Lenovo ThinkPad X121e Ultra Portable Laptop With AMD Fusion or Intel Core Processor

Lenovo ThinkPad X121e Ultra Portable Laptop With AMD Fusion or Intel Core Processor
Lenovo has been offering the latest ultraportable ThinkPad series laptops with screens measuring 11.6 inches for several years. This time Lenovo ThinkPad X121e comes a choice of 
AMD or Intel chips. The new laptop will be launched initially in Japan and Europe.
 
Processor options will include:

•      1 GHz AMD C-50 dual core processor with a Radeon HD 6250 graphics
•      1.6 GHz AMD E-350 dual-core processors with the Radeon HD 6310 graphics
•      1.3 GHz Intel Core I3-2357M dual core processors with Intel HD 3000 Graphics

ThinkPad X121e offers three USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and VGA output, SD card reader, integrated webcam, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. Upgrade storage configurations can choose a 320GB HDD or 128GB SSD, WiMax radios, six-cell battery, and Bluetooth 3.0.

 This notebook when running AMD Fusion C-50 or E-350 is claimed to achieve 3.5 to 4.1 hours endurance with a three-cell battery, or 7.2 hours with a pack of six cells, whereas variants of the Core i3 said to have reached 3.8 or 7.7 hours depending on battery options.

 X121e is marketed beginning in Japan with prices ranging from ¥ 69,300 (~ USD $ 855) to 100,000 yen (~ $ 1,233 USD)
 
Laptop Lenovo ThinkPad X120e, measuring 11.4 "x 8.2" x 1.1 "with a six-cell battery. A choice of 3 cell battery will also be available for some models. The laptop has a screen capable of displaying a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and will be available with operating system Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional.

Dell XPS 15 L501X With JBL Sound-System and NVIDIA GT420M

Dell XPS 15 L501X With JBL Sound-System and NVIDIA GT420M

The new XPS 15 (also called the XPS L501X) is a completely redesigned multimedia notebook from Dell. Sporting a JBL sound-system with subwoofer, NVIDIA GT420M dedicated graphics, and an Intel Core i5 processor, this system is designed with performance and entertainment in mind.

 

Specifications: 

• Intel Core i5 460M Processor (3MB cache, 2.53GHz)
• 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 glossy display with LED backlighting
• NVIDIA GeForce GT420M with 1GB DDR3
• Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
• 6GB DDR3 memory
• 500GB 7200rpm HDD (Seagate Momentus 7200.4)
• Realtek gigabit ethernet and Intel 1000 802.11b/g/n wireless
• Bluetooth 3.0
• 6-cell Li-ion battery (56Wh)
• Dimensions: 15 x 10.4 x 1.3-1.5-inches
• Weight: 6.21lbs
• MSRP: $899.99 (Closest configuration)

Build and Design
The new Dell XPS 15 has a silver on grey color scheme, using metal panels and plastic for the body. Compared to past XPS designs that were trend setters that distinguished themselves from the lower models, the new XPS doesn't seem to spark much visual interest. In theory, mixing alloy panels with a brushed metal palmrest and backlit keyboard usually yields good results. Overall, it seems like Dell missed a big opportunity to make the XPS-series the unique notebooks they once were. The result is a rather bland looking multimedia notebook where its budget-oriented sibling --the Inspiron 15R--outshines it.

Nevertheless, the XPS 15 feels nicer than it looks. The metal panels on the interior and exterior add strength to the body, reduce flex, and give the notebook a high-quality feel. The inside of the notebook features a large brushed metal panel that makes up the palmrest and keyboard surround. The bottom of the notebook is completely plastic (including the access panel) but still resists flex and feels durable. The only problem we noticed was the high use of plastic clips holding most of the notebook together (in addition to metal screws).

 

Users looking to upgrade the Dell XPS 15 will find it easy or not so easy, depending on which components they are looking to swap out. The single access panel on the bottom of the notebook houses the two sticks of RAM, wireless card, and WWAN/TV tuner slot.

Screen and Speakers
The Dell XPS 15 can be configured with two 15-inch screen options. The lower-end models offer a WXGA resolution 1366 x 768 panel, whereas the higher-tiered models include a nicer 1080p 1920 x 1080 screen. Our review system included the lower resolution option with a glossy surface. The WXGA panel rates average to below average, with a 177nit maximum brightness and a contrast ratio of 190:1. Black levels were average at best, with an average brightness level of 0.91nit. Colors looked vibrant thanks to the glossy surface, although with poor viewing angles, most colors washed out quickly with the screen tilted forward or back.

