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BenQ's Joybook Lite U103 packs an SSD for when you're feeling frisky, HDD for when you're not
If money were no issue we'd all be rocking slinky notebooks with terabytes of flash-based storage, but alas this recession means a more budget-conscious approach is warranted. BenQ's solution is to offer a bit of both with its latest Joybook Lite, the U103, offering a large (500GB max) HDD paired with an optional 32GB SSD. Install your OS and critical apps on the SSD, dump everything else to platter, and make the most of what the company advertises will be an eight hour battery. That the laptop packs what is advertised as "Intel's new Atom" processor (surely the N450) is a good sign that battery life will indeed be good, something that should also be helped by a 10-inch, LED-backlit display of indeterminate resolution. Also on the docket is pseudo-3D sound from the two integrated speakers courtesy of SRS TruSound HD, a multitouch trackpad, and a weight of just 2.4lbs. No price yet, but that should change soon enough.
BenQ endows S35 and S43 Joybooks with CULV, kicks 'em out the door
It's not quite on the scale of the netbook revolution, but the CULV ultraportable uprising does seem to be gathering steam. Latest on the scene is BenQ, with its 13.3-inch S35 and 14-inch S43 Joybooks, sporting a choice between a single core SU3500, dual core SU7300, or some old and busted Celeron 723 / 743 chips. From what Acer's Timeline series has shown, the 1.4GHz SU3500 is a major step up from Atom machines, while making for ridiculous battery longevity. BenQ claim you'll be able to squeeze more than five hours of juice from the default batteries and there's an eight cell option on the S35 that is rated for 11+ hours. Hard drives clock in at 500GB, Bluetooth, WiFi and the like are all present, and the S43 also gets an ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 GPU option to make it stand out. The announcement is for Asia only so far, but we see no reason why these laptops shouldn't make it to more familiar shores as well. [Via Engadget Chinese]
BenQ shocker! Joybook Lite U102 outed
Admit it: you've been sitting around all day waiting to hear tell of the latest Joybook offering from BenQ, right? Well, have we got the story for you! BenQ's just dropped word of its newest -- the Joybook Lite U102. While we don't have full specs, we do know that this 10.1-inch baby boasts a 16:9 WSVGA backlit LED, an Intel Atom CPU, and a 250GB HDD, with a 90 percent-sized keyboard. Pretty generic netbook specs, but its super-shiny black shell also makes it decently attractive. The BenQ Joybook Lite U102 will be available any day now in Taiwan, Thailand, and China.[Via FarEast Gizmos]
BenQ gets its AMD Yukon kicks with the Joybook Lite T131
AMD's all about the thin-and-light category with its latest chips, and BenQ is happy to oblige with this new Joybook Lite T131 running AMD's Yukon chipset. At 4 pounds and 1.1-inches thick, however, the 13.3-inch laptop isn't incredibly notable in either department -- especially since it's short a disc drive -- but it's still a pretty attractive little unit. There's a 320GB HDD, SD reader and our favorite, an anti-glare screen, but other than the webcam and mic the laptop is pretty low on perks. It's available in either "opulent midnight blue" or "snowy white" and will be hitting China in June, with no word on price or when they might spread the love.[Via SlashGear]
BenQ announces Joybook Lite U121 Eco to a nation in mourning
BenQ is back on the scene with another netbook, and against our better judgement we're going to let you in on the details. The Joybook Lite U121 Eco sports an Intel Atom Z520 / Z530 processor, an 11.6-inch WXGA (1366×768) display, 32GB SSD storage (or upgrade her to to a 500GB SATA hard disk), WiFi, optional 3.75G HSUPA, and a 6 cell battery that boasts a generous 8 hours of use. If you're in China, Taiwan, or Malaysia, keep an eye out for this thing sometimes this month. Ships with either Windows XP Home or Linux. Cramped hands and carpal tunnel included free of charge.
