Atheros Intros Powerline/Wi-Fi Hybrid Reference Designs
Atheros isn't a name that is usually sticks to consumer products; they focus mainly on the internal parts of networking equipment. But the company's newest invention is one worthy of mention by itself. They're delivering the world's first hybrid home network solutions that combine Wi-Fi, HomePlug AV and ethernet. All three add up to provide loads of flexibility and connectivity options, with the end-goal being to bring about an "elegant solution for whole-home network coverage." The company is aiming to combine
Read More ...
Dell Confirms Plans to Launch 10-Inch Tablet Next Year
The dudes at Dell are 100 percent throwing their hat into the tablet ring, which figures to get awfully crowded in a battle royal sort of way within the next 3 to 6 months. Apple's already there, with other players to include Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, and, well, just about every company you can think of. And unlike Samsung with it's Galaxy Tab, Dell is shooting for the 10-inch screen market, at least initially. "You'll see for sure a 10-inch [tablet] from us next year," said Steve Felice, president of
Read More ...
V-MODA Introduces iPhone-Compatible Vibrato Earbuds With Plenty Of Metal
If you're searching for a new, unique set of earbuds that also work well with the iPhone, V-MODA has your answer. Apple's stock earbuds aren't the greatest in terms of audio quality, but it's not tremendously easy to find aftermarket options with full support for in-line call/volume controls. The new Vibrato set is a diamond in the rough, with built-in noise isolation features as well as a Kevlar cable and construction from Zinc Alloy. These metalized earbuds also have a 3-button remote and microphone right
Read More ...
Sony PlayStation 3 "Move" Off to a Sizzling Start
Not all of the early reviews of Sony's PlayStation Move motion sensing controllers have been glowing, but that hasn't stopped gamers from flocking to the new hardware. According to Sony, more than a million Move devices in North and Latin America have sold in the first 30 days since launch . "Retail demand is incredibly strong and we're working hard to keep the product in stock" said SCEA chief executive Jack Tretton. "We believe we are on target to meet our end of year goals and expect sales to increase as
Read More ...
MSI Launches GE603 Gaming Notebook
MSI has gone and announced another 15.6 gaming laptop, this latest one built around Intel's Core i5 platform and featuring an Nvidia GeForce GT 425M graphics chip inside. It's not going to suddenly render your $2,000 gaming desktop obsolete, but it is a potent combo that brings serviceable DirectX 11 gaming in an attractive looking notebook. More specifically, the GE603 consists of an Intel Core i5 460M, 450M, or 430M processor, up to 8GB of DDR3-1066 memory, 320/500/640GB hard drive, DVD burner, four USB 2.0
Read More ...
Maingear Issues Clutch 13" and 15" Notebooks
Maingear has been on a roll of late, issuing new notebooks and desktops just about as quickly as CPU and GPU makers come out with new silicon. But the company's latest aren't based on any particular new release from another company, they're just new for the sake of being new. The Clutch line of notebooks consists of two machines: a 13.3" model and a 15.6" model. Both use Intel CPUs, a 1366x768 resolution display and hold up to 8GB of RAM, but that's about when the similarities end. The Clutch-13 is an ultraportable
Read More ...
eBay Offers To Pay You To Recycle Your Old Electronics
eBay has launched a new program that lets people trade in their old cell phones and other electronics for instant cash. If the devices aren't worth a dime, it will send you pre-paid postage to responsibly recycle the device. With the company's new InstantSale website, you'll be offering up your old device to various companies in the business of buying them for valuable metals, components and refurbishing. You plug in details about your device and you get an instant cash offer, deposited to your PayPal account.
Read More ...
Barnes & Noble NOOK To Go On Sale At Walmart
Barnes & Noble is planning an event in New York City shortly, and many are expecting a revised NOOK to be the highlight of the show. And if true, what better time than now to strike a deal with Walmart? The NOOK has been sold in a variety of places since being introduced last year, but Walmart wasn't one of them. Amazon's Kindle has slowly rolled out to various retailers as well, leaving B&N in a position of finding more retail outlets to stock it. The NOOK and Kindle are battling for e-reader supremacy
Read More ...
Networks Move to Block Google TV Access from Site Content
With no deals in place, this really should not be a surprise. Networks are blocking those using Google TV to access their websites from viewing content, such as full-length episodes, which can normally be viewed on a browser. For example, you can go to CBS' website and watch full-length episodes of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Not, however, if you use Google TV to browse to the site. Spokespeople for the three networks confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that they are blocking Google TV from playing the
Read More ...
Nintendo Shipping Limited Edition Red Wii and DSi XL Consoles
At this point, if you're a gamer, you probably already own a Nintendo Wii. And if you're a gamer on the run, you probably already own a DSi, DSi XL or one of the other Nintendo handhelds. But on the off chance that you have yet to pick these up, Nintendo is tempting you to finally give in. In order to celebrate the 25th anniversay of the Super Mario Bros. game on the NES, Nintendo is launching two new colored consoles: the Mario-red limited edition Wii and DSi XL. Furthermore, the company is rolling out a new
Read More ...
Google's Complex Tax Scheme Saves It Billions
A report in Business Week shows us one way that Google keeps its bottom line up. Using a complicated structure, the company sends most of its overseas profits overseas to known tax havens. With that, Google's corporate overseas tax rate is a low, low 2.4 percent. For a company with the unofficial motto of "Don't be evil," this seems, well, evil. Or at least it seems unethical. However, as a corporation, trying to maximize process for its shareholders is not evil or unethical. That said, the rest of the taxpayers
Read More ...
AMD Radeon HD 6870 & 6850 Graphics Cards Debut
AMD is hard launching a pair of new Radeon HD 6800 series cards today, based on the GPU formerly codenamed “Barts”. The new Radeon HD 6870 and Radeon HD 6850 are the first cards to arrive utilizing AMD’s second-generation DirectX 11 architecture. The cards are designed to offer Radeon HD 5800-class performance at much lower price points, with lower power consumption and with smaller dies, which make them more economical to produce. We’ve got the full scoop along with single-GPU and CrossFire
Read More ...
