What we like best

Even at a lower configuration, this Samsung range offers competent performance that will be more than adequate for the office and boardroom.

The dual-core Intel i5-2520M processor is the middle point option available, and it’s a very good option too. Coupled with 6Gb RAM, it will be able to handle everything you can throw at it in the course of a working day: fluid multi-tab browsing, intensive use of office applications, and number crunching.

The main parts of this device – the lid, the palm rest and the display hinges – don’t easily yield to pressure, possibly thanks to the magnesium build. The keyboard is full-size, spill-resistant and has a separate number pad on the right-hand side.

It might take some getting used to, but once you’ve registered that you’re not using a chiclet keyboard you’ll be able to touch-type very quickly. The trackpad supports two-finger scrolling, zoom and pinch both of which work well.

Business users will be pleased to notice the inclusion of a fingerprint reader and a freefall sensor that locks your hard drive if the laptop is dropped by accident. There are also two USB 3.0 ports plus two more USB 2.0 equivalents.

The 15.6 inch screen’s contrast and resolution isn’t great, but it offers the user the option to take it into more light-intensive surroundings and use it without having to accept annoying reflections and glare.

What we like least

If you aim to use the Samsung Series 6 for a presentation, you might want to ensure it’s hidden from view by a podium or something.

It’s not the most slick-looking laptop you’ll ever see: it is bulky, thick-set and heavy, looking every bit the reliable worker, but also nothing like more pristine laptops such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X220.

Its weight might be excusable, if it were due to a large and strong battery, but in fact the 600B5B has to be re-connected to an external power supply after about three and a half hours of medium-intense use.

Both pairs of USB ports sit awkwardly close to each other, meaning you’ll have trouble inserting two slightly larger dongles at the same time.

The verdict

The Samsung Series 6 range meets almost all the requirements of a good business laptop range: it is built to last, it has strong if not spectacular performance capability, a decent keyboard and extensive security features. However, it is not as slick-looking as some users might have hoped for, and its battery life lets it down. It would make a great option for a laptop that is used mainly for in-house office tasks.

Specifications

Processor Speed
3.2 GHz

Processor
Intel Core i5-2520M

RAM
3 Gb

Screen Size
15.6 inch

Graphics
Intel Graphics HD 3000

Hard Drive Storage
320 Gb
600 Gb

Battery
4-cell
6-cell

Multimedia
1.3 MP Webcam
Stereo Speakers
High Definition Audio
DVD Super Multi
1 x ExpressCard
7-in-1 Multi-media card reader

Ports
1 x VGA
1 x HDMI
2 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 3.0

Weight & Size
(W) 370 mm x (H) 35 mm x (D) 248 mm
2.6 Kg

Connectivity
wireless 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Gigabit Ethernet

Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Professional

What we like best

Whereas a lot of other ThinkPads resemble briefcases left over from the 1980s, the L420 has been modified to look a bit more like a modern laptop.

It is still covered in a matte black plastic finish, but the edges have been softened, while Lenovo have retained the rock-solid feel that we have come to value so much in Lenovo’s ThinkPad range – there’s next to no yield at all on the lid and area around the trackpad.

For a business laptop, this kind of resilience is very important, and the metal display hinges are built in a similarly unyielding way.

The keyboard is spill-resistant, and the whole laptop was built to withstand extreme temperatures – average users might think these measures a bit excessive, but those who have to travel a lot for work reasons will know that carrying around a flimsy laptop is not only a hassle, but also a potentially catastrophic accident waiting to happen.

Further business features include a fingerprint scanner and a hard drive protection system.

The L420 can be equipped with a variety of Intel Core processors, the most powerful option being the i7-2620M. But even with an i5 processor, performance is impressively quick and fluid.

You can also configure your laptop with different RAM (up to 6Gb) and hard drive (up to 320HDD or 128 SSD) specs.

What we like least

The lack of any USB 3.0 ports is a bit disappointing, considering the fact that the L420 came out only last year.

For a laptop as strongly built as the L420, the quality of its speakers is disappointing: the sound they emit is flat, tinny and distinctively lacking in volume.

This will not come as a surprise to anyone familiar with the ThinkPad range, but gaming is once again a big letdown – the integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics card might be enough for streaming SD videos, but try playing World of Warcraft at a decent setting and you’ll soon lose all enjoyment of the game.

