Why is this useful? It will give you the ability to run full Windows apps in your iPhone over the network. According to Citrix, you will have full Windows capability, including cut and paste inside Windows.

According to Citrix

we are actively developing a Citrix Receiver for the iPhone that will bring the world of millions of Windows apps and developers to the iPhone. As part of our testing and demonstrations we are looking for examples of compelling applications that will not run natively on the iPhone, however if the app was hosted on XenApp and delivered to the iPhone it would provide a great visual example of the power of Citrix and the iPhone.

Some things that come to mind are;

* Web sites that require flash
* Medical Apps
* Web apps that need IE
* Cut & Paste ( within Citrix sessions )
* ?

We have received great feedback and use case descriptions on the original post ( keep that coming ) now we are looking for specific apps or new ideas that would really open eyes to the possibilities.

via gizmodo & community.citrix

According to Brighthand, Mac rumor sites have found a silicon skin case for the diminutive iPhone Nano from a Chinese maker, stirring more speculation of the device’s launch. The device maker had gained reputation for pre-releasing photos of the iPhone 3G’s case and a recent iPod case ahead of Apple’s announcement. The smaller iPhone will be similar to the iPhone 3G, but may eschew 3G and come with a smaller screen.

The smaller screen size of the rumored iPhone Nano will more closely compete with smaller touchscreen smartphones like the Touch Diamond and the Touch Pro.

On a different, but similar note, the Touch Diamond’s bigger brother–the Touch HD–had beaten the iPhone and other competitors in a test done by Channel 5 The Gadget Show, according to WMPowerUser. With a smaller screen and more navigation control, the Touch Diamond should be able to beat out the iPhone Nano.

via pocketnow

The Mobinnova ICE redefines the touch-screen mobile phone category. By integrating the innovative and unique mobiFeel technology, no longer do you simply touch your mobile phone. You feel its response through your fingertips.
Stimulating the senses doesn’t stop with the exhilarating feel of the screen. Finely crafted, the Mobinnova ICE, is also beautiful to behold. Our award winning design team, have blended stylish design, with a 3” touch-screen, so that you do not have to compromise on size and performance.
With mobiToday, a simple and intuitive, touch and gesture sensitive user interface, the Mobinnova ICE, awakens your senses, bringing the people you love, the entertainment you enjoy and the information you desire, to the tips of your fingers.
With its 3” screen, simple user interface, broadband like internet connectivity and Microsoft web browser, the Mobinnova ICE provides a rich, responsive on-line experience.
Whether you stay in contact via Phone or Email, Facebook or LinkedIn, relaxing with a video or finding your next business meeting, the Mobinnova ICE, helps you make the most of your leisure time, whilst balancing the demands of your business life.

Key Features

3” touch sensitive screen, stimulates your senses with mobiFeel.

Quick, intuitive access to people, entertainment and information, provided by mobiToday, a touch and gesture sensitive user interface.

Only the controls you need are provided, using the mobiShift touch panel. If a widescreen view is required, mobiShift senses the tilting motion of the phone and reorients the display automatically, between landscape and portrait views.

3 megapixel, autofocus camera, with dedicated shutter control, ensures that your photos and videos capture the emotion of the moment, quickly and clearly.

Surf web pages, stream videos or download emails, at fixed broadband like speeds, using HSDPA/ HSUPA or WiFi.

Hassel free access to a microSD slot for expandable memory. Store and easily share music, games, pictures and video with friends or transfer them to your PC.

