Two nice laptop hardware touches

"A one-to-one wireless connection between the Envy 133 notebook and an Ethernet connector located on the power supply, allowing users to roam free from the wired connection." [ZD Net]

"[The Packard Bell Puma laptop has] a "Battery Boost" button that allows you to switch between dedicated video and integrated Intel GMA chipsets in order to conserve unwired time." [Engadget]

[#1 posted by Enochrewt , June 10, 2008 10:20 AM]

Two laptops, one cup?

I wish they'd hurry up with wireless power, the first one would be nice, except you're still tied down with the power cord.

[#2 posted by jrishel , June 10, 2008 11:34 AM]

Is one extra cable for your ethernet really that much of a pain? Now if they could also mix in a connection to my speakers and USB for my external mouse and keyboard, oh, and firewire for my camcorder connection--

wait. That's called a docking station, we have that already.

[#3 posted by chroma , June 10, 2008 11:36 AM]

I can't figure out what the first one means. You plug an Ethernet cord into the power supply?

As for the second one, I'd like some confirmation that it actually works.

[#4 posted by Joel Johnson , June 10, 2008 11:54 AM]

You plug the Ethernet into the power supply, which has a Wi-Fi bridge inside that can connect to the laptop. It's a neat way to stash the Ethernet off the machine. (Although obviously you are limited to Wi-Fi speeds.)

[#5 posted by Chevan , June 10, 2008 4:32 PM]

So I take it that's meant for people who don't want a full wireless router?

[#6 posted by Daemon , June 10, 2008 9:16 PM]

@5 That, and people who are staying at a hotel or other place providing ethernet, but not wifi.

[#7 posted by Itsumishi , June 12, 2008 10:33 PM]

Unless I'm mistaken if you're plugged into the powersupply you'll still get full ethernet speeds.
But you also have the bonus of being able to unplug the power (but keep the powersupply plugged into the wall) then wander around using the wireless.