Shortly after the Khronos group announced the OpenGL 4.0, the newest version of the multi-platform graphics API, AMD is out with a preview graphics driver for its ATI Radeon, FireGL, FirePro, and Mobility Radeon graphics accelerators, which includes the OpenGL 4.0 ICD (installable client driver). The driver is available for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Linux. OpenGL 4.0 is comparable and up to times with Microsoft's DirectX 11 API, it makes use of hardware features such as tessellation on the GPU, per-sample fragment shaders and programmable fragment shader input positions, 64-bit double precision floating point shader operations, etc., and has no restrictions on which later version of Windows it can run on. With OpenGL 4.0 for example, one can expect 3D graphics with the complexity comparable to DirectX 11 on Windows XP.

DOWNLOAD: ATI Catalyst OpenGL 4.0 Preview Driver for Windows 7/Vista, Windows XP, and Linux.

ASUS is preparing two new Calpella platform-based mid-sized notebooks, 14-inch N82JV-VX020V and 16-inch N61JA-JX008V. Both notebooks are driven by an Intel Core i5 520M processor, aided by 4 GB of DDR3 memory, and with 500 GB of storage. Both models have screens with 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. Connectivity options are also similar: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, USB 3.0, FireWire, and Bluetooth. A 6-cell battery is used on both models. The differences kick in with the 14-inch N82JV-VX020V having NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M 1GB graphics which makes use of NVIDIA Optimus technology to minimise power idle draw, while the 16-inch N61JA-JX008V goes all-out for performance with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 1GB graphics. The N61JA-JX008V and N82JV-VX020V are expected to reach Europe in mid-April, each costing 1049 EUR.

NVIDIA is weeks away from unveiling its GeForce GTX 400 series, which until a few weeks ago, was expected to be the GeForce GTX 300, by the media. Expecting that nomenclature didn't need rocket science. However, NVIDIA changed it with releasing as many as a dozen and a half SKUs in the so-called GeForce 300 series based on existing GT21x GPUs, with not much fanfare. The company got a little candid with Bit-Tech.net in an interview, in admitting that pressure from OEMs forced NVIDIA to 'create' GeForce 300 series, because OEMs wanted "something new" on their specs sheets, if they were to opt for NVIDIA's mGPUs over those from AMD, which already support DirectX 11, under the Mobility Radeon HD 5000 series. Most of these rebrands, according to the company, are specific to the OEMs, and will not be released by board partners to the retail market.

Today, HP introduced its first multitouch-enabled tablet for business users as well as notebook PCs tailored for both enterprise and small and midsize businesses (SMBs). The HP EliteBook 2740p starts at 1.73kg and includes a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display or optional outdoor-view display with less reflection and a higher contrast for easier viewing in natural light. The touchscreen option allows users to get work done more intuitively and faster based on their choice of input methods. Multitouch gestures, finger taps and swipes across the screen allow users to navigate through applications and menus, as well provide access to information and websites.

The HP EliteBook 2740p offers a variety of battery solutions for lightweight configurations, including a six-cell li-ion prismatic battery, which provides up to 5 hours of uptime, and an optional HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Battery that provides up to 11 hours when combined with the standard battery.

Lenovo today announced three new PCs for consumers - the Lenovo G455 and G555 notebooks and the Lenovo C315 all-in-one desktop - all based on the AMD platform featuring innovative Lenovo software to improve the overall computing experience. Designed for mainstream consumers, they support up to the latest AMD Turion and Athlon processors and ATI graphics. With Lenovo applications such as OneKey Rescue System and Energy Management on the G455 and G555 and IdeaTouch multitouch applications on the C315, these new PCs deliver affordable, dual-core, worry-free computing.

"Our new G series notebooks and C series all-in-one desktop are designed for users who want a simple but powerful computing experience without any headaches," said Dion Weisler, vice president, Business Operations, Lenovo. "By working closely with AMD engineers and leveraging AMD advanced technologies, we have created products that offer superior performance in the areas of graphics and power efficiency at an affordable price point."

The new ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G73Jh is like no other gaming notebook. Eschewing the flash and gimmicks typical of gaming notebooks, the G73Jh instead boasts an understated, subtly aggressive design inspired by a stealth fighter. At its heart lies the most powerful components available today, including the latest Intel Core i7 processor, DirectX 11-capable ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics, and up to 8 GB of DDR3 system memory.

