The 11-inch gaming laptop lives, with the new Origin Eon 11-S

[Te Puke Weather]

CNET Reviews Windows 8
The 11-inch gaming laptop lives, with the new Origin Eon 11-S
Alienware's once-popular M11x may be heading for retirement, but boutique rival Origin is keeping the ultraportable gaming laptop alive.

by Dan Ackerman  April 28, 2012 9:01 PM PDT
(Credit: Origin)
The 11-inch gaming laptop is the textbook definition of a niche product. In fact, up until now, there's really only been one serious entry in that category, Dell's Alienware M11x. Origin (coincidentally co-founded by some former Alienware employees) is now getting into the game, with the Eon 11-S, which the company calls a "compact high-performance laptop."

Interestingly, this new model won't actually double the number of 11-inch gaming laptops available, as the Alienware model is being quietly discontinued. That's a shame, as we liked the M11x, even if it wasn't the most practical for either serious PC gamers, or portability obsessed travellers.
Taking a bit of a shot at the current trend for slim ultrabook-style laptops, Origin CEO and co-founder Kevin Wasielewski says, "Everyone dreams of a laptop that is smaller, lighter, has a longer battery life and has the ability to play all of the latest PC games well. The EON11-S makes that dream a reality and without making any 'ultra-sacrifices.'"



The new Origin Eon 11-S will debut with Intel's new third-generation Core i-series processors and Nvidia's GT 650M graphics, which sounds like a basis for a good gaming rig. The company claims 6.5 hours of battery life (with Nvidia's Optimus technology switching the GPU off as needed), and a weight under four pounds. Like the recent Eon 17-S update, the 11-inch version will also include Origin's new finned (and frankly, a bit Alienware-like) back lid design.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57423423-292/the-11-inch-gaming-laptop-lives-with-the-new-origin-eon-11-s/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title

• Tweet