Wednesday, December 16, 2009

IT News HeadLines (HotHardware) 16/12/2009


HotHardware
Corsair Intros 24GB Triple-Channel Dominator Memory Kit For The Extreme Among Us
On the hunt for more RAM, are you? If you weren't swayed by any of our options in the 2009 Gift Guide, Corsair has yet another round of Dominator memory coming your way. This time it's the 24GB triple-channel kit, which packs more memory than some low-end SSDs. Naturally, the kit is designed for high-end workstations, hardcore power users and anyone who loves living on the cutting-edge.The bundle has been tested to work on Intel's X58 motherboard platform and with Core i7 CPUs, and this also features the company's
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Addonics Intros Two New Multi-Flash Card Readers
You know those hardware accessories that you never think about needing, but when you need them, you really need them? Addonics tends to make a lot of devices that fall into that category, and we're pretty certain their latest two devices fit that same bill. Today, the company has introduced new multi-Flash readers with a high-speed SATA interface, including a read-only model that is ideal for markets such as forensics.The Pocket eSATA/USB DigiDrive and the Internal SATA/USB DigiDrive are both available in a
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Sony Ericsson XPERIA Pureness Now On Sale At $990 (With A Personal Planner)
Sony Ericsson may be going through some serious restructuring right now, but that's not to say it's not plugging along with its handset business all the while. The XPERIA X2 and the Android-based X10 are undoubtedly garnering the most attention right now, with the latter being SE's first-ever Google-powered smartphone. But for those with a thing for fashion and no concerns over income, the XPERIA Pureness is the one to get.Announced today, the Pureness--which is the world's first mobile phone with a transparent
Read More ...

Enermax Unveils Ultra-Slim ACRYLUX Keyboards
ENERMAX is proud to announce the launch of its latest keyboard “ACRYLUXâ€‌ City of Industry, CA – December 14, 2009 - Slimness is the eternal demand on any peripheral for most users. ENERMAX industrial engineers have achieved a new level of slimness – Unlike other slim keyboards that only achieve their slimness by sacrificing the wrist rest and thus typing comfort, ACRYLUX features a full wrist rest with a profile of only 9.2 mm. Like the AURORA aluminum keyboard family, ACRYLUX incorporates all state of features
Read More ...

MSI Unveils X-Slim X350 CULV Notebook
MSI announced the new X-Slim X350 laptop that uses the Intel CULV (Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage) energy-saving platform and a high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor. As you would expect from its X-Slim name, this 13.4-inch notebook features an ultra-slim design that measures less than one inch thick and weighs just 1.5 kg (approximately 3.31 pounds). The X350 uses MSI's large-capacity lithium-polymer battery and MSI's ECO energy-saving technology that will automatically adjust various computer settings such
Read More ...

GM Allows Internet Installation In 7 Car Models
We've already learned that Wi-Fi is a vital part of being stuck in an airport, and without it, one just might keel over for good. Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate, but surveys that we seen certainly point out just how important having Internet everywhere is to modern consumers. Even in cars, apparently.Chevrolet is doing its best to stay one step ahead of everyone else by announcing today that owners of several Chevrolet models can transform their vehicle into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot with Chevrolet
Read More ...

Fake Steve Encourages Users To Join Operation Chokehold
Hot on the heels of AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega's announcement that the carrier would be pursuing tiered pricing for data plans, Fake Steve Jobs took AT&T to task. Ah, but he didn't stop there. Fake Steve has a plan to bring AT&T to its knees on Friday: Operation Chokehold.Already amazed at the fact that AT&T is complaining about how users love the iPhone so much that 3 percent of its users use 40 percent of the bandwidth, Fake Steve has an idea to have 100 percent of iPhone users snag 100 percent
Read More ...

HP Mini 311 Ion-Based Netbook Review
HP's Mini range of netbooks have been well respected in the industry, and while they were never as instrumental as Asus in the explosion of the netbook as a whole, they've really managed to nail their niche. From the start, the HP Mini was one of the most fashionable netbook lines out there, boasting subtle curves, a uniform keyboard, gorgeous styling cues and a larger-than-average trackpad. By and large, the Mini lineup hasn't changed too much since its introduction, but that has mainly been the case because
Read More ...