The G73Jh sports a striking angular design inspired by the iconic F-117 Nighthawk. Far from being merely cosmetic, every facet of the G73Jh's design reflects a conscious effort to improve the user experience. For example, the placement of all the heat and noise-generating components at the rear of the notebook and the implementation of a unique twin rear venting system keep the heat and noise as far away from the user as possible. The innovative placement of components also allows the palm rest to be exceptionally thin, just like a desktop keyboard. Furthermore, the keyboard plane is inclined 5 degrees, improving ergonomics and thus ensuring optimal comfort while gaming and typing.

MSI's 15.6" model X-Slim X620 has a built-in optical drive and the ATi Mobility Radeon HD 5430 3D discrete graphics card (which comes with 1GB DDR3 VRAM) and employs the high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The case is covered with MSI's exclusive textured patterning with color film print coating and has a frame design with a unique personality and exquisite appearance. Coupled with MSI's exclusive 3D Boost and ECO power-saving technologies, an ultra-long battery life of up to 11 hours is possible.

MSI Notebook Marketing Director Sam Chern points out that the X620 is the latest masterpiece in MSI's X-Slim Series, carrying on its ultra-thin and elegant traditions. Its exterior has also incorporated a number of classic elements both stylish and practical, including MSI's distinctive textured patterning with color film print coating and Chiclet keyboard. The notebook is completed with elegant silver borders. With its superior hardware and software performance and appearance, the model won the 2010 German iF product design award.

MSI G-Series and C-Series of laptop computers have reached a new apex in their evolution. The first NBs equipped with Intel's new generation Calpella platform to be shown at CES 2010, both series come with Intel's most advanced family of New Core processors and Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. They also come with cinema-class screens coupled with top-end Surround Sound for maximum audiovisual enjoyment.

AMD today introduced its lineup of next-generation DirectX 11-capable ATI Mobility Radeon Premium graphics, including ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 graphics, the highest performance graphics for notebooks in the world.1 The entire family of DirectX 11-capable graphics consists of ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5700, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5600 and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5400 series graphics. This top-to-bottom family of Direct 11-capable notebook graphics introduces compelling new features including ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology, bringing powerful visual gaming and computing innovation to the notebook PC. Notebooks featuring the new graphics technology are previewed at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the VISION Experience Center, located in the Grand Lobby (GL-8 and GL-10) of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"Six months ago AMD claimed the title of undisputed technology leader in desktop graphics, and now we also offer powerful mobile graphics processors for notebooks to go with our market leadership in that segment," said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, Products Group, AMD. "Once again, AMD changes the game both in terms of performance and experience. AMD innovations now give notebook users full DirectX 11 support, eye-opening ATI Eyefinity technology, superb HD multimedia capabilities, and ATI Stream technology designed to help optimize Windows 7 notebook performance."

At the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, AMD today announced the shipment of its two millionth DirectX 11-capable graphics processor to its technology partners, cementing AMD graphics as the standard for DirectX 11 computing. This millions-shipped milestone comes just three months after the launch of the ATI Radeon HD 5800 series, the first DirectX 11-capable graphics products from AMD. The fast pace with which AMD delivered two million next-generation GPUs is a result of an aggressive execution of the AMD "Sweet Spot" graphics strategy which positioned the company to more rapidly bring DirectX 11 products to market across high-volume segments and popular price points, in combination with the positive reception of AMD's DirectX 11-capable graphics technology from PC users worldwide.

"Today's milestone underscores the ingenuity and innovation that AMD poured into the DirectX 11-capable ATI Radeon Premium Graphics products," said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, Products Group, AMD. "Fifteen weeks ago we introduced the ATI Radeon HD 5800 series graphics cards to the world, the first to support DirectX 11 and powerful capabilities like ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology, with support for Direct Compute 11. Over the course of the last few months, we've shipped tens of thousands of DirectX 11-capable graphics processors a week to technology partners who in turn put them into consumers' hands. With this week's introduction of the DirectX 11-capable notebook counterparts to our desktop family in the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5000 series, an even larger base of users will enjoy the best visual computing experience available today."

Lenovo today unveiled 11 new IdeaPad laptops and IdeaCentre desktops at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show that demonstrate the company's re-energized commitment to personal computing design and engineering specifically for consumers. The new IdeaPad laptop PCs - S10-3t, S10-3, Y460, Y560, G460, G560, V460 and V360 and IdeaCentre desktop PCs - A300, C310 and K320 - include industry leading design and technology that will help enhance performance, style and entertainment capabilities across Lenovo's consumer products lineup.

