Now as IE8 is out, lot of people speculate how the next move of Microsoft will be. Will they even offer a resistance? Mind you IE7 and IE8 offer lot of improvements over the respective previous versions, like IE7 has introduced the tabs, and IE8 brings in the site suggestions, and accelerator etc., but they are generally already old by the time IE implements them.

Now IE9 gears up for another fight-back. Microsoft also knows this time it has to be major, otherwise there may be no respite from the fact that IE is going into oblivion. I think they took this to heart, because looks like IE9 is ready to rock. The software giant has been giving developers and curious journalists a very early peek into its IE 9 progress at PDC, with its stated ambitions including faster Javascript (see table above), HTML5 support, and hardware acceleration for web content – as reported by Engadget. DirectX will use the graphics processor to improve browser text readability and video performance, at the same time taking the memory load off the CPU.

Is this also a move to counter Flash? Do you see a pattern and strategy to support Silverlight? Flash 10.1 came out recently which also supports GPU acceleration. Does it mean when you use IE9 when it comes out, you won’t need Flash because Microsoft’s native product is there to see through you – Silverlight? It will also support HTML5, which supports embedding videos in the browser. But in this field, as someone said, Adobe has always been the 9-feet giant, and most definitely will be. Flash runs in more than 80% of the computers. Some of the world’s most popular streaming video sites like Youtube and Hulu run on Flash, so it’ll be near impossible for MS to replace flash with Silverlight.  

But if MS is thinking not to counter anyone, but keep own quality at par with the market – IE9 should bring a fresh lease of air that Windows 7 seems to be delivering. It’s still in the early developing stage.

The ARCHOS 9 is powered by the new Intel ATOM Z515 processor, an 80GB hard disk, Bluetooth to tether with wireless accessories, and 2 antennas to receive DVBT TV with diversity reception. It is quite thin at only 0.63-inch and weighs less than 800gm.They have MIDs ranging from the 5" Archos 5 to the 10" Archos 10.

Although the price is stated to be $635 around, but with time it might go up – as Engadget suspect.

A significant difference between the 1201N and other netbooks, is its CPU, which is an Intel Atom 330 dual core processor. The 1201N's GPU is an NVIDIA ION, which NVIDIA claims offers DirectX 10 compatibility, 1080p HD video, and the ability to enjoy the premium features of graphically demanding operating systems such as Windows Vista and Windows 7. NVIDIA also state that a netbook fitted with an ION instead of an Intel 945GSE, is likely to have '10 x faster graphics and video transcoding'.

The 1201N's CPU and GPU are major improvements over the specifications of most netbooks, but at what cost? Laptopmag.com claim that the netbook will cost $499, which is a reasonable price, and depending upon how this netbook is perceived in reviews, offers excellent value for money.

The 12.1” display means the 1201N is larger than many netbooks, but it should still be very portable, weighing only 1.46kg. The relatively larger dimensions makes room for the full-sized ergonomic chiclet keyboard; which solves a common complaint amongst netbook users – that smaller keyboards make touch-typing very difficult and uncomfortable.

Rene Haas, the general manager for notebook GPUs at NVIDIA is quoted in ASUS' press release as staying that the 1201N 'delivers exceptional performance for a netbook...with the ability to watch HD video, share and edit photos, play casual games, and convert video to a portable media player. With the upcoming Flash Player 10.1 from Adobe, it will soon handle streaming HD video as well as a high-end desktop PC.'

If Rene's claims are true, then ASUS may well have managed to 'shatter netbook conventions' with the 1201N, as the new machine may begin to rival entry-level notebooks for performance and cost. Here are the full specifications, as detailed in ASUS' press release:-

Display: 12.1" LED-backlit WXGA screen (1366 x 768)

Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7

CPU: Intel® Atom™ 330 Dual Core processor

GPU: NVIDIA® ION™ Graphics

System memory: up to 3GB DDR2 SO-DIMM

Storage: 250GB HDD/320GB and 1 year of 500GB ASUS WebStorage

Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n @2.4GHz, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Battery: 6-Cell 63Wh Li-ion Battery, up to 5 hours of battery life

Webcam: 0.3M Pixels (with digital zoom function)

Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC, Stereo Speakers, High Quality Mic

Interface: 1 x VGA Port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 1 x HDMI, 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in), Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)

Dimensions: 296mm (W) x 208mm (D) x 27.3~ 33.3mm (H)

Weight: 1.46kg (3.22lbs)

Colours: Black, Silver, Blue, Red

The GeForce G 310M (detail page) looks like the upcoming entry level GPU for laptops by Nvidia. Compared to the current GeForce G 210M, only the shader clock speed was bumped up slightly. Therefore, the power consumption could be improved (as the 40nm process is finally getting better as rumors say).

The GeForce GT 330M (detail page) is the successor of the GeForce GT 230M. The number of shader cores still stays the same, but the clock rates were improved significantly. The GT 330M should therefore be even faster than the current GT 240M chip. The power consumption should still be in the range of the GT 230M (as the 330M name implies).

As the screenshots stem from pre-production samples, the clock rates can still change up to the release of the cards. So take this information with a bit of salt.

Although not sure, it can be a deviation from the existing 45nm technology to 32nm if the recently leaked road-map is to be believed. The map says Intel is planning to go even up to 15nm. The Atom has become popular recently, especially with the netbook category. The N450, first to come out of the Pine trail, will integrate the memory controller and the graphics on the same processor chip which was earlier built on a separate chipset (945GC/945GSE chipset in case of Atom processors using Intel Core Logic architecture). This move will allow motherboards to be built with just a four layer PCB since trace routing will be much simpler.