	Specification
	Dimensions: 114 x 53.5 x 13mm Weight: 120g with battery Networks: Tri Band WCDMA/HSPA *Europe/Asia/Americas - WCDMA/HSPA 900/1900/2100MHzHSDPA providing downlink *speeds of up to 7.2Mbps *HSUPA providing uplink speeds of up to 2Mbps Quad band GSM / GPRS / EDG *GSM850/900/1800/1900MHz (Network bands and speeds are operator & subscription dependant) Display: 3” WQVGA flat TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen User Interface: mobiToday, mobiFeel and mobiShift controls Camera: 3 megapixel autofocus camera with dedicated shutter control. 2nd camera for video calling Memory: 256MB ROM / 128MB RAM. microSD expansion slot with SDCH support Wireless: WiFi 802.11 b/g Radio: Built in FM Radio with RDS/RBDS function Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR / A2DP for use with Bluetooth stereo headsets mini USB 2.0 plus TV-Out CVBS + L/R audio Navigation: Built in GPS/AGPS Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7201ATM (528MHz) Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile® 6.1 professional Battery 1080mAh rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery Talk:                  Up to 6 hours Standby:           Up to 160 hours In Box Content: Handset, AC Charger, Battery, User Guide, Wired stereo headset, Leather Case, USB data sync cable, Microsoft Companion CD and Quick Start Guide

via Mobinnova

Now for all the Fido customers that have been dreaming of getting a BlackBerry. Looks like you will have 3 to choose from: A Pearl Flip, Pearl 8110 BlackBerry Curve 8900. No price plans but targeted to launch between February and April 2009. They will all have Fido UNO which means you can use your cell while at home and not get charged the minutes.

Knowing how RIM is very particular when it comes to the BlackBerry brand is presented. The slides are most likely not final and spell BlackBerry with a small “b”. Nothing big…just something that caught my attention.

via mobilesyrup

Here’s a nice present that should make all Rogers and Fido customers very happy!

There are new pics flying around that show the 9520 BlackBerry Storm to be available at Rogers soon (First half of 2009)! This touchscreen device will have 3G HSPA and WiFi built into it. The following price plans are rumoured to be coming in about $50 lower that Bell and TELUS are currently offering. Most likely by the time this officially launches the price of the 9530 Storm will have a price drop.

Rogers 9520 BlackBerry Storm pricing:
3-year: $199.99 (most likely with a $45 voice and data)
3-year:  $249.99 (most likely no data plan)
2-year: $379.99
1-year: $479.99
No Contract: $529.99

In addition to this glorious news, Rogers will be launching the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8200, this time it will have 3G and GPS built in. It will have the same 2 megapixel camera with flash and video. (Current version of the Pearl Flip 8220 does not have GPS or 3G.)

via mobilesyrup

Sony on Christmas has unintentionally confirmed its netbook model through a placeholder on its VAIO homepage. Now officially labeled the VAIO P, the “revolutionary” system is described as small enough to fit in a pocket yet having a full notebook-level resolution: the 8-inch, LED-backlit display has an extremely wide 1600×768 resolution that covers much more area than the 1024×600 displays of typical netbooks. It also carries full notebook storage with at least a 60GB rotating hard drive and up to a 128GB solid-state drive.

Actually, Sony has this “P-series” VAIO on their notebook section in the SonyStyle store, so maybe netbook isn’t the right term. Just ask Psion, if you don’t believe me. Eagle-eye reader Jose was browsing Sony’s online storefront and caught the new P hiding unsuccessfully at the front of the VAIO line. Not much to go on, but more than we had before although the picture is a TT-device placeholder. Looks like a 1.33GHz Intel CPU which could mean an Atom (dual core perhaps?), but might also be a variant of Intel’s Core Solo like the Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC. She’ll come with Windows Vista Home Premium or Home Basic which is unlike most netbooks out on the market today.

Typical of Sony portable computers, the P will have a high-resolution screen. This one is eight-inches with a whopping 1600×768 res. That means you won’t have nearly as much scrolling as the typical 1024×600 netbook display. Of course, that’s assuming your eyes can handle the strain. I suspect many would-be owners will boosting up the DPI and font sizes. Storage comes in the form of a traditional hard drive up to a measly 60GB but you can opt for a 128GB SSD drive, which will likely bump up pricing a few hundred dollars.

