The Acer TravelMate Timeline is Open for Business

The Acer TravelMate Timeline notebooks include four models, which range in price from $799 to $1,049.

• 14″ TravelMate Timeline 8473 and 6495
•  15.6″ TravelMate Timeline 8573 and 6595

These notebooks are powered by Intel Core i Sandy Bridge processor options, and the TravelMate Timeline 6495 and 6595 come with Intel vPro and AntiTheft technology to provide additional security. On the graphics side, the TravelMate notebooks use Intel Integrated HD 3000 graphics, which will work for many users, but can be bumped up to higher end options from NVIDIA including NVIDIA Optimus technology for battery savings.

All of the notebooks pack in 8GB of DDR3 RAM and can be configured with up to a 750GB hard drive or a 120GB SSD. You’ll also find a USB 3.0 port to quickly transfer large files to external storage. This port is capable of charging smartphones over USB while your notebook is closed and powered off.

Acer rates the TravelMate Timeline notebooks at 8 hours of battery life, which is likely to drop down to 6 or so hours in real world use. The batteries have PowerSmart technology, which Acer claims will help them last three times longer than traditional laptop batteries that start to hold a shorter charge after a while. The notebooks are equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet and a HD webcam with built in microphone.

Acer Travelmate 8573 is Business Ready

The TravelMate notebooks include technology to help them withstand business users, including the following features.

• Magnesium-Aluminum Case – For enhanced durability without added weight.
• Acer DustDefender technology – Helps your laptop run cooler by keeping dust from clogging fans and filters.
• Spill Resistant Keyboard – Gaps in the frame and keyboard allow liquid to pass through without damage, in small amounts.
• DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection) - Soft mounted hard drive to provide a cushion, which protects the drive in case of a fall.
• Acer ProDock – Optional dock which includes USB 2.0 and 3.0, Display Port, DVI, HDMI and VGA.
• Up to a 3 Year Warranty – Businesses can extend the warranty to 3 years, to meet the longer life cycle required in a business environment.

Acer Launches TravelMate Timeline Professional Ready Notebooks is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

HP ProBook 5330m Hands On Video

HP ProBook 5330m Features

The 5330m is no slouch under the hood with either a second-generation (Sandy Bridge) Intel Core i5 or i3 dual-core processor with Intel vPro technology.

The ProBook 5330m is the first enterprise-grade notebook to feature Beats Audio. With Beats, HP is enhancing the sound performance of the ProBook 5330m in both the audio port and the speakers.

The notebook is designed with FORGE elements, which was ported over from the recently announced EliteBook mobile workstations. The look includes a with a two-tone aluminum finish. The ProBook 5330m comes with a smaller 13.3-inch HD display and measures less than 1-inch thick. The machine weighs just 3.9 pounds.

HP ProBook 5330m Pricing and Availability

Starting at just $799, the ProBook 5330m will be available on May 9 in the U.S.

HP ProBook 5330m Gallery

HP ProBook 5330m Brings Consumer Features to the Enterprise (video) is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Notebooks.com.

Dell Latitude E6320 Business Notebook

The Dell Latitude E6320 has a 13.3″ anti-glare display with a 1366×768 resolution and comes packed with the latest Intel 2nd Generation Core i family of processors to give you enough power to handle demanding work tasks. The new integrated graphics that are part of Sandy Bridge offer better performance than the earlier Intel processors did and can transition from work to entertaining and multimedia with ease. This is handy for users who need to present HD video or other graphically demanding programs to clients, or just for relaxing after a long day of travel.

The base models come with traditional hard drives, but you can upgrade to an SSD for faster storage. The MIL SPEC rated notebooks are ready to go outdoors and have a latch that keeps the notebook closed while you are traveling or carrying the notebook.

You can find out more about the Latitude E6320 from our announcement coverage and check out the rest of the Dell Latitude E family while you’re at it. The Dell Latitude E6520, E6420, E5520 and E5420 are part of this new series of business class notebooks which have also been added to the Dell store.

