Lenovo, the world leader in convertible notebooks and traditional commercial desktops, today announced a broad redesign of its ThinkPad YOGA and ThinkCentre portfolios. A recent Lenovo survey of more than 6,000 businesses suggested that security, mobility and reliability were amongst the top pain points today and more than a quarter plan to introduce convertible devices. The latest generation of thinner and lighter ThinkPad YOGA 260 and 460 convertibles and faster than ever ThinkCentre desktops have been designed to provide customers with solutions to their critical needs.

Data from the Lenovo survey showed that 53% of employees work from home at least some of the time, 61% are required to travel for business and 46% are aged between 18 and 34 years. These progressive customers are the emerging workforce and decision makers of tomorrow and actively seek leading edge technology to maintain a competitive edge. They need truly reliable and mobile devices with no compromise on performance.

With its 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors, Intel is throwing in everything it's got, into increasing performance of the integrated graphics. This is necessitated not by some newfound urge to compete with entry-discrete GPUs from NVIDIA or AMD, but a rather sudden increase in display resolutions, after nearly a decade of stagnation. Notebook and tablet designers are wanting to cram in higher resolution displays, such as WQHD (2560 x 1440), 4K (3840 x 2160), and beyond, and are finding it impossible to achieve them without discrete graphics. This is what Intel is likely after. The aftereffect of this effort would be that the iGPU will be finally capable of playing some games at 720p or 900p resolutions, with moderate eye-candy. Games such as League of Legends should be fairly playable, even at 1080p. Intel claims that its 9th generation integrated graphics will over a 50% performance increment over the previous generation.

Moving on to CPU, and the performance-increase is a predictable 10-20% single/multi-thread CPU performance, over "Broadwell." This is roughly similar to how "Haswell" bettered "Ivy Bridge," and how "Sandy Bridge" bettered "Lynnfield." Intel will provide platform support on some of its "Skylake-U" ultraportable variants, for much of the modern I/O used by today's tablets and notebooks, which required third-party controllers, and which competing semi-custom SoCs natively offer, such as eMMC 5.0, SDIO 3.0, SATA 6 Gb/s, PCIe gen 3.0, and USB 3.0. Communications are also improved, with 2x 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and WiDi 6.0.

Intel Corporation today announced the availability of its 5th generation Intel Core vPro processor family that provides cutting-edge features to enable a new and rapidly shifting workplace. To meet the needs of a more mobile and dynamic workforce, the latest iteration of Intel Core vPro processors offer wireless innovations, built-in security, faster performance and improved manageability that will allow workers and companies to improve their productivity and stay competitive.

With the new 5th generation Intel Core vPro processors, Intel addresses three specific areas to enable a better way to work and provide a better experience for users and companies: PC design innovation, wireless display and wireless docking. Businesses can choose from a variety of never-before-seen PC designs across 2 in 1s, Ultrabooks, ultrathin clamshells and mini PCs that offer up to twice the battery life and more than twice the performance, enabling form factors that are up to three times thinner and 50 percent lighter than a laptop PC from just four years ago.

Today, Intel unveiled the 5th Generation Intel Core processor family. Built on Intel's cutting edge 14nm manufacturing process, the 5th Gen Intel Core processors deliver premium performance, stunning visuals and enables improved battery life to take computing to the next level. The performance also provides the foundation for more natural and interactive experiences with Intel RealSense technology, Intel Wireless Display (Intel WiDi) and voice assistants.

With the "Broadwell" microarchitecture expected to be the fastest mobile transition in company history, offering consumers a broad selection and availability of devices, the 5th Gen Intel Core processors are purpose-built for the next generation of compute devices offering a thin, light and more efficient experience across traditional notebooks, 2 in 1s, Ultrabook devices, Chromebooks, All-In-One desktop PCs and mini PCs.

Acer today announced that its Aspire S3 Ultrabook is now available in Europe, Middle East and Africa starting at €999. The S3 has inherited some of the industry-leading design and innovations of the Aspire S7, making it an impressively stylish and productive notebook at a more affordable price.

