The laptop took a new meaning with the newest invention of Apple. It is so thin it fits in a regular manila envelope.

In a speech in front of about 4000 attendees to MacWorld conference (San Francisco), Steve Jobs showed the latest model of laptops: MacBook Air.

With the theatrical style that characterizes him, Steve Jobs took out a regular manila envelope, legal size, and removed a real live Macbook Air. Jobs claimed he have made a comparison with all the current thinnest laptops.

The MacBook Air will be available in stores in two weeks and it will cost $1,799. The device has a slightly wedge-shaped profile. It weighs about 3 pounds, and sports a thickness of 0.16-0.76 inches. It’s 12.8 inches wide and 8.95 inches deep. The MacBook Air can get about 5 hours of battery life with wireless networking turned on.

Aspire 6930-6809 - MSRP $699.99

The Acer Aspire 6930-6809 featuring unique 16-inch HD CineCrystal LCD panel with 16:9 aspect ratio. It also features Dolby Home Theater surround sound and a subwoofer for premium audio, further enhancing the digital media experience.

Detailed Technical Specs:

* Core 2 Duo T5800 (2MB L2 Cache, 2.0GHz; 800MHz FSB)
* 16" 1366 x 768 Resolution CrystalBrite LCD
* 3GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
* GMA 4500MHD Graphics
* 320GB 5,400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
* 8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
* 5-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
* 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi
* Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
* Dolby Home Theater
* Windows Vista Home Premium

Aspire 5735-4624 - MSRP $549.99

The Aspire 5735-4624 a new consumer notebook featuring an innovative 15.6-inch display panel with native 16:9 aspect ratio, designed for high definition multimedia at home or on-the-go.

Detailed Technical Specs:

* Intel Pentium Dual-Core T3200 Mobile Processor (1MB L2 Cache, 2GHz, 667MHz FSB)
* 15.6" WXGA HD CrystalBrite 1366 x 768 Resolution LCD
* 2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
* 160GB Hard Drive
* 8X DVD-Super MUlti DL Optical Drive
* 5-in-1 Card Reader
* 802.11b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi
* Windows Vista Home Premium

Aspire 4730-4374 - MSRP $549.99

Acer's 14.1-inch Aspire 4730-4374 is geared towards budget buyers seeking dual-core performance and decent feature set at relatively low price point.

Detailed Technical Specs:

* Intel Pentium Dual-Core T3200 (1MB L2 Cache, 2GHz, 667MHz FSB)
* 14.1" WXGA CrystalBrite LCD
* 2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
* 120GB 5,400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* 8X DVD-Super Multi DL Optical Drive
* 5-in-1 Card Reader
* 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi
* Acer Crystal Eye WebCam
* 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
* Windows Vista Home Premium

Availability:

All the above mentioned Gemstone-series Aspire laptops would be available soon with retailers like TigerDirect and NewEgg.

got updated. HTC announced for Mobile World Congress 2008 to add new sofware, more storage capacity and an enhanced keyboard.
The ultra portable pc comes with a new customized HTC Home today screen with one-touch access to e-mails, messages, calls, contacts and even weather forecasts.

Its TouchFLO software is enhancing the finger touch scrolling and web sites browsing, and there are included also Opera Mobile 9 and Google Maps.
Now the HTC Advantage has 16GB of Flash storage and a G-sensor which recognizes the display orientation improving the viewability.

More than that, the UMPC model lets users run programs via the projctor and TV output capability and comes with a nice 5-inch VGA toch-sensitive screen and a magnetic QWERTY keyboard for best ergonomics while working in the Microsoft Office applications.

It will come to Europe in March under the name HTC Advantage X7510, with WCDMA/HSDPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks support, the 3.1MP camera, miniSD card slot, WLAN 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, the HTC ExtUSB miniUSB, HTC16 pin port, the 3.5mm audio jack with microphone, a 2100mAh Li-Ion battery, and powered by the Marvell PXA270 624 MHz processor and Qualcomm MSM6275.

"Having established broader boundaries for mobile computing with the first HTC Advantage a year ago, we are introducing a wealth of new enhancements focused on improving the overall touch screen and keyboard user experience," declared Peter Chou, president and CEO of HTC. "Our goal with the HTC Advantage is to provide a small connected mobile computing device that will replace notebook PCs on daily commutes or short trips."

The latest laptop from TG Sambo is released in Korea at a price around $1,306, an affordable number for the new 15.4-inch portable computer called Averatec 8400.

Coming in a nice glossy black finish with blue reflections, the model sports a wide WXGA AveraBrite LCD display with graphics powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 video card model optimized for multimedia tasks.