 

With most 15-inch notebooks going for thinner designs, it's hard to fit really good sounding speakers in a notebook these days. Dell did an amazing job with the speakers on the XPS 15 though, which offer high peaks and rumbling lows. For users looking for a more private listening session, the XPS 15 offers two headphone jacks for sharing a movie on a plane, as well as SPDIF and HDMI out for the home theater.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The Dell XPS 15 features a very comfortable backlit keyboard with a design using traits from standard and Chiclet-style keyboards. The keyboard doesn't feature an internal bezel like most island-style keyboards, but it also has completely flat key surfaces. For typing long documents or even playing a game to blow off steam during a long company meeting, the keyboard does an excellent job. The backlight is adjustable with three settings; off, low, and high. 

 

The touchpad is a large multi-touch Synaptics model with dedicated left and right buttons. The touchpad supports some multi-touch features like pinch zoom, two finger scrolling, and offered a surface large enough to not make multiple fingers feel cramped. The touchpad buttons were also very nice, offering deep throws and soft feedback.

Performance and Benchmarks
The Dell XPS L501X offers an upper midrange configuration featuring an Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 2.53GHz and a NVIDIA Optimus graphics solution powered by the GeForce GT420M dedicated graphics card. The system had no trouble decoding locally played 720P and 1080P video, with the GPU hardly breaking a sweat. Online streaming HD video was also no problem for the XPS 15, where we tested 720P and 1080P videos from sites such as YouTube, Hulu, and Vimeo. Initially we did run into a small bug where video's wouldn't play in full-screen, but updating the Flash codec to the latest version corrected the problem.
 
In standard daily use, the Dell XPS runs smoothly with fast boot times, thanks to the standard 7200RPM hard drive. Users can configure the XPS 15 with an optional solid state drive (SSD), although at the time of this review, Dell only offers a rather expensive--$510!--256GB SSD.

Heat and Noise
Dell did a pretty good job handling the thermal load of the high-performance components stuffed into the XPS 15. During our benchmarking, the system quickly ramped up its cooling fan speed to handle the higher heat levels while still maintaining a minimal noise output.  

Battery Life
The XPS 15 is offered with either a 6-cell or 9-cell battery. Our configuration included the smaller 56Wh 6-cell battery, which performed pretty well while still maintaining a clean flush appearance on the bottom of the notebook chassis. In our testing with the screen brightness reduced to 70%, keyboard backlit disabled, wireless on and refreshing a webpage every 60 seconds, and Windows 7 set to the Balanced profile the XPS 15 stayed on for 5 hours and 16 minutes. For a notebook with an upper midrange processor and decent dedicated graphics, this was pretty good. 

With previous XPS notebooks being flagship models from Dell, it's disappointing to see such a bland and normal looking system. Build quality was a step up at least, with metal panels protecting the screen and metal on the palmrest and keyboard trim inside the notebook. The plastic chassis felt strong, but left something to be desired when it came to accessing internal components. The sound system was my favorite feature on this notebook, providing booming bass and great audio quality. 

Plus:

• Fast processor and graphics card
• Good battery life
• Comfortable backlit keyboard

Minus:

• Difficult to upgrade
• Bland design

Dell Inspiron N4110 With 3D Blue-Ray Drive Option and SWITCH from Design Studio

Dell Inspiron N4110 With 3D Blue-Ray Drive Option and SWITCH from Design Studio

New Dell Inspiron N4110 / New Inspiron laptop 4R is present to accompany your life to be more confident and dynamic. This laptop is available in a choice of 25 stunning cover, Dell also pinned 13-hour battery life and USB 3.0 technology that can speed up the process of transfer of photos, videos, music and other files. To have this notebook, Dell Inspiron 14R New menbanderol prices ranging from USD690 to USD760, and cover SWITCH by Design Studio, with prices starting from USD50.

New Dell Inspiron N4110 is also equipped with 3D blue-ray blu-ray drive option, HD capable webcam, Chiclet style keyboard, integrated Dell Stage software, and Genuine Windows ® 7 Professional Home Premium.

 Some details on the specifications under this certainly makes you want Dell's New Inspiron N4110:

•      The second generation of Intel Core processors deliver excellence in the field of entertainment and mobility
•      size 14 inches with high definition displays
•      long battery life and can last 13 hours
•      9-cell battery that has a USB 3.0 technology that allows you to transfer photos, videos, music files da other rich graphics.
•      Switch mode by Design Studio with a cover that can be alternated with only a Pop and Click. SWITCH Collection by Design Studio is available in 25 stunning cover with vibrant colors that wrapped with a unique design.
•      Collection of colors offered are Lovers in the Morning, Dazzling Dream, Electric Sky, Large Pink Dots, and I'm not Really a Waitress.

HP ProBook 4520s With Intel Core i5 430M Processor and 15.6-inch LED The Review

HP ProBook 4520s With Intel Core i5 430M Processor and 15.6-inch LED The Review The HP ProBook 4520s is a small and medium business notebook that replaces the older 4510s from last year. The new model bumps the configuration from the older Intel Core 2 Duo family of processors to the newer Intel Core line, including the Core i3, i5 and i7 processors. 

