REVIEW >> MSI ships GT780R and the GX780 in the US

MSI has a couple of gaming notebooks for the masses who are living Stateside – and they are the highly capable GT780R and the GX780, where both of them were developed in partnership with famous gaming peripherals manufacturer, SteelSeries. The notebooks will be no slouch in performance, especially when they offer the newest NVIDIA GeForce graphics processors, in addition to the second-generation Intel Core i7 processor.

Since both the GT780R and GX780 were specially built with gamers in mind (hardcore ones, especially), you will also enjoy a professionally-designed keyboard that ought to bring the gaming experience up another notch. Both notebooks will sport a 17.3″ display which has been optimized for gaming, but we will look into the nitty gritty in the extended post.

First of all, there is the SteelSeries full color backlit keyboard that lets your hands enjoy perfect positioning with keys that ensure your fingers will get to that particular key without being interrupted in any way. Not only that, this rugged keyboard also delivers solid feedback whenever your opponents get slayed at your hand. As for the Power 10 key solution, it is capable of supporting 10 keys being typed simultaneously, ensuring that every single keystroke counts. As for the multicolor LED backlit keyboard, that will boast of 5 programmable modes for you to synchronize the color and rhythm of the backlighting to match that of your game.

As for NVIDIA’s GeForce graphics, the GeForce GTX 560M with 1.5GB memory will see action on the GT780R, while the GX780 will boast of NVIDIA’s GeForce GT555M with 1GB VRAM. You will also find the range of processors inside supporting Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, whereby it allocates processor resources to boost core clock speeds and overall performance. It doesn’t matter which model you pick – either one have core clock speeds of 2.00 GHz.

With a stylish, brushed aluminum textured body that is pleasing on the eyes and yet menacing enough to scare your opponents into submission, you can be sure that getting either model will be able to let you game your way to the top – if you have sufficient skill, that is. The new GT780R and GX780 will retail for $1,749.99 and $1,549.99, respectively.

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REVIEW >> NEC announces MultiSync EX231Wp display

NEC is back with a spanking new monitor for the masses, where it will be known as the NEC MultiSync EX231Wp. This is a 23″ model, where it will also have a sibling already in ready form via the 23″ TN panel MultiSync EX231W. Being sleek in design, this desktop monitor will deliver a premium-grade, performance-driven PVA panel which paves the way for an increased viewing angle, sharp contrast ratio and ease in transporting between different locations.

In fact, some might even tout this to be the ideal solution for multiple monitor setups, as the MultiSync EX231Wp was specifically designed for financial and corporate environments, business users on-the-go, small-scale digital signage, small-to-medium-sized business client meetings and presentations in mind.

Boasting of a true blue minimalist design, the new MultiSync EX231Wp features an ultra-thin bezel width of 14.6mm, a depth of 14.2mm, while tipping the scales at 9.3 pounds with its stand. As for its LED backlighting technology, that would enable the MultiSync EX231Wp to sip a mere 27W of juice, directly making it one of the most power-efficient desktops in its size category.

Apart from that, there is also the quick-release button that allows one to remove its stand, while letting you achieve a simple setup process with the photo-frame stand as an optional accessory. Other hardware specifications concerning the PVA panel include full high-definition resolution support, a high contrast ratio (3000:1 typical, 25,000:1 dynamic), excellent viewing angles (178° vertical, 178° horizontal) and minimized color shift which results in crisp text, bright colors and pure imagery.

Not only that, the MultiSync EX231Wp is smart enough to know whether there is a human in front of it thanks to the included human sensor, where it will detect user activity in front of the monitor while reducing its power up to 94% with inactivity in the process. You will, of course, be able to adjust the inactivity length and sensor settings according to your whim and fancy.

The MultiSync EX231Wp will interestingly enough, ship with a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty, where it will hit the streets sometime this July for $319.

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REVIEW >> Sony VAIO E notebooks make their debut

Sony is back with a new range of notebooks from the VAIO family, what with the affordably-priced line of VAIO E Series notebooks. The E Series will comprise of 14-inch and 15.5-inch notebooks, where you will be able to choose from a quartet of colors – midnight blue, glacier white, charcoal black and blush pink, and for those who want something more, there is the 17.3-inch model that will sport charcoal black and glacier white color choices.

There are geometric patterns that appear on the lids in addition to matching palm rests, and you can be rest assured that all the colors are fingerprint-resistant so that the models will look brand new all the time – unless you take a marker and start drawing stuff all over it, of course.

