Lenovo's CULV-Based IdeaPad U450p Now Available

Late last month, Lenovo's website was updated with a new portable computer system that the company hadn't officially announced, namely the IdeaPad U450p, which was expected to come out as a new Intel CULV-based ultraportable. It now appears that the PC vendor has decided to take the wraps off the anticipated product and let users order one from

the company's website. Designed as a higher-performance alternative to all those Atom-based netbook systems, the CULV IdeaPad U450p will provide users with several configuration options, designed to meet a wider range of requirements.

According to the company's website, the new 14-inch IdeaPad is available with a choice for an Intel Pentium SU2700 CPU, clocked at a cool 1.3GHz, or a slightly faster 1.4GHz solution, in the form of an Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor model. The system can be equipped with up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, while in the storage department users will be able to take advantage of a 320GB 5400RPM HDD. Additional features include the integrated Intel X4500 graphics chip, supporting the 1366 x 768 resolution on the 14-inch display and an integrated DVD burner.

CULV-based ultraportable PCs are designed to provide users with a computing experience close to that of a fully fledged laptop, but in a more affordable and lightweight package. The new 14-inch IdeaPad from Lenovo includes a number of connectivity options, like Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, audio in/out and a choice of WiFi b/g/n or b/g. The notebook is obviously featured with the usual array of three USB 2.0 ports.

The system is expected to begin shipping “in more than 4 weeks” and will be featured with a standard 6-cell battery pack. As regards pricing, you are looking at a notebook set to become available for prices ranging between US$799 and US$899.

Dell Reduces Prices of Its Adamo Laptop

Early this year, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell, one of the world's leading vendors of portable computer systems, announced the introduction of the much-anticipated Adamo laptop, an ultra-portable computer system that has been designed to compete with the likes of Apple's MacBook Air or HP's Voodoo Envy. Featuring an ultra-thin and stylish design, the new laptop was to be made available in two different configurations,

both of which were based on Intel's low-power processor platform. One of the main drawbacks of said system, despite its appealing design, was that it came priced at relatively restrictive price points. However, it looks like Dell learned from its mistakes and has recently reduced the prices on both models.

The much-hyped Dell Adamo portable computer system has now been made available for as little as US$1,499 for the 1.2GHz-powered model. This is a good US$500 price reduction over the company's launch price of US$1,999, for the same model. The higher-end model, which boasts an SSD storage solution and the 1.4GHz processor, will now be available for as “little” as US$2,299, down from the initial price of US$2,700. The company appears to continue to show love to Intel, and has not changed anything about the system's configuration.

While these price reductions are more than welcomed, there are still way over the buying power of most notebook consumers. The new pricing scheme better positions Dell's stylish Adamo notebook to Apple's basic MacBook Air model, which comes priced at US$1,499 and features a 1.86GHz processor, 2GB of memory and 120GB hard drive space. However, the highest-performance MacBook Air is priced at US$1,799 and boasts a speedier 2.13GHz processor, 2 GB of memory and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics solution.

It will be interesting to see whether the Adamo will continue to see further price reductions, which could make it a better competitor for the aforementioned MacBook Air and Voodoo Envy.

Dell Vostro 1220 Officially Lands in the US

Following a number of leaked reports that recently surfaced the Internet, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has just announced the debut of its new Vostro 1220 portable computer system, a 12.1-inch ultraportable PC that offers a number of configuration options to business users. Designed as a stylish alternative for the aforementioned customer class, the new laptop is available in a number of color options and is said to provide end-users with an impressive battery life of up to 9 hours, a feature that is likely to appeal to said segment.

“This trend supports what Dell has been hearing from our customers,” said Sam Burd, global vice president, Dell Small and Medium Business, referring to a recent report from IDC that claimed shipments of 12-inch widescreen laptops were expected to grow almost 35 percent this year. “Today’s globe-trotting entrepreneurs need a laptop that is powerful and long-lasting. That used to mean carrying around an ungainly device, the Vostro 1220 combines performance, built-in security and long battery life with useful features like videoconferencing to be the ideal weapon of choice for any road warrior.”

The new Dell Vostro laptop can be configured with the user's choice for a Celeron 900 or Core 2 Duo processor, with the basic model featuring a 2.2GHz Celeron, coupled with 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner, WiFi b/g and a 6-cell battery pack. A higher-priced configuration will provide you with a Core 2 Duo processor, 8GB of RAM, a Blu-ray/DVD combo drive, up to 500GB of storage space on a 7200RPM HDD or an optional 128GB SSD.
Prices start at just US$799 and the system is expected to provide users with optional upgrades for a wireless 802.11 b/g/n solution, WiMAX card and Bluetooth. Available in Obsidian Black or Deep Cherry Red color options, the new laptop is said to provide up to 9 hours of battery life on a 6-cell battery pack.