NEWS
GOVERNMENT
SECURITY
AI
DIGITAL NATION
RESOURCES
PODCAST
EVENTS
ADVERTISE

BUSINESS CLOUD DATA CENTRE

EDUCATION FINANCIAL SERVICES HARDWARE

HEALTHCARE INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING

PROJECTS SOFTWARE STORAGE

STRATEGY TECHNOLOGY TELCO/ISP

HR MARKETING FINANCE LEADERSHIP GOVERNANCE EMERGING TECH

STATE OF SECURITY 2025 State of HR Tech State of AI 2024

Special Reports Focal Points MEDIA HUB

PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER HUBS RESEARCH

SECURITY AWARDS DIGITAL NATION AWARDS BENCHMARK AWARDS Digital As Usual

NEWS

BUSINESS CLOUD DATA CENTRE EDUCATION FINANCIAL SERVICES HARDWARE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING PROJECTS SOFTWARE STORAGE STRATEGY TECHNOLOGY TELCO/ISP

GOVERNMENT SECURITY AI DIGITAL NATION

HR MARKETING FINANCE LEADERSHIP GOVERNANCE EMERGING TECH

RESOURCES

STATE OF SECURITY 2025 State of HR Tech State of AI 2024 Special Reports Focal Points MEDIA HUB PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER HUBS RESEARCH

PODCAST EVENTS

SECURITY AWARDS DIGITAL NATION AWARDS BENCHMARK AWARDS Digital As Usual

ADVERTISE

Log In

Email:

Password:

Remember me | Forgot password?

Don't have an account? Register now!

Home
Galleries
Technology
Hardware

Photos: Ultrabooks worth watching at CES

Four freshly announced models that caught our eye in Las Vegas.

on Jan 17 2012 10:50AM

Ultrabooks are one of the most talked-about gadgets at CES 2012. Here are four divergent models that turned our heads on the showroom floor.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre

The HP Envy Spectre is a Windows 8 Ultrabook boasting a chassis covered in glass. Highlights include a 14.4in high definition screen, a choice between Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, 4GB of DDR3 memory, 256GB of SSD storage and Beats Audio speakers. (Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority)

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The backlit, full size keyboard has an appropriately premium feel.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The lid sports a glowing HP logo.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The Spectre doesn't skimp on the lights; in addition to the HP logo and power button, there's also a pulsing Beats Audio LED logo. (We wonder how much battery life all this 'bling' consumes?)

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The HP Envy Spectre's connectivity options include two USB ports, an SD card reader, MiniDisplay, HDMI and an Ethernet port. (Surprisingly, the latter is absent on some Ultrabook models, requiring the use of an adapter.)

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The Spectre's ultra glossy lid didn't look quite as sexy after a morning on the CES showroom floor: you're going to need to keep a cloth handy to wipe off fingerprints.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

The Envy is expected to hit Australian stores some time in March. Pricing starts at $US1,399.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Compal QAU20

Compal Electronics might not be a household name in Australia, but the Taiwanese manufacturer has a huge global presence. In addition to their own branded notebooks, the company produces notebooks for many major vendors, including Acer, Dell, Toshiba and Hewlett-Packard. In other words, there's a good chance you own a "Compal" notebook and didn't even know it.

Pictured above is the Compal QAU20: a Windows 7 Ultrabook that converts into a tablet.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

The spacious keyboard and trackpad found on most Ultrabooks is a feature we've come to love.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

The Compal QAU20 lets you charge your smartphone battery simply by resting it next to the Ultrabook. (Naturally, a charging strip accessory is required for your phone.)

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

By Ultrabook standards, the lid is pretty pedestrian-looking, although this may appeal to business users.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

The Compal QAU20 in tablet mode. The model we were shown was running Windows 7, which limited the tablet functionality somewhat. It will naturally support Windows 8 however.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u

If you're looking for a business Ultrabook, Lenovo's 14in ThinkPad T430u is the model to keep your eye on. Highlights include a choice of the latest Intel Core processors and Intel integrated or NVIDIA graphics, choice of SSD storage or up to 1 TB of HDD storage and quick resume/fast boot up. It also comes with Lenovo Solution Center powered by Intel Small Business Advantage, a set of productivity and security tools that manage overnight energy savings and automatic patch updates.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

The ThinkPad T430u fits inside the Ultrabook platform's width specifications comfortably: it measures 20mm at its thickest point.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Despite its 14in display, the T430u is compact enough for business users on-the-go courtesy of its thin design and lightweight aluminium cover. The matte black finish should also see it suit the conference room - unlike the hot pink Asus UX21, say.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

The T430u's keyboard is one of the more impressive offerings we've seen at CES to date.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

The Lenovo ThinkPad T430u will be available in Q2 2012. Pricing starts at $US849.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel has shown off some intriguing Ultrabook protoypes and reference designs at CES 2012. One of the more eye-catching offerings was this 'see-through' model dubbed the 'Nikiski' which features a transparent screen beneath the keyboard.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

The notifications tiles strongly resemble those found in Windows 8 but Intel said it had developed its own UI for the system.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

The screen is capable of detecting your hands when the notebook is open and you are typing on the keyboard. It automatically locks the cursor in place.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

As you can see from these examples, the Ultrabook is a lot more than a MacBook Air wannabe -- we can expect to see even more variety and a move towards touch-based UIs in the months to come.

