Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 brings laptop technology to the desktop

Squeezing a laptop platform behind the screen, the all-in-one (AIO) desktop's appeal lies in a smaller footprint and reduced cable clutter as it requires only a single power line. But with notebooks offering a similar performance at around the same price range, and Internet HDTVs elbowing into AIOs' home entertainment functions, this category is facing stiff competition these days.
Lenovo, however, is fighting back with the IdeaCentre A310. Replacing the older Core 2 Duo A300 AIO, the new Intel Core-i desktop not only offers entertainment value, but also technology from its laptop division. For starters, the A310 comes with Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7, which, according to the Chinese maker, means the system boots up and shuts down faster than most of its competitors. In addition, the AIO features the proprietary Lenovo Rescue System, which automates data backup and recovery.
When it comes to casual multimedia entertainment, the A310 offers an optional TV tuner and remote control for over-the-air broadcasts. The AIO also sports a full HD 21.5-inch display that's LED-backlit, though you'll need to hook up an external DVD or Blu-ray drive if you want to watch movies from discs. An interesting feature is the HDMI ports. One port allows the A310 to output to a larger display, while the other permits gaming consoles or Blu-ray players to use the AIO as a screen.
Lenovo IdeaCentre A310
Core i3/i5 processor
21.5-inch LED-backlit display (1,920 x 1,080)
Integrated Intel graphics
Up to 8GB RAM
Up to 500GB HDD
802.11n, Bluetooth and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
Four USB 2.0, HDMI-in, HDMI-out, 5-in-1 card reader
Integrated Webcam
Optional external optical drive
Optional TV tuner
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
Windows 7 Home Premium
524 x 396 x 207mm
9.5kg
The IdeaCentre A310 will launch in Asia from end-October, with pricing details revealed closer to date.

Toshiba denies burning laptop issues in Australia

Toshiba Australia has announced that it hasn’t had any reports by Australian consumers of overheating laptops.

The vendor globally recalled some Satellite laptops for posing a burn hazard to customers. The laptops could overheat and possibly melt the area around the notebook’s plug-in to AC adaptor. It potentially affects 41,000 laptops globally and the models being recalled include the Satellite T135, T135D and Pro T130.

The model and part numbers are located on the bottom of the laptops and being with PST3AU, PST3BU or PST3LU, according the vendor’s support website. The models were sold online and through retailers from August 2009 to August 2010.

“The US, Canada and European markets have experienced a limited number of incidents regarding the issue which have been addressed swiftly with a BIOS download from their local country websites,” Toshiba said in a statement. “The Update will determine if there is a potential issue and if so, immediately disable external power of the product, preventing it from overheating.”

If Australian customers are concerned they go to Toshiba’s website for information.

Microsoft Launches Arc Mouse: Most Wildly Designed Mouse Ever

We're beginning to think that 2010 is the year of new mice. Or should we say, unconventional mice. First was Swiftpoint with their finger-based notebook mouse, and now there's Microsoftwith their Arc Touch Mouse. The design on this one is totally new, and even old-school mouse users will probably need a few moments just to wrap their head around what's going on here.

It's the first mouse designed to flatten for portability and pop up for comfort, featuring a capacitive touch scroll strip allowing you to swiftly navigate with the touch of a finger. This may be the beginning of the end for the scroll wheel, no? As you'd expect, Microsoft has also included a tiny Nano transceiver and Microsoft’s BlueTrack Technology allowing you to track on virtually any surface. It's probably the most alluring travel mouse we've seen yet, or at least the most interesting.

We get the feeling the software will work best on a Windows-based PC, as Microsoft has included this line in the release: "Windows-based PC users will love packing up their laptop bags without the added bump of a mouse, as the Arc Touch Mouse flattens with just the touch of a finger." The entire device is less than 15mm thick and it goes from curved to flat with one simple movement. You'll need two AAA batteries, but they'll supposedly last around six months on a charge. The new Arc Mouse won't ship until early December, but you can set aside the $69.95 now.

Think the Mouse Is Dead? Think Again With Microsoft’s Arc Touch Mouse
Microsoft’s newest mouse flattens to be the ultimate portable device.

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 1, 2010 — Some say the mouse’s days are numbered, but today Microsoft Corp. proves the gadget is alive and well by unveiling the Arc Touch Mouse, the first mouse designed to flatten for portability and pop up for comfort. The new mouse features Microsoft’s first touch scroll strip for easy navigation — just move a finger slowly for controlled scrolling or flick for hyperfast scrolling. Windows-based PC users will love packing up their laptop bags without the added bump of a mouse, as the Arc Touch Mouse flattens with just the touch of a finger.

