Laptops

Sony Europe has announced the forthcoming release of its new VAIO S series notebook. Benefiting from a full flat design made with magnesium housing and an aluminum palmrest, the new 24mm thin notebook will feature a dual battery option to double the run time, hybrid graphics that swaps between integrated and installed graphics for optimum performance, a fast boot into Windows and the ability to get users online from cold in seconds. Read More

Apple's MacBook Pro line is due for a refresh with all the signs on the magic eight ball that is the Internet pointing to Thursday February 24 as launch day for updated MacBook Pros with Intel's latest Sandy Bridge processors. As usual, Apple has been playing its cards close to its corporate chest and hasn't confirmed (or denied) that new MacBook Pros are on the immediate horizon, but a couple of listings of unexplained MacBook Pro part numbers by retailers online may just have let the cat out of the bag before Apple has had a chance to announce the new models. Read More

In addition to the company's Slider PC7 computer, Samsung's high-end Series 9 laptop was one of the CES 2011 standouts that we wanted to go back and take a look at. Many have billed it as a Macbook Air killer, and though we wouldn't go quite that far, the comparison is certainly a valid one. The Series 9 sports a sleek design that will likely turn just as many heads as the afore-mentioned Cupertino competitor. Read More

Laptop users who work on the move usually find themselves having to use the trackpad more than they'd like. It's useful in tight spaces but it's not half as comfortable or useful as a real mouse. The Swiftmouse is said to provide all of the functionality and ease of use associated with a standard mouse, combined with the comfort of a stylus or pen, in a format that lends itself to being used in situations where space is limited. The wireless micro-mouse also benefits from magnetic docking and charging and some rapid scroll wizardry. Read More

ASUS is about to let loose a stylish new powerhouse laptop which boasts a 10 hour battery life, ditches the ultra-low-power processors in favor of 35 W varieties and features Nvidia graphics with Optimus technology. The new addition to the company's U series manages to keep its impressive internals cool with dual heatpipe technology that also keeps the palm rest area nice and chilled too. Read More

Research has shown that over 80 percent of netbook owners believe that good sound is important, yet I think it's fair to say that most netbook speakers are not really very good – offering about the same audio output quality as a smartphone. Toshiba has revealed that its new mini NB520 netbook sports a pair of Harman/Kardon speakers and Dolby Advanced Audio technology, to give users the kind of rich audio experience usually reserved for much bigger devices. Read More

Logitech has followed up on its N700 Lapdesk with a unit designed for 14-inch or smaller notebooks and netbooks – the Lapdesk N550. The new addition features integrated stereo speakers, an ergonomic design and four layered heat-shielding. Read More

With the popularity of Apple’s iPad it’s easy to forget that most tablet computers used to be laptops with a hinge that allowed the touchscreen display to be swiveled around and folded down over the keyboard. Such designs are still available today but have had their thunder (and much of their market share) stolen by the touchscreen-only designs like the iPad. Recognizing that there’s still plenty of people who prefer the functionality of a full QWERTY keyboard, Dell has introduced the Inspiron Duo with its new flip-hinge design that allows users to switch from touch to type mode with a flip of the screen. Read More

Lenovo has unveiled an elegant, ultra-portable addition to its IdeaPad range. Along with the company's first 12.5-inch display, the 0.7-inch (18 mm) thin IdeaPad U260 features leather-like trim surrounding the keyboard and touchpad, a choice of ultra-low-voltage (ULV) processors to help extend unplugged usage and Dolby surround-sound to complement high definition movie capability. Read More