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Acer unviel world’s thinnest 13.3-inch Aspire S5 Ultrabook at CES 2012

PC News Zone — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

Not surprisingly, Acer's jumping on the quickly-expanding Ultrabook bandwagon here at CES 2012, with the Aspire S5 being the initial out of the chute. It's a 13.3-incher that'll check it at under three pounds, offering up Instant On functionality, a magnesium-aluminum alloy cover (in Onyx Black), HDMI / USB 3.0 / Thunderbolt (!) ports and an SSD for correct measure. We're told that it'll commence shipping in Q2 of this year, but other details remain under wraps.

8 Jan 2012 Acer Unveils World's Thinnest Ultrabook: Aspire S5 Acer unveiled the world's thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point. It weighs less than 1.35 kg (less than 3 lbs.) and is built with a 13.3-inch (34 cm) LCD. In addition, it features the unique Acer Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere - even from sleep. "The Ultrabook is much more than just a product segment," said Jim Wong, president of Acer Inc. "It's a new trend that will become the mainstream for mobile PCs, and customers will see the unique features gradually extended across Acer's notebook family." Instantly on and always connected Innovative Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well. Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks. Acer Always Connectgets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available. Ultra-fluid contours Adorned with a delicately curved chassis in Onyx Black, the Aspire S5's cover rim wraps around the system body like a protective shell. A magnesium-aluminum alloy cover and palmrest provide a slimmer and sturdier form, while the metallic brushed detail presents subtle elegance. The clean and ultra-fluid contours seen from all angles make the S5 a vision of beauty. Magical I/O port panel The Aspire S5 is Acer's first Ultrabook to feature a smartly designed MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMIÂ®, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt. Performance and eco-friendly features The Aspire S5 features an IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ processor, SSD storage for speed and increased shock resistance, professionally-tuned DolbyÂ® Home TheaterÂ® v4, long battery life via the PowerSmart battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle1 than traditional batteries), and is equipped with a chiclet keyboard. The Aspire S5 will start shipping in Q2 2012.

Acer unviel world’s thinnest 13.3-inch Aspire S5 Ultrabook at CES 2012

PC News Zone — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

8 Jan 2012 Acer Unveils World's Thinnest Ultrabook: Aspire S5 Acer unveiled the world's thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point. It weighs less than 1.35 kg (less than 3 lbs.) and is built with a 13.3-inch (34 cm) LCD. In addition, it features the unique Acer Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere - even from sleep. "The Ultrabook is much more than just a product segment," said Jim Wong, president of Acer Inc. "It's a new trend that will become the mainstream for mobile PCs, and customers will see the unique features gradually extended across Acer's notebook family." Instantly on and always connected Innovative Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well. Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks. Acer Always Connectgets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available. Ultra-fluid contours Adorned with a delicately curved chassis in Onyx Black, the Aspire S5's cover rim wraps around the system body like a protective shell. A magnesium-aluminum alloy cover and palmrest provide a slimmer and sturdier form, while the metallic brushed detail presents subtle elegance. The clean and ultra-fluid contours seen from all angles make the S5 a vision of beauty. Magical I/O port panel The Aspire S5 is Acer's first Ultrabook to feature a smartly designed MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMIÂ®, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt. Performance and eco-friendly features The Aspire S5 features an IntelÂ® Coreâ„¢ processor, SSD storage for speed and increased shock resistance, professionally-tuned DolbyÂ® Home TheaterÂ® v4, long battery life via the PowerSmart battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle1 than traditional batteries), and is equipped with a chiclet keyboard. The Aspire S5 will start shipping in Q2 2012.

On the go Outdoor works – Panasonic Toughbook CF-H2 tablet!

PC News Zone — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:07:00 +0000

Panasonic has rolled out to emphasise a unused tablet in the UK called the CF-H2. The tablet is aimed at the field worker that needs a tablet to remain productive that can survive abuse that goes with working in the field. The tablet is powered by an Intel Core i5-2557M ULV processor operating at 1.7GHz. The processor also has vPro technology and Intel HD 3000 graphics. The machine promises performance 400% better than the CF-H1 tablet. Panasonic says that the tablet is perfect for mobile GIS and CAD users and can be used to crawl diagnostic tools as well. The machine has 2GB of RAM and can be fitted with up to 8GB of RAM. It has a 160GB HDD precise for storage and an optional 128GB SSD. The tablet is designed for users that want to multitask when holding the project with one hand. It weighs 1.58kg, has a fanless design, and can be purchased with a dual touch screen with a digitizer and touchscreen as well. The screen is 10.1-inches wide and uses Panasonic Transreflective tech that allows it to function with no backlight in luminous environments. It can also be fitted with an optional 2MP camera. The rig has a battery benevolent for 6.5 hours and the battery is hot swappable. The tablet will initiate this month starting at â‚¬2119.