New HAWX 2 Demo Accused of Benchmark Shenanigans Before It Even Launches
It's nothing new to see AMD and NVIDIA arguing over benchmarks, but news that came across our desk today put a new twist on a very old battle. A few days ago, NVIDIA contacted us and inquired if we'd be interested in testing HAWX 2's stand-alone benchmark for evaluation, noting that tessellation effects were employed for better terrain realism. We said sure—a number of DX11-enabled games and/or test programs make use of the effect currently. Synthetic benchmarks aren't much better at this point; Unigine
Read More ...
AT&T Rewards Early Adopters Of Windows Phone 7
There can be some perks to being an early adopter. In addition to the fun that comes from having the latest and greatest gadget, AT&T plans to reward its customers who purchase a Windows Phone 7 smartphone before the end of the year with a few bonuses. New adopters will get a free Entertainment Pack valued at $29.97. In this Entertainment Pack, you'll get a new 3D puzzle game known as ilomilo, 30 days of free unlimited music service, 10 free songs to keep through one-month Zune Pass trial, and 30 days of
Read More ...
Dell Introduces New Family Of XPS Laptops
Dell announced its new family of XPS laptops featuring JBL and Waves sound design and cutting-edge graphics from NVIDIA. The new family of laptops is also 3D TV ready and come with NVIDIA's 3DTV Play software. The laptops are available in 14-, 15- and 17-inch screen sizes. To help you stay connected with friends and family, the laptops are Skype-certified and feature HD video streaming webcams. Prices start at $899 for the XPS 14; $849 for the XPS 15; and $949 for the XPS 17. We'll have a review of the new XPS
Read More ...
Nvidia Announces 3DTV Play Software
Nvidia's really into this whole 3D thing, and understandably so considering how vested Team Green is in seeing the technology succeed. To help nudge things along, Nvidia today announced its 3DTV Play software. What exactly is it? Using the 3DTV Play software, users can connect their Nvidia 3D Vision-enabled notebooks and desktops to their swank 3D HDTV for big screen fun. The software works with any compatible Nvidia GeForce GPU-equipped system, even if the notebook's display doesn't support 3D playback. As
Read More ...
AMD Radeon HD 6870 & 6850 Graphics Cards Debut
Notice anything different in that Radeon graphics logo kicking back off to the left here? If not, you weren't paying attention, so forty lashes for you with a bump-mapped, specular lit, highly tesselated wet noodle. Though AMD may have finally decided to do away with their ATI branding so many years after the acquisition, you can rest assured the AMD Radeon team still has an ATI power plant driving their muscle car graphics division. And it's safe to say that power plant is firing on all cylinders
Read More ...
AMD Radeon HD 6870 & 6850 Graphics Cards Debut
AMD is hard launching a pair of new Radeon HD 6800 series cards today, based on the GPU formerly codenamed “Bartsâ€. The new Radeon HD 6870 and Radeon HD 6850 are the first cards to arrive utilizing AMD’s second-generation DirectX 11 architecture. The cards are designed to offer Radeon HD 5800-class performance at much lower price points, with lower power consumption and with smaller dies, which make them more economical to produce. We’ve got the full scoop along with single-GPU and CrossFire testing on the pages ahead...
Read More ...
Sony PlayStation 3 "Move" Off to a Sizzling Start
Not all of the early reviews of Sony's PlayStation Move motion sensing controllers have been glowing, but that hasn't stopped gamers from flocking to the new hardware. According to Sony, more than a million Move devices in North and Latin America have sold in the first 30 days since launch ."Retail demand is incredibly strong and we're working hard to keep the product in stock" said SCEA chief executive Jack Tretton. "We believe we are on target to meet our end of year goals and expect sales to increase as our publishers and developers continue to update popular titles and introduce new games."
Move wands cost $50 a pop, with Sony charging another $30 for a smaller complementary controller for navigating characters somewhat similar to Nintendo's Nunchuck (bundles are available for $100, or $400 for the PS3 bundle). The Move controllers track motion by way of an Eye camera.
The motion controlled gaming space is starting to heat up. In addition to Sony's Move technology, Microsoft is coming out with its Kinect hardware, while Nintendo's Wii console was built specifically for motion controls.
There are some two dozen games already available designed for use with Move motion controls, with 15 more games planned for release before the end the 2010.
Read More ...
Dell Confirms Plans to Launch 10-Inch Tablet Next Year
The dudes at Dell are 100 percent throwing their hat into the tablet ring, which figures to get awfully crowded in a battle royal sort of way within the next 3 to 6 months. Apple's already there, with other players to include Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba, HP, and, well, just about every company you can think of. And unlike Samsung with it's Galaxy Tab, Dell is shooting for the 10-inch screen market, at least initially."You'll see for sure a 10-inch [tablet] from us next year," said Steve Felice, president of the Global Consumer, Small and Business division "You're going to see a pretty fast development cycle from Dell and you'll see more products from us next year."
Dell already has one foot in the door with its Streak, a 5-inch device that's more of an oversized smartphone than an undersized tablet. As for the upcoming 10-inch slate, it will most likely run Android rather than Windows.
"There is a tremendous amount of pent-up demand for a Windows [tablet] so you can run productivity applications. Unfortunately, it won't happen until the Windows 8 time frame," said Ed Boyd, vice president of the Experience Design Group at Dell.
Read More ...
eBay Offers To Pay You To Recycle Your Old Electronics
eBay has launched a new program that lets people trade in their old cell phones and other electronics for instant cash. If the devices aren't worth a dime, it will send you pre-paid postage to responsibly recycle the device. With the company's new InstantSale website, you'll be offering up your old device to various companies in the business of buying them for valuable metals, components and refurbishing. You plug in details about your device and you get an instant cash offer, deposited to your PayPal account. If the thing is a brick phone from the 1980's and worth nothing, then eBay will send you a shipping label to send it to a responsible recycler.