With a WEB button that delivers a one-touch Internet connection without having the need for a full boot into Windows, you can also take advantage of the VAIO button that will launch Media Gallery software, Sony’s intelligent playback software. As for the ASSIST button, pressing that will open up VAIO Care, a built-in troubleshooting and maintenance program.

You won’t run out of entertainment options in the new E Series, thanks to a deep level of integration with Intel Wireless Display technology on select models, a Remote Keyboard (select models as well) that will connects the VAIO PC to a BRAVIA TV and a Blu-ray Disc player. Other hardware specifications include an integrated microphone, a webcam that has face-tracking technology, and a range of second generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processors to choose from.

Starting price for the VAIO E Series notebook will begin at around $550, making them one of the nigh affordable VAIO notebooks to date. Do you think that at that price point, people are going to pick this up as a secondary ntoebook?

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REVIEW >> Western Digital Nomad rugged case for your hard drive

 

Western Digital has long released hard drives in the portable and not-so-portable form factors, but this time around they decide to work on the former – through the idea of a protective case to ensure your hard drive remains safe and secure from most general knocks and bumps which do plague the hard drive during its lifetime, albeit for some occasionally.

The WD Nomad rugged case might be aptly named, since it will cater for those who tend to do a whole lot of traveling, and when once moves about a whole lot, it increases the chances of something bad happening to your hard drive which could be sitting nice and safe inside a desktop computer chassis in your home. The Nomad rugged case is no pushover, where this durable case will keep My Passport portable hard drives safe from drops as high as seven feet, moisture and spills and other mishaps that normally occur with active, on-the-go lifestyles. The average road warrior would do well to get one of these, since you can never quite tell when Murphy would strike.

The WD Nomad rugged case will sport a polycarbonate exterior and shock-absorbing elastomer cushion on the inside. For those who are concerned with standards and specifics, the Nomad does not disappoint since it conforms to strict military standards (MIL-STD-810G) where ruggedness is concerned. Apart from that, it will sport a heavy-duty latch and silicon liner that will seal out dirt, dust, and moisture.

This uniquely functional design also boasts of an opening for the drive’s USB connector that makes it possible for you to access the drive even when it remains within the case. Of course, those who have dealt with hard drives would know that they tend to get hot over time, so we do wonder just how well the ventilation process is on the WD Nomad as the hard drive remains parked inside.

For added protection, a molded exterior ring has been thrown into the mix, paving the way for users to attach a carabiner, cable, or nylon strap for added and convenient accessibility.Now for those who are interested in picking up the WD Nomad rugged case, make sure you have one of the following hard drive models from Western Digital themselves first – My Passport Essential, My Passport Essential SE, My Passport Elite, My Passport for Mac, and My Passport SE for Mac. Want one? It can be purchased for $29.95 a pop.

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REVIEW >> Deep Shot is good for computer-to-phone transfers, and vice versa

 

Even though our computer and smartphones make our world easier to live in, it can be a pain to transfer the information back and forth.

Fortunately, Tsung-Hsiang Chang, an MIT Grad student and Google Inern, and Yang Li (also employed by Google) have created Deep Shot. Imagine doing something on your computer, like driving directions. Instead of going to the Navigation App on your smartphone and retyping everything again, you can just take a picture of the screen, and what was on the PC will be on your phone.

The reverse of this also works as well. So if you are doing something on your mobile phone and you want to type it up on your computer, just Deep Shot it from the mobile to the PC. You can watch a video of it after the jump for more information.

This would be good if you don’t have to go through the rigamarole of entering in your password every time you do a transfer. By the way, isn’t there a service known as Chrome to Phone that does the same thing? Leave a comment if you know the answer.

Whatever this case, I would like to have Deep Shot on my computer and smartphone right now. Google, if you can hear me (and I know that you can), please get Deep Shot into some sort of App form, please.

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REVIEW >> Logitech G400 Optical Gaming Mouse

PC gaming today now requires specialized accessories in order to have a better gameplay experience. Peripherals like a gaming mouse may now be considered a must for every serious PC gamer. The new Logitech G400 Optical Gaming Mouse aims to further enhance that gameplay experience.

The new Logitech G400 Optical Gaming Mouse is said to be the successor to the popular Logitech MX518 gaming mouse. Logitech took everything good out of the MX518 and used it on the G400 and added better features. One of them is upgrading to a 3,600 DPI sensor from the previous 1800 DPI. This allows users to make high speed turns without having to make wide hand sweeps. Another upgrade is the increased report rate from 125 to 1000 reports per second. This allows users to make movements and button clicks as close to real time as possible. The new Logitech G400 Optical Gaming Mouse will be available for US retailers by June 19 and for the rest of the world sometime in the middle of July. This new gaming mouse is expected to retail for US$50.