Maingear Clutch-15 gets upgraded with NVIDIA Optimus graphics switching

PC News Zone — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:26:00 +0000

It's been a while since we last laid eyes on Maingear's fine looking Clutch-15, and while it's still rocking that sexy exterior, the latest iteration has a little surprise for you under the hood. With the recent addition of NVIDIA's graphics switching Optimus technology, this portable's bringing the juice -- battery juice, that is. Aside from that, things look mostly the same, inside and out; you've still got your pick of Intel Core i3 or i5 CPUs, a 750GB HDD or 512GB SSD, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, and the same (still disappointing) WXGA display. This go 'round, however, the dedicated graphics have been bumped up a touch with NVIDIA's GeForce GT 525M GPU (1GB). If automated graphics switching is your thing, you can get your custom laptop on at the source link starting at $1,030. Full PR after the break.

MAINGEAR UPDATES ROAD WARRIOR CLUTCH-15 SERIES NOTEBOOKS
WITH NVIDIA® OPTIMUS™ TECHNOLOGY

Kenilworth, New Jersey – July 8th, 2011 - MAINGEAR, an award-winning PC system builder offering custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers, has updated their Clutch-15 catering to business users and students with NVIDIA Optimus Technology. With a full HD 15.6" screen size and powered by second generation Intel® Core i3 or Core i5 series mobile processors, this diverse notebook offers the latest in portable productivity, multimedia and gaming performance.

The MAINGEAR Clutch-15 is a hybrid notebook that offers outstanding graphics performance while prolonging battery life utilizing NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology. The Clutch-15 is packed with a dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M GPU with 1GB GDDR3 memory, your choice of second generation Intel® Core™ i3 or i5 mobile processors, 1366 x 768 16:9 HD resolutions, up to 8GB of DDR3 1333MHZ memory, and up to 512GB Solid State Drive or up to 500GB Hybrid SSDs hard drives. Gamers and PC enthusiasts who are on the go will enjoy watching a HD movie, surfing the web, or playing the latest casual PC games with the reassurance of getting the best performance and the longest battery life.

Clutch-15 users will be able to take advantage of an optional 90 watt, charging docking station that features extra connectivity such as VGA, DVI, RJ-45, audio out, USB 2.0 x 4 ports and optional optical disc drives including Blu-ray™. The MAINGEAR Clutch-15 not only offers a 15.6" screen that is thinner and lighter than many notebooks out in the market and featuring a full size keyboard with a numeric keypad.

The sleek and lean modern profile aesthetics of the Clutch-15 sets it apart from the crowd with the unique exterior texture for an enhanced tactile experience.

MAINGEAR Clutch-15 Notebook:

15.6" WXGA (1366 x 768) 16:9 Glossy LED LCD display

Second Generation Intel® Core™ i3, i5 mobile processors

Intel HD Integrated Graphics or NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M 1GB Graphics

Up to 8GB DDR3-1333 memory

Up to SATA 2.5" 7200RPM 750GB, 500GB Hybrid SSD, or up to 512GB SSD

802.11g/n wireless connection, Bluetooth, 10/100/1000 Ethernet

HDMI out, eSATA, 34mm ExpressCARD support

Optional docking station includes: VGA, DVI, RJ-45, audio out and USB 2.0 x 4 ports, and a choice of Blu-ray, Super Mutli DVD, DVD-RW

Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System

Intel® Anti-Theft Technology Support, Intel® Always Aware Features, Intel ® My WiFi Technology Support

Full size keyboard with number pad

15.35"(w) x 9.8" (d) x 1.3" (h)

4.75lb (fully loaded)

Starting at price $1,029 (without docking station)

Gateway ID and NV notebooks outed: Core i5 and AMD APU options

PC News Zone — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:51:00 +0000

Gateway has outed its updated ID and NV notebook ranges, offering Sandy Bridge processors, USB 3.0 and – on select models – NVIDIA Optimus graphics switching. The Gateway ID47 series is particularly slick, using new LCD display technology to fit a 14-inch edge-to-edge panel into a notebook you’d more commonly find with a 13.3-inch screen.

