Gigabyte has just announced its new Q21 laptop. The Taiwanese PC, components and accessories maker claims the Q21 is a lightweight and affordable 11.6-inch device for those with high mobility needs but less demanding requirements. Is anyone looking for a new netbook / Bingbook?
This diminutive notebook is powered by a 4th generation Intel Celeron Processor from the Bay Trail family. A Gigabyte Q21 buyer has two CPU variants to choose from; the quad core Intel Celeron N2930 processor clocked at 1.83-2.17GHz, or the dual core Intel Celeron N2807 processor clocked at 1.58-2.17GHz. Its single memory slot can be fitted with up to 8GB of RAM.
Gigabyte says its selected Celeron chips offer "triple the graphics capabilities of previous-generation Atom processors" in addition to the Intel Burst Technology 2.0 providing general processing pep when required. Multimedia experience on the Q21 is also enhanced by Intel HD Graphics Technology with Intel Clear Video HD Technology and the Q21 supports the latest DX11 for expanded multimedia/game support.
The laptop's screen is an 11.6-inch 1366x768 LCD display, and it is paired with a multi-touch gesture supporting trackpad. Its chassis measures 292.4(W) x 210.5(D) x 22.7(H)mm and it weighs in at 1.35kg.
The Q21 also features optional built-in dual storage bringing users the choice of good capacity for their personal data along with maximum convenience and speed. The device's SATA SSD can be specified up to 512GB whilst the HDD option can offer up to 1TB of data storage. The range of I/O ports include USB 3.0, USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, Earphone-out, Mic-in, RJ45 and DC-in jack, .
Gigabyte is also offering two OS variants with the Q21, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 with Bing - it will be interesting to see if two otherwise identical models are produced showing the price reduction thanks to your OS choice. Even though no pricing or availability information was offered in the press release, we speculate that the Bingbook Celeron N2897 option will be priced about the $199 mark.
ESSENCE mini-ITX barebone
Gigabyte also announced a new mini-ITX barebone called the ESSENCE, reports FanlessTech. It is a 300x234x75mm mesh-laden case with a removable motherboard tray and a 120W PSU inside, designed for entry-level mini-ITX desktops and possible fan-less builds.
The case is designed with a removable tray which supports the mini-ITX mobo and can fit a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD.
The retail price of the Gigabyte ESSENCE is expected to be around $100 in the West.
