As I wrote Mar. 26, 2006: Let's Note W4 —Typical Japanese Laptop Computer—, I'm using Panasonic Let's Note, most famous high-end laptop PC in Japan. These series have been sold on Feb 10, 2006. Today Panasonic announced their new model, Let's Note R5, T5, W5 and Y5 and they will sell those PCs on May 19.
5th Generation vs. 4th Generation
- Overall
- All models including Y series can protect from 100kg (220lb) shock
- Increase battery life
- Improve MPU performance
- R series, only 999g (2.2lb) ultra portable with 10.4" display, 180,000 JPY (15,000 USD)
- Battery: 11hrs. / 9hrs.
- MPU: Intel Core Solo Ultra-low-voltage 1.06GHz / Pentium M Ultra-low-voltage 1.2GHz
- T series, 1,260g (2.8lb) great battery with 12.1" display, 200,000 JPY (1,700 USD)
- Battery: 15hrs. / 12 hrs.
- MPU: Intel Core Solo Ultra-low-voltage 1.06GHz / Pentium M Ultra-low-voltage 1.2GHz
- W series, 1,199g (2.6lb) internal optical disc drive with 12.1" display, 220,000 JPY (1,880 USD)
- Battery: 12hrs. / 8hrs.
- MPU: Intel Core Solo Ultra-low-voltage 1.06GHz / Pentium M Ultra-low-voltage 1.3GHz
- Y series, 1,490g (3.3lb) internal optical disc drive with 14.1" display, 240,000 JPY (2,000 USD)
- Battery: 9hrs. / 7hrs.
- MPU: Intel Core Duo Low-voltage 1.5GHz / Pentium M Low-voltage 1.6GHz
- Waterproof Keyboard: Available / N/A
- Maxim Shock Protection: 100kg / 50kg
NOTE: These prices mean street price in Yodobashi.com, most famous Japanese online computer shop (Apr. 25, 2006.) No computers include Microsoft Office.
Upgrading more efficient MPU let them expand their battery life and performance. Compare Y5 to Y4, MPU performance get more than 70% faster while 28% decrease electricity consumption. However I think they should change their keyboard. Now I'm using W series 4th generation, but as their key touch is too soft and light, the keyboard is not my favorite. Their keyboard should be thicker and heavier even the battery would be getting smaller. Note that Let's Note is loved by computer geeks like me, besides very expensive.
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