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Acer unviel world’s thinnest 13.3-inch Aspire S5 Ultrabook at CES 2012

PC News Zone — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Not surprisingly, Acer's jumping on the quickly-expanding Ultrabook bandwagon here at CES 2012, with the Aspire S5 being the initial out of the chute. It's a 13.3-incher that'll check it at under three pounds, offering up Instant On functionality, a magnesium-aluminum alloy cover (in Onyx Black), HDMI / USB 3.0 / Thunderbolt (!) ports and an SSD for correct measure. We're told that it'll commence shipping in Q2 of this year, but other details remain under wraps.

8 Jan 2012 Acer Unveils World's Thinnest Ultrabook: Aspire S5 Acer unveiled the world's thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point. It weighs less than 1.35 kg (less than 3 lbs.) and is built with a 13.3-inch (34 cm) LCD. In addition, it features the unique Acer Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere - even from sleep. "The Ultrabook is much more than just a product segment," said Jim Wong, president of Acer Inc. "It's a new trend that will become the mainstream for mobile PCs, and customers will see the unique features gradually extended across Acer's notebook family." Instantly on and always connected Innovative Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well. Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks. Acer Always Connectgets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available. Ultra-fluid contours Adorned with a delicately curved chassis in Onyx Black, the Aspire S5's cover rim wraps around the system body like a protective shell. A magnesium-aluminum alloy cover and palmrest provide a slimmer and sturdier form, while the metallic brushed detail presents subtle elegance. The clean and ultra-fluid contours seen from all angles make the S5 a vision of beauty. Magical I/O port panel The Aspire S5 is Acer's first Ultrabook to feature a smartly designed MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMIÂ®, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt. Performance and eco-friendly features The Aspire S5 features an IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ processor, SSD storage for speed and increased shock resistance, professionally-tuned DolbyÂ® Home TheaterÂ® v4, long battery life via the PowerSmart battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle1 than traditional batteries), and is equipped with a chiclet keyboard. The Aspire S5 will start shipping in Q2 2012.

Acer unviel world’s thinnest 13.3-inch Aspire S5 Ultrabook at CES 2012

PC News Zone — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

8 Jan 2012 Acer Unveils World's Thinnest Ultrabook: Aspire S5 Acer unveiled the world's thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point. It weighs less than 1.35 kg (less than 3 lbs.) and is built with a 13.3-inch (34 cm) LCD. In addition, it features the unique Acer Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere - even from sleep. "The Ultrabook is much more than just a product segment," said Jim Wong, president of Acer Inc. "It's a new trend that will become the mainstream for mobile PCs, and customers will see the unique features gradually extended across Acer's notebook family." Instantly on and always connected Innovative Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well. Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks. Acer Always Connectgets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available. Ultra-fluid contours Adorned with a delicately curved chassis in Onyx Black, the Aspire S5's cover rim wraps around the system body like a protective shell. A magnesium-aluminum alloy cover and palmrest provide a slimmer and sturdier form, while the metallic brushed detail presents subtle elegance. The clean and ultra-fluid contours seen from all angles make the S5 a vision of beauty. Magical I/O port panel The Aspire S5 is Acer's first Ultrabook to feature a smartly designed MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMIÂ®, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt. Performance and eco-friendly features The Aspire S5 features an IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ processor, SSD storage for speed and increased shock resistance, professionally-tuned DolbyÂ® Home TheaterÂ® v4, long battery life via the PowerSmart battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle1 than traditional batteries), and is equipped with a chiclet keyboard. The Aspire S5 will start shipping in Q2 2012.

Sony’s ultraslim 13-inch VAIO Z laptop revealed in Europe, packs external GPU for power on demand

Mark — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:05:38 +0000

Turns out those leaked shots we saw of Sony’s new VAIO Z laptop were right on the money as the company showed it off officially today for the European press. The specs reveal a 13.1-inch “ultramobile” notebook that comes in at under 1.2kg with a 2.7GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM, 1600×900 screen and sheet battery borrowed from the earlier VAIO S for up to 7 hours of computing. Onboard it features only Intel’s HD Graphics 3000 solution but the VAIO Z beats other ultralights with its Power Media Dock, which contributes the power of an AMD Radeon 6650M GPU with 1GB of dedicated memory connected via “the architecture codenamed Light Peak” — Sony can’t call it Thunderbolt — when more polygons have to be pushed. The dock sports one USB 3.0 hookup plus additional USB, VGA and HDMI ports, and a slot for either a DVD or Blu-ray drive. There’s no word on a price yet, but it is promised to ship by the end of July in Europe so if the full specs (included after the break) are appealing then you don’t have much time to save up.

