Gillian Shaw
Sun
IdeaPad U1, Lenovo
PowerPak XT
Cyber-shot cameras, Sony
Eee PC Touch Series T91MT, Asus
1. IdeaPad U1, Lenovo, $1,000 US
Need a laptop but want a tablet? Lenovo has come up with a two-in-one device, describing it as the
world’s first computer hybrid that combines a conventional laptop computer with a detachable screen that doubles as its own separate tablet computer. Each part has its own processor and operating system, giving the one computer multi-functionality. They also synchronize to work as one machine with the base a hub and docking station and the tablet the mobile device. 3G wireless is built in. The U1 components each support more than five hours of 3G web browsing, 60 hours of 3G standby. The U1 also has a video camera. The entire duo-purpose machine weighs in at 1.7 kilograms with a 29-cm (11-6 inch) HD LED screen, with Windows 7. Announced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, it is expected on store shelves starting this June in the U.S., with Canadian availability not yet announced. www.lenovo.com.
2. PowerPak XT, $50 US, PowerPak Duo $60, Technocel
Portable battery and home charger all-in-ones introduced at CES by Technocel. The PowerPak Duo has dual USB ports and the PowerPak XT has a single USB port. Both have LED indicators to show how much battery reserve is left in them and include interchangeable tips to work with most hand-held USB devices. www.technocel.com.
3. DSC-W370 ($280 Cdn) and DSC-W350 ($250 Cdn) Cyber-shot cameras, Sony
Among the new lineup Sony showed at the CES were two new 14-megapixel Cyber-shot cameras.
The new models incorporate Sony’s “sweep panorama” technology, letting users capture wide landscapes or tall building with one ‘press and sweep’ motion. The pictures are automatically stitched together for panoramic shots. www.sony.ca.
4. Eee PC Touch Series T91MT, Asus, $530 US
A convertible tablet netbook with a touch screen with support for Windows 7 multi-touch gestures.
The screen swivels, making it handy for sharing displays and information, and you can write on the 8.9-inch screen with your finger or the stylus that comes with it. Works as an e-reader, only one of many offerings expected to fill this market demand in the coming year. http://eeepc.asus.com.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