The Gateway ID47H02u has a Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 500GB 5,400rpm hard-drive, DVD burner and Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU, and is priced at $699.99. If you don’t mind taking a trip to Canada, however, and spending CA$799, you can get the ID47H03h, which has the same CPU but throws in 6GB of DDR3 memory, a 750GB hard-drive and NVIDIA GeForce TG 540M graphics with 1GB of video RAM and Optimus auto-switching. Canadians will also get the CA$899 ID57H03h, with a 15.6-inch display and 8GB of DDR3 memory, along with the same GPU and HDD as the ID47H03h.

In the US, the 15.6-inch segment is catered for by the NV55S05u, a $629.99 notebook with an AMD A8-3500M quadcore 1.5GHz APU (that can overclock to 2.4GHz), AMD Radeon HD 6620G graphics, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, a 640GB hard-drive and DVD burner. All of the models have an HDMI port, a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, WiFi b/g/n, stereo speakers and a copy of Windows 7.

Battery life on the 14-inchers is up to 8hrs, while the ID57H03h can also run at up to 8hrs. The AMD-based NV55S05u can go for up to 4hrs, and has a smaller battery as standard. All of the new ID and NV models are on sale now.

Toshiba Qosmio F750 3D: glasses-free 3D Core i7 laptop

PC News Zone — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Toshiba has outed its latest 3D laptop, the Qosmio F750 3D, the first to offer glasses-free 3D. Pairing a lenticular display – which splits the image between the left and right eyes – with a 15.6-inch Full HD LCD panel and clever eye-tracking technology to preserve the 3D effect even as you move your head around, the Toshiba Qosmio F750 3D has a 2.0GHz Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics, 6GB of DDR3 memory and a Blu-ray XL recordable drive.

That Blu-ray drive is capable of burning the new, super-capacious 128GB disks, as well as playing 2D or 3D Blu-ray movies and upscaling 2D DVDs into 3D. There’s also a 640GB 5,400rpm hard-drive, Harman Kardon speakers, HDMI port, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0+HS and a memory card reader, while ports include three USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0.

Toshiba’s eye-tracking system uses the HD-resolution webcam to identify the user’s face and then tweak the positioning of the left/right-eye pixels behind the lenticular film, twisting the 3D image to suit their position. It’s also capable of showing 2D and 3D images simultaneously, so that you can have a 3D movie playing in one window and a 2D spreadsheet opened in another. On the downside, it’s only intended for one viewer, since the tracking system can’t handle multiple viewpoints.

The Toshiba Qosmio F750 3D will go on sale in the UK from early August 2011, priced at around £1,300. US pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed.

New Samsung Series 9 notebooks outed: Core i3, i5 and i7 options

PC News Zone — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 07:36:00 +0000

Samsung has outed a new range of Series 9 notebooks, with three new 13.3-inch models and two new 11.6-inch models, priced from $1,049. The new Series 9 machines keep the styling of the models that began shipping in May, but add in new Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, up to 256GB SSDs and up to 6GB of DDR3 memory. The new 11.6-inchers are the NP900X1B-A02US, with a Core i3-2357M, 2GB of memory and a 64GB SSD, and the NP900X1B-A01US, with the same processor but twice the RAM and storage. They’ll go on sale in August, priced at $1,049 and $1,249 respectively. Samsung’s 13.3-inch versions, meanwhile, are all available from today. The NP900X3A-B01US has a COre i5-2467M processor, 4GB of memory and a 128GB SSD, and retails for $1,349, while the NP900X3A-B02US has the same CPU and RAM but doubles up the SSD for $1,649 in total. Finally, there’s the $2,049 NP900X3A-A05US with a Core i7-2617M processor, 6GB of DDR3 memory and a 256GB SSD. There’s still FastStart, which Samsung reckons will see the Series 9 boot in less than three seconds, along with a casing allegedly twice as strong as aluminum and USB 3.0 connectivity. The displays are also billed as twice as bright as rivals offer.

Blog: My Name Is Kingsley, And Iâ€™m A Notebook Gamer

PC News Zone — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 07:00:23 +0000

Editor’s note: This is a contributed blog post from Kingsley Nwaogu, who won the grand prize in our “Why I&rsqu

PS Vita face-tracking demo tips SmartAR gaming [Video]

PC News Zone — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:36:59 +0000

Sony has demonstrated the face-recognition and tracking capabilities of the upcoming PlayStation Vita handheld, using the portable consoleâ€™s front-facing camera to track head movement and have on-screen avatars respond accordingly. In the demo, filmed byÂ Siliconera and which you can see after the cut, Sony showed a two-way video chat being held between a pair of animated avatars, the head, mouth, eye and other movements being mapped to those of the gamer.

