Samsung Updates Series 7 Webpage

Samsung's fancied up their webpage for the Series 7 with an interactive video listing all the selling points of their ultrabook. But still no word on whether or not these will go on sale this holiday season. Head on over to my previous post about the Samsung Series 7 here or visit Samsung's webpage to view the "update" yourself here.


Check back for more news as they come in.

Samsung Series 7 Coming with Windows 8

Samsung has finally released information on their long awaited Series 7 laptops. To get a picture of how frustrating it's been for many of us out there waiting daily for information on it's release, Samsung announced this laptop to be available by October 2nd - it's now November 9th and we're only getting news.

According to Bloomberg, Samsung's head of sales Uhm Kyo Ho stated that Samsung's releasing an updated version of the Series 7 running on Microsoft's newest OS, Windows 8. Could be this be why the Series 7 has periodically disappeared from preorder sites?


The only issue with this for folk's who've been waiting is that Uhm Kyo Ho also announced that the updated Series 7 with the touchscreen-tailored Windows 8 will be out the middle of 2012. This means more waiting, not likely to fly well with those who've preordered again and again to no avail.

It's no doubt that the Samsung Series 7 has got to be one the most attractive looking laptops around. Seeing that it'll come with the spankin' new Windows 8 OS only makes the deal even sweeter. Only the waiting's making it bitter... very bitter.

What I'm hoping Samsung will do is release the models that should have been retailing since October 2nd. Give people the option to purchase now what they've been waiting for and allow them to later upgrade to Windows 8 should they wish. It's a win-win scenario for both Samsung and the consumer.


Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-09/samsung-may-sell-windows-8-computers-in-second-half-2012.html

"Invisible Glass" for Ultrabooks

Normal glass on the left. "Invisible glass" on the right.

A Japanese firm has developed a glass substrate that it claims as "invisible glass." Nippon Electric Glass Co Ltd managed to reduce light reflection so that it can hardly be seen on their substrate. Ever been annoyed by glare on any of your devices? No? Glare might soon be a thing of the past.

So for most normal glass, about 92% of incoming light passes through it, and the rest is reflected back as glare. With Nippon Electric Glass's substrate, as much as 99.5% of the light is able to pass through. Only about 0.5% light will manage to reflect back as glare.

How did they manage to this? Surprise, surprise. It's a company secret. But the company did say that they used 30 or more layers in the process of creating the glass. The thickness of each being increments of nanometers. Cool stuff.

Normal glass on the left. "Invisible glass" on the right.

Source: http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20111028/199970/

The Problem

Scott Stein hits with perfect accuracy the problem plaguing Ultrabooks. Most people out there haven't heard of the name, much less seen an Ultrabook in person. Just the other day I described what an Ultrabook is to one of my classmates and she kept saying, "You mean the MacBook Air?" I didn't realize just what the implications of her reactions were for the Ultrabook until later on that afternoon. It's simple, people do not know about Ultrabooks. If you're reading this, then you're in the niche that knows - you've probably gone out of your way in search of information on Ultrabooks. I'll list in quick bullets just what Scott Stein's main points are...

• The MacBook Air is most likely device to be recognized in a line up of 10 random people.
  

• Netbooks are more known than Ultrabooks - even so how many people know what a Netbook truly is? Not many. Not a good thing for the Ultrabook.
  

• Spec-wise, virtually all of the First Gen Ultrabooks are indistinguishable.
  

• Brandname Ultrabook's simply not known.
  

My own personal bullet here...

• Spell-check keeps telling me there's no such word as Ultrabook. You win for now Spell-check, you win for now.
  

Here's the link to Scott's article.

Samsung, Toshiba, Lenovo, Oh My!

Holidays are right around the corner - we know it and the big companies know it. Companies always release high-profile products at this time in order to take advantage of high consumer interest. Ultrabooks are no exception. I interpret this as a good thing. More ultrabooks please.

Japanese
Toshiba announced their Portege Z830 to release at the end of November.

Chinese
Lenovo announced their U300S to also release at the end of November, perhaps even a few days earlier than competitors.

Korean
Samsung's elusive Series 7 Chronos has been rumored to go retail this month. But this claim is largely based on the idea that Samsung wouldn't want to be left behind during the holiday buy-craze. 

