up to 4GB
• Nvidia GeForce 9700M GT, with 512MB GDDR3 VRAM
• Intel Turbo Memory Technology with 2GB NAND Flash(optional)
• 17" WXGA+ Color-Shine
• 17" WUXGA, High Brightness, Color-Shine
• Dual hard drive & Single hard drive (optional); 1 Terra Byte(500Gx2) 5400rpm; 640G(320Gx2) 5400rpm; 500G(250Gx2) 5400rpm; 400G(200Gx2) 7200rpm; 200GB,7200rpm
• DVD Super Multi Double Layer/ Light Scribe/ DVD combo / Blu-ray DVD writer
• 2 Mega Pixel swivel web camera
• Built-in Bluetooth V2.1+EDR(optional feature)

Overview: Asus G50V

G50V Specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9600/T9400/P8600/P8400/P7350
• Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset +ICH9M-E
• Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5100
• Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium
• DDR2 800MHz SDRAM, up to 4GB
• Nvidia GeForce 9700M GT, with 512MB GDDR3 VRAM
• Intel Turbo Memory Technology with 2GB NAND Flash(optional)
• 15.4" WXGA+/WSXGA+ Color-Shine
• 15.6" WXGA Color-Shine
• Dual hard drive & Single hard drive (optional); 640G(320Gx2) 5400rpm; 500G(250Gx2)
• 5400rpm; 400G(200Gx2) 7200rpm; 200GB,7200rpm
• DVD Super Multi Double Layer/ Light Scribe/ DVD combo / Blu-ray DVD writer
• 2 Mega Pixel swivel web camera
• Built-in Bluetooth V2.1+EDR(optional feature)
• 37.5 x 26.5 x 3.43 - 4.06 cm (W x D x H)
• 2.8 kg (with 6 cell battery)

The G50V (15-inch) and G17V (17-inch) are the latest gaming notebooks from ASUS. As part of the new "ROG" (Republic of Gamers) product line-up, the G50V and G17V promise to provide enough processing and graphics horsepower to help you frag your opponents. The technical specs are all most hardcore gamers really care about, but as an added bonus ASUS is also including a "gaming kit" with a Republic of Gamers backpack, professional-grade 1600dpi gaming mouse with real-time sensitivity adjustment and a Siberia Steel Gaming Headset.

Overview: Asus B50A

B50A Specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processors T9400/P8600/P8400/P7350/T5850/T5750
• Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, or Home Basic
• Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset
• DDR2 800MHz, up to 4GB
• 15.4" WXGA/WXGA+ Color Shine, ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology
• Intel GMA X4500HD
• SATA 120GB / 160GB / 250GB / 320GB
• DVD Super-Multi Light Double Layer
• Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100
• Built-in 1.3 M Pixel camera
• 36.3 x 26.3 x2.5-3.57 cm, 2.7kg; 3kg with 8-cell Battery

The B50A is being billed by ASUS as the "new flagship of business computing." We're not completely certain of the validity of that statement at the time of this writing, but the B50A does offer a list of very impressive specs for business professionals. A spill-resistant keyboard, "Express Gate" 8-second boot-up, biometric fingerprint scanner and TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for secure login and encryption, and detachable docking station are just a few of the features that we're interested in seeing.

Overview: Asus F8Vr

F8Vr Specifications:

• Intel Core2 Duo Processors T9400/P8600/P8400/P7350
• Mobile Intel PM 45 Express Chipset with ICH9M
• Intel WiFi Link 5100
• Genuine Windows Vista (Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium/Home basic)
• DDR2 800 MHz, up to 4GB
• 14.1" WXGA+/WXGA Color Shine LCD; ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470, with Ext 256MB VRAM
• SATA 160/200/250/320GB
• 1.3M Pixels 240° swivel webcam
• 34 x 24.4 x 3.72cm, 2.6kg (6-cell battery pack)

The 14-inch F8Vr is the next step up for ASUS, and while it might not come with infused scents it does look like a versatile travel companion that offers some personalization in the form of five available colors. Most of the technical specifications listed below suggest the F8Vr will be a solid performer, but the really interesting news here is the inclusion of the latest generation of "Express Gate" that promises an 8-second boot-up time for rapid access to both multimedia and online applications.

Overview: Asus F6V

F6V Specifications:

• Intel Core2 Duo Processor T9400/P8600/P8400
• Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset
• Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN Network Connection
• Genuine Windows Vista (Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium/Home basic)
• DDRII-667/800 DRAM support, up to 4GB
• 13.3" WXGA Color Shine LCD
• ATI Mobility Radeon HD3470, external 256MB DDR2 VRAM
• SATA 120/160/250/320GB
• 31.2 x 23.19 x 3.2-3.52cm

The new F6V is being offered as a "personal laptop" in your choice of four unique designs that use plastics with "infused scents." No, we didn't just make that up. The F6V is a reasonably well-equipped 13-inch laptop that should meet or exceed most consumer expectations ... but something smells. We haven't taken a whiff of these notebooks yet, but you might be able to guess what these notebooks smell like based on the design descriptions.