Samsung NC215S solar netbook will see the light of day in Russia

Anyone who's ever attempted to use a laptop on a sunny summer day can surely tell you that direct sunlight is not your friend -- that's why we like to ride out the season in our dark basement apartments. If only there were a way to harness the sun's rays for good, instead of evil -- like powering your PC while you're off doing whatever it is that normal people do when it's sunny outside. First introduced for the African market, Samsung's NC215S will be hitting Russia in early August for 13,999 rubles ($479). The netbook sports a lid almost entirely monopolized by a solar panel, which contributes to an overall estimated battery life of 14.5 hours. The NC215S packs a 1.6GHz N570 Intel Atom dual-core processor, 250GB of storage, and 1GB of RAM into a 2.9 pound frame. It's almost enough to make us want to venture out into the sunlight. Almost.

Update: The folks at Liliputing have been told the NC215S is heading stateside on July 3rd, with a suggested retail price of $399, so it looks like you'll need to stay planted in your patience for just a few days more.

Toshiba's quad-core Satellite L750D goes on sale for $699 as one of the first available Llano laptops

When AMD came clean with its Fusion A-Series platform, the outfit was quick to admit that some manufacturers have already started slipping these hybrid CPU / GPU chips into their spankin' new PCs. Still, at this early stage we still haven't spotted many of 'em -- if anything, we have a better idea what's on tap for later this summer. But here we have the Toshiba Satellite L750D-ST4N01, the first available Llano-packing notebook we've seen since the A-Series' launch. At $699, this 15.6-incher might seem like a forgettable system with its 4GB of RAM, 640GB 5400RPM hard drive, 1366 x 768 panel, and three USB 2.0 ports. Heck, Toshiba barely even gave the L series lip service when it announced a slew of laptops last week. But, what makes this seemingly ho-hum machine special is that it packs AMD's mid-range quad-core A6-3400M chip and an AMD Radeon HD 6520G graphics core -- a combination that adds just $10 to the cost over a similarly configured Satellite L755-S5258 with a dual-core Core i5-2410M processor and integrated Intel graphics. The L750D isn't for you? The deluge of A-Series systems hasn't even begun yet, friends. And while the jury's still out on real-world battery performance, this should make it crystal clear that if nothing else, AMD is taking no prisoners when it comes to pricing.

LG P220 ultraportable hands-on at Computex 2011 (video)

What would happen if you took a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro and shrunk it down a notch into a 12.1 or 11.6-inch ultraportable but decided to keep the box shape instead of using a MacBook Air-like wedge design? We're pretty sure you'd end up with something like this sexy LG P220. We saw this light and thin laptop at the Intel booth at Computex and came away rather impressed. While the materials used (plastics) don't live up to the lofty standards set by Apple's popular notebooks, the innards appear to pack a serious punch. We don't have any specs, but the unit we handled was equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, and LG's gorgeous super slim bezel-hating Shuriken display. We'll keep you posted with more info as soon as we dig it up -- in the meantime, why not take a look at this hot little number in our gallery and hands-on video after the break?

Kogan Agora is world's first Google Chromium OS laptop, ships next week

Kogan, the Aussie company behind such gadgets as the fist-sized Bluetooth GPS watch and gesture-controlled IPTV, is adding a Chromium OS laptop to its family of Google-powered Agora products. The 11.6-inch computer has a spec list rivaling the midrange notebooks of 2006, including a 1.3 GHz Celeron processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 30GB SSD. That's not a lot of oomph, but with cloud-based storage and Google's open source Chromium running the show, this thin client laptop should be in decent shape. There's also a 3.5-hour battery, SD card reader, webcam, Bluetooth, and an HDMI output. Like all Kogan products, the Agora is only available in Australia (AUD 349, about $372) and the UK (£269, about $440), so if you live down under or across the pond and don't want to install the open-source (free) OS yourself, look for the laptop to hit Kogan's online stores tomorrow.