First impressions of the limited specifications tell me that this isn’t a netbook in the traditional, expected sense… if you can call a first year product “traditional”. It doesn’t appear that Sony’s offering will compete on price in the netbook market as I’d expect a base starting price near the top-end of fully loaded netbooks. With options, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this small notebook command over a thousand dollars. That fits in with the “fits in a pocket” claim, because you won’t just big pockets to afford this “netbook”, you’ll need a deep one to tote that 8-inch screen as well. I’m still convinced the form-factor is akin to a clamshell like the old HP Journada.

via electronista & jkontherun

These deals may be a little too late for Christmas, but we’ve found a few ways to lighten your wallet if you just can’t wait for Boxing Day! Have some beer—on us, of course—and happy holidays!

Gaming:
• Guitar Hero Les Paul Wireless Guitar for $19.99 (normally $49.99).
• Xbox 360 (refurbished) for $169.99 (normally $259.99).
• Xbox Originals’ Halo: Combat Evolved is 50% off to all Xbox LIVE Gold members for the next week.

GPS Systems:
• Sony NVU 3.5” GPS for $79.99 (normally $199.99).
• Plenio 4.3” Widescreen GPS for $79.99 plus free shipping (normally $199.99).

MP3 Players:
• Creative Zen Stone 2GB MP3 player with built in speakers for $24.99 (normally $49.99).
• SanDisk Sansa Clip 1GB (refurbished) for $13.99 plus free shipping (normally $29.99).
• SanDisk Sansa c250 2 GB MP3 Player (reconditioned) for $16.99 plus free shipping (normally $60).
• iRiver 8GB MP3 Player for $59 (normally $99.98).

Cameras:
• Kodak 8.2MP Digital Camera for $59.99 (normally $89.99).
• Canon PowerShot A590 IS for $109.99 plus free shipping (normally $140).

Computing Peripherals and Accessories:
• LaCie 500GB External Hard Drive for $77.95 plus free shipping (normally $99.99).
• Microsoft Madison Ladies Laptop Tote for $24.99 plus free shipping (normally $45 - valid until 12/31. Use this rebate form).
• Corsair Voyager 8GB Flash Drive for $9.99 plus free shipping (normally $20 - valid until 1/15. Use rebate form).
• SanDisk 16GB Cruzer Micro USB Drive for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $45).

Movies: The Christmas Edition
• Mickey’s Christmas Carol (and other Classic Cartoon Favorites) DVD for $7.98 (normally $14.99).
• We’re No Angels DVD for $4.99 (normally $9.90).
• Muppets Christmas Carol for $5.99 (normally $19.99).
• Bad Santa/Badder Santa DVDs for $7.99 and $3.99 (normally $19.99).
• Love Actually DVD for $9.33 (normally $12.98).
• Die Hard DVD for $6.29 (normally $14.98).
• Holiday Inn: Special Edition on DVD for $10.39 (normally $19.99).
• A Christmas Carol DVD for $7.27 (normally $14.98).
• Christmas Classics Box Set (Miracle on 34th Street/Jingle All the Way/Home Alone/A Christmas Carol) for $17.99 (normally $39.98).

Holiday Hobomodo:
• 6-Pack of Beck’s for $0 (normally $9).

via gizmodo

The ThinkPad W700 series mobile workstation is thoughtfully designed to give users uncompromised performance, stability, and the ultimate visual experience

The ThinkPad W700 is the first mobile workstation to deliver:

* Intel Core 2 Extreme processors
* High-capacity RAID HDDs
* Integrated color calibration
* Onboard digitizer and pen

What’s new

* Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q9100 processors
* 10.6-in diagonal second display panel
* Intel Turbo memory 4 GB support
* 4 GB memory DIMM

