BenQ Joybook S57 Notebook

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BenQ, today announced the release of the new Joybook S57, an HD-ready laptop delivering uncompromised indulgence of today’s advanced multimedia content. High-end specifications – such as future-proof HDMI, discrete GPU, TruSurround HD™, and 8ms response time – optimize the latest Blu-ray movies, HD games with impressive sound and 100% visual accuracy on the 15.6” wide, 16:9 LED-backlit screen. Positioned as delivering the best audiovisual notebook experience, the Joybook S57 has users ready for the future of digital multimedia.

The visual prowess of the S57 is a clear testament to BenQ’s world-renowned display expertise. HD content looks spectacular on the native 1366x768 resolution featuring 16:9 aspect ratio for the best human visual experience and is flawlessly reproduced, filling the entire 15.6” wide screen without distortion or annoying black bars. HD gaming and movie thrill are heightened via a super-smooth 8ms response time, Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology and next-generation ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4650 dGPU, which wow with unprecedented levels of artifact-free graphic realism and support for Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1 games. The 220-nit LED screen is additionally enhanced with UltraVivid technology for exceptional color depth and detail definition; while BenQ’s display leadership further shines through with a 60% color saturation (compared to the typical 40-50% range of most laptop screens), rendering even the subtlest color changes in exacting brilliance. Visual perfection is complemented with 2-channel SRS TruSurround HD™ and SRS Headphone 360™.



The S57 mobile multimedia hub comes with either an 8X DVD Super-Multi optical disc drive or 2X Blue-ray DVD combo; the latter featuring the added convenience of DVD and CD read/write functions. Users can easily create a dream library of videos, games, and audio for anytime, anywhere HD entertainment thanks to the large-capacity HDD, available up to 500GB.

The S57 is also the ultimate Internet portal, equipped with superb features for optimum online enjoyment: integrated 2W microphone and two 2W speakers, VoIP, and 2.0M webcam with Magic-i™ Visual Effects and WebCam Companion™ 3 deliver unlimited web conferencing; and HDMI (with HDCP), 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN card, eSATA high-speed data connector, ExpressCard slot, 4-in-1 card reader, and optional Bluetooth 2.1 enable effortless connection.

Keeping users lookin’ great is a polished design that reflects a sophisticated digital lifestyle. Poured across the cover is a blackened liquid dark espresso UV coating that gives way to a pearl white interior. User-friendly design elements include separate numeric keypad, LED indicators located on the right of the keyboard (as opposed to conventional left bottom side) for easy viewing.

The HD-ready multimedia Joybook S57 will be available Mar. 9, 2009 in Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia. For more information, please visit BenQ.com.

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The high-spec screen, which also has a relatively quick 8ms response time, plays movies at their native 16:9 ratio. The system is also taxed only lightly when playing HD video from the optional Blu-ray combo drive thanks to hardware decoding on an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 graphics chipset, which also brings mid-range gaming to the notebook.

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A 2-megapixel webcam and integrated microphone allow for video chats, while a pair of 2W speakers with SRS TruSurround HD support provides audio output.

BenQ's Joybook S57 will launch in Australia, Thailand and Malaysia on March 9th, though pricing information has not been released. It's also unknown if the new notebook will be offered in any other markets.