Update: Head over to the Sony UK site to configure one yourself — pricing starts at Â£1,434 ($2,294) with a Core i5 CPU, 4GB of RAM and no PMD. The dock is a Â£400 ($640) option with no optical drive included, while upgrading to a 1080p 13.1-inch LCD is a mere Â£40 extra.

PRESS RELEASE

Ultimate performance and design: ultra-mobile new VAIO Z Series from Sony weighs under 1.2kg
28 June 2011

Thin, ultra-light 13.1″ notebook PC with innovative new Power Media Dock

Â· 33.2cm (13.1″) VAIO Z Series: less than 1.2 kg and 16.65mm slim with stunning design and smart battery concept

Â· Business-class power with latest standard voltage IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ i7 processors and fast SSD storage

Â· High-resolution (1600×900) anti-reflective VAIO Display Premium

Â· Optional sheet battery gives up to 14hr stamina1 with quick charge

Â· Power Media Dockâ„¢ 2 with quad video monitor support, AMD Radeonâ„¢ HD graphics, optical drive and extra ports including HDMIâ„¢ out

Â· Quick Boot gets you working in seconds

Weighing little over a kilogram, the new VAIO Z Series notebook PC from Sony is created for mobile professionals who demand absolute performance and portability.

VAIO Z blends ultra-desirable styling and premium carbon fibre with no-compromise specifications and innovative productivity features. In the office or on the road, this class-leading business notebook helps demanding users work more efficiently with the ultimate in on-the-move computing power.

All-new VAIO Z takes cutting-edge styling by Sony to new extremes, with a ‘full flat’ body and display lid that are crafted in tough, ultra-light carbon fibre. At just below 1.2kg and 16.65mm slim, the new VAIO Z is the perfect partner for business travellers who demand ultimate power with less to carry.

On-the-go usability is enhanced further by the backlit keyboard with extra-wide palm rest and ergonomic new ‘button-less’ touchpad. With a resolution of 1600×900, the 33.2cm (13.1″) VAIO Display Premium features an anti-reflective coating that cuts glare from direct light sources and ensures crisp colour reproduction.

Performance is everything you’d expect from the most sophisticated VAIO notebook yet. Latest-generation standard voltage IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ i7 processors are teamed with speedy DDR3 SDRAM and up to 256GB SSD RAID storage to blaze through the toughest workload with ease.

As an extra refinement, Quick Boot saves precious time when you’re in a hurry, loading Genuine WindowsÂ® 7 Professional up to 50% quicker than conventional notebooks. Embedded VAIO ‘everywair’ 3G WWAN on selected models connects via your mobile broadband operator.

Power Media Dockâ„¢

The performance of VAIO Z Series is taken to new extremes by the unique Power Media Dock2, a monolithic expansion module that links with VAIO via an optical cable. The proprietary port can also be used to attach regular USB devices to VAIO when it’s not docked.

Featuring high-speed I/O data transfer based on the architecture codenamed ‘Light Peak’, Power Media Dock boosts graphics performance while adding numerous extra connectivity options. It includes an optical drive for even greater business productivity and satisfying HD entertainment. The module comes supplied with a stylish design-matched stand.

With Power Media Dock added, VAIO Z can manage up to four displays (including the notebook screen) via HDMIâ„¢ and/or VGA output ports. In this configuration, VAIO Z makes a compelling choice for design, finance and science professionals who need to work across several screens simultaneously. New-generation AMD Radeon HD graphics with 1GB VRAM effortlessly handle demanding graphics tasks, from 3D CAD to gaming.

When docked, connectivity options are boosted by additional USB ports plus VGA and HDMI outputs. Power Media Dock also sports an optical drive bay that can be specified with a Blu-ray Discâ„¢ or SuperMulti combo drive. Games and movies on DVD or Blu-ray Disc sound as good as they look with latest DolbyÂ® Home TheaterÂ® v4.