Acer Aspire S3 Retailing!

(Image Credit: Acer)

 

   Although Acer managed to release their ultrabook the Aspire S3 before any other company, it's less than phenomenal. Fewer ports and a lower resolution than its target MacBook Air, leaves the Aspire S3 feeling like a glorified knock-off. The all-aluminum lid is just that, the lid. From the outside the Aspire S3 looks magnificent in all it's brushed-aluminum goodness, but flip it open and see how Acer managed to cut it's price to just under $1000.

   Not having an all-aluminum body strikes me as odd because most, if not all, of the ultrabooks coming out have this feature locked down. Maybe somebody out there wants their ultrabook to have a plastic body - who knows? Unfortunately, this little design choice takes a lot away from the experience of having an ultrabook. Even the Acer logo on the lid is plastic.

   Now even though there are a few unsettling things about the Aspire S3, it's still a solid travel companion PC. If you think tablets aren't powerful enough for your purpose but like their form factor, then the Aspire S3 could be just what you're looking for. Don't expect to play the latest-greatest games, nor to be blown away by its screen - it's a step up from tablets and fell a stones throw short of MacBook Air competitor.


   The bottom line is that if you've got the dough, then you're better off grabbing the Air or the Asus Zenbook (for now).


The photos above were taken from a local Fry's Electronics, as with the Zenbook here.


Looking for specs?

Asus Zenbook UX21 out at local Fry's Electronics

   

(Image Credit: Asus)

   The very first of Intel's Ultrabook line has rolled out. There's no mistaking it, this a chic and sleek machine designed to rival Apple's MacBook Air. Asus rightfully named it's UX31 and UX21 line as the "Zenbook" sending out a sense of individuality and character - it's not just a jargon of numbers and letters, it's a Zenbook. 

   Walking into my local Fry's Electronics and seeing this beautiful piece sitting on a dinky-little black table both surprised and disappointed me. I don't know about your Fry's Electronics, but mine usually doesn't have an inventory to get particularly excited about so this caused me to buck it over to the stand. Whoever designed the display stand for this 'latest and greatest' in ultra-portable laptops should be ashamed (as should the designer of this). The table sat inconspicuously between two stacks of printers and Xbox 360s.

Model UX21E-DH52 i5-2467M

  There's no going around it, the Zenbook feels as good as it looks and it looks fantastic. It feels great in the hands and satisfaction fills whoever flips its screen. Imagine turning heads at Starbucks while you sip away at your latté. PCs are finally getting into the game - no more hiding your big bulky laptop in lieu of someone brandishing their MacBook.  
   
   Now this model is the 11.6'' UX21. I was informed by a Fry's employee that they've yet to receive the UX31s. When I inquired about when they would receive it he replied, "We don't really know when shipments come in, but it is in the system so we should hopefully get them soon." I'm hoping they get them soon. If you're one of the few who can't wait and need to purchase it now, then head over to several online retailers here.
   
   If someone has the UX31 model and wouldn't mind elaborating on their experience with it, please do so at the bottom. Hopefully Intel and it's affiliates won't disappoint as I'm ecstatic about the release of these Ultrabooks.


   This certain Fry's Electronics is located here.  


   

Asus Zenbook UX21

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(Image Credit: Asus)

  
   The Zenbook offers a different take on the Ultrabook design with its unique wedged shape. Starting at 9 mm at it's rear and tapering down to 3 mm at the front, it's one of the slimmest rigs anywhere. From outside to in, the Zenbook warrants quality with its all-aluminum chassis. The keyboard are chiclet and beautifully arranged. While the trackpad looks fantastic, it does have issues but what trackpad out there is perfect? Overall the ASUS Zenbook could quite possibly be the most aesthetically pleasing notebook out to date. 




