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Intel opens Computex 2013 with the expected reveal of the Haswell CPU lineup, processors Big Blue describes as the "first system-on-a-chip for PCs" designed for "new form factors and 2-in-1 designs."

The launch was something of a repeat of what was seen seen last year... only instead of Ivy Bridge, Windows 8 and crazy transforming PCs there were Windows 8.1 and crazy 2-in-1 PCs joining the 4th generation of Intel Core processor.

“Two years ago we talked about reinventing [notebooks] with the ultrabook and today we’re talking about 2-in-1. It’s PC performance and tablet-like mobility in one,” Intel EVP Tom Kilroy says in his Computex keynote. “We’re on the verge of ushering in an exciting new era. We believe the 2-in-1 era is the new norm.”

Around 50 2-in-1 designs are already in the pipeline, ranging from the "ferris wheel" Dell XPS 12 and detachable Asus Transformer Book Trio to various "slider," "swivel" and raised hinge offerings from OEMs such as Asus, Acer and Quanta.

Sony presents a second take on the sliding Windows 8 tablet-notebook hybrid with the Vaio Duo 13, a 13.3-inch sequel to the 2012 Vaio Duo 11.

Reportedly an improvement on the previous model, the Vaio Duo 13 features a new carbon fibre design together with a superior "Surf Slider" hinge, 1920x1080 resolution IPS display (with Triluminos technology from Sony Bravia TVs) and digitiser stylus input.

Specifications include a 1.6GHz Core i5 Haswell processor, 4GB RAM, integrated graphics, 128GB SSD and 6320mAh battery. Unusually for such a device it also features a rear-facing 8MP camera complete with Exmor RS sensor.

Seagate ships the Laptop Ultrathin HDD-- the thinnest 500GB HDD from the storage maker yet, with a 5mm profile designed for use in the slimmest of notebooks and tablets.

The 2.5-inch drive weighs 94g and is 25% smaller than the second thinnest Seagate HDD, the 7mm. It uses a 6GB/s SATA interface and carries SED encryption with the TCG Opal protocol.

"When we originally demonstrated this solution last September, we knew we had a truly innovative product that would empower our partners to reimagine mobile applications," Seagate CEO Steve Luczo says. "The strong support from our OEM partners indicates we have delivered on our vision and look forward to a new wave of innovative solutions enabled by this revolutionary product."

Go Seagate Laptop Ultrathin HDD

Fujitsu announces a quartet of FMV Series PCs at Computex 2013-- the Lifebook UH90/L touchscreen-equipped ultrabook, the Esprimo FH78/LD desktop PC and the AH45/K and AH42/K notebooks.

The thinnest ultrabook around according to the company, the UG90/L features a 14-inch 3200x1800 resolution IGZO LCD touchscreen. Powering images for such a display is a Haswell i5-4500U CPU, while a 500GB hybrid HDD/SSD provides storage.

Fujitsu describes the "ultra-compressed, solid core" industrial design as "resembling a single strong plank," and claims is strong enough to withstand around 200kg of top-down pressure.