This "collectable" cell phone can be yours for $449
Responsible recycling is a big, and growing, problem. According to the EPA, 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste are generated worldwide every year, and have become 5% of all municipal solid waste. They leave behind lead, cadmium, mercury and other hazardous wastes. Yuck. Not good for the earth, the groundwater or nearby water sources affected by runoff. And unscrupulous recyclers have been found to be scamming people into donating their items and then illegally shipping the ones not fit for refurbishing to third-world countries to poison the earth there. Earlier this month, the UK environmental agency arrested nine people on such a scheme.
Sure, there are plenty of retailers that will accept your old electronics for recycling, Target, for instance, or Dell. But eBay's approach is nice in that there's a chance you can still re-coop a few bucks on a device that probably cost you hundreds.
Read More ...
MSI Launches GE603 Gaming Notebook
MSI has gone and announced another 15.6 gaming laptop, this latest one built around Intel's Core i5 platform and featuring an Nvidia GeForce GT 425M graphics chip inside. It's not going to suddenly render your $2,000 gaming desktop obsolete, but it is a potent combo that brings serviceable DirectX 11 gaming in an attractive looking notebook.More specifically, the GE603 consists of an Intel Core i5 460M, 450M, or 430M processor, up to 8GB of DDR3-1066 memory, 320/500/640GB hard drive, DVD burner, four USB 2.0 ports, an ExpressCard slot, 5-in-1 memory card reader, HDMI, VGA, 2.1 channel speakers with SRS Premium Sound, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GbE LAN, an HD webcam, Windows 7, and a 9-cell battery.
All in all a respectable assortment of parts that could prove popular depending on what price point MSI settles. No word yet on when this will ship.
Powerful and LightÂ
The MSI GE603 is your top choice for mobile gamingMSI unveiled the GE603, its newest 15.6-inch gaming notebook computer, featuring Intel's powerful Core i5 processor with nVidia GeForce GT 425M discrete graphics card to maximize your mobile gaming and multimedia entertainment experience.
Taipei—Once again demonstrating its outstanding R&D capabilities, MSI rolled out the revolutionary GE603 laptop designed specifically with the gamer in mind. It packs the high-performance Intel Core i5 CPU with the powerful nVidia GeForce GT 425M discrete graphics card which supports DirectX 11. What's more, to enhance the layered wrap around cinema sound, it is equipped with SRS Premium Soundâ„¢ which boasts powerful processing capabilities and supports 7.1 channel output. This unbeatable gaming computer is also very light and comes with the best multimedia components available, making it the ideal entertainment center for the individual on-the-go.Â
MSI Marketing Director Sam Chern points out that responding to consumer needs, MSI is introducing the high-performance 15.6" GE603 gaming laptop with cutting edge hardware and software as well as an all-new exterior, a high-definition 720p webcam, and the latest SRS Premium Soundâ„¢ to provide consumers with a highly mobile gaming machine.Â
Top choice for gamers
Intel® Core i5™ processor: The MSI GE603 boasts under the hood the power-sipping, high-performance Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Turbo Boost and Intel® Hyper-Threading technology for dynamic enhanced processing efficiency which throttles up for load-hungry games, handling much larger amounts of data and greatly enhancing overall system performance.
nVidia® GeForce® GT 425M discrete graphics card (1GB GDDR3 VRAM): To provide consumers the best multimedia entertainment performance available, the MSI GE603 features the nVidia GeForce GT 425M discrete graphics card with 1GB GDDR3 of display memory for higher display performance and lower power consumption. It also supports DirectX 11 to maximize 3D graphics for smooth, true-to-life visuals, no matter what game you're playing.
SRS Premium Soundâ„¢:Â In addition to superior display performance, the GE603 has two cinema-grade speakers, SRS Premium Soundâ„¢, and 7.1 channel output for ultimate sound.
Plenty of battery power
ECO engine power saving technology: The GE603 also comes with MSI’s own ECO engine power saving technology which allows you to select from among five power management levels—Video Game, Film, Presentation, Word Processing, and Turbo Battery, at the touch of a button.
Cinema Pro technology:Â The MSI GE603's powerful hardware not only optimizes your gaming experience, when the magic wands and battle axes are put away, it's the ideal medium for viewing films. One touch of the Cinema Pro button switches you over to film mode for higher display resolution and richer colors. It works together with the SRS Premium Soundâ„¢ and woofer to further enhance your multimedia entertainment experience.Â
Read More ...
New HAWX 2 Demo Accused of Benchmark Shenanigans Before It Even Launches
It's nothing new to see AMD and NVIDIA arguing over benchmarks, but news that came across our desk today put a new twist on a very old battle. A few days ago, NVIDIA contacted us and inquired if we'd be interested in testing HAWX 2's stand-alone benchmark for evaluation, noting that tessellation effects were employed for better terrain realism. We said sure—a number of DX11-enabled games and/or test programs make use of the effect currently. Synthetic benchmarks aren't much better at this point; Unigine might as well be called TesselationMark. NVIDIA's Reviewer's Guide also put great emphasis on the game's use of tessellation and Fermi's superior performance in that area. We read the guide, benchmarked the game, wrote down some numbers, and that was that—or so we thought. Imagine our surprise when we got an email from AMD, claiming that HAWX 2 was a very poor test and ought not to be used. The letter is quoted below: "It has come to our attention that you may have received an early build of a benchmark based on the upcoming Ubisoft title H.A.W.X. 2. I'm sure you are fully aware that the timing of this benchmark is not coincidental and is an attempt by our competitor to negatively influence your reviews of the AMD Radeon™ HD 6800 series products. We suggest you do not use this benchmark at present as it has known issues with its implementation of DirectX® 11 tessellation and does not serve as a useful indicator of performance for the AMD Radeon™ HD 6800 series. A quick comparison of the performance data in H.A.W.X. 2, with tessellation on, and that of other games/benchmarks will demonstrate how unrepresentative H.A.W.X. 2 performance is of real world performance.This argument over what is and isn't an accurate tessellation performance test underscores the fact that there are precious few titles to choose from currently. Fermi's tessellation performance is much stronger than AMD's at this point, but superior tessellation does not automatically translate into superior frame rates. Meanwhile, we're curious to see how this situation develops. Some of you might remember the ATI/NVIDIA Doom 3 vs. Half Life 2 knock-down battles from years ago. Back then, NVIDIA was nailed to the wall by the GeForce FX's performance in a relevant tech demo. Thanks in-part to Gabe Newell's evangelism of his new game engine, journalists took the terrible FX numbers as an indication that no one wanting to play HL2 should buy an NVIDIA card to do so.
