The 3D revolution making headlines in 2010 goes beyond just TVs and actually extends to Blu-ray players, game consoles, and even laptops. It seems every computer manufacturer has hopped on the 3D laptop display train, and now Lenovo is finally aboard too with the new IdeaPad Y560d.
Lenovo slow to follow
In terms of 3D laptops, Lenovo can be considered something of a slow starter since both Acer and Asus already come out with 3D notebooks of their own late last year in 2009. By now, over a half a year later, Lenovo was one of the few PC makers to have not released a 3D laptop model, although all this has been changed with the new IdeaPad Y560d. Of course, what do we mean by a 3D laptop? Well, we’re referring to the computer’s 3D display, but there’s also more to it.
3D display
A 3D display alone isn’t enough if you only have 2D content, so something else is required to turn the standard 2D media into three dimensions. One option for 3D laptops to display photos, movies and games in 3D is none other than Nvidia’s 3D Vision Kit, complete with glasses, that we introduced earlier in the year. Models like the recently unveiled Toshiba Satellite A665 3D notebook make use of the Nvidia alternative, and reviews, especially for 3D gaming, are generally positive with the Vision Kit. To the contrary, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y560d, with its ATI GPU, goes another route by employing TriDef’s 3D tech.
TriDef 3D technology
The TriDef 3D solution was also used in Acer’s first 5738DG 3D laptop from late last year, to much less positive reception. Criticism included no support for DirectX 10 games, something that’s still an issue, a poor 3D HD experience, and a failure to work well with incompatible games (for a full list of tested games we refer you to TriDef’s homepage). Then, even when the effect did work as planned, it was nothing too spectacular. Granted, these experiences were with an Acer, not Lenovo, laptop, but many of the TriDef exclusive problems extend to the Y560d. Another glaring TriDef 3D issue is the fact that the service doesn’t work with Blu-rays, at all. So if you’re expecting a portable 3D Blu-ray player with this 3D IdeaPad Y series computer, then think again. Still, it’s not all bad news as the TriDef Photo Transformer software was said to do an excellent job of bringing 2D photos into three dimensions. Oh, and unlike Nintendo’s new 3DS, polarised glasses are of course still mandatory.
Impressive gaming specs
Aside from its 3D prowess, the IdeaPad Y560d packs some of the latest and fastest in hardware. We’re talking about the latest Intel Core i7 2010 CPU, complete with Intel’s performance enhancing Turbo Boost tech, a high-end ATI Radeon HD5730 graphics card, an HDMI port, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, up to 8GB of RAM, as well as support for HD graphics on its 3D capable 16:9 widescreen. Furthermore, switchable graphics for the Radeon card work much in the same way as Intel’s CPU Turbo Boost feature, by only boosting performance when needed, and save both power and battery life in the process.
Unique and stylish design
Looking at the IdeaPad’s appearance, moreover, it seems Lenovo have taken a page out of Alienware’s book when designing gaming rigs. The sleek black 15.6 inch 3D laptop comes with a large tribal etching on its back, struck through the middle by a white beam, lending the computer a very fashionable and unique presentation.
For more information please visit:
http://news.idealo.co.uk/news/7792/lenovo-y560d-laptop-great-for-gaming-alright-for-3d.html
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