BenQ's Joybook Lite U101 delivers smileys on the lid, frownies on the keyboard
We hope you've forgiven us for being somewhat less than enthused when we got word of BenQ's Joybook Lite U101 being launched, as at the time we didn't quite see the need for another "me too" netbook. After reading Laptop Magazine's first impressions we're still not quite getting the point. While this little lappy is something of a looker, with a lid festooned with cute emoticons, on the other side of that lid is a glossy, 10.2-inch LCD that sheds 24 vertical pixels just for the sake of being 16:9 -- your average 1024 x 600 netbook doesn't exactly have any to spare. The keyboard, too, is said to be a bit cramped, but, for those who just can't leave anything stock, the U101 does have the rare distinction of being a "modder's paradise," offering easy access to RAM, storage, and an unoccupied mini PCIe slot that's just waiting for a 3G modem. Of course, HP's Mini 1000 comes with one out of the box, so again please forgive us for the lack of interest.
BenQ Joybook U101 launches, gives almost no joy
The BenQ Joybook Lite U101 we spied back when it was announced in September has just launched, and though there's nothing incredibly exciting here, we thought we'd give you a quick rundown, because we're just cool like that. The U101 boasts completely standard netbook fair -- an Atom N270 CPU, Intel 945GSE chipset, 1GB of DDR2 memory, with 80-160GB mechanical drives and 4-16GB SSD options. It's also got a 16:9 display with a 1024 x 576 resolution (rare for a netbook), a 1.3 megapixel webcam, and three USB 2.0 ports. The sassy little number comes in blue, pink, white and black, and it can be yours for €398 ($503) in Taiwan right now, but we've got no word on when it will be available elsewhere. Dip this puppy in gold or something and then maybe, just maybe we'll bite. [Via Fudzilla]
BenQ Joybook R46 arrives in China, Thailand and Malaysia
The last time we saw some new Joybooks they were these cute little 10.1-inch things, but the new R46 is their professional-minded older sibling (the Alex P. Keaton to your Mallory, perhaps). This sober, serious machine sports a 14.1-inch "UltraVivid" WXGA display, a Core 2 Duo T3400 processor, integrated x4500 graphics, up to 4GB RAM, up to 320GB storage and all the love that WiFi and Bluetooth provide. And if video conferencing is your bag, you'll be please to note that it comes with a 2 megapixel webcam and microphone with smart noise suppression. Available now in China, Thailand and Malaysia -- but the price remains a mystery.
BenQ debuts Joybook Lite U101 netbook
It looks like there's some good news for folks that feel that the current crop of netbooks just aren't BenQ enough, as BenQ has now finally joined the fray with its new Joybook Lite U101 netbook. This one packs a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display (an 8.9-inch version will apparently also be available), along with the usual 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a hard drive of unspecified size, a 3-cell battery, XP or Linux and, as is becoming increasingly common, optional 3G. Hit up the link below for a few more pics, and look for the 8.9-inch and 10.1-inch versions to roll out in October and November, respectively.
BenQ introduces 14.1-inch Joybook R45
Here's to hoping you North Americans don't fall too hard for BenQ's latest Joybook, as the R45 is destined for almost everywhere but here. Nevertheless, this globetrotter packs a 14.1-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) display, Intel's 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, NVIDIA's GeForce 8400M GPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, an optional dual-layer DVD writer, 802.11b/g WiFi, optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 2-megapixel webcam and a 4-in-1 multicard reader. Additionally, you can count on four USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet / modem jacks, an HDMI output, VGA, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, 4-pin FireWire and a six-cell Li-ion good for around 2.5 hours of use. Sadly, BenQ left us hanging in regard to a price, but look for this pleather-coated lappie to land in China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Russia later this month.[Via PC Launches] %Gallery-20673%
BenQ rolls out Joybook A53, forgets to invite Penryn
With all these new Penryn-based lappies hitting the shelves, we can't help but be immediately underwhelmed by the BenQ Joybook A53. Sure, the case is fairly attractive, but still, offering up a Core 2 Duo T7250 with just 512MB of RAM is sort of weak. Granted, we've all ideas this one's being aimed at the budget-minded set, so hopefully they'll be down with the 80 to 200GB 5400RPM hard drive choices, dual-layer DVD writer, 15.4-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution display, trio of USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, audio in / out and 6-cell battery good for around 2.3-hours of usage. Also of note, you'll find integrated Ethernet / WiFi, a 4-in-1 multicard reader and a 0.3-megapixel webcam for pixelated video chats. Unfortunately, BenQ didn't mention how costly this one would be, but it will be rolling out to Poland, Russia, China, Thailand, and Australia right away, while the rest of the world has to wait just a few more months.[Via Electronista]
BenQ intros the Joybook R43 laptop
We know what you're thinking: "Hey, hasn't BenQ gotten a name change?" Well guess what, cowboy? Not for laptops. In fact, the multi-named, electronics-making creature-thing has just introduced a new model into its Joybook laptop lineup, the R43. The system sports a 14.1-inch "UltraVivid" WXGA display, an Intel 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, up to 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, an SiS Mirage 3+ GPU, and all with WiFi and Bluetooth you could possibly need. Of course -- more importantly than specs -- the laptop features a stylized, abstract case design guaranteed to make the ladies want you and the men want to be you... or, vice versa. The R43 will be available in China in December, with a rollout in other countries "in the coming months."
