Evolution of notebooks

03/04/2006

The increase in mobile and remote workers has created ever more demanding requirements from notebook users. With most notebooks now featuring SATA HDDs, widescreens, wireless, Bluetooth and the latest DVD writers, the introduction of multi core or dual core processors is just the next stage in meeting end user demands of having ultra portable, desktop replacement functionality on the go.

With security being high on the boardroom agenda, it is of no surprise that notebook vendors have harnessed this market and offer a multitude of security features to secure data at the hardware level. Biometric fingerprint security provides identification and authentication protection and is becoming more and more accessible as now being featured as a standard on many notebook models.

“Security is critical to our customers and they rely on Lenovo to deliver innovative, cutting edge PC solutions,” said Peter Hortensius, Senior Vice President, Notebook Business Unit, Lenovo. “It’s very unusual to find a new feature that makes your PC more secure while making it much easier to use. The Thinkpad fingerprint reader is popular because it is one of those rare exceptions”.

Gartner lists a number of advantages to deploying biometric security, noting that:

• Biometric information cannot be lost or stolen
• Organisations can verify users’ identities with a high degree of confidence
• Used in conjunction with smart cards, biometrics can provide strong security for (public key infrastructure) credentials held on the card
• Users aren’t required to present a card or to remember passwords or personal identification numbers
• Biometric systems eliminate the overheads associated with password management
• Organisations can implement recognition systems, not just simple authentication systems.

Not only is fingerprint security becoming more main stream for notebooks but suggestions have been made that it is due to replace retail chip and pin. Already a popular choice in the US, this system will make the carrying of credit cards, cash and cheques obsolete as bank details will be logged to individual’s fingerprint ID.

The evolution of notebooks has allowed for individuals to connect from virtually anywhere to their business’ network and the Web and has consequently increased the potential for worker activity. New dual core ready notebooks will add to this by allowing for faster memory and the ability for multiple applications to run simultaneously in true multi tasking environments.

“Notebook users increasingly demand powerful but stylish products that combine the functionality of a desktop PC with the portability of a notebook,” said Mark Jennings, notebook Marketing Manager at Samsung Electronics in the UK. “The inclusion of Intel’s recently launched dual core processor in our X60 and R65, enables Samsung to meet this demand and offer more computing power, increased battery life and complete connectivity, without compromising design and portability.”

Although many advancements in mobile technology have become standard due to user expectations, there are some innovations that appeal to the gadget-conscious amongst us.

For example, Sony have recently introduced their Bluetooth Stack to the BX Series, which is a built in camera enabling effective visual and voice communication. As well as this Sony are first to market with the VAIO VN-CX1 mouse. “With the sudden explosion in Internet telephony (VoIP) showing no sign of slowing, Sony VAIO has solved what to talk into,” says Jun Koyama, Director of IT for VAIO of Europe (VOE). “And while there’s no denying the CX1’s quirky appeal, it’s practical and highly versatile,” as the mouse flips open to become a phone. Connected to a PC or notebook enabled for Internet based telephony, the CX1 can be used as a conventional handset or left on the desk for hands free operation. An LED on top of the mouse lights up as a discrete indicator that someone is calling or the CX1 can be set to ring as well if desired. During a call, the centre scroll wheel acts as a volume control and can also mute the phone.

Microsoft Origami

Developed for the next generation of user, the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) or Origami, is portable, lightweight and configured to connect on the go.

It’s the first entry in the Microsoft-dubbed “Ultra Mobile PC” category and the first three products were introduced by a number of hardware vendors including Samsung. Featuring full Microsoft Windows XP functionality and the ability to touch, write or type, the UMPC is a powerful companion that lets you communicate, accomplish your tasks and stay entertained and informed wherever life takes you. The small computers have displays about 7 inches in diameter (think of a medium paperback book) and are designed not to replace PCs but to be fully capable companions. They weigh less than 2 pounds – with future versions to weigh 1 pound or less and will hold a battery charge for about 2.5 hours. It will be capable of supporting features like GPS, Bluetooth, 3G cellular technology and Wi-Fi.

More than ever before, today’s media-hungry users are looking for convenient ways to access the Internet and enjoy their favourite digital content while on the go. People, no matter where they are around the world, want to take the full power of the Internet and their PCs with them and want to stay connected whether it be for work or personal use.

Intel is addressing these needs by delivering low power technologies that enable this new category of UMPC to be the perfect PC companion. Mainly designed for content consumption, the UMPC allows users to:

• ACCESS content and information virtually anytime, anywhere
• COMMUNICATE via e-mail, IM, chat or blogging
• ENTERTAIN themselves with videos, games, music, pictures or TV on the go
• BE PRODUCTIVE by monitoring office applications and tools.

“We started with the grand vision of making mobile PCs as personal, stylish, affordable and ubiquitous as mobile phones are today. 'Origami' is really only the first step toward this goal. These tiny PCs are already the handiest, most personal Windows PCs available today,”said Bill Mitchell, Vice President of the Mobile PlatformsDivision, Microsoft.

Environmental issues

Alongside the technology evolution to enhance the user experience, vendors are having to continue their research and development around the multitude of environmental issues. We have previously covered the WEEE Directive, aimed to encourage the design of electronic products with environmentally safe recycling and recovery in mind and now the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment compliance dovetails into WEEE by reducing the amount of hazardous chemicals used in electronic manufacture, such as:

Lead

• Mercury
• Cadmium
• Hexavalent Chromium
• PBB
• PDBE.

All vendors within our portfolio are taking these compliance and enviromental obligations seriously, many of the listed chemicals have begun to be phased out during the last few years.

More details on the WEEE and RoHS Directive can be found at www.dti.gov.uk