"Our new Idea PCs are the next step in our exciting new worldwide product portfolio designed with the consumer in mind," said Liu Jun, senior vice president, Idea Product Group, Lenovo. "These additions to our Idea portfolio demonstrate Lenovo's commitment to giving our customers the capabilities they expect, at prices they can afford, while showcasing our forward-thinking innovations."

AMD's Catalyst PC Vendor ID List has been updated to reflect their latest product updates, which surprisingly includes "ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800" models.The models listed are "Broadway XT", "Broadway Pro/LT". While it is certain that Broadway XT will become the Mobility Radeon HD 5870, sources differ whether Broadway Pro/LT will be two distinct products initially: Mobility Radeon HD 5850 and Mobility Radeon HD 5830 or if there will be only a Mobility Radeon HD 5850 product first.

In addition to these confirmed models there are rumors about that describe "Madison" (Mobility HD 5700) and "Park" (Mobility HD 5400). This would give AMD a full mobile DirectX 11 low-power GPU lineup to compete in the mobile market.

Toshiba today introduces the Satellite L450 and the Satellite L555 laptops - a duo of new Satellite models aimed at consumers looking for affordability without compromising on style and performance.

Combining power and ease-of-use, both Satellite models are equipped with Toshiba LifeSpace software, a new application suite exclusively for Toshiba laptops featuring Windows 7. Designed to help consumers keep desktops free from clutter, Toshiba LifeSpace facilitates the organisation of tasks such as personal appointments, and reminders, making it easier for users to keep track of important dates and documents. A virtual and customisable 'Bulletin Board' enables users to create instant thumbnail shortcuts, keeping desktops organised and offering one-click access to important files and folders. 'ReelTime' also accelerates file searching by automatically adding a shortcut to the timeline of recently used files, which can list up to 5,000 items visually.

Acer, the third largest vendor in the worldwide PC market, today announced the Acer Aspire Z5610-U9072, a truly elegant, no-compromise all-in-one desktop PC featuring intuitive multi-touch technology and Windows 7 Home Premium. A powerful entertainment hub for the home, the Z5610 packs first-class performance and feature-rich functionality in a striking design. It will be available this holiday season at online retailers for an attractive price of $899.99.

Engineered to eliminate clutter and maximize workspace, this practical all-in-one streamlines the home or office with a flash of style and offers a unique blend of features and architecture. Boasting a stunning 23-inch HD display, ATI Mobility Radeon graphics and Intel Pentium Dual Core processing, the Aspire Z5610 offers world-class digital prowess.

The newest member of MSI's X-Slim family, the 15.6" screen X610 is the multimedia lover's ultimate fantasy. It is equipped with the latest green power saving technologies, including AMD's 2nd Generation Ultrathin Platform, PowerNow!, and MSI's ECO technology, which together give the X610 more than twice the battery power of conventional 15.6" notebooks. What's more, its top-end ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 3D discrete graphic card allows this lean, mean, green machine offer the ultimate multimedia experience.

AMD today announced that according to the latest industry data, notebook manufacturers have chosen ATI Mobility Radeon Premium graphics processors to drive more than half of today's discrete graphics notebooks. The data for mobile discrete graphics reveals a 36.5% market share gain, and 87.27% more units sold quarter-over-quarter through the first six months of 2009. AMD now holds the "Number 1" position with an overall 53% mobile discrete market share. The incredible momentum behind ATI Mobility Radeon Premium graphics processors is a result of:

• Advanced performance, leading features, and innovative technology delivered by the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4000 series of graphics processors, such as ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4530 and ATI Mobility Radeon 4670, including support for the latest Microsoft DirectX 10.1 enabling a home theater-quality HD multimedia experience, and an energy-efficient design for long battery life at work, at home or at play
• With well over 200 design wins of current and future commitments from leading manufacturers worldwide, customer adoption of the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4000 series of graphics processors has increased across a wide range of mobile discrete notebook segments, including the HP Pavilion dv6T, Alienware M17, Acer Aspire 5739G, Toshiba Satellite M500, Sony VAIO FW Series, Samsung R522, Asus W90Vp-X1, MSI GX623 and Dell Studio 15 -- a balanced portfolio of AMD- and competitor-based notebook platforms
• An augmented presence in retail, including Best Buy Canada and Future Shop with a focus on the HP Pavilion dv6 Artist Edition Entertainment Notebook PC featuring AMD Turion Ultra X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 graphics