As on the celebrated Aspire S7, the S3's patented dual-torque hinge design allows users to easily open the lid up to 180° for sharing content, while keeping the display wobble-free for an outstanding touch experience.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual display solutions, delivers the ultimate in wireless sharing, flexibility and connectivity with its new Miracast and Intel WiDi optimized ViewSync WPG-370 gateway solution.

Ideal for enterprise, SMB, and education environments as well as AV installers, the WPG-370 provides advanced universal wireless connectivity for any new or existing projector, monitor, TV, or large-format display1. With analyst firms such as Gartner forecasting worldwide tablet shipments to grow 53.4 percent this year, and with shipments reaching 184 million units, the need for flexible presentation tools is growing. Whether projecting from Windows, Mac, iOS or Android platforms, this solution makes it easy for any business or organization with mounted displays2 to wirelessly push content onto the screen, without frustrating cords and wires.

LG Display, the world's leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it has developed the world's first LCD panel for monitors featuring Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology in collaboration with Intel Corporation. This new 23.8-inch LCD panel is the latest improvement that allows users to stream wirelessly their laptop and desktop content to their TVs and monitors in a more seamless manner.

LG Display succeeded in developing a panel that provides Intel WiDi solution by building in a key chipset directly into the LCD module. With this cutting-edge LCD panel embedded with Intel WiDi solution, LG Display enables users to enjoy quality images with an easy and convenient access to Intel WiDi technology without the use of additional devices, as well as facilitate OEMs and monitor makers nimbly and cost-effectively adopt this advanced technology.

Acer today expanded its M5 Series line of notebook computers with the M5-583P-6428. Continuing to combine powerful performance, long battery life and outstanding value, the M5-583P brings the following new features to the M5 Series, including "Haswell," the 4th Generation Intel Core i5 Processor, Intel Wireless Display technology (WiDi) and a powerful sound system. Available now, the M5-583P-6428 is offered exclusively at Best Buy throughout the United States.

Less than one inch thin, the new M5-583P also sports a new metal chassis with clean modern lines. It also features a "soft touch" finish on the bottom, adding a touch of sophistication and making it easy to grip and carry. Its silver aluminum surface includes a brushed hairline finish. Its backlit keyboard adds a cool subtle glow, helping to guide fingers when typing in dimly lit areas. A high-definition touch screen display with edge-to-edge glass completes its contemporary look.

Acer today announced the launch of the new 13.3" Aspire S3 Ultrabook at Computex Taipei. The S3 has inherited some of the industry-leading design and innovations of the Aspire S7, making it an impressively stylish and productive PC. As on the celebrated Aspire S7, the S3's patented dual-torque hinge design allows users to easily open the lid up to 180° for sharing content, while keeping the display wobble-free for an outstanding touch experience.

With Acer TwinAir cooling technology, the S3 is always cool to the touch without sacrificing performance. The light-sensing keyboard auto adjusts its brightness to ambient light for better visual comfort in dim settings. In addition, evoking the family design and visual purity of the S7's gorilla glass cover, the new S3 cover is made from aluminum and sprayed Sparkling White with a mirror-polish finish; the operation area is made from anodized aluminum throughout. Just 17.8 mm thin and weighing only 1.67 kg, this Ultrabook is slim and easy to carry anywhere.

Acer presents the next-generation 13.3-inch Aspire S7Ultrabook at Computex Taipei. In addition to retaining the celebrated characteristics of the previous model, the new S7 Ultrabook has improved battery life for all-day computing, a refined electroluminescent (EL) backlit keyboard for more natural typing, and 2nd generation Acer TwinAir cooling with less fan noise. In addition, it is equipped with wireless display (WiDi) technology for big-screen entertainment and productivity.

