HP today introduced the industry's thinnest and lightest workstation Ultrabooks, the HP ZBook 14 and 15u. HP also announced its next-generation virtual workstation and enhancements to its Remote Graphics Software.

The new products:

• HP ZBook 14 and 15u Workstation Ultrabooks: With an unprecedented sleek and stylish design, these customizable workstations deliver impressive professional 3D graphics, high-performance/breakthrough storage and outstanding performance even for the most demanding applications.
• The HP DL380z Virtual Workstation: Providing a true workstation experience, combined with end-to-end security, optimized IT management, and access to applications from almost any endpoint device, from virtually anywhere.
• HP Remote Graphics Software (RGS) 7.1: Delivering faster performance for workstation or server-based graphic-rich applications and collaboration remotely in real time from any PC, thin client or Windows tablet.

Today, Intel unveiled the 5th Generation Intel Core processor family. Built on Intel's cutting edge 14nm manufacturing process, the 5th Gen Intel Core processors deliver premium performance, stunning visuals and enables improved battery life to take computing to the next level. The performance also provides the foundation for more natural and interactive experiences with Intel RealSense technology, Intel Wireless Display (Intel WiDi) and voice assistants.

With the "Broadwell" microarchitecture expected to be the fastest mobile transition in company history, offering consumers a broad selection and availability of devices, the 5th Gen Intel Core processors are purpose-built for the next generation of compute devices offering a thin, light and more efficient experience across traditional notebooks, 2 in 1s, Ultrabook devices, Chromebooks, All-In-One desktop PCs and mini PCs.

Acer today announced it will be expanding support for 5th Generation Intel Core processors across its mobile lines, adding the CPU to its innovative line of Aspire R 13 convertible notebooks and award-winning Aspire S7 Ultrabooks. The Acer Aspire R 13 and S7 will incorporate the newest 802.11ac wireless specification for fast and more reliable Internet connections. The 5th Generation Intel Core processors have been designed to improve performance, graphics and battery life over previous versions. The ultrafast 802.11ac wireless networking standard is up to 3 times faster than the previous generation spec (802.11n) and increases network speed, range and reliability, enabling more people to use different wireless devices and simultaneously stream content with less interference.

The Aspire R 13 Series, S7 Ultrabook and previously announced Switch 12 2-in-1 notebook will be on display at Pepcom's Digital Experience! Event on Jan. 5th at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

In another strong quarter, Chromebook shipments increased by 67% QoQ and are projected to double in size YoY. Acer continues to maintain its lead over other vendors in the market, including Samsung, HP, and Dell. The top three leading vendors - Acer, Samsung, and HP - accounted for 74% shipment share during 1H 2014 and are forecasted to maintain market control through 2H 2014, according to quarterly data from technology market intelligence firm ABI Research.

"Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective but also provides the versatility and functionality of a laptop," says Research Analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. "The growth of the Chromebook market demonstrates a niche that is gaining traction among consumers."

The questionable need of Chromebooks by consumers contributed to the slow start of these devices; however, vertical markets such as elementary education still remain a driving force. In emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, business-purchasing entities account for 75% of Chromebook sales. ABI Research also forecasts that North America will account for 78% of the Chromebook market in 2014, while other regions, especially Asia-Pacific and Western Europe, are expected to grow in market share by 2019.

As a global leader in providing the most secure and manageable commercial PC solutions, Dell today debuted sleek, completely redesigned additions to its trusted Latitude and OptiPlex portfolio: the Latitude 7000 Series 2-in-1 detachable laptop; the Latitude 3000 and 5000 Series laptops; the Latitude 14 Rugged laptop; and the OptiPlex 9020 and 3020 Micro desktop PCs. Dell also introduced its Chromebox and Chromebox for meetings solutions and new additions to its monitor line-up further expanding its global leadership in flat panel displays.

"Dell understands the complexity of supporting the wide variety of devices present in today's evolving workforce environment," said Kirk Schell, vice president and general manager, commercial client solutions, Dell. "Our new portfolio enables businesses of all sizes to embrace sleek and innovative form factors their workforce will be proud to use day after day to accomplish their productivity goals. While they look like thin and light consumer devices, these commercial PCs are backed by the industry's best security and manageability that only Dell provides."

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and convergence technologies, announced today its newest ultra-slim portable DVD writers, the SE-218GN and SE-208GB optical disc drives (ODDs) with a sleeker design and mobile size for Ultrabook users on-the-go.

Measuring 148.6 x 14 x 146mm (SE-208GB) and 148 x 14.4 x 143(SE-218GN), the drives are ideal for Ultrabook users that need optical media for easy access to stored documents, photos and multimedia content. These new drives feature a new external ODD design by placing the eject button on top of the case to maximize the ease of pressing the eject button instead of on the front bezel.

