ASUS B23E 12.5-inch Business Laptop goes up for Pre-order

The ASUSPRO B Series of business-grade laptops will soon be added a new model, one known as the B23E which weights as low as 1.55 kg and features a durable magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, a spill-proof keyboard, a 12.5-inch (1366 x 768) display, a Sandy Bridge processor, and a Sonata long life (900-charge cycle) battery.

Now available for pre-order is one B23E SKU (the B23E-XH71) which packs a 2.7 GHz Core i7-2620M CPU, 4 GB of RAM, Intel HD graphics, a 500 GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a 5-in-1 card reader, a 2 megapixel webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, an ExpressCard slot, and a HDMI output. The B23E-XH71 runs Windows 7 Professional 64-bit and costs $922.43.

Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, today announced the Sonata Proto, the newest addition to Antec's critically acclaimed Sonata line of Quiet Computing enclosures. Based on the worldwide best-selling Sonata III 500, the Sonata Proto combines improved noise reduction and powerful cooling with a modernized aesthetic and affordable price.

In response to popular demand, the Sonata Proto sports a new matte black exterior for an extra stylish edge, as well as an interior 2.5" SSD mount for convenience. The standard Sonata combination of improved cooling performance, whisper-quiet operation and enhanced flexibility is retained, as the chassis features one rear 120mm TwoCool 2-speed exhaust fan, as well as seven expansion slots and ten drive bays (three 5.25" external drive bays, two 3.5" external drive bays, the 2.5" bay and four 3.5" HDD trays).

Hewlett-Packard (HP) on Monday began offering as an accessory to its consumer laptops batteries that can hold their capacity for up to three years. The new batteries are the work of Boston-Power, and use updated lithium-ion technology that is said to be better than other similar solutions. Boston-Power's Sonata battery will be available as optional choice for 18 existing notebook models representing approximately 70 percent of HP's consumer notebook PC portfolio. Boston-Power claims its batteries won't give up their capacity for three years, that's roughly three times longer than most other notebook batteries offered to date. In addition, the Sonata accumulators can recharge faster, reaching 80% of capacity in 30 minutes. Lastly, HP will give a three year warranty for each Sonata battery. Available now at HP, the $149.99 accessory Sonata battery fits models in the HP Pavilion, HP HDX, Compaq Presario and HP G series. A complete list of compatible individual models is available here. More information on the battery itself can also be found on Boston-Power's site here.

Antec, the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, has announced that it is launching the Sonata Elite, the latest addition to Antec's Sonata Family line of quiet PC cases. Introducing a distinct air flow design and sleek new aesthetics, the Sonata Elite offers new improvements while maintaining the original features preferred by quiet-conscious consumers.

Fremont, CA - May 16, 2007 - Antec, Inc., the leading global brand of high-performance computer components for the PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, has launched Sonata III. The case improves on Antec's original Sonata, which initiated the Quiet Computing revolution.

Building on the original's features, Sonata III's internal drive bay trays are now fitted with soft silicone grommets to reduce and absorb hard drive vibrations. The cooling system, with one rear 120mm TriCool fan and an optional front-mount for a 120mm case fan, allows users to balance quiet computing with the precise cooling their system needs. And attractive new chassis vents make for improved circulation, channeling cool air silently throughout the case. Sonata III is also fitted with a built-in washable air filter to control dust build and keep internal temperatures down.

Antec, has launched an improved version of the original Sonata case design dubbed Sonata III. The case supports up to standard ATX motherboards and features nine drive bays including three 5.25", two 3.5" bays and four 3.5" fitted with soft silicone grommets to reduce and absorb hard drive vibrations internal bays. The cooling is provided by one rear 120mm TriCool fan, an optional front-mount for a 120mm case fan and new chassis vents for improved air circulation. Sonata III is also fitted with a built-in washable air filter and Antec's most environmentally-friendly power supply unit with Active PFC, EarthWatts 500W. Included in the front case panel are also audio in/out ports, two USB and one eSATA connectors. The case is available now for an estimated street price of $149.95 through major retailers, e-tailers and distributors. It is backed by Antec's Quality 3-Year Warranty.