Image Source: Logitech

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REVIEW >> HP Compaq 100B Desktop PC

Hewlett Packard just release on Monday a new business-class desktop PC that called HP Compaq 100B. New HP Compaq 100B Small Form Factor Business PC is designed for a small business that offer an array of easy-to-use productivity, space-saving, stylish, security and servicing tools with very affordable price. It’s ideal for small businesses looking to control costs. You can purchase the Compaq 100B desktop PC now with starting price at $259 with HP’s limited warranty.

HP Compaq 100B Specifications

Powered by AMD E-350 Dual-Core Processors, the new HP Compaq 100B sports AMD Radeon HD 6310 Discrete-Class Graphics with support AMD Vision Technology, up to 4GB of DDR3 SDRAM, from 250GB to 1 TB SATA hard drvie, a SuperMulti DVD Drive and running on Windows 7 Professional, Home Basic, or Starter (depending on the market) for operating system.

HP Compaq 100B Features

HP Compaq 100B Desktop PC comes with a case with clean lines, rounded corners, and an overall minimalist design. The Compaq 100B Small Form Factor Business PC also comes with front-facing USB ports and audio connections, a 6-in-1 Media Card Reader, optional HP Care Pack Services and includes free 24/7 telephone support. HP Compaq 100B Small Form Factor Business PC also pre loaded with Norton Internet Security (a 60-day trial), HP Recovery Manager and other support utilities.

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REVIEW >> New Intel Atom-based Epson Endeavor NP15 nettop shrinks under 0

Desktops really are on their way out. Yearly studies show that portion of desktops sold declines every year compared to notebooks, all-in-ones, nettops and now tablets. All-in-ones and nettops is where many former desktop users go who know they don’t need mobility, so we really see a lot more of this form-factor machines coming out these days. Epson, in computer terms, has forever had a nettop lineup which the company has recently updated.

The new Epson Endeavor NP15 is an Intel Atom-based machine. We are not speaking performance here, but the yet fresh processor and DDR3 memory are huge improvement to what most nettops could offer about a year ago. Just remember that you have to bring your own optical drive, wireless LAN adapters, sound system, peripheral, cookies and milk. Epson Endeavor NP15 is announced in Japan for price equivalent to $360. Specs follow.

Epson Endeavor NP15 specifications:

Chipset: Intel NM10 Express Chipset

Processor: Intel Atom D525 @ 1,8 GHz

Memory: 2 GB DDR3 @ 800 MHz

Graphics: built-in w/ 256 MB (shared), up to 1 920 × 1 200

Storage: 250 GB 2,5" Serial ATA HDD @ 5 400 rpm

LAN: 1 Gbps Realtek RTL8111E

Connectivity: 6 × USB 2.0, VGA

Dimensions: 3" × 6" × 7,8" w/ stand

Weight: 27 oz

Price: $360

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REVIEW >> LG is introducing its first one-piece PC: V300 with FPR technology

 

LG Electronics will present its first one-piece computer with innovative Film-type Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology, already used in CINEMA 3D and 3D-series monitors D41P and D42P. Computer LG V300, developed in collaboration with Intel, will be shown at Computex-2011 in Taipei (Taiwan).

It is reported that 23 inch Full HD 3D-touch monitor with LED backlight provides vivid and detailed 3D-images with less noise and less screen flicker. And because FPR technology does not require synchronization with the source image, the heavy shutter glasses are in the past. LG V300 comes with a pair of lightweight polarizing type glasses, providing an easier viewing of 3D-content. Moreover, the quality of the 3D picture is much better than the previous models. This issue largely eliminated through the use of LG V300 IPS matrix, provides viewing angles of up to 178 degrees. LG used their Color Shift technology that will accurately show colors to people seated not in front of the screen.

