It's for the second generation of their upcoming Nehalem based processors (specifically Clarksfield and Auburndale), and it'll drop Intel's current northbridge and southbridge chipset arrangement—stuff like the memory controller will be integrated with the CPU (AMD style) for more bandwidth and lower latency, while a single integrated chipset codenamed Ibex Peak-M picks up the rest of the slack.

Wireless will be pretty similar to Montevina, with two wireless module options—Pumka Peak will have 802.11 a/b/g/n while Kilmer Peak will roll with WiMax. [Digitimes via Inquirer

Namely, Intel's upcoming Nehalem chips would require them to switch right back to Intel, since no one else has the license for their QuickPath interconnect. And the pros for moving to Nvidia (PC Perspective makes a good case why it would be them) are mostly about better graphics performance, ultimately. So this seems to fall in the unlikely column, for now. [Ars]

Here's some more in-depth goods on what Montevina offers. The processor soul is the 45nm Penryn—while last year it mainly offered a battery boost, thanks to Montevina's faster 1066 front-side bus, you'll see some real performance gains this time around. (Intel says up to 50 percent). In that same vein, not only are Intel's integrated graphics faster with the new GMA 4500MHD, it'll let you switch between integrated and discrete graphics (like a card from ATI or Nvidia) on the fly, so you can pick performance when you need it and save juice when you don't. Sony and Lenovo are the first to have notebooks with this tech. On the wireless front, it makes wireless N standard with its new WiFi Link 5000 modules. WiMax is optional, and you'll see that in Centrino 2 notebooks later this year. Finally, it (and Penryn) are totally engineered to simply sip power, like an anorexic model with a venti skim half-decaf no-whip mocha (really, check out Lenovo's X200's retardedly awesome battery life).

BTW, to keep the naming deal straight (damn you, Intel), Montevina is the codename for Intel's new mobile platform, which will be marketed as Centrino 2. It's probable that the next mobile platform, Calpella, due next year, will also be known as Centrino 2 to your mom, if she's sorta tech savvy, so the codenames are still necessary for differentiation (there were actually four different chipsets to carry the Centrino brand). The original Centrino and the accompanying Pentium M processor was actually a paradigm shift in Intel's approach to notebooks, and eventually informed all of their processor designs—energy efficiency as the order of the day. (Or as my friend says, "It was Intel going, 'oh shit' and throwing out NetBurst and going back to the old P6 core design.")

That's Centrino, in a nutshell. Bottom line, it's gonna be the best year ever to buy a notebook.

Something we missed, or you still wanna know? Send any questions about Centrinos, chips, Pringles or anything else to tips@gizmodo.com, with "Giz Explains" in the subject line.

Jul 15, 2008 00:01

New Intel-Based Laptops Advance All Facets of Notebook PCs

New Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Processor Technology Brings 'HD-to-Go'; Adds Security and Manageability Features, Boosts Speed, Battery Life and Wireless Range
SAN FRANCISCO (Business Wire) Jul. 15, 2008 Intel Corporation unveiled its Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Processor Technology products for laptops today, powered by five new Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processors. Close to 250 innovative consumer and business notebook PC designs are on the way, including those equipped with the right combination of powerful processors, graphics and battery life to enjoy viewing stunning high definition videos and myriad other computer and Internet activities.

Intel also introduced the world's highest-performing dual-core mobile processor, the Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Extreme processor running at a brisk 3.06 GHz, as measured by SPECint(1)_rate_base2006, an industry benchmark (http://www.spec.org)(2).

Rounding out a mobile-focused summer for the company, Intel said it also plans to unveil eight processors within 90 days that will include first-ever mobile quad-core products and second-generation products for ultra-thin and light notebooks. In total, Intel will bring 14 diverse new processors into the marketplace as laptop sales continue to outpace desktop PCs.

Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology and Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 with vPro(TM) Technology improve upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless (with WiMAX arriving later this year), and new business-class manageability capabilities.

"When we first introduced Intel Centrino back in 2003, there were very few Wi-Fi hotspots, YouTube videos and social media didn't really exist, 'thin and light' only referred to weight goals and desktop PCs outsold notebooks by a very wide margin," said Mooly Eden, Intel corporate vice president and general manager of the company's Mobile Platforms Group. "Today, notebooks outsell desktops in the U.S., and we're paving the way to HD entertainment, rich online gaming, faster broadband wireless speeds and an easier and more secure way for businesses to manage, update and repair their notebook fleets."

Intel is introducing five dual core processors based on Intel's reinvented transistors (high-k metal gate formula) and advanced 45-nanometer manufacturing process. These processors come with a faster 1066MHz front side bus and up to 6MB of L2 cache, and three versions reduce laptop processor wattage about 30 percent, down to just 25 watts. Also featured is Deep Power Down Technology that turns off processing components such as core clocks and cache memory when the laptop is idle for greater energy savings.

Intel also unveiled its Mobile Intel(R) 45 Express Chipset and wireless Intel(R) Wi-Fi Link 5000 series that is shipping to customers now, with laptops arriving later in July and August. Delivering five times the speed and twice the range of older 802.11a/g technology, the Intel Wi-Fi Link 5000 series provides 802.11 draft-N support that delivers the fastest data rates possible today  up to 450 Mbps.

Switchable graphics, a new optional power-saving feature available on Intel Centrino 2-based notebooks, provides both integrated and discrete graphics on a single notebook, enabling users to easily switch between the two options. Switchable graphics delivers greater 3-D performance when needed while providing the option for greater power savings for the best of both worlds.

For consumers, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology delivers the horsepower and battery life to enjoy a typical full-length, Blu-ray(1) high-definition video on a single battery charge for the first time, plus the ability to play a variety of online games, download music or post videos faster than before.

For businesses, Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology offers enhanced manageability and security options. This is increasingly important as companies replace desktops with notebooks and need to remotely diagnose, update and repair systems over a wireless network. Improved manageability with AMT 4.0 has also been added that provides wireless manageability during system sleep states, ongoing remote configuration capabilities, support for next-generation management standards (WS-MAN and DASH 1.0) and the ability for an employee to initiate communications to IT from outside a company's firewall.

OEMs and Channel system builders will deliver close to 250 systems to market. For more information including Intel product pricing, visit http://www.intel.com/go/processor_pricing. For a full media version of this release including photos, videos, related blogs and other information, visit http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20080715comp_sm.htm and the Intel Centrino 2 technology press kit at http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/centrino2.

WiMAX Momentum

Later this year in the United States, Intel will begin shipping its first-ever combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, part of the Intel(R) WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series that is an optional feature for future Intel Centrino 2-based laptops. WiMAX is a 4G, Internet protocol-based broadband wireless technology that complements Wi-Fi networks.

WiMAX also provides much wider Internet and phone voice coverage, and unlike Wi-Fi has the ability to unwire entire cities or communities, connecting users even when they're on the move. Intel is working with service providers around the world to deploy WiMAX networks, with initial U.S. network availability starting later this year from Sprint XOHM and Clearwire.

The U330, which is the cousin to the U110, also has an integrated webcam with facial recognition software, touch sensitive media controls, HDMI out, and an LED-backlit display. Lenovo is also dropping a couple other consumer notebooks: Y730 and Y530 update the Y710 and Y510, while Y430 throws in a 14-inch version. Lenovo expects to release the U330 in the fall.

IdeaPad U330
Lenovo designed its "U" series to be all about expressing ideas with style. The IdeaPad U330 notebook is a super-slim ultra-light addition to the widely-acclaimed IdeaPad U110 notebook, introduced in the spring. Available in a glossy Indigo blue and Bold black, the notebook starts at 0.9 inches thin and weighs just over four pounds. Equipped with the latest version of VeriFace™ facial recognition technology, consumers can now access encrypted files and record a 30-second video message for other users. Designed with Dolby® Home Theatre and touch-sensitive multimedia controls, the notebook comes equipped with HDMI and an optional built-in DVD burner.