Although head-tracking has been done before, the system Sony demonstrated was able to track minor details like eye-blinking and eyebrow twitches, for a more lifelike animation. Sony wasnâ€™t saying a video calling app would necessarily be the final use of the technology, 4gamer reports, but that the software was merely a demonstration of the power of the Vitaâ€™s abilities and its potential in augmented reality (AR) gaming.

Rather than using specific glyphs that can be identified and tracked by an AR system, Sonyâ€™sÂ Yoshikatsu Kanemaru suggested that objects and even people could be distinguished by the Vita and have computer-generated graphics overlaid. Itâ€™s a technology that appears to have borrowed from Sonyâ€™s previous SmartAR research, which canÂ intelligently spot unique elements -such as posters, magazines or more complex forms, like body outlines â€“ in the cameraâ€™s frame and then track them accordingly.

Archive augmented reality gaming PlayStation Vita PS Vita video

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Annual Toshiba Refresh Brings Llano…and Some Style

PC News Zone — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:07:00 +0000
The regular refreshes that come from notebook vendors aren't often the stuff of exciting news. It's generally a processor update, maybe a slight change in shell design. With Toshiba's 2011 refresh that's not entirely untrue, but this year they've timed their update to coincide with the launch of AMD's Llano APU and NVIDIA's launch of the GeForce GTX 560M. Their Fusion finish is also getting a much needed update along with the top-of-the-line Qosmio. Bottom line: there's a lot going on at Toshiba.
Toshiba's Satellite is broken down into three different lines: the budget-minded C-series, the mainstream L-series, and the performance-oriented P-series. Starting from the bottom, we have the C-series, which launched earlier this year and currently offers AMD's Zacate processors, from the C-50 up to the E-350. The only major update here is that Toshiba will now be shipping a 17.3" model, putting a large desktop replacement notebook in the reach of more budget-oriented consumers. These start at $379.99, and the Toshiba rep noted that the 17.3" C-series model would be around $499. Yes, Brazos in a 17.3" notebook.

When you bump up to the L series, you get access to Sandy Bridge, but now there's also Llano. Sandy Bridge-based Intel Core i3 and i5 processors will be available, with AMD-based models now sporting A4 and A6 dual- and quad-core processors. Notebooks will range from 13.3" up to 17.3".

The updated Fusion finish remains one of glossy plastic's last strongholds in retail, but the textured appearance makes it far less liable to pick up fingerprints and all the usual mess that comes with gloss; unfortunately Toshiba is still sticking with the glossy keyboard. Finally, the line will come with USB charging, a wide variety of colors (including a very attractive brushed aluminum blue as an alternative to the gloss), and in some configurations a Blu-ray drive. The 14" L745 series starts at $449.99, the 15.6" L755 series starts at $483.99, and the 17.3" L775 series starts at $579.99.

UPDATE: Toshiba let us know the 13" L735 will only be available with Intel processors. It's a shame; that form factor seems like a great place for Llano.

The P700 line may seem the most compelling, though. While these still sport the Fusion X2 finish, it's been toned down and the keyboard has been replaced by the slightly glossy island-style found on the Portege and the new Tecra lines. That keyboard is still a little bit problematic, but it's a major improvement on the older glossy flat keys. In addition, Toshiba implements Waves Audio and USB 3.0 along with USB charging across the entire line, and these notebooks will feature Sandy Bridge processors all the way up to i7 along with AMD's A6-3400M. Some configurations will also include WiMax, Blu-ray, and even NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with Optimus. The 14" P745 starts at $699.99, the 15.6" P755 starts at $629.99, the 17.3" P775 starts at $629.99, and if you want to make the jump to 3D there'll be a 17.3" P775 3D model at $1,199.99 that includes a 120Hz screen and active shutter glasses.

Last but not least is the new Qosmio X770. If you're like me you probably thought last generation's Qosmio was ostentatious at best, bulky and gaudy at worst. The X770 has had a major facelift and it's a real improvement. Red remains the signature color for the sleeker, slimmer new Qosmio but honestly, the red backlighting behind the keyboard looks downright evil, which may or may not be your cup of tea (it's mine). The 17.3" X770 comes equipped with a Core i5 or i7, a GeForce GTX 560M standard, and up to a 1080p screen. It starts at $1,199.99, but peaks with the X775 3D which comes equipped with a 120Hz screen and active shutter glasses at $1,899.99.

All of these notebooks are expected to become available by the end of the month, and we're planning on getting one of the new Qosmios in hand as soon as possible.

Toshiba notebook netbook laptop liano C-series

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