• Processor: Intel Core i7, i5 second-generation i3
• Operating system: Windows 7 Home Basic (64-bit) or Windows Home Premium (64-bit)
• Screen: 23" LCD (IPS) with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display and support for Full HD
• 3D: 3D-technology FPR
• Touchscreen: multitouch technology (on some models)
• Viewing angle: 178 degrees
• Memory: up to 8 GB (DDR3, 1333 MHz)
• Graphic system: AMD Radeon HD 6650M with DDR3 1024 MB memory or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or HD Graphics
• Hard drive: 750 GB (5400 rpm 2,5" SATA)
• Network: Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g / n), Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (Combo) or 2.1 + EDR (Discrete)
• Optical Drive: DVD Super-Multi or Blu-ray
• Audio: HD Audio, SRS Sound Solutions or SRS Wide 3D Sound (only in 3D-models)
• Reader for memory cards: 5-in-1 (xD, MMC, SD / SDHC / SDXC, MS, MS Pro)
• Web-camera: high definition (720p) with stereo
• Software: Application LG Smart (Smart Care, Smart Recovery, Smart Page), LG Media Funtasia, LG Intelligent Update, Cyberlink Youcam 3.0, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, Norton Anti-virus 2011 (trial version for 90 days), 3D-application DDD TriDef (only in 3D-models)
• TV Tuner: Yes (on some models)
• Dimensions:
• Screen: 561,75 x 346,2 x 44,65 mm (touchscreen model) / 39.8 mm (without touchscreen)
• Stand: 192.35 x 169.55 x 263.6 mm
• Design: slim, minimalist design, white

LG engineers have reduced the thickness of the active screen LG V300 up to 44.65 mm. Through the use of a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, this monoblock PCs requires a single cable - power cable, so that users are automatically freed from the chaotic intertwining wires.

LG V300 fully supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing to communicate with other DLNA-devices and technology, Intel Wireless Display, also known as Wi-Di, for wireless streaming of content to the TV. LG V300 will appear in Korea in July this year, then in Europe and Middle East and Asia.

LG Electronics will present its first one-piece computer with innovative Film-type Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology, already used in CINEMA 3D and 3D-series monitors D41P and D42P. Computer LG V300, developed in collaboration with Intel, will be shown at Computex-2011 in Taipei (Taiwan).

It is reported that 23 inch Full HD 3D-touch monitor with LED backlight provides vivid and detailed 3D-images with less noise and less screen flicker. And because FPR technology does not require synchronization with the source image, the heavy shutter glasses are in the past. LG V300 comes with a pair of lightweight polarizing type glasses, providing an easier viewing of 3D-content. Moreover, the quality of the 3D picture is much better than the previous models. This issue largely eliminated through the use of LG V300 IPS matrix, provides viewing angles of up to 178 degrees. LG used their Color Shift technology that will accurately show colors to people seated not in front of the screen.

•     Processor: Intel Core i7, i5 second-generation i3
•     Operating system: Windows 7 Home Basic (64-bit) or Windows Home Premium (64-bit)
•     Screen: 23" LCD (IPS) with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit display and support for Full HD
•     3D: 3D-technology FPR
•     Touchscreen: multitouch technology (on some models)
•     Viewing angle: 178 degrees
•     Memory: up to 8 GB (DDR3, 1333 MHz)
•     Graphic system: AMD Radeon HD 6650M with DDR3 1024 MB memory or Intel HD Graphics 3000 or HD Graphics
•     Hard drive: 750 GB (5400 rpm 2,5" SATA)
•     Network: Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g / n), Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (Combo) or 2.1 + EDR (Discrete)
•     Optical Drive: DVD Super-Multi or Blu-ray
•     Audio: HD Audio, SRS Sound Solutions or SRS Wide 3D Sound (only in 3D-models)
•     Reader for memory cards: 5-in-1 (xD, MMC, SD / SDHC / SDXC, MS, MS Pro)
•     Web-camera: high definition (720p) with stereo
•     Software: Application LG Smart (Smart Care, Smart Recovery, Smart Page), LG Media Funtasia, LG Intelligent Update, Cyberlink Youcam 3.0, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, Norton Anti-virus 2011 (trial version for 90 days), 3D-application DDD TriDef (only in 3D-models)
•     TV Tuner: Yes (on some models)
•     Dimensions:
•     Screen: 561,75 x 346,2 x 44,65 mm (touchscreen model) / 39.8 mm (without touchscreen)
•     Stand: 192.35 x 169.55 x 263.6 mm
•     Design: slim, minimalist design, white

LG engineers have reduced the thickness of the active screen LG V300 up to 44.65 mm. Through the use of a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, this monoblock PCs requires a single cable - power cable, so that users are automatically freed from the chaotic intertwining wires.

LG V300 fully supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing to communicate with other DLNA-devices and technology, Intel Wireless Display, also known as Wi-Di, for wireless streaming of content to the TV. LG V300 will appear in Korea in July this year, then in Europe and Middle East and Asia.