System features

* RAID DASD high-speed storage
* Integrated color calibration
* Integrated WACOM palm rest digitizer and pen
* Displays
o 17-in WUXGA with CCFL backlight and 1920 x 1200 resolution
o 10.6-in WXGA with white LED backlight second display and 768 x 1280 resolution
* High-performance mobile graphics:
o NVIDIA Quadro FX 2700M, 512 MB dedicated video memory
o NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M, 1 GB dedicated video memory
* Intel Centrino® 2 with vPro and Core 2 Extreme technologies
* Intel PM45 Express chip set
* PC3-8500 double data rate 3 (DDR3) SDRAM 1067 MHz SODIMM high-speed memory
* Intel Active Management Technology 4.0
* WLAN: Intel WiFi Link 5300 AGN (3 x 3)1
* 64 GB solid state drive (SSD) for fast, reliable, lightweight, energy-efficient storage
* DisplayPort
* Dual Link DVI
* Integrated camera
* Intel Turbo memory
* ThinkPad layered security: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, ThinkVantage Client Security, hardware-based HDD encryption, and fingerprint reader
Certain product features are limited to selected models that may not be available in all countries. Some
combinations of features are not supported. Refer to the Prices or Product number section of this announcement for the models and features available in your country.

The ThinkPad W700 series mobile workstation features uncompromised performance and innovative technology. Lenovo® combines thoughtful engineering with bold design, delivering the most powerful ThinkPad ever.

System features

Minimum weight
3.83 kg (8.4 lb)2 with one HDD
Minimum weight for dual screen model

4.96 kg (10.9 lb) with one HDD
Processor technology

* Intel Core 2 Quad Core Extreme QX9300 2.53 GHz processor with 12 MB of L2 cache
* Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q9100 2.26 GHz processor with 12 MB of L2 cache
* Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 2.53 GHz or T9600 2.80 GHz processor with 6 MB of L2 cache
* Intel Core 2 Dual Core Extreme X9100 3.06 GHz processor with 6 MB of L2 cache, all with 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed

RAID DASD high-speed storage

* RAID systems must be configured with two identical HDDs
* RAID-0 — Half the data is written onto two identical SATA hard drives, but the two physical drives appear as one large volume for additional speed
* RAID-1 — Two identical hard drives are simultaneously written with duplicate data to form a single logical

volume with the capacity of a single drive for backup support

Systems are shipped with RAID or non-RAID drives, depending on the system configuration. Users can switch to and from RAID only by complete format or reinstall.
RAID HDD
* 160 GB3 (7200 rpm)
* 250 GB or 320 GB (5400 rpm)
* 200 GB (7200 rpm) with full-disk encryption (FDE)

Non-RAID HDD

One or two internal drives are supported.

* 160 GB (7200 rpm)
* 250 GB or 320 GB (5400 rpm)
* 200 GB (7200 rpm) FDE
* 64 GB solid state drive (SSD):
o Fast, reliable, lightweight, and energy-efficient
o Faster data rates and boot-up times than a 7200 rpm mobile hard drive
o Very low failure rates
o Ability to withstand harsher environmental and vibration conditions than a mobile HDD
o Less battery power consumption than a mobile HDD
o Significantly lighter than a mobile HDD

Integrated color calibration

* Produces high quality calibrated displays
* Enables greater image color accuracy, producing a more photo perfect image
* Uses X-Rite Pantone color sensor and software, delivering a consistent and true display

Integrated WACOM palm rest digitizer and pen

* 128 cm x 80 cm palm rest digitizer
* Enables users to digitize and manipulate images
* Configured to map to entire screen or user-defined area
* Ideal for digital content creation, CAD/CAM applications, and digital photography

Integrated dual displays

* WUXGA 17-in wide diagonal screen
* Second display — WXGA 10.6-in wide diagonal screen
o Improves productivity
o Provides 39% additional display area

Memory

Lenovo workstations have a 64-bit architecture. Memory can be expanded to 2.5 or 4 GB4 of addressable memory,

depending on whether the operating system is 32- or 64-bit. Workstations with a Windows® Vista 32-bit or previous Windows 32-bit operating system can support up to 2.5 GB of addressable memory. Workstations with a Windows Vista 64-bit operating system can support up to 4 GB of addressable memory.

