LG Electronics has strengthen its Ultrabook lineup with the introduction of X-Note Z430 and Z435 models. Both 14-inch Ultrabooks are similar in specs except for the inclusion of a higher-capacity 640GB HDD in Z435. The new 19.9mm thin notebooks weigh about 1.5kgs and features Intel Core 5 processor, 320GB HDD and 120GB SSD, Super Speed tech for faster start and bunch of ports like USB, HDMI, Ethernet and more.

The pricing of these Ultrabooks start from 1.4 million won.

Press Release

Sony showed off this cool concept at the CES last week. Dubbed as Hybrid concept, the device actually brings two form factors together – tablet and a notebook. Though the concept is not new but the fact that Sony has developed it and may go on sale in the near future makes it exciting.

The device as you can see in the images, is pretty sleek, has a sliding interface along with a touchscreen display, speakers behind the screen and surprisingly, no touchpad! Apparently, Sony thinks touchpad’s duty will be taken over by the included stylus pen.

Sony didn’t confirm if it will ever turn into a real product but going by the quality of the concept, the device looks completely doable.

Intel concluded its press conference today at CES 2012 and Ultrabook is the center of attraction. Intel deems Ultrabooks are the future of computing as it brings portability and gives full functionality of a PC.

More than 75 Ultrabooks are expected this year ranging in different screen sizes, including the 14-inch and 15-inch, of which majority will be powered by Intel’s upcoming generation of Core processor.

Additionally, Intel Ultrabooks will be equipped with Intel Identity Protection technology that safeguards user’s credit card details from any misuse, NFC support, touch screen displays and Nuance’s Dragon voice recognition technology.

For the future, Intel is also developing a new intuitive gesture recognition like the one used with Microsoft’s Kinect.

Just before the CES 2012, Acer unveiled the world’s thinnest Ultrabook, the Aspire A5. Measuring only 15mm in thickness, it weighs less than 1.35kg. This 13.3in screen Ultrabook features Acers Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume and Acer Always Connect that lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices, even from sleep.

Acer Always Connect gets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available.

The Aspire S5 is Acer’s first Ultrabook to feature MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt.

On the performance part, the Aspire S5 is powered by an Intel Core processor, SSD storage, Dolby Home Theater sound and a PowerSmart battery pack that according to Acer provides 3 times longer life cycle than traditional batteries. The Aspire S5 will start shipping in Q2 2012.

Samsung today unveiled its new range of Ultrabooks for its domestic market – South Korea. The Series 5 Ultrabooks will come in sizes of 14-inch and 13-inch and will feature Intel’s Core i5 processor, choices of going with 128GB SSD or HDD storage and up to 8GB RAM.

The 14-inch Ultrabook is just 20.9mm thick and weighs 1.8kg due to an aluminum chassis. On the hardware front, the Ultrabook features an anti-reflective 1366×768 display, 1TB HDD with 16GB SSD, an optical disc drive, AMD HD7550M GPU, USB port, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VGA port and HDMI port.

The 13-inch Series 5 Ultrabook is slimmer than the 14-inch offering at just 14.9mm and weighs 1.4kg. Its hardware includes a smaller but similar resolution display with anti-reflective coating, 500GB HDD with 16GB SSD, integrated Intel graphics, USB, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The new Ultrabooks are also equipped with ExpressCache that brings notebooks to life from hibernation in just 7 seconds and Fast Start starts the notebook in 2 seconds from Sleep State.

Series 5 will be available in South Korea by end of December for a price starting from 1,290,000 won (US$1125) for the 13-inch model whereas 1,340,000 won (US$1167) for the 14-inch variant.

[Via Sammy Hub]

Last Friday Dell showed off the XPS 14z ultraportable notebook for the Indian market. The 14-inch notebook boasts a unibody design and is packed with features, truly signifying it as a ‘beauty with brains’ device.