We'll be scouting CES for the rest of the week, so keep an eye out for more Ultrabook news and hands-on reports.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Ultrabooks are one of the most talked-about gadgets at CES 2012. Here are four divergent models that turned our heads on the showroom floor.

Source: Chris Jager, PC & Tech Authority

Tags:

La Trobe ACAMI supercomputer comes online

OpenAI buys iPhone designer Ive's hardware startup

Cisco shows quantum networking chip

Partner Content

Unlock SMB Success with Microsoft Copilot

Promoted Content AI in cybersecurity: weapon or shield?

Partner Content Logicalis APAC CIO Report: The CIO’s 2025 Mandate

Partner Content Elastic's Open Source Strategy Drives Innovation and Expansion

Partner Content Ransomware targets Australian SME false sense of security

Partner Content Machine identity a key priority for organisations’ security strategies: CyberArk

Dave Stevens on Brennan's evolution and the need for Aussie tech unity

Sydney's ITKnocks on contact centre AI and the slow death of the IVR

"It's an exciting time to be part of the health and aged care sector"

Insicon founder Matt Miller on the coming 'tsunami' of compliance and educating boards about cyber security

Orro claims Australia first with managed digital asset discovery service

Latest Comments

Events

EDUtech AU
Security Exhibition & Conference 2025
Integrate Expo 2025
Digital As Usual Cybersecurity Roadshow: Brisbane edition
iTnews Benchmark Security Awards 2025

Most popular tech stories

Coles merges digital and customer leadership

Digital Nation announces finalists for its inaugural Digital Nation Awards

Orica to set new workforce systems live in Australia in July

Westpac pilots AI to analyse inbound call content

Westpac hires CBA's data chief to lead AI, data and digital
Australian MSP Index launched

Ingram Micro Ushers in the Age of Ultra

Announcing Pipeline 2025 tickets, theme & initial speakers

Vic gov to spend $100m on cyber security

"Waiting until an incident is in progress is too late": MSPs urged to review ransomware response as new reporting rules commence
Blackberry celebrates "giant step forward"

The three steps to industrial IoT success

Axis Communications opens experience centre in Sydney tech hub

Perth IoT vendor Digital Matter names new chief executive

How the University of Melbourne used LoRaWAN and IoT in ‘COVIDSafe’ strategy

OTHER TECH SITES: techpartner.news | Digital Nation | IoT Hub

All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Log In

Don't have an account? Register now!

Email:

Password:

Remember me | Forgot your password?

Woolworths' CSO is Optus-bound

Build once. Build right. The enduring power of Azure Landing Zones.

Lion builds an app to detect its beers on tap in venues

Tech giants' indirect emissions rose 150 percent in three years

icare signs $29m cloud renewal with AWS

Photos: Ultrabooks worth watching at CES

Four freshly announced models that caught our eye in Las Vegas.

HP Envy Spectre

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

HP Envy Spectre (cont.)

Compal QAU20

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Compal QAU20 (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Lenovo ThinkPad T430u (cont.)

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Intel 'Nikiski' concept Ultrabook

Related Articles

La Trobe ACAMI supercomputer comes online

OpenAI buys iPhone designer Ive's hardware startup

Cisco shows quantum networking chip

Most popular tech stories

Coles merges digital and customer leadership

Digital Nation announces finalists for its inaugural Digital Nation Awards

Orica to set new workforce systems live in Australia in July

Westpac pilots AI to analyse inbound call content

Westpac hires CBA's data chief to lead AI, data and digital

Australian MSP Index launched

Ingram Micro Ushers in the Age of Ultra

Announcing Pipeline 2025 tickets, theme & initial speakers

Vic gov to spend $100m on cyber security

"Waiting until an incident is in progress is too late": MSPs urged to review ransomware response as new reporting rules commence

Blackberry celebrates "giant step forward"

The three steps to industrial IoT success

Axis Communications opens experience centre in Sydney tech hub

Perth IoT vendor Digital Matter names new chief executive

How the University of Melbourne used LoRaWAN and IoT in ‘COVIDSafe’ strategy

Log In