Apple today launched its long-awaited Intel-based MacBook consumer-oriented notebooks. The machines are available in white and black with either a 1.83 GHz or a 2 GHz Core Duo processor. Other specs include 13.3-inch glossy display, 512 MB of DDR2-667 SO-DIMM memory, 60 GB or 80 GB hard drive, slot-loading SuperDrive, one FireWire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11g, Gigabit Ethernet, iSight built-in camera, MagSafe power adapter and remote control. Compared to the MacBook Pro, it lacks the Mobility Radeon X1600 discrete GPU, replaced by a 64 MB Intel GMA950 core with Mini-DVI output. Prices vary from USD 1,099 to USD 1,499.
The IEEE 802.11 Working Group reproved draft 1.0 of the 802.11n wireless standard in today’s vote. Just 46.6% of the electorate thought it was ready to move to the next step while a 75% majority was needed. Members will now address reported problems, such as with interoperability, on a 2.0 version. The new 802.11n, to be finalized this year, is expected to allow speeds of up to 600 Mbps.
As anticipated, Apple today launched its new 17-inch MacBook Pro, powered by a 2.16 GHz Core Duo processor. The company claims that it is five times faster than the PowerBook G4. Other specs include 1 GB of DDR2-667 memory, Mobility Radeon X1600 GPU with 256 MB of GDDR3 and 120 GB hard drive. The notebook comes with an 8x SuperDrive, built-in iSight camera, infrared remote and AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connections. Retail price is USD 2,800.
Nvidia has officially launched two mobile versions of its flagship GPU series. The GeForce Go 7900 GS and GTX pack known technologies such as Shader Model 3.0, high dynamic range (HDR) and PureVideo H.264 hardware acceleration. The GTX model offers 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth and 12 billion pixels per second fill rate while the GS is limited to 32 GB/s and 7.5 billion. The chips are initially available in Dell and Toshiba notebooks.
ASUS this week unveiled the final specifications of its Lamborghini VX1 notebook. The machine, to be available later this month, will feature a 2 GHz Core Duo T2500 processor, GeForce Go 7400 GPU with 256 MB (up to 512 MB through TurboCache), 1 GB of DDR2-667 memory, 120 GB hard drive and dual-layer DVD-RW unit. It also packs 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. The VX1 has a 15-inch 1,400x1,050 SXGA display and promises extended battery life thanks to ASUS‘ proprietary Power4 Gear+ power management tool. Priced at 2,800 euros, or around USD 3,400, the notebook will be sold in black or yellow through regular retailers and Lamborghini’s online shop.
Nvidia this week launched three Quadro FX GPUs aimed at mobile workstations. The 350M, 1500M and 2500M all support Shader Model 3.0, but differ in power consumption and memory specs. The first, targeted at thin and light machines, takes 15 W and supports up to 256 MB of GDDR2 at 800 MHz through a 64-bit interface. The 1500M uses 45 W and holds up to 256 MB of GDDR3 at 1 GHz, while the 2500 M consumes a whopping 100 W and supports up to 512 MB at 1.2 GHz. Both use 256-bit interface. The three GPUs support VGA, DVI and TV-Out, but the 350M is not capable of high definition output.
Gateway has announced two new lines of ultraportable notebooks: the NX100X, aimed at home users, and the E-100M, which caters to businesses. Both feature 12.1-inch WXGA screen, 512 MB of DDR2 memory, 40 GB hard drive, built-in 5-in-1 card reader, two USB ports, one FireWire and, most interestingly, a yet unannounced ultra low voltage U1300 Core Solo processor. The 1.06 GHz chip, as well as the 1.2 GHz U1400 model, is expected to be officially released by Intel on April 16. The notebooks will start at USD 1,399.
US consumers now can also buy AMD’s Personal Internet Communicator (PIC), originally created to help poor people connect to the Internet in underdeveloped countries, such as India, Brazil, Mexico and Jamaica. It consists of a sealed fanless box based on a Geode chip and Windows CE. The PIC also includes an HD, USB ports, modem, headphone/microphone jacks, mouse and keyboard, but has no monitor. The equipment is sold through Radio Shack for USD 299.
DigiTimes reports that Gigabyte’s Communications subsidiary will launch its first own-brand GSM mobile handset in July. Company president Stanley Jenq told the site that the device will have self-developed content and software engine, a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera and MP3 support. The handsets will be sold only in Taiwan through the parent company’s sales channel.
Samsung displayed during CTIA 2005 trade show in New Orleans, Louisiana last week world's first DVB-H cell phone based on CDMA technology. DVB-H stands for Digital Video Broadcast - Handheld and allows user to have access to interactive mobile televion on the cell phone. This new phone uses an updated IPD (Internet Protocol Datacast) functionality.
During the CeBit 2005 tradeshow in Hannover, Germany, ASUS showed its first Turion 64 product, a notebook called A6000K (it is called Z81K in the USA). It will come with a 14" or 14" TFT LCD display, GeForce Go 6200 graphics chip, DDR333 memory up to 2GB and IEEE 802.11b/g or IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless networking. It will measure 13.8 x 11.1 x 1.4 inches and will weight less 6.6 lbs (3 Kg). ASUS didn't disclosure when this laptop will reach the market nor its price range.
AMD officially announced the Personal Internet Communicator (PIC), a sealed computer without fan based on a Geode chip and running a customized version of Windows CE. The device will be sold initially in India, Mexico and the Caribbean through local partners to improve Internet access rates. The PIC includes 128 MB of memory, a 10 GB hard drive, a 56 kbps modem and four USB ports. It will cost US$ 185 (without monitor) or US$ 249.
Samsung unveiled the first mobile phone equipped with a 5-megapixel camera. Initially targeted at the Asian market, the SCH-S250 also features a QVGA TFD-LCD (240x320) that can reproduce 16 million collors and text-to-speech capabilities. Other functions include an MP3 player, video recording and 64-polyphonic sound.