BenQ's showy 15.4-inch Joybook R56 laptop
Another month, another Joybook. Thankfully, BenQ's workin' overtime to keep things fresh in its ever-growing laptop lineup, and the flashy R56 doesn't disappoint. The machine sports a 15.4-inch WXGA widescreen display with an eight-millisecond response time, HDMI output, and NVIDIA's GeForce 8400M G to boot. Additionally, you'll find an Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 processor, 512MB to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, up to 160GB of SATA hard drive space, an optional dual-layer DVD writer, six-cell Li-ion battery, 802.11a/g/n, built-in stereo speakers / subwoofer, and a slew of ports including Firewire, Ethernet, VGA, audio in / out, eSATA, ExpressCard, and four USB 2.0 connectors. Unfortunately, BenQ's not handing out any pricing or availability deets just yet, but click on through for a few more angles of this stylish machine.[Via Electronista]
BenQ rolls out Santa Rosa-based Joybook S32/S32W
BenQ's adding a bit more Santa Rosa cheer to its ever-expanding line of Joybook laptops, following up its recently-announced Joybook S41 with its new S32 and S32W models. Apparently differentiated only by color (black or white), the new models each boast a 13.3-inch WXGA display, a Core 2 Duo 7100 processor, Intel's GM965 Express chipset with X3100 graphics, up to 2GB of RAM, a max 160GB hard drive, a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, and integrated 802.11a/g/n WiFi, among other features. Perhaps most importantly, the laptops also keep things shiny, using BenQ's trademark "Laminated Color metal technology" for that extra bit of fingerprint-attraction. No word on price, though anyone outside of Asia will likely have to do some importing or trip-planning if they want to pick one up.
