Yet another competitor for Apple's pride and joy

Aug 17, 2009 15:11 GMT  ·  By

The launch of Intel's low-power CULV platform for ultraportable, lightweight computer systems led to the release of a number of new computer systems, specifically designed to take advantage of the low-power specifications of the said platform, especially since, in terms of performance, CULV-based laptops are better than Atom platforms.

On that note, a new CULV-enabled laptop is expected to make its way on the market, coming from UK retailer Dixons, which is expected to release the 13.3-inch Advent Altro ultraportable. At a first glance, the system looks to be yet another MacBook Air competitor, providing users with an ultraportable PC that weighs less than 1.6kg.

Many have tried to design a system that can be considered as a true MacBook Air competitor and with the introduction of Intel's CULV platform, an increasing number of systems come pretty close to achieving that target. The Advent Altro is one of those systems, being just 21mm thick and weighing in at just 1.6Kg.

 

On the specifications front, the laptop has been equipped with an Intel Celeron processors, mixed with 3GB of RAM and a 120GB shock-proof hard drive. Additional features include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, multitouch-capable trackpad and fingerprint reader, a single USB 2.0 port and HDMI port and a headphone socket. There's also an MFC port, which is presumed to have been designed for connecting the laptop to a “port replicator.”

 

Packed with a Windows Vista Home Premium operating system, the aforementioned configuration is expected to retail for about £600. However, an Altro Elite version, which will swap the Celeron processor for a Core 2 Solo and add a “premium flush glass finish” will cost you £800. Both systems are expected to take a shot at Apple's pride and joy starting August 24, when the two are to go on sale.