"We designed the S7 to be the best touch Ultrabook in the world, bar none," said Jim Wong, Acer Corporate President. "We listened carefully to users to find substantial ways to make it even better." The re-engineered S7 delivers improved battery life of up to 7 hours, a 33% increase from its predecessor. Its new light-sensing EL backlit keyboard is also refined, with a deeper keystroke for more natural and comfortable typing. Plus, thanks to 2nd generation Acer TwinAir cooling technology, the noise at maximum load is more than 20% lower than the previous S7, keeping the system quiet and cool.

Sony today introduced the brand new VAIO Fit laptop built with Sony's innovative digital imaging, sound and display technologies. Alongside the new Fit laptops are enhancements to VAIO's All-in-One Tap 20 and L Series PCs and Sony's top-selling VAIO T Series 15 Ultrabook incorporating all around excellence in productivity and entertainment with rich touch experiences powered by Windows 8.

"We built the brand new VAIO Fit line from many of the same features as our amazingly thin and powerful ultra-premium models but at an entry-level price point," said Pedro LaFargo , SVP, Sony VAIO & Networked Products Division. "Our entire new Fit lineup is optimized for Windows 8 and incorporates the best technology that only Sony can provide from our innovative digital imaging, sound and TV divisions. The new Fit family is providing students and professionals' on-the-go with advanced performance and design."

Dell today launched the Latitude 3330, designed to help schools and educators teach tomorrow's leaders while providing excellent value school districts. The new laptop offers the robust computing features required to maximize learning productivity, compatibility with Dell's existing solutions and services for education and support for personalized learning opportunities in the classroom.

A snap to deploy, the Latitude 3330 easily integrates into a school's existing IT infrastructure, speeding up time to classroom and saving time and money. It's sleek, lightweight, and sturdy design stands up to the demands of even the youngest of students, fits easily on classroom desks and in backpacks and moves easily from classroom to classroom or home and back. The new laptop offers no compromise performance with full laptop productivity and all day battery life with a 6-cell battery.

ASUS today announced availability of ASUS Taichi 31, a sleek Ultrabook with a 13.3-inch dual-screen design that offers the mobile flexibility of a tablet with the performance and features of a notebook. ASUS Taichi 31 features a choice of Intel Core processors and joins the 11.6-inch ASUS Taichi 21, launched in October 2012.

With two Full HD 13.3-inch screens placed back-to-back, ASUS Taichi 31 combines the best features of a Windows 8 tablet and a powerful Ultrabook in a single sleek design. With the same stunning black-mirror finish and slender profile as the 11.6-inch ASUS Taichi 21, ASUS Taichi 31 is as elegant as it is innovative, and packs a host of features that help make light work of any productivity task.

ASUS released the P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD, a variant of the P8Z77-I Deluxe socket LGA1155 motherboard based on the Intel Z77 Express chipset, in the mini-ITX form-factor. Essentially identical to the original, its WLAN controller features Intel Wireless Display Technology (WiDi), which lets you stream high-definition video to displays and projectors wirelessly. The P8Z77-I Deluxe/WD features a 10-phase Digi+ CPU VRM, two DDR3 DIMM slots, a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot, two each of SATA 6 Gb/s and 3 Gb/s ports, and connectivity that includes 6-channel analog and 8-channel digital audio, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort display outputs, and a number of USB 3.0 ports. ASUS could charge a small premium over the original's US $199 price-tag.

Gigabyte launched its pair of mini-ITX form-factor motherboards based on Intel 7-series chipset, supporting processors in the LGA1155 package. These include the Z77-based GA-Z77N-WiFi, and H77-based GA-H77N-WiFi. The two are virtually identical, with the exception of the Z77-based model supporting CPU overclocking. This is made possible due to the fact that Z77 and H77 PCH chips are pin-compatible, and it's only a matter of pairing either of those with compatible micro-code. The GA-H77N-WiFi has been detailed length in our older article. The two are perhaps the only mini-ITX motherboards in the industry to feature three network interfaces (two gigabit Ethernet and an 802.11 b/g/n WLAN). Further, the WLAN adapter supports Intel Wireless Display Technology (WiDi), adding to three other ways to connect your display to it: HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI.

