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Toshiba Satellite M45-S165 Information and Review.

Official Information

Starting at 6.2 pounds(1), the notebook runs 14.2-inches wide, 10.5-inches deep, and features a wedge design 1.1 to 1.7-inches high. The Satellite M45 15.4-inch diagonal wide-aspect panel, with a 1280×800 TruBrite™ native resolution, provides vivid images for viewing DVD movies in their original wide-screen format and accomplishing productivity tasks. Toshiba’s DVD-SuperMulti drive reads and writes to most CD and DVD formats, while the Toshiba Express Media Player enables one button access to CD and DVD playback without booting the Microsoft® Windows® operating system.

Offering advanced technology at an affordable price, Toshiba is launching the new Satellite M45 notebook computer series that offer consumers, students, home users and professionals a powerful computing and entertainment experience. The Satellite M45 notebook series is a high-performance wireless device that integrates leading-edge computing technology with digital entertainment in providing consumers the ability to fully enjoy today’s digital lifestyle at a competitive price.

The Toshiba Satellite M45 is equipped with next-generation Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology (formerly codenamed Sonoma), featuring the Intel Pentium® M processor 730 running at 1.60GHz(2), 512MB of SDRAM(3), a 80GB hard drive(4) for the Satellite M45-S331 or 100GB for the M45-S351, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 chipset for powerful multimedia speed and performance, and Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g)(5), giving consumers wireless access to the Internet.

The Toshiba Satellite M45 also offers IEEE 1394 technology for rapid data transfers, invaluable when working with digital video, photos and music. The built-in Harman/Kardon® stereo speakers and SRS virtual surround sound technology offer a premium audio experience while on the go.

Toshiba Satellite M45-S165 Laptop Review from CNET

“Based on appearance alone, everything about the mainstream Toshiba Satellite M45 seems fine: it has a good-looking case and plenty of perks, such as a broad screen and a built-in, double-layer DVD burner. Once you turn it on, however, it doesn’t take long to detect an inexcusable defect: an extremely small battery that lasts less than half as long as most mainstream laptop cells. The Satellite M45’s economical price offers some compensation for its puny battery”

The conclusion of this Toshiba Satellite M45 S165 Review:

The Satellite M45’s price, performance, and component strengths can’t overcome its fatal flaw–deplorable battery life.

Asus W2V Laptop : Reviews and Specifications

One of the great things that Asus W2V offers is the impresive 17-inch widescreen display with a 16:10 aspect ratio at a WSXGA+ resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon X700 chipset. With 128 MB of dedicated VRAM, you might say that the graphics performance in the W2V is impeccable. The graphic perfomance is enhanced by the Intel 915 PM Chipset an the Pentium M 770 processor with a clock speed of 2.13GHz, 2 MB Level 2 cache and a 533 MHz front speed bus.
( the W2V also comes with the option of Pentium M 730, 740, 750 and 760 processors)

What are the Asus W2V reviews?
InfoSyncWorld said : “Making an admirable first impression, the Asus W2V laptop is one of few notebooks that goes on to deliver the goods in every department. A stunning display is backed up by raw performance and broad connectivity options, with the only drawbacks being a less-than-optimal software suite for media management and a slight design faux pas in the department of media connectors. With the proper software, the Asus W2V will serve media-hungry users as well as it will power-hungry road warriors, and even chalks up enough graphics performance to offer a hefty gaming session in between working and relaxing – if the price tag doesn’t scare you off.”

ASUS W2V Notebook Specifications:
Intel Centrino Mobile Technology
Intel Pentium M 770 CPU (2MB L2, 2.13GHz, 533MHz FSB)
Mobile Intel 915PM Express (Alviso) chipset
17“ WXGA/WSXGA+ TFT (1280×800/1680×1050)
ATI Mobility X600 (M24) 64MB
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN
Aluninium body
24-bit 8ch Azalia audio, 4 speakers + subwoofer
Up to 2GB DDR2-400 (PC2-3200) / DDR2-533 (PC2-4300)
Up to 80GB HDD (5400rpm), Ultra DMA100
DVD±RW/combo
56K modem, Gigabit LAN
SD / MMC / MS / MS Pro card reader
4 x USB2.0, 1 x Mic-in (Mono), 1 x Line-in, 1 x Headphone-out/SPDIF, 1 x Audio/Video-in, 1 x RF-in (TV input), 1 x IEEE1394, 1 x PCMCIA Type II, IrDA, VGA, S-Video
ASUS Power4 Gear+ technology
90W PSU (19V, 4.7/3.46 A)
Bluetooth (v1.2) option
8-cell battery, 14.8V, 4800mAh, up to 2 hours in Battery Saving mode
Touchpad with lock
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

A new review of the Ferrari 4000 laptop from Acer comes from Laptop Logic.

