HP today revamped its corporate and enterprise (C&E) and small and medium business (SMB) notebook PC lineup with new technology aimed at boosting performance and productivity, while offering an enriched and sophisticated industrial design that improves notebook quality and reliability.

The company's new FORGE design framework ensures HP business notebooks embody a timeless construction, with precision-engineered durability features that are designed for maximum reliability and with the environment in mind. Precision aluminum-alloy hinges, cast titanium-alloy display latches and the HP DisplaySafe frame are a few of the design highlights behind the FORGE approach.

Lenovo made its AMD Brazos platform-based ThinkPad X120e available to buyers. One of the first ThinkPad laptops using AMD processors, the X120e uses a 11.6-inch form-factor, and is driven by either an AMD E-240 Fusion single-core, or E-350 dual-core accelerated processing unit, AMD Radeon HD 6310 graphics, 2, 3, or 4 GB of DDR3 memory, WiFi a/b/g/n, and optional 3G HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0. Storage options include 5400 or 7200 RPM hard drives, while battery options include 3-cell standard, or 6-cell. Windows 7 Home Premium is standard, but Windows 7 Professional can be opted for. Available in a variety of configurations, the ThinkPad X120e base models start at US $399 and $449.

Microsoft today released Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2, to all users. A Service Pack is a periodical cumulative of updates released between a period of time, that also introduces new features to the OS. For both operating systems based on the Windows 6.1 kernel, Service Pack 1 will provide all product and security updates released to date. A couple of new features that will benefit Windows 2008 R2 are also bundled. These include Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX.

Dynamic Memory lets Hyper-V administrators pool available memory on a physical host and dynamically distribute it to any virtual machine(s) running on that host, while RemoteFX lets Windows Server 2008 R2 administrators provide a rich end user desktop virtualization experience by delivering vivid content, independent of any graphics stack, to server-hosted virtual and session-based desktops. We put Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to test, to see how the updated OS benefits gamers, or if it does in the first place. Our performance analysis can be read here. A list of notable changes with SP1 can be read here.

Lenovo today announced six new ThinkPad laptops - the T420s, T420, T520, L420, L520 and W520 - that maximize performance and offer a higher level of productivity for today's mobile business professionals. These laptops are built upon a platform of new Lenovo innovations that respond to key business needs including: video and voice calling, smart PC features for power and performance management, all-day battery life, enterprise management and an intuitive, easy-to-use computing experience.

The ultra-thin, sub four pound ThinkPad T420s speeds up boot time 30 percent1 with Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0; the T420 reaches new battery life benchmarks of up to 30 hours with an extended battery; the W520 mobile workstation offers twice the performance of previous models; and the L Series gives customers recognized ThinkPad durable design at an exceptional value.

Seeing really is believing. With eye-grabbing looks that demand attention, the colourful new 14" VAIO C Series from Sony makes a dramatic lifestyle statement. It's also a fully-featured notebook PC, with ample power to handle your day-to-day computing needs. The latest VAIO C Series showcases a radical style direction by Sony that stands out from run-of-the-mill notebook PCs. A choice of fashion colours include two special orange and green 'light emitting' options. This audacious design scatters light along edges of the translucent PC lid and other key surfaces to create a dramatic glow effect.

Aside from ground-breaking looks, new VAIO C Series balances portability and performance to make light of everyday tasks - from emailing to editing presentations. The high contrast 14" (35.5cm) real-wide VAIO Display with LED backlighting provides plenty of screen space for web browsing, photo viewing and document editing.

Employing rock-solid R&D capabilities, MSI rolled out a complete array of new notebook computers packing the new generation of CPU platforms introduced in 2011. It will be parading them March 1-5 at CeBIT, the international computer electronics exhibition in Hanover, Germany. MSI's wares will be displayed in Booth C38, Hall 17. Come to MSI's booth to see world gaming champions Fnatic.MSI as well as the MSI GT680-the world's fastest notebook computer. There'll be plenty of exciting things at the MSI booth to wow the crowds.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, noted that the 20+ additions to be shown will include the awesome G Series gaming laptops, the high performance F Series, the deluxe multimedia C Series, the gorgeously slender X Series, and the highly mobile U netbook series. These stylish machines all pack the newest generation of either Intel or AMD's CPUs and advanced visual-display units. Most models also come with MSI Premium Sound-the best wrap around sound out there. Like supercar-class Dynaudio, cinema-grade THX TruStudio Pro, and premium multimedia SRS PC Sound for the home, programs designed to satisfy the audio-visual entertainment needs of users from around the world, will be on display in Hanover.

HP today unveiled its first touchscreen desktop PCs to feature a 60-degree reclining display, enabling users to adjust the display's position for a comfortable user experience. With a sleek, clean appearance, the new HP TouchSmart610 Consumer PC and HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite Business PC recline from upright to almost flat, providing consumers and business users increased comfort for longer-term use and making it easier for businesses to engage customers.