Recommended for memory expansion are 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067 MHz SODIMM.
Opticals

* 8x maximum DVD Recordable drive5
* ThinkPad Blu-ray Recordable Ultrabay™ Slim drive

DisplayPort

The next generation display interface technology for HD video via a single digital connector-interface used for a broad range of applications. DisplayPort makes digital display connections easier and more readily available with improved performance.
Dual Link DVI

The first ThinkPad to offer a full dual link DVI-D digital output port in support of the highest resolution displays in the industry

Integrated camera

* 1.3 megapixel image sensor enhances instant messaging, video conferencing, and VoIP
* Supports USB 2.0 standards

Media slot combinations

* ExpressCard slot (54 mm) + ExpressCard slot (34 mm)
* Smart card reader + ExpressCard slot (34 mm)
* Compact flash reader + ExpressCard slot (34 mm)

Intel Turbo memory

2 GB or 4 GB support to boost HDD performance

Intel Active Management Technology 4.0

A hardware-based technology that facilitates remote out-of-band management of PCs by use of a small secondary processor located on the motherboard. It allows Network Administrators to check for virus- and worm-like suspicious traffic received or transmitted by the remote system and enables the booting of a corrupted (or missing) operating system and the rebuilding a corrupted hard drive over the network.

Using Intel AMT, IT managers can remotely discover, repair, and protect wireless workstations. Intel AMT features include enhanced asset management, remote system diagnostics, network protection, and security — all independent of the operating system’s functional state — resulting in reduced on-site support costs.
Unique data protection

Selected models include integrated fingerprint reader technology, from ThinkVantage Technologies, to help protect unauthorized access to your ThinkPad workstation and data.

* Fingerprint reader is integrated into the palm rest and offers users a convenient solution — Authenticate at system startup and log on to Windows with a swipe of your finger.
* Combine the integrated fingerprint reader technology with Password Manager and the ThinkVantage Client Security Solution for strong security measures that are easy to follow. Security software is preloaded for an integrated solution out of the box.
* Administrators can implement strong security policies and users can meet ongoing password requirements easily.

Active Protection System

A ThinkVantage technology that helps protect your HDD from some damage that could be caused by shock. A system board-mounted sensor continuously monitors your ThinkPad workstation for sudden movement and temporarily parks the HDD read/write head when a fall or similar event is predicted.
UltraConnect II antenna

To help optimize frequency coverage and performance for improved WLAN connectivity around the world (when used with

compatible options)
Access Connections

Utility to easily manage wired and wireless communications (if applicable)
Rescue and Recovery

An enhanced support environment accessible through the Access program using the blue button on the keyboard, enables user self-help and self-recovery. Recover from system crashes quickly. Broad recovery and diagnostic tools are available even when your primary operating system is failing. You can:

* Rescue and recover your files, folders, or backups.
* Configure your system settings and passwords.
* Communicate using the Internet and link to the Lenovo support site (with Internet access required, not

included).
* Troubleshoot by using diagnostics.

Keyboard with TrackPoint and enhanced features

* Seven-row keyboard.
* Ten-key number pad for numerical data entry.
* UltraNav® dual-pointing system that combines the advantages of the TrackPoint® device, center-scrolling

button, and a touch pad.
* Two ThinkLights for ease of viewing your keyboard in low-light conditions.
* ThinkVantage button for one-button access to critical information.

Other features and ports

ThinkPad W700 series workstations include:

* Bluetooth wireless technology
* Dual integrated speakers
* Integrated digital microphone
* VGA out
* Dual Link Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
* 56K V.906 modem (V.927-designed) (RJ-11)
* Gigabit Ethernet connectivity (RJ-45)
* IEEE 1394a
* Microphone jack
* Headphone jack
* Five USB 2.0 ports
* Media card reader (7-in-1)
* Mini-PCIe slots: Two full (F2) and one half (H1)

Security and manageability

* Lenovo systems include a fully integrated recovery environment that works even when the Windows Vista operating system is not working.
* Lenovo systems manage everything that changes when your location changes, not just your Internet connection.
* Asset and data security protection is maintained through multiple passwords and locks.

AC adapter

The ac adapter is an ac-to-dc converter that supplies the necessary power to the computer. The ac adapter alsocharges the battery pack when installed in the computer.

