Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ion launches Air Pro WiFi, helps you document your morning commute (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/ion-air-pro-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/ion-air-pro-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/ion-air-pro-wifi/#comments Image

Ion's officially releasing its Air Pro camera that we put through its paces back in March. The sports shooter is designed to be strapped to a helmet or extreme-sports gear to document your extreme adventures in high definition. It'll also come with 8GB of free storage from MiMedia to share your death-risking achievements over the internet. Budget models are available starting at $230, but for the full package (with the WiFi module) it'll set you back $350 from today. Oh, and if you'd like to see what you're expected to do with the gear, you can head past the jump for test footage.

Continue reading Ion launches Air Pro WiFi, helps you document your morning commute (video)

Ion launches Air Pro WiFi, helps you document your morning commute (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080paction cameraActionCameraair proAirProCamerahands-onhdhd camhd camcorderHdCamHdCamcorderIonIon Air ProIon air pro hdIon Air Pro WiFiIonAirProIonAirProHdIonAirProWifiminipostmountablePOVpov cameraPovCameraRuggedRugged CameraRuggedCameraSportssports cameraSportsCameravideoWiFi CameraWifiCameraTue, 22 May 2012 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion iCade Mobile and iCade Core review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/ion-icade-mobile-and-icade-core-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/ion-icade-mobile-and-icade-core-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/ion-icade-mobile-and-icade-core-review/#comments Image

The iCade Arcade Cabinet famously began life as an April Fool's joke, pulling the video game equivalent of Pinocchio by transforming in a real salable product. The $100 arcade machine-shaped iPad enclosure / controller hit the sweet spot between functionality and retro gaming nostalgia, proving successful enough that Ion found itself with a solid reason to expand the line. Notable amongst the new arrivals are the iCade Core, which offers up the same feature set as the original iCade in a more portable joystick form, and the iCade Mobile, a re-imagining of the product as an oversized iPhone case. The Core carries the same price tag as its predecessor, while the Mobile clocks in at $20 less. So, are these additions worthy of the iCade name? Or would the line have been better served as a one-off? Insert a coin and find out after the break.

Gallery: Ion iCade Mobile and iCade Core review


Update: Unfortunately, we were provided with incorrect information ahead of the review -- the iCade Core is actually priced at $80, same as the iCade Mobile.

Continue reading Ion iCade Mobile and iCade Core review

Ion iCade Mobile and iCade Core review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessoryapplecontrolcontrollergamegamesgamingGaming Accessoriesgaming accessorygaming peripheralGaming PeripheralsGamingAccessoriesGamingAccessoryGamingPeripheralGamingPeripheralsicadeicade coreicade mobileIcadeCoreIcadeMobileionion iCade CoreIon iCade mobileIonIcadeCoreIonIcadeMobileiOSiOS gameiOS gamesiOS gamingIosGameIosGamesIosGamingipadiphonejoystickmobile gamemobile gamesmobile gamingMobileGameMobileGamesMobileGamingperipheralperipheralsreviewvideoMon, 21 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Xperia Acro HD for NTT DoCoMo hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/sony-xperia-acro-hd-for-ntt-docomo-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/sony-xperia-acro-hd-for-ntt-docomo-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/sony-xperia-acro-hd-for-ntt-docomo-hands-on-video/#comments Image

We just happened upon the Sony Xperia Acro HD for NTT DoCoMo, which is sold as the SO-03HD and recently launched with the Japanese carrier. As many of you are aware, the handset is a variant of the Xperia Ion, but with a few features for the locals such as a built-in TV tuner, mobile payment and infrared support. The Acro HD offers a respectable list of specs, which include a Qualcomm MSM 8260 SoC with a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU, a 4.3-inch, 720p display and a 12.1-megapixel camera that includes Sony's Exmor R sensor and is capable of shooting 1080p video. It also includes 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and an 1,840mAh battery. As a final notable aspect, the Xperia Acro HD is waterproof and can remain submerged in up to one meter of water for a half-hour.

