Tech Special: Gateway EC Series - Ultra light yet Powerful

Gateway has been producing great new models for the past couple of months ever since the revolution of the netbooks started. Now with the power of the new CULV chips in the market they have come up with a series that is both beautiful and bold without the heavy feeling one gets in their pockets when they purchase it.

The newly launched EC series of Gateway gives their consumers the power to choose between the 11.6" models to 13.3" models that they boast can last well over 8+ hours with heavy computing and a video card from Intel that promises to deliver High Performance 3D graphics.

Here are the things that the EC Series 11.6" models have to offer:

Easy-Carry All-Day

Want the freedom of all-day computing combined with an easy-carry size? Then the 11.6" Gateway® EC Series Notebook is made for you. Boasting Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 and energy-saving Intel® Core™2 Solo ultra-low voltage processing, our cherry red EC1801i laptop puts power in your pocketbook: 2GB memory, a 320GB hard drive, a media card reader, multiple ports including HDMI™, and a wealth of connectivity thanks to Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/draft-n wireless and Bluetooth® 2.1. And this EC weighs only 1.35kg. Connect, create and compute when you want, where you want, with the 11.6" Gateway® EC1801i Notebook.

Specifications

Processor:	Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology Intel® Core™2 Solo Processor SU3500 (1.4GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Operating System:	Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 32-bit
Display:	11.6" HD Ultrabright™ LED-backlit TFT LCD 1366 x 768 resolution; high-brightness (200-nit); 16:9 aspect ratio
Chipset:	Mobile Intel® GS45 Express
Memory:	2GB 667MHz DDR2 dual-channel support (1 × 2GB) Expandable to 4GB (2 DDR2 slots total, 1 DDR2 slots available)
Hard Drive:	320GB 5400rpm SATA
Color:	Cherry Red
Media Reader:	Multi-in-1 media card reader, supporting:Secure Digital™ (SD), MultiMediaCard™ (MMC), Memory Stick™ (MS), Memory Stick Pro™ (MS Pro), xD-Picture Card™ (xD)
Video:	Integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (Intel® GMA 4500MHD) with up to 1759MB of Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0 (64MB of dedicated video memory, up to 1695MB of shared system memory), supporting Microsoft® DirectX® 104
Audio:	Optimized 2nd-generation Dolby® Sound Room® audio enhancement, featuring Dolby® Headphone, Dolby® Natural Bass, Dolby® Sound Space Expander High-definition audio support Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) support for digital speakers MS Sound compatible Built-in microphone
Network:	10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Wake-on-LAN ready Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/draft-n) Wi-Fi Certified™ network connection, featuring MIMO technology Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Pointing Device:	Multi-gesture touchpad supporting: - Circular-motion scrolling - Pinch-action zoom - Page flip
Webcam:	Integrated 0.3 megapixel webcam
Ports/Other:	3 USB 2.0 1 HDMI™ port with HDCP support 1 VGA 1 headphone/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support 1 microphone-in jack 1 RJ-45 LAN 1 AC adapter connector
Dimensions:	22.1-30mm H x 285mm W x 204mm D
Weight:	1.35kg with 6-cell battery
Battery:	62.16W 5600mAh 6-cell lithium-ion battery pack
Warranty:	1-year parts and labor limited warranty
Software:	Gateway Recovery Management Microsoft® Windows Live™ Essentials Wave 3 Microsoft® Works Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 (60-day trial) Norton Internet Security™ 2009 (60-day trial)

Based on my research this laptop has been pegged with a starting price of P 35,892.00 both from Villman and Asianic.

Where to Buy:

Find this Gateway product in a retail store near you

View Retailers

This will definitely be a good competition for the other CULV laptops that have been released by other more known brands. With ACER as their main partner along with eMachines, one can definitely learn to trust Gateway.

Tech Tuesday: Cheapest 12 Inch Notebook But Powerful enough for HD Graphics

MSI has done it again. Just recently here in the Philippines we got to see the new Wind U200 series hitting the market and is selling like hot cakes. Two reasons why: Very affordable price and Excellent Specs.