Dell Latitude E6320 Specs:

Dell Latitude E6320 Available for Purchase is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Samsung Series 2, 4 and 6 Pricing and Availability:

The Samsung Series 2 and Series 4 business notebooks will be available in April and the Samsung Series 6 will be available in May 2011. There is currently no information about pricing on these models.

Samsung Series 2, 4 and 6 Features and Specs:

The new Samsung business notebooks use the new 2nd Generation Intel Core i family of processors with the latest integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics. Unlike previous integrated graphics options, the new integrated graphics are built into the CPU which allows for a much better user experience and greater capabilities without the need for a discrete graphics card. Select models will be available with NVIDIA graphics cards and Optimus technology to provide longer battery life with intelligent graphics switching.

The Series 2, 4 and 6 notebooks come in several sizes and use a 300-nit 16 million color display to provide a brighter display than you find on standard notebook displays.

• Samsung Series 2 – 12.5″
• Samsung Series 4 – 14″
• Samsung Series 6 – 15.6″

The notebooks have a full size keyboard which looks similar in design to what we have seen on ThinkPad notebooks. The new Samsung business notebooks can be configured with a Trackpoint pointer stick in addition to the mousepad.

The Samsung Series 2, 4 and 6 notebooks come with USB 3.0 support for quickly moving files and the Samsung Migration tool to make transferring files a snap.

These new business notebooks also have a built in 1.3MP webcam and array microphone for video conferencing.

Samsung Series 2, 4 and 6 Security:

The new Samsung notebooks have a variety of security features. The Series 4 and Series 6 notebooks have a built in fingerprint reader to keep your data locked away. Additionally, the Series 6 come with Intel vPro technology for enhanced security management.

Samsung Series 2, 4 and 6 Durability:

Each of these Samsung Series 2, Series 4 and Series 6 laptops come with a hard external casing and metal hinges which translate into increased durability. The Samsung Series 6 notebooks have a magnesium alloy construction for greater durability.

There are also anti-spill features such as sealed components to help prevent damage form a spill and a hard drive free fall sensor to lock the hard drive if a fall is detected.

Samsung Series 2, 4 and 6 Specs:

Series 2:

• Sizes Available: 12.5-inch, 14-inch,
• CPU:
  • Intel^® Celeron^TM Processor (12.5-inch)
  • Intel^® Core^TM i3 Processor (14-inch)

• Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit)
• Memory: 2GB ~ 4 GB (expandable)
• Storage (max): 320GB
• Screen:
  • 12.5-inch HD LED-backlit display
  • 14.0-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
• Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Graphics: Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics

Series 4:

• Sizes Available: 12.5-inch, 14-inch,
• CPU:
  • Intel^® Core^TM i3 ~ i7 Processor (3MB ~ 4MB) (12.5-inch)
  • Intel^® Core^TM i3 ~ i7 Processor (3MB ~ 6MB)
• Operating System:
  • Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (12.5-inch)
  • Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (14-inch)
• Memory: 2GB ~ 6GB (expandable)
• Storage (max): 320GB ~ 500GB 7200RPM
• Screen:
  • 12.5-inch HD LED-backlit display
  • 14.0-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
• Resolution:
  • 1366 x 768
• Graphics:
  • Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics (12.5-inch)
  • Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics (14-inch)
• Battery: 6-cell; up to 7 hours
• Docking station connector

Series 6:

• Sizes Available: 14-inch, 15.6-inch
• CPU: Intel^® Core^TM i3 ~ i7 Processor (3MB ~ 6MB) (14- and 15.6-inch)
• Operating System:
  • Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (14-inch)
  • Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit) (15.6-inch)
• Memory:
  • 4GB ~ 8GB (14-inch) (expandable)
  • 4GB ~ 8GB (15.6-inch) (expandable)
• Storage (max):
  • 320GB ~ 500GB (7200 rpm sATA)
  • Optional 128GB ~ 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Screen:
  • 14.0-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
  • 15.6-inch HD LED-backlit SuperBright display (300 nit)
• Resolution:
  • 1366 x 768, 1600 x 900
• Graphics:
  • Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics or nVIDIA NVS 4200M
• Battery: 6-cell; up to 7 hours
• Docking station connector

