These itsy bitsy laptops skimp on size but not performance; the ASUS W5F joins Sony's VAIO TX2 and SZ - the latter of which also comes in a Premium edition claiming up to 7 hours of use.
Sony VAIO SZ and SZ Premium
Two for the price of one (or is that one for the price of two?), the new Sony VAIO SZ series comes in two versions - the most basic of which contains a 13.3-inch Xbrite display which users can choose to power either by an integrated or dedicated graphics chipset by the flick of a switch. There's also Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and an integrated camera to be had - and if you add integrated EDGE data connectivity and a white LED backlit display for up to 7 hours of battery life, you've got what amounts to the Premium edition. Starting at $2,000 USD, available this spring.
ASUS W5F
Not to be outdone by Sony, ASUS' W5F ultraportable also sports a built-in microphone and 1.3 Megapixel, 180-degree swivel camera for video chatting on the go. Based on the design of the award-winning
W5A, less superficial features include a choice of Intel Core Duo processors, tri-mode Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g, a 12.1-inch widescreen display with WXGA resolution and up to 1.5 GB of RAM. Due out in late January, it starts at €2,050 EUR.
Sony VAIO TX2
Even smaller and lighter than the VAIO SZ series, the TX2 offers a starting weight of 1.24 KG despite integrating such features as a Dual Layer DVD+/-RW drive and an 11.1-inch widescreen display. The latter is also Sony's first to incorporate LED backlighting, which, in combination with a choice of Intel Pentium M processors, Sony claims allows for a battery life of up to 7.5 hours. Also present: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a carbon fibre chassis. Due out this spring, price to be confirmed.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Archive