Designed for professionals seeking a solid business notebook that delivers robust productivity, manageability, security and reliability features, Acer America today introduced the new TravelMate P243 notebook PC for U.S. customers.

"Today's mobile business executive needs a PC that is robust enough to run intensive business applications while still fitting into strict budget guidelines," said Gregg Prendergast, vice president of commercial sales for Acer America. "The TravelMate P243 notebook is an important addition to our professional notebook portfolio as it combines everything today's road warrior requires, including exceptional performance, enterprise-level security, durability and manageability for a best-in-class mobile experience."

GIGABYTE is working on a new mini-ITX form-factor motherboard for HTPCs and home servers. The H77N-WiFi, built for socket LGA1155 Core Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors, and based on Intel H77 Express chipset, features three network interfaces: two gigabit Ethernet, and an 802.11 b/g/n WLAN. Revving up its HTPC credentials, the board also features two HDMI display outputs, so you can plug your TV to one, and home theater receiver to the other (for multi-channel digital audio). Further, the 8-channel HD audio CODEC gives out an optical SPDIF (TOSLINK) output for 7.1 channel audio.

The GIGABYTE H77N-WiFi draws power from 24-pin ATX and 4-pin CPU power connectors. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 4+1 phase VRM that appears to use common ferrite core chokes and LFPAK MOSFETs. The LGA1155 CPU is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 16 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory; and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16. The Intel H77 PCH gives out two SATA 6 Gb/s and two SATA 3 Gb/s ports, with support for Smart Response technology (SSD caching). Apart from dual-HDMI, the board supports DVI-I.

Officially unveiled last month, Samsung's sleek and powerful 17-inch Series 7 CHRONOS Notebook has now begun to hit stores in the US. Priced at $1,500, this new mobile offering comes enclosed in a one inch thick brushed aluminum shell, and features a slim bezel Full HD (1920 x 1080) 300nit display, a Core i7-3615QM processor, 8 GB of RAM, a GeForce GT 650M 2 GB graphics card and a storage system made up of a 1 TB hard drive and 8 GB of ExpressCache NAND Flash memory.

The Series 7 laptop also has JBL stereo speakers, a subwoofer, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Intel WiDi (Wireless Display) support, and a battery enabling up to 8 hours of operation. The 17-inch Series 7 CHRONOS runs Windows 7 Home Premium.

Lenovo today announced a new series of ThinkCentre M and Edge Series desktops and all-in-ones (AIOs) designed to fit the needs of today's demanding business environment via a range of models featuring a blend of essential features, powerful performance and affordable technology. The new desktops and AIOs not only include the latest generation of Intel Core processors for powerful performance, but also feature the latest in Lenovo design and performance innovations including blazing fast 15-second boot up times, intelligent cooling methods and productive multi-screen functionality.

"Business professionals working in highly productive and collaborative environments need PCs designed with their business needs in mind," said Tom Shell, vice president and general manager, Commercial Desktop Business Unit, Lenovo. "These new desktops give users and IT managers a more productive computing experience, whether it's better multi-tasking, powerful performance or space-saving design."

Samsung UK has jumped the gun with Ivy Bridge-powered Ultrabooks, and posted the product page of its 15-inch Series 9 Ultrabook. Intel's Core "Ivy Bridge" processors for Ultrabooks won't be official till June. Pictured below is the Series 9 NP900X4C, with a 15-inch screen, that has 1600x900 pixels resolution, and a sleek wedge-shaped design. Under the hood is an Intel Core i5-3317U dual-core processor clocked at 1.70 GHz, with 2.60 GHz Turbo Boost speed, and Intel HD 4000 graphics; Intel HM75 Express chipset, 8 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 MHz memory, and a 128 GB SSD.