Â
AMD has demonstrated to Ubisoft tessellation performance improvements that benefit all GPUs, but the developer has chosen not to implement them in the preview benchmark. For that reason, we are working on a driver-based solution in time for the final release of the game that improves performance without sacrificing image quality. In the meantime we recommend you hold off using the benchmark as it will not provide a useful measure of performance relative to other DirectX® 11 games using tessellation."
Its status as a useful benchmark may be debatable but high tessellation does enhance in-game realism.
By the time the game actually shipped, NVIDIA had launched an entirely new GPU that didn't suffer from the same performance limitations as the earlier FX cards, but the damage had been done. Despite how the numbers had changed, NVIDIA was seen as a less-than-ideal choice for gamers wanting to play Half Life 2. In this case, we won't have to wait a year to find out how much tessellation really matters across a wide range of games—with a range of titles launching in the next few months we'll soon have a comprehensive view on how much tessellation performance affects gameplay.Â
Read More ...
Atheros Intros Powerline/Wi-Fi Hybrid Reference Designs
Atheros isn't a name that is usually sticks to consumer products; they focus mainly on the internal parts of networking equipment. But the company's newest invention is one worthy of mention by itself. They're delivering the world's first hybrid home network solutions that combine Wi-Fi, HomePlug AV and ethernet. All three add up to provide loads of flexibility and connectivity options, with the end-goal being to bring about an "elegant solution for whole-home network coverage."The company is aiming to combine Wi-Fi and powerline networking at the core, so that signals passed along over a home's wiring system can then be easily and seamlessly distributed over the air to other portions of the home. The combination of Wi-Fi and powerline also provides a platform that will support future home area networking and smart energy applications. Both standards are expected to play integral roles in connecting homes to the smart grid, and will work seamlessly with smart grid products that use low-power Wi-Fi and HomePlug GreenPHY-enabled devices.
As of now, these are just reference designs, but already they have a hybrid router design, powerline/ethernet adapter reference design and a Wi-Fi/powerline range extender. All of the company's designs are expected to be available in Q4 2010.
Atheros Launches World's First Hybrid Home Network Solutions That Deliver the Best of Wired and Wireless Networks
Combination of Wi-Fi, HomePlug AV and Ethernet Boosts Network Bandwidth and Coverage, Provides Unprecedented Simplicity and Flexibility
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - October 18, 2010) - Atheros Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR), a global leader in innovative technologies for wireless and wired communications, today announced a new family of hybrid home networking solutions that combines the industry's most popular consumer networking technologies. Atheros' unique combination of Wi-Fi®, HomePlug® AV powerline and Ethernet technologies not only boosts network bandwidth, but also provides unprecedented simplicity to setup and optimize coverage in every home environment. As a result, consumers will finally have an elegant solution for whole-home network coverage.
Atheros' hybrid portfolio is an unprecedented approach to solving the home networking issues faced by many consumers -- including complicated installation, spotty coverage and inadequate bandwidth for media applications. By leveraging the strengths of multiple networking technologies and adding software intelligence, Atheros is enabling a new class of hybrid networking products that allow consumers to easily build a home network with the performance they need, where they need it.
Key Facts:
   * According to ABI Research, the number of home networks will grow 65 percent globally to nearly 280 million in the next five years. With the influx of Internet-based media and growing demand for whole-home digital content, it is even more important that home networking equipment offers better performance and simple installation -- at a reasonable cost.
   * Now that the IEEE has ratified the 1901 powerline standard, based upon HomePlug AV technology, Atheros' hybrid solutions combine the benefits of the most popular global networking standards: IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 1901 (HomePlug AV) and IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet). The combination of these technologies ensures that networked devices can connect anywhere in the home -- whether using wired or wireless connectivity.
   * Atheros is launching four new reference designs, including a router and three adapters that use various combinations of its XSPAN® wireless LAN, AMP™ powerline and ETHOS® Ethernet technologies. The designs provide networking manufacturers with complete hardware and software solutions for a variety of affordable hybrid products, which consumers can easily mix-and-match to suit the unique characteristics of their home and the bandwidth requirements of their network applications.
   * Atheros' hybrid solutions include software that adds "behind the scenes" intelligence to simplify network setup and management for mainstream consumers. It not only unifies the wired and wireless networks with a single user interface, but also enables push-button pairing and security between the router and all Atheros-based adapters on the network (whether installed now or added in the future).
   * The combination of Wi-Fi and powerline also provides a platform that will support future home area networking and smart energy applications. Both standards are expected to play integral roles in connecting homes to the smart grid, and will work seamlessly with smart grid products that use low-power Wi-Fi and HomePlug GreenPHY-enabled devices.