BenQ rolls out Santa Rosa-based Joybook S41
BenQ isn't going as all out as some companies in jumping on the Santa Rosa bandwagon, but it's not entirely missing out on the action either, trotting out its new Joybook S41 series laptop while the going's still good. This one looks to fall squarely in the middle of the Santa Rosa pack, boasting a 14.1-inch widescreen display, a T7100 Core 2 Duo processor, up to 2GB of RAM, a max 160GB hard drive, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS graphics, built-in 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, and an integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam, among other standard fare. BenQ has managed to squeeze in a few things to help it stand out from the crowd, however, most notably an HDMI output and a still-less-common-than-it-should-be ExpressCard slot. No word on price, unfortunately, although it should be available sometime this month.[Via PC Launches]
BenQ's Joybook A52 widescreen lappy
Damn skippy BenQ has a new Joybook out that will almost certainly never make it to the US: the A52, to you. As usual, BenQ has foregone any serious product photography (seriously, what the hell kind of backwards company wants to show off their consumer electronics on the internet, we ask?), but despite a wide 16ms 15.4-inch DBEF (Display Brilliance Enhancement Film) WXGA (1280 x 800) display, ATI Radeon Xpress 200M graphics, Core Duo CPU, 802.11a/b/g, drives up to 120GB, dual-layer DVD burner, and PCMCIA slot, this kinda low-ender only lands with Vista Basic. Don't worry though, Taiwanese consumers, we hear Asia's a pretty sweet place to pirate the occasional copy of Windows if you need a quick bump to Ultimate.[Via MobileWhack]
BenQ's S73VG and S31V Joybooks are running Vista
Not a whole lot of details on these new Taiwan-bound lappies from BenQ, but we've got the essentials. The Joybook S73VG, pictured above, runs a Core 2 Duo processor, sports an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 for graphics, and conveys its pixels with a 14.1-inch 200 nit LCD. As for the S31V, this fashionbook doesn't match up in processing heft to big brother S73VG, with a mere Intel Centrino processor, but the 1.3 megapixel webcam, 13.3-inch 250 nit display and your choice of white or black colorings should keep you well enough occupied. Of course, both laptops are running Vista. As for price, the S73VG demands a reasonable TD 44,900 (about $1,363 US), while the S31V will run you TD 42,900 (about $1,303), and both laptops should be out by the end of February.[Via Akihabara News]
BenQ gifts Joybooks with Vista
Having decided that it would be marketplace suicide to continue offering an all-XP lineup while the rest of its competitors were loading their machines up with Vista, BenQ has joined a growing list of manufacturers in adding Microsoft's brand new OS to a trio of its Joybook laptops. As with most of the other Vista upgrades we've seen, specs on the R55V, S73V, and S31V remain almost identical to those on the models' non-"V"-labeled counterparts (the R55, S73 (pictured), and S31, respectively). To wit, you're still getting a Core 2 Duo processor and NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 graphics on the 15.4-inch R55V, while the 14.1-inch S73V maintains its predecessor's dual core chip and ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 video card. As you might expect, nothing much has changed with the 13.3-inch Joybook S31V either; it's still a Centrino Duo-based system featuring a 1.3 megapixel webcam and SRS TruSurround XT audio. Expect these models to hit foreign shelves sometime within the next few weeks (along with Vista itself, of course) for perhaps a slight premium over the older, dustier XP-powered notebooks.
BenQ busts out P52 and R55 dual core Joybooks
Two new ones from BenQ, the quite similarly specced P52 (pictured) and R55 Joybooks. Both laptops feature 15.4-inch WXGA displays with 200 nits of brightness and 16ms response times and weigh 6.2 pounds, but the P52 goes for an AMD Turion 64 X2 processor, while the R55 sports Intel's Core 2 Duo chip. Both Joybooks are also privy to Bluetooth 2.0 and S-Video. For graphics, the P52 has the 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1600, while the R55 goes for the 256MB GeForce Go 7400 from NVIDIA. The Intel model also has SPDIF sound, while its AMD sibling has a DVI-D port, but we're in the dark in regards to the rest of the specs, and price and availability prove equally evasive. At least these two desktop replacements are looking sharp, though they do seem to be Korean bound, so it's not like we're going to get much action with these anyways.Read - BenQ Joybook P52Read - BenQ Joybook R55
BenQ's Joybook P52 15.4-incher with DVB-T
The latest from BenQ is a well-specced AMD Turion-based laptop with plenty to love. Beyond the large range of dual-core Turion 64 X2 processors, the Joybook P52 features an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 card with 512MB of memory, up to 2GB of RAM, a 120GB SATA HDD, dual-layer DVD burning and DVI-D in/out. There's four USB 2.0 ports, Firewire, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11a/b/g WiFi for connectivity, along with a 5-in-1 card reader. The 15.4-inch screen manages a 1280 x 800 resolution and 16ms response times, and there's an included DVB-T tuner to round it all off. The main thing the computer seems to lack is the built-in webcams of its contemporaries, but at 1.2-inches thick and 5.6 pounds, it seems BenQ did a pretty job with this one all the same. No word on price or availability, but hopefully those AMD chips point to budget-friendly leanings.[Via Engadget Chinese]
