Article: Convertible Computing–What Works and What’s Needed

Jim Forbes has written an interesting article, “Convertible Computing–What Works and What’s Needed” that covers where the convertible notebooks have done well and where they need improvement. Convertibles tend to have both a touchscreen/Tablet PC functionality, as well as a physical keyboard (Lenovo’s ThinkPad X60 Tablet being an example mentioned by Jim).

Excerpt from the article:

I’ve lived with tablet computers for the last year and have developed a pretty serious wish list for this category.

First, an observation: if you need an example of an ironclad bond between a user and their machine, look closely at tablet computer users. In my case, along with true persistent wireless connectivity it’s literally changed how I view personal computing. My tablet, a Lenovo X60 convertible notebook, is the first thing I pack when I leave my house. Leave my shaving gear at home? It happens. Forget to pack enough undershirts? JC Penney’s is a nationwide chain, so that’s not a problem either. Leave my power supply in my car? Well, I regularly get six hours of battery life out of my beloved X60, so I’ll get by until a kinsmen can overnight the power supply to me.

He goes on to mention what’s right with this platform (connectivity, form, weight) as well as what’s wrong with it (Bluetooth implementation, stylus/pen design, keyboards, etc.). It’s a very critical and well-written look at the convertible platform.

Gateway Ships E-100M - More Models To Come

Reg Hardware is reporting that the Gateway E-100M is now shipping. The E-100M sports a similar CPU (Intel Core Solo U1300, Ultra Low Voltage (ULV), and unannounced by Intel) to the Fujitsu Q2010 that was just announced for the North American market. The E-100M weighs in at just over three pounds, sports a widescreen 12.1-inch display, and does not have an internal optical drive.

The E-100M represents a sort of milestone for Gateway - it’s Gateways’ first foray back into the ultraportable market after several years’ of not producing a small form factor in their notebook lineup.

Quoting Reg Hardware:

Gateway said it will shortly offer an alternative version of the E-100M aimed at the small businesses, consumers and students. The NX100X goes on sale next week to SMEs and to consumers on 11 May.

Video Review: Gateway E-100M (PC Magazine)

A video review by PC Magazine of the Gateway E-100M - yep, it’s got to be one of the most reviewed laptops in such a short time (albeit this is a video follow-up to an already published review from last week).

I understand the buzz - it’s a brand-new Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) CPU from Intel, it’s the first ultraportable notebook from a major American manufacturer who hasn’t been in the ultraportable market over the past four years, but still, this sure has been a lot of publicity in just a week….especially for a CPU that wasn’t supposed to be officially discussed for almost another two weeks.

Review: Gateway NX100X (LAPTOP Magazine)

This is the the last of the Gateway stories for now (it is a big deal, it’s been four years since Gateway was in the ultraportable market). LAPTOP Magazine has published their review of the Gateway NX100X ultraportable Ultra Low Voltage notebook.

They gave it three out of five stars, complimenting it on its Magnesium Alloy case, light weight (3.2 pounds for a notebook with a 12.1-inch widescreen display), price, and design, although they criticized it’s performance and the default 3-cell battery.

Part of me wonders if they included a 3-cell battery to keep the weight low, but I’m not sure how much weight a 6-cell or 9-cell would be (and the increased battery life would make up for the weight).

Review: Gateway E-100M (PC Magazine)

We just can’t get enough “Gateway re-enters the ultraportable market with a super-secret Intel Ultra Low Voltage CPU” stories can we? (I’ve passed on several already, that were basically repeating what’s already been said). Continuing on with something useful, Cisco Cheng of PC Magazine has completed their review of the Gateway E-100M.

I won’t bore you with the specs since you can simply hit the page-down key and see plenty of information, but I was happy to hear that there are extended batteries. Cisco had the same battery life to within a few minutes of the NX100x that was reviewed by CNET, HOWEVER, this was a three-cell battery, and according to Cisco, there are six and nine-cell batteries, giving you plenty of battery life, at least 6-7 hours. I did think it was interesting that they said it “gets high marks because of the rarity of finding an affordable ultraportable that’s beautifully designed” - not often you hear something like that said about a company that isn’t named Apple. One thing that was pointed out in the review, and on Digg, these Ultra Low Voltage Core Solo CPUs, the U1300/U1400 are cool (literally speaking) which helps with keeping the size and noise down since you don’t have to run a big noisy fan.

Oh, and PC Magazine gave the E-100M a 4 out of 5. Full review (and if you like pictures, PC Magazine has some nice ones here).

A Note on the Intel CPU’s in the new Gateways

Just a quick note on the CPUs in the new Gateway ultraportables - the NX100X and the E-100Mb.

They are Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Intel Core Solo CPUs, models U1300 (1.06GHz) and U1400 (1.2GHz). These were mentioned last year in some of the roadmaps and they seemed on-again and off-again. According to DailyTech, these CPUs were under a press embargo until April 16.

Now while the NX100X page isn’t up at Gateway (it might be now), the E-100MB is up, although you have to search for it, and it’s listed in several places (business, education, etc.).

Edit: E-100M page at Gateway.com

Edit #2: Digg has picked up on this and has some interesting comments about battery life and Intel CPU releases.

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