SolarPC is now offering the full line of CBB laptops. CBB laptops are still in short supply (as of mid June 2006), however, several of the most desirable CBB machines are now in stock and ready for immediate delivery. These include the Quanta TW3M and the Asus S96J 15" LCD models. Also the impressive 14" Asus S62j with NVIDIA video is available in limited quantities. Prices for base units start at less than $500.

The following models can be pre-ordered by calling SolarPC: Quanta SW1, Quanta TWA, Asus S96F, Asus S62Fp, Compal EL30, Compal EL31, Compal EL80, and Compal EL81.

PDF comparison matrix can be viewed by clicking this link

Note, those not familiar with the CBB concept are encouraged to read the following document that outlines the benefits and details of the CBB program.

Laptops are highly specialized and customized marvels of engineering. Unfortunately that has often meant that they were expensive and difficult to maintain or repair. Thankfully that has changed recently for some notebook PC's. They are now more modular and less proprietary. The basis for this transformation is something called the CBB or Common Building Blocks program. CBB is a fancy way for saying component or parts interchangeability, an attribute long common to the whitebox desktop PC market. Parts interchangeability is a big deal for education, government and corporate organizations. For example bid judges give more weight to interchangeability because of the obvious cost savings provided.

The CBB program is actually a subset of Intel's VBI (Verified by Intel) initiative. In essence, VBI is about making sure that laptops provide optimal power, functionality and stability with maximized battery life. VBI machines are all based upon the best Intel designs, Intel CPU's and other key Intel components. The CBB machines use either 945GM or 945PM chipsets. These system designs have been extensively tested by Intel to assure customers of the highest levels of compatibility and reliability. VBI/CBB laptops are based on powerful multimedia chip sets that are capable of running the latest dual core Pentium "M" CPU's. Many modular CBB notebooks can also use mini PCI or PCI express cards. This means that in some cases LAN/WLAN cards, sound cards and video cards can also be upgraded.

The formal CBB program consists of machines that utilize seven standardized parts. It is important to understand that a CBB notebook has to meet all seven requirements. The standardized parts include the optical drive (DVD or CD), keyboard, LCD screen, battery, AC adapter, top panel, and the hard drive (typically the newer type SATA drives). Having standards among these parts allows the sharing of components from different models in a manufacturer product line and from different CBB manufacturers. For example, a CBB keyboard from a Quanta notebook could be used in an ASUS model as a replacement if needed. Even better, keyboards can be switched out easily and inexpensively to change the language or when coffee is spilled on them. The same goes for the LCD, the battery, AC adapter and so on. This means that if you forget to take your AC adapter on a business trip you will be able to walk into any chain electronics retailer and easily find a replacement that you can be sure will not fry your laptop. The implications of this market change are enormous, it will provide more competition that will result in better value and more reliable machines for consumers!

To illustrate benefit of CBB consider the following story. A few years ago a young, ambitious executive decided it was time for a new computer. He wanted a machine that would provide him with an edge so he gritted his teeth and spent $1,900 of his hard-earned cash for a fancy, new, big name laptop. He wanted to get the best machine he could afford, so he didn't have the extra couple hundred dollars for the extended service contract and only got the standard 30-day warranty. He then spent the next month getting the computer configured just the way he liked it. Installing and downloading programs and adjusting various parameters and figuring out how to make things work. Late in the evening on the 31rst day of ownership, he was finishing up a 15-hour workday spent preparing a major business presentation. Just as he was about to shut down the machine it made a funny noise and the screen went all squiggly and then black. The LCD screen had failed rendering the laptop unusable for the three weeks it took to receive the special ordered LCD. When the part did arrive it was the wrong version of the screen. Three weeks later the right screen arrived and a week later he had his laptop back. Unfortunately, at that point he also had $1,250 less in his bank account. That type of sad but true story has been all too common in the past. The CBB concept will help to reduce the number of those sad tales.

There are currently three major companies that are producing CBB laptops; Quanta, Compal, and ASUS. These also happen to be the three largest notebook manufacturers in the world. You may not know those names but you are probably familiar with their products. Companies such as Apple, HP and Dell use them to manufacture their laptops.

Many other companies are also producing laptops that utilize CBB parts and the selection of VBI notebooks is expected to continue to grow over the next few years. There are good reasons for this evolution. There are many benefits to the program in addition to those that have already been explained. For example, Intel provides free telephone support for VBI notebooks directly to consumers. Intel also provides warranty service on all certified VBI laptop computers. Additionally, Intel will be stocking power adapters, batteries, screws and other CBB interchangeable parts. These machines also have upgradeability CPU's so they can be updated to more powerful and more energy efficient CPU in the future. These design features make upkeep and upgradeability much easier and more affordable. How much easier? A good example is service costs. A trained technician can replace any CBB part in less than 15 minutes. Time is money and that type of quick service is not available from the major brands. Instead they seem to prefer to hold to the more profitable built-in obsolescence concept.

The adoption of common specifications is helping drive the acceptance of notebooks and push costs down with specifications that are designed for multiple generations of technologies. For example, a CBB-based battery pack could be upgraded to a newer technology that is invented.

The CBB concept will also have a positive impact beyond the world of laptops. For many people laptops are inappropriate because they are too fragile, expensive or lack the versatility of a conventional desktop machine. Laptops are limited in their ability to accept PCI cards, multiple drives, and other peripherals. Also consider that a laptop solution may give you several years of upgrade paths by allowing you to upgrade CPU's, memory, etc. but major components such as the motherboard cannot be upgraded. For the ultimate in economy and versatility SolarPC offers portable desktop machines that take advantage of the CBB concept by utilizing CBB laptop components. These Hybrid units are typically smaller, quieter, cost less and more rugged since they do use aluminum cases instead of plastic cases that wear out. They are also more environmentally friendly and can also be upgraded virtually forever. If you want the ultimate in upgrade potential and can sacrifice some mobility then a Hybrid is a good option. You can get total mobility with a laptop but there will always be a price premium over a comparable hybrid machine. The bottom line is more choices and that is a good for consumers.