The conclusion of this review: “Ferrari fans or not, the 4000 looks good, performs well, and is a one of kind notebook that will turn heads. ”

The Acer Ferrari is designed to impress, especially with its sleek looks and powerful components. To distinguish the new platform from its predecessors, the 4000 retains its own racing-inspired theme made up of an elegant thin-and-light carbon fiber casing in sleek black and Ferrari-red trims. Acer Ferrari 4000 (model 4005 WLMi) sports AMD’s new Turion 64 mobile processor, running at 2.0GHz on ATI’s Radeon Xpress 200M chipset. Other prominent features include a luminous 15.4-inch widescreen LCD with razor sharp 1680 x 1050 native resolution, a new modular slot-loading dual layer DVD burner, 100GB hard drive, and 1GB RAM.

Read the rest of this entry »

Right now there are 2 Samsung X50 Models: X50 HWM 760 and the X50 LWC 740 laptop. Both new Samsung laptop models are thin and light with an widescreen and are equiped with Intel© Centrino Mobile Technology.

Samsung X50 HWM 760 is according to Samsung : “the world’s thinnest and lightest 15.4” widescreen mobile computer.”

Communications is at the heart of the Samsung X50 notebook, built-in modem, Gigabit Ethernet provide wired communications while the latest Intel Pro/Wireless 2915ABG wireless network adapter and internal Bluetooth ensures all wireless standards are catered for. Samsung’s latest antenna designs provide leading range and throughput for all wireless environments.

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The Gateway M680XL laptop is released under the Workstation Power Series from Gateway. From the Gateway Website: “The NEW M680 Series boasts an impressive 17″ widescreen display and powerful graphics. Add to that Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology and a full-size keyboard and numeric key pad, and the result is our most advanced notebook yet.” Well, Gateway makes several significant improvements with the new M680XL laptop. It’s thinner and lighter than most systems with a 17-inch widescreen, and it has the best battery life in its class.

M680 XL Specifications:
Specifications:

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home (SP2)
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 770 (2.13GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache)3
1024MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-512MB modules)
100GB 5400rpm Ultra ATA hard drive4
Integrated 4-in-1 card reader
Integrated 8x Multi-Format Double Layer DVD Writer (DVD±R/±RW/CD-RW)
Notebook Value Service Plan — 1 year part/labor/no on-site/1 year technical support5
One type II PC card slot
(4) USB 2.0, VGA, TV Out, S-Video, IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
17″ WSXGA+ TFT Active Matrix (1680 x 1050 max. resolution)
nVidia GeForce Ge6800 256MB Graphics
Full-sized keyboard w/ integrated 10-key pad and EZ Pad® Pointing Device
Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks
Primary 8-cell Lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty
Integrated V.90 56K Modem
Integrated Broadcom® 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter
Integrated 802.11b/g wireless networking card

There are some reviews about this laptop from Gateway, let’s take them one by one…

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There is a new HP Compaq tc4200 laptop review from PC Pro:

Hinge movement in the tc4200 is smooth, although the screen is free to move from side-to-side and HP hasn’t added rubber stoppers at the corners of the chassis to prevent this. It lets the display lie closer to the base section in tablet mode, at the risk of stressing the hinge in notebook mode if handled roughly.
A clever mechanism holds the screen shut whether in tablet or notebook form. A magnet pulls the catch from the base as the lid closes, so there’s nothing to snag when it’s open. This doesn’t provide much mechanical strength, but plastic lugs either side of the keyboard, with matching recesses in the lid, help to secure it.

The HP TC4200 Review Verdict:
A little heavy to carry round in slate mode for long, but a decent keyboard, great battery life and low price make this the best-value tablet PC we’ve yet seen.

