Velocity Micro has recently introduced a new range of Ultrabooks under the NoteMagix branding with some interesting features including the choice of Ivy Bridge core i3-i7 processors, optical drive, promise of no bloatware, US based tech support and a choice of operating systems.
There are 3 models in the NoteMagix range and they share a couple of features across the different models, from the least expensive U430, mid slot U450 to the top of the range U470. These include a 14 inch screen with a resolution of 1366×768, optical DVD drive, 4GB RAM, 1.3MP webcam, WiFiB/G/N, Bluetooth, integrated Ethernet and weight of 4lbs. However the U450 and U470 also have the option to upgrade the RAM to 8GB and come with gigabit Ethernet. All models are rated for 6+ hours of battery life.
The models differ in the CPU and type of storage offered though there is no option to mix and match to create a custom configuration. The bottom of the range U470 comes with a Core i3-3217U CPU with a 24GB SSD/500GB HDD hybrid drive, the mid range U450 bumps the processor to a Core i5-3317U CPU with a 120GB Intel SSD and the top of the range U470 packs a Core i7-3517U with a 240GB Intel SSD. And of course all models will be packing Intel HD4000 graphics.
The choice of OS varies from Windows 7 Home Premium, Pro and Ultimate to Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro which could make these machines more appealing to those who aren’t convinced by the new Start screen in Windows 8. Prices start at $799.99 for the U430 and are available now.
1366×768? No thanks.
Also, I hoped for Linux (or at least ‘no windows’ so that I can install Linux myself) when I read ‘a choice of operating systems’.