LG Launches Its First 3D Notebook

This month LG is launching two notebooks with built-in support for 3D. Unfortunately, they require the use of nerdy polarized glasses.

LG is reportedly launching its very first 3D-capable notebook called the LG Xnote A530 3D Notebook. The device is slated to arrive first in Europe, the Middle East and Africa this month, followed by other markets within the next few months.

For the A530, LG has chosen to take the passive 3D glasses route by installing a 15.6-inch screen using its proprietary "Film Patterned Retarder" technology. Essentially this means the screen shows left and right images through different patterns in a circular polarizer. The glasses allow only left and right images to be seen respectively, but create the 3D effect when combined in the brain, free of flicker.

In addition to the 3D support, the screen features a max resolution of 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080, depending on the model – a non-3D model sports a resolution of 1600 x 900. Other features include a processor up to Intel's second-generation Core i7, up to 8 GB of RAM, up to 750 GB of HDD space (with an included 4 GB SSD using Diskeeper's ExpressCache technology), and a Nvidia GeForce GT 555M GPU with either 1 GB or 2 GB of dedicated memory.

Additional reports claim that the laptop features either a DVD writer or a Blu-ray combo drive, depending on the model. There's also a 3D dual webcam, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 or 3.0, a SRS Wide 3D Sound system (only on the 3D models), a 7-in-1 card reader, a fingerprint reader, one USB 3.0 port, a HDMI output port, and a 6-cell battery.

"With 3D becoming ever more popular, the logical next step is to let users make their own 3D content and watch it on a top-quality 3D screen. And that’s just what our new A530 does," said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of LG Electronics PC Business Unit. "LG is already a leader in the ever-growing world of 3D technology. With the LG A530’s wide range of line-ups including 3D HD in addition to 3D Full HD, LG is already leading the 3D notebook market."

So far pricing and actual availability is unknown. LG also didn’t specify when this laptop will become available here in the States, so stay tuned.