The IdeaPad U330 notebook also includes switchable graphics. This enables the user to run energy efficient integrated graphics while on battery power and then switch to discrete graphics for more powerful performance when "plugged in." The notebook also includes an LED backlit display, five hours of battery life and Lenovo's Active Protection System (APS), a feature pioneered on ThinkPad notebooks. Lenovo's APS technology helps protect the data on the hard drive if the notebook should fall. And if the operating system should crash, users can recover their data at the touch of a button with the One-Key Rescue System1.

IdeaPad U330

Black/Blue

Display – 13.3 WXGA LED AG panel

Graphics – ATI M82SCE-256M

Processor – Penryn P7350, GM45 chipset

H2G (1066) DR3

320G (SATA-9MM/5400)

Wireless card – Intel 5100 a/g/n

Optical – Rambo tray in (9.5mm)

Vista Home Premium 32

Lenovo Active Protection System

Fixed camera

Array mic

HDMI

Bluetooth, 10/100M Ethernet

IdeaPad Y430

Black/Red

Display – 14.1 WXGA

Graphics – Intel integrated

Processor – Intel GM45

250 or 320 GB hard drive

Wireless card – Intel 802.11n

Optical – DVD + RW

Fixed camera

6-in-1 card reader

HDMI

IdeaPad Y530

Black

Display – 15.4 WXGA (anti-glare)

Graphics – NB9M-GS-256M

Processor – Penryn P7350

Memory – 1G + 2G (667) DDR2

Hard Drive – 250G (SATA-9MM/54)

Wireless card – Intel 5100 a/g/n

Optical – Rambo tray in (12.7 mm)

Vista Home Premium 32 – SP 1

Fixed camera

Array microphone

Bluetooth, 10/100 Ethernet, modem

6-cell battery – 2.6 A

90 watt adapter

IdeaPad Y730

Blue, Game Zone models come in Valencia orange

Display – 17.1 in WUXGA glossy

Graphics – ATI M86-ME-512M

Processor – Penryn P8400

Memory – 2*2G or 1 + 2G (1066)

Hard Drive – 320G (SATA-9MM/5400)

Wireless card – Intel 5100 a/g/n

Optical – Rambo tray in (12.7mm)

Vista Home Premium 32-SP 1

Fixed camera

Bluetooth, 10/100M Ethernet, modem

Fixed camera

Array microphone

GameZone has secondary display

6 cell battery – 2.6A

135 watt adapter

[Lenovo]

TOSHIBA SATELLITE PRO LAPTOP ENHANCES INTEL CENTRINO 2 PROCESSOR WITH BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
First Satellite Pro With EasyGuard Technology, Docking Capabilities and Business Card Reader

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the expansion of its Satellite Pro family with the Satellite Pro® S300 laptop. This affordable laptop PC with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology1 is packed with the key essential business features to increase productivity plus Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, built-in docking capabilities and Webcam with business card reader software.

“The Toshiba Satellite Pro S300 laptop delivers the essential feature sets our customers need and more for an improved mobile computing experience at an incredible price point,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “The design of the Satellite Pro S300 laptop is a direct reflection of customer feedback, providing mobile professionals with innovative and reliable computing performance that gives them the freedom to work or explore when they need and want.”

• Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology: Based on the latest 45nm mobile architecture, this new technology provides mobile professionals with higher performance, advanced connectivity3 and long battery life4 while on the go. The Satellite Pro S300 also uses Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD to provide up to three times better graphics performance5.

Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials
• EasyGuard Technology: Available for the first time in the Satellite Pro lineup, Toshiba integrated its fourth-generation EasyGuard Technology. Toshiba’s proprietary, value-add series of hardware and software enhancements is designed to better protect and secure the notebook during everyday computing. Components include HDD Protection, a spill-resistant keyboard6, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Express Port Replicator: Toshiba’s Satellite Pro S300 is the first Satellite Pro laptop with built-in support for docking, giving users quicker access to a traditional desktop console and better cable management. This enhances the desktop experience plus mobile users can easily get up and go at the touch of a button.
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: This port enables the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0. High-speed data transfer is
ideal for data backup.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port7: The Satellite Pro S300 features four Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices such as, cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep
mode or hibernation mode.
• Green Attributes: The Satellite Pro S300 is ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and has achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The Satellite Pro S300 series is available with a one-year standard limited warranty8, which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations.

As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible9, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

TOSHIBA ADDS NEW INTEL CENTRINO 2 WITH vPro TECHNOLOGY TO FLAGSHIP BUSINESS LAPTOPS
Tecra M10, Tecra A10 Provide a Superior Balance of Performance, Mobility and Security for Business and Education Users

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the Tecra® M10 and Tecra® A10 laptops with Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM technology1. These new laptop PCs feature Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, Webcam with business card reader software and common motherboard designs.

“The Toshiba Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 provide the real-world mobile computing features that our business customers need most  in the office or while traveling,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “These new laptops give Toshiba’s customers the clear competitive edge and deliver Toshiba’s mission of creating innovative laptop PCs that improve the productivity and lives of our business customers.”

Toshiba’s Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 include the following leading-edge technologies:
• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM Technology: This new micro-architecture helps keep mobile workforces, managed and secure. With hardware-assisted remote isolation, diagnostics and repair, IT professionals can manage their mobile workforce wirelessly, even if the system’s operating system is unresponsive.
• EasyGuard Technology: The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 are Toshiba’s first laptops to incorporate Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard technology, including HDD protection, spill-resistant keyboard5, SmartCard reader, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• Common Motherboards: To better reduce the cost for customers and simplify the deployment of new laptops, the Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature a common motherboard and image, allowing companies to qualify both systems by qualifying one. This value-added feature also helps to lower the cost of service and support.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: With an increased emphasis on data backup and protection, Toshiba incorporated an eSATA port to enable the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port6: All Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep mode or hibernation mode.
• Solid State Drive Option: Toshiba offers a full Build-to-Order configurability on these Tecra series, allowing customers to add a 64 or 128 GB solid-state drive8 for enhanced reliability.
• Green Attributes: The Tecra M10 and A10 are ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and have achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).

The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 series are available with a one- or three-year standard limited warranty9, which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations. As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible10, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

[Toshiba]

At first glance, it's fairly unremarkable. The bland case design is standard Lenovo fare, it's functional and super-solid. Base model's battery life is 3.1 hours, with the 6 cell and 9 cell batteries enabling 6.2 and 9.4 hours, respectively. Yeah, that's right, the X200 proudly forgoes a trackpad for the classic red navigation knob only, granting the keyboard a bit more space but possibly alienating users not raised on "the nip." Given the size, the weight isn't much of a surprise. Where the X200 excites, though, is under the hood. The specs run from respectable on the base model to downright impressive on the high end. Check below for a gallery and a full spec sheet.

Besides the smorgasbord of ports, you'll notice its MacBook-like keyboard, which has spread to the rest of the Vaio line, except the biz class (though Sony says they did it first, in 2003). It's also got G-Sensor shock protection in case you send it flying (or falling).

NEW SONY PC DELIVERS HIGH PERFORMANCE IN
ULTRA-PORTABLE PACKAGE

SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 Sony today took the wraps off a new line of sleek, powerful, lightweight PCs– the VAIO® Z Series notebooks.

Weighing just over 3 pounds, the VAIO Z model incorporates a vivid 13.1-inch widescreen display with Sony’s own XBRITE-DuraView™ LCD technology for scratch-resistant durability and 100 percent color saturation.
Select models feature a high-resolution 1600 X 900 widescreen display, providing a 40 percent wider workspace than a standard display within the same “footprint” — so the view increases while the notebook’s size does not. This makes it easier to view multiple documents or lengthy spreadsheets on a single screen.

