CES 2012: Wild new PCs, beyond Ultrabooks (Seattle Times)
LAS VEGAS — Ultrabooks are getting lots of attention here at CES but there
are some other pretty cool new computers on display.
Here’s a sample, starting with a 10.1-inch gaming tablet with permanently
affixed controllers. Intel was showing the system that gaming hardware company
Razer plans to release later this year. Called “Fiona,” this one’s running an
Intel Core i7 processor and will cost less than $1,000, according to an Intel
representative. A Windows 8 version is likely.
Sony is showing a concept “Slate” Vaio PC with a flexible case material. It
functions like a tablet until you want to prop the display up and use a
wireless keyboard. Then the back of the device bulges out, morphing into a
stand. Sony didn’t show this happening live, only a video of the
transformation. The first picture shows the device in tablet form; the second
shows it with the bulge out:
All-in-one PCs are a relatively bright spot for the industry. Lenovo’s
flagship in the category is the new IdeaCentre A720, which it calls the
world’s thinnest 27-inch all-in-one. That’s fudging a bit because the display
is powered by a base unit containing the processor and …