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BY EVAN THOMAS
There’s a new challenger for Apple’s computers on the scene. Vizio’s first ever line of
computers debuted Thursday, and industry watchers are impressed.
Gizmodo says each of Vizio’s designs takes some cues from Apple without getting too close
to lawsuit territory. Its all-in-one desktops pack Intel Ivy Bridge processors and Kepler
video chipsets from Nvidia, USB 3.0 and clean installs of Windows 7.
The desktops top out at $1,100, which is reasonably competitive, given the dense new space Vizio
now finds itself in. PCWorld explains.
“Best known as a TV maker, Vizio showed its first PCs earlier this year. It enters
a crowded market that includes Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Lenovo, Acer and others. It will also
compete with Apple and its Mac OS computers.”
That includes competing in the notebook market segment. Laptop Magazine got some hands-on
time with Vizio’s Thin + Light ultrabook. There’s no SD card slot, and no backlit
keyboard, but these are nitpicks against an otherwise solid first performer.
“Overall, at $898, the Vizio 14-inch Thin + Light is one of the better looking ultrabooks
you’re going to find for the money.…You’re just going to have to make a couple of tradeoffs
for the price, but we think a lot of people are going to be willing to make that.”
The Verge found Vizio’s ultraportable aesthetics aren’t quite to Apple levels, but then again
you get exactly what you’re paying for.
“Both machines feature unibody construction, but they're not nearly as hefty or solid-feeling
as Apple's notebooks. That's not necessarily a bad thing — these are quite a bit cheaper.”
And Liliputing notes — one part Vizio didn’t spare at all was on screens.
“…Vizio is also packing in... premium features that you’d normally expect on more
expensive ultrabooks: high resolution displays. Vizio’s 14 inch model has a 1600 x 900 pixel
display, while the 15.6 inch ultrabook has a 1920 x 1080 pixel screen.”
All of Vizio’s new computers will be available later this summer. You’ll be able to get
them online, or at local retailers like Target or Costco.