Category: Desktops

New Microsoft SideWinder X3 Mouse Unveiled

Microsoft’s SideWinder family has a new member in their fold. The new product is the Microsoft SideWinder X3 Mouse, which combines gaming performance and versatile design at a value price of $39.95.

This ambidextrous, eight-button gaming mouse delivers comfort for either hand along with the performance features fans of SideWinder products know and love, including a 2,000 dots-per-inch (dpi) laser-tracking engine with on-the-fly dpi switching between high, medium and low sensitivity. The SideWinder X3 Mouse is easy on the wallet, but it does not skimp on performance, offering gamers a full set of features and launching them ahead of the competition.

The SideWinder X3 Mouse will be widely available in May for an estimated retail price of $39.95 (U.S.). The mouse is available now for pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship in May when it is released.

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3Dconnexion SpacePilot PRO

Game developers can really improve gaming requirements this time around as suitable interface devices have become more advanced and appealing today. With that in mind, 3Dconnexion introduces the SpacePilot PRO to provide easier access to the power of professional 3D applications, fewer interruptions in the design workflow, and superior comfort.

Specifically, the SpacePilot PRO features a new color LCD Workflow Assistant, second-generation QuickView Navigation technology, Intelligent Function keys, and an improved design for enhanced comfort and control. With better assistance and graphic, you can expect better graphic rendering and output based on the new tools available in the market today such as that of this one by 3Dconnexion.

“3Dconnexion’s 3D mice have rewritten the rules on the way design engineers and professionals interact with 3D environments,” said Dieter Neujahr, president of 3Dconnexion. “Our new SpacePilot PRO builds on our market-leading industry experience, delivering the most powerful 3D mouse we’ve ever made. It enables increased performance that ultimately results in better designs, created in less time.”

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Dell Unveils Customizable Desktops

For the average computer user, some could care less on how their desktop looks like. But don’t tell that to Dell as they have unveiled a couple of great designs that the average Joe is bound to fall for. Dell first started out as a maker of computers that users could customize with the exact hardware that they desired. Dell made its name on the customization options it offered buyers. More recently, Dell has been letting shoppers customize not only the hardware inside the notebook or desktop, but has been offering custom colors and designs on the exterior of the computer as well.

Dell has announced new Inspiron desktop computers called the Inspiron slim and mini-tower. The new machines can be customized with eight different colors that completely cover the front panel of the computer. Dell says it is the only major computer maker allowing users to color customize a desktop computer.

For sure, most computer geeks are going to want one of these customizable desktops coming in different colors and themes suitable for the taste and requirement that each wants. They seem to carry the sleek and slim design and apparently the issue of space allocation is obviously covered as well.

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AMD Ready to Launch Pisces Desktop Platform

AMD is set to have something great for entry-level computer buyers with the launch of their Pisces platform from Taiwan. Pisces is said to incorporate AMD’s Athlon II processors ; Propus, Rana and Regor – and a new 55nm-based 780G+ IGP chipset, together with the ATI Radeon HD 4200 GPU.

That 780G+ chipset is set to go into design validation this month, according to the sources. Motherboards using the design will then be showcased at Computex Taipei 2009 in June; AMD has only committed to launching Pisces in the second-half of 2009, as part of the AMD Live! range. While Pisces is an entry-level solution, it’s nonetheless expected to support above-1080p resolutions, 7.1-channel surround sound and 3D visuals.

Considering the vast array of desktop options that techies are looking for in the market today, this new AMD technology is a great desktop alternate for the usual Intel processors that everyone prefers. For sure though, price will vary and chances are this is a great desktop that start-up technology investing people should really consider getting especially during the hard times we are in right now.

While the launch is leaving everyone clueless on when to make further reviews and decisions, once this platform hits the market, expect a fair share of demands for it. AMD has proven it can stand in line with Intel based processors and apparently this is one desktop platform people will be looking out for.

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Panzerbox from NZXT

For efficient gaming storage, ventilation and making sure that all components get the proper airflow is essential. We have seen a lot of modern designed desktop cases but one that deserves recognition is the Panzerbox. The pure aluminum Panzerbox has the capacity and power of a full-size tower, but weights only 6.3 kilos/14 pounds in a much compact mid-size tower with dimensions of 244 x 445 x 445 mm.

Most LAN cases lack airflow due to inadequate space, but not the Panzerbox. Inside the all black interior, there are two oversized 190mm and one 120mm fans that churn out a combined 300 Cubic Feet per Minute air flow, along with oversized heatsinks to optimize component cooling. Motherboard tray is removable, conveniently designed for much easy installation, and storage option is available from three external 5.25 inch and four internal 3.5 inch drive bays. A top-mount external I/O panel offers connectivity from USB, Audio to e-SATA ports.

The new NZXT Panzerbox Lan case is slated to ship next month for a suggested retail price of $120.

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Acer Predator Gaming PCs Recalled

No thanks to a potential fire hazard, Acer has issued a recall on their Acer Predator Gaming PCs. It seems that there is a problem with the insulation on some of the wiring within the computer gets stripped somehow and then leads to a short circuit. Then, the components inside melt or the exterior casing melts. Both things are most certainly not supposed to happen.

The models affected are the ASG7200 and the ASG7700 that were sold between May and December of 2008. If you purchased your Acer Predator during this time frame, contact Acer for a free repair of the problem. Only 215 units are suspected to be affected, but it’s still a hazard gamers should know about.

While we all have a high level or requirement for higher specs and also better performing PCs, safety comes first. There is no sense in having a high-end computer if there are issues concerning the system you are using to which it may eventually cost you more than just a defective computer for replacement. It may go to the extent of causing physical injuries or even worst loss of property and belongings such issues be unaccounted for and remedied.

