Overview: HP Pavilion HDX18

Our pre-production review unit of the Pavilion HDX18 features the following specs:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 6MB Level 2 cache)
• Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
• Memory: 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (800MHz)
• Hard drive: 2 x 160GB (7200rpm)
• Screen:18" HD HP Ultra Brightview Infinity glossy display (1920 x 1080)
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with 512MB GDDR3
• Optical drive: Blu-Ray multi-drive
• Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, docking station port, microphone in, two audio out jacks, three USB ports, eSATA/USB, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard slot, built-in TV tuner
• Wireless: 802.11a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0
• Battery: 8-cell Lithium-ion battery (73W)
• Dimensions 17.17" x 11.26" 1.33-1.72" (WxDxH)
• Weight: 8.94 lbs.

Our pre-production unit comes equipped with two 160GB hard drives, but this configuration will not be offered at the time of launch. The next closest available configuration will be a similar system with two 250GB 5400rpm hard drives ($2,049.99) or two 250GB 7200rpm hard drives ($2,149.99). This desktop replacement is clearly targeted at multimedia and gaming enthusiasts who want cutting-edge features and can afford the slightly higher price tag.

Overview: Lenovo ThinkPad X200

Lenovo X200 Tablet PC specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86GHz L9400 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 160GB hard drive, 7200 rpm
• SSD optional
• Intel GMA X4500 graphics
• 12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) display with active digitizer, touchscreen optional
• Optional optical drive with weight saver with dock
• Windows Vista Business OS
• 3x USB ports
• 1x Multicard Reader
• 1x PCI ExpressCard
• RJ-11 and RJ-45
• VGA-15pin
• Microphone and headphone
• 8-cell battery, 4-cell available
• Intel Wi-Fi 5300 and WWAN

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X301

The review unit ThinkPad X301 we have comes with the following specs:

• Processor: 1.40GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 (1.40GHz, 3MB L2 cache, 800Mhz FSB)
• Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• Screen: 13.3-inch WXGA+ (1440 x 900, 300 nit) LED backlit display
• Memory: 2GB (up to 4GB configurable)
• Storage: 64GB SSD (up to 128GB SSD optional)
• Optical Drive: Ultra-thin DVD Burner
• Wireless and Communications: Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100 (802.11 a/b/g/n wi-fi), BlueTooth 2.0 EDR (Verizon or AT&T 3G wireless available as option, not included)
• Battery: 6-cell Li-Polymer extended life battery (3-cell Li-Polymer battery available and multi-bay extended life 3-cell battery)
• Ports: 3 USB 2.0 ports, Monitor out port, AC adapter, headphone/line-out, microphone/line-in, Gigabit Ethernet
• Dimensions: 12.4" x 9.1" x 0.73" - 0.92"
• Weight: from 2.93lbs with 3-cell battery and no optical drive to 3.32lbs with 6-cell battery and DVD Burner in
• Port Replicator: Via USB
• Input: Full sized keyboard, trackpoint navigation, touchpad, fingerprint reader
• Operating System: Windows XP Professional (Windows Vista available in various flavors)
• Other Features: Integrated web camera
• Price: About $3,000
• Warranty: 1-year

Conclusion

The ThinkPad X301 takes the original X300 and adds a nice performance jump with the new Intel SU9400 Montevina family processor plus adds a DisplayPort to the mix. Also available now is a 128GB SSD option, though this costs $400 more than the standard 64-bit SSD, if you're buying the X301 price probably isn't too much of a concern for you. The $3,000 laptop market is certainly an exclusive group of buyers, but for many business people their laptop and Blackberry are a lifeline to getting work and deals done, and thereby money made. So at the end of the day if you're a globe trotting executive that needs a reliable and top of the line work tool, the cost of the X301 can be jusitifed and this slim form factor machine can serve you well.