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REVIEW >> Hannspree SN22A1 Monoblock PC based on Intel Atom

 

Hannspree SN22A1 had debuted on the European market and is equipped with a screen size of 21.5 inches. According to the manufacturer new gadget is well suited for office and home use where a simple compact and visually cool PC is needed.

It is powered by a dual-core Intel Atom D510 running at 1.66 GHz. The configuration also includes 3 GB of RAM (the motherboard has two SODIMM slots). It also has a 5400 rpm 2.5-inch 320 GB SATA hard drive, DVD drive that can burn DVD ± R DL at x6, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n and Gigabit Ethernet. The new computer is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel webcam, microphone, two speakers rated at 2 watts, slot for memory cards MS, MS-Pro, SD and MMC. There also are four ports USB 2.0 for connecting external devices.

The screen resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels with 1000:1 contrast and pixel response time is 5 ms. And by the way it is a touchscreen. You can also use it as a HD monitor as it has HDMI and D-Sub inputs.

Its size is 527 x 407 x 52 mm and weighs 5.93 kg. It comes with a Windows 7 Home Premium, keyboard and mouse. Hannspree SN22A1 has a price tag of 399 Euros at the company’s website.

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REVIEW: Genius Traveler 9000 BlueEye-tracking wireless mouse

Genius goes wireless this time around with their latest travel mouse – the Traveler 9000 BlueEye-tracking wireless mouse. Arriving in North America (that would mean the US as well as Canada), it will come in five different colors and was specially designed to work ergonomically regardless of whether you are a southpaw or not. Bear in mind that this is no gaming mouse per se, but it is a suitable working mouse that ought to fit the bill for most people. The more discerning folks who want something more will have to look elsewhere though.

More on the Genius Traveler 9000 – it will sport an extremely responsive 1200 dpi optical engine as well as the aforementioned BlueEye tracking technology which will enable it to function on just about any surface, and when we say that, we mean marble and glass included. Older tracking technology would find it nigh impossible to work on such surfaces, so to see Genius incorporate this well is something of a bonus.

Expect this little device to hook up to both notebooks and desktops via a wireless and anti-interference 2.4GHz RF frequency, courtesy of a very tiny Pico USB receiver. Basically, this pico USB receiver allows you to leave it inside your computer or notebook’s USB port all the time without having to worry about it being chipped or broken off during transportation.

Apart from that, there is also a Stick-N-Go mount that allows you to stick it to a notebook for easy transportation to and fro, regardless of where you are heading to. A storage compartment is thrown into the mix for the Pico receiver, while a Stick-N-Go mount that is beneath the top cover alongside an on/off switch on the bottom will help you conserve battery juice.

A single AAA battery is required to get this up and running, although don’t expect gaming grade quality as we first mentioned for a mere $29.90.

http://www.globalpr.com.tw/press-room/genius/press-releases/article/genius/new-wireless-and-blueeye-tracking-mouse-from-genius/

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REVIEW: LG Super LED monitor is extremely slim

 

LG Electronics of Korea has just officially announced their latest super slim monitor that is simply called the Super LED – it can’t get any simpler when you think about it. As for the accompanying marketing campaign which went with the official launch, it comprised of a “Super” performance that intends to fully publicize the technology of the SUPER LED Monitor, hiring popular Korean pop duo group Norazo to perform.

Norazo are famous for their experimental and often innovative performances, where the live performance was synchronized and broadcasted on the world’s largest LED screen just to send the point home, with the recording having picked up more than a million views on YouTube already.

Norazo relied on the large “Media Façade” at Seoul Square in downtown Seoul, which currently houses the largest LED (Light Emitting Diode) canvas in the world on a single building, taking up around 42,000 LED bulbs. Apart from that, it also included a “flash mob” element, where passers by are able to take part in the performance.

Back to the tech involved – the Super LED monitor will feature a quartet of key benefits, where they are SUPER Slim, SUPER Picture Quality, SUPER Angle, and SUPER Energy Saving. The LG SUPER Slim Series will sport a beautifully crafted design as well as ultimate slimness of 7.2mm depth. When you take a look at the E2290V (which is one of the models), it picked up the Innovations Award at CES 2011 for its excellence in design and technology.

LG SUPER Picture Quality technology will make sure SUPER+ Resolution Technology is used to revive low picture quality to high resolution vivid picture quality, giving you a free visual “upgrade” of sorts, so to speak, sharpening blurred edges and adding new zest to dim colors. Any takers for these new monitors? Prices will vary depending on the kind of model you choose.

Product Page

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