Technofile:Lenovo, IBM's hardware spin-off, has just launched a new widescreen version of its T60 laptop, writes Mike Butcher
The 15.4in widescreen laptops have a high resolution, offering good brightness and better viewing angles (although this isn't so handy if you don't want people to see what you're working on while on the train).
It comes with a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, is just over an inch thick and weighs 2.5 kilos.
• If you are getting into high-definition television this Christmas and want a large flat-screen TV, then you may want to try out the new Evesham 47in LCD TV - if you are happy to take out a second mortgage, that is. However, Evesham is also rolling out some cheaper displays in the mid-range market. The Alqemi line-up has 32in, 37in and 42in screens. All the models feature wide extended graphics array (WXGA) resolution, an eight-millisecond response time and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.
There is a "low-end" 32in version with high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), video graphics array (VGA) and analog tuner for about €750. The 42-inch flagship Alqemi SX has Picture-in-Picture and Dolby Virtual surround sound - if you have about €2,000 to spare.
• Microsoft has released 100 limited edition Zune MP3 players in hot pink, rather than the usual brown or black (the Zune is available only in the US for now). However, it's a marketing gimmick that may well backfire. The colour is only printed in fine print on the bottom of the box, which could displease some surprised purchasers. At least they'll be able to sell it on eBay for more than double the price.
• Nokia has announced four new mobile phones, which will be available in 2007. The Nokia 6300 is a thin, mid-range handset with a stainless-steel body. The Nokia 6290 is a 3G smartphone featuring the usual applications, with an estimated price of €325. The Nokia 6086 is a quad-band GSM cameraphone with a twist. It features Wi-Fi, which means it will probably be used as part of a "use your mobile at home" push by various telecom companies. Its estimated price is €200. The Nokia 2626, at €75, probably won't hit these shores as it is aimed at emerging markets such as India and China.
• Who says you can't watch internet video on your television? The company iSymphony has launched the M2UK "Made for iPod" home audio/video product, which features an "all formats" DVD player. It can be linked to a TV to display DVDs, videos and images from iPods.
It even has a 14-in-one card reader and USB port with remote access to the iPod menu, two-way bass-reflex wooden speakers, analogue radio with 40-station memory and a clock.
• Want pictures on the go? The new Fujifilm Pivi MP-300 is a portable printer which is PicBridge compatible. This means that if you hook it up to a compatible digital camera it will print out a small 61×46mm picture in 38 seconds. But the problem is that there is no Bluetooth, and it's not built for the camera I use - my mobile. Back to the drawing board then.