A seamless sheet of brushed aluminum adorns the keyboard panel elegantly framing its individual keys. The spacing between the keys is precisely engineered to create a comfortable typing experience while helping to prevent mistakes.
“Today’s mobile professional demands not only portability from a notebook but that it meets their productivity needs as well,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “This new model is an amazing engineering feat packing the full functionality of a larger PC into an ultra-light form factor.”

The unit is housed in a durable carbon-fiber casing to help endure the knocks, bumps and accidents common to frequent travel. It also incorporates G-Sensor™ Shock Protection technology to counteract sudden movements helping to prevent damage and data loss.

-more-
It is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for sizzling performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy efficiency.

Road warriors will love its built-in 802.11n wireless LAN capabilities making it faster and easier to connect to compatible wireless networks with greater performance and range than ever before. For blazing-fast wireless access beyond networks and hotspots, the unit features optional built-in wireless Sprint® Mobile Broadband, the nation’s largest wireless broadband network.

The Z model has an optional Blu-ray Disc (BD) optical drive for enjoying, creating and storing high-definition content. Enjoy BD movies in stunning clarity while on the road or utilize the HDMI output during meetings and make presentations come to life in full 1080 HD resolution. Compatible HDTV and HDMI cable required, sold separately.

It also includes a switch-on-the-fly hybrid graphics system, allowing you to set graphics performance instantly for striking presentations that “pop” or extend battery life— all without having to reboot.

The PC employs a biometric fingerprint sensor, a Trusted Platform Module compliant chip and proprietary hard disk drive password protection software to help protect data from unauthorized access.

Equipped with a trial version of the My Memory Center™ service, the PC lets you easily transfer valuable data from your old computer to your new one via a password-protected online account. The unit comes pre-installed with Windows Vista® Business operating system. A Windows® XP Pro downgrade is also available for select models.
.
It is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack and a PC Card (type-II) slot making it easy to transfer files from external devices.

The PC is also available in a dual channel 128 GB solid state drive (SSD) model. Faster and more durable, the SSD unit provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications than is typical of standard hard drives.
All models are Energy Star® 4.0 compliant, hold an EPEAT Silver ranking and incorporates eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD. Sony will even recycle your old PC (www.sony.com/recycle).

The standard VAIO Z notebook will start at about $1,800 while the SSD model will go for around $2,300. Both models will be available online at www.sony.com/pr/z. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country starting in August.

[Sony]

The 15.4" lappie is equipped with an Intel Centrino 2 processor, up to 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, DVD+R, card reader, 3 USBs and FireWire in its fairly hefty 6-pound frame. The only thing missing is the crapware, as Sony lets customers pass on the bloat with their FreshStart option. The BZ starts around $1000 and is available now, press release down below.