Product Highlights:
   * Atheros' new reference designs are the industry's first solutions to feature Wi-Fi, HomePlug AV and Ethernet silicon from a single vendor, and are optimized to deliver the best possible wired and wireless experience. The new family of designs includes:
         o Hybrid Router Reference Design -- Designed to be the hub of the digital home, routers based on Atheros' first hybrid solution can unleash more than 500 Mbps of network capacity to wired and wireless devices -- which can deliver reliable access to the Internet and networked media content throughout the home.
         o Powerline/Ethernet Adapter Reference Designs -- Available in single-port and four-port versions, Atheros' PLC adapters are ideal for connecting the home's media center, with broadband access for up to four non-wireless devices (such as televisions, Blu-ray disc players, set-top boxes and storage devices). The plug-and-play adapters offer effortless setup and use the home's existing electrical circuitry to transmit data at up to 200 Mbps.
         o Wi-Fi/Powerline Range Extender Reference Design -- By simply plugging the range extender into an electrical outlet, consumers can extend their wireless network to reach mobile Wi-Fi products in the far corners and other trouble-spots in the home. Like the PLC adapters, range extenders can also connect non-wireless devices that have an Ethernet port.
   * All of Atheros' hybrid reference designs will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company is currently working with its lead customers, who expect to bring retail products to market over the next two quarters.
Read More ...
Maingear Issues Clutch 13" and 15" Notebooks
Maingear has been on a roll of late, issuing new notebooks and desktops just about as quickly as CPU and GPU makers come out with new silicon. But the company's latest aren't based on any particular new release from another company, they're just new for the sake of being new. The Clutch line of notebooks consists of two machines: a 13.3" model and a 15.6" model. Both use Intel CPUs, a 1366x768 resolution display and hold up to 8GB of RAM, but that's about when the similarities end.The Clutch-13 is an ultraportable that is built for users on the run, and it can be equipped with a 512GB SSD while featuring DVI/VGA outputs, four USB 2.0 ports, a Core 330UM (1.2GHz) processor, integrated Intel HD graphics, 802.11g/n Wi-Fi, ExpressCARD, eSATA, HDMI, Windows 7 and Intel's Anti-Theft technology support. The entire machine weighs 3.3lbs. and starts at $1099.
The larger brother, the Clutch-15, has the same WXGA panel but includes Core i3, i5 or i7 CPU options, integrated Intel HD graphics or a GeForce GT 330M, a full size keyboard (with numpad) and a total weight of 4.75lbs. It's also a bit cheaper, starting at $899 without an optional docking station. Both machines are on sale now and fully customizable.
MAINGEAR EQUIPS ROAD WARRIORS WITH NEW CLUTCH SERIES NOTEBOOKS
MAINGEAR launches new Clutch series notebooks, built for business professionals and students looking for small and powerful mobile solutions.
Â
Kenilworth, New Jersey – October 21, 2010 - MAINGEAR, an award-winning PC system builder offering custom desktops, notebooks, workstations and media centers, has expanded its notebook line, catering to the diverse needs of on-the-go students, professionals, and other mobile users. With a 13.3†or 15.6†screen size and powerful Intel® Core i series mobile processors, these smaller and lighter notebooks offer the latest in portable productivity, multimedia and casual gaming performance.
The MAINGEAR Clutch-13 and Clutch-15 are equipped with Intel® Core i series mobile processors, up to 8GB of DDR3-1066 memory, a 512GB SSD HDD, along with an optional 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 average notebooks out in the market and featuring a full size keyboard with a numeric pad, it also features an additional choice of Intel® Core™ i7 mobile processor, and an Nvidia™ GeForce 330M for those who are looking to stay connected while enjoying high definition media but also want to get some work done in-between meetings or class.
Equipped with advanced hardware technology, these notebooks also offer operating system options to give users an extra edge with a full suite of the latest Intel enhanced software. The Clutch-13 and Clutch-15 integrates Intel’s Always Aware technology, which utilizes the system accelerometer to provide hard drive protection, system security and display control. Intel’s Anti-Theft technology is another added feature which provides a complete lockdown when the system has multiple failed login attempts or when reported lost or stolen, and Intel® My WiFi Technology converts your notebook into a Wi-Fi Personal Area Network quickly and easily. All of these enhanced features keep users connected, secure and efficient.
These trim and modern profile notebooks are designed and styled in a way that sets them apart from the crowd. These notebooks feature a unique exterior texture for an enhanced tactile experience. MAINGEAR also offers their exclusive M.A.R.C. laser etching on these notebooks with MAINGEAR’s logo or a customer can submit their own art to etch on.
MAINGEAR Clutch-13 Notebook:
—    13.3" WXGA (1366 x 768) 16:9 Glossy LED LCD display
—    Intel® Core™ 330UM Ultra Mobile 1.2GHz Dual Core with Hyper Threading
—    Intel HD Integrated Graphics with Dynamic Frequency
—    Up to 8GB DDR3-1066 memory
—    Up to SATA 2.5†7200RPM 750GB 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
—    MAINGEAR M.A.R. C. Laser etching
—    13.26â€(w) x 8.5†(d) x .96†(h)
—    3.3lbs (fully loaded)
Starting at $1,099 (with docking station)
MAINGEAR Clutch-15 Notebook:
—    15.6" WXGA (1366 x 768) 16:9 Glossy LED LCD display
—    Intel® Core™ i3, i5 and i7 mobile processors
—    Intel HD Integrated Graphics or NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M 1GB Graphics
—    Up to 8GB DDR3-1066 memory
—    Up to SATA 2.5†7200RPM 750GB 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
—    MAINGEAR M.A.R. C. Laser etching
—    Full size keyboard with number pad
—    15.35â€(w) x 9.8†(d) x 1.3†(h)
—    4.75lb (fully loaded)
Starting at price $899 (without docking station)
“The MAINGEAR Clutch-13 and Clutch-15 are the perfect notebooks for those who want portable productivity with the power of a desktop.†said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. “ With the Intel® Coreâ„¢ mobile processors and high-performance discrete graphics available on the Clutch-15; business travelers, students and casual gamers can get a stunning visual experience and while staying connected wherever they are, it’s a win-win for everyone.â€Â
Read More ...