The laptop runs on an AMD Turion 64×2 TL-64 CPU clocked at 2.2GHz, has 2GB DDR 2 memory, 160GH HDD drive, a DVD Super Multi optical drive, and comes with Windows Vista Home Premium operating system pre-installed.

For connectivity it brings WLAN, modem, Express Card slot, four USBs, and its total weight is of 2.8Kg.

We are used to dual screens in mobile phones and here is LG’s innovation in the form of LG XNOTE R200 that is elegant and extremely stylish in looks. The people who have already purchased these classy looking notebooks are all praise to the creativity of the makers. The 2.5-inch external display provides a lot of entertainment options, which include email, MP3 playback, photo, Vista gadgets, and mini games without even booting windows or flip the notebook. They are working under a slideshow technology that is exclusive for Windows Vista system. 12.1 inch LCD screen of this Xnote is a trend for new casual users of Laptops. Slideshow devices were redeemed with the advent and invent of these creations of LG XNOTE R200.


The laptop is never beatable with the inclusions of 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo. The other special features include 2GB of memory, 128MB of ATI HD 2400 graphics, 802.11a/g/draft-n, and 160GB of disk. They make these gleaming pieces a special mention in the history of laptop innovations. Dual screen is a sensation and they are trend setters nowadays. These notebooks give an edger over the technology with 1 GB of Turbo Memory, and a SuperMulti DVD burner. The LG electronics is proud to have these notebooks with 802.11n-draft WiFI connectivity, triple Hexa-band antenna and three USB ports that make them indispensable for pride.

This is the ultra slim Sony Vaio VGN-sz4xwn/C notebook PC bringing you a blend of portability, functionality and style with performance. Your new Sony Vaio SZ notebook has a stunning 13.3 inch widescreen LCD display incorporating Xbright technology. This great laptop is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and run by Microsoft Windows Vista Business, able to handle all your music, images, video, and documents.

The VGN-SZ4XWN/C has an 802.11a/b/g LAN for wireless connection to the internet and Bluetooth for wireless connection to peripherals. It also packs in a generous 2048MB of RAM, a huge 120GB hard drive and a double layer DVD±RW drive for playing and burning CDs and DVDs.

Key Specifications:

• Processor manufacturer: Intel
• Processor model: Core Duo T7200
• Clock speed: 2 GHz
• RAM installed: 2048 MB
• Wireless LAN: 802.11 a/b/g
• Wireless WAN: HSDPA (up to 3.6Mbps, on ExpressCard)
• Hard drive size: 120 GB
• Graphics processor: Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 / Intel GMA 950
• Graphics RAM: 335 / 224 MB
• Display diagonal size: 13.3 in
• Case form factor: clamshell
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 31.5×3.26×23.4 cm
• Weight: 1.69 kg
• Operating system: Windows Vista Business
• Additional software: VAIO Edit Components VAIO Media, VAIO Update, WinDVD for VAIO, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Click to DVD, DVGate Plus, Microsoft Office (Trial), Microsoft Works, Norton Ghost (Try and Buy), Norton Internet Security, Roxio DigitalMedia SE 7, SonicStag

Convertible paper PCs ever intend a aggregation of attention, modify if we don’t undergo anyone who actually uses one. It’s not surprising–in a concern of artefact products, where digit wear laptop looks such same the next, having a swiveling contact concealment is at small something a taste different, modify if you’re not digit of the containerful of media professionals, note-taking students, or realistic artists
who actually requirement the threefold paper and laptop modes of digit of these systems.

Toshiba undraped a newborn paper this Monday, the company’s prototypal Tablet PC to combine a touch-screen LED-backlit display. The Portege M700 offers a 12.1-inch screen, both fingertip and astir tool control, and an diode backlit pass (which are mostly thinner and device than tralatitious laptop screens) with an anti-glare coating, fit for exterior use.

We were rattling inclined of Toshiba’s R400 tablet, free in Jan of 2007, and different that model, this newborn paper offers a swappable intend bay, which crapper be utilised for an optical drive, player hornlike drive, or null at all, to revilement downbound on weight.

Toshiba’s choice plan includes an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 160GB hornlike intend for $1,799 (or $1,699 for a 1GB edition with Windows XP). If you’re itching to acquire a newborn redeemable tablet, online rumors feature Dell’s newborn paper module also entry this week, so meet tuned.

With a little help from Intel, Indian hardware manufacturer HCL Infosystems on Tuesday launched an ultra portable range of laptops with mobile Internet computing experience under Rs 15,000. And no, they are not called Classmate!

The self-branded laptops called HCL MiLeap X and Y Series have been designed exclusively for India, claimed the company.

HCL already has an existing range of its laptops called Leaptop. The entry-level laptop however does not have a hard disk and runs on Linux, though Microsft Vista can be added in the high-end Y Series.

Like Classmate PC from Intel, the two new models with a 7 inch screen size are ultra-light and weigh under-one kg. But there have been modifications made and customisation done for the product to suit to the needs of other user segments than just students.

Despite the price, the new range offers a full PC functionality with Internet experience unlike Classmate, and at a price much lower than Classmate.

‘MiLeap’ is targeted at consumer who needs to stay connected, informed, entertained and productive-anytime and anywhere. It’s lightweight and small in size makes it so convenient, that one does not think twice about carrying it to the office, home, gym or park, or using it in a train, bus, plane or metro, claimed the company.

Said HCL Infosystems chairman and CEO Ajay Chowdhry, “HCL is proud of its heritage of leading the technology revolution in India. With a legacy of having pioneered India’s first micro-computer, the country’s first desktop PC and the first home PC, at HCL it’s always been our endeavour to create technologies that touch lives.

“MiLeap’ Leaptops will herald in a new category of computing devices, opening up a wide range of new usage scenarioes and application areas,” he added.

Speaking at the launch of HCL’s new product, Intel’s managing director, sales and marketing, South Asia, Ramamurthy Sivakumar said, “In a world where the access to information technology is really the passport to the 21st century, Intel and HCL are determined to broaden the number of people who can get access to the Internet.”

MiLeap Leaptops’ ultra portable form factor makes it convenient to carry and open up new possibilities in usage among a much larger number of people in corporates and particularly small businesses.

The price of MiLeap X Series starts at Rs 13,990 and it will be available in both flash-based and disk based storage versions. Its design makes it dustproof, shock-proof and durable just like Classmate. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Feature:
Experience the incredible capabilities of the VAIO AR690 notebook. It boasts a 1080 HD multimedia powerhouse with Blu-ray Disc technology, DVR technology and a 17" widescreen display with XBRITE-HiColor LCD technology. Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning HD clarity and record up to 50GB of content to a single Blu-ray Disc. This beautifully designed notebook also lets you watch and record TV, including high-definition and premium channels. Backed by Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this super-powerful notebook is the ultimate desktop replacement.

Specification:

*Processor Brand:Intel
*Processor Class:Core 2 Duo
*Processor Speed:2.2 GHz
*Mobile Technology:Intel Centrino Duo
*Installed Memory:2 GB
*Maximum Memory:4 GB
*Memory Technology:DDR II SDRAM
*Cache Size:4 MB
*Hard Drive Capacity:160 GB
*Included Drives:BD-RE
*CD Write Speed:24 X
*CD Rewrite Speed:16 X
*CD Read Speed:24 X
*DVD Read Speed:8 X
*Display Size:17 in
*Display Type:TFT active matrix
*Graphics Processor:NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
*Resolution:1920 x 1200 pixels
*Battery Life:3.5 hour(s)
*Battery Type:Lithium ion
*Bluetooth:Yes
*Modem Speed:56 Kbps
*Operating System:Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
*Interface Provided:S-Video, VGA, Phone line, SPDIF output, HDMI, Ethernet
*Input Devices:Keyboard, Touchpad
*Included Sound Card:Sound card
*Weight:8.4 lbs
*Dimension:1.3 in x 16.4 in x 11.8 in (HxWx

With the latest Ferrari laptop, Acer is trying to inspire some collect-o-mania by limiting distribution to 99 units in Australia, the first three of which are on eBay. At the time of writing, there's one day left on the bidding and despite a AU$499 discount, there's not a single bid on any of the three.

The remaining 96 will be distributed as normal throughout the channel, with Acer posting a public lisit as to where each unit is on their Web site, under the dealership section.

Design
The 12-inch laptop is certainly light, and although unlike cars we doubt the carbon fibre backing has anything to do with that, it sure does look nice. In fact Acer has spent a lot of time in trying to theme its laptop, from the obvious Ferrari logos, to the more subtle details like the checkerplate touchpad, and foot-pedal styled mouse buttons.

While the marketing terms of "keyless entry" for the power button and "dashboard" for the status lights and shortcut touch buttons do sound a bit wanky, you can't help but feel that it all contributes to a much nicer computing experience, where a bit more thought than is regularly used has gone into the design.