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Motion J3400 Rugged Tablet PC

Mobile computing needs to adhere towards the rugged nature where some PC tablets will be exposed. The sensitivity issues are something we are familiar with, the slightest miscarriage of such products posing as potent threats towards damaging any component or the gadget as a whole.

Hence, Motion Computing adds another potential rugged tablet PC in the market with the release of the Motion J3400 Rugged Tablet PC. Maximizing performance and flexibility, the J3400’s lightweight package, superior ergonomics and integrated features allow it to adapt easily to a broad range of demanding work environments. Ideal for mobile workers that compute while walking or standing, the J3400 extends the computing day with a dual battery design and shines with an industry-leading, bright outdoor display.

The J3400 joins Motion’s family of proven tablet PCs that meet the needs of mobile users across a variety of markets including healthcare, construction, field sales and service and government. Balancing performance, weight, durability and integrated features, Motion tablets have significantly enhanced mobile productivity by enabling users to take technology directly to the point of service.

A variety of features create a reliable, rugged device:

  • 1.8 inch hard disk drive (HDD) that provides extra shock protection
  • Shock-mounted display and HDD with DataGuard™, an accelerometer that protects data during drops or other events that could potentially damage the hard drive
  • Optional low cost 64GB SSD for extreme shock and vibration protection

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Samsung NC10 Notebook with WiMAX Unveiled in Russia

This new notebook from Samsung, the Samsung NC10, has been leaked in the past weeks and for Russians, they get the first chance to check out just how good it is. Add to the fact that it supports Wimax technology and you will certainly get other people craving in envy as to when they can get their hands on this laptop locally.

Samsung NC10 adheres to a class of netbooks – light, compact and inexpensive computers that simplify the usage of the Internet. Weighting just 1.33kg, NC10 is capable to run up to 9 hours 40 minutes on battery power. An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera allows NC10 users to hold video conferences backed by a high-speed (up to 10 Mb/s) Yota network.

Samsung NC10 4G netbook features a 10.2″ widescreen display (WSVGA 1024×600 SuperBrightc) of the highest quality and a normal-size, notebook PC style ergonomic keyboard. NC10 has a durable scratch-resistant case built using an innovative Samsung Duracase technology. The keyboard of NC10 coated with nano-sized silver ion powder, which prevents living and breeding of bacteria.

NC10 incorporates the smallest and lowest power processor, Intelr AtomT, which makes it capable to tackle the majority of modern computing tasks while keeping an ultra-compact size and small weight. The pre-installed MicrosoftT Windowsr XP Home operating system and 160Gb hard drive make NC10 a powerful instrument, while the built-in Mobile WiMAX module allows unlocking the full potential of the device.

In addition to WiMAX support, Samsung NC10 4G netbook comes with a vast set of networking capabilities – both wireless and wired. The device carries a number of modern networking technologies, such as Atherosr 802.11b/g, 10/100 Ethernet LAN and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. NC10 packed with a 3-in-1 multimedia card slot, VGA output, microphone-in, headphone-out and three USB ports.

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BMW Level 10 PC Casing

What would our PC casings look like some years from now? Well to date, we have seen various designs on how to store our PC peripherals and chips. However, if you step up and close to look at this crazy but alluring design, you may even mistake it as the PC design of the future.

The case is actually the prototype by BMW, DesignworksUSA, and computer case and fanmaker Thermaltake exists now. “Level 10” is on display at CeBIT, the world’s largest computer expo going on now in Hanover, Germany. Sporting an open design, ventilation is enhanced enough to be beyond needing such exotica as liquid cooling. The concept is similar to those lofts with all the exposed piping and ventilation ductwork. It’s positively postmodern.

Once available, expect PC owners to check out if they can afford and get a hold of this new BMW Level 10 PC design. If the price is right, surely many people will not pass it up. It is simple a design that will make you PC stand out above the rest.

There’s precious little info about this spectacular case design, so we have no idea when it might be available and at what price. We’ll be visiting the DesignworksUSA studio in Los Angeles later this month, so we’ll find out more details then.

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Microsoft and Lenovo Unveil PC Dean’s List

Buying a computer these days has to be done carefully. Unlike in the past years when the economy was not that bad, PC or laptop buying was made regularly with flourish. Today however, banking on guides on which PC or laptop is suitable to cater to the needs of every individual persists and perhaps this PC Dean’s list by Microsoft and Lenovo can offer more than just a guide.

Microsoft Corp. and Lenovo announced the availability of the Ultimate Academic Personal Computer promotion with high-powered, highly functional, affordable laptop PCs designed specifically for college and university students, faculty, and staff. As part of the program, initially offered as a pilot by Microsoft, Lenovo will offer four different ThinkPad laptops pre-loaded with Windows Vista Ultimate and Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007.

The Ultimate Academic PC promotion offers four exclusive configurations:

  • ThinkPad T400. The 14-inch widescreen laptop gives users powerful processing functionality, a host of wireless connectivity options and multimedia features essential for college students. Lenovo also builds in a roll cage to give the laptop extra durability to meet the rigors of academic life.
  • ThinkPad R500. This laptop packs in the same functionality as the ThinkPad T400 but gives users extra screen real estate with a 15-inch display.
  • ThinkPad X200 Tablet. The Tablet offers note-takers the best of both worlds with a Tablet PC and a laptop all in one. The 12-inch screen swivels both directions for easy maneuvering in class, and has low reflectivity and wide viewing angles; the Tablet also features a full-size keyboard, and more than 10 hours of battery life for all-day computing.
  • ThinkPad X301. Lenovo’s thinnest and lightest full-function PC, the ThinkPad X301 comes with several leading technologies such as solid state drive storage for greater reliability, an LED display for a crisp viewing experience and two roll cages to make the laptop extremely light yet sturdy.

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