Silicon Power, the world's leading provider of memory storage solutions introduces Slim S55 with a Phison & Toshiba solution to its 2.5 inch SATA III 6Gb/s solid state drive line. Offering incredible performance at a surprise, it is no wonder that S55 is the smartest choices for users who are looking a SSD for their system. The new additions complete the product line and are positioned as one of the most effective models.

SP is proud to present S55 which feature the latest SATA III 6Gb/s interface with an impressive read/write speed of up to 556MB/s and 475MB/s*. It is the highest speed and hottest sale among other brands, according to the test review on a top Japanese magazine DOSV. The S55 is ideal for gamers, computer enthusiasts, and multitaskers wishing to take their computing experience to a new level.

ASUS today announced Zenbook NX500, the stunning new flagship of the multiple-award-winning Zenbook Ultrabook range. Echoing the timeless, classic design of Zenbook, NX500 introduces a new sleek and elegant all-aluminum chassis housing state-of-the-art components for ultimate performance. NX500 premieres the incredible new ASUS VisualMaster display technology, and has the world's first 15.6-inch 4K/UHD (ultra-high-definition) touchscreen using 3M QDEF (quantum dot enhancement film) technology for unbelievably natural and vivid color reproduction.

NX500 uses a powerful 4th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, teamed with the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 850M graphics for seamless multitasking, smooth 4K/UHD video playback and responsive gameplay.

Intel answered the burning question some of us had about what the desktop chipset that succeeds the 9-series will be named. For now, Intel is referring to it as "100-series," on early internal roadmap documents scored by VR-Zone. Much like the current 9-series, 100-series will consist of a single PCH silicon, from which several variants will be carved out by toggling features.

There will be four primary kinds of "Skylake" packages, SLK-S, which will be socketed LGA; SLK-U, which will likely be compact, ultra-low power BGA, for Ultrabooks; SLK-Y, which will probably be mainstream BGA for compact desktops and all-in-ones; and SLK-H, which will likely be mainstream BGA for conventional notebooks. This generation of CPUs and PCHs, will also be accompanied by four kinds of wireless network controllers, depending on the target form-factor, "Snowfield Peak" Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, "Douglas Peak" WiGig + Bluetooth, "Pine Peak" WiGig, and XMM726x 4G LTE controllers; and "Jacksonville" GbE wired Ethernet controller. Thunderbolt standard will undergo an evolution with the company's "Alpine Ridge" controller.

StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity parts, has announced the availability of a new HDMI Wireless Video Extender Kit (SKU: ST121WHDST), which features a distinctly compact design that is ideal for extending video wirelessly from a laptop or Ultrabook. The extender kit, which supports wireless HDMI video extension at distances of up to 15-metres, is more portable than most comparable wireless video extenders, making it easier to use and carry with a mobile computer.

"Our new HDMI Wireless Video Extender Kit is our most compact HDMI wireless video extender to date, which makes it ideal as a laptop or Ultrabook accessory" said John Mardinly, Senior Product Manager for StarTech.com's line of Audio-Video products. "Unlike most wireless video devices, the transmitter unit included with the HDMI Wireless Video Extender Kit is small and light enough that laptop users can move freely with their computer in-hand, anywhere within the 15-metre transmission range. The Transmitter does not even need to be plugged into a wall, as it is powered from a USB port on the laptop, adding greater flexibility for moving around in a room or boardroom."

Intel's upcoming Thunderbolt host controller, codenamed "Alpine Ridge," could allow you to play God with several uncompressed Ultra HD video streams during production, if its leaked specifications hold up. The controller leverages PCI-Express gen 3.0 to double bandwidth of the interface. It will launch around the same time as Intel's next-generation Core "Skylake" processors (some time in 2015), and in a typical implementation, will be wired to the CPU's root-complex, and not that of the PCH. With PCIe 3.0 x4 or PCIe 3.0 x2 links at its disposal, the controller can push data at a staggering 40 Gbps. The link can also ferry DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, and USB 3.0 data through its link layer. That bandwidth should enable you to plug in up to two Ultra HD displays, apart from your storage array.

The Thunderbolt connector itself will undergo a change with the arrival of Alpine Ridge. It will be slimmer (shorter) than the current connector, at 3 mm (good for Ultrabooks), and there will be adapters for backwards compatibility with older-generation Thunderbolt devices. The connector will be designed to supply up to 100W of power, so Ultrabooks based on it will do away with round DC jacks, and charge up much like tablets and smartphones do. That amount of power should also enable single-cable HDD docks and RAID boxes. There will be two main variants of Alpine Ridge, one that supports two ports over daisy-chaining, and one that supports just a single port.