The notebook comes with choices of 2nd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and integrates a 14-inch HD WLED (1366×768) display in a smaller 13-inch form factor.

Rounding up the specs sheet is the discrete Nvidia 1GB GT 520M GPU, up o 8GB DDR3 RAM, up to 750GB 7200RPM HDD (disappointingly no SSD option), built-in slot DVD drive, spill-resistant Chiclet keyboard, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 as connectivity options, Wi-Di support, USB 3.0 support, HDMI 1.4, mini Display port, 1.3MP HD webcam and 8-cell battery that gives up to 7 hours of battery life.

XPS 14z pricing starts from Rs. 66,900.

So it seems India is getting its fair share of Ultrabooks and the latest in line to join the bandwagon is Lenovo IdeaPad U300s. Ultrabook brings style as well as performance and U300s is no exception. The U300s is just 14.9mm thick and is created from a single aluminum shell that gives it a clean and streamlined look.

On the hardware front, the Ultrabook packs in a 13.3-inch 16:9 widescreen HD display, Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, up to 128GB SSD, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HD webcam, HDMI-out, SRS Premium Sound, Intel WiDi support and a battery life of up to 8 hours.

Lenovo also touts U300s’ advanced cooling technology and a breathable keyboard that allows optimum air flow to keep the notebook temperature down.

Lenovo IdeaPad U300s will be available soon for a price of Rs. 67,990 plus taxes.

HP today unraveled their very first Ultrabook, the Folio13. The business-centric Ultrabook boasts a thin and light design coupled with a decent hardware and battery life. The 18mm thin Folio13 comes with a 13.3-inch HD BrightView display and is powered by the latest generation of Intel Core processors with Rapid Start technology that ensures a faster boot up time.

Rest of the specs Folio13 includes a 128GB SSD, Ethernet port, USB 3.0, multi-touch trackpad, HD webcam, TPM embedded security chip to protect data and CoolSense technology to keep the notebook cooler.

HP will sell the Folio13 Ultrabook from December 7 for $899.99.

Press Release

Panasonic has updated its Toughbook lineup in India with the new CF-53 notebook. Apt for users out in the field, the new Toughbook protects users from water spills, accidental bumps and extreme temperatures.

Apart from the excellent rugged abilities, the 14-inch notebook is packed with decent hardware like 2nd generation Intel core processor, 2GB RAM, integrated graphics, HDMI-out, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi.

Panasonic hasn’t confirmed the exact price but has promised to sell the notebook for little less than Rs.100,000.

Coined as Ultrabook, Acer today launched Aspire S3 in its expanding portfolio of computing device. The Aspire S3 Ultrabook is 1.3cm thin and weighs less than 1.4kg. Powered by the latest generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors, the storage options range from 240 GB SSD or 320/500 GB HDD. The 13.3in LED display adopts an open cell design to conserve materials by using the lid and bezel to form an aluminum frame for the screen. The S3 also features a full-size Acer FineTip chiclet keyboard making it easy to type. On the entertainment front, the S3 houses a Dolby Home Theater v4 speakers, a HDMI port to connect to your HD devices.

The S3 supports Wi-Fi 802.11/b/g/n and Bluetooth. The integrated 1.3-megapixel camera helps you to conduct video chats with online buddies. Acer claims a battery life of 7 hours for S3.

The most notable feature of S3 is the Acer Green Instant On and Acer Instant Connect. Acer Green Instant On provides two sleep modes from which the S3 responds with surprising speed: From Sleep the Aspire S3 will resume in a mere 1.5 seconds and from Deep Sleep it resumes in 6 seconds. With these energy-conscious innovations, Acer claims the Aspire S3′s battery life lasts up to 50 days.

On the other hand the Acer Instant Connect provides access to the Internet in just 2.5 seconds – four times faster than conventional connections. The Acer Aspire S3 Ultrabook is priced from Rs.49,999 and will be available at Croma stores.