Announced: Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1

Panasonic has formally announced the Panasonic ToughBook CF-U1, an ultraportable device powered by a 1.33GHz Intel Atom CPU. The device has been shown at various events going back to Cebit Germany, but today marks the official announcement of availability and pricing.

It has a 5.6-inch widescreen touchscreen display (putting it into the same class as the Fujitsu Lifebook U810 and its sequel, the Lifebook U2010). Storage consists of a 16GB or 32GB Solid State Drive (SSD). It will weigh around 1.06 kg (2.34 pounds).

One of the unique features is that the 61-key keyboard is directly under the display - it’s more of a Tablet form factor than a laptop, but it includes a full keyboard (that is split in the middle with a numeric pad taking up the center). There is an optional 10-key keyboard that functions more like an enhanced Tablet PC. It also features a two battery system that, in addition to the up to 7-10 hours of battery life, can allow for the batteries to be hotswapped for continuous use.

As with other Panasonic Toughbooks, it has rubber seals for I/O sockets (USB, etc.) along with other measures, to protect the device from water being accidentally splashed on it or dust getting inside. In addition, its rugged design protects it from accidental drops to the ground/floor.

It will be available in both North American and Japanese markets later this year (availability in Europe and other parts of Asia is not known at this time). North American customers can expect to see it in August, with a starting price in the $2500 range.

Read:
- Panasonic ToughBook page (Panasonic.biz, Translated from Japanese)

Lenovo ThinkPad X200 - More Details, July 14th Release

In a follow-up to details leaked last week about the upcoming 12.1-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X200, more images, specifications, and a release date have been leaked through 51nb.com.

Among the new details, an updated Magnesium Alloy-based chassis that houses a ThinkPad T-series size keyboard (probably due to the 12.1-inch widescreen display) that will be thinner than the existing ThinkPad X61 series.

It will be based on Intel’s Centrino 2 + VPro platform and will handle either 667MHz DDR2 or 1067MHz DDR3 Memory.

Drive options include a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or up to a 7200rpm 200GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive.

A July 14 release date is mentioned.

Read:
- 51nb.com (Chinese)
- 51nb.com (translated)

Announced: HP Pavilion tx2500z

Today, HP announced the HP Pavilion tx2500z, the sequel to the HP Pavilion tx2000z series.

It’s HP’s first 12.1-inch “convertible” laptop that’s based on AMD’s new Puma platform for mobile computing. In addition to dual-core AMD CPUs (up to 2.4GHz), it offers up to 4GB of memory, along with Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit versions with Service Pack 1 (depends on Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate).

Features:
- “Convertible” - Display twists around and lays across keyboard, forming a Tablet PC with digitizer
- High-gloss black case with “Echo” pattern inlaid.
- “HP QuickPlay” - fast starts movies, music, with a mobile TV module for internet TV streaming. Mini-Remote stores in ExpressCard slot.

Updates over HP Pavilion tx2000z models:
- Updated CPU
- Updated Windows Vista options
- Upgraded graphics (ATI Radeon HD 3200)
- Upgraded harddrive options (up to 320GB 5400rpm)

It is available in the US started at $1049 through HP’s Notebook Offers section in their online store.

ThinkPad SL300 - Details

Along with details about the ThinkPad X200, it would appear that Lenovo is also intent on launching a cheaper, more consumer-oriented 13.3-inch ThinkPad that would represent a new line sort of - it’s the low-end version of the ThinkPad X200 series, but it won’t be competing with the ThinkPad X300 which is a premium/high-end 13.3-inch laptop and which targets a different audience than the X200 series.

Details about the ThinkPad SL300:
- Low-end version of the ThinkPad X200 Series
- 13.3-inch Widescreen
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Optional Blu-ray optical drive
- Two graphics options - Intel GMA or NVIDIA GeForce 9300 (similar to what some Dell models carry)
- Possible integrated GPS module

Read:
- ThinkPad.cn (Chinese)
- ThinkPad.cn (Translated into English)

Via: Forums.ThinkPads.com

ThinkPad X200 - Details

More details about the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 have finally surfaced. The X200 is the widescreen 12.1-inch replacement for the well-respected ThinkPad X61 / X61s lineup. Previously, the 12-inch ThinkPad X series were using a 4:3 “square” display and when the 13.3-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X300 was released, it was expected that the ultraportable end up of the X series would follow suit.

Models:
- ThinkPad X200 - Mid-range
- ThinkPad X200s and X200T (X200 Tablet) - high-end
- ThinkPad SL300 - Low-end (13.3-inch)

Details that emerged yesterday:
- 12-inch widescreen display
- 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo, including 2.4GHz (which means it’s probably the Core 2 Duo T8300 with 3MB L2 Cache and an 800MHz FSB)
- Depending on CPU, settings, and battery pack, up to 9+ hours of battery life
- Choice of drive storage, including Solid State Drive (SSD)
- DDR3 Memory (we are iffy about this)
- Weight starts at under 2.93 pounds

It’s also being mentioned that it will have a DisplayPort connector, a relatively new video/audio connector.

We have some additional details that we are trying to confirm and will post them tomorrow (June 10, 2008) once we have confirmation.

Read:
- ThinkPad.cn (Chinese)
- ThinkPad.cn (Translated into English)

Via: Forums.ThinkPads.com

Dell Mini Inspiron Release Date, Keyboard Details

Some good (and interesting) news about the Dell Mini Inspiron . David Flynn (APC Magazine) has been visiting Dell in Austin, Texas, and has come up some information in regards to the Dell Mini Inspiron’s launch.

In regards to a launch date, Alex Gruzen, Dell’s Consumer Product Group Senior Vice President, said “We’ll be launching later this summer”.

The reason for the delay? “The reason we were later to the market is we’ve been working on getting the right keyboard……..The keypad design accommodates as best as possible the best user experience for this class of products.”

He also mentioned the interest sparked by the Mini Inspiron:

During a packed two day international media briefing at Dell’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, the single product which attracted the most attention was the company’s forthcoming mini-note.

The pre-production model seen in Austin were slightly different from the Mini Inspiron seen recently being carried by Michael Dell. The one seen in Austin was glossy black (versus candy red), and the keyboard labeling was different.

Highilghts:
- Due by August (outside chance of July)
- Inspiron Mini mentioned as a name
- Shortcuts for standby mode, volume, screen brightness, media playback, wireless, external display toggle
- Possibly four status LEDs
- Manufactured by OEM Compal
- Display mounted directly on a hinge
- Various colors (similar to current Dell laptop lines)
- Target customers: Students, emerging markets, “travel companion”

Read: APC Magazine

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