Vizio wants a slice of the Apple: Unveils new Mac-like PCs

Vizio, often known for their affordable line of LCD and LED televisions, launches a new line of Mac-esque PCs starting at $899. Based on the initial reaction of analysts, the new Vizio laptops give Apple?s new MacBook Pros a run for their money. Vizio originally announced their plans to enter the PC industry during the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year.

Vizio has recently expanded their portfolio of consumer electronics devices, as the company previously launched an entry-level, underpowered 8-inch tablet in 2011. During a launch event in New York, Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer of Vizio, introduced the new line of systems that are designed with consumers in mind. McRae noted how current PCs are mundane ? and rarely put the ?customer first.?

The new systems pair high-quality components with affordable pricing, packaged in a unibody construction that oozes durability. Take one look at these machines, and it?s clear who Vizio was trying to emulate. On a larger scale, sans Mac, Vizio is moving towards minimalist designs in their notebooks and All-in-One PCs.

Vizio leverages their expertise in the television market with their All-in-One machine, which has HDMI inputs, a remote control, and optional Blu-ray drive. Pressing the function key plays into their home entertainment lineup, connecting users to Netflix via their Vizio?s hub. Gamers can also access EA?s Origin gaming portal.

Vizio?s new Air-esque laptops are inspired by IntelIntel?s Ultrabook movement. In fact, Vizio admits that Intel provided engineering resources to help. The systems use the latest Ivy Bridge processor from Intel, which is surprising given Vizio is a relatively no-name player in the space.

Vizio CN15 Laptop

The CN15 by Vizio is geared towards power users ? those who are not satisfied with the ordinary, plastic machines of yesteryear. The laptop features a 15-inch, high-definition 1920 x 1080p display that is powered by an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor. Users can choose from 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM, and all systems ship with an Nvidia GeForce 640M LE GPU. Vizio was generous with the hard disk, offering 500 GB and 1 TB options, in addition to a 1 TB with 32 GB of Flash memory system.

Starting at $899 for the Core i3 model, the CN15 isn?t inexpensive, but it has a premium design that sets it apart from the rest. This modern system has two USB 3.0 ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and HDMI output, in addition to the standard slew of ports. The laptop?s minimalist design consists of a keyboard, large touchpad, speaker grille, and power button. Look familiar?

CT14 and CT15 Ultrabooks

Vizio lives up to its promise of delivering a thin and light notebook with the CT14 and CT15, both of which resemble current Ultrabooks. Its aluminum unibody construction reminds you of Apple, and the quality that goes with it. The systems are built with portability in mind, measuring only 0.66-inches thick. With 14 and 15-inch screens, Vizio?s new Ultrabooks don?t skimp on features, either.

Available with Intel?s latest Core i3, i5, or i7 Ivy Bridge processors, the CT14 and CT15 put the ultra in Ultrabooks, despite a few flaws. Unfortunately, the Ultrabooks do not have discrete graphics, rather it relies on the beefed up Intel 4000 HD integrated graphics. The systems come with 4 GB of RAM and either a 128 GB or 256 GB solid state drive, in addition to two USB 3.0 ports.

Vizio plans on selling their new PCs inside mini-stores, some of which will be featured inside Wal-Mart. Consumers can also get their hands on these shiny new laptops at festivals and other breakout events, in addition to ordering online.

Computer manufacturers are already struggling to compete with Apple in this razor-thin margin space. Do you think Vizio has a standing chance against longtime veterans Dell and Hewlett Packard? Perhaps the industry needs a new ?breakout artist? to shake things up. After all, Vizio beat Sony and Sharp in the television market, perhaps they can do the same to Apple. Perhaps more importantly, can these Ultrabooks fight head-to-head with the HP Envy Spectre XT or Dell XPS 13?

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