Apple has quietly updated its MacBook range of notebooks to use Intel’s new Santa Rosa platform, accompanied by the introduction of Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics. The new platform should offer a slight bump in speed to all the MacBooks, which ship with either 2.0GHz or 2.2GHz processors, as well as the option of up to a 250GB hard drive.
Despite comparable clock speeds (2.0 -> 2.0GHz, 2.16 -> 2.2GHz) to the old models, the new MacBooks use the Santa Rosa chipset which boasts a faster 800MHz front side bus over the previous MacBook models. The introduction of the GMA X3100 video card also provides significant benefits over the previous models.
The MacBook Pro now has the option to upgrade to a 2.6GHz processor for $250, and also has the option for a 250GB drive.
The new specifications can be seen at the Apple Store.
Elpida Memory Inc. has announced the successful development of 512-megabit DDR2 Mobile RAM operating at an ultra-low voltage of 1.2V. The new product achieves 533Mbps high-speed with the same power consumption of DDR Mobile RAM.
DDR2 Mobile RAM from Elpida Features:
DRAM core operates at 1.2V versus 1.8V for DDR Mobile RAM
1.2V high-speed operation achieved using 70nm process technology (now in use in mass production) and new peripheral circuit technology.
Ultra-low voltage alley block and ECC circuits that use global top-level technology enabled dependable functionality with 1.2V I/O and low self-refresh current.
533Mbps high-speed functions based on the DDR2 interface
Partial alley self refresh (PASR), automatic temperature compensation self refresh (ATCSR), deep power down (DPD) and other standardized Mobile RAM special low-power functions enable a longer battery operating time.
Elpida will begin sampling its newly developed DDR2 Mobile RAM from next month. These modules are primarily for cellphones and other mobile devices.
According to The Inquirer, in the third week of November nVidia will release the GeForce 8800M GTX, a DirectX 10 high performance video card for gaming notebooks.
The first 8800M GTX graphic cards will feature 512MB of video memory and a 256MB version will follow. The TDP of the card is 35Watt and will operate at lower clock speeds than the corresponding desktop model - the 8800 GT due to notebook-specific thermal and power consumption requirements. The card will have a MXM Type III form factor reportedly, but there is no information on how many shader units it will have, as well as on exact clock speeds.
The nVidia GeForce 8800M GTX is intended to replace the current GeForce Go7950GTX high-end video card.
Asustek has officially announced the Eee PC models. The notebooks will come in 4 pre-configured models named Eee PC 2G Surf, 4G Surf, 4G and 8G. The model of Eee PC have been named based on the onboard SSD storage space. All of them come with a 7", 800x480 resolution display and feature Intel's mobile processor and chipset.
The best equipped is the Asus Eee PC 8G with 1GB of system memory and 8GB of built-in Flash memory storage, while the Eee PC 4G has 512 MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. Both models feature a built-in web camera and 3.5 hours of battery life.
The Eee PC 4G Surf also has 512MB of main memory and 4GB of data storage space and its battery lasts 2.8 hours. The lower-end Eee PC 2G Surf uses the same battery unit and provides 256MB of RAM and a 2GB storage. The Surf models do not include a webcam.
All of these ultra-small notebooks provide 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, Hi-Definition audio, stereo speakers and a microphone, as well as Linux-based user interface, and Windows XP compatibility. According to earlier reports there are also an Ethernet LAN, an MMC/SC card reader, three USB 2.0 ports, and a VGA output.
Three new notebook models - G2K, A7K and F7K will be launched later this month by ASUS. All the three notebooks feature the latest 65nm AMD Turion 64 X2 processors, discrete ATI Mobility Radeon GPUs and 17.1" widescreen LCD display.
These notebooks will be out by the month-end. Details regarding the pricing on these new notebook PCs are not out yet.
Apple has quietly updated its MacBook range of notebooks to use Intel’s new Santa Rosa platform, accompanied by the introduction of Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics. The new platform should offer a slight bump in speed to all the MacBooks, which ship with either 2.0GHz or 2.2GHz processors, as well as the option of up to a 250GB hard drive.
Elpida Memory Inc. has announced the successful development of 512-megabit DDR2 Mobile RAM operating at an ultra-low voltage of 1.2V. The new product achieves 533Mbps high-speed with the same power consumption of DDR Mobile RAM.
According to 
Asustek has officially announced the Eee PC models. The notebooks will come in 4 pre-configured models named Eee PC 2G Surf, 4G Surf, 4G and 8G. The model of Eee PC have been named based on the onboard SSD storage space. All of them come with a 7", 800x480 resolution display and feature Intel's mobile processor and chipset.
Three new notebook models - G2K, A7K and F7K will be launched later this month by ASUS. All the three notebooks feature the latest 65nm AMD Turion 64 X2 processors, discrete ATI Mobility Radeon GPUs and 17.1" widescreen LCD display.