These are the HP Compaq TC4200 Specifications. (including optional equipment for this tablet PC):

• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
• Intel Pentium M processors 740 to 760
• Professional-grade design starting at 4.6 lb/2.08 kg
• 12.1-inch XGA wide viewing angle display with digitizer and protective sparkle-free glass
• Mobile Intel 915GM Express Chipset
• 512-MB DDR2 SDRAM, upgradeable to 2048-MB maximum
• Up to 80-GB 5400 rpm, user-removable hard drive
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
• Optional integrated 802.11 a/b/g or 802.11 b/g wireless LAN modules
• Support for optional Intel Centrino mobile technology
• Optional integrated Bluetooth
• Integrated Secure Digital (SD) slot
• Security features include optional integrated Smart Card Reader and optional Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Embedded Security Chip
• NetXtreme Gigabit PCI Express Ethernet Controller
• Dual pointing devices (Touchpad with Scroll Zone and Pointstick)
• Digital Eraser Pen with tether and clip
• Protected by a three-year standard parts and labor warranty – certain restrictions and exclusions apply.

There is also an review called HP Compaq TC4200 Tablet PC “First Look”:

The new TC4200 Tablet PC from HP is an exciting product. At only 4.5 lbs. and powered by the Sonoma-based Intel Pentium M processor, this convertible Tablet PC functions as the perfect powerhouse travel companion. The TC4200 also sports a 1.3″ thick, sturdy and roadworthy casing, a bright 12″ electromagnetic display and operates as a perfect sub-notebook and a fully-functional Tablet PC.
…
With the “finger mouse” pointing device and the professional look and solid feel, the TC4200 closely resembles an IBM ThinkPad which is a good thing!

The layout, features and battery life make the HP TC4200 Table PC usable in both formats, and it represents good value for money. As a slate, it doesn’t match Motion Computing’s LE1600, and it’s a bit heavy for extended use in this mode. But if you want unrestricted power and an integrated keyboard, the tc4200 is an excellent candidate.

New Smartphone from Motorola : Q
Motorola have just announced a new phone to that will compete with the Blackberry – the Moto Q.

The Moto Q is has a QWERTY keyboard, Windows Mobile 5.0 with Exchange 2004 support. The design is RAZR thin (they claim 50% thinner than competitors) and incorporates a 1.3 megapixel camera with inbuilt flash.

From the official Press Release – Moto Q Launch

The first no-compromises QWERTY is here: the new Q from Motorola. Smart, powerful, and devastatingly good-looking, the Moto Q is the ultimate power player. The world’s thinnest, lightest QWERTY phone is a seamless fusion of QWERTY and phone — delivering a fully-loaded package of email, voice, and entertainment in one amazingly rich but thin device. Like its cousin the RAZR, the Q’s superior voice quality makes it a stand out from the competition.
“Wickedly cool — when’s the last time you heard those words used to describe a QWERTY device?” said Ron Garriques, president mobile devices business, Motorola. “Probably never. At least until now. With the Moto Q, we’ve combined the best voice, data and design technology in one ultra-thin, intelligent, hard-working, and incredibly must-have device. Today’s office space has the potential to be any place you want it to be with Q.”

Moto Q Features
• One of the first devices to run on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0; Optimized for Microsoft Exchange 2003 and a variety of third party email solutions that enable a broad set of corporate email capabilities*
• Thinnest QWERTY device in the world – 11.5mm
• Full, ergonomic QWERTY keyboard, 5-way navigation button and thumb wheel
• Video clip capture and playback
• Connectivity via Bluetooth, IrDA and mini-USB; compatible with Motorola’s line of Bluetooth-enabled wireless headsets
• Multi-Media Messaging (MMS)
• Dual, stereo-quality speakers
• Audio formats supported: iMelody, MIDI, MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA, WAX, QCELP
• Image formats supported: GIF87a, GIF89a, JPEG, WBMP, BMP, PNG
• Video formats supported: H.263, MPEG-4, GSM-AMR, AAC, WMV
• Mini-SD removable memory card slot
• Large, high-resolution display (320 x 240 pixels, 65K TFT)
• 1.3 mega pixel camera with photo lighting
• PIM functionality with Picture Caller ID
• Advanced speech recognition and speakerphone

The Moto Q should be available in the first quarter of 2006 – prices have not been announced yet.

Dell Inspiron XPS GEN 2 Laptop Reviews
Pocket-lint review of Dell Inspiron XPS GEN 2:

Notebooks aren’t exactly known for their upgrade options, so why should gamers, who need state of the art equipment, shell out for a solution such as the Dell Inspiron XP Gen 2? The simple answer is: LAN parties. If you’ve ever seen a gamer carrying around a desktop PC, then you’ll know why they’re willing to sacrifice a certain amount of performance for portability.
The main selling point of the XPS range is its cutting-edge technology. In this instance, it is the addition of the nVidia GeForce Go 6800 Ultra graphics adapter, which comes with 256MB of dedicated DDRIII memory.

