ViewSonic has launched a series of CULV-based ultrathin notebooks, dubbed ViewBook. The series will encompass three form factors, a tiny 12-incher, two 13-inch models and a business oriented 14-inch model. We'll focus on the thirteens, as they're proving to be the most popular form factor in the CULV market.
The ViewBook VB130 features a wide range of CPUs, starting with the Celeron 743 coupled with Intel's GS40 chipset. It will also ship with SU4100 and SU7300 processors, and the latter has a GS45 chipset. All three pack 2GB of memory, 320GB of storage, 802.11b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1, HDMI, memory card reader, 1.3MP webcam, thee USBs, VGA out and even an ExpressCard 34 slot. This sounds rather nice, and the dimensions are even more impressive.
Measuring 17.8mm to 22.9mm thick and weighing in at a featherweight 1.45kg, the VB130 is one of the most compact 13-inchers on the market.
According to mobileandnotebook.com, prices will start at just over €500 for the Celeron version, while the SU4100 and SU7300 models will sell for €574 and €656, which sounds rather reasonable, and puts the VB in the same pricing league with Acer's Timeline 3810T.
Moving along to the most interesting product in the series, the ViewBook Pro, we see similar specs, but with some rather interesting extras. First of all, the Pro features an aluminium chassis and weighs a bit more than the VB130. However, it's still rather compact, weighing just 1.6kg and measuring 16.8mm at its thinnest point. This is rather impressive if you consider it features an optical drive, which is not a common site on CULV ultraportables.
Spec wise, it is somewhat superior to the VB130 as well. It features a SU7300 processor, 4GB of memory, 320GB HDD, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, HDMI, fingerprint reader and an ExpressCard 34 slot. As you can see ViewSonic opted for a chicklet keyboard and the roomy trackpat supports multi-touch.
Unlike most new 13-inchers, the ViewBook Pro packs a 16:10 screen, not a 16:9, so you get a resolution of 1280x800 instead of 1366x768. It should cost €677 without the optical drive. This also sounds rather fair, considering you get an aluminium chassis and better styling than on the VB130.
More here.