As the computing landscape evolves to offer new ways of interacting, such as touch screens and touch pads, the mouse is also evolving but holds true to its core purpose: providing comfort and precision to users when navigating the PC.

“This is not the first time that the mouse has been threatened — look at 10 years ago when people started buying laptops that had integrated pointers and touch pads. Still, the mouse category continued to grow and grow,” said Brett Ostrum, general manager for the Hardware Group at Microsoft. “The reasons people need external mice will not change: comfort and precision. The Arc Touch Mouse just demonstrates again how committed Microsoft is to continuing to bring great new mice to consumers.”
Arc Touch Mouse
Arc Touch Mouse
Click for print version.

Designed for the Mobile Lifestyle

People today are using mobile computers more than ever, and they still want comfort and control when using them. In fact, one-third of mobile PC buyers also purchase a mouse with their new notebooks or netbooks.1 And, at less than 15 millimeters thick at its widest point, the Arc Touch Mouse was designed to deliver ultimate portability to easily slip into a bag, purse or pocket. It also goes from curved to flat with one simple movement, so working on the go is easier than ever — just collapse the Arc Touch Mouse to turn it off, and pop it up to turn on. It’s also extremely durable, tested to ensure years of performance.

Take Control With Touch Scrolling

With the Arc Touch Mouse’s touch strip, consumers can take control of their scrolling with a flick of a finger. Using a capacitive sensing technique and sensor pads, the strip corresponds to each position and velocity change to give users accurate, controlled scrolling no matter how fast or slow the movement. Move a finger slowly on the strip for controlled scrolling, or flick a finger for hyperfast scrolling that can be stopped with just a simple tap. The strip also has three tap “buttons” for added functionality: page up, page down and the middle click area, which is reprogrammable for whatever mouse function the user needs most.2 Switching from a scroll wheel to a touch strip is made easier with haptics, a vibration technology that simulates the bumps users would feel while using a traditional scroll wheel.

Additional Features

The Arc Touch Mouse is equipped with BlueTrack Technology, letting consumers track on virtually any surface,3 and a tiny magnetic snap-in Nano transceiver stores conveniently on the bottom of the mouse. Two AAA batteries give the Arc Touch Mouse more than six months of battery life, and the two-color battery life indicators let people know when the power is running low.

Pricing and Availability

Arc Touch Mouse will be available for the estimated retail price of $69.95 (U.S.)4. It is available now for presale on Amazon.com, BestBuy.com and Buy.com, and it will ship in early December in time for the U.S. holiday season. It will be broadly available online and in stores in January 2011.

How to Choose Your Laptop Bags

Laptop bags have now become important accessories; therefore, if you are about to buy one, you want to make sure you buy the right one. In fact, the times where computer bags were a synonym of black, boring bags are gone. Now you can choose amongst a huge variety of different colours, shapes and styles. Since the range of choice has increased exponentially, it is important that you choose the right computer bag.

Following the easy steps shown below you will be able to choose a laptop bag that meet your needs.

Size

Make sure you know the width, height and length of your computer. Usually you can find it in the PC information booklet. If it is not there, you can always measure it with a ruler. Notebook bags usually have the size of the computers that can be fit in written on the cover itself. Be careful to the fact that usually these measurements are made in inches.

Type

There are many different types of computer cases available. It is suggested that, before going to the shop, you think about what kind of computer bag you need. In fact, there are backpack laptop bags as well as sleeves and covers, or you can even find wheeled laptop bags. The laptop messenger bag is the most popular type, as it is comfortable to carry, and it has many pockets in which to store the power cord and other accessories. On the other hand, sleeves and cover just protect you computer against crashes and scratches, but offer no place for any accessory. However, sleeves are probably the most stylish notebook bags, as they are produced in various shapes and a huge variety of colours.

Colour

The colour choice of your laptop bags totally depends on its use. If you use it to go to work, for example, it is probably more appropriate to purchase one in a sober colour, such as blue, grey or black. On the other hand, if you do not use it to go to work, or anywhere particularly formal, then you can definitely enjoy yourself choosing a colourful, stylish laptop bag

Does iPad + keyboard case = goodbye, Netbook ?

Is this the keyboard case you're looking for?

(Credit: Engadget)

We've waited for one for months, and now someone's finally done it: an iPad case with a keyboard is finally here. Actually, it's already sold out. The KeyCase iPad Folio with Integrated Bluetooth Keyboard is a thin leather stand-type case for the iPad not unlike other cases we've seen, except with a silicone Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard built in. The keyboard recharges with Apple's standard iPad charge cable and lasts 45 hours.