The phone is currently available in a variety of colors, which include Blue, Pink, White and Black -- the last being the particular variant that we sighted today. While there are many aspects of the phone we liked, such as its high-quality display and refined aesthetics, a number of its design elements such as the extendable TV antenna and atrocious number of doors for ports struck us as quite flimsy. The phone runs Android 2.3.7 with a heavy amount of skinning from the carrier, which you can see in our hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: Sony Xperia Acro HD for NTT DoCoMo hands-on

Continue reading Sony Xperia Acro HD for NTT DoCoMo hands-on (video)

Sony Xperia Acro HD for NTT DoCoMo hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acroacro hdAcroHdctia 2012ctia wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWireless2012exmor rExmorRhands-onionmobilepostcrosssonysony ericssonSonyEricssonvideoxperia acro hdxperia ionXperiaAcroHdXperiaIonTue, 08 May 2012 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[ION Air Pro POV camera: shoot on the piste, upload to the cloud, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/ion-air-pro-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/ion-air-pro-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/ion-air-pro-hands-on/#comments ImageYou might think the POV / action sports camera world has been a bit of a two horse race recently. That could all change, however, now ION has muscled into the scene with its Air Pro HD sports camera. The firm's dabbled with handy cameras before, but now it's dipping a well armored toe into the helmet-cam market. Needless to say, that means it's rugged, waterproof, and built to eat dirt -- or at least capture the moments when you do.

Your action is scooped-up in full 1080p HD, and there's a 5-megapixel stills option for when you want to frame that killer jump for static posterity. The lens is a 170-degree wide-angle affair, you can change the FOV if you wish, but it's definitely enough to grab all the action. There's also no display on the device itself, but there's a reason for that: operating the Air Pro is a ridiculously straightforward task. With just one click you're recording, even if switched off. The two controls on top are all you need to get the essential jobs done with this device, a button for switching it on and off (and taking stills) and the sliding record switch -- this set-up also means you can physically feel if it's recording, even when you can't see it.

Gallery: ION Air Pro hands-on

ION Air Pro - Hands on

Continue reading ION Air Pro POV camera: shoot on the piste, upload to the cloud, we go hands-on (video)

ION Air Pro POV camera: shoot on the piste, upload to the cloud, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080paction cameraActionCameraair proAirProhands-onhdhd camhd camcorderHdCamHdCamcorderIONion air proIon air pro hdIonAirProIonAirProHdmountablePOVpov cameraPovCamerarugged cameraRuggedCamerasports cameraSportsCameravideowifiwifi cameraWifiCameraWed, 28 Mar 2012 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Xperia Acro HD launches March 15 in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/sony-launches-xperia-acro-in-japan-march-15/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/sony-launches-xperia-acro-in-japan-march-15/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/sony-launches-xperia-acro-in-japan-march-15/#comments

For those confused by Sony's mixed naming conventions, this is the Japan-friendly version of AT&T's incoming Xperia Ion. There's been some additions to the US-bound device we handled back in January, including a built-in TV tuner and mobile wallet functionality. Last time we heard, the LTE-capable Ion was set for a summer world tour, but given this early spring unveiling on the other side of the world, it could pass AT&T's tests this side of 2012 -- hopefully with all four of these color options in tow. Take a tour through the aqua blue and sakura pink palette choices at the source below.

Sony Xperia Acro HD launches March 15 in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IonJapanmobilepostminintt docomoNttDocomoNXReality DisplayRealityDisplaysonysony ericssonSony Mobile CommunicationsSonyEricssonSonyMobileCommunicationsXperiaXperia acroXperia acro HDXperiaAcroXperiaAcroHdTue, 13 Mar 2012 04:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Xperia Ion pricing revealed?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/sony-xperia-ion-pricing-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/sony-xperia-ion-pricing-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/sony-xperia-ion-pricing-rumor/#comments
Yup, it's another crumb of information making its way from the decidedly leaky ship that is Sony Mobile Communications -- as with all these, let's keep our tinfoil helmets set to skeptical. This time it looks like we've got rumored pricing for the Xperia Ion handset we played with at CES. A pre-order page has appeared at Negri Electronics that offers the handset for $569.50 unlocked. That sum of money will get you the AT&T-LTE phone with 16GB storage, a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, 4.6-inch 720 x 1280 display and, erm, Gingerbread (we know ICS is coming to this device, but perhaps not in time for launch). Still, if you're prepared to take the leap, head on down to the source link to mark your place at the front of the post-Ericsson queue.

