Laptops Arena

At the ongoing Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, Asustek Computer is showcasing a notebook that comes with a small screen on the cover. The "second display" design for notebooks enables users to operate, such as using the email and MP3 player functions, without unfolding the devices.

Similar to mobile phones with a sub display, notebooks that come with a second display are considered a special design concept for notebooks featuring the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, according to Taiwan notebook makers.

In addition to Asustek, Acer and Mitac Technology have also started developing notebooks with second displays.

Via digitimes.

Asus is putting its money where its HD DVD slot is, adding the swanky optical drive to its new line of W2 laptops with its latest addition, the Asus W2P.

Building on the previous W2J model, this slick little number packs HDCP support, HDMI out, an ATI Mobility Radeon X1700 chip, a hybrid analog / digital TV tuner, built-in Dolby surround sound, three-flavor WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, up to 2GB of SDRAM and "a range of" Merom Core 2 Duo chips including both 4MB L2 and 2MB L2 cache versions.

Unfortunately, we've got zero intel on pricing or availability for now, but we'll keep you updated on this multimedia powerhouse as more deets emerge.

Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

Via engadget.

ASUS has unveiled its latest thin-and-light multimedia notebook, the A8J.

This 5.2-pound powerhouse boasts an Intel Core 2 Duo T5500-T7600 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7700 graphics, up to 2GB of DDR2-667 memory, 80GB-120GB HDD, and a 14.1-inch WXGA+ display with Color Shine technology.

External interfaces include five USB 2.0 ports, a mini-Firewire port, built-in VGA webcam, DVI-D, Bluetooth 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet.

No word yet on pricing and availability.

Via notebookreview.

The Asus Z96j notebook computer has been reviewed over at Notebook Review. 'My z96j took one week to arrive at my door. thought it was ridiculous that it took 3 days for GenTech PC to install only a processor.

My friends who purchased fully configured Asus s96js and z96js from GenTech PC claimed that their laptops shipped within the same day! Regardless, UPS was prompt to deliver my new notebook intact.

Upon opening the box, I found all the proper documentation and CDs. As requested, Ken included all the screws and brackets for the hard drive and optical drive.

Via notebookreview.

The moderately priced Asus W7J offers a powerful dual-core engine, discrete Nvidia graphics, and dual-layer DVD burning in a stylish, portable package. Unfortunately, you'll need to spend $1634 if you plan to do spend much time away from an outlet.

The W7J is encased in a smooth, black body with subtle silver highlights that accentuate the 12.4 x 8.9 x 1.1-inch frame. Weighing in at a light 4.2 pounds, the W7J won't bog you down on the daily commute.

The notebook features a good-looking 13.3-inch widescreen with 1280 x 800 resolution. Asus Color Shine technology minimizes screen glare, which makes watching movies from a variety of angles enjoyable. The screen displays rich colors and doesn't suffer from heavy reflections.

View full review here.