Team Group, the global leading brand of memory storage launched on a brand new mSATA MP1 with only 1/8 size of general 2.5" SSD, which can meet JEDEC mSATA size specification. Focused on the lightest and thinnest volume and outstanding performance, it becomes perfect collocation of Notebook, Ultrabook, Tablet PC and NUC, etc.

Even though a small mechanism, mSATA MP1 SSD combines all the advantages of SSD in one- high speed, low power consumption, high stability and zero noise. mSATA MP1 supports SATA III, having 6Gb/s transmission rate, reading speed up to 530 MB/sec and writing speed up to 440 MB/sec. Compared with traditional mechanic HDD, it sharply decreases the time to wait for boot up, running program and windows operating and effectively increases operation efficiency. Meanwhile, parts of Ultrabook and PC/Notebook are either changed to built-in small capacity mSATA or installed with mSATA slot to respond market trend of pursuing light mobile device. Consumers have choice to purchase mSATA MP1 as system boot disk or go with HDD, which is used for disk cache to strengthen traditional disk performance. To compare with traditional HDD, mSATA MP1 can save you about 2 times boot operation time and significantly boost overall computer performance.

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced its internal M.2 2260 SATA solid-state drive is at the heart of the ASUS Zenbook UX301LA and UX301LAA. Kingston's SSD solution helps the stylish Ultrabook with fast startup and shutdown, quick opening and closing of applications, longer battery life and rapid access in and out of hibernation.

The ASUS Zenbook UX301LA uses a 128GB Kingston M.2 2260 SATA SSD while the Zenbook UX301LAA is powered by two M.2 2260 SATA SSDs in RAID 0, thus allowing the user up to 256GB of hard drive storage. The slim form factor of the SATA 6Gbps SSD allows unrivaled performance for Ultrabook PCs. M.2 2260 is among the next-generation form factors that Kingston offers to fit various PC OEM platforms as more Ultrabook, light and thin, tablet and all-in-one solutions come into the marketplace.

Sony is reportedly disposing of the iconic VAIO brand, and with it, its PC division. The brand and its assets will be sold off to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), much in the same way as IBM disposed its PC business and Thinkpad brands over to Lenovo (which was a major supplier to IBM at the time). We won't see the last of VAIO notebooks, Ultrabooks, tablets, and convertibles, only that they won't be sold by Sony. The deal is part of Sony's larger efforts to shed underperforming businesses.

JIP could establish a new PC company from the assets it buys off Sony. In all likelihood, the VAIO brand could be retained, although the company's name itself hasn't been finalized. The new company will see Sony transfer 300 of its employees, to jump-start operations. The MoU signed between Sony and JIP seems to suggest that the company will prioritize Japan over global markets, in what is a similar strategy to Lenovo's. The Chinese company, after acquiring IBM's PC assets, focused its efforts on capturing the Chinese domestic markets with not just PCs, but also smartphones and tablets.

Acer is working on a variant of its 13.3-inch Aspire S7 Ultrabook with a higher resolution display. It will offer WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution, which works out to a pixel density of 221 ppi, which is not too far away from the 227 ppi that Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display offers. Depending on its other innards, the WQHD Aspire S7 will come in two variants - a base model priced at US $1,499, driven by Intel Core i5-4200U, and a top model priced at $1,799, with a faster Core i7-4500U chip. Both feature 8 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory, and 256 GB of SSD storage, each. The two will begin to show up on leading US retailers in the coming week.

Fujitsu today announced the release of the FUJITSU PC LIFEBOOK TH90/P, a new convertible Ultrabook in the FMV Series of consumer PCs. The new laptop can also be used as a tablet, with both stylus and touch input available to suit four different modes of use. Adopting Fujitsu's proprietary "Shift Hinge" construction, the LIFEBOOK TH90/P makes operation easy by changing styles, while offering a stylish form-factor. An exceptional example of function and design in one unit, the LIFEBOOK TH90/P brings together the technologies and attention to detail that Fujitsu has accumulated over many years.

Fujitsu has also upgraded two models for improved performance, the LIFEBOOK AH42/M laptop, and the ESPRIMO FH52/M desktop computer.

Eurocom is launching the thin, light and multi-touch enabled 14" Armadillo Ultrabook notebook. The beautiful 14" FHD 1920x1080, 10 point multi-touch display will take your breath away and allow users to interact with their little Armadillo like never before.

With the convenience of a tablet and the capability of a laptop, the 14" EUROOCM Armadillo is built for the new age of power user. Maximize your Windows 8 experience with multi-touch technology to swipe, scroll and select with intuitive gestures.

DisplayLink, the leading provider of USB Graphics technology, today announced the official launch of its industry leading DL-5500 USB 3.0 chipset with support for 4K resolutions. The DL-5500 is the first member of the DL-5000 family, enabling users to expand their desktop / notebook workspace to take advantage of the latest Ultra High Definition monitors.

