PC makers target HDTV laptops

Gateway and AMD are the latest manufacturers to push on the development of HDTV capabilities on laptops and desktop PCs.

Gateway have announced the M-series and T-series laptop line-up, which both come HDTV ready. HDMI outputs, optional ATI graphics, Blu-ray or HD DVD drives and wireless connectivity, Gateway are really pushing on HDTV pre-built into these laptops.

The M-series comes with a high resolution 1920 x 1200 15.4″ screen, while the T-series comes with a lower-resolution 14.1″ screen.

While neither are going to rival the 60″ monster HDTV sets for the living room, the idea of catering for HDTV on the move, especially when integrated with HDTV and IPTV viewing, has certainly got to have appeal.

Meanwhile, AMD are launching the TV Wonder 650 Combo PCIe is a combo tuner, a plug and play device which will allow any compatible laptop or desktop to receive locally available satallite & cable programming, including HDTV channels.

While encrypted services will, of course, require subscription, Free To Air (FTA) should be accessible where availble. And coupled with their external ATI TV Wonder 600 USB, record programs to DVR as required.