Sheet battery

VAIO Z features the innovative ‘sheet battery’ already showcased on this year’s VAIO S Series. The notebook’s internal lithium polymer battery provides power for up to 7 hours1 on-the-go computing. It’s partnered by a second thin, flat optional lithium polymer sheet battery that can be charged separately from the PC and added without removing the internal battery. The sheet battery attaches without having to switch off the PC, boosting stamina to up to 14 hours1 for day-and-night working, even if you’re far from mains power.

VAIO Z delivers a richer communication experience if you’re staying in touch with colleagues via video conference or web chat. The HD web camera powered by Exmorâ„¢ technology ensures detailed-packed video even in low light.

There’s a full range of official accessories from Sony, style-matched to complement the looks and performance of your VAIO. Many more configuration options â€“ including a Full HD (1920 x 1080) LCD â€“ are available exclusively to online shoppers at Sony Store.

The new 2011 VAIO Z Series of ultra-portable performance notebook PCs is available from the end of July 2011 (actual date of availability varies by country).

1 As measured by MobileMarkÂ® battery test

2 Power Media Dock available with selected models or as an optional accessory

-ends-
Notes to editors

Model

VAIO VPCZ21V9E

Processor

IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ i7-2620M 2.70GHz (with Turbo Boost up to 3.40GHz)

OS

Genuine WindowsÂ® 7 Professional (64bit) with Service Pack 1

Memory

8GB DDR3 1333Mhz SDRAM

Drive

256GB SSD Flash memory (RAID 0)

Screen

33.2cm (13.1″) VAIO Display Premium (1600×900) with wide (16:9) aspect ratio

On-board graphics

IntelÂ® HD Graphics 3000

Optical drive

DVD SuperMulti Drive (included with VGP-PRZ20C Power Media Dockâ„¢ â€“ see below)

Others

WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n; 3G WWAN; BluetoothÂ® 2.1 + EDR; USB 2.0 x1, docking station/USB port x1 (supports USB 2.0/3.0 compatible devices); HDMIâ„¢ out (3D supported); stereo speakers with DolbyÂ® Home TheaterÂ® v4; HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor’ (1.3 effective megapixels); Web, VAIO and Assist buttons; touchpad with gesture support; fingerprint sensor; Quick Boot

Dimensions DxHxW

Approx. 210 x 16.65 x 330mm

Weight

Approx. 1.18kg (with standard internal battery)

Model

Power Media Dockâ„¢ VGP-PRZ20C/VGP-PRZ20A

Graphics Accelerator

AMD Radeonâ„¢ HD 6650M

Video RAM

1GB DDR3

Max. resolution

Analogue RGB: 1920 x 1200

HDMIâ„¢: 1920 x 1080

Optical drive

VGP-PRZ20C: DVD SuperMulti Drive

VGP-PRZ20A: Blu-ray Discâ„¢ Drive with DVD SuperMulti

LAN port

1000BASE-T/100BASE-T/10BASE-T x1

USB port

Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Type A Connector x2, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) x1

Monitor port

Mini D-Sub 15 pin x1

HDMI output port

x1 (3D Supported)

Dimensions DxHxW

Approx. 148 x 16.65 x 220mm

Weight

Approx. 0.685kg

Specifications and features vary by model. Please check VAIO laptops for more information.
For more information please contact
Sony Europe Press Centre

ASUS targets Christmas for Padfone launch, hints at Ice Cream Sandwich

pcnz_admin — Mon, 30 May 2011 16:13:12 +0000

From Endgadget.com — We just got to spend some quality time with ASUS’ newly unveiled Padfone and you can see the smartphone that doubles up as a tablet on video after the break. It’s still a mere mockup for now, but ASUS has big plans for it — plans that coalesce around the Christmas period and the very latest version of Android at that time. ASUS’ Benson Lin was careful not to openly admit the company intends to ship with Ice Cream Sandwich, but he did point out that you can’t launch a smartphone with Honeycomb as the OS. We were encouraged to draw our own conclusions.

The smartphone is actually the only smart aspect of this hardware pair — the slate part acts as a display, a set of speakers, an extended battery, and an I/O extender, but it doesn’t work by itself. ASUS also tells us there’ll be other functionality enabled by the tablet panel, but that’s being kept under wraps for now. Compatibility between the display dock and subsequent phone generations is being contemplated but couldn’t be confirmed, and as to the UI, ASUS says it’ll be almost the same as its second-gen Android tablets. You heard that right, second generation ASUS Android tablets — to succeed the Transformer and Slider — will be coming around the same time as the Padfone.