Offering wide scale upgradability and options for users to plug in parts for added performance, ASUS C90 basically broke the mindset of the non-upgradeable laptop by significant measures. But since ASUS and MSI-branded lappies have offered such features before, the C90 probably leads the rest with a rich feature set and the curves to boot.

The C90, although configurable, can actually go up to Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 while being merry with an NVidia DX10 compliant 8600GT graphics chip with 256 MB of memory. An MXM graphics swapping concept allows the video capabilities to be expanded with a simple switch of the module. S-Video, VGA and HDMI are all supported by the C90 - especially the new and improved HDMI 1.3 - while the graphics system also revolves around a built-in TV tuner.

    

Memory is a no-brainer for the C90 as it supports all the way up to 3 GB of DDR2 memory, while sporting a four (yes four) fan ventilation unit right behind the LCD screen to keep heat from frying the sleek monster. It also boasts E-SATA interfacing, PS2 and USB connectivity, and IEEE 802.11n wireless networking support.

Bluetooth connectivity is also provided, while ASUS nests a 2.0 megapixel camera right on top of the 15.4-inch, 1680x1050 resolution LCD screen. A finger print reader is adds to the features of the C90, while both HD-DVD drives and Blu-Ray can both replace the standard issue DVD burner.

The barebone version of the laptop might reach up to US$ 1500, PC Perspective reports, although it should make up for the costs with ASUS standard issue overclocking customizations. And PC Launches reports that a C90 is offered up on E-Bay right this instant.

  Toshiba might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think about high end PC gaming (much less high end laptop PC gaming) but having recently given its latest Satellite gaming laptop a drive around the block, I think it's safe to say that's about to change.

The Design and Chassis: It's pretty darn classy, if you're a little bit more mature about your gaming and would rather not be seen walking around with a laptop that looks like it's a leftover prop from some bad 90's B-movie, you'll appreciate the P105's simple sleek curves and distinct lack of gaming bling. If it needs to it can actually look surprisingly normal, you can whip it out at the local Starbucks and manage not to look like the ultimate geek. There's no ugly chrome, no weird and extraneous cheap plastic attachments, just an understated sense of verve in the form of a soft blue glow from the systems front mounted speakers. Keys and shortcuts are conveniently and intelligently laid out with ample space so things rarely feel cramped. I say rarely because the touchpad is perhaps just a little small to be completely comfortable, and because it's offset to the left which kind of gets a little inconvenient during a heated gaming session. That said, the special tap activated backlight is quite useful, as well as the quick access provided to a number of software driven shortcuts, with options to quick-launch the web browser, volume control as well as activate various applications and multimedia functionality.

Read the rest of the review, after the jump!

IBM, together with the Macronix and Qimonda research team, has demonstrated a device that claims to be the "Flash-killer." Why? Apparently, the prototype storage device is 500 times faster than Flash and uses less than half the power of Flash memory and can be built in super thin form factors.

The prototype would be showing what its got on the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineer's (IEEE) conference in San Francisco which happens this week. For those techies who want details, the IBM thingamajig uses a new Germanium-Antimony semi-conductor alloy in a device with a 3nm by 20nm cross section.

In layman's terms - it is smaller than today's flash and it is something that would take ages to perfect. Aside from that, the 500 time faster than flash memory is also blessed with a less than one-half the power consumption. Commercial availability - 2015

The IBM-Macronix-Qimonda project isn't the only one trying to do this. Samsung is also developing their very own phase-change RAM (PRAM) which is 30 times faster than flash and is targetted for a 2008 release. Intel and ST Microelectronics are doing the same thing and Elpida is targetting for a 2010 start of commercial PRAM production.

The release of the brand-spanking new WiFi standard, which would allow notebook users to connect to the interweb at faster speeds, has been delayed yet again -- pretty much like Microsoft OS, Vista.

While the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) had already approved of a draft version - called 802.11n - a second draft ,which should have been due this fall wouldn't most likely come out until January of next year. And that's just the second draft. This would catapult the release of the final output to 2008!

What's the reason for delay? Nearly 12,000 changes to the draft was submitted to the standards committee. Comments on the current draft are flying in from left, right, and center, and it would take the IEEE some time to agree on the new draft. Imagine: going through all those comments!

Well, we do remember some issues regarding 802.11 Pre-N drafts. So I guess it's not surprising that the IEEE should get 12,000 change requests, and even less surprising that the release date should get pushed back.

Craig Mathias, an analyst up at Farpoint Group, says that it's quite improbable that the drafts would be compatible with what the eventual standard would be, and that they (the draft routers) wouldn't be able to be upgraded to the new standard. Still, those who plan on using these drafts at home would still be able to work out their connection just fine.