Also Hot Hardware has an article on the Dell Inspiron XPS GEN 2 laptop, and are looking at it from a multimedia perspective:

Our previous coverage of the Inspiron XPS Gen 2 was mainly intended for prospective gaming and performance sensitive buyers. However, this perspective doesn’t completely explore the multimedia possibilities of the XPS Gen 2, which can be configured with Microsoft’s MCE 2005. So of course, we had an Inspiron XPS Gen 2 from Dell configured with that OS and all the necessary multimedia add-ons for those curious about its full audio/video possibities.

The Dell XPS Gen 2 laptop is currently the largest and heaviest notebook to come from the design team at Dell, and exceeds all historical size specifications for past Dell notebooks. Obviously, this is not the mainstream notebook you should be buying if you are just looking to do some word processing or emailing. This notebook has been explicitly designed for the hardcore gamer and multimedia enthusiast.

The Gateway M360 Review
Laptop Magazine has a review on the Gateway M360X, and the only points they have against it are that it has a horrible battery life, and a slow hard drive, which are both normal for laptops that have the features and price balance that this machine has.

Gateway M360X Laptop Specifications:

• CPU 1.6-GHz Intel Pentium M 725
• Operating System Windows XP Home Edition
• RAM 512MB
• Hard Drive 4,200-rpm 60GB
• Optical Drive 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 10X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM
• Display/Resolution 15.4-inch/WXGA
• Graphics/Video Memory Intel Extreme 2 Graphics Accelerator
• Wireless Networking 802.11b/g
• Ports Four USB ports, FireWire, VGA, mic, headphone, Ethernet, modem
• PC Card Slots One Type II
• Memory Card Slots Secure Digital, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro
• Weight 6.1 pounds
• Dimensions 14.1 x 10.4 x 1.4 inches
• Service and Support One year, parts and labor; one year, 24/7 toll-free

Gateway’s silver-and-black M360X is a value-priced notebook that’s anything but ho-hum. It boasts a bright widescreen display that’s great for multitasking and watching DVDs, a four-in-one memory card reader for uploading pictures from your digital camera in a flash, and solid wireless performance. It’s all wrapped up in a 6.1-pound package that’s light enough to take on the road.

The 1.6-GHz Pentium M 725 processor inside the M360X served up strong performance, earning a respectable score of 176 in our MobileMark test. The 4,200-rpm hard disk’s 60GB capacity served our needs well, but may be too slow for those looking to run more memory-intensive programs. In our testing, the M360X ran Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint without any noticeable pauses. With 512MB of RAM, we were able to run several applications simultaneously.

The system’s 15.4-inch widescreen is clear and bright; this is one display that won’t cause eyestrain when viewing it for extended periods. Its WXGA resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels is great for running two applications like Word and Excel side by side. Watching DVDs proved enjoyable. The widescreen resolution matched the letterbox Spider-Man 2 perfectly. The flick loaded quickly and played smoothly in its true format.

The Laptop Mag – Gateway M360X Laptop review

The launch of the new Ferrari 4000 Laptop was announced in May.
Pocket-lint reviewed the new Acer Ferrari Laptop which they give a great rating of 9 out of 10.
From the laptop review:

VERDICT
While previous Ferrari models have sold well, I was never truly impressed with their look or performance. There are no such problems with the Ferrari 4000 – this is as good a notebook as you’ll find, with or without a sponsorship deal to bolster its profile.

The new laptop uses ATI Mobility Radeon X700 has USB 2.0 ports located on either side and a DVI port on the rear of the laptop.
Based around the AMD 2GHz Turion 64 ML-37 processor and supported by 1024MB DDR SDRAM, there is little to complain about in terms of performance.

From the Acer Ferrari 4000 Review:

The Acer Ferrari 4000 is a complete upgrade both inside and out on the 3200 and 3400 models presented over the past two years.

Coming in a sleek black and grey chequer pattern, rather than the Ferrari Red of previous models, the black Ferrari stallion on the yellow shield takes pride and place on the top of the model (see images). The top of the laptop has been made from carbon fibre and Acer believes it is the first to mass-produce carbon fibre for a laptop all just to give it greater strength.

The inside sees a rubberised surface surround a slightly curved (5 degrees) keyboard. The rubberised top supposedly gives more grip when using the keyboard. The sides are coloured red. Open the unit up and you are presented with a 15.4in TFT display.’

I guess you want to drive a Ferrari too…