In addition to new second-generation Core i Series (Sandy Bridge) processors that will be making their way into the MacBook Pro, Apple is said to be delivering these notebooks with trackpads that are larger than those found on the current model. Given Apple’s fondness for ‘touch’ technology, the larger trackpad may not be a stretch as it would give users more surface area for gestures inside Apple’s OS X environment. In announcing the MacBook Air, Apple CEO Steve Jobs, however, shunned the idea of a touchscreen-based laptop suggesting that it was not the right form factor as users would tire their arms reaching for the screen and moving between the keyboard and the screen would not create an optimal user experience.

Additionally, the new notebooks, according to sources to BGR, would come equipped either with full SSDs or hybrid SSD options. The solid-state drives would be used, like on the MacBook Air, to deliver instant-on capabilities and reduce boot and start up times. Basic models would have either an 8 or 16 GB SSD in addition to a regular hard drive while high-end models would migrate exclusively to the more expensive SSD options.

The new models are about 1/2 pound lighter on average than the current generation models that they will be replacing. Apple is expected to announce its refresh on Thursday, which is just in time for Steve Jobs’ birthday bash.

Hybrid SSDs, Larger Trackpads Destined for MacBook Pro Refresh? is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Notebooks.com.

Here’s a quick look at Splashtop OS for Consumers:

The Splashtop OS features the Chromium browser, which is a version of Chrome, Bing for search and Adobe Flash player pre-installed.

If you want to test out Splashtop, you just need to install it from Windows, like you would any other program. You don’t have to get rid of Windows either, it is still the primary operating system for your computer, Splashtop is just a quicker link to the web.

In addition to near-instant access to Internet, you’ll have access to the Intel AppUp Store and applications like Splashtop Remote which allows you to quickly make remote desktop connections to more powerful machines such as a server or your primary computer.

Here’s a demo of Splashtop:

Currently Splashtop OS has been tested with the following laptops, with more being added;

• HP Mini 110
• Compaq Mini CQ10
• HP Mini 210
• HP Pavilion dm4
• HP Pavilion dv4
• HP Pavilion dv5
• HP Pavilion dv6
• HP Pavilion dv7

Splashtop OS Now Offers Instant On Experience For Free is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The wireless charging technology in the Z is similar to what you’ll find in the Palm Pre and Dell claims that the charging time is similar to what that of charging with the cord. Before you start worrying about how you’ll fit the $200 dock into your briefcase, stop, you’ll be able to charge the Z with a cord while on the go.

The Z is a very thin .57 inches and sports a 16 inch screen that packs it s own surprise, Dell EdgeTouch. EdgeTouch allows you to touch on the right side bezel, not the screen, to pull up a dock of shortcuts. While Gizmodo ponders how much the average user will use this feature, and I was inclined to agree, CNet points out that you can customize the shortcut list to include functions like volume and screen brightness.

Having talked a number of users through dimming their display and turning on projector mode I think Help Desk staff will enjoy setting up the EdgeTouch technology to handle the common tasks of their executives.

Why executives? Well because the price of the Latitude Z has a price tag of $1999 and that’s before you add on the $199 wireless charging stand and a $199 wireless dock that connects your peripherals to the monitor.

The wireless dock connects monitors and other devices to the Latitude Z without any additional connections to the laptop so when you need to walk away there’s no need to unplug your iPod and monitor.

But wait. There’s more. The Latitude Z also comes with a second ARM processor that powers the instant on boot environment that lets you check email and surf the web without fully booting into Windows. The use of a second ARM processor means users will also enjoy less battery use than the full scale ULV processor from Intel which powers the Windows experience.

For video of the Dell EdgeTouch tech in action and a magician worthy reveal of the no cords charging check out the hands on video that Joanna Stern recorded for Gizmodo.

Dell Introduces the Latitude Z with Wireless Charging is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

My guess is pretty often. One of the biggest complaints that people have with their computers is that they take “forever” to boot up and let them do something. While each version of windows boots faster if you really want instant on access you need to have an operating system like Phoenix Technologies” HyperSpace.

Hyperspace is a Linux OS based on the Mobilin Linux kernel, a version of Linux that is gaining popularity amongst a small subset of netbook users. According to Phoenix Technologies, HyperSpace “delivers instant-on, always-connected access to the Internet and key productivity applications such as HyperSpace Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Hulu, McAfee, Real Networks, Yahoo Search, etc.” This instant gratification mode of computing is very attractive to both consumers and manufacturers.

Previously HyperSpace was aimed at the notebook and netbook markets since the light and fast to boot operating system was also very battery-friendly but today Phoenix Technologies announced a partnership with Intel to distribute the HyperSpace software with Intel Desktop motherboards for the Atom 230 and 330 processors. This partnership will allow nettop and other low cost devices to turn on instantly and allow for faster development of these increasingly popular devices.

Tim Barjarin a consumer computing analyst with Creative Strategies lauded the partnership saying, “By pre-integrating HyperSpace with Intel Atom processor-based nettop boards, they are enabling products that deliver end users connectivity, versatility and usability.”

It will definitely be interesting to see how this affects the low cost computer market. So many of these devices, whether they are netbooks or nettops, are judged by how quickly they can turn on and as the devices enter more of our lives we will expect these devices to turn on as fast as our iPhones do. One of the best ways for nettops to invade living rooms is to be able to instantly deliver access to the Internet and specialized applications like many of the coming Internet Enabled HDTVs will be able to do.

For a more detailed look at Hyperspace you can read Xavier’s first impression and check out the video below from jkOnTheRun and read their first look at HyperSpace.

If you’re interested in trying out HyperSpace on your Intel powered Notebook or Netbook there is a free trial of the software available for 21 days in both the Dual and Hybrid flavors to meet your needs and hardware.

Currently if you want to purchase HyperSpace for your laptop your only option is a 1 or a 3 year subscription which ranges from $40 to $160. We don’t have confirmation that this will continue for nettops built through this partnership but it is a likely option. Personally I hope they work out a non subscription model or reduce the prices since I’m not a fan of subscribing to most software, especially an operating system.

HyperSpace: Instant on Coming to Nettops is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.