4G Services Become Reality In Stockholm & Oslo
We've heard a lot about 4G technologies in recent years. For most of us, however, the promise of faster mobile broadband is not likely to become reality in the short-term. Customers in Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway are another story: Today, TeliaSonera launched commercial 4G services in these cities. With the launch of 4G/LTE (Long Term Evolution) service in Stockholm and Oslo, customers will be able to enjoy services that require fast transmission speed and capacity such as advanced web TV broadcasting,
Read More ...

HP Mini 311 Ion-Based Netbook Review
HP's Mini range of netbooks have been well respected in the industry, and while they were never as instrumental as Asus in the explosion of the netbook as a whole, they've really managed to nail their niche. From the start, the HP Mini was one of the most fashionable netbook lines out there, boasting subtle curves, a uniform keyboard, gorgeous styling cues and a larger-than-average trackpad. By and large, the Mini lineup hasn't changed too much since its introduction, but that has mainly been the case
Read More ...

MSI Unveils X-Slim X350 CULV Notebook
MSI announced the new X-Slim X350 laptop that uses the Intel CULV (Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage) energy-saving platform and a high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor. As you would expect from its X-Slim name, this 13.4-inch notebook features an ultra-slim design that measures less than one inch thick and weighs just 1.5 kg (approximately 3.31 pounds). The X350 uses MSI's large-capacity lithium-polymer battery and MSI's ECO energy-saving technology that will automatically adjust various computer settings such as screen brightness and CPU performance based on one of five preset power management modes. According to MSI, the X350 is able to achieve a 9-hour battery run time thanks to the Eco modes. Additional information and specifications are available below. No word yet on pricing or availability.


The MSI X-Slim X350
New-generation Laptops with Outstandingly Good Looks

MSI's new-generation X350 notebook uses the Intel CULV (Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage) energy-saving platform, with a high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The chassis features MSI's unique diamond-motif etching technology, used to create an eye-catching, glittering lozenge pattern on the casing surface; the X350 is an outstanding example of the successful integration of high technology and high fashion!

[Taipei] Embodying MSI's first-class R&D and manufacturing technology and the company's commitment to fashionable design, MSI's X-Slim series of ultra-slim notebook PCs represents a further refinement of laptop aesthetics. The new-generation, 13.4-inch diamond-effect X-Slim X350 ultra-slim notebook PC takes the ultra-slim laptop into the luxury goods class!

The X350 features the ultra-slim design and beautiful lines that are the hallmark of the X-Slim series, creating a sense of warmth and a fashionable urban vibe. The X350 weight just 1.5 kg, and is less than one inch thick; this laptop has none of the cold, off-putting bulk of traditional notebook PCs. MSI Notebook Marketing Director Sam Chern notes that the new-generation X350 features MSI's unique, hi-fashion diamond-motif etching treatment, which integrates a lozenge-pattern with diamond carving technology to ensure that each individual lozenges glitters and shines, giving the X-Slim X350 that extra touch of luxury and refinement!

A finely-honed design that constitutes a masterly integration of high technology and high fashion

The apogee of hi-tech luxury goods: MSI's X-Slim series notebook PCs have been repeatedly refined and improved. To the solid, robust magnesium alloy structure and warm, soft supporting materials MSI has added a glittering, shiny effect created through the use of Color-Film Print (CFP) technology, giving the casing a high-fashion feel to complement its beautiful lines. The X350 weighs just 1.5 kg, and is less than one inch thick, making it the ultimate in ultra-slim luxury notebook PCs.

MSI's unique lozenge-pattern etching technique: The new-generation X350 has once again taken the integration of high technology and high fashion to new heights. Building on the X-Slim series' already stunningly beautiful chassis design, MSI has applied the company's unique, hi-fashion lozenge-motif etching technology to the top casing and the section of the chassis on which the user's hands rest while using the keyboard. The lozenge-shape pattern creates a sparkling, glittering crystal-diamond effect. The chassis is rimmed by a silver frame, complementing the lustrous, silvery, chromium-plated power switch, LED indicator light unit and touch-screen rim. All of this, together with MSI’s unique Chiclet keyboard, combines to create a trend-setting paradigm of warm, streamlined elegance and refinement.