Li-Ion battery pack

* A nine-cell Li-Ion battery pack is shipped with the system.
* The battery pack is an internal power source to the computer when the ac adapter is not available. The battery pack is rechargeable and is charged using the ac adapter with the system.

Software
Non-Lenovo software

Non-Lenovo software programs may be licensed to you under the non-Lenovo manufacturer’s, supplier’s, or publisher’s terms and conditions. The non-Lenovo manufacturers, suppliers, or publishers are responsible for providing any service or support associated with these programs. Lenovo does not warrant these products. Some software may differ from its separately available version (if available), and may not include user manuals or all program function.

via 01.ibm.com

Online video is a tempting target for computer companies trying to move out of your office and into your living room.

Netgear is the latest in this crowded market to update its digital media player product line. The company is set to launch a new streaming media player called the EVA9150 Digital Entertainer Elite. For just $400, this box will put free videos and photos from YouTube and Flickr, as well as content from your PC, onto your high-definition TV.

“We are positioning it for people who are a bit in the know and looking for a way to get content of their choice on their TVs,” says David Henry, director of home and consumer products for Netgear.Though not as widely known as Apple TV, Netgear has had a media player for nearly two years. The company announced its first streaming media player in September 2006 and launched the product six months later.

The latest EVA9150 player includes an updated user interface that allows users to choose content from free sources such as YouTube and Flickr.

The EVA9150, which will ship in the first quarter of 2009, will face some tough competition from rivals such as Apple TV, Linksys Media Extender, Roku Netflix player and even Microsoft’s Xbox 360 gaming console system.

What sets Netgear’s product apart from its competitors, says the company, is that it will include a 500 GB hard drive making it “the world’s largest video jukebox for the home.” Apple TV offers 160 GB and XBox only offers 120 GB, says Netgear.

The EVA 9150 Digital Entertainer Elite also supports 1080p high-definition video and users can even swap out the hard drive and add another one. The product supports multiple content platforms as opposed to Apple TV which is tied to iTunes primarily or Roku to Netflix, says Netgear.

“Roku does not play anything from your computer or the network such as Internet radio, YouTube or photos. It also doesn’t have a hard drive or wireless capabilities,” says Henry. “The Digital Entertainer Elite is broader.”

Where Netgear’s media player fails compared to Apple TV or the Roku Netflix player is that it has no partnerships with content companies for user to buy a wide range of movies or TV shows. That means buyers of the Digital Entertainer Elite will have to depend almost entirely on free online content and pay a hefty price tag for the hardware to access that content.

The EVA9150 will cost $400 for the 500 GB hard drive model. By comparison Apple TV costs $230 and a Roku Netflix set-top box can be bought for $100.

via blog.wired

Stay ahead of the game with the X360 notebook PC. Weighing only 2.8 lbs. it’s the perfect way to keep you on your toes, light on your feet. Packed with sophisticated features like a revolutionary battery life of up to 10 hours and an LED backlit LCD screen that displays vibrant color with crisp images, it offers nothing but the best. Watch your productivity grow with the SAMSUNG X360.
lighter than air
The lightest notebook in its 13.3″ LCD class, the X360 is designed to go almost anywhere. With a weight of only 2.8 pounds, the SAMSUNG X360 increases your possibilities, without sacrificing performance.

The Specification of Samsung X360 notebook.

The Reviews of Samsung Notebook

Apple’s MacBook Air isn’t a popular thing around the office. Just the mention of its name sends Riyad into apoplectic rage, so much so that when our Apple-loving web developer suggested he might buy one, we had to bribe the local police with free tech support to make the charges go away. There’s no denying its aesthetic beauty and lord knows we appreciate that in our technology, but its flagrant and deliberate lack of practicality is the epitome of Apple’s excesses. There’s only so much style over substance one can take before the logical part of your brain kicks back.

Thus when Samsung, a company that knows a thing or two about beauty and practicality, decided to wade in with an ultra-thin, ultra-light, ultra-portable notebook of its own it piqued ours and plenty others’ interest. Our optimism was continued when a pre-production unit arrived in the office and now we have the retail sample, we’re ready to decide whether it’s the MacBook Air beater it proposes to be or something a little bit different.