"As a leader in touch computing, HP has made each iteration of the TouchSmart PC more intuitive, resourceful and fun for users," said James Mouton, senior vice president, Desktop Organization, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The latest generation is no exception with a new design that makes it easier and more comfortable to use, and it allows businesses to integrate the TouchSmart where convenience, space constraints and appearance matter."

Plextor is excited to reveal they will be launching their first solid state drive (SSD) in the UK next month - the world-class 2nd generation M2S Series. Plextor has a deserved, solid reputation for high performance, high quality products, especially in the storage sector. This leap into the SSD sector in the UK and Europe is a new move for the ever-expanding manufacturer, and a demonstration of their continued position as pioneers in a market likely to grow rapidly in future years. SSDs are increasing in popularity as a complement alongside traditional HDDs and the technology may eventually replace the HDD entirely for the OS and working environment.

Available in 3 capacities (64GB, 128GB and 256GB), the perfectly engineered 2.5" internal M2S Series SSD is one of the first of its kind to support the new SATA III 6B/s interface and boasts exclusive technologies to increase speed, stability and lifespan - offering up to 10 years of performance which doesn't degrade over time as other SSDs might. With read speeds of up to 480 MB/s, write speeds of up to 330 MB/s and performing significantly highly in benchmark tests, the M2S is currently the fastest SSD available on the market.

Apacer Technology, a global innovator in memory module, takes advantage of its technical superiority again to step up the SSD read and write speed as well as its durability. The memory giant debuts today the Turbo II AS602 SSD series, which features top-of-the-line and high-speed SandForce SF-1222 controller that helps optimize sequential read/write performance to a blazing fast of 285/275MB and delivers more IOPS (30,000 input/ 13,000 output per second). Apacer also improves SSD's capability to transfer data involving small files and increases overall transfer rate. Plus, the built-in Duraclass technology delivers best-in-class reliability tantamount to enterprise-level SLC drives and edges over previous generations

"With its technical superiority in consumer and enterprise SSD as well as the use of SandForce SF-1222 controller, Apacer has managed to create the nearly impeccable AS602 SSD," said Apacer. "Compared with its SSD counterparts, Apacer's AS602 SSD has not only the fastest sequential transfer speed but fastest random read and write speed as well. It features incredible reliability and makes up all the SSD shortcomings so as to address the speed needs for users," Apacer added.

Toshiba released its latest stereoscopic 3D ready notebook in Japan, the Dynabook T551. This 15.6-inch notebook is driven by Intel's Huron River (Sandy Bridge mobile) platform, consisting of Intel Core i7-2630QM quad-core processor clocked at 2.00 GHz. Up to 8 GB of memory can be opted for, 4 GB being standard. Graphics duties are assigned to NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M GPU with 1 GB of dedicated memory. The 15.6-inch screen offers native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. 3D viewing requires putting on 3D glasses.

Other features include an almost full keyboard with number pad cluster, 750 GB of hard drive based storage, a Blu-ray drive that supports BD-3D, and a webcam. Connectivity includes USB 3.0, WiFi b/g/n, gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI 1.4a to extend the display. Windows 7 Home Premium x64 is the OS of choice, and comes pre-installed. The company did not give out pricing details yet.

After giving its price-performance ratio a huge boost in late December, Dell introduced an even newer value variant of the Adamo ultra-slim ultra-portable notebook. The company's latest offer includes a 13.4-inch Adamo priced at US $799 ($100 less than the performance variant introduced last month), and driven by Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 (clocked at 1.40 GHz), and 2 GB of memory. The 13.4-inch screen offers 1366 x 768 pixels resolution, and the chipset embeds Intel GMA X4500 graphics. Storage is care of a 128 GB SSD. Connectivity includes WiFi and Bluetooth. Other features include a 1.3 megapixel webcam. Windows 7 Home Premium x64 comes preinstalled.

Fujitsu also launched its latest Lifebook sub-notebook, the PH50/C, which is driven by AMD's Fusion "Brazos" platform. At its heart is an AMD Fusion E-350 accelerated processing unit (APU), which packs two x86-64 cores clocked at 1.60 GHz, and an AMD Radeon HD 6310 DirectX 11 compliant graphics processor. The APU is aided by 2 GB of memory and 500 GB storage. The 11.6-inch Lifebook screen features a 1366 x 768 pixels screen. Connectivity is typical of what you'd expect from a notebook in its category: WiFi b/g/n, Ethernet, and a couple of USB 2.0 ports. Other features include a webcam, 3-in-1 media card slot, and HDMI to extend the display to a larger screen. Windows 7 Home Premium comes pre-installed. Set to release first in Japan, the Fujitsu Lifebook PH50/C is priced at an equivalent of around US $950.

