14 DAY TRIAL // NEC is a Japanese manufacturer that many of you might not have heard about, but the company has actually launched some nice products on its home market.
One apt example is the LaVie GZ Ultrabook which arrives with an IGZO display and Intel core i7 chip inside. What’s more, NEC has managed to slim down the machine so much that it weighs just 795 g / 1.79 lbs, which is quite impressive.
NEC launches a Broadwell 2-in-1 series
NEC is also in the business of making tablets and naturally 2-in-1 hybrids. And in recent days, the device manufacturer has launched a brand new hybrid computer which takes advantage of Intel’s latest chip architecture
Introducing the LaVie U series, which comprises the LU550 / TSS and LU350 / TSS models that differ solely by virtue of the processors found on the inside (as spotted at Notebook Italia).
Both models come with an 11.6-inch IPS display taking advantage of 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. The slates break the scales at 822 g / 1.8 lbs, but when you add the keyboard, you’ll have 560 g / 1.23 lbs more.
The keyboard will snap to the display and offer protection to the screen when you transport it around. When you want to use the keyboard for typing, you will need to place the display part in the groove which is part of the keyboard accessory.
A similar concept has been spotted in the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2 which also takes advantage of Intel’s new Broadwell architecture.
Now, let’s see what’s up in the computing department. The LU550 / TSS takes advantage of an Intel Core M-5Y70 while the LaVie LU350 / TSS lives off a Core M-5Y10 chip, also part of the Broadwell bunch but a bit less powerful.
Both models are combined with 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD. We’re not given the specific value, yet it appears the battery inside should be able to sustain a life cycle of up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Judging by the promo pics, NEC will also throw in an optional smart pen.
The manufacturer hasn't said anything about availability or pricing of the two versions, but we should expect them to be quite expensive.
Even so, knowing NEC, the company won’t launch the models outside Japan, which is really a shame as the models seem to have some potential.
Panasonic also jumps in the Core M bandwagon
In related news, Panasonic also launched a Japanese exclusive in the country in the form of the Let’s Note RZ4 super light 10-inch notebook, which takes advantage of an Intel Core M Broadwell chip.