Sony Xperia Ion pricing revealed? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidGingerbreadIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichIonLeakmobilepostminiNegriNegri ElectronicsNegriElectronicsPre-OrderRumorSonySony Xperia IonSonyXperiaIonXperia IonXperiaIonMon, 23 Jan 2012 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[SteelSeries drops a bag of CES goodies: two headsets, three mice and one mobile controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/steelseries-drops-a-bag-of-ces-goodies-two-headsets-three-mice/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/steelseries-drops-a-bag-of-ces-goodies-two-headsets-three-mice/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/steelseries-drops-a-bag-of-ces-goodies-two-headsets-three-mice/#comments It's CES time folks, and that means that companies are unveiling new products by the bundle, and gaming accessory maker SteelSeries is no different. First up is the Ion wireless gaming controller that connects to your PC, tablet or phone through Bluetooth. It'll grant you up to 20 hours of gaming at a stretch when it goes up for sale in Q3 of 2012. The company's also debuting a couple of headsets, the Flux and Siberia v2 Frost. The Flux, scheduled for a Q2 release, is aimed at gamers on-the-go, as its ear cups collapse for easy storage while traveling. It's also got cord jacks on either side that allow you to daisy chain headsets together so more than one person can listen to a single audio source at a time. SteelSeries' Siberia v2 Frost headset is an updated version of the Siberia v2 that still does active noise canceling, but adds some extra flash with blue LEDs that can be set to pulse or dim to meet your tastes.

Rounding out SteelSeries CES offerings is a trio of gaming rodents, the Kana, Kinzu v2, and Kinzu v2 Pro. The Kinzu v2 Pro, available now for $44.99 brings four buttons, a 3,600fps optical sensor that supports stable movements up to 65 inches per second. It also has pro-quality Omron switches and brings three color choices (black, silver and red) to your next LAN party. Meanwhile, its sibling, the Kinzu v2 sports the same specs sans the Omron switches and can be had in black, white, orange, or yellow for $39.99. Last up is the Kana, which has a 3,600fps optical sensor that supports stable movements up to 130 inches per second,ups the button count to six, and brings an illuminated scroll wheel to the table for $49.99. Check out a gallery of all the new gaming goodies below.

Gallery: SteelSeries Flux and Siberia v2 Frost Headsets, Kana and Kinzu v2 pro mice and Ion mobile controller

Continue reading SteelSeries drops a bag of CES goodies: two headsets, three mice and one mobile controller

SteelSeries drops a bag of CES goodies: two headsets, three mice and one mobile controller originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012controllerfluxflux headsetFluxHeadsetionion controllerion mobile controllerIonControllerIonMobileControllerkanakana mouseKanaMousekinzukinzu v2 prokinzu v2 pro mouseKinzuV2ProKinzuV2ProMousesiberia v2 frost headsetSiberiaV2FrostHeadsetsteelseriesTue, 10 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson keeps busy before the break-up, intros Xperia NX and Xperia acro HD for Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sony-ericsson-xperia-nx-xperia-acro-hd-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sony-ericsson-xperia-nx-xperia-acro-hd-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sony-ericsson-xperia-nx-xperia-acro-hd-japan/#comments

While we've been bamboozled by both a Sony and Sony Ericsson-branded Xperia S, the soon-to-be-divorced company still has a few handsets left to belt out of its once happy home. Alongside its new HD flagship and the LTE-powered Xperia Ion, Japan is getting treated to its own two slabs of smartphone magic. The Xperia acro HD will match Japan-centric features like mobile wallet and TV tuner found in the original, but present it all with the same 720p Reality Display we admired on the Xperia S. It'll arrive in four guises: aqua, black, sakura (that'll be pink, then) and ceramic (read; off-white). It's joined over in Nihon by the Xperia NX, which is apparently a Japanese-flavored Xperia S and keeps with the monochromatic flavors we've seen at CES. Sadly, we'll have to admire from a distance -- these Japanese market customization jobs are very unlikely to arrive elsewhere. Get the full Xperia 2012 story in the English press release after the break, or decipher the Google-translated source below for the full nitty-gritty.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson keeps busy before the break-up, intros Xperia NX and Xperia acro HD for Japan