GIGABYTE, a longtime leader in computer technology and innovation, today announced an exciting new 10.1-inch slate PC, the S1080. The S1080 features a Windows 7 operating system and is powered by an Intel Atom N550 dual core processor.

"The S1080 is designed to be the ultimate mobile device to fit the demanding needs of consumers who need a high-performing multitasking slate that offers the full productivity of a PC," said Stephen Lee, Sales Director at GIGABYTE Notebooks. "With the S1080, users now have constant access to all their business needs including email, internet and other important applications."

SAPPHIRE Technology, the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of graphics systems based on technology from AMD has just announced its first mainboard based on the exciting new APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) architecture from AMD. As a result of close collaboration with AMD, SAPPHIRE will introduce the SAPPHIRE Pure White Fusion E350M1W mainboard through its Global channel - heralding a new generation of low-power, fully featured PC solutions.

The SAPPHIRE Pure White Fusion E350M1W is a mini-ITX mainboard featuring the E350 (Zacate) APU from AMD. Zacate is the first generation of APU - a combination of CPU and GPU computing technologies onto a single die to improve the performance of both visual and data-intensive tasks. For the first time it combines high-performance serial computing and parallel graphics processing cores on a single chip. The SAPPHIRE Pure White Fusion E350M1W also uses the companion Hudson-M1 (A50M) Chip from AMD.

ASUS' much talked about tablet, the Eee Slate EP121 was officially unveiled at CES. The 12-inch tablet features hardware specifications which aren't very "Eee", so to speak. To begin with, it's not based on the Atom Pine Trail platform, but instead uses a relatively powerful Core i5-470UM dual-core processor clocked at 1.33 GHz (1.86 GHz Turbo Boost), with 3 MB L3 cache, HyperThreding, and Intel HD 2000 graphics. The CPU is backed by 2 or 4 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory. Storage is care of 32 or 64 GB SSD.

The Eee Slate EP121 runs Windows 7 Home Premium x64 with all its touch-input features enabled. The 12.1" multi-touch screen sports a screen resolution of 1280 x 800. Apart from directly touching the UI, users can also use the provided digitizer pen that can let you write in your handwriting, which the software tries to make sense of and converts to text. Connectivity includes USB 2.0 ports, WiFi b/g/n, and Bluetooth 3.0. Other features include 2-channel HD audio, mini-HDMI display output, 3-in-1 card reader, and built-in stereo speakers. Prices start at US $1000, and goes up depending on memory amount and SSD size opted for.

World leading flash manufacturer, Silicon Power is in tune with USB3.0 product technologies and today announces, the Stream S10 ~ a portable 2.5inch 750GB hard drive. Silicon Power's Stream S10 is in semblance with Italian sports car with super fast USB3.0 read/write speed. It comes in simple curvaceous design and artistry paint treatment on a delicate casing that is elegant, gracious and trendy.

Distinguishing itself from the Armor portable hard drive series, Silicon Power's Stream series focuses on light weight, trendy design and performance. The Stream 10 is the first release from the Stream series. It serves to satisfy a broader market and customer needs. At the same time, it completes the Silicon Power external hard drive series of products; whether you are after performance, quality craftsmanship or economical value, Silicon Power's external hard drive series has it all.

Toshiba joined the small but growing group of PC manufacturers ready with a netbook powered by AMD's upcoming Fusion "Brazos" platform. Revealed by Toshiba Germany, the NB550D is a 10.1-inch netbook driven by AMD C-50 Fusion APU with two processor cores clocked at 1.00 GHz, carrying AMD Radeon HD 6250 DirectX 11 compliant graphics. It is backed by 1 GB of memory, 250 GB of storage, connectivity that includes WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and gigabit Ethernet. The unit itself weighs 1.32 kg, comes in three bezel color options: orange, green and brown. It embeds a VGA webcam, and is powered by a 6-cell battery. At full charge, the battery can run the netbook for up to 9.5 hours. It comes with Windows 7 Starter pre-installed. It should be released along with most other Fusion Brazos netbooks, in Q1-2011.

LG Electronics announced the latest member of the XNote series, the XNote P210. Its biggest selling point is its size. While it's the size and shape of a notebook with a 11.6-inch screen, it actually features a larger 12.5-inch screen. This is made possible by using an extremely slim bezel (the portion surrounding the actual display area of the screen). The screen resolution isn't mentioned, though it bears an "HD" badge. In all likelihood, it could have a resolution of 1366 x 768 or 1280 x 720 in the worst-case.