The new DL-5500 Universal Graphics Adapter chipset further expands DisplayLink's award winning technology, enabling users to expand existing notebooks / tablets or desktops to 4K (Ultra High Definition) over a single USB 3.0 Plug-and-display bus-powered connection. The solution is uniquely designed to flexibly expand existing DisplayLink enabled docking stations and adapters while maintaining a simple single USB connection to the host.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced it has upgraded its premium KIRAbook Ultrabook with 4th generation Intel Core "Haswell" processors, delivering faster performance, better graphics and a longer battery life rating up to nine hours. The updated KIRAbook will maintain its original ultra-high resolution PixelPure display, sleek and lightweight design and resilient AZ91 pressed magnesium alloy build.

"KIRAbook continues to be one of the best ultraportable Windows laptops on the market, complete with an included premium support package," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Adding more performance and battery life just complements our goal of delivering a premium PC born out of refined design and built for demanding tasks."

Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a worldwide leader in storage solutions, today announced that it is working with Lenovo, the world's largest PC maker, to deliver YOGA 2, a new multimode PC powered by the Seagate Laptop Ultrathin HDD. Both companies will demo the YOGA 2 multimode PC at CES 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Seagate has had an ongoing strategic alliance with Lenovo for many years. By delivering the technology that enables their YOGA 2 with the Laptop Ultrathin HDD, we have succeeded in delivering a high-capacity, lightweight laptop that addresses the needs of consumers and commercial users," said Scott Horn, Seagate vice president of marketing. "Redefining the laptop and tablet space, this new drive enables consumers to enjoy PC-like storage capacity in a thin and light Ultrabook design."

PC computing leader Lenovo today, at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show, announced additions to its product portfolio with the third generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon, the world's lightest 14 inch ultrabook and the ThinkPad 8, a premium 8 inch tablet offering a full PC experience on the move. Lenovo also introduces the new ThinkPad OneLink Dock Pro, an enhanced docking solution through a single cable connector.

"Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of design and technology as we aspire to create the best products in the market. Our obsession in the pursuit of perfection is evident with these smarter devices designed to enhance the way people interact at home and at work," said Peter Hortensius, SVP and president, Think Business Group, Lenovo. "The ThinkPad X1 Carbon delivers a stunning user experience with the best professional display and new interactive methods and represents another step in our PC plus journey."

Acer today announced that its Aspire S3 Ultrabook is now available in Europe, Middle East and Africa starting at €999. The S3 has inherited some of the industry-leading design and innovations of the Aspire S7, making it an impressively stylish and productive notebook at a more affordable price.

As on the celebrated Aspire S7, the S3's patented dual-torque hinge design allows users to easily open the lid up to 180° for sharing content, while keeping the display wobble-free for an outstanding touch experience.

HP today announced new HP Elite products that further extend the design and durability leadership of the company's premium line of PC products. Today's announcement includes the world's thinnest, most durable HP EliteBook, as well as a full-powered desktop that takes up less workspace than most office phones.

Today's employees demand technology that fits their personal style, while still allowing them to stay productive wherever the job takes them. Meanwhile, IT managers must support this New Style of IT with a common set of devices and interfaces, all while exceeding expectations for the security and reliability that business demands.

Offering all the benefits of an ultrabook in a unique design that easily transforms into tablet-mode, Acer America today announced that its new TravelMate X313 convertible ultrabook with Windows 8 Pro is available to commercial customers in North America. It's a versatile all-in-one solution allowing users to switch easily between office use and commuting, touch and type, and creating and presenting via the 11.6-inch convertible screen.

The new convertible ultrabook combines the many benefits of a tablet with a design that allows the touch-screen display to be used freely or in the keyboard case. With the cradle and separate keyboard, users get expansion capability enabling them to use the device like a desktop. Offering up to six hours of battery life in a 0.39-inch thin and 1.74 pound device, this convertible delivers excellent performance in a highly portable form factor.

Acer America today announced the TravelMate P645 Series commercial ultrabooks that deliver longer battery life and improved performance as well as new reliability features that will keep customers working longer and more effectively.

The new Acer TravelMate P645 features 4th generation Intel Core processors, which reduce power consumption by as much as 12 percent. This results in longer battery life of up to 8 hours for enhanced productivity. Customers who multi-task throughout the workday as they review documents, compare spreadsheets and create multimedia will now experience greater responsiveness and speed using the new 4th generation Intel Core processors. They provide performance improvements of up to 15 percent and 3D graphics performance that is two times faster than 3rd generation Intel Core processors. Models will be powered by an Intel Core i7 or i5 processor.