In terms of pricing the U200 series comes in a price range of Php18000 ($391) to Php22000($478). This is due to the Dual Core Processors that run on Low Voltage and of course Low cost. However, unlike the old netbooks that we have seen in the past, these 12 inch laptops are quite capable of handling what a normal laptop would with a Windows Experience Index Score of 3.2. Battery life runs at 4 - 6 hours and is equipped with Windows 7. It doesn't have a DVD or CD Drive which is also why the netbooks in the past have also been able to be priced quite low but in the modern age of wireless fidelity who really needs it.

Here are the current specs out in the market right now based on MSI's Website:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo processor, with Intel® wireless technology
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
(MSI recommends upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista® Business)
• 12.1" 16:9 Glittering Crystal Frameless Screen
• 1366*768 HD Ready Display for clearer and sharper images
• 1.3kg ultra lightweight and ultraportable design
• 6.5 hrs* extended battery life
• HDMI Output
• LED power-saving backlight technology
• Brand new msi Ergonomic De-stress Keyboard

And if you still aren't sold on the idea of getting one here is a video review to help you get a clearer picture of what to expect and I have to say you had better make a decision fast since this one is about to be sold out before the month of January even ends:

Tech Tuesday: Sony Vaio X Series

While going through the mall the other week I got wind of and was able to try out Sony Vaio's hot new gadget. A bit pricey though but a definite eye candy. Though I have to say without a Disc Drive and it being wafer thin at 11 inches this is probably the netbook(mini-notebook) for those with the guts or the money to extravagantly splurge on it.

To show you what a pricey netbook from Sony can give you, here are the specs:
- 2GHz Intel Atom Processor
- 533Mhz Front Side Bus Speed
- Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 500 dengan Intel® System Controller Hub US15W Chipset
- Up to 128GB Solid State Drive
- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
- QWERTY keyboard, 82 kyes with 1.2mm stroke and 17mm pitch
- Display 11.1 inci x-black widescreen LCD dengan teknologi backlight LED 1366 x 768 Resolution
- Intel High Definition Audio
- WiFi Atheros 802.11b/g/n
- Bluetooth
- VGA Port
- Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In (3G Modem)
- 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
- 2 x USB port
- microphone
- headphone jack
- Memory stick dan sdcard slot
- Webcam Motion EYE
- Windows 7 professional
- Electro-Static touch pad
- Durable Battery: Up to 3.5 hours
- Power Requirements: 38 watts or less

here is a commercial from youtube that I found about the x series:

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: Netbook Accessories

With the netbook or should I say mini - notebook craze going on many have started looking for accessories that would match their sleek and stylish gadgets. Many do this for both practical and personal reasons. I myself will look around for cool bags that would match my style and sense of practicality.

With these things being said, I found it rather hard to find something I would consider as value for my money. Fortunately enough for me I found a rather cool site that answered this need.

GearZap.com

In this website I found all the cool accessories one could wish for. From netbook sleeves (finding the right size was a pain the butt before), bags, fashionable mice (plural of mouse :)), and much much more.

I would say to check it out cause I found the prices rather affordable and they have a cool selection of stuff to pamper that new baby of yours. :)

Till the next time. :) xoxo

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: HP Mini 311

HP is joining the 11.6 Netbook craze with their new model HP Mini 311. The first company to have done this is Acer and soon to follow is Asus. But the HP mini has something more to offer this time with NVIDIA ION powering their mini notebook along with that of the Intel Atom N280. This is something that a lot of people should definitely check out before pulling out that credit card of yours as you start purchasing it as a personal gift for yourself this Christmas :) Here in the Philippines I was able to spot one at eHub in Park Square Glorietta for a cool price of 28,000 Pesos.