The verdict

In terms of ruggedness, performance and security, the Lenovo ThinkPad L420 ticks all the right boxes – it is built to last and to be taken along on longer trips in potentially adverse weather conditions. The keyboard and screen work reliably well, and its only real weaknesses lie in things like audio and graphics, which are usually of more concern to gaming users. Those of you looking for a business laptop should definitely at least consider the L420.

Specifications

Processor Speed
2.30 GHz

Processor
Intel core i3-2350M Processor
Core i5-2540M
i5-2520M
i5-2410M
Core i7-2620M

RAM
2 Gb

Screen Size
14 inch

Graphics
Intel Graphics HD 3000

Hard Drive Storage
up to 320 Gb

Battery
4-cell
6-cell

Multimedia
HD 720p webcam
DVD only
1 x Multimedia Card Reader
Mic mute
HD Audio

Ports
4 x USB 2.0
1 x Always-on USB 2.0
1 x eSATA
Express Card and Smart Card option
1 x Display port with audio

Weight & Size
(W) 343.9 mm x (H) 36 mm x (D) 232.9 mm
2.3 Kg

Connectivity
WLAN
LAN

Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Genuine Windows 7 Professional

The necessity Asus must have felt to release yet another ultrabook after the markets took to their other attempts (Zenbooks, K53E) so whole-heartedly, baffles us. But we’re not ones to complain about new computers – welcome aboard, Asus U36SG.

What we like best

The Asus U36SG is a top of the range ultrabook in terms of core components. It boasts a powerful processor with a second generation Intel Core i5 and a more than capable 500 Gb SATA.

For work on the go this laptop is certainly ideal, it has an 8-cell battery which when combined with the power management processes of the i5 core will last you well through any journey. Oh and did we mention it? This is an ultrabook so it’s as thin as can be.

This laptop weighs a mere 1.6 Kg and is under 2 cm thick.

The Asus U36SG could also serve as a respectable entertainment machine. The combination of Altec Lansing speakers and a nVidia GeForce 610M graphics chipset will give you both excellent visuals on the 13.3 inch screen as well as a quality sound.

What we like least

A rather vain annoyance we know, but this laptop doesn’t really look up to much. The majority of ultrabooks available are swanky looking pieces, were you to hold this ultrabook up against, say, the HP Envy it would look almost dated in comparison.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing, if your sophistication surpasses having a slick bit of machinery on your lap. Some people focus more on what they can do with a computer rather than how it looks, not only are we on your side, but may we also recommend the Asus U36SG.

The verdict

It is an honest man’s computer, with high level of functionality at a more than reasonable price in favour of visual frills and design gimmicks (and the bigger price tag these things usually lead to).

Specifications

Processor Speed
2.4 GHz
Processor
Intel Core i5-2430M
RAM
4 Gb
Screen Size
13.3 inch
Graphics
Nvidia GeForce 610M
Hard Drive Storage
500 Gb SATA
Battery
8-cell
Multimedia
Altec Lansing speakers
Built in mic
Intergated webcam
5-in-1 card reader
Ports
1 x USB 3.0
2 x USB 2.0
1 x HDMI
Weight & Size
(W) 322 mm x (H) 19 mm x (D) 232 mm
1.6 Kg
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Operating System
Windows 7 Professional

The Olympic-themed Acer Iconia tab A510 was released in the US yesterday. This new tablet followed on the heels of the little discussed Acer Iconia tab A500 and it stacks a whole new load of nifty mobile features to keep up the competition with the Asus Transformer Prime and, it goes without saying, the new iPad.

So what makes the Iconia A510 so special? For starters, it packs a brand new operating system Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0. This OS, as well as being just generally faster, gives you a greater grasp of the machinations behind the screen. Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 lets you control the network so you can optimise the speed at which you browse and download depending on what it is that you find a priority. Ice Cream Sandwich also uses voice recognition (think Siri) to let you give dictation for searches and messages.

In a rather sweet gesture, Acer has not forgotten all the loyal customers who purchased early models of the Iconia tab like the A500 and A100. People who bought these early Acer tablets will be eligible for a free update of Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.

This tablet will retail for around $450, which is about $50 cheaper than a 16 Gb new iPad. The Acer model offers far greater value for money with 32 Gb storage and a spanking new quad core Tegra 3 processor with 1 Gb RAM.

Although the 1280 x 800 10.1 inch screen is no match for the new iPads’, it does have superior battery power and power management lasting up to 7 hours. It has a 5.0MP rear-facing camera and a 1.0MP facing the other way.

This is one of the more technical tablets we’ve seen. Though it would be good for entertainment you’d certainly not be making the most of its capabilities without putting it through its paces with some intensive processing applications – don’t worry, it can handle it.

The Acer Iconia tab A510 is available in stores now.

The Dell Inspiron 14z is a solid, presentable mid-range laptop with a design that’s surprisingly stylish considering its less than, well, inspiring Inspiron predecessors.

What we like best

The brushed aluminium finish might be an obvious rip-off of Dell’s own XPS range (which itself was heavily inspired by the Apple MacBook Pro , but it’s a look that works well for a small, modern all-round laptop.

The Dell Inspiron 14z’s colour options are few, but the ones that are available all pass the tough quality test that is our personal taste. The recessed hinge at the back of the laptop might look a bit weird to some, but it actually makes for a reassuring feel once you open up the 14 inch display.

Speaking of the display: it’s very good. The resolution is (for this size at least) standard 1366 x 768, but it is bright enough to be usable in excessively lit surroundings and video content is displayed crisply and with pleasant contrast levels.

The Inspiron 14z comes with up to 1 Tb hard drive storage, and its 2nd generation Intel Core processor (either I3 or i5) makes multitasking and streaming a breeze. Among the multimedia connectives, there are two USB 3.0 ports, a DVD drive and a multi-card reader.

Buyers of this laptop will be rubbing their hands with glee at the battery life: medium-intensive use without a power cord lets the 14z run for up to six and a half hours (with WiFi enabled). This is due to the admittedly sizable 6-cell battery, which is kept in a noticeably chunky compartment on the underside of the laptop.

But if the results are this impressive, we say an aesthetic blemish like that can be overlooked.

What we like least

We suppose that with a laptop that feels this solid and is that cheap, there has to be a catch – and it’s a visible one, as the lid (despite being matte) attracts a lot more fingerprints than any device that isn’t a murder weapon should.

We actually like the way the black plastic keyboard contrasts with the aluminium on the inside of the laptop, we do, however, appreciate that some might find it to appear rather cheap and incongruous.

The trackpad is adequate but does start to feel small all to quickly, especially when trying out multitouch commands. Its buttons also feel a tad clunky and require more than average pressure to yield a click.

The fact that the Dell Inspiron 14z uses integrated graphics inevitably means that users looking to play the latest 3D games in the highest possible quality and speed will quickly become frustrated and cry out for a dedicated graphics card.

The verdict

Some of the Inspiron 14z’s flaws are predictable due to the low pricing – e.g. the choice of integrated graphics over dedicated, and the slightly cheap-looking keyboard. The fact that the trackpad is frustrating to use, however, is less forgivable, but still doesn’t detract from the overall impression: that this is a solid all-round laptop, suited well to new students and those on a budget.

Specifications

Processor Speed
up to 2.50 GHz

Processor
2nd generation Intel Core
Intel Core i5-2450M
Intel Core i3-2350M

RAM
4 Gb

Screen Size
14 inch

Graphics
Intel Graphics HD 3000

Hard Drive Storage
up to 1000 Gb

Battery
4-cell
6-cell

Multimedia
Standard DVD
1 MP webcam
SRS Premium Sound System HD
Integrated mic

Ports
1 x HDMI
Media card reader
MiniDisplay port
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0 powershare combo
1 x headphone microphone combo

Weight & Size
(W) 346 mm x (H) 25 mm x (D) 245.5 mm
1.92 Kg

Connectivity
WiFi
Bluetooth

Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium

Officially called the ‘New iPad’ this third generation tablet is set to put Apple back on the top – not that they ever lost that mantle or anything.

This isn’t a completely new device or anything, so do not be so quick to toss the old one aside. It’s more of an upgrade which isn’t a bad thing and we have to admit it certainly is a suave bit of tech.

What we like best

As we have heard before tablets are all screen. With this in mind Apple have done a wondrous revamp with the iPad 3.

