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Tid-bits
1/8 - Surprise, surprise. New notebooks are in the offing featuring Centrino Duo, and new desktops based on Intel Viiv.
The most recognizable notebook brand in the world is probably the ThinkPad. IBM used to make them. Now Lenovo does. Two new ThinkPad models improve battery life over previous models by as much as 37%. Battery life has been extended up to 11 hours. Some of the models will sport a different wireless in addition to 802.11 WiFi. Some ThinkPads integrate a 3G WWAN (wireless WAN) antenna for Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess. Speeds of Verizon Wireless' network range from 400-700 kbps. The ThinkPad X60 Series offers a 667 MHz front side bus and 667 MHz DDR2 memory. The ThinkPad X60s feature the longest standard battery life of any ThinkPad. Some ThinkPads feature biometrics and integrated fingerprint readers for additional security. Lenovo has sold a million ThinkPads with fingerprint readers, making it "the largest provider of biometric-enabled PCs in the world".
Lenovo will also integrate yet a third wireless technology, and a second form of WWAN, in certain of its ThinkPads. Emphasis on will. The technology is not shipping yet. Cingular Wireless' BroadbandConnect service is similar to Verizon Wireless', except that it uses Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) technology. In areas where Cingular Wireless' UMTS is not available, certain ThinkPads will use Cingular's EDGE service instead. EDGE is a bit slower at 70-135 kbps. "ThinkPad users also will have wireless access abroad in more than 90 countries where Cingular has data roaming agreements".
Not all product announcements are Centrino Duo notebooks. The HP Compaq nc6140 Notebook PC also sports integrated wireless that uses Verizon Wireless' 3G network and, unlike the previously mentioned ThinkPads, is available today. Verizon Wireless uses an Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO) network, and the notebook integrates a QUALCOMM high-speed wireless chpset. Why the need for so many wireless technologies? The Verizon Wireless and Cingular services enable one to access the Internet "without being tied to a wireless hotspot".
HP rolled out 9 HDTVs, 4 notebooks, 1 desktop, 7 digital cameras, and a home movie service at the CES. In doing so, HP introduced the most comprehensive line of digital entertainment products and services in its history. HP's "Snapfish has become the first major online photo service to offer a home movie service".
Gateway refreshed its notebook line with Centrino Duo technology. Just because a notebook is thin and light doesn't mean that it has to be small. One of Gateway's laptops has a 17-inch display. It is "one of the thinnest and lightest dual core 17-inch form factors available".