Here are more of the specs for all you techies out there:

• Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 3(1)

• Intel® AtomTM Processor N270(3) • 1.60GHz(4) • 512KB L2 • 533Mhz FSB(4a)

• 1024MB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm) • Max supported =3072MB

• NVIDIA ION LE for Windows XP with up to 319MB total graphics memory

• 160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA)(7)

• HP Black Swirl Imprint finish & HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone(15)

• 11.6" Diagonal HD LED(8) BrightView Widescreen Display (1366 x 768)

• Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) (9)

• 802.11b/g WLAN(10a)

• 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards(17a)

• Altec Lansing Speakers

• 92% full sized keyboard • touchpad with scroll zone

• Touch Pad with dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down (note: no on/off button)

• 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

• Headphone-out/Microphone in combo jack (compatible with 3.5mm 4-conductor jack with stereo audio and mono mic)

• HDMI

• 1 VGA (15-pin) • 1 RJ -45 (LAN)

• Unpackaged: 11.4 in (L) x 8.03 in (D) x 0.78-1.20 in (H) • Packaged: 13.6"(W) x 4.3"(D) x12.2"(H)

• Unpackaged: 3.22 lbs(12). • Packaged: 5.3 lbs

• Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot • Power-on password • Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

• 65W AC Adapter • 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery

• HP 90W AC Adapter - KG298AA#ABA • HP PT06 Mini Battery - VP502AA • HP USB Essentials Port Replicator - NK398AA#ABA

• 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Toll Free Support (NA) • 1-Year Free Hardware Technical Support • 30-Days Free Limited Software Support with 1-Year (from date of

purchase) Free Limited Software Support with Product Registration.

Here is a cool review of the HP Mini 311 that I found on Youtube for you to watch:

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: Nokia Mini Laptop 3G (Nokia Netbook)

GLOBAL – Nokia has just whipped the dust sheet off the Nokia Booklet 3G. A brand new breed of portable device for Nokia, this mini laptop PC sees the company step foot on freshly cut turf, and we’re a little dumb-struck with excitement at the prospect of the experience that this bite-size Booklet promises to deliver when it arrives. Not to mention what it means bigger picture, and how this product could affect the entire mobile landscape for the better (we’ll save that for another story), but let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.

First, let’s get down off our tip-toes, take a deep breath, and soak up all the initial details on what the upcoming Nokia Booklet 3G mini laptop is set to deliver when it lands on laps. Read on for every shred of info currently available on this landmark new product, and get the first close-up look at the Nokia Booklet 3G mini laptop in our photo gallery.

The new Nokia Booklet 3G will be a Windows-based machine, supported by an efficient Intel Atom processor that promises the performance of a full-function PC. It’s efficiency credentials are boldly punctuated with battery life that stretches up to 12 hours (with normal daily use, of course – don’t expect a 12-hour Quake-fest off a single hit of juice).

Turning our attention to mini matters of a tape-measure nature, the Nokia Booklet 3G comes toting a glass 10.1-inch HD display (it has an HDMI port for HD video out). This lives within its smart aluminium shell which measures in at just 2cm thin and tips the scales at around a kilogram to ensure it’s extremely portable.

Connecting at speed is crucial with a product of this nature, so the Booklet 3G has been designed with fast downloading and uploading front of mind – it’s 3G/HSPA ready for rapid mobile broadband anywhere-access on the move. Wi-Fi has also been wedged into it’s slim body. Plus, it supports hot-swappable SIM card functionality.

It’s talents don’t end there, with Nokia’s mini laptop PC also featuring onboard assisted-GPS with Ovi Maps neatly sat in the passenger seat. There’s a single front-facing camera nestled above the 10.1-inch HD screen for video chat, with Bluetooth and a built-in SD card reader also making appearances.

You may be wondering why Nokia is adding to its range of products with an ultra portable laptop PC? Well, Nokia’s Executive Vice President for Devices, Kai Oistamo, summed it up simply as follows:

“A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility. We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us. Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all day, always on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling. In doing so we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal.”

There’s already a lot of info to digest here, but there are still more details to come at Nokia World 09 on 2 September – expect official word on where the Nokia Booklet 3G will be available, news on how much it’ll cost, along with a detailed list of specs for the number-hungry among us.
Here is the official video commercial from Nokia of what to expect from their new Nokia Mini Laptop 3G Booklet:

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: HP Mini 110

HP has finally paid attention to its consumers' needs and have come up with one amazing new netbook that is guaranteed to be a sure hit for both seasoned laptop users and newbies alike - Introducing the HP Mini 110.