A highly efficient dual-core processor and 9-hour battery run-time*

The latest Intel Core 2 Duo dual-core processor: The X-Slim X350 is just as impressive on the inside as it is good-looking on the outside. The X350 is equipped with the Intel CULV energy-saving platform, and uses the latest Intel Core 2 Duo dual-core CPU. It combines low power consumption and low heat output with long battery run-time. With its powerful processing capability, the X350 is able to perform a large number of tasks simultaneously while maintaining smooth operation, enabling the user to work more efficiently.

9-hour battery run time: The X350 uses MSI's new ultra-thin, large-capacity lithium-polymer battery, which inserts flush with the base of the laptop, maintaining the X350's smooth lines. The X350 also features MSI's unique ECO energy-saving technology. Press the ECO key, and you can choose between five different power management modes: gaming, viewing video content, preparing presentations, performing word-processing tasks, and "Turbo Battery". Depending on what you want to use the laptop for, it will automatically adjust the screen brightness, CPU performance, sleep time, etc. Thanks to this feature, the X350 has an impressive 9-hour battery run time. With the X350, busy mobile professionals can keep using their laptop all day without needing to carry heavy, awkward power cables around with them

*Actual battery run-time will vary depending on laptop usage and settings.

A 16:9 screen and movie theatre quality audiovisual entertainment performance

An energy-saving 16:9 screen with LED backlight: The X-Slim X350 features a movie theater quality 16:9 high-definition screen with LED backlight and 1366آ´768 resolution. This screen provides rich colors, high saturation, bright images and ultra-clear picture quality. The viewing area on the screen can be expanded to eliminate the irritating black borders when viewing high-definition video content.

Built-in HDMI port: The X350 also has a built-in HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, supporting transmission of 5Gb and 1080p video content. The X350's optical disk drive supports Blu-Ray, enabling the laptop to play Blu-Ray discs with their storage capacity of up to 50GB. You can use the X350's large screen to enjoy 1080p high-definition video; combined with the high-fidelity, multi-channel audio output, this ensures a first-class audiovisual entertainment experience.

X350 Spec

Operating System

Windows 7آ®Home Premium

Support type @launch

Intelآ® Coreâ„¢2 Duo Processor

Chipset

Intelآ® GS45 + ICH9M-SFF

LCD

13.4 " TFT-LCD Display

VGA

Controller

GMA 4500MHD

VRAM

UMA

Memory

Type

DDR2 667Mhz

Config

DDR2 SO-DIMM x 2 slot

Maximum

2GB

Audio

Speaker

2 HD speakers

Webcam

1.3 M Webcam

Communication

LAN

10/100/1000 LAN

Bluetooth

Optional

Wireless LAN

802.11 b/g/draft-n

I / O

HDMI

1

Card reader

2 in 1 (support SD/MMC)

Mic-in / Headphone out

1 / 1

E-SATA(USB combo)

1

USB 2.0

2

RJ45

1

D-Sub

1

Storage

HDD form factor

2.5" 320/500 GB SATA

Optical Drive

External DVD Super-Multi / Blu-Ray (optional)

Battery

4/8 Cells

Keyboard

87 keys

Power

AC Adapter

65W

Physical Characteristics

Dimension

330x224x24~6(mm)

Full System Weight

1.5 kg (With Battery)



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HP Mini 311 Ion-Based Netbook Review

HP Mini 311 Ion-Based Netbook ReviewHP's Mini range of netbooks have been well respected in the industry, and while they were never as instrumental as Asus in the explosion of the netbook as a whole, they've really managed to nail their niche. From the start, the HP Mini was one of the most fashionable netbook lines out there, boasting subtle curves, a uniform keyboard, gorgeous styling cues and a larger-than-average trackpad. By and large, the Mini lineup hasn't changed too much since its introduction, but that has mainly been the case because Windows XP was pretty much the only operating system available for it (Linux alternatives notwithstanding). Couple that with the limited Atom CPU lineup and the struggle to keep costs down, and we're left with a colorful line of machines that don't actually differ much from one another, save for designs and accents.