Google's Complex Tax Scheme Saves It Billions
A report in Business Week shows us one way that Google keeps its bottom line up. Using a complicated structure, the company sends most of its overseas profits overseas to known tax havens. With that, Google's corporate overseas tax rate is a low, low 2.4 percent.For a company with the unofficial motto of "Don't be evil," this seems, well, evil. Or at least it seems unethical. However, as a corporation, trying to maximize process for its shareholders is not evil or unethical. That said, the rest of the taxpayers in the U.S. don't have to like it, but honestly, Google isn't the only corporation to take such measures.
What's amazing is the incredibly low tax rate Google has, because it's much lower than other corporations. Google, Apple, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM make up the top five technology companies by market capitalization. The other four have reported tax rates between 4.5 percent and 25.8 percent on their overseas earnings from 2007 to 2009.
The practice is called "Double Irish" or the "Dutch Sandwich." BW describes it as follows:
When a company in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa purchases a search ad through Google, it sends the money to Google Ireland. The Irish government taxes corporate profits at 12.5 percent, but Google mostly escapes that tax because its earnings don't stay in the Dublin office, which reported a pretax profit of less than 1 percent of revenues in 2008.Although other companies used "Double Irish," Google's success at it amazes even Martin A. Sullivan, a tax economist who formerly worked for the U.S. Treasury Department. He said,
Irish law makes it difficult for Google to send the money directly to Bermuda without incurring a large tax hit, so the payment makes a brief detour through the Netherlands, since Ireland doesn't tax certain payments to companies in other European Union states. Once the money is in the Netherlands, Google can take advantage of generous Dutch tax laws. Its subsidiary there, Google Netherlands Holdings, is just a shell (it has no employees) and passes on about 99.8 percent of what it collects to Bermuda. (The subsidiary managed in Bermuda is technically an Irish company, hence the "Double Irish" nickname.)
"It's remarkable that Google's effective rate is that low. This company operates throughout the world mostly in high-tax countries where the average corporate rate is well over 20 percent."In fact, the corporate tax rate in the U.S. is 35 percent, while in the U.K., Google's second-largest market after the U.S., it is 28 percent.
You can see an interactive diagram of how the "Double Irish" scheme works, here.
Read More ...
Barnes & Noble NOOK To Go On Sale At Walmart
Barnes & Noble is planning an event in New York City shortly, and many are expecting a revised NOOK to be the highlight of the show. And if true, what better time than now to strike a deal with Walmart? The NOOK has been sold in a variety of places since being introduced last year, but Walmart wasn't one of them. Amazon's Kindle has slowly rolled out to various retailers as well, leaving B&N in a position of finding more retail outlets to stock it. The NOOK and Kindle are battling for e-reader supremacy right now, and with holiday shopping dollars on the line, it's vital to get your product in front of eyes at Walmart.
This week, Barnes & Noble reached an agreement with Walmart to sell the NOOK in 2,500 of Walmart's stores as well as online through walmart.com. NOOKs will begin arriving in Walmart stores as early as Oct. 24th, leaving us to wonder if the NOOK 2 will be joining it. The announcement mentions that Walmart will stock both the NOOK 3G, which offers free AT&T 3G wireless and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as NOOK Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi only model.
Time will tell, for sure, but Amazon might have a tough time topping this one. Unless Walmart feels like stocking it as well.
 Barnes & Noble Announces Award-Winning NOOK™ eBook Reader Will Be Sold at Walmart
NOOK Devices to Be Sold in Walmart Stores and on Walmart.com Beginning Next Week
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, today announced its award-winning NOOK eBook Reader will be sold in 2,500 Walmart stores (NYSE: WMT) and online at www.walmart.com. The popular NOOK devices are expected to arrive on Walmart shelves beginning as soon as October 24, in advance of the holiday shopping season.
   “Sales of NOOK devices continue to exceed our expectations, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with Walmart, one of the world’s greatest retailers, to expand the distribution of our award-winning NOOK eBook Readerâ€
The NOOK eBook Readers will be prominently featured as the premier eBook Reader in the consumer electronics area. Many Walmart stores will feature a NOOK-branded eReading area where shoppers can see and touch a demonstration device.
Walmart will offer both great choice and value with two NOOK by Barnes & Noble eBook Reader models -- NOOK 3G, which offers free AT&T 3G wireless and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as NOOK Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi only model. Both offer a crisp, paper-like E Ink display for reading and a beautiful color touch screen for navigation, and access to shop the Barnes & Noble expansive eBookstore with more than one million eBooks, magazines and newspapers, most available for $9.99 or less and more than half a million free titles. Digital content from Barnes & Noble is downloaded wirelessly in seconds. NOOK devices are also the only to offer sharing of eBooks with friends through Barnes & Noble’s breakthrough LendMe™ technology.
“Sales of NOOK devices continue to exceed our expectations, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with Walmart, one of the world’s greatest retailers, to expand the distribution of our award-winning NOOK eBook Reader,†said Chris Peifer, Vice President, Digital Business Development at Barnes & Noble. “Walmart’s millions of shoppers will have an easy and convenient way to try NOOK devices in many stores and to learn why NOOK is the most full-featured eReading device on the market, and the perfect gift solution for anyone who loves to read.â€Â
Read More ...
Nintendo Shipping Limited Edition Red Wii and DSi XL Consoles
At this point, if you're a gamer, you probably already own a Nintendo Wii. And if you're a gamer on the run, you probably already own a DSi, DSi XL or one of the other Nintendo handhelds. But on the off chance that you have yet to pick these up, Nintendo is tempting you to finally give in. In order to celebrate the 25th anniversay of the Super Mario Bros. game on the NES, Nintendo is launching two new colored consoles: the Mario-red limited edition Wii and DSi XL. 
Furthermore, the company is rolling out a new Wii Remote Plus controller with the Wii MotionPlus motion technology packaged in, and all of these products will go on sale in North America on Nov. 7th.
