Computers and hardware CES 2008 wrap-up

(Credit: Lenovo)

CES 2008 may not have been a show for big wows, but there was plenty to talk about, at least on the computers and hardware front. For starters, Lenovo introduced three IdeaPads, the company's first consumer-oriented laptops for the U.S. market. (Lenovo also announced a corresponding line of desktops, predictably named IdeaCentre, for release in Europe, though we expect the line to reach our shores soon.)

HP caught our attention with the sub-$1,000, HD-equipped SlimLine desktop. Dell gave us a peek into the future with its 16-inch laptop prototype and the XPS 630 gaming desktop. Gateway launched its FX gaming brand into the mobile space with three new laptop configurations, while Alienware showed off its 15-inch gamer. We saw new ultraportables from Fujitsu and Asus, plus UMPCs from Toshiba and Samsung. We even got a glimpse at the tiny, Linux-based Everex Cloudbook. Desktops got smaller as well, if the Asus Nova P22 small-form-factor PC is any indication.

On the component front, Intel made a splash with the announcement of its first 45-nanometer notebook chips, known as Penryn; we shared our early test results for the new mobile CPUs and reported on plans for Penryn from Toshiba and HP. Intel also gave us a look at three high-end PCs that feature its components. Not to be left in Intel's wake, both ATI and Nvidia announced new graphics chips, the latter offering a peek at its Hybrid SLI technology.

Accessories that caught our eye included the Logitech diNovo Mini input device for home-theater PCs, the Ricavision Vave 100 Windows SideShow Universal Remote Control, and a Zyxel digital media adapter that lets you stream HD video and music from your PC to your home theater system.

This year's show also saw new storage devices, monitors, and security devices; click here to read all computers and hardware coverage from CES 2008.