Now, there are two major reasons to pay close attention to the Mini 311. It may follow the prior Minis in terms of size and style, but it's the differences within that promise to make this a new, refreshed machine. For starters, HP has loaded Windows 7 onto this machine. We waited for what felt like forever to finally have Windows 7 available for netbooks, and we can confess that it really adds a touch of style and functionality compared to older models with XP. The second major addition is NVIDIA's Ion technology...

HP Mini 311 Ion-Based Netbook Review


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Fake Steve Encourages Users To Join Operation Chokehold
Hot on the heels of AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega's announcement that the carrier would be pursuing tiered pricing for data plans, Fake Steve Jobs took AT&T to task. Ah, but he didn't stop there. Fake Steve has a plan to bring AT&T to its knees on Friday: Operation Chokehold.

Already amazed at the fact that AT&T is complaining about how users love the iPhone so much that 3 percent of its users use 40 percent of the bandwidth, Fake Steve has an idea to have 100 percent of iPhone users snag 100 percent of AT&T's bandwidth. Operation Chokehold is the idea of Fake Apple engineers, who proposed the following scenario via email:
Subject: Operation ChokeholdOn Friday, December 18, at noon Pacific time, we will attempt to overwhelm the AT&T data network and bring it to its knees. The goal is to have every iPhone user (or as many as we can) turn on a data intensive app and run that app for one solid hour. Send the message to AT&T that we are sick of their substandard network and sick of their abusive comments. THe idea is we’ll create a digital flash mob. We’re calling it in Operation Chokehold. Join us and speak truth to power!
The idea has become viral. There is now a Facebook page dedicated to Operation Chokehold, and Fake Steve didn't even have to create it himself.

We plan on participating ourselves. آ HH readers, will you? آ Remember, 12 PM PT on Friday, Dec. 18th.

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Enermax Unveils Ultra-Slim ACRYLUX Keyboards

ENERMAX is proud to announce the launch of its latest keyboard “ACRYLUXâ€‌

City of Industry, CA – December 14, 2009 - Slimness is the eternal demand on any peripheral for most users. ENERMAX industrial engineers have achieved a new level of slimness – Unlike other slim keyboards that only achieve their slimness by sacrificing the wrist rest and thus typing comfort, ACRYLUX features a full wrist rest with a profile of only 9.2 mm.

Like the AURORA aluminum keyboard family, ACRYLUX incorporates all state of features such as the patented scissors key switch technology and zero degree angle of the key caps. Product is made of hardened Acryl with a hardness of up to 7H, making it extremely scratch-resistant. The inner edges of the key zones are cut and painted with silver to achieve their diamond-cut like look.

ACRYLUX is available in two versions, the wired USB 2.0 KB009U-B and the wireless KB009W-B. Wireless model uses 2.4GHz RF wireless technology for operation distances up to 10 meters, advanced power saving management with Battery Status LED Indicator.

KB009U-B Video US$65 MSRP Available January 2010
KB009W-B Video US$85 MSRP Available January 2010


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GM Allows Internet Installation In 7 Car Models
We've already learned that Wi-Fi is a vital part of being stuck in an airport, and without it, one just might keel over for good. Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate, but surveys that we seen certainly point out just how important having Internet everywhere is to modern consumers. Even in cars, apparently.

Chevrolet is doing its best to stay one step ahead of everyone else by announcing today that owners of several Chevrolet models can transform their vehicle into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot with Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile. Essentially, the dealer-installed system allows for full Internet access the car, and up to 150 feet around the car. All you need is a laptop, cellphone or other portable device with a Wi-Fi module to connect.



If you'll recall, we saw one of Volkswagen's vehicles get the Autonet Mobile option earlier in the year, but this announcement is pretty significant judging by the amount of vehicles affected. Naturally, what this does is connect you to a 3G cell network, so if you head out to the boonies, there's a good chance you'll get little to no connectivity, but in the cities you should be just fine.

Through December 31st, Chevrolet Wi-Fi is available for $199 ($399 retail price, less $200 mail-in rebate with two-year service agreement), though you'll be asked to shell out monthly to keep things connected.