As for the Wii Bundle, that will include a red Wii and the new Wii Remote Plus Wiimote, as well as Wii Sports and a red Nunchuk. It will be available for just $199.99 while supplies last. On the portable side, the pecial-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle is also red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics. The bundle will ship with Mario Kart DS as well as Brain Age Express pre-loaded; it will be available for $179.99 while supplies last. Red also seems the perfect color for the holidays, now if one there was a green version to go with it...
 Nintendo Announces Red-Hot Bundles, New Wii Remote Plus Controller
The Best Video Game Value for the Holidays Just Got Even Better
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nintendo has everyone’s holiday shopping list covered with an array of great new products. These include Mario™-red, limited-edition Wii™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system bundles that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros.™ game on the NES™ and a new Wii Remote™ Plus controller that has Wii MotionPlus™ motion technology built right in. Nintendo already offers tremendous video game value, and these products will make it even easier for shoppers to find fun at a great price. All new products go on sale in North America on Nov. 7, and the limited-edition products will be available while supplies last.
   “Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidaysâ€
“Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays,†said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. “For anyone who is still on the fence about whether to join the world of video games, we’re offering many fun, easy, economical ways to get involved.â€
The lineup of products launching Nov. 7 includes:
   * Red Wii Bundle: This limited-edition Wii hardware comes in beautiful red to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. The bundle includes New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii and a new red Wii Remote Plus controller, in addition to all the other included items, like Wii Sports™ and a red Nunchuk™ controller. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $199.99.
   * Red Nintendo DSi XL Bundle: This special-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle is also red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics. The bundle comes with Mario Kart™ DS, which looks gorgeous on the extra-large screen. That’s in addition to the pre-loaded software of Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $179.99.
   * Wii Remote Plus: This new controller combines the original, iconic Wii Remote™ controller with built-in Wii MotionPlus functionality. The compact Wii Remote Plus controller offers players precision motion controls all in one unit. It becomes the new standard Wii controller, and will be available from now on in all Wii hardware packages and bundles, as well as sold separately at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
   * FlingSmash™ Bundle: The new Wii game combines the hands-on fun of tennis with the nonstop action and instant gratification of pinball. It requires use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, so it seemed natural to bundle it with the new Wii Remote Plus controller. For a suggested retail price of $49.99, shoppers get to enjoy both the game and the controller in one package.
Remember that Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://wii.com or http://www.nintendodsi.com.Â
Read More ...
Sony's Walkman NWZ-W252 Climbs On Your Head And Hangs With Sweat
With the glut of portable audio and media players out these days, it really takes a special product to catch our attention. Something unique, something a little off-the-wall, and something that actually differentiates itself from all those other mundane MP3 players. Sony has somehow managed to do that with their latest Walkman, which is tailor made for fitness junkies or those who'd rather use a self-contained unit than deal with messy earbud cabling.
The new W250 Series Walkman is designed to worn on the head, and due to its water resistant abilities, sweating it out won't be a problem. It also features quick charge and simple transfers, both of which should keep runners on the track longer and on the sidelines by the PC less. The NWZ-W252 has a convenient lightweight, wearable and water resistant design, up to 2GB of internal storage and the ability to regain enough battery life to go for 90 minutes with only a three minute charge.
Best of all, it will sell for just $60 when it ships later this month, just in time for those long beach runs that you've been planning.
Sony Announces New Wearable, Water Resistant W250 Series Walkman® MP3 Player
WHO: Ideal for fitness and exercise enthusiasts, the new Sony Walkman W Series, model NWZ-W252, features a convenient lightweight, wearable and water resistant design.
WHAT: The new Sony Walkman W Series is designed to improve it's users audio experience during workouts and other forms of exercise. It features a lightweight, water-resistant frame that ensures proper functionality during extended periods of activity inside or outside -- even if used in the rain.
Additionally, the Walkman W series comes with Content Transfer software that allows users to move music files and playlists straight from a PC or iTunes"! library (not including DRM files). With 2 GB of maximum capacity, the new Walkman W Series can hold approximately 470 songs (4 minute length at 128 kbps).
For those on-the-go or users who have simply forgotten to charge their MP3 player before a workout, the new Walkman NWZ-W252 offers a quick charge function. With only three minutes of charge time, the player will receive enough power for up to 90 minutes of use. Full battery life is approximately 11 hours.
WHERE: The Sony W Series Walkman, model NWZ-W252, will be available this month for about $60 atwww.sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide.
Read More ...
Networks Move to Block Google TV Access from Site Content
With no deals in place, this really should not be a surprise. Networks are blocking those using Google TV to access their websites from viewing content, such as full-length episodes, which can normally be viewed on a browser.For example, you can go to CBS' website and watch full-length episodes of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Not, however, if you use Google TV to browse to the site.
Spokespeople for the three networks confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that they are blocking Google TV from playing the episodes on their websites, although both ABC and NBC are allowing promotional clips to play.
According to the WSJ, they were told by sources that at least Disney (ABC's parent company) and NBC have been concerned about Google's stance on search results that include websites that offer pirated content.
Disney executives, for example, asked that Google filter out results from pirate sites when users search for Disney content, like "Desperate Housewives." But they were unsatisfied with Google's response, according to people familiar with the conversations.Fox and MTV reportedly aren't blocking Google TV. However, Fox is reportedly still undecided.
Read More ...
Dell Introduces New Family Of XPS Laptops
Dell announced its new family of XPS laptops featuring JBL and Waves sound design and cutting-edge graphics from NVIDIA. The new family of laptops is also 3D TV ready and come with NVIDIA's 3DTV Play software. The laptops are available in 14-, 15- and 17-inch screen sizes. To help you stay connected with friends and family, the laptops are Skype-certified and feature HD video streaming webcams. Prices start at $899 for the XPS 14; $849 for the XPS 15; and $949 for the XPS 17. We'll have a review of the new XPS up soon, so be sure to check back!
