speed CD-ROM drives, 56K modems, and USB sockets. In addition, these new high-end notebooks support 3-D graphics and improved audio.
Among the new mega-notebook models are Toshiba's Tecra 750DVD/750CDM machines and Siemens Nixdorf's Scenic Mobile 800. The Tecra 750DVD integrates DVD video playback and adds surround sound and 3-D graphics. The
Scenic Mobile 800 features a 14.2-inch display, a keyboard that you can separate, and an integrated smartcard reader in a magnesium case.
In the midrange notebook market, 13.3-inch screens will become a commodity in 1998. In addition, these notebooks are becoming slimmer and lighter. HP, for example, will launch at CeBIT its magnesium-cased SlimLine notebooks, measuring only 1.8 cm high (
see the photo
).
Intel is expected to finally see some competition in the mobile-processor market. Notebook vendors, especially those in Taiwan, are currently readying new offerings based on processors from AMD and Cyrix. Taiwanese notebook makers, including Acer, Arima Computer, First International Computer, Clevo, Inventec Group, and Mitac International, are working on low-cost notebook PCs based on Cyrix's new MediaGX mobile processor for major OEM customers. Also, low-voltage versions of AMD's K6 chips will appear in new products soon.
Several of these Taiwan vendors say these new process
ors will significantly reduce notebook prices, with low-end models reaching price points of $1000 in 1998. For example, Umax has announced it will introduce several notebooks priced below $1500, including some sub-$1000 models.
At a Glance:
New notebooks introduced at CeBIT feature faster processors, up to 5 GB of hard drive space, 14.2-inch TFT displays, 3-D graphics, and improved audio. Look for Siemens' Scenic Mobile 800, which integrates a smartcard reader and a removable keyboard.
photo_link (27 Kbytes)
HP's new SlimLine notebook is magnesium-cased and measures just 1.8 cm
high.
Faster, Bigger, Better