Samsung Introduces Series 2, 4 and 6 Business Notebooks: Details & Specs is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

In short, the Lenovo Enhanced Experience will deliver a faster computer experience in the areas many of us notice slow downs, startup, shutdown and resuming from sleep. The RapidBoot technology can deliver the following speed improvements over other Windows 7 notebooks.

• 20 seconds faster startup
• 28% faster shutdown
• 36% faster resume from sleep

Select models can be configured with a SSD or SSD hard drive combo to deliver a EE 2.0 RapidDrive experience which boots your notebook in under 10 seconds.

Speed isn’t the only improvement, Lenovo has partnered with Microsoft to make many adjustments and optimizations to the multimedia side of the Enhanced Experience 2.0 notebooks as well. The Consumer ideaPad and idea Centre notebooks and desktops are optimized to deliver better digital audio and HD graphics for a better user experience.

On the business side, the ThinkPad, ThinkPad Edge and ThinkCentre notebooks and desktops come with enhanced security features and improvements to web conferencing so that you can get your work done securely and connect with colleagues.

The Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 is available as part of the new Lenovo ThinkPad line of notebooks including the ThinkPad T420, ThinkPad T420s and the new ThinkPad X220 as well as coming soon on consumer notebooks like the IdeaPad Y570 and others.

While the speed improvements may seem rather small, they do add up over time and with more users using their notebooks as multimedia hubs, any enhancements to quality of digital audio and HD video are welcome.

What is Lenovo Enhanced Experience, and What Does it Do for You? is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The cost of a Joint Venture subscriptions is $499, and it must be purchased when the Mac is purchased. The subscription lasts for a year and covers 5 devices, additional devices can be added for $99 a year.

The Apple devices which can be a part of the Joint Venture program include;

• One (1) Mac Computer,
• Two (2) Apple Cinema Displays,
• One (1) iPhone,
• One (1) iPod,
• One (1) iPad, and
• The following Apple-branded hardware peripherals associated with the System: mouse, keyboard, trackpad and storage device.

The service appears to be pricey, but when you consider the one on one training telephone support and loaner notebook, it could very well be a useful program for small businesses that can’t afford downtime and want hassle free support.

Another added bonus is the ability to send your employees to an Apple Store for training, including the ability for the business owner to work with Apple to customize the training to the employees’ needs.

Apple equipment must be registered within 14 days of purchasing Joint Venture and must be purchased from Apple.com or an Apple reseller. The iPhone can be purchased from an Apple Partner.

Apple Joint Venture Program Delivers Mac Support to Businesses is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Dell Vostro V130 Processor and RAM:

The Dell Vostro V130 will be powered by up to an Intel Core i5 ULV processor with up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. The Vostro V130 will use integrated Intel graphics.

Dell Vostro V130 Connectivity:

The Vostro V130 can connect to Wireless N networks or to cellular networks with the user accessible SIM card slot or via WiMax. The laptop also has a built in 2.0 MP webcam for video chatting and support for USB 2.0, eSATA and BlueTooth 3.0.

Dell Vostro V130 Design:

The V130 has an aluminum case with zinc hinges and a magnesium alloy palmrest to provide a more durable laptop without the need for extra weight. The 13.3″ laptop has a full size keyboard and weighs 3.5 pounds.

Dell Vostro V130 Pricing and Availability:

The Vostro V130 is available starting today with options beginning at just $429 for the Ubuntu version.

