Hannspree Hannsnote Netbook
June 10, 2009
The latest entrant into the netbook making arena is the world renowned television manufacturer – Hannspree. Their new netbook the Hannspree Hannsnote netbook is highly portable and it offers almost all essentials of a regular netbook.
Internally, this netbook employs the Intel Atom processor which has a clock speed of 1.6GHz, for executing the various tasks. A 1GB RAM and a 160GB hard drive form the memory and storage aspects of this mobile computer. A 3-in-1 card reader (for SD, MMC, MS) is on board this small laptop too. On the networking front, this portable PC supports 802.11n WiFi. Also wireless data transfer with other devices is possible via Bluetooth. There are as well 3 USB ports and a 1.3 Megapixel web camera built into this machine. The other interfaces present include a VGA output, a media card slot, an Ethernet connector, a microphone jack and a headphone jack. The operating system that this netbook comes with is the Genuine Windows XP Home Edition.
This small workstation features a 10” 1024 x 600 pixels LED back-lit LCD screen which presents good levels of contrast, brightness and colours. It is not a glossy monitor, hence reflections are cut down while viewing. The Intel GMA 950 graphics card has also been integrated into this device. The sound system consists of HD audio stereo speakers.
Adorned in glossy piano black or ice white attires, the Hannspree Hannsnote 10” Netbook is priced at £260. The case is sturdy and scratch-proof, while also being stylish. A long battery life of about 5 hours and a weight of just 1.2kg add to the portability factor of this mobile PC.
Asus UX50 Notebook PC
June 8, 2009
Asus UX50 15.6” Notebook PC is a highly glossy laptop that can score a high on the looks front. Though it is prone to fingerprint and marks, it is still a very good looking device. The LED back-lit screen is reflective too. It measures 15.6” diagonally, has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and is widescreen as well. Stretching from edge to edge, it gives the feel of a bezel-less design. The keyboard is well laid, with enough space between keys to facilitate typing.
This mobile computer uses the Intel 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo processor for executing internal operations. A 4GB RAM is present too. Since the RAM is quite spacious, it seems to be compensating for the less powerful CPU. Memory expansion can be achieved with the memory card reader of this device. The nVidia GeForce G105M graphics card has been integrated into this slim laptop as well. Even a DVD drive is housed in this portable PC.
This notebook supports WiFi as well as Ethernet connection for internet connectivity. For wireless information exchange with devices such as PC, Bluetooth technology is also offered. Three USB ports are available for wired data transfer with other gadgets too. A VGA connector is present in this workstation as well, to connect to other monitors. An HDMI output port is also housed.
The Asus UX50 Laptop will be available in markets in July. It might be priced at about £999.
Sony Vaio VGN Z21ZN/X Laptop
June 4, 2009
Luxurious design, attractive looks, elegance, slim, good performance and of course a hefty price tag… Yes it does sound like a Sony Vaio laptop. This time it is the Sony Vaio VGN Z21ZN/X Laptop. This mobile computer has been designed to stand up boldly against knocks, jerks and shocks during travel. The keys are laid out well on the keyboard with ample space between them; which makes it convenient for people with large fingers to use.
Internally this portable PC is powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5GHz Processor. Enhancing processing speed is a 4GB DDR3 RAM. A card reader is as well present for memory expansion. There is a solid state drive with a capacity of 128GB too. A Blu Ray optical drive is also on board this device. This notebook is supposed to be the first to combine a Blu Ray drive and an SSD in a single mobile computer. The 13.3” glossy TFT LED back-lit display of this workstation offers a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. This is supposed to be the highest resolution offered among laptops of similar size. The NVIDIA GeForce 9300M graphics card has been employed too for taking care of motion pictures. The Microsoft Windows Vista Business OS comes pre-installed in this small laptop.
Like any other notebook, the Sony Vaio VGN Z21ZN/X Notebook also supports wired Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The best part is that 3G capability is offered as well. 2 USB ports, a Firewire port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet connector and a 0.3 Megapixel web camera are all built into this mobile PC. A long 9 hour life is also expected from the battery of this device. A weight of 1.5kg, adds to the portability factor of this ultramobile PC. Now comes the part hated by most with Sony Vaio Laptops – the cost. Like any other Sony Vaio Laptop, the VGN Z21ZN/X is expensive too. It costs about £2500 in the UK. However, this is one of those laptops that are suitable for both multimedia usage, gaming and business computations. It also offers specs that are quite unique. Hence the heavy price tag.
HP EliteBook 2730P Notebook
May 10, 2009
HP EliteBook 2730P 12” Notebook is one of HP’s touchscreen convertible notebooks. It sports a 12.1” touch-sensitive monitor, which has a native resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This small laptop has a stylus accompanying it in the package and the screen responds to touches from the stylus only. With the Illumi-Lite antiglare feature this display allows comfortable viewing, cutting down external reflections. Wide viewing angles are offered as well. The screen is also highly sensitive to the stylus, and can sense it immediately when brought close to it. The hand-writing recognition feature works well on the HP EliteBook 2730P too.
The processor employed for executing applications on this notebook PC is the Intel Core 2 Duo SL9400 processor which clocks at 1.86GHz. A 3GB RAM is present in this mobile computer as well. Memory upgradation up to 8GB is possible too. A 120GB hard drive has been built into this convertible netbook. Graphics and video processing is handled by the Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics card of this portable PC. The Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition is installed as the software platform on this tablet.
Like most of the other notebooks, the 2730P supports wired ethernet connection, WiFi and Bluetooth. The other ports and interfaces that are present in this mini laptop are – 2 USB ports, a VGA connection, a headphone jack, a microphone jack, a Firewire port, an ExpressCard slot, an SD card reader and an Ethernet connection.
Sleek and handsome, the HP EliteBook 2730P Touchscreen Notebook, does come with quite a heavy price tag – about £1300. However, you can really be sure of good durability and performance with this convertible notebook.
Toshiba Portege R600-ST520W Notebook
May 9, 2009
Toshiba Portege R600-ST520W 12” Notebook is one of those notebooks that can accompany you during your official travels, providing all functionality to help you with mobile computations. The Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.4GHz processor has been incorporated in this mini laptop for handling internal operations. A 3GB RAM is also integrated into this mobile computer. It provides sufficient storage for active applications. Memory upgrading can be done up to a capacity of 5GB as well. The hard drive of this portable PC has a storage space of 160GB. A DVD optical drive is present too, which allows both reading and burning of content on to DVDs.
A 12.1” screen is sported, which offers a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics card has been employed for taking care of the motion displays. The operating system that this notebook PC ships with is the Microsoft Windows Vista Business OS.
Networking options include support for WiFi as well as wired Ethernet connection. Additionally, this mobile PC also supports WiMAX connectivity. Bluetooth capabilities are offered too, for wireless information exchange. The following ports and interfaces are present in this notebook as well:-
- 2 USB ports
- A headphone jack
- A microphone jack
- An eSATA connection
- A VGA connection
- An Ethernet Connection
- An ExpressCard slot
- An SD and SDHC card reader
With a weight of just over 1kg, the Toshiba Portege R600-ST520W Ultraportable Notebook definitely looks elegant and stylish. It is lighter than most of the other notebooks of the same size available in the market. However, the price is a heavy one – about £1600.


