A Look Back at CeBIT 2008: Notebooks

OCZ EQ7 (Credit: OCZ)

Four months after acquiring the PC maker “Hypersonic PC”, OCZ showcased an impressive series of notebooks of the same brand, which drew much attention at the fair. One of the more interesting models presented by OCZ is the “Aviator EQ7-U1”. Aimed at the hard-core gaming market, this notebook PC is powered by Intel’s Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU, running at 2.4GHz with a 4MB L2 cache and 1066MHz FSB. The computer integrates two of NVIDIA-based “GeForce” 8700M GT graphics cards with 512MB of GDDR3 memory. The Hypersonic PC also features a 17” screen with a 1920×1200 resolution and is equipped with 4GB of dual-channel DDR2 800MHz RAM memory and two 250GB 5400 rpm hard disks. A more high-end product of the EQ7 series is the “EQ7”. Most of the EQ7’s features are similar to those of the U1 model, with the exception of the CPU, now Intel’s Core 2 Extreme X6800, and the graphics platform, which is comprised of two NVIDIA-based “GeForce” 8800M GTX models with 512MB of onboard memory. Both models are already available on the market, at a price of approximately $4,000.

Another gaming-oriented laptop is the “Aviator SR7”. This 17’’ 1920×1200 model is equipped with Intel’s Core 2 Duo 2.6GHz CPU with 4GB of RAM, a 160GB 7200 rpm hard drive, and a NVIDIA-based GeForce 8800M GTX 512 MB graphics board. The Aviator can be purchased for about $3,000 in the US, and the company plans to market it in Europe in the very near future.

ASUS C90 (Credit: ASUS)

ASUS displayed its own interesting collection of notebooks, which included the gaming-oriented “C90” – a 15.4’’ computer with a 1680×1050 resolution, powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo Extreme CPU running at 2.93GHz, with 1066MHz FSB. This high-end model was specifically designed in a way that allows easy access to key hardware components, so that users can conveniently upgrade, repair, or replace any of them. C90 runs NVIDIA’s MXM graphics module, which, according to the company, guarantees high compatibility with the different graphics processors available on the market. This model also features 3GB of DDR2 800MHz memory, and has support for a SATA hard drive, as well as an HD-DVD and Blu-ray optical drive. Other features include a fingerprint scanner and a built-in 2MP camera.

Lamborghini VX3 (Credit: ASUS)

ASUS has also unveiled the “Lamborghini VX3” – one of the most expensive notebook PC models available today. This 12.1’’-widescreen ultra-portable notebook is powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo 45nm 2.5GHz “Penryn” processor and features NVIDIA’s GeForce 9300M 256MB graphics card. Inspired by the famous Italian sports car, the VX3 PC comes with either a black or yellow lid, includes a sapphire crystal web-camera panel, titanium alloy hinge backbone, and a leather-bound palm rest. The notebook runs Windows Vista Ultimate OS and, among other features, includes 4GB of DDR2 system memory, a 320GB 5400 rpm hard disk drive, and built-in 3.5G mobile broadband support.

ASUS Bamboo (Credit: ASUS)

The company also showcased an unusual “EcoBook” line of computers with bamboo paneling. The bamboo panels, which cover the PC cases, laptop lids, and even parts of the keyboard, can easily be replaced if they get damaged. “EcoBook” laptops also feature an enlarged mousepad, which allows users to use their fingers or any other stylus to type.

ASUS M70 (Credit: ASUS)

ASUS also showcased its already popular M50 and M70 notebook models, which sport 500GB and 1TB (2x500GB) hard disk drives, respectively. These entertainment-oriented laptops include Blu-ray and full HD playback via HDMI, in addition to DirectX 10 support. Both models are powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo CPUs and offer a variety of graphic processor options to choose from. The different 15.4’’ M50 models come equipped with either the NVIDIA GeForce 9500GS with 512 VRAM, ATI Mobile Radeon HD3650 with 1G VRAM, or ATI Mobile Radeon HD3470 256MB with VRAM. The slightly larger 17’’ M70 models sport either an ATI Mobility Radeon HD3650 with 1GB VRAM or the HD3470 with 256MB VRAM. These M-series models also feature ASUS’s AI Surround technology, which, according to the company, delivers refined sound with real surround power through digital data processing, Dolby Home Theater, and built-in high quality Altec Lancing speakers.

