ai.rs blog

HP has just made new Elitebook models 8440 and 8540 available for purchase. They really are mobile workstations, providing robust mobile power.

Both notebooks are available in P (pro) and W (workstation) versions, with Intel® Core™ i7 Processors with Turbo Boost Technology. The screens are LED backlit antiglare, a rare thing nowadays. W versions pack powerful NVIDIA Quadro graphics with upto 1 GB dedicated GDDR5 video memory. Elitebooks are backwards compatibile with older 6910/6930/8510/8530 docking stations.

The 14" model 8440 is the first W notebook with this display size supporting Display Port for digital video output. Available with 1600×900 resolution.

The 15" model 8540 has 3x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.0 ports along with Display Port for digital video output. Available with 1600×900 resolution.

But, wait, we had WSXGA+ anti-glare 1680×1050 resolution on previous generation models 8510w and 8530w !

So HP actually gave us less pixels and as much as 150 pixels less in vertical resolution ! For mobile workstation every pixel in vertical counts. Are we supposed to watch 16:9 movies on $2,000 notebooks?

CES is behind us, and it looks like ASUS was one of the companies generating positive buzz. One of the reasons was definitely the NX90 Bang & Olufsen Notebook.

Made from finest polished aluminium, the casing looks just amazing, providing that hand rest stays cool and for notebook to look cool. Besides looking great, ASUS focused on performance as well. Key difference between this model and other high end notebooks is the sound. By combining ICEpower and Sonic Focus technologies, lucky users will experience perfect sound. Top model will boost Intel Core i7-820QM processor working at 1.73GHz with HM55 chipset. Although NX90 comes with 4GB of preinstalled RAM, it can be expanded to fantastic 12GB! Since this is the ultimate desktop replacement it supports dual hard drives, integrated Blu-Ray combo drive. And to top it all, this super-desktop replacement will be equipped with 18.4" LED display with NVidia GT 335M for power.

Other fascinating new device was the UL80JT notebook, that finally succeeded in combining power with long lasting battery. With two graphics cards, among which is NVidia GeForce 310, and Intel Core i7 CPU this model can act as a desktop replacement as well as the road-warrior companion. ASUS managed to provide excellent battery life as well by stating UL80JT has 12-hour battery life. Performance is being dynamically switched for the user, so there is no need to choose the mode you work in.

Expect more info on them soon…

Images: ars tehnica and techtree

Apple announced new models including the new, mightier Mac mini. It looks like we’ll finally be able to play 1080p mkv content. Quick specs of the entry model:

• Dimensions: 17×17x5 cm (same as the old one)
• Processor: Intel Core2Duo @2.26GHz
• Up to 4GB of RAM
• Ports: FW800, GLAN, 5xUSB
• Display out: Mini-DVI port, Mini DisplayPort
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
• Superdrive

The drawback is of course the price of Something2HDMI adapters and modern LCD TV-s do not have this proprietary ports that Apple likes to give us a headache with…