Sony Ericsson keeps busy before the break-up, intros Xperia NX and Xperia acro HD for Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acro HDAcroHdCESCES 2012Ces2012IonJapanmobilepostcrossNXReality DisplayRealityDisplaysonysony ericssonSonyEricssonXperia acroXperia acro HDXperia NXXperia SXperiaAcroXperiaAcroHdXperiaNxXperiaSTue, 10 Jan 2012 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion's Drum Master and Drum Apprentice help you embrace your inner Travis Barker]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/ions-drum-master-and-drum-apprentice/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/ions-drum-master-and-drum-apprentice/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/ions-drum-master-and-drum-apprentice/#comments
Looking to add some back beats to your iPad-only band? Ion is looking help you achieve quasi-Questlove status with the Drum Master -- and we caught a glimpse at CES. The full-size kit for your Apple tablet affords you the ability to capture tracks with GarageBand while playing nice with other Core MIDI apps. Is the idea of larger set too daunting? Snag the Drum Apprentice for your iOS slate or handheld. Connecting via a free app, you'll learn all the basics and be well on your way to rock star status.

Continue reading Ion's Drum Master and Drum Apprentice help you embrace your inner Travis Barker

Ion's Drum Master and Drum Apprentice help you embrace your inner Travis Barker originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012core midiCoreMididigital mediaDigitalMediadockionion audioion drum apprenticeion drum masterIonAudioIonDrumApprenticeIonDrumMasteriosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmusicperipheralperipheralsvideoMon, 09 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar apprentice hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/guitar-apprentice-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/guitar-apprentice-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/guitar-apprentice-hands-on-video/#comments You know the whole "why don't you learn to play a real guitar" backlash that comes with the release of every Guitar Hero title? Multiply that by a hundred, and you're about ready to get down with Guitar Apprentice. The iPad add-on from the folks who brought you the similarly named Piano Apprentice turns your Apple tablet into something roughly the shape of a Gibson SG. From afar, it does look like a guitar. It's a fair bit lighter though, the wood swapped out for plastic, which feels pretty hollow.

The iPad sits in the body of the Guitar Apprentice. Right now, it just works with Garage Band, though the company tells us that its working on a proprietary app, so don't let the fact that the neck doesn't line up right now throw you too much. The neck is covered with small buttons, which light up and play as notes from their corresponding placement on the fretboard through a small speaker on the bottom of the guitar's body -- hold multiple down simultaneously and you'll get chord.

The speaker on the thing is pretty quiet -- that can be adjusted with the single volume knob, though that, like a lot about the Guitar Apprentice, isn't quite ready. The company tells us that the device is still a ways off, which means that, at present, you still can't strum the thing. Still, it's actually kind of neat, if totally ridiculous. This could be a solid educational devices for parents who aren't quite ready to plunk down the cash for a guitar and amp. When it's released, the Guitar Apprentice will run around $100 -- plus the price of an iPad, naturally.

Gallery: Guitar apprentice hands-on

Continue reading Guitar apprentice hands-on (video)

Guitar apprentice hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestofgarage bandGarageBandguitarguitar apprenticeGuitarApprenticehands-oninstrumentionipadmusical instrumentMusicalInstrumentvideoMon, 09 Jan 2012 00:53:00 EST<![CDATA[iCade cuts the fat for CES, introduces handheld brother (update: video and iCade Jr.)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/icade-cuts-the-fat-for-ces-introduces-handheld-brother/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/icade-cuts-the-fat-for-ces-introduces-handheld-brother/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/icade-cuts-the-fat-for-ces-introduces-handheld-brother/#comments The iCade has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a ThinkGeek April Fool's gag. After trading out a fictional 30-pin dock connector for a very real Bluetooth radio and well, actual existence, it even spawned a (notably competitive) copycat product. This week, ION is unveiling a pair of new iCade products at CES, streamlining the original nostalgic tablet dock, as well as expanding its tactile toggles to iPhone and iPod touch owners.

