Along with three other models, the Core i7 variant of the Z830 has surfaced for order in the U.S,  with a fingerprint reader but no 256GB SSD option yet.

Following previous announcements in Europe that appear to have held back the Core i7 version of the Toshiba Z830 [seen in testing results] from the shelves, it’s good to know it’s actually available in the U.S.with a max 6GB RAM. It’s dissapointing not to see a 256GB SSD storage option as that could have been a way round the relatively slow 128GB drive. Toshiba doesn’t, as far as we know, have a 256GB in their ‘value’ SSD range so it could have come from a faster family of SSDs. We’ll keep an eye out for that.

Read the full story

Keeping close to the pre-tax Euro figures, the Amazon.com pre-order page shows that the Acer Aspire S3-951 will be available on the 16th October for a very competitive $899.

The price includes the Core i5 processing platform and, unique among Ultrabooks so far, a 320GB hybrid hard drive which includes a 20GB SSD partition that we assume is used by the fast-start process. There’s no USB 3.0, no Ethernet port and no VGA port though so although you’re getting a fast laptop for a low price, you’re sacrificing ports. You’re also looking at a little bit more weight than some of the more expensive options.

See our previous articles on the Acer Aspire S3 for an overview and some more thoughts on the package.

Via This is my Next

My personal favorite in the current Ultrabook line-up, the Toshiba Z830, is said to be launching in the USA in late October according to a report by Taiwan News

Interestingly, the report suggests that the entry level model will use a 64GB SSD to keep the price down to $1000. Sales targets were also given at 60 to 70K by the end of the year. Presumably that’s shipped units rather than end-customer sales.

I’m visiting Toshiba Europe next week so will be able to bring you the latest from this part of the world too. WI’ll be hustling for a review model too so wish me luck!