Asus Unlimited Series
Asus has released its Unlimited series of notebooks which have a battery life of around 12 hours when used for “all-day computing.” The three laptops in the range employ clever energy-saving features such as the ability to switch off individual pieces of hardware depending on use. Asus’ Graphix Boost technology also changes graphics settings according to which applications are running, for example more power for DVDs and less for word processing. The laptops’ aluminium chassis make them light and durable. The range includes the 13.3” UL30A-QX094V, the 15.6" UL50AG-XX022V and the 15.6” UL50VG-XX027X. All come with a 1.3GHz Intel Core2 Duo Processor, in-built wifi, Bluetooth and a webcam. The higher-spec UL50VG comes with a 500GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM and Windows 7 64-bit Professional.
Price UL30A £599; UL50AG £699; UL50VG £799
Contact asus.com
Buffalo MiniStation
The Buffalo MiniStation external hard drive comes in four sizes - 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, 640GB – and boasts data transfer rates of 480Mbps. The device is also USB-powered which means there is no need for a bulky external power supply. It has in-built hardware encryption and comes bundled with Memeo AutoSync for automatic back-ups, SecureLockManager Easy for faster encryption login and Google’s Picasa picture manager. The drive comes in black, white and red, all in a glossy finish.
Price (Best on internet) 250GB £55; 320GB £59; 500GB £74; 640GB TBC
Contact buffalo-technology.com
Archos 9 PCtablet
Archos, famous for its feature-packed portable media players, has released the Archos 9 PCtablet, a new competitor in the netbook market. The touchscreen device is essentially a 9” netbook without a physical keyboard – it even comes with in-built wifi, Bluetooth and USB for 3G dongles so it can be used to browse the internet. The PCtablet is powerful enough to run the latest versions Windows 7, where as many similarly sized netbooks can only manage XP or other specialist operating systems. The Archos 9 has a 60GB hard drive, again larger than many netbooks, and a further 25GB online. The device is mainly aimed at those wishing to watch HD movies and surf the internet on the go. An optional Bluetooth keyboard is available.
Price £449.99
Contact archos.com
Toshiba Satellite Pro U500
Toshiba’s Satellite Pro U500 is its latest in ultra portable laptops aimed at the “mobile worker.” The U500, which comes with a 13.3” TruBrite screen, is powered by Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processer and boasts a 400GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM and in-built wifi and Bluetooth. The hard drive has a “3D impact sensor” which protects against impact damage. The U500 comes with sleep-and-charge which allows USB devices to charge even when it is switched off. The integrated webcam is high-definition for improved video conferencing.
Cost £569
Contact toshiba.co.uk
Logitech Notebook Kit MK605
Logitech has bundled together a wireless laser mouse, keyboard and pivoting laptop stand, and called it all the MK605 Notebook Kit. The kit should allow you to dock the keyboard and position it as you wish, and control it using a standard mouse and keyboard without messy wires. Logitech’s “unifying” receiver can also pair with up to four more compatible mice and keyboard.
Cost £60
Contact logitech.com
Powermat
Powermat allows a number of popular devices to be recharged wirelessly. The device consists of a charging bed and charge receivers which work by magnetic inductance, in the same way as your rechargeable electric toothbrush. Receivers are available for a range of devices including iPods, iPhones and Nintendo DSs. There is also a Powermat Portable version aimed at travellers, which folds up to 10cm x 10cm. The standard mat is able to charge three devices at the same time, plus another through the USB adaptor. Powermat claims the device charges at the same rate, if not faster, than a standard charger plugged into an electrical socket.
Cost Standard £69.99; portable £79.99. Receivers £29.99 to £34.99 per device
Contact powermat.com
Logitech Professional Presenter R800 and Wireless Presenter R400
Logitech’s Professional Presenter R800 and Wireless Presenter R400 aim to make presentations a little easier. Both come with laser pointers, but the more advanced R800 has a bright green spot which can be seen on LCD screens. It also has a timer which counts down and vibrates to let you know when to stop talking. The R800 also has a reception-level indicator which tells you when you wander around too much. The R400 is intended for smaller meetings, and has a red laser and battery life indicator.
Cost R800 £69.99; R400 £44.99
Contact logitech.com
Coming soon
Large screen Nintendo DSi LL
Gaming giant Nintendo has released details of the latest version of its popular handheld device. The DSi LL will feature larger screens, both at 4.2 inches, aimed at improving the devices capabilities as an internet browser and music player. The DSi LL will come with two touch pens, one short and one long, plus three pre-installed software titles – two brain training games and Easy Dictionary. It will be available in brown, red and the familiar white.
Release date Late November
Cost £132
Contact nintendo.com