Dell Vostro V130 Detailed Specs:

Dell Vostro V130 Businesss Ultraportable Announced is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

This is where products like Syncplicity come in. While there are numerous services like DropBox or SugarSync that handle syncing and items like Mozy and Carbonite for backup, and others that combine to provide backup, collaboration, cloud storage syncing, file versioning and more — Syncplicity does this all in one package and gives IT the ability to better enforce policies that need to be respected.

Syncplicity gave us a demo of the new release that adds Mac support, single sign on to Google apps, a cool news feed of file changes and more; sharing how this solution works and can be helpful to mobile users.

Like many backup solutions Syncplicity provides users with access to their files from any computer with a web browser, and the ability to pull data down to a new notebook. This ability is extremely helpful if you are on the go and your laptop is lost or damages. Simply get your hands on a working device and get back to work. This is made easier thanks to the mobile version which users can open up. Access to a news feed of recently changed documents means that you don’t need to go looking for a sales contract in your folders to see that the account manager has updated it and you are ready to share it with the client.

The news feed is basically a running list of the most recently updated files and thanks to the collaboration features user can share folders inside the company, or if granted permission with users outside the, to enable shared editing of documents and collaboration.

One other really cool feature of Syncplicity is that it keeps your local documents in sync with the docs on your Google Apps account. This means that your Google Docs are on your notebook, on Google Apps and in the cloud; and all the same version.

Another great part about Syncplicity is that it keeps all files and folders in sync. Rather than requiring users to keep a specific folder, Syncplicity covers the entire drive. The service also allows for administrator control for managing files, setting policies and acting as a user to help a remote worker restore a file or change versions (actions users can also perform themselves) without the need for a remote desktop.

Here is a list of the new features in Syncplicity Business Edition:

Syncs, shares and manages files seamlessly across PCs, Macs, file servers and cloud services like Google Docs, Zoho and others

• Works with any file type and all existing folders rather than the restrictive pre-defined file types or file locations some other solutions mandate
• Shares any file with a single click, through simple sharable links
• Allows users to share and collaborate with others on any folder through shared folders, without the need to move a file or folder to a new location or hassle with checking a file in or out
• Offers intuitive, native OS X integration. Status and actions are displayed directly through the native Finder windows and interface so there is no new interface for users to learn
• Access to files from mobile devices through an optimized lightweight website experience
• Provides direct Growl desktop notifications for a live display of file changes as they happen
• Includes unlimited and differentiated versioning with guaranteed conflict detection and no data loss in case of conflicts
• Includes a unique IT management layer for centralized policy control and user configuration, user support, reporting and administration
• Supports single sign-on for Google Apps users
• Supports multiple and unlimited folders, storage, users, groups, companies, and file types

Syncplicity is available with a 30 day free trial and serves anywhere from 3 users up to the enterprise.

Syncplicity Manages Files, Backups and More For Business; Solves Remote User Issues is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The Toughbook S9 is powered by a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-520M v-Pro processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM and a 320GB shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive. The 12.1″ display has a 1280 x 800 resolution and an anti-glare screen as well as Gobi2000 mobile broadband. The Toughbook S9 has a battery life rated at 11 hours with the standard battery.

Toughbook S9 Video Walkthrough:

When it comes to durability the Toughbook S9 is designed to withstand falls and spills with a keyboard that can withstand a spill of up to 6 ounces and a fall rating of 30″ to the base of the machine. In addition, the S9 is rated to withstand a drop of up to 1 foot from any angle based on the MIL-STD-810G drop procedure. Finally, the notebook is rate to handle up to 220lbs of pressure which should prevent damage that may occur to consumer notebooks in an overhead bin.

As for security, the Panasonic Toughbook S9 includes Computrace theft protection in the BIOS, Intel Anti-Theft technology, trusted platform module security (chip version 1.2), a lock cable slot and fingerprint reader.

The Panasonic Toughbook S9 includes a 3-year warranty and is available starting today from Panasonic resellers and distributors with a street price of $2,499.

