SSD on the Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725
 The Toshiba Qosmio X305 was already a high-spec laptop, and at CES 2009 Toshiba announced a new configuration option that takes things a step further. The Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q725 (better write that down) comes with dual hard disk drives. One is a 64GB SSD, the other is a 320GB 7200RPM SATA drive. Presumably, system software and other programs that would benefit from rapid booting would be stored on the SSD, and this could cut down on load times, launch and startup times and even the power drain to the system. That 320GB drive is no slouch, either, and if that weren't enough, the Qosmio X305 also uses the Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTX graphics card, fully loaded with 1GB of dedicated GDDR3 RAM. The 17-inch laptop also includes 4 USB ports, with an eSATA / USB combo, as well as a host of other features already found on the Toshiba Qosmio X305 models. The new configuration is available immediately for $2,700.
Asus Laptop with an MID built in
Asus certainly created some buzz at CES 2009 this year, especially thanks to a modded Asus multimedia laptop. The laptop features a 4.7-inch touchscreen display beneath the keyboard, but this isn't some Windows SideShow screen. In fact, it's an entirely separate computer, an Nvidia Tegra APX-based system-on-a-chip PC running off of the multimedia laptop's battery. We checked out the Nvidia APX 2500 prototype last year, and we've been crowing about it ever since, so it's nice to see the impressive graphics hardware make its way onto a device. Nvidia expects mobile devices based on their technology to be released in mid-2009, and now that we know that Asus is playing around with Tegra based chipsets in their labs, it makes us wonder whether Asus will be one of the first manufacturers to offer next-gen Windows Mobile smartphones using Nvidia's hardware. We don't have any photos of the modded Asus laptop, but luckily AnandTech got a short glimpse of this uniquely designed laptop.
Macbook Pro 17-inch gets the best battery life, with a catch
 The Macbook Pro 17-inch laptop was just released at Macworld 2009, which ran concurrently with CES 2009. The new update to the popular Apple flagship gets improved battery life thanks to a new design; Apple claims the laptop will run up to 8 hours on a single charge. The catch is that the battery can't be removed. So, after 8 hours, you have to plug in, you can't swap for another 8-hour battery. Of course, Apple leaves off much of the tech that drains battery power, and makes a multimedia laptop great, like wireless 3G networking or a Blu-ray player for hi-def media. Still, it's a gorgeous, thin design straight out of the aliminum unibody family, and Apple devotees will of course flock to the newest student at the head of the class.
Lenovo Y650 is the thinnest 16-inch laptop around
 Continuing its screen fixation, Lenovo had the new widescreen 16-inch Lenovo IdeaPad Y650 on display in Las Vegas. Aiming to compete as one of the thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptops, it weighs in at a mere 5.6 pounds. JBL speakers have been integrated for a richer sound experience, while NVIDIA discrete graphics will provide an improved gaming experience and HD video playback. Speaking of HD playback, the thin Lenovo Y650 also trumps the Apple Macbook Pro with a Blu-ray option, which makes this a nice addition to an HD home system, especially when paired with the laptop's Dolby Surround support. Since specs haven't been finalized, performance remains to be seen, but Lenovo promises to offer the latest Intel processors as well as DDR3 memory. The Lenovo IdeaPad Y650 will be released in March, starting at $1200 for the bare bones model.
HP stretches its Pavilion dv7 laptop extra wide
 With a refresh on the existing HP Pavilion dv7 models, HP is now offering this laptops with a 16:9 screen. This is a perfect size for hi-def viewing, which fits nicely with the laptops entertainment bent. The 17-inch Pavilion dv7 is a large desktop replacement laptop, with plenty of touch sensitive multimedia controls, options for Blu-ray and TV tuners built in, and strong performance options, like dual hard disk drives and an Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT card built in.
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