Screen Size: 11.6, LED Backlight

Resolution: 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 1.7 GHz
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Storage: 128GB SSD
Memory: 4GB DDR3 @ 1333 MHz
Battery: 5 Hours Active, 7 Days Standby
Webcam: 0.3 MP VGA
Ports: [1] Headphone-out/in Jack, [1] USB 3.0, [1] USB 2.0, [1] Micro HDMI, [1] Mini VGA
OS: Windows 7
Height: 9 mm at rear and 3 mm at front
Weight: 2.43 lbs
Optical Drive: None
Backlit Keyboard: No
Spill-Resistant Keyboard: No

Other Information:

• Aluminum allow chassis

Price: Starting at $999
Availability: Purchasable Now, Released October 2011.

Toshiba Portege/Satellite Z830

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(Image Credit: Toshiba)

 
   The Toshiba Portege and Satellite line have been thoroughly successful in the eyes of many reviewers. Will the Z830 and Z835 models follow through with it's predecessor's success? Sporting an all magnesium alloy chassis with a honeycomb structure for rigidity ensures that this'll literally be one tough ultrabook. Top that off with an excellent spill-proof keyboard, a large trackpad, and a vibrant screen and you've got a serious contender to be #1 Ultrabook in town. Not too many of the announced Ultrabooks have spill-proof backlit keyboards. 

Screen: 13.3 inch LED Backlit
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Processor: 2nd gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Storage: 128GB SSD (Possibly 256 SSD option)
Memory: Up to 6GB DDR3
Battery: 4-6 Hours Active (47 Wh)
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Port: [1] USB 3.0, [2] USB 2.0, [1] HDMI, [1] VGA out
OS: Windows 7
Height: 0.63 inch
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Optical Drive: None
Backlit Keyboard: Yes
Spill-Resistant Keyboard: Yes


Other Information:

• Fingerprint Reader Option
• Magnesium allow chassis with honeycomb structure for strength
• Only difference between the Portege and Satellite model is the capability of Portege upgrading to Windows 7 Professional.

Price: Starting at less than $1000
Availability: November 2011

Samsung Series 7 Chronos

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   Quite possibly the most attractive laptop I've ever seen, Samsung's Series 7 should be commended for great appeal. It's flat, sleek, and the brushed aluminum radiates cool. The keys are backlit with a full sized numpad. It's touchpad is large a-la MacBook Pro, which isn't such a bad thing. Samsung even threw in a nice bonus with the matted, super-slim bezel screen. Add in two USB 3.0 ports and ExpressCache? This is one fantastic sounding laptop. We'll have to wait and see when it actually releases whether or not it follows through with expectations. 


Screen: 14-15.6 inch
Resolution: 1600 x 900
Processor: Intel Core i7 @ 2.2 GHz
Graphics: AMD Radeon ™ 6750 1GB
Storage: 750GB w/ Express Cache (Auxiliary 8GB SSD)
Memory: 8GB DDR3
Battery: 8 Hours Active
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Ports: [2] Headphone/Mic, [2] USB 3.0, [1] USB 2.0, [1] HDMI, [1] Multi Card Slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC), [1] RJ45 (Lan)
OS: Windows 7
Height: 23.87 mm
Weight: 5.05 lbs
Optical Drive: Integrated DVD reader/writer
Backlit Keyboard: Yes
Spill-Resistant Keyboard: No

Other Information:

• Aluminum allow chassis
• Express Cache Technology from Samsung
• Fast Start Technology from Samsung enables auxiliary SSD to cold boot in 19 seconds.
• PowerPlus claims to prolong battery life capacity up to 80% for 1,500 charges. 

Price: Starting at $1099.99

Availability: November 2011

(All images on page credit: Samsung)

Lenovo U400

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   Lenovo's U series has a business air about them. Briefcase-esque and not afraid to show it, these are definitely one of the cooler looking ultrabooks around. These ultraflat laptops superb keyboards with slightly curved keys that make them easy to capture. Starting at about $1199, it's priced competitively against the MacBook Air, although this lead quickly trails off for a "preferred" build of the U series. 




Screen Size: 14 inch
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i3 @ 2.2 GHz, Intel Core i5 @ 2.4 GHz, or Intel Core i7 @ 2.7 GHz
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 & AMD Radeon™ HD6470 1GB
Storage: Up to 1TB HDD or up to 256GB SSD
Memory: 4GB DDR3
Battery: 6 Hours Active, 30 Days Standby
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Ports: [1] Headphone, [1] USB 3.0, [2] USB 2.0, [1] HDMI, [1] Mic
OS: Windows 7
Height: 22.6 mm
Weight: 4.36 lbs
Optical Drive: Integrated DVD reader/writer
Backlit Keyboard: No
Spill-Resistant Keyboard: No


Other Information:

• Aluminum allow chassis

Price: Starting at $1099

Availability: Purchasable Now, Released October 2011.