NEW SONY PROFESSIONAL NOTEBOOK LINE MEANS BUSINESS

VAIO BZ Series PCs Offers Durability, Mobility and Performance
SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 ⎯ Sony today announced a new line of professional PCs— the VAIO® BZ Series notebooks. Built for business, these lightweight PCs incorporate the compatibility and productivity features required by IT professionals and business customers.
The BZ notebook boasts a spacious 15.4-inch widescreen display and full-size keyboard while weighing less than six pounds. An optional anti-glare screen featuring Sony’s patented XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology provides a crystal-clear picture.
The PC is housed in a durable magnesium alloy casing to endure the knocks, bumps and accidents common to frequent travel. It also incorporates G-Sensor™ Shock Protection technology to counteract sudden movements helping to prevent damage and data loss.
A spill-resistant keyboard panel has been added to help protect the internal components of the computer against accidental spills.
The BZ notebook is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for sizzling performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy efficiency.
Select models come with Intel® vPro technology enabling IT managers to fix PC-related problems remotely— without ever leaving their workstation— saving precious time and reducing support-related costs.
The PC also features a stripped-down software load so that the notebook can be imaged faster greatly reducing set up time for the IT professional.
“ Whether running heavy applications back at the office or closing a deal on the road today’s professional need their PC to perform— wherever, whenever,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “This notebook delivers the robust performance they require.”
With the BZ notebook’s integrated 802.11n LAN technology wirelessly check e-mail and surf the web with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot.
The PC employs a biometric fingerprint sensor, a Trusted Platform Module compliant chip and proprietary hard disk drive password protection software to help protect data from unauthorized access.
It comes pre-installed with Windows Vista® Business operating system. A Windows® XP Pro downgrade is also included for easy integration into existing platforms.
The PC is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack and a PC Card (type-II) slot making it easy to transfer files from external devices.
Sony offers VAIO Care™ (www.sony.com/vaiocare) a total lifecycle management program that supports a business’s needs throughout the life of the product. Components of the program include extended service and accidental damage protection options, 24/7 customer support and a dedicated phone line for business customers.
The BZ models are Energy Star 4.0 EPEAT Silvercompliant andincorporate ecoconscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD minimize the risk of mercury seeping into vulnerable eco-systems at the end of its lifecycle.
Sony will also recycle your old PC, donate it for you or allow you to trade it in, for fair market value, towards the purchase of a new PC (www.sony.com/business).
The VAIO Professional BZ Series notebook line will be available, later this month, starting at about $1,000, through value-added resellers and direct market resellers. More information about the BZ Series is available online at www.sony.com/pr/bz.

[Sony Style]

SONY UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST 16.4-INCH WIDE
MULTIMEDIA NOTEBOOK

Extra-wide LCD and Blu-ray Disc Technology Make for a Powerful HD Experience

SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 Sony today unveiled the VAIO® FW notebook—a multimedia PC that displays HD movies the way they were meant to be seen.

Part of a series, the VAIO FW notebook comes in multiple configurations, including a premium and a standard model. The premium model plays Blu-ray Disc™ high-definition content like movies in full 1080 HD resolution when connected to a compatible HDTV. It can also record, store and play back personal content on high-capacity BD media.
Weighing a little over six pounds, the FW notebook features the world’s first 16.4-inch display, which combines the benefits of a slightly larger17-inch widescreen with the smaller “footprint” of a 15.4-inch model.

The display is ideal for Blu-ray Disc movies. Since many HD films are shot with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the unit’s extra-wide LCD is constructed with the same dimensions. This minimizes the black bars that typically appear, letting you view movies in their intended format.

The extended workspace also lets you view two full websites at once or compare two documents side-by-side without tabbing back and forth.Combined with Sony’s patented XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology on select models, the display delivers razor-sharp details, bold colors and glare-free viewing.
-more-

For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, the unit also has an HDMI™ output connector so you can connect to a high-definition TV set for a larger viewing experience.

“This PC is a multimedia masterpiece thoughtfully crafted to help consumers enjoy the full excitement of HD,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics. “It’s a shining example of how cutting-edge technologies can be brought together to unlock a world of high-definition entertainment.”
The notebook is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for sizzling performance, instant system responsiveness and energy efficiency. Select units come pre-installed with the Windows Vista® Ultimate operating system.
The series comes with three entertainment software applications. Offerings include VAIO Movie Story software an easy way to produce your own high-quality home movies, VAIO MusicBox software a fun way to enjoy music based on your mood, and Click to Disc/ Editor software for easy DVD/ BD video-editing and creation.

The model also includes VAIO Media software, a DLNA-enabled media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content stored on your PC throughout your home network. Movies, music and digital still images can be streamed from the notebook to a PLAYSTATION® 3 or VAIO Home Theater PC that is connected to a TV for big-screen enjoyment.

The PC is equipped with plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, an i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack, and a 34mm ExpressCard® slot making it easy to transfer files from external devices.
With the notebook’s integrated Wireless-N technology, also known as 802.11n, you can wirelessly surf the web, e-mail and stream HD content with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot.
Most FW models are Energy Star 4.0 compliant and incorporate such eco-conscious features as powder coating, which is a painting technique that is solvent-free. Sony also recycles old PCs (www.sony.com/recycle).
Available in titanium gray and powder white, the FW standard model starts at about $1,000, while the FW premium will go for around $1,750. The VAIO FW series will be available online at www.sony.com/pr/fw. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country starting later this month.

NEW SONY PC HITS TRIFECTA MERGING CHIC COLORS,
MOBILITY AND HIGH-END PERFORMANCE

SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2008 Combining sizzling performance with a sophisticated design, Sony today introduced a new line of ultra-portable PCs— the VAIO® SR Series notebook.

Constructed of lightweight, durable magnesium alloy, the SR notebooks are available in five striking colors– night black, sunset pink, glossy pink, classic silver and glossy silver.

“This notebook is a dream come true for the consumer who won’t compromise profound processing power for jaw-dropping style,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of VAIO product marketing for Sony Electronics. “It meets the needs of everyday work and play while delivering the freedom, performance and style consumers crave.”
Weighing just over four pounds, the SR notebook boasts a 13.3-inch LED backlit widescreen display and Sony’s patented XBRITE-ECO™ LCD technology for clear, crisp images that truly “pop” off the screen.

Equipped with a uniquely designed keyboard, the unit’s individual keys are slightly raised, producing a user-friendly touch and improved typing experience.

The notebook is powered by new Intel® Centrino® 2 technology, the chipset designed for lighting-fast performance, instant system responsiveness and energy efficiency.

Select models come pre-installed with the Windows Vista® Home Premium operating system. A Windows® XP Professional downgrade is also available.

With the SR notebook’s integrated 802.11n LAN technology you can wirelessly surf the web and check email with greater range and reliability than ever before when connected to a compatible hotspot. And connecting with friends and family has never been easier thanks to the unit’s optional built-in webcam and microphone.

The notebook also incorporates G-Sensor™ Shock Protection technology to counteract sudden movements helping to prevent damage and data loss.

The PC features Switch technology enabling customized “personalities” or modes for home, work and entertainment. You can customize each mode with its own wallpaper and a set of five shortcuts to correspond to various scenarios. Set your favorite websites for home, office applications for work, and programs that allow you to enjoy music and movies when you are ready to relax.

The unit comes with three entertainment software applications. Offerings include VAIO® Movie Story software an easy way to produce your own high-quality home movies, VAIO MusicBox software a fun way to enjoy music based on your mood, and Click to Disc/ Editor software for easy DVD/ BD video-editing and creation.

It also comes with VAIO Media™ software, a DLNA-enabled media sharing application that lets you wirelessly stream content stored on your PC throughout your home network. Movies, music and digital still images can be streamed from the notebook to a PLAYSTATION® 3 or VAIO Home Theater PC that is connected to a TV for big-screen enjoyment.
The PC has plenty of slots, ports and jacks, including a Memory Stick® media/SD card slot, three USB ports, i.LINK® IEEE-1394 port, microphone and headphone jack and a PC Card (type-II) for easy transfer of files from external devices.

SR models are Energy Star 4.0 and EPEAT Silver compliant. They also incorporate eco-conscious features such as a mercury-free LED backlit LCD to help minimize the risk of mercury seeping into vulnerable eco-systems at the end of each unit’s lifecycle. Sony will even recycle your old PC via participating Waste Management Recycling Centers (www.sony.com/recycle).

Sony VAIO SR Series notebooks will be available at the end of the month starting at about $1,400. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/pr/sr. They will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and select retailers around the country.