At the rough equivalent of 90 U.S. dollars, it's not a bad deal for a case that would always be ready to convert your iPad into a quasi-Netbook. It seems more ergonomic in landscape mode than the awkward, vertically aligned Apple keyboard dock. And the good news is that, with this on the way, more such keyboard cases should be on the horizon shortly.

Toshiba tablet details loose in the wild

(Credit: Notebook Italia)

We've had few details on the rumored Toshiba tablet, but now more information has been leaked to whet our appetites. Here is a brief rundown of what to expect.

Toshiba Folio 100

• 10.1-inch multitouch display (1,024x600)
• Nvidia Tegra 2 platform
• 16GB flash storage
• SDHC card slot
• Up to 7 hours of battery life
• 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional mobile broadband connectivity
• HDMI, USB 2.0 port, mini-USB 2.0 port, audio jacks
• Built-in Webcam
• Dimensions: 11 inches by 7 inches by a little over half an inch
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Android 2.2 operating system
• Optional docking station (shown below)

(Credit: Notebook Italia)

As to when the Toshiba Folio 100 will appear and how much it will cost, that remains a mystery at this point.

ASUS Eee PC 1215N review

About nine months ago ASUS released its 12.1-inch Eee PC 1201N to much fanfare. It was the first "netbook" to pack NVIDIA's Ion platform and a desktop-class Atom processor. Translation: it absolutely wrecked regular netbooks (and even other Ion netbooks) on the graphics and performance battlefield. Indeed, the 1201N blurred the lines between netbook and regular laptop, but we ultimately knocked it fairly hard for not lasting longer than 2.5 hours on a charge -- it was dubbed a "netbook" of course.

Our apologies for the brief history lesson, but it's actually quite important in understanding why ASUS' second generation of the 1201N is such a big deal. The 1215N has a Pine Trail 1.8GHz dual-core Atom D525 processor and NVIDIA's Ion 2 with Optimus, which no longer requires the GPU to be running the entire time and saves battery power. The $500 rig (though we're seeing it on sale for as much as $599) is still on the pricey side for a "netbook," but promises 1080p playback, seven hours of battery life and a 250GB hard drive. So, does the 1215N correct all the wrongs of the 1201N and live up to the "netbook powerhouse" title that ASUS has given it? And more importantly can it compete with some of the newer thin and light laptops, like the Dell Inspiron M101z? We found out, and we're assuming you want to as well in our full review after the break.

ASUS Eee PC 1215N review

Look and feel

The 1215N doesn't look all that much different than the 1201N, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially since ASUS tossed the glossy black lid for one a matte, rubbery-feeling one. It's no bamboo, but it's nice enough for a $500 system, that's for sure. Still, there are left over trails of glossy plastic -- the screen bezel and keyboard deck still shine, while the palmrest is made of the same soft matte plastic as the lid. Just like the Eee PC 1018P, the laptop has a more professional look than other netbooks, and the rounded edges give it a familiar aesthetic.

We're quite content with the look of the 1215N, but the size is a bit of another story. The 1.4-inch thick system is nowhere near as svelte as the .7-inch Eee PC 1018P, and though ASUS claims it weighs 3.2 pounds it felt heavier in hand than the 11.6-inch Dell Inspiron M101z and Acer Aspire One 721. We're not saying the laptop is too heavy to carry with one hand or fit in a smaller shoulder bag, it's just a bit chunkier and heavier than we expected it to be. Of course, that means there's more room around the system for the ports; there are three USB 2.0 ports along with VGA, HDMI, mic, headphone and Ethernet jacks. The US version of the 1215N does not have a USB 3.0 port, though other SKUs overseas will have the higher speed jack.

Keyboard, touchpad and screen

We realize the 1215N's chiclet keyboard is the same as the one on the 1201N and the most recent Eee PCs, but the matte keys seem "clickier" than those on the other laptops. Additionally there's just a significant amount of flex to the whole panel. While typing this review we noticed the entire panel caving in at times -- it's not pretty and we've seen much better quality ASUS keyboards, like that on the U33Jc. There's no questioning that we prefer the chiclet keyboard on the M101z.

We have much kinder words about the 3.5 x 2.2-inch touchpad. Besides being quite wide, the plastic is soft to the touch – no, really, your finger will thank you for the nice feeling surface. As usual, the multitouch was a bit sensitive; two finger scrolling was fairly accurate, but we disabled the pinch-to-zoom setting since we kept mistakenly zooming when we just wanted to get to the bottom of a web page.