The 9.7 inch screen is all pixel with a 2048 x 1536 resolution. This is double that of the iPad 2 and really makes a difference, you get sharper images and text is much easier on the eye.

With such an improved graphical quality gaming on this device will be well worth it. The iPad 3 has a new A5X processor which will allow you to run modern games with no hassle whatsoever.

Design was never an issue with iPads so it’s good that the feel of this product hasn’t changed much. It is ever so slightly heavier but nothing that’s going to put a strain on your arm. Apple has also kept the ‘shiny’ look which should keep us all grinning and anxious about fingerprints at the same time.

In the US you can also make use of 4G, unfortunately our counterparts in Europe don’t have access to this super speed wireless network yet. You also get the full 64 Gb versions here too, across the pond only half this memory is available.

What we like least

Our only complaint has got to be that Siri is missing, it’s a pity but then again mobile access is enough for the time being.

The verdict

With visuals not short of spectacular we have to recommend this tablet. There’s a reason why Apple iPads are the word on tablets and that’s because they’re the best, period. The price is definitely high but if you don’t have a tablet and are looking for something portable that will service for both work and entertainment, is current and stylish then why not go for the new iPad.

Specification

Processor
Dual-core Apple A5X

Screen Size
9.7 inch

Hard Drive Storage
Up to 64 Gb

Battery
42.5 watt-hour rechargeable

Multimedia
5 MP integrated webcam
Built in speaker
Built in mic
Micro SIM card tray
Digital compass
Assisted GPS

Ports
30-pin dock connector port
3.5mm stereo headphone mini jack

Weight & Size
(W) 185.7mm x (H) 241.2mm x (D) 9.4mm

Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.0

Operating System
iOS

This tablet was released earlier in 2012 and is a definite step up from the original Asus Transformer.

What we like best

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer has a 10.1 inch screen with an impressive 1280 x 800 resolution. High definition on a handheld tablet is something we should expect more in the coming months so get excited.

The US will be able to get a 64 Gb version the added memory compiled with a powerful Nvidia Tegra Quad core processor makes this a very powerful and incredibly capable tablet.
The power of this tablet sets it well above its immediate competition. Because ASUS as a brand doesn’t quite get the recognition of so, Apple we expect it’s going to take to more of a niche audience like developers and techies. That said it is swish enough to look at home in the hands of professionals too.

This is a highly up to date machine, lots of multimedia and connecting options. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime can be purchased with the new tablet operating system Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

What we like least

With the imminent release of the iPad 3 whose screen is going to blow this tablet out of the water, you may be dubious about purchasing a tablet that isn’t an iPad. Let’s be honest everybody thinks it. You are making a deliberate decision not to conform by purchasing any table other than an iPad, we frankly find commendable. But how does the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime compare to other Android tablets. Unfortunately it’s visual capacity and camera is not so much better than Samsung’s efforts, and Toshiba have the ‘Business Tablet’ well tied up with the Thrive.

So what do you get with the Transformer Prime? You get one hell of a powerful processor, that’s what you get!

The verdict

This tablet may not be for everybody but with a bit of creativity and in the hands of a tech savvy individual you get more than your money’s worth with the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime.

Specifications

Processor Speed
1.4 GHz

Processor
NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-core CPU

RAM
1 GB

Screen Size
10.1 inch

Graphics
n/a

Hard Drive Storage
32 Gb

Battery
12 hours
18 hours pad with dock

Multimedia
1.2 MP camera
G-Sensor
Light Sensor
Gyroscope
E-compass

Ports
2-in-1 Audio jack and Mic-in
1 x micro HDMI port
1 x Micro SD Card Reader

Weight & Size
(W) 263mm x (H) 8.3mm x (D) 180.8mm
0.58 Kg

Connectivity
802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Operating System
Android 3.2 Honeycomb
Upgradeable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwitch)

Presentation of the new iPad 3 or iPad HD is all set to go ahead later on today.

The actual release date that’s being highly debated is Friday 16th March which is…you know, next week!

It seems sensible for the tablet to go on sale right after the official release but you know what’s said about good things and those who wait.

Rest assured though, at least the US set to get it first the rest of the world is excited about the details but don’t know whether it’ll even be released in their countries on this date.