The iCade Core faithfully recreates the original rig's control setup, Bluetooth connectivity, and passthrough charging cable, but kills the cabinet motif in favor of landscape support. Although there's no word yet on pricing for slimmed down arcade dock, ION says it should launch sometime in 2012. The new iCade Mobile, on the other hand, is penned in for a Q2 launch; it'll set you back $80 and score your iPod touch / iPhone four shoulder buttons, four face buttons and a classic D-Pad. The gamepad dock also swivels your device into landscape and portrait modes. Stay tuned for our hands on, or read on for the official PR.

Update: While glancing at Ion's booth, an impressively small, phone-sized arcade cabinet caught our attention. Dubbed the iCade Jr., we're told it's essentially an iCade for the iPhone. The unit we saw wasn't a working model, and there was nary a mention of pricing or availability, but you can catch some close-up shots of the tiny little number in the gallery below

Gallery: Ion iCade Mobile and iCade Jr. hands-on




Joe Pollicino and Amar Toor contributed to this report.

Continue reading iCade cuts the fat for CES, introduces handheld brother (update: video and iCade Jr.)

iCade cuts the fat for CES, introduces handheld brother (update: video and iCade Jr.) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade controllersArcadeControllersBluetoothexpensivegamingicadeicade coreicade jricade junioricade mobileIcadeCoreIcadeJrIcadeJuniorIcadeMobileIONion audioIonAudioipadIPhoneIPodIPod TouchSci/Techvideovideo gamesVideoGamesSun, 08 Jan 2012 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS U32U with Fusion innards surfaces online, likely coming to the US for $449 and up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/asus-u32u-with-fusion-innards-surfaces-online-likely-coming-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/asus-u32u-with-fusion-innards-surfaces-online-likely-coming-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/17/asus-u32u-with-fusion-innards-surfaces-online-likely-coming-to/#commentsNo, it's not a Zenbook, but for those of you not in the mood to spend $1,000-plus on your next laptop, it looks like ASUS will soon be selling something at a more... palatable price point. The U32U's been popping up on the interwebs lately, and it would seem the outfit's been cooking up a 13.3-incher powered by AMD's E-4 Fusion APU. Other specs include ATI's Radeon HD 6320 GPU, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, three USB ports (two of the 3.0 variety) and an 8-cell, 5,600mAh battery promising up to 12 hours of runtime. Unlike the ASUS U24e, the U32U seems likely to make it to the U.S. given the poster, which lists the price in US dollars: $509 for the Windows 7 Home Basic model, and $449 for the DOS version. More details at the source link, though we suspect you'll want to bide your time until next week's Black Friday scramble anyway.

Continue reading ASUS U32U with Fusion innards surfaces online, likely coming to the US for $449 and up

ASUS U32U with Fusion innards surfaces online, likely coming to the US for $449 and up originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13 inch13-inch13.3 inch13.3-inch13.3Inch13Inch2.03.0802.11nAMD E450AMD FusionAmdE450AmdFusionASUSATI Radeon HD 6320AtiRadeonHd6320batterydisplayDOSe-450FusionGPUionleakleaksLED-backlitlithiumprocessorSATAspecsU.S.U32UU36USBWi-FiWindows 7 Home BasicWindows7HomeBasicThu, 17 Nov 2011 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion Piano Apprentice plays nice with your iPad, lights up your life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/ion-piano-apprentice-plays-nice-with-your-ipad-lights-up-your-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/ion-piano-apprentice-plays-nice-with-your-ipad-lights-up-your-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/ion-piano-apprentice-plays-nice-with-your-ipad-lights-up-your-l/#comments Ion Piano Apprentice plays nice with your iPad, lights up your life It's not enough anymore to simply cram a single-octave keyboard into the bottom of a Nintendo DS, effective piano instruction requires at least twice as many keys -- and an iPad. The Ion Piano Apprentice (when coupled with a compatible iDevice and companion app) offers aspiring Tchaikovskys octave-selectable free play, lessons on reading sheet music, and even a view of award-winning piano instructor Scott Houston's handsome hands. If those mitts are too distracting for you, just follow along with the light-up keys, you'll be fine. This mini keyboard / iPad dock will land this fall to the tune of $100 -- -- it's either that, a real instructor, or a pair of haptic robot gloves. Your choice, really. Hit the PR after the break for a peek at Mr. Houston's official nickname, if you're into that sort of thing.