[Sony]

Intel
Like it or not, Intel's the biggest player in the game, so they've got essentially two major entries for mobile. First up is Montevina, soon to be known to your mother as Centrino 2. It was supposed to launch this month, but was delayed until August for a full rollout. It's a "platform" for notebooks, so it's got a few different components, like a Penryn Core 2 Duo processor and a wireless module (two options, one flavor has WiMax). It's basically nimbler all around than the preceding Santa Rosa platform—speedier front-side bus, faster RAM, better integrated graphics—but solid emphasis on battery life too. It'll basically be in any of the full-sized notebooks worth buying after this summer, and probably in the next MacBook/MacBook Pro release.

The ballyhooed Atom chips actually cover two classes of devices: so called "mobile internet devices"' (a vague category between a smartphone and a tiny laptop) and budget, smaller notebooks ("netbooks," "mini-notebooks," whatever you like), including the Eee PC 901 and MSI's Wind, with chips running from 800MHz to 1.86GHz, and an average power use of 160 to 220mW. As Jon at Ars sums up in his nitty gritty coverage, it's not quite "there" yet, but it's just a foot in the door for Intel.

AMD
I've been feeling so bad for AMD lately. Hopefully, its just-launched mobile platform, Puma, will help start turning things around. Its CPU soul is a Turion X2 Ultra, which has the nifty feature of adjusting power levels on the fly for each core. Another winning aspect is the integrated Radeon 3000 graphics, which AMD believes totally pwns Intel's, with three times the 3D performance and five times the HD quality (maybe something useful came out of the AMD/ATI merger after all?) Also, it can flip between using integrated and discrete graphics to save juice or ramp up performance. Tom's Hardware isn't too hot on it, though.

Nvidia
Nvidia is a relative noob in the mobile platform space, with Tegra being its first real charge. It's a system on a chip, with memory, a graphics processor, a CPU (from ARM) and more on a single chip. While they reference Intel's Atom a whole bunch, it's not really a competitor—these are just for more of those mobile internet devices. No hard products use it yet, either, but here are some videos depicting what Nvidia's got in mind. Neat, but I'm not sure who's gonna buy 'em. Also, new 9M notebook graphics cards—faster than the 8M series that's in decent notebooks now, we mayyyy see 'em in new MacBook Pros in August (crosses fingers).

Via
Via's Nano processor follows up the C7 used in stuff like the OQO UMPC and Cloudbook. It's mo' powerful, but it also uses more juice than the C7 or Intel's Atom. So, as Ars points out, it doesn't quite compete with Atom, just cause of the power differential. That's cool though, since Via's planning on using the Nano to break into powering bigger, badder notebooks that'll do HD video, and the C7 isn't going anywhere. You might see it replace the C7 in some stuff though, like HP's Mini-note, since physically it'll fit anywhere the C7 did.

That should bring ya up to speed.

Something we missed, or you still wanna know? Send any questions about chips, Pringles or anything else to tips@gizmodo.com, with "Giz Explains" in the subject line. [Giz Explains]

[N]ow my Fitel WiMax connection serves up a steady stream of bits while I leisurely stroll with it around the TICC to put it through the paces. How's the streaming video, you ask? Kobe looked pretty good scoring 39 to put the Lakers in the NBA finals from my Slingbox back in the States (place/time-shifting, oh how I love thee). Skype rings clear as a bell, except maybe for the drowning concert of scooter horns that screech from the busy Taipei traffic. But online gaming over a live carrier network has long been my holy grail around WiMax. Here from my outside park bench, after downloading my Warcraft client, I'm able log into the game world to slay all manner of goblins and over-sized gerbils.

Apparently, the Centrino 2 launch will be rolling, with some chipsets hitting in July and others following later. One of the other problems is with FCC certification of the sets with 802.11n, so that wireless N support "may see a slower ramp as Montevina can only be shipped with support 802.11 a/b/g for now."

If you recall the Santa Rosa launch last year, new MacBook Pros shipped about a month after the chipset debuted, pointing toward an August launch for new Centrino 2-based notebooks. [TGDaily]