We expect demands for a better webcam to be answered, and surely battery life will have been improved as well.

The world has turned once again and we all eagerly await the new iPad, top selling tablet in the market and now the third generation will be in stores within two weeks.

Online journalists were sent an irresistable invitation ‘We have something you really have to see. And touch.’ A little creepy but once the iPad 3 was mentioned they had our attention.

We guarantee almost everyone will take a glance at the new iPad when it comes out, even if they’ve already got one. But this product launch means much more to apple than just another tablet on the market.

Apple must be hoping this tablet will blow away the bad press from the Foxconn affair, which brought an ugly light to working conditions at the factories where such products are made. which is contrary to the socially conscious and creative spirit that Apple pertain to in their advertising.
The launch of the Apple iPad 3 will reinvigorate consumers and Apple alike. It’s the first main launch of a new Apple product under new CEO Tim Cook who has the unenviable task of carrrying on in the wake of Steve Jobs whose charisma, intellect and enthusiasm, arguably, made Apple what is today.

The iPad 2 did so well it is difficult to predict what improvements can be made. One of the safer assumptions is an improved screen, we’re looking at 2048 x 1536 pixels here people – get excited! Along with better graphics, the processing power of the iPad 3 should have an improvement along with the user interface Siri for voice activated browsing.

Of course there will be more to come, but with the launch so near Apple will be releasing all this information for themselves. Remember the queue for the new Apple iPad starts yesterday.

What we like best

It’s not surprising that the Zenbook UX31E looks so much like the MacBook Air, it might as well get an Apple tattoo on its metaphorical forehead, but why bother making an ultra-portable laptop if it isn’t up to the highest design standards?

The brushed aluminium finish is probably going to be ubiquitous in a couple of months’ time, but for now, we’re big fans: the lid is ever so slightly darker than the laptop base, creating a softly layered look that goes well with the razor-sharp edges of the laptop.

You could be forgiven for being a bit tired of seeing the word ‘ultra’ being bandied about to the point of meaninglessness, but once you’ve looked at how thin (0.66 inches, to be precise) the front edge of the Asus Zenbook UX31E is, you’ll understand that no other word would do the dimensions justice. Despite this, the Zenbook feels solid and offers next to no flex around the base and the lid.

The Intel Core i7-2677M processor and the 128Gb SSD hard drive ensure that the Zenbook zips along very nicely indeed – the former can overclock to up to 2.9GHz if need be – you rarely have to wait more than a fraction of a second for a new application to launch.

You’ll also be able to take this beauty on the road: battery life at light usage extends to around eight and a half hours.

There are the essential ports (plus an SD card reader) and the Bang & Olufsen speakers just above the keyboard give of a satisfyingly meaty sound when listening to music or watching films.

What we like least

Since the Zenbook does not have a dedicated graphics card, there is a lack of sharpness and colour representation that will put off gamers – the integrated Intel graphics can only handle so many frames per second.

The keyboard lacks both the backlight and the reliability of its Apple idol: the overall feel is solid, but some keys don’t seem to always register immediately.

The positioning of the USB 3.0 port right next to the power socket could spell trouble for users with slightly larger thumb drives and feels like an odd oversight on Asus’ part.

The verdict

As a first ultrabook effort, the Asus Zenbook UX31E does a great job – it is definitely slim and light, and its battery life, design and performance are of the highest standards. The qualms around the ports, keyboard and below-bar screen can be put down to teething problems but are still irritating – not to the extent, however, that we wouldn’t recommend this laptop for anyone who wants to get in on the ultrabook market early.

Specifications

Processor Speed
1.80 GHz

Processor
Intel Core i7-2677M

RAM
4 Gb

Screen Size
13.3 inch

Graphics
Integrated Intel HD Graphics

Hard Drive Storage
256 GB SSD

Battery
50 Whr Polymer battery

Multimedia
Sonic Master Technology
Super Hybrid Engine II
0.3 MP Webcam

Ports
1 x Headphone
1 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0
1 x Micro HDMI
1 x VGA

Weight & Size
325mm (W) x 17mm (H) x 223mm (D)
1.3 Kg

Connectivity
Integrated 802.11 b/g/n
Built-in Bluetooth V4.0

Operating System
Windows 7 Home Premium/Professional