Pros

• Under 1-inch thick, the thinnest ThinkPad ever
• Light weight and easy for carrying around in a bag
• Superb build quality and feel, nice design touches added
• Built-in optical drive for such a thin notebook is a rarity
• Improved performance over the X300. Great for normal business tasks, very fast bootup with the SSD
• Very bright screen for easy viewing

Cons

• No SD media card reader
• No expansion dock capability, USB based port replicator only
• No ExpressCard or PC card slot
• Starting price of $2,500 is out of range for many people

Overview: Asus N10 Notebook

6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery, AC Power Adapter, AC Power Cord; Software Bundle: Windows Vista Home Premium, 1-Year Warranty

Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz Processor

512 KB L2 Cache, 533 MHz Front Bus speed

2048 MB DDR2 RAM

160 GB SATA Hard Drive

10.2" diagonal WSVGA (1024 x 600) Widescreen Display

Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS with 256MB Dedicated Graphics Memory

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (Switchable)

802.11a/b/g/n Wireless

Card Reader

Overview: Dell Latitude E4200,4300

Dell’s new ultraportable business-class laptops - the Latitude E4200 and Latitude E4300 - are now available for purchase.


The E4200 features a 12.1-inch display and has a starting weight of 2.2 pounds, while the E4300 includes a 13.3″ screen and starts at 3.3 lbs. The both laptops are based on Intel GS45 Express chipset with the GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics and support for DDR3 memory. The E4200 and E4300 come with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra-Low Voltage (SU9300, SU9400) and Core 2 Duo normal voltage (SP9300, SP9400) processors respectively.


The smaller notebook model is configurable with a 64GB or 128GB solid state drive, while the larger can be configured with either a 64GB SSD or a traditional hard drive with up to 250GB of storage space.


The Latitude E4200 and E4300 have displays with LED backlight and a resolution of 1280×800 pixels. The E4300 additionally incorporates an optional web camera and a built in optical drive, which are not present in the E4200.


The new ultraportables are sold with various wireless and security options and ship with Windows Vista preinstalled.


The Dell Latitude E4200 starts at $2,048, while the basic E4300 configuration costs $1,749.

Overview: MSI GX630

MSI released its new notebook lineup based on the AMD Puma Mobility Platform and Turion 64 X2 Ultra processors. These puma-powered models include the MSI GX630, GX 400 and GT735 gaming laptops, PX211, PX210 and PR311 business class models and EX300 and EX630 entertainment notebooks.


MSI’s G-Series are based on the exclusive Turbo Drive Engine Technology. When the MSI GX630 runs in the AC mode, all you have to do is to touch the turbo button above the keyboard in order to change between performance and power-saving modes. Therefore, this technology allows you to increase the speed of the CPU. If you want to go back to the original setting, you must touch lightly on the “ECO OFF”.


The MSI GX630 has a beautiful exterior design, as the outer body is surrounded with an ingenious flame design – an extension of the previous G-series’ unique element – which symbolizes the essence of speed. Moreover, it has been chosen aluminum as the base for the exterior, while metallic threads are added on the cover, giving it an outstanding sense of fashion. The touchpad has an aerodynamic design and uses a simple black mirror plate as base and red linings to accentuate the slickness of the faceplate. The W, A, S and D buttons are colored, so that the player could find the direction controls in record time.


The MSI GX630 uses the new ECO engine power management to extend the battery running time while performing different tasks. On the other hand, if you touch the ECO quick launch sensor repeatedly you can switch among 5 different modes: Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office and Turbo battery.





The 15.4" LCD monitor takes care of your viewing pleasure and achieves the ultimate realism experience, whether you choose to play games or to watch a DVD. The screen has a high resolution and a perfect length to width ration of 16:10, being capable of displaying DVD caliber images. The featured slim appearance and the weight of 2,7 kg (including the battery) make the GX630 much portable than other 15,4" notebooks.