Dell Re-imagines High-Definition Entertainment with New Family of XPS Laptops
Cinema-like experience with JBL and Waves Sound Design and High-Definition NVIDIA Graphics • Stay in Touch with Industry's First Skype-Certified Laptops with HD Video Streaming • Eye-popping 3D Movies, Games and Photos on Big-screen 3D Televisions
Providing the ultimate mobile entertainment experience, Dell’s family of new XPS laptops deliver pulse pounding JBL and Waves sound design, a cinema-like HD video experience featuring cutting-edge graphics from NVIDIA, and the industry's first Skype-certified laptops with HD video streaming webcams so you can stay close to friends and family. In addition, the new family of laptops -- which come in 14-, 15- and 17-inch screen sizes -- are all 3D TV ready and include NVIDIA's 3DTV Play software which allows users to connect their Dell XPS notebooks to new 3D HDTVs and play hundreds of popular PC games in 3D, watch Blu-ray 3D movies, and browse 3D photos and videos in immersive, stereoscopic 3D.
Featuring exceptional sound, video and now 3D-capabilities, the new premium systems mark the return of the highly regarded XPS brand, which blends classic style, world-class features and premium performance in products that stand up to rigorous standards. The XPS brand joins the Inspiron and Alienware families in rounding out Dell's overarching consumer portfolio -- just in time for the holidays. The XPS laptops were designed for creative explorers -- individuals who are passionate about art, film, photos, and value an immersive entertainment experience. Their daily lives are multimedia experiences that they share with each other, whether it’s uploading photos, watching streaming video or listening to their favorite band play a concert on the other side of the world.
The stylish laptops come standard with silver anodized aluminum display back and palmrest, or can be personalized with one of more than 200 original designs from Dell Design Studio, including the new Susan G. Komen collection, which generates a $10 contribution in the fight against breast cancer.
"We're pushing the limits once again -- this time with our new line of XPS laptops, which offer pulsing audio from JBL and Waves, new high-definition screens driven by NVIDIA technology and the industry's first Skype-certified laptops with the first webcam allowing HD video streaming," said Sam Burd, vice president, Dell Consumer, Small and Medium Business Product Group "The XPS brand has always been the standard-bearer for outstanding performance from Dell, and the new line of laptops is no exception. No laptop PCs have ever sounded or looked so great."
Turn It Up to 11
Built-in JBL designed and certified speakers with integrated Waves MaxxAudio® 3 processing technology rock the loudest, clearest and best laptop sound Dell has ever produced, including best-in-class bass with 12-watt subwoofers on the 15- and 17-inch models. Boasting up to 22W peak audio performance, this incredibly clean and clear sound helps deliver a superb audio experience.
 High-performance 1GB to 3GB NVIDIA graphics options power eye-catching HD video capabilities on the 14-, 15- and 17-inch High Definition LED displays. For the ultimate entertainment experience, the new Dell XPS laptops are all 3D-capable with NVIDIA's 3DTV Play software. With the available Blu-ray Disc drive option families can enjoy immersive 3D Blu-ray Disc movies on a big 3D HDTV screen in their own living room.
Video Stream in HD
The XPS laptops boast the first integrated webcams capable of HD video streaming. The webcams are designed to provide crystal-clear full screen video chats and are also the first laptop PCs to be Skype-certified.
The Dell XPS brand is renowned for delivering the latest, world-class technology, and that legacy continues in the new models, which feature Intel Core i processors and the latest NVIDIA GeForce 400 series graphics with Optimus technology.
With more performance capabilities than many desktop PCs, XPS laptops are the perfect choice for people who demand high performance, premium technology and the best entertainment experience.
Over the years, Dell has incorporated many evolutionary product refinements to its XPS models, including some that are the result of customer suggestions. For example, customer feedback has helped Dell improve heat dissipation, power supplies and chassis strength in this new generation of XPS models, making them among the most reliable and durable XPS laptops Dell has ever offered.
Dell is an industry leader in delivering a great shopping experience, featuring an online concierge shopping service that helps ensure you get exactly what you want: the latest technology designed for your needs. Dell is committed to delivering reliable products that you can count on, with access to immediate and reliable support anytime, anywhere you need it.
Dell Design Studio
Dell Design Studio is an immersive online shopping experience similar to touring an art gallery. Shoppers can interactively view and select from hundreds of designs, artists, colors and patterns that can turn a Dell Mini or Dell laptop PC into a personalized accessory. Individuals who want to personalize their laptop can choose from categories that include unique, eye-catching designs representing popular OPI shades, bold Major League Baseball team designs, community favorites Threadless graphic art, special (PRODUCT) REDâ„¢ signature artwork, and a variety of edgy designed-for- Dell artwork.
Availability & Pricing
The new Dell XPS laptops are available beginning today directly from www.dell.com. Models, configuration and options may vary by global region and retailers. Starting prices for the new XPS laptops are: $899 for the XPS 14; $849 for the XPS 15; and $949 for the XPS 17.
Read More ...
Intel Chipset Driver - Bluescreen error on install.
Anyone wanna help me with installing the driver? I keep getting a blue screen when i install it. I first used the disk then i went to MSI's site and downloaded the driver but still had the error.
After it restarts this was the error message:
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033
Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 1000007e
BCP1: FFFFFFFFC0000005
BCP2: FFFFF8800FF33C4B
BCP3: FFFFF88005DF3D88
BCP4: FFFFF88005DF35F0
OS Version: 6_1_7600
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1
Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\102110-20703-01.dmp
C:\Users\Jimmy\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-31312-0.sysdata.xml
Read our privacy statement online:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=104288&clcid=0x0409
If the online privacy statement is not available, please read our privacy statement offline:
C:\Windows\system32\en-US\erofflps.txt
Read More ...
No comments:
Post a Comment