Panasonic Toughbook® S9: Select Features and Specifications

• Genuine Windows 7® (with XP downgrade option)
• Intel® Coreâ„¢ i5-520M vProâ„¢ Processor (2.4 GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.93 GHz, 3MB Intel Smart Cache
• 320GB shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive
• 2GB RAM (DDR3), expandable to 6GB
• 12.1” widescreen WXGA (1280 x 800) LCD display with LED backlighting
• Anti-glare screen treatment
• Up to 11 hours of battery life with standard battery (MobileMark)
• 3.0 lbs
• DVD super multi-drive
• HDMI and VGA video outputs
• Optional Integrated Security Features: Fingerprint reader
• 11.1” (H) x 8.3” (W) x 0.9-1.5” (D)
• Business-rugged

• o   30” operating drop (to base only)
• o   26 sides 12” drop (non-operating)
• o   220 lb compression-resistant
• o   Magnesium alloy case
• o   Spill-resistant keyboard/touchpad (protects against 6 ounces spills)
• Embedded Connectivity

• o   Optional integrated WWAN / Gobi2000â„¢ mobile broadband (EV-DO and HSPA)
• o   Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 802.11a/b/g/n
• o   Bluetooth® v2.1 + EDR (class 2)
• o   Gigabit Ethernet

Panasonic Announces 12.1″ Business Rugged Toughbook S9 w/ DVD Drive is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Lenovo IdeaPad V460 Quick Specs: The V460 is a 14″ metal cased 4.8 pound business notebook which as tested has a 2.27 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB hard drive and switchable graphics powered by a NVIDIA GeForce 310M with 512MB RAM.

Who is this Notebook For?

The Lenovo IdeaPad V460 is a metal cased business class notebook that comes with a fingerprint reader, USB portlocker and data encryption to provide security and ease of use to small business user who may not need all the trappings of a ThinkPad. The switchable graphics give this business notebook a bit more power than you will find on the ThinkPad Edge notebooks.

Build and Design

The Lenovo V460 is an incredibly well-built notebook, coming close to the feel of a ThinkPad and the build quality is much higher than the consumer IdeaPad line. Thanks in large part to the metallic design that covers the lid and makes up the case of this notebook it feels sturdy and able to handle the rigors of the road. The case and the display are both solid showing little to no flex under stress and the center of the notebook doesn’t offer give indicating a solid structure throughout. This notebook is one of the most solidly built devices I have had the pleasure of using and the night and day difference in build quality switching between the V460 and the Y460 or almost any consumer notebook is impossible to miss.

Screen

The screen offers a reasonable amount of tilt and though it does not go flat like many business notebooks do it does go back enough for a comfortable viewing angle while typing in numerous positions. As for brightness the V460′s 14″ display is more than bright enough at full brightness and usable for text and web work at half to three-quarter brightness without any loss of utility. The display is glossy which limits the use in outdoor settings and is a surprising choice but the gloss factor is low compared to many consumer models which helps with bright overhead lights.

Mouse and Keyboard

The keyboard is very usable but instead of the island or chiclet style that many manufacturers are using, the V460 has a traditional style that is almost a mix of a traditional style. The keyboard is still very usable for a its style likely due in large part to the extra space between keys that is noticeable when compared to many consumer notebook keyboards. In all a very usable keyboard that is also surprisingly quiet, save the space bar, when you consider how responsive the keys are. There was no flex or mushiness in the keyboard.

One annoyance is that the Fn key is where you’ll find the Ctrl key on most notebooks and unlike the ThinkPad line which allows the user to swap these easily the IdeaPad doesn’t appear to offer this option. For diehard Lenovo users this may not be an issue but even after several weeks it was hard to adjust to the movement of a key I use so often. The rest of the key placement is where you would expect and of standard size.

The mousepad on the V460 was originally one of the most annoying I had ever used but a software update and tweaking the settings made it better, though there were still some issues when trying to make a precise movement such as selecting a specific block of text. After using for a week or two I was able to get a better feel for the mouse but you will still want an external mouse for long work sessions.