The GX630 is provided with the best NVIDIA Geforce 9600M GT 3D graphic card (512MB built-in DDR3 graphics memory) and the exclusive MSI vivid image enhancement technology, so it can create stunning realistic audio and visual effects. On the other hand, the system is equipped with a 7.1 Channel output which enables rich sound effects ideal for multimedia applications.


The GX630 is recognized and approved by Dolby and guarantees the enthusiasts to experience the thrill and excitement of movies, music, games and TV in an astonishing surround sound.


In order to increase the performance computing power, the GX630 is equipped with the latest AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor and with a 3-in-1 card reader and a Multi-DVD burner. This way, you can edit or save high-quality photos/video as desktop PC.


The GX630 is provided with other multimedia applications, such as: the latest E-SATA support, high-definition multimedia interface, 2.0 mega pixels web cam to improve internet chatting. Another advantage would be the wireless functions for easy internet connections.

Overview: HP HDX16 HDX18

Hewlett-Packard has announced the HP HDX16 and HDX18 entertainment notebook PCs, featuring high-definition playback support, built-in TV tuners, Blu-ray technology, and a new chassis design.

“The HDX16 is a midsize notebook with a 16-inch diagonal widescreen with 720- or 1,080-pixel resolution display. The HDX18 is a powerful and visually captivating full-size notebook with an 18.4-inch diagonal Ultra BrightView 1,080-pixel screen and enthusiast-class graphics capabilities,” HP explains.

The both laptops also include Altec Lansing speakers, an HP Triple Bass subwoofer, and Dolby Home Theater software.

The HP HDX16 and HDX18 start at $1,299 and $1,549 respectively. The PC maker said the notebooks are expected to be available starting later this month. However, the HDX16t model is on sale now.

Review: AVADirect Clevo M860TU

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz T9600
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
• 15.4-inch WUXGA matte display
• Intel PM45 + ICH9M chipset
• 2GB DDR3-1066 RAM
• 2GB Intel Turbo Memory
• Nvidia GeForce 9800M-GT w/ 512MB GDDR3 video memory
• 320GB 5400RPM Western Digital WD3200BEVT hard drive
• Dual-layer 8X DVD burner
• 7-in-1 memory card reader
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5300 + Bluetooth wireless
• 8-cell 14.4v 4400mAh Li-ion battery

Conclusion

Overall the AVADirect Clevo M860TU is a great gaming notebook with tons of raw power, good looks, and average build quality. The loose AC power jack was more than just a minor annoyance, continuously disconnecting while the laptop was on my lap. The loud cooling fan was also an annoyance, but that was expected and perfectly normal for such a powerful gaming system. To date this is the fastest machine we have tested in our office for gaming, and is no doubt one of the best mobile gaming rigs on the market right now. If you have the cash it would be hard not to give this notebook two thumbs up.

Pros:

• Fastest gaming notebook we have ever tested
• Beautiful WUXGA screen
• More than two hours of battery life in a hardcore gaming rig
• Cool laid back design

Cons:

• Loose AC power jack that likes to disconnect when light pressure is applied
• Loud cooling system under stress

Pricing and Availability

The AVADirect Clevo M860TU is available via the AVADirect website in multiple custom configurations starting at $1,773.20 at the time of this writing.

Overview: Toshiba Satellite NB105

Toshiba Mexico has revealed the company’s first netbook - the Satellite NB105.

The Toshiba Satellite NB105 features a 8.9-inch 1024×600 LED backlight display, Intel’s Atom processor at 1.6GHz, 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, the GMA 950 integrated graphics, a built-in web camera, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, three USB ports, and an SD card slot. The NB105 runs Windows XP operating system.

Toshiba’s mini-laptop will be available in November in Mexico. There is no information on pricing and US availability.

Overview: Zepto Hydra

Wondering what might be the latest laptop from Zepto? This time the company launched Hydra, named after the Greek monster with 9 heads. In the laptop’s case it reflects advanced functionality and latest technology.

