News Bits: Sony Carbon Fiber Debate, Intel Quad-Cores, Upcoming Fujitsu S7110, 24/7 Apple Store

Dell e1705 and e1505 Mark First Sub $1,000 Dual Core Notebooks -- Other Manufacturers to Follow

Dell prices for Dual Core processor notebooks have dipped below $1,000 for the e1705 and Latitude D620 and this marks them as being the first company to sell such notebooks at this price level.  According to sources, this is thanks to price cuts on processors and also that supplies of Sonoma based notebooks (the old processor) are dwindling.

According to the Chinese language Commecial Times, HP and Acer will follow with price cuts and availability of Core Duo processor notebooks under $1,000 this May.

http://digitimes.com/systems/a20060417PR207.html

Is Sony Ripping Off Customers with False Carbon Fiber Claims?

Above are the different cases that can be configured with the Sony VAIO SZ160 (view large image)

According to members of our forum here, Sony is ripping them off by charging an extra $500 for what they claim is a carbon fibre lid laptop, but which users report as being nothing more than plastic.

But other users report that they got what they paid for, check out the debate here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=49664

iRiver to Release UMPC Device

Asus, Samsung, LG, and Averatec are all companies we associate with making notebooks and will soon be producing the new ultra mobile PC (UMPC) type devices.  The company iRiver is more known for producing personal media players, but they're apparently going to throw their hat into the ring on making a UMPC device too.  iRiver was showing a W10, G10 and G20 UMPC device at a Hong Kong Electronics.  The G10 will launch in South Korea this September according to DigiTimes.com.

Source: http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20060417PB205.html

Intel Quad Core Processors

Two of a good thing is better than one, that's a truth.  And two of two of a good thing is even better right?  Makes sense, and as such Intel is planning on introducing a Quad-Core processor to follow-up on the Dual-Core processor they are currently selling as their latest mobile processor technology.  Tom's Hardware has more information on what they report could be a mobile Quad-Core processor by next year:

http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/04/14/intel_quad_core/

24-Hour Apple Store in Manhattan?

Apple will reportedly be opening a 24 hour store in Midtown Manhattan in the coming months.  Why?  Well, in case you need to buy an iBook or iPod at 3 a.m. of course.  The location will be 767 5th Ave.  Right now this store is a hole in the ground:

But below is what the Apple store should look when completed

http://news.com.com/2061-10793_3-6061531.html?tag=nefd.aof

Fujitsu LifeBook S7110 Core Duo Notebook Coming Soon

Fujitsu will be releasing their LifeBook S7110 14" notebook with a Core Duo processor soon, it should be out in a few days, specs will be as follows:

• Model: LifeBook S7110 Notebook
• Positioning: The perfect balance of performance, security, and stability.
• Base Price: $1,449
• Display: 14" Crystal View XGA display
• Processor: Intel Core Duo and Solo Processors  
• HDD Size: Up to 100 GB hard drive
• HDD Speed: S-ATA 5400 rpm
• Memory: Two DIMM slots; max. 2 GB (1GB x 2); DDR2 667 MHz with dual-channel support 
• LAN: Gigabit Ethernet
• WLAN: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
• Weight: 4.5 lbs 

New NEC LCDs for Sub-Notebooks Allow for Outdoor Viewing

Outdoor viewing screens on sub-notebooks are far and few, but NEC is going to be releasing new screens this summer with sizes of 8.4" and 6.5" that will be equipped for outdoor viewing.

http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/04/17/nec_st_nlt_display/