Here are the specs:
Processor – 1.66 GHz Intel Atom Processor N280
Cache – 512 KB Level 2 cache
Memory – 1024MB (1 x 1024MB)
Memory Max – Up to 2GB
Video Graphics – Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Hard Drive – 160 GB (4200 rpm) 1.8″
Display – 10.2” Diagonal WSVGA HP Brightview Infinity Display
w/ Built-in Camera and Microphone
Fax/ Model Network Card – High speed 56K modem 10/100 LAN
Wireless Connectivity – 802.11b/g WLAN
Bluetooth
Audio – Integrated Intel High Definition Audio
External Ports:
• 3 USB 2.0
• RJ-45
• Headphone-out/Microphone in combo jack
• Expansion Port
• AC adapter
Weight – 1.11 kg (2.89 lbs)
Operating System – Genuine Windows XP home
And for the final clincher here is a video commercial of the HP mini 110 for you to enjoy:

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: Sony Vaio W - Sony's Mini Notebook Edition

Sony Corporation has officially announced their entry into the Netbook market. The company will launch their first Sony Vaio W netbook in August 2009.

Sony Vaio W netbook photo, pretty in pink!

For the last two years, while the Netbook segment became extremely popular, Sony had expressed their skepticism. “Netbooks were ‘race to the bottom,’” they had said - so industry observers are a bit confused about exactly what Sony thinks about netbooks now!

Sony Vaio W netbook will feature a 10 inch screen with a resolution of 1,366 by 768 pixels. It will come with Microsoft Windows XP operating system running on a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 processor and 1 GB RAM. The dimensions are 27 cm by 18cm by 2.7cm. It also has a built in camera and memory card reader too. Looking at the photos of the Sony Vaio W netbook here, you can easily make out that this is a good looker - definitely better looking than most of the netbook computers out there.

We should make one thing clear, though. Sony officially does not call the Vaio W a netbook - rather, the official designation for the little laptop is ’small Notebook PC’.

The Sony Vaio W will hit the markets in France, U.K, Germany, Russia, Italy and Spain in August 2009, whereas the North American launch details are not yet revealed.

What is known, however, is that in the United States, the Sony Vaio W netbook will have a price tag of around $499 - $629. Putting the Vaio W somewhere between Netbook and Notebook computer territory.

The Netbook concept was first introduced in 2007 by Taiwan’s Asustek after which followed Acer Inc, Hewlett-Packard Co and Dell Inc with their versions of the Netbook.

Netbooks are really nothing but notebook computers with a small form factor, running Linux or Windows XP OS usually, and rely heavily on the internet and web-based applications. Their processors are not as powerful as the ones in popular laptops. However, they are often more energy efficient than laptop processors, and offer 4 hours to 7 hours of usage on a single charge. While they are perfectly capable of a great internet surfing experience, they are not equipped for heavy-duty applications such as games.

Here is the Sony Vaio W video review:

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: Samsung N310

Another netbook from a leading electronic manufacturer has been released into the market. Samsung N310. This was made after the success of their previous netbook products that they have sold in the past year and this time they had the consumers in mind for this latest product.

Here are its full specifications:
Processor: Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz, 512KB)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP3
RAM: 1GB
Display: 10.1 “WSVGA (1024 x 600) Super Bright glossy, LED Backlight
HDD: 160GB (SATA 5400 RPM)
Network: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; HSDPA/WiMAX/WiBro; 10/100 Ethernet
GPU: Intel GMA 950
Battery life: Up to 11.5 hours (6-cell); up to 5 hours (4-cell)
3-in-1-card reader
1.3-megapixel camera
3 USB ports
VGA port
Integrated mic, microphone input and headphone jack,
Antibacterial Keyboard with SilverNano Technology
Weight: 1.23 kg
Dimensions: (H / B / T) 262 x 184.5 x 28.0 mm

Samsung has described this as being developed with the needs of the “kinetic elite” in mind. The pebble design keyboard, which is apparently 93 per cent of the size of a desktop keyboard, is aimed at making typing easier. And as if that wasn’t enough, it also “uses the latest medical technology” on the keys that makes it “almost impossible for bacteria to live and breed”. Swine Flu… your days are numbered.