The Taiwanese Clevo Company unveiled the “Clevo 860TU” notebook PC at CeBIT. –The 860TU is a 15.4-inch model with a 1920×1200 resolution, which supports Intel’s newest “Montevina” platform. This laptop comes with NVIDIA’s “GeForce” 8800M GTX graphics processor with GDDR3 512MB of RAM, and features a built-in 2.0MP camera, a fingerprint scanner, HDMI and e-SATA ports.

Clevo also showcased their “570TU” gaming notebook, which is also powered by Intel’s “Montevina” platform, features a full HD 1080p 17’’ widescreen display, and integrates NVIDIA’s “GeForce” 8800M GTX GPU. This model also includes a novel motherboard with support for the upcoming NVIDIA GeForce 9800M-GTX GPU.

MSI GX620 Leather (Credit: MSI)

MSI showed off its new notebook series, focusing this year on the “Green IT” theme. The company demonstrated its newest energy saving gaming notebook – “GX600”. This model is based on MSI’s newly announced “Turbo Battery” technology, which according to the company, can extend the notebook’s battery life by up to 20% by automatically adjusting the system’s workload to save power. MSI’s gaming series, which include the 15.4’’ GX620 and the 17’’ GX720 models, also feature the “Turbo Engine Drive” technology, which allows users to increase CPU speed by up to 20% at the touch of a button.

The company also showcased its “Green Concept” notebook that incorporates the “Anion” technology, which purifies the air and removes toxic substances from the computer’s surroundings. MSI is the first company to integrate this technology into its products, creating the world’s first notebook that can “provide users with the benefits of clean air anywhere!”. The “PR620 Anion” notebook PC can release up to 550,000 ions/cc (50 cm from the air vent). According to the company, this is actually more than is present in the air by mountains or at the beach.

Samsung P200 (Credit: Samsung)

The company unveiled the newest of the P series notebook PCs– the “P200”. This laptop, which was specially designed to provide ultra mobility, comes with a 12.1-inch LCD widescreen display. The screen provides up to 30% more viewing area than traditional screens and delivers exceptional quality and greater viewing angles while reducing eye strain. This notebook PC, which runs Microsoft Vista, is powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo CPU, and includes an integrated ATI’s Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics card, supporting ATI’s “Avivo” technology for high-quality video playback. Keeping up with the mobility promise, Samsung built this model with a uniquely rubberized casing and lid and a 6-cell battery that delivers over 3.1 hours of computing power. As for connectivity – the P200 comes integrated with 10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), Atheros Super G wireless, a built-in 1.3 mega pixel digital motion camera, 6-in-1 card memory reader, PCI Express, and 2x USB ports.

P200 also features Samsung’s “Silver Nano Technology”. By sprinkling nano-sized silver ion powder on the keyboard, this technique sterilizes over 650 types of bacteria and ensures your notebook is completely “bacteria-free”. “Ergonomically designed to deliver maximum productivity on the move, the P200 moves beyond the limitations inherent in ultra portable notebooks to provide the perfect combination of performance, portability and reliability to let users do more with less.”, said Hounsoo Kim, Executive Vice President of the Computer System Division at Samsung Electronics.

TFOT previously covered a number of interesting notebook PCs, such as the “Canvas” – a concept laptop computer specially developed for designers and artists. You are also welcome to check out our coverage of a unique dual touch screen laptop. For more information about the latest in the laptop industry, read TFOT’s full coverage of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las-Vegas, where many state-of-the-art notebooks were showcased for the first time.