Autonet Mobile is the world’s first Internet service providerdesigned exclusively for vehicles. As a GM Officially Licensed Product,Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile is certified to work with thefollowing new Chevrolet models:

  • Equinox
  • Traverse
  • Silverado
  • Tahoe
  • Suburban
  • Avalanche
  • Express

Chevrolet Wi-Fi reflects the trend of increased Internet access onthe go. According to JiWire’s Mobile Audience Insights Report, eightpercent of all public Wi-Fi users log-in while traveling on subways(three percent) and ferries or cruise ships (five percent). Inaddition, JiWire reports that total public Wi-Fi users jumped 18percent in just seven months, from December 2008 to June 2009.آ

Chevrolet Wi-Fi is designed for use by passengers, or by the driverwhen the vehicle is parked. The system requires no special software andachieves speeds up to 1.5 mbps. It uses TRU Technology to maintainInternet connections over the 3G network while the vehicle is inmotion, allowing uninterrupted streaming of videos and more.

For families, Chevrolet Wi-Fi allows kids and teens to researchhomework topics on the ride home, connect to friends on social sites,and stream videos on long drives. The internet connection can supportseveral devices at once, enabling multiple passengers to use theconnection for their separate devices. آ

When it comes to worksite use, the Wi-Fi connection offers immediateaccess to everything the Web offers to make the job quicker and easier,from access to online ordering sites, municipal sites with permit andbuilding code information and more. And when used with a laptopcomputer, the information comes in a larger, easier to navigate formatthan the small displays of cell phones.

Additional docking stations are available, enabling customers toeasily move the Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile router from vehicleto vehicle.

Through Dec. 31, Chevrolet Wi-Fi is available for $199 ($399 retailprice, less $200 mail-in rebate with two-year service agreement). Go toGMextras.com for more information.آ آ




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Sony Ericsson XPERIA Pureness Now On Sale At $990 (With A Personal Planner)
Sony Ericsson may be going through some serious restructuring right now, but that's not to say it's not plugging along with its handset business all the while. The XPERIA X2 and the Android-based X10 are undoubtedly garnering the most attention right now, with the latter being SE's first-ever Google-powered smartphone. But for those with a thing for fashion and no concerns over income, the XPERIA Pureness is the one to get.

Announced today, the Pureness--which is the world's first mobile phone with a transparent liquid crystal LCD screen--is on sale. The device also offers up miniaturization technology in the battery, memory card and antenna, and while it won't do some of the more advanced things that modern day smartphones will, it also looks unlike anything we've ever seen in the mobile phone sector.



In fact, SE markets this as a phone that handles the essentials with impeccable precision: Talk, test and time. We're told that it "strips away the unnecessary in both form and function," and the subtle illumination, with call and message notification, transforms the handset from an object of design to a phone only when needed. What's crazy is that the phone actually ships with a concierge service, so any owner can get 24 hour service regardless of where they are in the world. Can your iPhone (or Droid, for that matter) do that?

The only problem is the price. But of course, a phone that comes with a personal planned can't be cheap, right? It's available now only through Saks Fifth Avenue and Sony VIP at $990, but that's unlocked and ready to roll on any GSM network.


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4G Services Become Reality In Stockholm & Oslo
We've heard a lot about 4G technologies in recent years. For most of us, however, the promise of faster mobile broadband is not likely to become reality in the short-term. Customers in Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway are another story: Today, TeliaSonera launched commercial 4G services in these cities.

With the launch of 4G/LTE (Long Term Evolution) service in Stockholm and Oslo, customers will be able to enjoy services that require fast transmission speed and capacity such as advanced web TV broadcasting, extensive online gaming, and web conferences.

4G is the fastest mobile technology available on the market today with speeds up to ten times higher than today's 3G offerings. A competing standard to LTE called WiMAX is available in select cities in the United States from Sprint and Clearwire.

"We are very proud to be the first operator in the world to offer our customers 4G services. The use of mobile broadband in the Nordic countries is exploding and customers need higher speeds and capacity. This is why we launch 4G services in both Stockholm and Oslo," says Kenneth Karlberg, President and Head of Mobility Services.

The two 4G networks in Stockholm and Oslo cover the central city areas. The Stockholm 4G network is supplied by Ericsson. The Oslo 4G network is supplied by Huawei. Samsung will offer compatible modems for the 4G/LTE service.




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