Crux Loaded case almost turns your iPad into a laptop for $250

Plenty of people are happy using the iPad as Apple intended -- as a tablet -- but some of you have been searching for a way to add a sleek keyboard and trackpad to the device since day one. The Crux Loaded clamshell case brings both input devices to the mix, and even packs an external battery within its base, adding 7.5 hours of juice. Sound good? Unfortunately, you'll need to wait until fall to shell out a whopping $249 for the case, assuming Apple opens the Bluetooth iGate to the Loaded's trackpad. You'll also need to hand over $30 for a remote desktop app if you plan to use the combo to control your computer (no, Crux hasn't found a way to run OS X natively on the iPad, as the image above might imply). With its netbook-like price, however, we'd rather keep our wallets Loaded than pay $249 for a case -- but if you've been dying for a way to make your tablet slightly more functional, you may be in luck later this year.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 with Touchwiz

Finding that perfect size for tablets will require a bit of trial and error. I’ve been playing with a few 10.1″ tablets that, I think, are a bit too big. Even the iPad with it’s 9.7″ screen is on the bigger size. On the other hand, the 7″ ones like the PlayBook are awesome for portability but feel a bit small at time. So, in the middle, is the 8.9″ form factor that we have seen the LG tablet in as well as the upcoming Samsung Galaxy. I’m really looking forward to the Galaxy Tab 8.9- seems to have everything I would want from a tablet. They were on display in Russia and the following video shows the awesomeness.



I do hope that the Touchwiz interface could be turned off as I prefer a stock experience. Expect to see the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 to appear some time towards the end of summer

HP rolls out budget-minded Pavilion g6s laptop with Sandy Bridge

HP has already rolled out a few new Sandy Bridge laptops this month, but it's now back with yet another: the Pavilion g6s. Like the still-available g6t and g6x, this one packs a 15.6-inch display with a rather lowly 1,366 x 768 resolution, but you can now get that paired with your choice of Core i3, i5 or i7 Sandy Bridge processors. Otherwise, you'll get some fairly respectable specs across the board, including up 6GB of RAM, up to a 750GB hard drive, and optional Radeon HD 6470M graphics -- not to mention your choice of four different color options. Of course, cost is still the main concern with the g6 series, and this one keeps things in check with a starting price of $550.

HP gives TouchSmart 610 a second crack, this time with Sandy Bridge CPU options

HP may have announced its TouchSmart 610 all-in-one just a shade too soon for it to ship with Core 2011 processors, but that doesn't mean the company was above pushing out a refresh just a few months later. Now, this 23-inch beast is on sale with a variety of quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 Sandy Bridge CPUs. To recap, what makes the 610 special is its rigid hinge, which allows the 1080p display to slide down so that it's face-up, and nearly flat at a 60-degree angle -- a more ergonomic position for poking 'round the TouchSmart software while standing.

Like pretty much every other HP computer on the market, it comes standard with Beats Audio and, depending on how much money you're willing to shell out, you can trick it out with up to 16GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and your choice of NVIDIA or ATI graphics with up to 2GB of video memory. Those Sandy Bridge models are available now starting at $1,100, though as always, you can get an entry-level configuration with quad-core AMD innards for $900 and up.

Fujitsu Bay Projector makes laptops presentation-ready within seconds

Fujitsu today unveils the latest ‘must-have’ device for the business professional: the world’s first projector built in to a modular notebook bay. The fold-out Fujitsu Bay Projector is ready to use in seconds and means no external beamer or external cables are required to share slides, spreadsheets or viral YouTube videos with colleagues or friends.

Available from July as an option for the Fujitsu LIFEBOOK P771 and LIFEBOOK S761 notebooks, the patented Fujitsu Bay Projector adds convenience and mobility. Set-up is simple: the built-in beamer is immediately ready to use once the lens and bulb are folded out of the DVD-size modular bay and clicked into place.

The Bay Projector works on almost any surface. Brightness and keystone correction are adjusted directly via built-in buttons, and laser beam technology provides high contrast and color depth to guarantee crisp, clear images. In addition to its portability, the Bay Projector is quieter and more robust than a traditional beamer, whose lens bulbs are easily damaged.

At the end of a long day for business travellers, the Bay Projector can also double-up as a hotel room personal cinema, where it can be used for playing back movies on a bigger screen, providing more comfortable viewing.

