Gateway and MSI are rolling out new laptops that are powered by Intel's new Core "Sandy Bridge" processors, and Gateway also is including a notebook family running on AMD's A-Series "Llano" chips.
Computer makers
MSI and Gateway are rolling out laptops sporting new chip technologies from
Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.
MSI on July 8
unveiled the latest additions to its X-Slim Series of notebooks, including
one-the X460-that company officials are calling the lightest to offer Intel's
high-end quad-core Core i7 chip. The 14-inch ultraportable notebook and the
X460DX are both less than an inch thick and weigh 4.4 pounds.
The X460 can
come with either the Core i7 or i5 Intel chips, while the X460DX comes only
with a Core i5 chip, as well as Nvidia's GeForce GT540M discrete graphics card,
which supports the DirectX 11 graphics technology. The laptop also includes MSI's
Boost technology, which enables the chip to shift to the discrete graphics card
when more processing power is needed, or to the integrated Intel graphics
technology when less power and more energy efficiency are required. A graphics
card switch indicator light next to the power button lets the user know which
mode the system is in.
Both the X460
and X460Dx come with a host of other features, including the option for a
second internal hard drive, an optional SSD (solid-state drive) and up to eight
hours of battery life.
There was no
word on availability or pricing.
For its part,
Gateway is revamping its ID Series and NV Series laptops with the latest Intel
and AMD chips. The ID47, introduced July 7, is powered by an
Intel Core i5 "Sandy Bridge" chip and
offers 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a DVD burner and integrated graphics.
With a new
bevel design, Gateway designers were able to fit a 14-inch display into a
13.3-inch model chassis, with an edge-to-edge design over the screen. The ID47
system is covered in aluminum and comes in two designs, which the company has
dubbed "Infinity Blue Liquid" and "Brushed Platinum."
In line with
the larger display, users will also get a touch-pad that is 20 percent larger
than those found on previous versions.
The larger NV
Series notebooks come with 15.6-inch screens and offer a choice of Intel or AMD
processors. The NV57 Series notebooks run on Intel's second-generation Core
processors, featuring the Sandy Bridge architecture that was introduced in
January during the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.
Meanwhile, the
NV55 Series notebooks are powered by
AMD's A-Series "Llano" processors,
which rolled out in April. Gateway officials said the NV55 Series offers a
strong combination of performance and energy efficiency.
Both lines of
Gateway notebooks include a USB 3.0 port, which company officials said is up to
10 times faster than USB 2.0 ports. They also feature HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface) 1080p output and media card readers. There also are hot
keys designed specifically for social networking.
Steve Smith,
senior product marketing manager for Gateway notebooks, noted the multiple
roles laptops play in today's world.
"Notebook
PCs are a constant companion in today's mobile-savvy culture, as we transition
through recreation and productivity," Smith said in a statement. "The
stylish new Gateway ID and Gateway NV Series deliver very useful extras for
entertainment and social networking and a big boost in performance wrapped up
in elegant designs. "
Both Gateway
notebooks are available now, starting at $499.99.
Email
Print