Here is a video of the Samsung N310:

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: Toshiba Mini NB200

Toshiba has finally entered the Netbook market with their version known as the Toshiba NB200.
I have to say that after trying it out myself and it being equipped with the new Atom N280 coupled by a very easy to the fingers type of keyboard (chicklet type - Think of Sony Vaio), is putting this netbook on the my faves list. It even is aethetically designed with an elegant bronze finish guaranteing its user to become a definite head turner. Unfortunately though this has to come with a hefty price tag in competition that of the Asus Magnesium Netbook.
Here are the Specs:

Key Features - Intel® Atom™ processor N280- Genuine Windows XP® Home Edition- 1024 MB DDR RAM (800MHz)- 10.1" Widescreen TruBrite® VGA (1024 x 600) High Brightness display

Processor	type : Intel® Atom™ processor N280 clock speed : 1.66 GHz Front Side Bus : 667 MHz 2nd level cache : 512 KB
Operating system	Genuine Windows® XP Home 32-bit Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery)
Design Colour	colour : Satin Brown
System memory	standard : 1,024 MB maximum expandability : 2,048 MB technology : DDR2 RAM (800 MHz)
Hard disk	capacity : 160 GB certification : S.M.A.R.T. drive rotation : 5,400 rpm
Display	size : 10.1 " type : Toshiba TruBrite® WSVGA TFT display with LED backlight internal resolution : 1,024 x 600
Graphics adapter	manufacturer : Intel® type : Mobile Intel® GMA 950 memory : up to 224 MB total available graphics memory with 512 MB system memory memory type : shared
Internal video modes
Max External Video Modes	Max Resolution : 1,600 x 1,200 Max Refresh Rate : 85 Hz Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate : 1,600 x 1,200
Interfaces	1 x DC-in 1 x external monitor 1 x RJ-45 1 x external microphone 1 x built-in microphone 1 x headphone (stereo) 3 (Left 1, Right 2) x USB 2.0 Sleep-and-Charge 1 x integrated VGA Web Camera 1 x 2-in-1 Bridge Media slot (supports SD™ Cards up to 16 GB and MultiMedia Card™ up to 2 GB)
Expansion	1 x memory slot
Wireless communication	Compliancy : Wi-Fi® Network Support : 802.11b/g Wireless Technology : Wireless LAN
Wired communication	topology : Fast Ethernet LAN speed : 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Sound system	supported audio format : 24-bit stereo speakers : built-in speaker
Keyboard	keys : 86 Windows keys : Yes
Pointing device	type : Touch Pad
Battery	technology : lithium-ion maximum life : up to 9h05min (Mobile Mark™ 2007)
AC adaptor	input voltage : autosensing AC adapter (100/240 V) for worldwide usage
Physical dimensions	W x D x H : 263 x 211.5 x 25.4 (front) / 32.25 (rear) mm weight : starting at 1.33 kg
Warranty	1-year international warranty. Upgrade your standard warranty with Toshiba warranty extension, uplift and all-risks insurance packs.
Bundled hardware	AC adaptor
Bundled software	Connectivity Doctor Toshiba User's Manual McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days) Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator Microsoft® Works, Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 (free 60-day trial) Google Toolbar Google Picasa ConfigFree™ Toshiba utilities and drivers Chicony Camera Assistant Software
Toshiba EasyMedia	McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition USB Sleep-and-Charge Smart Display Support Built-in camera & microphone Diversity Antenna Integrated Bridge Media Adapter Toshiba ConfigFree™
Security features	slot for Kensington Cable Lock user password supervisor password HDD password on request
Special features	SM BIOS compliant integrated microphone for Voice over IP ENERGY STAR qualified computer integrated VGA Web Camera for Video over IP Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology HD Audio support

Here is a short video review of the Toshiba NB200: