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Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation
http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com
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Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation
http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com
For netbook makers, the first instinct is to vie for the lowest prices, but they are bound by what's considered the norm for netbooks—a 10-inch screen, an undersized keyboard, and minimal features. There are only a handful of netbooks that push beyond these boundaries in an effort to draw in the sophisticated netbook users—if there's such a group. The Lenovo Ideapad S12 ($500 direct) is arguably the best 12-inch netbook available, besting the Dell Inspiron Mini 12, Samsung NC20 (21GBK), and HP Pavilion dv2-1030us. Its 1,280-by-800 resolution, superb full-size keyboard, and an ExpressCard slot are sophisticated netbook components. But its price, well, that will raise eyebrows in a different way.
Lenovo
http://www.lenovo.com
For netbook makers, the first instinct is to vie for the lowest prices, but they are bound by what's considered the norm for netbooks—a 10-inch screen, an undersized keyboard, and minimal features. There are only a handful of netbooks that push beyond these boundaries in an effort to draw in the sophisticated netbook users—if there's such a group. The Lenovo Ideapad S12 ($500 direct) is arguably the best 12-inch netbook available, besting the Dell Inspiron Mini 12, Samsung NC20 (21GBK), and HP Pavilion dv2-1030us. Its 1,280-by-800 resolution, superb full-size keyboard, and an ExpressCard slot are sophisticated netbook components. But its price, well, that will raise eyebrows in a different way.
Lenovo
http://www.lenovo.com
The Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) of old—like the Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P, the Vulcan Flipstart, and OQO model 02—have all retreated into the digital afterworld because of their gravely impractical form factors or too expensive price tag. PC makers haven't given up on the concept, though, as Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)—handhelds made specifically for surfing the Web and watching videos—are waiting on deck to replace their forefathers. Their mission: To fill whatever tiny space there is left between smartphones and the ever-growing netbook category. One such device, the Viliv S5 Premium ($800 list) is described as a MID, as it lacks a physical keyboard and a big enough screen that would have otherwise placed it in the netbook category. Dynamism is one of the few Web sites that imports this handheld device from Korea. Aside from the full blown operating system and internal 3G (and GPS) capability, the S5 illustrates why MIDs will have to jump over mountain-high hurdles to gain acceptance: The haptic keyboard is frustrating to use, the resolution is too high on a 4.8-inch screen, and $800 is way too expensive for a stripped down netbook.
Yukyung Technologies Corporation
http://www.dynamism.com
The Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) of old—like the Sony VAIO VGN-UX180P, the Vulcan Flipstart, and OQO model 02—have all retreated into the digital afterworld because of their gravely impractical form factors or too expensive price tag. PC makers haven't given up on the concept, though, as Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)—handhelds made specifically for surfing the Web and watching videos—are waiting on deck to replace their forefathers. Their mission: To fill whatever tiny space there is left between smartphones and the ever-growing netbook category. One such device, the Viliv S5 Premium ($800 list) is described as a MID, as it lacks a physical keyboard and a big enough screen that would have otherwise placed it in the netbook category. Dynamism is one of the few Web sites that imports this handheld device from Korea. Aside from the full blown operating system and internal 3G (and GPS) capability, the S5 illustrates why MIDs will have to jump over mountain-high hurdles to gain acceptance: The haptic keyboard is frustrating to use, the resolution is too high on a 4.8-inch screen, and $800 is way too expensive for a stripped down netbook.
Yukyung Technologies Corporation
http://www.dynamism.com
Most hardcore gamers couldn't care less about how a gaming laptop looks. Give them the fastest processor and most powerful 3D graphics card and let them get on with the show. While most gaming laptop manufacturers would agree (they would buy the bulkiest bare-bone chassis from a Taiwanese factory and customize it with their own parts), Alienware is the one company that goes against the grain. The Alienware M17x ($4,850 direct) is now the benchmark of gaming laptop designs, as its frame is completely covered in aluminum metals—a look reminiscent of an all-terrain vehicle. Even after focusing much of its attention on design, Alienware didn't forget about its processing roots: An Intel Extreme Quad core processor and the ability to switch between a low-powered and a ridiculously powerful Nvidia graphics card deliver a gaming punch like no other. Yeah, it'll cost you a bundle, but we're still giving it the Editors' Choice in the gaming category.
Alienware Corp
http://www.alienware.com
Most hardcore gamers couldn't care less about how a gaming laptop looks. Give them the fastest processor and most powerful 3D graphics card and let them get on with the show. While most gaming laptop manufacturers would agree (they would buy the bulkiest bare-bone chassis from a Taiwanese factory and customize it with their own parts), Alienware is the one company that goes against the grain. The Alienware M17x ($4,850 direct) is now the benchmark of gaming laptop designs, as its frame is completely covered in aluminum metals—a look reminiscent of an all-terrain vehicle. Even after focusing much of its attention on design, Alienware didn't forget about its processing roots: An Intel Extreme Quad core processor and the ability to switch between a low-powered and a ridiculously powerful Nvidia graphics card deliver a gaming punch like no other. Yeah, it'll cost you a bundle, but we're still giving it the Editors' Choice in the gaming category.
Alienware Corp
http://www.alienware.com
Shrink the system and bulk up the battery: It's not rocket science, but it's a winning recipe for portable PC design. HP does it with the Pavilion dv3-2150us ($849.98 list), which reduces the company's desktop-replacement media-center platform—complete with infrared remote control—to a 5-pound, 13.3-inch form factor and adds a long-lasting 9-cell battery. It's not as slim and elegant as our Editors' Choice Acer Aspire 3935 (6504) or Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch, but it works, and it's reasonably priced to boot.
Hewlett-Packard Company
http://www.hp.com
Shrink the system and bulk up the battery: It's not rocket science, but it's a winning recipe for portable PC design. HP does it with the Pavilion dv3-2150us ($849.98 list), which reduces the company's desktop-replacement media-center platform—complete with infrared remote control—to a 5-pound, 13.3-inch form factor and adds a long-lasting 9-cell battery. It's not as slim and elegant as our Editors' Choice Acer Aspire 3935 (6504) or Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch, but it works, and it's reasonably priced to boot.
Hewlett-Packard Company
http://www.hp.com
