Samsung launches Aura designer notebooks
updated 01:20 pm EDT, Thu March 15, 2007
Samsung Aura Official
Samsung today added a third entry to its CeBIT announcements in the form of its Aura edition notebooks. Leaked last month, the new systems are all built with style as well as performance in mind. Each comes in a glossy but reportedly durable black finish and eliminates as much visual clutter as possible. Keeping the system pure is part of this strategy, Samsung says: its Silver Nano Technology actively sterilizes bacteria and other microbes that could create odors or make the user sick.
Three systems comprise the initial lineup. The 14-inch R20 is the first to launch and uses the most familiar technology, with ATI's newer Radeon Xpress 1250 providing integrated graphics alongside a Core 2 Duo, 1GB of RAM, and an Atheros Super G Wi-Fi chipset for speeds beyond normal 802.11g.
More significant, however, will be the company's new 12-inch Q45 and 15.4-inch R70 systems, according to the company's specs. Both will use Intel's upcoming Santa Rosa platform to offer faster Core 2 Duo chips and Intel's X3000 integrated graphics; either will have the option of using NVIDIA's GeForce Go 8000-series video chipsets for much faster 3D performance. Wireless access will also be a top priority with the Q45 optionally sporting DMB digital TV and HSDPA or WiBro for mobile Internet use. The R70 will have the option of Europe's DVB-T digital TV format.
Pricing and availability have gone unannounced at the CeBIT expo, though the R20 Aura Edition should be available first. The Q45 and R70 should follow in April or May once the components used inside are revealed by Intel and NVIDIA later this spring.