From the word go the X360 shows it’s nothing like its games console namesake. That much should be obvious; it isn’t a games console after all, but the Samsung is a world apart from the unimaginative grey box styling of Microsoft’s otherwise excellent console. We’ve got the solid state drive version here and on the lid it features a sumptuous two-tone red brushed metal and glossy black finish.

As eye-catching features go it’s pretty spectacular. In fact, we infinitely prefer the bold red finish to the regular hard drive version whose brushed metal section is black. It’s not even that much more expensive, either; the 120GB HDD version retails for around £140 less and that’s with 1GB less RAM as well. Still, if an extra £140 to go SSD breaks the budget, the hard drive version is still a very good value alternative.

Inside, Samsung continues its penchant for glossy black and if you look very closely there are little flecks that, when viewed in the right light, shine red. This is kind of nice but given you have to look very closely to see the effect, it doesn’t really add anything. More pressing is the resulting fingerprints and greasiness picked up by a glossy surface you constantly touch. We’ve almost grown used to such things, but it’s a trend we don’t approve of and plenty of people feel more strongly than us about it.

Nonetheless, the X360 is still a very good looking piece of kit and though it’s not as thin as a MacBook Air, it still manages to be impressively svelte. At the front it reduces all the way down to 16.7mm thick and its thickest point of 30.9mm is largely due to the removable six-cell battery at the back that protrudes downwards slightly. And if it isn’t thinner it is, as advertised, lighter than the MacBook Air. Or, at least, for the most part it is. At 1.34kg, as measured by our scales, it is lighter than the 1.36kg MacBook Air, but it isn’t the 1.29kg (with six-cell battery and SSD) quoted in Samsung’s literature. It’s not a big deal, but a point still worth remembering.

Delving a little deeper into the X360 you’ll find a very well specified machine. At the centre of it all is an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300. This is an ultra-low voltage processor that runs at 1.2GHz and features an 800MHz front side bus and 3MB L2 Cache. This obviously has its limitations, but even though it has a lower clock speed than an Intel Atom processor, it’s still significantly more powerful. It is, after all, a dual-core chip that has a faster bus speed and most pertinently, six times as much cache.

Behind this you’ll find 3GBs of 1,066MHz DDR3 RAM, while network connectivity is taken care of by an Intel Draft-N Wi-Fi module and Gigabit Ethernet. Bluetooth 2.0 is along for the ride, too, and there’s a 1.3-megapixel webcam for video chatting, conferencing and whatever else you might want to get up to.

By far and away the most important component, though, and definitely the most expensive, is the 128GB SSD. This in particular has a fairly dramatic effect on performance. Its fast access speeds mean shorter boot-up times and generally snappy performance, something that tends to suffer when a ULV CPU is paired with a standard mechanical hard drive. Consequently, though you can’t churn through processor intensive tasks, everyday multi-tasking is no real obstacle.

It’s a fact that’s borne out in our benchmarks. PCMark Vantage, which does tend to favour SSDs, shows the X360 putting in an excellent performance. It comes out ahead of the ThinkPad X300 and even manages to match the Sony VAIO Z11WN in the productivity test, where multi-tasking comes before raw number crunching.

Still, when it does come to raw number crunching, as our in-house image editing and video rendering tests show, the limitations are more obvious. Here, the Sony is just under twice as fast as either the ThinkPad or the X360, so if image editing and video authoring are high on your agenda then you should clearly look elsewhere.

Battery life, on the other hand, shows the predictable strengths of a low-power processor. In the productivity segment of MobileMark 2007 the X360 delivers just shy of five hours, coming to a halt at four hours and 54 minutes. In the lower intensity reader test this extends comfortably beyond five hours and were you to decrease screen brightness below 40 per cent, the level we test at, you could easily achieve a similar result when multi-tasking. These are very good results and are more or less identical to those of the ThinkPad X300, even if the likes of the VAIO TZ and TT are still in a league of their own in this department.

Via trustedreviews