(All Image on Page Credit: Lenovo)

Lenovo U300S

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(Image Credit: Lenovo)

   
   Lenovo's U series has a business air about them. Briefcase-esque and not afraid to show it, these are definitely one of the cooler looking ultrabooks around. These ultraflat laptops superb keyboards with slightly curved keys that make them easy to capture. Starting at about $1199, it's priced competitively against the MacBook Air, although this lead quickly trails off for a "preferred" build of the U series. 




Screen Size: 13.3 inch
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i7 @ 2.7 GHz
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Storage: Up to 1TB HDD or up to 256GB SSD
Memory: 4GB DDR3
Battery: 6 Hours Active, 30 Days Standby
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Ports: [1] Headphone, [1] USB 3.0, [2] USB 2.0, [1] HDMI, [1] Mic
OS: Windows 7
Height: 18.3 mm
Weight: 3.48 lbs
Optical Drive: None
Backlit Keyboard: No
Spill-Resistant keyboard: No

Other Information:

• Aluminum allow chassis

Price: Starting at $1199

Availability: November 2011

Asus Zenbook UX31

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(Image Credit: Asus)

   The Zenbook offers a different take on the Ultrabook design with its unique wedged shape. Starting at 9 mm at it's rear and tapering down to 3 mm at the front, it's one of the slimmest rigs anywhere. From outside to in, the Zenbook warrants quality with its all-aluminum chassis. The keyboard are chiclet and beautifully arranged. While the trackpad looks fantastic, it does have issues but what trackpad out there is perfect? Overall the ASUS Zenbook could quite possibly be the most aesthetically pleasing notebook out to date. 




Screen Size: 13.3, LED Backlight

Resolution: 1600 x 900
Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 1.7 GHz
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Storage: 128GB SSD or 256GB SSD
Memory: 4GB DDR3 @ 1333 MHz
Battery: 7 Hours Active, 10 Days Standby
Webcam: 0.3 MP VGA
Ports: [1] Headphone-out/in Jack, [1] USB 3.0, [1] USB 2.0, [1] Micro HDMI, [1] Mini VGA
OS: Windows 7
Height: 9 mm at rear and 3 mm at front
Weight: 2.86 lbs
Optical Drive: None
Backlit Keyboard: No
Spill-Resistant Keyboard: No

Other Information:

• Aluminum allow chassis

Price: Starting at $1099
Availability: Purchasable Now, Released October 2011.

Acer Aspire S3

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(Image Credit: Acer)

   Acer Aspire S3 is one of the first ultrabooks to retail and is one of the most affordable. The Aspire S3 has an aluminum-magnesium alloy lid while a grey-plastic material envelops the rest of it's body - no doubt contributing to it's lower price. Possibly even more of a price reducer is the HDD-SSD hybrid solution that Acer's built into its rig (320GB HDD and 20GB SSD for caching only). Overall when I saw this laptop at Fry's Electronics in person I wasn't all that impressed. It's cheaper than the competitors and you can see that, but not to a degree that I wouldn't recommend this laptop to anyone. It's a travel companion PC, and looks mighty fine doing just that.




Screen Size: 13.3 inches, LED Backlight
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 1.66 GHz
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000
Storage: 320GB HDD with 20GB SSD.
Memory: 4GB DDR3 @ 1066 MHz
Battery: 6 Hours Active, 50 Days Standby
Webcam: 1.3 MP
Ports: [2] USB 2.0, [1] HDMI, [1] SD Card Reader
OS: Windows 7
Height: 0.68 Inch

Weight: 2.98 lbs
Optical Drive: None
Backlit Keyboard: No
Spill-Resistant Keyboard: No

Other Information:

• Aluminum-Magnesium allow chassis

Price: Starting at $899.99
Availability: Purchasable Now, Released October 2011.