The Bay Beamer extends the flexibility of modular bays in LIFEBOOK notebooks. When not in use, the Bay Projector can be easily removed and replaced with a modular second battery, a DVD Super Multi drive, or simply a weight saver

Dieter Heiss, Head of Workplace Systems at Fujitsu Technology Solutions says: “Every business notebook user knows the scenario of arriving at an important meeting ready to give a presentation, only to discover that the projector is broken, missing or just won’t work with their notebook. The Bay Projector solves that – and underlines how LIFEBOOK models are truly a fully-mobile office. What’s more is that projecting images directly from a notebook’s modular bay is not only a world first but also very convenient – so we expect the Bay Projector to quickly become a ‘must have’ executive accessory.”

The Bay Projector module is available to order beginning July 1, 2011 across the CEMEA&I, United Kingdom, Ireland and Nordics regions – initially in LIFEBOOK P771 and LIFEBOOK S761 models. Pricing is around EUR 499 but varies according to region.

Google to offer $20-a-month 'student package' for a Chrome laptop?

Just as we're wrapping up day one of Google I/O 2011, Forbes received an interesting piece of information regarding Chrome OS. According to an unnamed senior Google executive, tomorrow's keynote will see the launch of a Chrome laptop sold as an attractive $20-per-month "student package." If true, this will make a compelling option for laptop-seeking students bounded by a limited budget (booze before books, right?), and Forbes speculates that a similar enterprise offering will follow soon -- makes sense considering Google's already cosying up to businesses with its $50-a-year Google Apps suite. Anyhow, all will be unveiled soon enough -- keep an eye out for our Google I/O day 2 liveblog tomorrow for the full monty.

HP unveils the Pavilion dv4, Envy 14 with Sandy Bridge, and a redesigned Mini 210

With a Sandy Bridge refresh, a new 14-inch mainstream laptop, and a redesigned netbook, HP's latest crop of consumer systems offers a little something for everyone. First up, there's the 14-inch Pavilion dv4 (not to be confused with the metal-clad dm4), which bears the same Imprint finish and CoolSense technology as its siblings and ushers in a striking cobalt blue color option, as you can see in the photo above. Look for it on May 18 with a starting price of $600.

Then there's the revamped Mini 210, which swaps last year's not-too-glossy plastic lid for candy-colored lids, and adds a seamless touchpad, edge-to-edge 10.1-inch display, and a flush six-cell battery promising up to 8.8 hours of battery life -- an upgrade over last year's standard four-cell. Spec-wise, nothing has changed from the current 210, except for the addition of Beats Audio, something you'll find across HP's notebook lineup. It'll be available on June 15 and cost $300 for the charcoal version -- alas, you'll have to pony up $330 for one of the punchier colors. For now, be sure to check out our video hands-on.

Lastly, HP did the predictable and refreshed the high-end Envy 14 with Sandy Bridge CPU options and USB 3.0. It also promises an improved touch experience -- something we bemoaned in our review last year -- with a trackpad that uses optical sensors to analyze your multitouch gestures. That will go on sale June 15 for $1,000 and up.

HP intros the ProBook 5330m, EliteBook 2560p, and EliteBook 2760p tablet

After announcing a trio of consumer laptops, you didn't think HP had forgotten about its business line, did you? The company also trotted out three lightweight models for the corporate set, including the 12.1-inch EliteBook 2760p convertible tablet, which has been rearing its head around the FCC as of late. Although it's an update to the current-generation 2740p, it sticks with its tried-and-true metal design. But -- surprise, surprise -- it steps up to Sandy Bridge Core i5 and Core i7 CPU options, promises 5.5 hours of battery life with the standard six-cell, and will be one of several models compatible with HP's newly minted (optional) prepaid data service, DataPass. Is this the Windows 7 tablet you've been looking for? It's on sale now starting at $1,500 -- stylus included.

Next up is the EliteBook 2560p laptop, an update to the 12.1-inch 2540p. This one, too, has a tough aluminum-and-magnesium-alloy build, but it gets the good ol' Sandy Bridge treatment and also shifts to a 12.5-inch display -- a screen size that's rarely stretched to 16:9 proportions. And, HP claims it's the only laptop of its size with a built-in optical drive, if sacrificing optical discs isn't a compromise you're willing to make. Look for it on May 23 with a starting price of $1,100.

Lastly, there's the ProBook 5330m, a 13.3-incher that's trying hard to win over Generation Y-types just dipping their toes into the workforce... and who will call in sick if their work machines aren't trendy, or something. In addition to a dual-tone aluminum chassis, it plays cool with a backlit keyboard, Sandy Bridge Core i3 and i5 CPU options, and Beats Audio -- a first for an HP business system. On the inside, meanwhile, it offers TPM circuitry and optional Intel vPro processors -- perks for the IT managers likely to buy these in bulk. These are on sale now, starting at $800.

Fujitsu's Stylistic Q550 business slate up for US pre-orders, starting at $729

We're still not sure what's stylistic about Smart Card readers, fingerprint scanners and TPM modules, but you won't find them in many slates, so if you've been considering the Fujitsu Q550 -- which has one of each -- today's your lucky day. The Oak Trail-powered Windows 7 tablet with a 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 IPS screen is ready for US pre-orders today, with $729 bringing you the base model with a 30GB solid state drive and a two-cell rechargeable battery. $849 upgrades the slate to 62GB of storage and four cells worth of swappable Lithium-ion joy, while both sport front and rear cameras, HDMI out, a bootable USB 2.0 port, a full-size SD slot and dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi. Let's just hope the UI is a tad more optimized than last time.

Acer Aspire One 722 caught in the wild (video)

If that offbeat Acer Aspire One 722 we told you about last month caught your fancy, well, we still don't know when you'll be able to buy it or how many pretty pennies it'll cost. In the meantime, the folks at NewGadgets, at least, got to spend some time with one and gave it the full hands-on treatment, including a video (embedded below for your viewing pleasure) and gallery of close-up shots. So if you like your netbooks blue, dented, and loaded with AMD innards, head on past the break to get your eyeful. Now if only this had a release dateto go with it...

Dell's stylish new XPS 15z laptop surfaces

We just heard talk of a new 15.6-inch Dell laptop yesterday that was said to be thin and streamlined, and Mobile Review has now scored some pictures of what may be that very same laptop. While there's unfortunately not much in the way of details, the laptop is apparently dubbed the XPS 15z, and it's said to pack support for Sandy Bridge Core i5 and Core i7 processors. As previously hinted at, this particular laptop is also said to be just part of a series, with both 14-inch and 17-inch models also on the way. Hit up the link below for few additional shots.

Asus Lamborghini VX7 is now in orange, even more powerful

The powerful new 15.6” ASUS-Automobili Lamborghini VX7 offers a completely revamped notebook experience. It embodies the excitement of Automobili Lamborghini’s supercar grand touring traditions and offers users a fresh take on portable computing. Crafted to reflect the ultra-sporty and aggressive look of Automobili Lamborghini models, the VX7 is available in distinct orange, black and carbon fiber colors.

The ASUS-Automobili Lamborghini VX7 features the power of quad-core 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processors and clocks in as the world’s first notebook with discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics, supported by a massive 3GB of dedicated video memory. Users also benefit from a speedy solid-state hybrid drive of up to 1.25TB in capacity, rated at approximately 10,000rpm for super-fast access and performance.

Bullish approach to eye-catching design
The VX7 represents the culmination of the ASUS-Automobili Lamborghini co-branding joint venture, delivering a premium product for discerning consumers who hold luxurious craftsmanship and advanced technology in equally high regard. Numerous design touches double as highly practical performance enhancers and tributes to Automobili Lamborghini engineering and style. One clear example of this are the cooling vents at the rear of the VX7, which enable superior heat dissipation just as they echo the unique taillights and exhaust assemblies of Automobili Lamborghini supercars.

This design philosophy applies equally to the power button, which has been styled as an engine start key, leather-trimmed palm rests and the light but durable aluminum construction.

The VX7 is offered in three classic Automobili Lamborghini colors ― orange, black and carbon fiber. All are directly licensed and formulated to retain the iconic and attention-grabbing appearance of the fabled Italian powerhouses.

Top-spec throughout
As one of the most capable notebooks ever produced by ASUS, the VX7 stays faithful to its Automobili Lamborghini pedigree with sheer performance for gaming, multimedia, online entertainment and productivity. At its heart resides the quad-core Intel 2nd generation Core™ i7 processor, based on the Sandy Bridge architecture for enhanced graphics and multitasking performance with a highly energy-efficient posture. Dedicated graphics for hardcore gaming and multimedia come from the world’s first NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M GPU on a notebook, offering native DirectX 11 and aided by the inclusion of an unprecedented 3GB of video memory.

With this high-end specification, the VX7 becomes a formidable gaming and entertainment platform. ASUS also offers a solid-state hybrid hard drive for storage (up to 1.25TB in capacity), which reaches access speeds of approximately 10,000rpm. Maintaining the Automobili Lamborghini “super veloce” spirit, the VX7 ships with USB 3.0 as standard for up to ten times the data transfer speeds of USB 2.0.

Asus’ new K series laptop are IceCool

Asus has introduced its new K series laptop, the K53SJ, thatcomes with an innovative new IceCool Technology to keep palm rests cool, placing heat-producing components away from users. Designed with high quality aluminum textures, themachine also features IF Award-winning ergonomic dust-repellent chicklet keyboard.
The K53SJ ships with 2nd Generation Intel Core Processors, as optimized for notebookuse with awesome computing power – in particular as these new mobile CPUs enhancemultitasking, so one can get more done at the same time, more smoothly.

The IceCool Technololgy makes the PC experience cool and comfortable even duringthe longest computing sessions. Exclusive dual-sided motherboard design places hotcomponents on the underside and away from users. Combined with heat pipes and vents,palm rests and typing surfaces stay cooler.

For graphics and gaming, new K Series notebooks deliver the might of NVIDIA discreteGPUs. The ASUS K53SJ comes with NVIDIA GT 520M available for dazzling gaming andmultimedia output, up to 1GB DDR3 video memory on hand to accelerate visuals. Extra-wide dust-repellent keys stay comfortable even during extended typing sessions for improvedproductivity and interaction. Intelligent touchpad distinguishes between palm and fingercontact to prevent inadvertent cursor movements during typing.

The K53SJ comes in elegant color scheme based on premium aluminum textures and offersan expressive combination of technology and style. The highly durable premium aluminumtextures retain their looks and quality even during extensive, prolonged use, allowing one todo more with the K Series in complete confidence.

IdeaPad S205 hits Lenovo webstore, starts at $499

The first of Lenovo's CES-announced S Series, the S205, sauntered into the computer manufacturer's online store this week, albeit lacking the 8GB DDR3 SDRAM option mentioned at its announcement. The base model sells for $499, sporting a 1.60Ghz dual-core AMD Fusion E-350 CPU, an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768 resolution) 16:9 widescreen panel, 3GB of DDR3 SDRAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 6310 graphics, and a 350GB HDD. Two higher cost configurations score an extra gig of RAM, an optional Bluetooth radio, and a 500GB or 750GB HDD. The lesser of the higher end models can be had for a $429 at LogicBuy until Wednesday, if you can live without Bluetooth (which man did for thousands of years, but you know what we mean).

Details of Samsung's 'Alex' Chrome OS netbook leaked, Atom N550 in tow

As we approach the expected mid-2011 launch for a few Chrome OS devices, it seems inevitable that some details are bound to slip out ahead of time -- here's looking at you, Acer ZGB and Seaboard. The latest victim outed by a Chromium bug report is the Samsung "Alex," which sports a 1280 x 800 display (probably at 10 inches as previously rumored; like the mockup above), 1.5GHz dual-core Atom N550, SanDisk SSD P4 of unknown capacity, and 2GB RAM. Also listed are a Qualcomm Gobi 2000 3G card, Bluetooth, WiFi, webcam, and a Synaptics touchpad. Well, not long to go now -- perhaps the Alex might even make a cheeky appearance at Google I/O in two weeks' time? Screenshot of the bug report after the break.

Dell's new powerhouse Precision M4600 and M6600 workstation laptops on sale May 10

We got a dose of details on Dell's new Precision M4600 and M6600 workstations yesterday, and though impressed by their specs, we were left without answers to two very important questions: when can we get them, and how much will they cost? There must be some mind readers in Round Rock, because today Dell revealed that the machines will make their debut on May 10 with prices starting at $1,678 for the M4600 and $2,158 for its 17-inch big brother, though prices surely escalate quickly from there. Turns out, the laptops also have optional IPS and four-finger multi-touch displays for your viewing pleasure and RAID support for your (and your employer's) peace of mind. That's some stellar hardware for some serious coin, so interested parties should start brown-nosing the bossman immediately -- or maybe just get a second job. PR's after the break