14 DAY TRIAL // While netbooks have been selling like bread over the past year, notebooks are still among the top choices of PC buyers. While netbooks are generally popular for their low prices, notebooks completely outdo their younger siblings when it comes to performance. This goes for all models, even ultrathin laptops. One device worth mentioning is the R-Series CF-R9JWACDR, or the Let's Note R9. This mobile computer is designed as an ultraportable but capable product powered by Intel Core i7 processors.
The laptop measures 229 × 187 × 29.4 mm and weighs about 0.93kg. This small and light frame, however, packs quite a punch when it comes to computing power, with a Core i7-620 UM vPro CPU at 1.06 GHz, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory and a storage capacity that can go all the way up to 500GB.
The ultraportable laptop is built upon the Intel QM57 Express Chipset with an included graphics card. While this component is far from being the most powerful graphics solution ever found in a notebook, it is just enough for the 10.4-inch XGA TFT Color LCD with a maximum resolution of 1024 x 768.
The product's connectivity and I/O options include two USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LAN, an SD/SDHC card slot, a Type 2 PC card slot and a Mini D-Sub 15 pin connector. In addition, the device will be able to run for up to 7.5 hours on a single battery charge.
The notebook coming from Panasonic will run either Windows 7 Professional 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on the user's choice. Also, for an added fee, the device may come pre-installed with Office Personal 2007 and Powerpoint. Further customization options include choosing from 12 different colors, including a 128GB SSD and even getting one's name tag installed under the notebook, provided the purchase is made through the company's shopping site Club Panasonic Mylet. In addition, the Let's Note R9 may come with a different processor, namely the Core i7-640 UM at 1.20 GHz.
The Let's Note R9 will become available on February 17 in Japan and will cost around 180,000 yen, or 210,000 yen for the version with Office and Powerpoint.