It's probably no surprise that we're not the biggest fans of the viewing angles on the 12.1-inch, 1,366 x 768-resolution display. Besides being extremely glossy, sitting to the side of the screen caused severe color distortion. Vertical angles were a bit better, but required us to tilt the screen to about 90 degrees when we wanted to sit back and watch the Scott Pilgrim trailer without causing Michael Cera's eyes to blend in with the rest of his face. Despite the viewing angles, the screen was sufficiently bright and a 1080p trailer at full screen was a very detailed. The speakers under the front lip of the machine actually sounded quite loud for a 11.6-inch and 12.1-inch laptop. Similar to the Inspiron M101z, they sounded full when listening to Ra Ra Riot's newest album in iTunes.

Performance, graphics and battery life

Although Intel's just released its first dual-core Atom processor for netbooks, the 1215N was slated before the new chip arrived so it's powered by a desktop-grade 1.8GHz Atom D525 CPU and 2GB of RAM. And unlike most netbooks, it runs Windows 7 Home Premium – see why we're of the mind that this thing is more a thin and light laptop or ultraportable than a netbook? Regardless, the extra processor horsepower is noticeable in everyday performance. The 1215N just felt speedier when opening applications and didn't huff and puff to play a 720p video while simultaneously running Chrome with a handful of tabs open, Microsoft Word, Tweetdeck and Trillian.

Obviously, that bit of high definition video muscle comes from NVIDIA's second generation Ionplatform. We've been told that NVIDIA's actually using its lower-end GeForce G210 GPU, but on the laptop it appears as just "Ion." Regardless, the 1.2GHz, 16-core GPU gives Atom some serious graphics power. Before we compare it to the other platforms out there, we can tell you the GPU fired up – thanks to NVIDIA's Optimus – when playing back a 1080p YouTube clip and output some really smooth picture when we hooked the laptop up to our 40-inch HDTV. But beyond local and streaming HD content, the GPU is capable of handling some games as well. At the native resolution, our World of Warcraft gnome was prancing about the magical forest at a steady 26 frames per second. Comparatively, as you'll see in the chart below, NVIDIA's Ion 2 provided about double the performance of the previous generation and even ATI's Mobility Radeon 4225 graphics. Still, it should be noted that ATI's platform is perfectly capable of full HD playback.

	PCMarkVantage	3DMark06	Battery Life
ASUS Eee PC 1215N	1942	181/2480	5:42
ASUS Eee PC 1201N	N/A	1555	2:26
Dell Inspiron M101z (Athlon II Neo K325)	2572	1311	3:35
Acer Aspire One 721 (Athlon II Neo K125)	1814	1235	3:30
Lenovo IdeaPad U160 (Core i7 ULV)	3863	1175	3:10
ASUS UL50Vf (Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300)	3724	827 / 3438	6:10
Alienware M11x (Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300)	2689	654 / 5593	4:3

So, does all that extra performance power impact the battery life? Well, the good news is that NVIDIA's Optimus has absolutely helped in that area, and when the GPU is off the battery life is pretty impressive. On our video rundown test, which loops the same standard definition video at 65 percent brightness, the six-cell 56Wh battery pushed out nearly six hours of juice – five hours and 42 minutes to be exact. That's more than double the run time of the 1201N! With the GPU on we got 2:45 hours. Still, that's significantly better than any of the AMD Nile systems we've tested lately and just as long as some single-core netbooks. We suspect that the new N550 processor will allow a system like this to get a bit more juice, but we've yet to test the processor performance yet.

Software

Like a lot of the recent ASUS machines we've looked at, the 1215N comes jam packed with proprietary software and some other stuff, including a shortcut to Bonigo's WiFi service. Along with ASUS' typical EeeDock, which is locked to the top of the screen, the machine comes with ASUS' Splendid photo editing software and some new Locale program that seems to want to locate where you are using Bing maps, but didn't seem to pinpoint our top-secret whereabouts. Also, it will boot into the ExpressGate instant-on OS by pressing the small button located on top of the keyboard.

Wrap-up

Without a doubt, the Eee PC 1215N is a major step up from the preceding 1201N. The graphics performance is significantly better and the battery life is double what it was before. But even beyond that, its Intel Atom / Ion 2 combo seems to top some of the recent AMD Nile-powered ultrathins or netbooks we've seen lately in both of those key areas. That said, we actually happen to prefer the dual-core AMD K325-powered Dell Inspiron M101z in terms of overall build quality to the 1215N -- the manufacturing quality just feels sturdier and the keyboard is miles better than the one ASUS is using. But if you're the type that cherishes graphics performance and battery life over hardware feel then the ASUS Eee PC 1215N is your best bet right now for a affordable ultraportable or premium netbook under $500.