One highlight was the textured surface of the touchpad that made the surface usable even with a damp fingertip which is good news for people working in a hot office or who just set down a perspiring glass of iced tea. One final note is that this is not a multi-touch mousepad like many commonly available on notebooks today so you’ll need to use a dedicated scroll section.

Processor and Performance

The IdeaPad V460 is a well equipped notebook and in our tests we found that the Intel Core i5 processor, coupled with switchable graphics, was able to handle pretty much any task we threw at it. From surfing the web and working in PowerPoint to editing pictures and video this machine delivered. When we enabled the NVIDIA GeForce GPU we could even play a game like Far Cry 2 on the low setting without any trouble; which is not something we would normally expect to find on a business notebook such as this.

When editing video with the NVIDIA CUDA enabled GPU turned on we could render a video in a matter of minutes, three and a half to be exact, that would take significantly longer on a standard system.

Unfortunately the user is required to switch between graphic modes unlike many of the new switchable systems, like Optimus, that automatically detects when to use the battery saving integrated graphic and when to switch to the more powerful dedicated GPU.  Instead of automatically switching the GPU is controlled by a small switch on the front of the computer which, when flipped, can switch the GPU in 5-20 seconds, during which the screen will flicker. While an intelligent switching solution would be nice, the user still retains control and can choose power or battery life depending on their current needs.

Audio

While the V460 isn’t packing Dolby certified sound like many consumer models it does have a decent set of speakers that can fill a room without distorting or sounding tinny. This will come in handy for presentations, catching a show on Hulu or playing a game using the GeForce GPU.

Heat and Noise

In our tests the V460 maintained a usable temperature during various tasks including the palmrest and the bottom of the notebook which is good news if you plan to use this notebook on your lap in an airport or in the car. While the fan was running for most of the use it was not loud enough to be distracting or even audible in most settings.

Battery

The battery life of the V460 was very low. Even when using the integrated graphics for web surfing and editing office documents we were only able to achieve 2 hours and 36 minutes of battery life with the screen at two-thirds brightness. With the NVIDIA GeForce 310M enabled, editing a video, battery life dropped to 1 hour and 37 minutes. For a business notebook we would have expected the battery life to last longer, preferably over the 4 hour mark when using the integrated graphics.

Connectivity

Like many business notebook the V460 has a good number of ports to handle peripherals and external storage; but it is missing an eSata port.

Closeup of GPU and Wireless switches

Software and Business Features

The IdeaPad V460 is a small business notebook and as such it comes with software and extra features to make it easier for a small business owner to handle security and backups. For security, the Lenovo Security Suite is a collection of tools like the built-in fingerprint reader and Portlocker software, which prevents unauthorized USB devices from being used to steal information, to secure your computer in an easy to configure manner. The V460 also features a hard drive drop sensor to protect your hard drive from damage during a fall and an easy to use back up system that can be used to make a system backup to an external hard drive for safekeeping.

Value

The all metal construction, security features and the GPU/CPU combo offer a very powerful machine for around $899 configured closely to the review unit we have. Even with the touchy mousepad and low battery life this notebook does provide a tempting combination of power and durability for the price but if you don’t need all of the extras and want to save some money you should look at the ThinkPad Edge Line which offer the traditional pointer and better keyboard, though they do lack the small business security features.

Conclusion

In the end the IdeaPad V460 offers a tempting packaged for small business users who need the ability to switch to a higher power GPU, security features and want a durable design that should last longer than a consumer notebook with similar components.

Pros:

• All metal case
• Powerful processor and switchable graphics
• Fingerprint reader and small business software

Cons:

• Battery Life
• User must switch Graphics Mode
• Mousepad was troublesome during precise pointing

Lenovo IdeaPad V460 Detailed Specs:

Lenovo IdeaPad V460 Review: Business on the Outside, Graphics Inside is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.