When it comes to mobile power, Zepto Hydra A17 features the Geforce 9800M GTX graphics card with 1024MB DDR3 dedicated memory for outstanding images during movie entertainment and gaming, via 256-bit Memory Interface, 112 shaders, 1875MHz Shader Frequency, 900MHz Memory Clock an Capacity Calculation of 420 Gigaflops, and both Nvidia PhysX and CUDA support. CUDA speeds up your laptop more than 12 times by enabling graphic processing for CPU-intensive applications. The graphics are upgradeable thanks to the Nvidia MXM platform.



The 17-inch laptop with 1920 x 1200 display resolution features the Crystal Clear screen technology for natural colors and sharp images, an essential condition while watching DVD movies and playing games.
Hydra A17 comes powered by an Intel processor for up to 3.06GHz speeds via the Quad Core technology, with up to 8GB memory, support for Low Power Intel P Series processor for longer operating time, a built-in 2MP web camera for video conferences, microphone, HDMI 1.3A connection, SPDIF audio out, E-SATA input, DVI, up to 3000Mbit traffic speeds, fingerprint reader, Ubuntu operating system support, and an 8-cell battery for up to 2 hours and 10 minutes continuous operating time.



For a system consisting of a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 processor, 1GB DDR3 memory, 80GB S-ATA HDD storage, DVD burner, built-in subwoofer, web camera, microphone, and the NVIDIA Geforce 9800M GTX 1GB card, Zepto set a price of 2.011,13 €, while at 2.833,08 € you can get an enhanced configuration with an 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 CPU, 4GB DDR3 memory, 500GB SATA HDD, DVD burner, Intel WiFi 533AN 450Mbit Wireless module, webcam plus mic, subwoofer, and Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit operating system pre-installed.

Review: Toshiba Satellite A300-02C

• Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2GHz CPU with 25 Watt TDP
• AMD RADEON HD 3650 with 512MB of DDR2 RAM
• 15.4" WXGA High-Definition Display With 1280 x 800 Resolution
• 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
• 4GB 800MHz DDR2 System Memory
• Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support

Conclusion

One of Toshiba's traits that always puzzles me is that they always stop short of making the unequivocally killer product. Last year they delivered the X200 - arguably the first mainstream gaming notebook - with its two 8700m GPUs that came up short against the cheaper and much faster Gateway P-6831FX. It's my perception that as good as their notebooks are; they tend to the more conservative end of the excite-o-meter.

The A300-02C doesn't deviate from this pattern. It is not cheap - $1,000 is a far cry from entry level in 2008. A brand name isn't enough to justify a premium anymore - therefore I think it was a mistake not to spec DDR3 system memory and GDDR3 video memory. I understand that it takes balance and compromise to deliver a competitive product but performance features are omitted here that would distance this notebook from its competitors and more importantly last year's models that are being marked down right now.

A similarly performing Gateway can be had for $100-250 less using last year's CPU (T5750) and GPU (RADEON HD 2600) and some lucky folks are walking out of Best Buy with clearance models at half the price of the A300-02C and about 90-95% of the performance.

In addition to the performance features left off, important portability features like a larger capacity battery are also missing. If this notebook is not targeted to gamers on the run, then it should at least include a proper battery. Poor battery life is only excusable when performance is very strong.

Like so many of the Toshiba notebooks I have reviewed, the A300-02C is good. Still, it's not the fastest, sleekest or best value notebook you will find.

Pros:

• Portable gaming performance in a small package
• Solid construction

Con:

• Small battery and poor stamina
• Monetvina 2 does not show the expected gains in this configuration
• DDR2 800 system memory instead of DDR3 1066
• DDR2 1000 video memory instead of GDDR3 or GDDR4
• User serviceability compromised
  • No access to MXM-II
  • No access to CPU
  • No access to Intel 5100
  • Empty drive slot with SATA connector removed

• A little over-priced, easier to recommend at $800-850