Panasonic rescuing the reputation of plasma TVs – thinner, more efficient models on the way

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Poor old plasma TVs, which have long been tagged as the energy-sucking, gas-guzzlers of the lounge, might be about to have their reputations saved – thanks to Panasonic’s new range.

Panasonic reckons it’s managed to get the energy consumption of a standard plasma TV down by HALF – a move which it’s hoping will boost sales of its TVs by 50% over the coming year, as modern energy-aware shoppers start paying a bit more attention to the numbers on the back of boxes when they buy stuff…

Lenovo launches new slim, pretty Y-series of laptops

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This machine is one of three Y-series laptops announced this morning by Lenovo, and it’s certainly a looker. The Y650, Y550, and Y450 machines (it’s not clear which one is pictured above) only differ in screen size, ranging from 16″ to 14″, via 15″, all at a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Inside, they’re rather attractive, too – boasting upto 4GB of RAM, upto 500GB hard disk space, and an optional NVidia GFX graphics card. The trackpad’s multi-touch, too, which might make it a good candidate to turn into a hackintosh. Can’t wait to get one into my hands, and see if it’s as lovely in person as in that picture above.

Lenovo (via Akihabaranews)

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Asus planning 12" S101 high-end ultra-thin laptop

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Originally, the S101 wasn’t planned to be part of Asus’ Eee PC netbook range, but it was shoehorned in at the last minute because the company wanted a high-end Eee. The S101 features a 10.2″ screen, but it looks like the Taiwanese company are planning an ultra-thin 12″ model, too.

The new machine will have a 16:10 aspect ratio, and very similar specs to the S101. ‘Sources’ reckon that the machine could be out as soon as before the end of the year. Thankfully, though, the company aren’t planning to stick an Eee badge on this one – the company president has said that he won’t call anything with a larger-than-10″ screen a netbook.

Asus (via Digitimes)

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