Dell XPS M1330 - Ubuntu Linux 8.04
July 27, 2008
Last week, Dell announced an updated Ubuntu Linux offering for some of their laptops, including the Dell XPS M1330.
The version is Ubuntu Linux 8.04 and it will be offered on the “Dell XPS M1330N”.
Among the updates:
- Codecs for MP3, WMA, WMV.
- Biometric fingerprint reader is now supported. All software that is needed is installed and ready to go.
- HDMI Audio output supported with both NVIDIA and ATI graphics chipsets (does not yet work with Intel graphics).
Read:
- www.dell.com/ubuntu
- Direct2Dell - Technical Details
- Direct2Dell - Offerings
Gigabyte M912 - Pre-Order in the UK
July 26, 2008
If you are in the UK (probably other parts of Europe as well), you now have the chance to pre-order the 8.9-inch Gigabyte M912.
The M912 is one of the neater ultraportables / netbooks, it’s one of the few Intel Atom-powered “convertibles” that functions both as a conventional notebook and as a touchscreen device.
Expansys has it available for pre-order for the price of £374.95 (319.11 exc. VAT) which is around $745 USD. Update: The price has been raised to £419.95 (357.40 exc.) which is around $835 USD.
Specifications of this model:
- 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU
- 1GB RAM
- 160GB HDD
- Windows XP Home
Read: Expansys
Dell Vostro 1310 and XPS M1330 Owners - Listen Up!
July 26, 2008
While there are various models affected (and it’s not just Dell), I’m just going to mention the two affected 13.3-inch models since we at Small-Laptops.com only cover 13.3-inch and smaller laptops.
If you are the owner of a Dell Vostro 1310 or a Dell XPS M1330, then you should be aware of some potential issues concerning NVIDIA GPUs - the graphics chipsets that power your laptops.
Over at the Direct2Dell blog, Lionel Menchaca has laid out exactly what the problems could be, how to prevent them, and what to do if they are already occurring. Mainly, if you aren’t having problems, apply a BIOS update that adjusts the fan profiles/settings and that should prevent any problems (the software / BIOS links are at the bottom of the article). If you are already having problems, Dell will be happy to provide support under the terms of the system warranty.
If you have a Vostro 1310, make sure and update the BIOS to version A10, dated 7/10/08.
If you have an XPS M1330, make sure and update the BIOS to version A12, dated 7/9/08.
Like I said, it doesn’t just affect Dell, it affects a lot of manufacturers. As we hear more, we’ll keep you posted.
Read: Direct2Dell
Fujitsu LifeBook U2010: More Pictures, Specifications
July 26, 2008
Some more pictures and specifications of the upcoming Fujitsu Lifebook U2010 have been published. As you can tell from the pictures (see link at bottom of article), it’s only slightly bigger than a Western Digital My Passport external hard drive.
While it resembles it’s predecessor, the Fujitsu U810 / U1010 quite a bit, it has slightly different styling and this time around the 5.6-inch Fujitsu ultraportable offering is powered by an Intel Atom CPU.
Some additional info from Tinhte.com:
- Possibly 1.8GHz Intel Atom
- 80GB HDD
- 1024×768 resolution (should be 1024×600)
- Secure Digital (SD) media slot
- Bluetooth (maybe optional)
- Microsoft Windows Vista Business
- 3-cell 2200mAh battery
- At least 1GB of RAM
- Weight: 0.68kg / 1.5 pounds
Read: Tinhte.com (Vietnamese)
(thanks Tim)
HP Planning on 2133 Mini-Note Sequel?
July 25, 2008
Is HP planning on a follow-up version of their 8.9-inch HP 2133 MiniNote? It certainly looks that way based on comments by HP, and that they are looking at the pricing of their current line and launching a cheaper netbook. Many people (myself included) think very highly of the 2133’s design, but the pricing of the 2133 (starting at $499, but getting near $750 for decent specifications) has been a sore point, given some of the performance issues.
Earlier this year, the VIA Nano CPUs were announced, and it was almost a given that HP would move to these at some point - better performance and a drop-in for the VIA C7 that currently powers the 2133 line, but that’s not what’s driving this lower-cost version.
APC has published comments from HP executives discussing the issue:
“From a retail perspective we’re looking at a similar device (to the 2133) but at a lower cost” said Jerel Chong, HP Australia’s Market Development Manager for Notebook PCs, at today’s launch of HP’s business mobility products for the second half of 2008. “It won’t be as durable but it will be cheaper”.
Chong also suggested the new model would however share some traits and components with the 2133. “What we like to do across all our products is share the technology”, he told APCmag.com.
Chong was unable to comment on speculation that the 2133, which currently uses a VIA C7-M processor, would soon transition to Intel’s Atom. The 2133 was designed and made its debut before the Atom was available, Chong explained, so at the time VIA’s C7-M was the only option.
Acer Aspire One XP - Could it Make Acer #3 in the US?
July 25, 2008
DigiTimes is reporting that Acer believes the 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One will help them leapfrog Apple to take over the number three market share slot in the United States.
Acer is looking at shipping 5-7 million of their Aspire One XPs globally between now and early next year, which could be the deciding factor. Given that the design is solid and that they are starting at under $450, this is possible - the Linux version with an 8GB SSD appear to be selling well in North America.
They also plan on launching the Aspire One XP in Taiwan here in the next week, at the 2008 Taipei Computer Applications Show. August will see the Windows XP version with a hard drive starting to ship to North America and Europe.
Read: DigiTimes