A few things have crept in that aren't optimal. Firstly, despite the Dolby branding (which seems to be for kudos alone) the speakers offer a tinny, malnourished sound, as is the hallmark of laptop sound -- but further to this the positioning of two speaker grills on the wrist rest means that they're obstructed by palms when typing. Fortunately two further grills on the lip itself means this is overcome somewhat, but it's still an issue. Bring some headphones for best listening.

Lefties will once again get a warm hand if they're using an external mouse, as the exhaust vent is on the left hand side rather than the rear. This design decision is interesting mainly because Acer have included an ambidextrous Bluetooth mouse, one that's quite pleasant to use at that.

And there's a third minor niggle -- using the designated scroll section doesn't work on the touchpad -- you have to scroll immediately to the left of it. Things are otherwise hunky dory.

Features
It's here that this little 12-inch rattles off the usual suspects, with a slot loading DVD+-RW, SD/xD/MS card reader, USB and modem port on the right, and Ethernet, dual USB ports and Express Card 54 slot on the left. The front plays host to the usual Firewire 400, headphone, speakers and microphone jack, with the headphone jack doubling as an SPDIF out jack. Wireless and Bluetooth on/off switches sit to the right, with 802.11n being the highest flavour supplied.

Acer have spent a lot of time on the packaging itself, emitting a feeling of quality the moment you open the box. A Bluetooth mouse, VoIP phone (that is chargeable through the express card slot), monitor cleaning cloth and leather satchel are included on top of the usual manual and warranty cards.

Software is interesting -- while the damnable Yahoo toolbar is still there, crapware is kept within reasonable limits. More interesting is the fact that the default operating system is Vista Ultimate 64 bit -- indicating that the industry might finally be ready to step up from the 32 bit world we've been in for over 20 years.

Performance
Acer have essentially been locked into using an AMD processor, as AMD is another official sponsor of Ferrari. No surprises then that there's an ATI graphics chip in here as well, the Radeon Xpress 1270. The Xpress 1270 is not at all a powerful chip, pulling 353 in 3DMark06 -- meaning this laptop is not for games. A slightly better 3266 was to be had in PCMark05, indicating that productivity applications are the mainstay of this laptop

Battery time was not great at one hour, 28 minutes and 58 seconds when turning all power saving options off, and screen brightness to maximum. The whole reason for ultra-portables is meant to be easy to travel, and long battery life though, with competition like sony's computer (despite its considerably leaner hardware spec and more fragile build) nearly doubling the battery time of the Ferrari, it makes us wonder if the extra grunt in Acer's machine is worth it.

The Ferrari 1100's biggest problem is its price, and its perceived collector value. If you're willing to go one-inch larger, dell's computer does pretty much everything faster for close to half the price, and is lighter to boot. The thing you've got to ask yourself is simply: is the Ferrari badge worth it?

Apple has already made waves with its iPod, iPhone and trendy desktop computers, but last night the company threw out a new challenge to its competitors, the world's thinnest laptop.

The secretive Silicon Valley company confirmed the launch of the £1,199 Macbook Air, which measures just three-quarters of an inch (2cm) deep - thin enough to fit inside an envelope.

In his Macworld Expo keynote speech, speculation over which has been rife for weeks, chief executive Steve Jobs said Apple would try to take control of the video industry with movie rentals and a revamped Apple TV to stream films direct to television screens.

Until now iTunes customers have been able to buy movies outright, a business which has not been as successful as Apple's entry into music. Apple TV, which allows video to be streamed from a computer to a television screen, has struggled to make an impact. But Jobs predicted that a relaunch of the device would mark a significant shift in the film industry.

"On iTunes we've sold 125m TV shows, and we've sold 7m movies - it's more than everyone else put together, but it didn't meet our expectations," Jobs said. "I think we've got it right this time.

"We've all tried to figure out how to get movies over the internet and on to the TV - but we've all missed, no one has succeeded yet.

"We tried with Apple TV, but it's not what people wanted. So we're back with Apple TV take two - no computer is required. You can rent movies directly on your widescreen TV and you can rent them at DVD quality or you can rent then at high definition quality."

Costing $229 (£116), the system hooks into the company's plans to offer films to rent over the internet through its iTunes store, also confirmed yesterday. The company said it would join film studios including 20th Century Fox and Sony to allow iTunes users to stream movies direct to their computer or TV for a one-off payment of between $3 and $5.

The system will have 1,000 new titles and back catalogue films available by the end of February. It will start immediately in the US and in other territories later this year. "We're dying to get this international as well," Jobs said.

Similar in concept to the the BBC's iPlayer and Channel 4's on-demand service, Apple's systems will make downloads usable on iPods and iPhones as well as television sets.