CES 2011: Tradeshow Highlights and Round-Up

Intel's new Sandy Bridge quad core processors dominate all new releases in the fields of consumer and gaming notebooks. Both MSI, with the new GT780R, and Dell, with the refreshed Alienware M17x, supply gamers with two high-end devices including a lot of power underneath the keyboard.

We could examine the MSI GT780R closer in a hands on after the official announcement. The 17.3 inch desktop replacement has a graphics card from the Nvidia GTX 500M range aside the new processor generation. More highlights are the Dynaudio sound system and the option of ordering a dual SSD combination. The opponent from Dell will be available as Alienware M17x R3 in future and is impressive with special features. Aside the new components, there is an optional 3D screen (Full HD, 1920x1080 pixels, 120 Hz). Currently, there are three models to choose from for the graphics card. However, we didn't see a system with SLI or Crossfire. Another highlight is the HDMI-in port over which, for example, a Sony Playstation 3 can be connected. In combination, you get a game console with a connected 3D screen. The device is priced starting at 1499 US dollars in the United States.

3D solutions and Sandy Bridge CPUs are also offered in the field of consumer notebooks. Sony's refreshed VAIO F series isn't exactly cheap with an entry price of 1999 euros, but a 16.4 inch 3D screen with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (280 Hz) is a good argument. We've already reviewed the Asus N53SV multimedia notebook with an Intel Core i7-2720QM and Nvidia GT 540M midrange graphics and rated it as good. A vast amount of models from the most various manufacturers in a price range of 1000 euros were showcased at the CES 2011. That doesn't exactly make it easy for the consumer to choose.

In the field of ultra portable notebooks, or even subnotebooks, two devices are in tight competition to one another. For one, the new slim Samsung ZX310 from the 9 range and for the other, the new Sony VAIO Y series (YA – YB) with a magnesium case and cutting edge hardware. The ZX310 impresses with an extremely slim case made of duraluminum (short: duralumin or dural), an aluminum alloy with an especially high stability and brand new hardware. Among others, Intel's Core i5-2537M with 1.40 GHz, incorporated Intel GMA HD 3000 graphics and a 128 GB solid state drive. At a price of about 1600 US dollars, Samsung's device isn't a bargain.

Sony revives the Vaio Y series and now calls it the YA and YB series. The 11.6 inch devices are based on Intel hardware (Intel Core i3 including Intel GMA HD) or the latest AMD Fusion E-350 APU with incorporated AMD Radeon HD 6310 DirectX 11 graphics unit. The devices, with an aluminum case, only have a weight of 1.46 kilograms. Thus, Sony apparently offers a perfect solution of mobility and performance. Another bonus point is a start price of only 499 euros including value added tax. The devices are to be available in Germany at the end of January 2011 (VAIO YA, Intel), respectively at the end of February 2011 (YB, AMD).

The newly presented netbooks are dominated by AMD's new processors. Because mobility is the center of attention, mainly AMD APUs (Accelerated Processing Unit) of the C range (TDP: 9 watts) are used. The NB550D from Toshiba is a very interesting device. It is based on the AMD Ontario C-50 dual core APU with a clock rate of 1 GHz. Graphic matters are managed by the incorporated AMD Radeon HD 6250 (core rate: 280 MHz). A further highlight is the installed speaker system from Harman/Kardon.

The definite netbook flops at this year's CES 2011 are netbooks with Intel Atom processors (e.g.: Lenovo IdeaPad S100). The new Intel Atom N570 with 1.66 GHz (dual core) was hardly given notice. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the AMD APUs can assert themselves and when Intel will counter. Possible candidates are the upcoming Intel Oak Trail and Cedar Trail platforms.

Among the pure tablets, Asus' Eee Slate EP121 tablet with a 12.1 inch touchscreen became our favorite in Las Vegas. The performance should be right with Microsoft's Windows 7 due to a relatively strong Intel Core i5-470UM (dual core). Another benefit is the functionality of a desktop operating system that the Android or iOS from Apple doesn't provide. The latest communication options, USB and a mini HDMI are further bonus points. The entry price is about 999 US dollars (USA).

Samsung launches a very interesting hybrid of netbook and tablet called Sliding PC 7. The installed 10.1 inch touchscreen bids a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels and allegedly has good 340 cd/m² (luminosity). The device was convincing in the first hands on due to Intel's Atom Z670 processor. Microsoft's Windows 7's performance and the specially developed TouchLauncher make a smooth impression. Dell has an immediate opponent with the Inspiron Duo Convertible. It has a somewhat different screen concept that proved to have a few drawbacks in our review. Samsung's hybrid is supposed to be available as of March 2011 with a price starting at 699 US dollars in the USA.

As usual, Apple is more restrained and doesn't participate in the international exhibition. Nevertheless, first covers and a realistic mock-up of the upcoming Apple iPad 2 turned up at the CES 2011. The case apparently has a slimmer design. New features, for example, a front and rear camera seem reasonable. According to rumors, to be released on February 1st 2011?