UNDER THE SUN: laptop

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Lenovo slips out the new ThinkPad X301: new CPUs, 128GB SSD, still thin as hell

Lenovo today announced the ThinkPad X301 notebook PC, taking the thinnest and lightest full-function notebook in its class1, to new heights in performance. Like its predecessor, the industry-acclaimed ThinkPad X300 notebook, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers cutting-edge features and technologies in a thin and light form starting at less than three pounds and one-inch thin. The notebook offers even greater storage capacity with choices of either 64 GB or new 128 GB solid state drive storage available in September. The ThinkPad X301 notebook provides on average nearly 20 percent better performance over the ThinkPad X300 notebook due to the latest DDR3 memory and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low volt processor2.

"Lenovo continues to push the technology envelope by giving road warriors the latest enhancements in solid state drive storage and digital display technologies with the new ThinkPad X301 notebook PC," said Sam Dusi, vice president, worldwide notebook product marketing, Lenovo. This announcement extends our commitment to blending ultraportability and functionality, and equipping today's business users with the most advanced, highest-performing computing tools.

New support for DisplayPort makes viewing high definition content easy and ideal for models with the ultra-thin DVD burner. With support for both DisplayPort and VGA, users can even watch high definition content on multiple displays. Designed for maximum options for wireless connectivity, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers models with high-speed mobile broadband and WiFi to connect wirelessly to the Internet, and also with Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband technology to connect wirelessly to other devices. Lenovo offers improved uplink performance by up to 250 percent for models with AT&T mobile broadband over previous ThinkPad notebooks with AT&T mobile broadband4. Models supporting WiMAX will be available later this year. Additionally, GPS on notebook models with high speed mobile broadband5 allow travelers to more easily navigate to the office or airport.

The notebook also includes Lenovo's ThinkVantage Technologies, unique hardware-software tools designed to maximize user productivity. With Lenovo's improved Access Connections tool, users can navigate a user-friendly interface to easily find and access Internet and network connections. Also, Lenovo's improved Power Manager gives users more control over notebook functions to enable longer battery life.

The ThinkPad X301 notebook also continues Lenovo's focus on environmentally-responsible design. Its 13.3-inch LED backlit display, solid state drive storage and other energy-efficient technologies help make it rated Gold by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool. This designation adds to Lenovo's portfolio of Gold-rated ThinkPad notebook and ThinkCentre desktop PCs.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for models of the ThinkPad X301 notebook starts at approximately $2,599. The notebook will be available on August 26 through Lenovo Business Partners and www.lenovo.com

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Laptop add-ons that would make your life easy

The features and ergonomics of laptops are restricted due to their highly compact form. However you can make life simpler by investing in certain accessories for laptops that best suits your requirement. Here is the list of 12 vital add-ons,Firefox style!!!!!

Laptop Bag: Laptop bags are available in variety of designs ranging from protective sleeves to shoulder backpacks. You may pick the one that match your personality or the one that allows you to carry books to college, files to work and other accessories.

Laptop mouse: No matter how agile your finger is over the touchpad mouse , nothing is as comfortable as a mouse. A laptop mouse is highly if you use laptop more on the desk than on your lap. As they are light and compact, it would fit in your bag.

Notebook Webcam: Although you can use your desktop webcam with your laptop, a notebook webacam is designed so that it clips on to your screen frame.

Memory card reader: It is a must for those who who frequently use mobile phones for music,movies,etc. Buy the one which reads most formats and is compact as well.

Kensington lock: Securing your laptop with a kensington lock is the best way of protecting it from theft while you are away especially at busy places. Almost every laptop has a kensington security slot.

Notebook cooler: A notebook cooler is a metal plate fitted with USB powered fans, meant dissipting heat from the base of the laptop. It is advisable to use it if your laptop becomes unbearably hot to keep it on your lap.

Bluetooth dongle: Bluetooth dongle comes handy when you want to transfer data wirelessly to compatible portable devices such as cell phones , smart phones or othr laptops. You can even use to give print commands to bluetooth enabled printers.

Portable speakers: Almost all laptops have pathetic speakers. If you really want to enjoy movies and music on your laptop, portable loud speakers are a must.

Headphones: Good headphone is necessary if you don't want others to listen to what you are listening. It comes handy if you meditate listening to trance music and also during voice chat. Wireless one will be more comfortable as you can stretch while chatting for long hours.

External storage devices:An external storage device becomes a necessity if you want portablity. USB flash drives are enough to carry your documents and small files. You will need portable hard drives (range 320 gb to 2 tb) to carry your entire music and movie collection.

USB hub: Most notebooks are equipped with two or three USB port which can be used to connect external devices. However, if you run short of them then you can buy a USB hub for more ports.

USB-to-PS2 adapter: You might love your laptop a lot but, you can't deny that desktop computers are way more comfortable to use. If you use your laptop more on desk then you should have USB-to-PS2 adapter to connect your mouse and keyboard

I have published this post as a lens on squidoo as Laptops addons and accessories.