Connectivity/features include 802.11 b/g/n with WiDi support, Bluetooth 4.0, one USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, micro-HDMI display output, SD/MMC card-reader, and 1.3 megapixel webcam. The keyboad has backlit illumination, and the tracking device is a large multi-touch clickpad. The Series 9 body is made of an all-aluminum chassis, which could make it light, improve heat dissipation, but also step up its costs. Expect the Series 9 NP900X4C to start selling in June.

Intel finally got the ball rolling on its third generation Core processor family codenamed "Ivy Bridge", which will go into making most of the company's client processor portfolio for 2012. These chips are characterized as being the world's first microprocessors built on the 22 nanometer silicon fabrication process. Intel aided miniaturization of circuits to such tiny scale thanks to 3D Transistor technology, a space-efficient nano-scale transistor design that enables chip-designers to achieve higher transistor densities, and come up with ever more powerful chips.

The third-generation Core processor family is based around a single die design (pictured below), from which it will carve out numerous SKUs in the client market in May-June, and enterprise market (under its Xeon brand, towards the end of June). These SKUs will be carved out by toggling the various parallel components (such as x86 cores, cache banks, processor graphics cores, and of course clock-speeds). The new Core processor family is expected to feature higher performance per clock-speed, and higher efficiency. Intel's Kirk Skaugen has been quoted by the BBC as saying "This is the world's first 22 nm product and we'll be delivering about 20% more processor performance using 20% less average power."

Fujitsu today introduced the LIFEBOOK AH532 desktop alternative notebook and the LIFEBOOK LH532 thin and light notebook, which are among the first systems to incorporate the new mobile Intel platform.

Powered by the next-generation mobile Intel HM76 Express chipsets and the Intel Core i3-2350M Processor, the 15.6" LIFEBOOK AH532 and the 14" LIFEBOOK LH532 notebooks with Microsoft Windows 7 are enhanced with a performance boost, improved multitasking, stunning visuals, the latest Intel WiDi (Wireless Display), and better energy efficiency.

In addition to bringing the UX21A and UX31A, the upcoming Zenbook series update is set to see the arrival of two more ultrabooks, the UX32A and UX32Vd. Set to cost between $800 and $1,100, these 'budget-minded' ultrabooks are 18.3 mm thick, they weight 1.45 kg, and feature a 13.3-inch (HD or optionally, Full HD IPS), display, 2/4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive backed by a 24 GB SSD (for some caching fun), and a low-voltage Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge (1.8 GHz Core i3-3217U, 2.4 GHz Core i5-3317U or 2.8 GHz Core i7-3517U) processor.

The UX32A comes with integrated graphics, while the UX32Vd will come equipped with a GeForce GT620M 1 GB card. Both models will have WiFi, Bluetooth, optional WiDi, and offer up to seven hours of battery life.

Samsung Electronics has today launched its 24-inch and 27-inch TB750 Series 7 HDTV monitors announced at CES 2012 in January. These two displays feature a sleek asymmetric design, a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 5 ms response time, a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, 300 cd/m2 brightness, stereo speakers, a HDMI input, and both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.

The TB750 duo also comes with Intel WiDi (Wireless Display) and MHL (Mobile High-definition Link) support, and provides access to the Samsung Smart Hub for easy access to apps and web-based entertainment.

The 24-inch and 27-inch Series 7 TV monitors are selling in South Korea for $434 and $612, respectively.

Announced last month at CES, the IdeaPad U300e 13.3-inch ultrabook has now become available through Lenovo's online shop. The U300e is just 0.7" thin, it runs Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), and has a one-piece aluminum shell, a breathable keyboard (using Intel's Advanced Cooling Technology), an LED-backlit (1366 x 768) display, a glass touchpad, and BIOS-embedded anti-theft protection.

The model put up for order by Lenovo (269224U) packs a 1.6 GHz Core i5-2467M CPU, Intel HD 3000 graphics, 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB HDD and a 32 GB SSD, a 1.3 MP webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, WiDi support, one USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI output, and a 4-cell battery providing up to 7 hours of operation. This configuration costs $959.20 (thanks to a web promotion and an eCoupon) and is available here.