The Specifications:

• Intel Core i5 430M Processor (2.26GHz, 3MB cache)
• Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit)
• 15.6-inch LED-backlit anti-glare HD display (1366 x 768)
• Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics
• 4GB DDR2 800MHz RAM
• 320GB 7200RPM HDD
• LightScribe DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
• Atheros AR9285 BGN Wifi, Bluetooth 2.1, 1Gb LAN
• 6-Cell 47WHr Battery
• Limited 1-year standard parts and labor warranty
• Dimensions: 14.64 x 9.83 x 1.09-inches
• Weight: Starting at 5.27lbs
• Price as configured: $749

 Build and Design
The HP ProBook 4520s has a clean and semi-rugged outside appearance; a step up from the previous generation model. Besides those changes the notebook retains much of the same design as the previous model. The keyboard is a chiclet design with a glossy black plastic inlay, continuing to the screen bezel which shares the same look. The bottom of the notebook has the same clean design at the expense of removing access to all user-upgradable parts.

Build quality is very good and a step up from the older model. The brushed metal lid gives the 4520s some much needed strength and screen protection that the plastic lid on the previous model lacked. The palmrest and speaker grill also gained some rigidity and now offer very little flex under strong pressure. The keyboard tray has some minor flex under pressure which wouldn't be a problem on the more expensive models.
The solid bottom cover has very little flex, which you might find if the bottom was covered in individual panels. 

Screen and Speakers
The ProBook 4520s comes equipped with a 15.6" anti-glare display with a 16:9 widescreen ratio. 

The speakers on the HP ProBook 4520s performed roughly on average with other small and medium business notebooks. Peak volume levels were fine for a small or medium size room.

Each key is relatively flat with a nice matte texture and the keys sit above a glossy black support frame. The support frame surrounding the keys is quite firm thanks to the design of the chassis which adds additional support for the keyboard. The individual key presses are quiet without loud clicking sounds as you type. The depth of each key press is excellent, though some people may dislike the flat, chicklet-style keys. Overall the keyboard layout is extremely nice for a 15-inch laptop.

HP updated the touchpad on the 4520s from the older 4510s, with the notebook now including a button-free Synaptics ClickPad. The primary difference is a larger surface to use for making gestures and a cleaner appearance without additional buttons. If you are a notebook user who likes to rest their fingers on the touchpad buttons while you move your cursor around the screen you will be in for a world of surprise. Even in the defined touchpad button zones the touchpad picks up your stationary finger input and tries to incorporate it into a multitouch gesture. Making the touchpad button areas a "dead zone" would completely resolve this problem.

Overall the touchpad was very sensitive and easy to use (not including the aforementioned problems). Multitouch gestures were quickly recognized and worked smoothly. If the touchpad didn't have the problems associated with the left and right buttons with fingers resting on the surface, it would have been one of the nicer models we have used on a notebook.

Ports and Features
Port selection on the HP ProBook 4520s is good for a small-business notebook but it seems there is room leftover that could have been used for additional ports. The notebook has three USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA/USB combo port, VGA and HDMI-out, LAN, dialup modem, and audio jacks. The system also features an ExpressCard/34 slot and SDHC-card reader for expansion.

Performance and Benchmarks
System performance on the HP ProBook 4520s is very good with the newer 2010 Intel Core processor lineup. HP offers preconfigured models with the Intel Core i3 350M processor as well as the Intel Core i5 430M, which is included in our review unit. The newer Intel GMA HD graphics increased 3D performance and the newer processor is much faster than the old Core 2 Duo seen in the past model.

Heat and Noise
The HP ProBook performed exceptionally well in our thermal tests, keeping case temperatures well within our comfortable range. Under a full load the system barely broke a sweat with a peak recorded body temperature of 81 degrees Fahrenheit on the top and 89 degrees Fahrenheit on the bottom. During this time system noise levels were very reasonable and a hair above ambient levels.

Battery Life
The HP ProBook 4520s comes with a 47Wh 6-cell battery standard, but for the same price the older 4510s configuration gave you a 63Wh 8-cell battery. 

Conclusion
The HP ProBook 4520s offers many improvements from the previous Core 2 Duo-based 4510s. The metal exterior cladding improves looks over the older plastic finish and gives the body a stronger feel. Inside, the brushed metal surface is used above and below the keyboard. Looks are improved but in use we found the all-in-one touchpad surface to cause problems with resting fingers on the touchpad surface over the buttons.

The Intel Core i5 processor in the 4520s performed very well in our tests, offering improvements of more than 30% over the previous model.

Plus:

• Great keyboard
• Very good performance
• Good looks and build quality

Minus:

• Frustrating touchpad
• Smaller battery than previous model