Now Cedar Trail will further sharpen the objective of making the Atom processors more and more energy efficient rather than making them more powerful but memory and battery guzzlers. This will also drive the price down.

Along with the Atom N450 which is rumored to be released on January 3^rd 2010, and N470, which should come out in the H1 of 2010 as well as the D410 and D510, will cater to Intel partners throughout 2010 and then Cedar Trail is expected to take over in 2011.

This move is extremely important for Intel, as it needs to maintain its supremacy in the emerging verticals as well to retain the competitive edge over other players like AMD who is almost breathing down its neck. The emerging vertical now is the netbooks, where fortunately AMD’s hold is much less than Intel’s. Hopefully Cedar Trail will help Intel continue to do this.

Nvidia 3D Vision works with the 120Hz display along with shutter glasses that open and closes special shutters sixty times a second to create a magnificent three dimensional effect. Nvidia has worked closely with display manufacturers, including CPT, LG, CMO, and Samsung, to bring these panels to notebook platforms that will support the 3D vision technology.

This approach is very important from the point of view that notebooks are fast becoming the mainstream computing devices today. They are also becoming more and more powerful (take for example the Alienware series) to play games and high-definition videos. So a technology like this is not only needed, but can be well received also. Asus announces release of its G51J 3D laptop already in early December with Clevo and MicroStar International to follow in 2010.

“We look forward to bringing NVIDIA 3D Vision-capable notebooks to the market. The era of 3D is upon us, and immersive 3D gaming and movie watching is indeed an exciting proposition,” said Stephen Chien, worldwide sales and marketing vice president at Clevo – as reported by xbitlabs.

Along with Asus, other notebook vendors are also quite enthusiastic about this new technology. MSI says NVIDIA’s this technology is probably the best in its class. Acer Group is also planning a stereo 3D laptop, although it is probably not the one we are talking about. Besides, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Sony are also interested in stereo 3D-capable mobile computers.

The ultra-thin notebook, which has an attractive, brushed aluminium finish, is fitted with an integrated Intel GMA X4500MHD and an NVIDIA GeForce G210M. Following the other notebooks in Asus' UL range, the UL30VT allows users to switch between the two GPUs depending upon their power saving requirements. This feature, called 'ASUS GraphiX Boost' is an excellent, innovatory tool, because battery life can be preserved at whim, by switching to the integrated GPU.

Asus is also offering 'unlimited all-day computing with up to 12 hours battery life', which is made possible by 'ASUS Power4 Gear Technology'. This apparently 'facilitates the deployment and usage of power according to the users' preferences in relation to the specific tasks that they need to perform.' It is through this feature that users turn off certain hardware devices, like the discrete GPU for example, in order to preserve battery life.

The UL30Vt is fitted with relatively energy-efficient DDR3 memory, instead of DDR2 memory. Battery life is also conserved by the UL30Vt's use of an Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300, which ASUS claims can 'provide the best multitasking performance while using less energy.'

It seems that users who wish to use graphically rich applications or games can enjoy such software with the UL30Vt, or temporarily sacrifice performance to have the equivalent battery power of a netbook. As well as the benefits of activating the discrete GPU, users can further augment the machine's power via another useful facet, namely 'the ground-breaking ASUS Turbo33 Technology, which integrates both hardware and software to enhance system performance by up to 33%.' 

The UL30VT has a 13.3" screen (1366 x 768), which means it is not only very thin, but is very portable, weighing just 1.5kg. Those concerned by the small screen can always plug this into a larger display, using the HDMI port. To see the rest of the specifications, please take a look at the following list, as displayed on Asus.com:-

·         Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor SU7300 : 1.4 GHz or Intel® Celeron® Processor SU2300/743 : 1.2 GHz

·         Operating System:     Windows® 7 Ultimate, Professional, Home Premium, or Home Basic

·         System Memory: DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 4GB SDRAM

·         Display: 13.3" HD (1366x768) Color-Shine (Glare-type)

·         GPU:  Embedded Intel® GMA X4500MHD & NVIDIA® GeForce® G 210M with 512 MB VRAM- switchable graphics

·         Hard Drive: 2.5" 9.5mm 5400 rpm SATA (250GB, 320GB or 500GB)

·         Card Reader: 4 in 1 card reader, SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro

·         Video Camera: 0.3 Mega Pixel web camera

·         Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN: Intel® WiFi Link 1000, Integrated 802.11 b/g/n, Built-in Bluetooth™ V2.1+EDR (optional), Atheros AR8132M 10/100Mb, Azureware NE785H (optional)

·         Interface: 1 x Microphone-in jack, 1 x Headphone-out jack, 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert, 1 x HDMI

·         Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, Altec Lansing® speakers, SRS Premium Sound

·         Keyboard: 30.2mm size

·         Battery: 4 cells: 2200 mAh or 8 cells: 4400/5600 mAh

·         Dimensions: 32.2 x 23.3 x 1.48~2.46 cm (W x D x H)

·         Weight: 1.50 kg (with 4 cell battery)

Asus also includes an optical mouse with the package, which is a useful addition for most users. Asus have not yet confirmed a release date, it's possible that it will be available soon, perhaps in time for the holidays, when laptop sales may increase before and after the festive season. Whilst Asus haven't revealed a price either; I suspect the UL30Vt will cost a little more than the similarly equipped ASUS 13.3” silver UL30A-A2 notebook. The UL30A-A2 currently costs $774.95 including shipping, at Amazon.com. 

The UL30Vt appears to be a very versatile machine, with powerful specifications, it should appeal to customers seeking power, portability and long battery life – which are three qualities I think almost every customer wants in a notebook. Asus have a wide range of notebooks at very low prices, and if the UL30Vt is not the exception to this pricing policy, it should do very well.