14 DAY TRIAL // CTL, an Oregon-based company less well known in the laptop market, has just announced the introduction of the 14.1-inch MB40U notebook that is the company’s first such device to run the Ubuntu Linux operating system.
The notebook is built around Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors, users having the option of choosing between various Core i3, i5 and i7 models, topping with the quad-core i7-2630QM that has a base speed of 2GHz.
Intel’s fast processors can be seconded by as much as 8GB of system memory in a dual-channel configuration, while storage is provided by a single 2.5-inch drive.
CTL offers its customers various SSDs and HDDs units from which to choose from, including a couple of 500GB hard drives and a 512GB SSD manufactured by Kingston.
The rest of the system’s specs include Intel-built wireless N connectivity, a 14.1-inch screen with a 1366x768 resolution, integrated Bluetooth and Gigabit LAN, a 1.3MP webcam, a multi-format card reader, as well as the usual USB, HDMI and VGA ports (sadly USB 3.0 isn’t present).
The operating system of choice is Ubuntu 11.10 (the 64-bit version), while battery life is estimated at 5 hours using the 6-cell battery installed.
“CTL is very pleased to introduce our line of notebooks and desktops based on Ubuntu version 11.10,” said Erik Stromquist, CTL’s Chief operating officer.
“Ubuntu has emerged as one of the most popular and user-friendly Linux operating systems in the market.
“With Ubuntu, users can have full desktop experience supported by a robust ecosystem and a full suite of free applications. CTL will be offering more Ubuntu based products in the future,” concluded the company’s rep.
The CTL MB40U 14.1-inch notebook is available right now on the company’s website where prices start at a $449 (343 EUR) for the Core i3-2330 model equipped with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive.