(Credit:
MSI)
The 2009 budget train continues, as MSI has just announced a back-to-school lineup of 16- and 17-inch additions to the Classic C Series notebook line, promising starting prices as low as $549. What's new and notable here is that the 17.3-inch models all have 1600x900 resolutions, which is a nice upgrade from the 1366x768 we're used to seeing on budget machines. Even more intriguingly, the 16-inch CR600-017 includes a Blu-ray/DVD drive for hi-def movie watching (but sadly and quizzically, only a 1366x768 resolution on that one). But this is the kicker: it only costs $649.
All machines also feature ATI or Nvidia graphics of some sort--the CX600 and CX700 models have ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics cards with 512MB RAM, while the CR600 and CR700 models have Nvidia GeForce 8200M GPUs.
There is one caveat, however: all these laptops have Pentium Dual Core T4200 and T4300 processors. Therein lies the discount. However, it could be an excellent compromise for those who value some multimedia and screen size over processor speed. In essence, your price options are either $549, $649, or $799. Details below for reference (all 16-inchers are 1366x768, all 17.3-inchers 1600x900):
- CR600-013US ($549): 16-inch, 2.0 GHz T4200, 4GB RAM, GeForce 8200M G, DVD
- CX600-049US ($649): 16-inch, 2.0 GHz T4200, 4GB RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 4330, DVD
- CR600-017US ($649): 16-inch, 2.1 GHz T4300, 4GB RAM, GeForce 8200M G, Blu-ray
- CR700-012US ($649): 17.3-inch, 2.0 GHz T4200, 4GB RAM, GeForce 8200M G, DVD
- CX700-020US ($799): 17.3-inch, 2.0 GHz T4200, 4GB RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 4330, DVD
If you're bargain-hunting, check out the gallery below.
Big, gray, and Blu-ray: the Asus F50SV-A2.
(Credit: CNET)Sixteen-inch laptops comprise a growing category, perhaps because they sit between the semiportable, 15-inch, mainstream systems and the heavy, 17- and 18-inch models that are essentially desk-bound machines with hinged screens.
The $1,249 Asus F50SV-A2 ($1,149 for base configuration with less RAM) packs a Blu-ray drive and a new mainstream Nvidia graphics chip into a relatively on-the-go package that's lighter than gaming beasts, but heavier than a standard laptop.
Our review found it solidly performing, but a little lacking on the design and features front. Are 16-inch systems worth the compromise between mainstream and hardcore desktop-replacing performance? And how does it compare with another recently reviewed (but Blu-ray-free) 16-incher, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y650?
Read our full review of the Asus F50SV-A2 to find out.
Big sound and big screen, 1-inch thick.
(Credit: CNET)In a media-saturated online world, it's no surprise that whole categories of laptops now seem made to appeal to the home streaming-video connoisseur. Lenovo's IdeaPad Y series, and the Y650 in particular, looks tailor-made for those who want to watch TV and media on a big, bright screen with better-than-average audio, and a decor-friendly design to match.
The $1,249 Y650 we reviewed is the higher end of the two fixed-configuration models, which includes a fast 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 and 4GB of DDR3 memory. The Y650 is the thinnest, lightest 16-inch laptop we've seen, and our only real complaint is the not-quite-full-HD display, which isn't ideal for 1080p content.
Read the full review of the Lenovo IdeaPad Y650.
Use the extra display for multitasking, or just look at pretty pictures.
After unveiling the LifeBook A1110 and LifeBook A6220 in October, Fujitsu is keeping the ball rolling with another addition to the LifeBook family. The LifeBook N7010, announced Tuesday, may not have the swappable lid panels of those previous models, but it does have a fresh new feature: a 4-inch touch-screen panel above the keyboard that can be used to control media playback, display quick-launch icons, or scroll through a photo slide show.
The second display can also help you multitask; instead of minimizing an application, you can drag it into the display below (the example from Fujitsu: you can work on a large file in the main screen while chatting on the Webcam below).
We're going to have to spend some time with the system to decide whether that screen is a boon to productivity or just a novelty. But even ignoring the extra LCD, the LifeBook N7010 has some compelling characteristics. Its 16-inch wide-screen display has the 16:9 aspect ratio that's ideal for viewing HD content, yet its case takes up about the same amount of space as a 15.4-inch system. To take advantage of the HD-friendly display, the N7010 includes an integrated Blu-ray drive, and if you want to watch movies on something larger, an HDMI port connects to your HDTV. Also, like so many of the midsize systems we're seeing today, the laptop incorporates an eSATA port for speedy transfer of large movie files.
Component-wise, you'll get a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor, 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3470 graphics, 802.11a/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Like many recent LifeBooks, the N7010 includes a gesture-enabled touchpad, removable dust filter, and spill-resistant keyboard.
Pricing for the Fujitsu LifeBook N7010 starts at $1,499. The system can be ordered today and is expected to start shipping by November 10.
The Gateway MC7801u features a 16-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
(Credit: Gateway)Gateway on Monday released its first 16-inch laptops, the MC7801u and the MC7803u. With a 16:9 aspect ratio screen, 16-inch (and 18-inch) models are beginning to emerge.
Unlike traditional 16:10 laptop displays, a 16:9 screen matches the ratio of movies and HD content. Similar to the redesigned MacBook, the display on Gateway's MC series laptops features a glossy glass overlay that runs edge to edge. The 16-inch screen features a 1366x768 resolution; you'll need to bump up to an 18-inch model for 1080p playback.
The $950 MC7801u features a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo T5800 CPU, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 64-bit Vista Home Premium, and a 320GB hard drive. So what don't you get on this sub-$1,000 laptop? You miss out Intel's latest Centrino 2 platform, and the laptop relies on integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics.
You're with me, pleather.
(Credit: Gateway)A second model in the 16-inch MC series, the $1,000 MC7803u, will feature a dedicated 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 graphics card. Providing the MC models with a distinctive look, a thin pleather strip runs down the middle of the lid. The lower-end MC7801u features a burgundy lid, and the higher-end MC7803u features a black lid.
Other features include HDMI and VGA ports, backlit keyboard and multimedia controls, Webcam, DVD burner, Draft N Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, and ExpressCard and media card slots.
The Gateway MC7801u is being sold through Best Buy and is included in our holiday retail laptop roundup. Look for our review next week.
The Aspire 8920 features Acer's new Gemstone Blue design and an 18-inch screen.
(Credit: Acer)Your desktop replacement options expanded today, with Acer announcing its 16- and 18-inch Aspire Gemstone Blue notebooks are now available. The 16-inch Aspire 6920 starts at $849, and the 18.4-inch Aspire 8920 starts at $1,299. Both models have an Intel Core 2 Duo chip, Nvidia GeForce graphics, and a display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1920x1080-pixel screen resolution for full HD goodness. The 18-inch model finds room for 5.1 speakers; the 16-inch model serves up 2.1 sound. Blu-ray is an option on higher-end configurations.
The Gemstone Blue design is a new look, which Acer unveiled earlier this year at a media event in New York. Though it may be overstating it a bit, according to Acer, "the unique style of the Gemstone Blue is expressed through a distinctive color, one that reflects the power, performance and control the Aspire 8920 gives to everyone who uses it." Aside from new color scheme, the Gemstone models introduce a touch-sensitive media control called CineDash.
The touch-sensitive CineDash Media Console
(Credit: Acer)Dan Ackerman has been tracking these two models and is currently at work on the Aspire 8920 review. Check back next week for his full review. In the meantime, you can get more information from Acer's news release here, and visit the product pages on Acer's site for the 6920 and the 8920.
The Acer 8920
(Credit: Acer)We first told you back at CES about the laptop industry's move towards 16- and 18-inch laptops, highlighted by a 16-inch Dell prototype and our off-the-record discussions with several other vendors about these new screen sizes.
Acer is leading the charge with two new multimedia-oriented consumer laptops, the 16-inch Acer Aspire 6920 and the 18.4-inch Acer Aspire 8920. Both are part of what Acer is calling the Gemstone Blue series.
We just got a peek at these two new systems in person at a press event in New York, and while they're not going to be game-changers, there are a few highlights worth noting.
The new screen sizes allow for true 16:9 aspect-ratio displays, which means Blu-ray or other HD content will fit the screen better--look for similar displays from other vendors in the coming months.
The CineDash Media Console
(Credit: Acer)Acer has also made a big investment in sound, offering 5.1 speakers in the 18-inch version and 2.1 speakers, with Dolby virtual surround sound, in the 16-inch. Both also offer virtual headphone surround.
Intel Penryn-class CPUs and Nvidia's GeForce 9500 or 9650 GPUs are standard, and Acer claims its new displays are brighter, with better color range, than the previous Aspire models.
The most interesting part was the unique capacitive touch media controls. Instead of running a simple line of media buttons along the top of the keyboard (even budget laptops such as the Dell 1525 have capacitive touch-sensitive controls these days), the media controls are boxed off to the left of the keyboard in a panel called the CineDash Media Console.
It's the same general concept, but the high-tech layout makes it stand out--you get a volume circle, basic play/pause/transport controls, and a few other media player keys.
Look for these two new systems to hit retailers some time in April, starting at $900 and going up to around $1,700.
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