Measuring 299 x 192 x 20.9 mm, the XNote P210 weighs 1.3 kg. It is driven by an Intel Core i5 470UM dual-core processor clocked at 1.33 GHz featuring Turbo Boost and HyperThreading. Other hardware specs include 4 GB of DDR3 memory, Intel HD graphics with dynamic frequency, and 320 GB hard-drive based storage. Connectivity include WiFi b/g/n, and Bluetooth 3.0. Windows 7 Home Premium x64 comes pre-installed. Slated for February, the XNote P210 is expected to be priced at around US $1,100.

Dell's iconic ultra-portable, the Adamo, got a much-needed specifications update, along with a welcome drop in price of the base model. The 13-inch 0.65" thick notebook now starts at US $899 (earlier $1100), and features faster hardware, including Intel Core 2 Duo SL9600 processor clocked at 2.10 GHz (compared to the much slower Core 2 Duo SU9300 1.20 GHz), Intel X4500 graphics, 4 GB of memory, a 128 GB SSD storage, and connectivity that includes WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 EDR. It comes with Windows 7 Home Premium x64 pre-installed.

AMD today released its latest version of the AMD Catalyst software suite, Catalyst 10.2 WHQL, as well as unveiled a Catalyst 10.2 Preview driver that lets you use the latest version Catalyst Control Center (CCC) that features a more functional user interface. The new CCC features a reworked UI that allows easier adjustment of 3D settings and image quality; makes setting up multiple displays easier; and helps adjust power settings to optimize battery life (on notebooks).

Apart from that, Catalyst 10.2 introduces DivX Accelerated support for AMD Radeon HD 6800 series GPUs; support for OpenGL 4.1, including new ARB extensions introduced with OpenGL 4.1; and an updated AMD Stream v2.3 API.

DOWNLOAD:AMD Catalyst 10.12 for Windows 7/Vista 64-bit, Windows 7/Vista 32-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows XP 64-bit
A complete list of changes follows:

Lenovo today introduced the IdeaPad Y460p, IdeaPad Y560p and IdeaCentre K330, which all sport high-performance processors and are packed with multimedia features. The new PCs are perfect for young adults who seek the ultimate multimedia experience for watching movies, listening to music and playing games.

"Lenovo is continuously expanding its product line to provide consumers with the latest advancements in multimedia and entertainment capabilities," said Dion Weisler, vice president, business operations, Lenovo. "The Y460p, Y560p and K330 all feature speedy performance and advanced processing in a sleek form factor. Immense storage and high-quality graphics make these ideal for those looking for a superior and easy multimedia experience."

After releasing the WinFast GTX 580 with great sales in November, Leadtek Research Inc., known globally for its extreme visual graphics technology development, today unveiled the new WinFast GTX 570 graphics card for the upcoming holiday season. Like the GTX 580 which features high performance, lower power consumption and noise, the DX11 GPU offers gamers maximum resolution and a quieter environment. The WinFast GTX 570 features a high core clock speed of up to 732MHz. With 480 cores and 1280MB of GDDR5 memory, paired with a 320-bit interface, its graphics card power is lower than GTX 470, only 219 watts.

Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced two additions to its award-winning Force Series SSD family. The new models include the F90 and F180 Force Series SSDs, with densities of 90GB and 180GB respectively.

These latest additions to the Corsair Force Series are built using the Sandforce SF-1200 SSD Processor, which provides exceptional performance, including read speeds of up to 285 MB/sec and write speeds of up to 275 MB/sec, with a 4K random write throughput of up to 50,000 IOPs. This is the same level of performance as that of enterprise-level SSDs, and results in unmatched system responsiveness.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced commercial availability of its latest solutions to bring touch compatibility to the desktop - the VX2258wm display and VPC220T all-in-one PC.

"Businesses and consumers alike are engaging with more touch interactive applications," said Sally Wang, senior director of product marketing, ViewSonic. "To address this need, ViewSonic has announced two new multi-touch solutions to enhance the computing experience. The VX2258wm is our first touch screen, energy-efficient monitor display, while our VPC220T is our multi-touch second-generation all-in-one PC, bringing intuitive touch navigation to SMBs and the enterprise."

Dell today unveiled the Vostro V130, the latest and most stunning addition to its award-winning Vostro laptop line. Designed with the needs and wants of on-the-go entrepreneurs in mind, the Vostro V130 combines head-turning style with best-of-breed durability and security. The Vostro V130 is one of the thinnest [as thin as 0.65" (front) to 0.78" (rear)] and lightest (starting at 3.5 pounds) ultraportable 13-inch laptops available and includes color options Lucerne Red and Aberdeen Silver. Constructed from sturdy aluminum and reinforced with zinc hinges and a magnesium alloy palm rest, it is also road-ready and able to survive everyday bumps and thumps. In addition, the V130 is the first ultra-thin laptop to offer Hyperbaric Cooling, an Intel Advanced Cooling Technology, to help it stay quiet and cool.