Continue reading Ion Piano Apprentice plays nice with your iPad, lights up your life

Ion Piano Apprentice plays nice with your iPad, lights up your life originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core midiCoreMididigital musicDigitalMusicdockIonIon AudioIon Piano ApprenticeIonAudioIonPianoApprenticeiosipadiphoneipodkeyboardkeyboardsmidimobilemusicpianoPiano ApprenticePianoApprenticeWed, 27 Jul 2011 17:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/ion-icade-arcade-cabinet-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/ion-icade-arcade-cabinet-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/ion-icade-arcade-cabinet-review/#comments
The iCade Arcade Cabinet began as an April Fool's joke in 2010, but this golden unicorn of iPad accessories has actually made it to production, showing up at our door last week. iCade creator ThinkGeek partnered with Ion to make this former imaginary gadget a reality, and so far it appears to be a hit, backordered for weeks soon after hitting the online store in April. The $100 cabinet pairs with your iPad or iPad 2 over bluetooth, bringing familiar hardware arcade controls to the Atari's Greatest Hits app, which includes classics like Missile Command (free), and Pong, which you can download from within the free Atari app for $1. The iCade is an awesome addition to your gaming collection, but it won't replace the hours of coin-dropping at your local arcade. Read on to find out why this accessory may become a permanent fixture on our desk.

Gallery: Ion iCade

Continue reading Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review

Ion iCade Arcade Cabinet review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadarcadearcade cabinetArcadeCabinetataribluetoothcabinetcaseenclosurefor saleForSalegamingicadeionipadjoystickold schoolOldSchoolon saleOnSalepre-orderpre-ordersretroreviewtabletthinkgeekTue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iCade hits FCC, gets torn asunder]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/icade-hits-fcc-gets-torn-asunder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/icade-hits-fcc-gets-torn-asunder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/icade-hits-fcc-gets-torn-asunder/#commentsIon iCadeThe Ion iCade, our favorite April Fools' joke turned actual product, has just passed through the FCC and moved one step closer to retail reality. The arcade cabinet for your iPad had all its Bluetoothy bits laid bare and even brought along its user manual, in case you're the type who bothers to read those sordid things. There aren't too many surprises here except, perhaps, the inclusion of an Ikea-esque hex key -- some assembly required. With the green light from the feds, though, that means the iCade is right on schedule for its May 31st release. If you want to ensure you nab one of the first batch, you can pre-order it now for $99 from either GameStop or ThinkGeek. And, while you wait for the blissful marriage of Atari's Greatest Hits and Bluetooth joystick, you can peep the pics in the gallery after the break.

Continue reading iCade hits FCC, gets torn asunder

iCade hits FCC, gets torn asunder originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryapplearcadeArcade CabinetArcadeCabinetbluetoothcabinetcasedisassembleddisassemblyfccgamingicadeionion icadeIonIcadeipadipad accessoryipad arcadeIpadAccessoryIpadArcadejoystickold schoolOldSchoolRetroteardownthinkgeektorn downTornDownvideo gamesVideoGameswirelessWed, 13 Apr 2011 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini disks with slanted edges could save your data, not the music industry]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/mini-disks-with-slanted-edges-could-save-your-data-not-the-musi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/mini-disks-with-slanted-edges-could-save-your-data-not-the-musi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/mini-disks-with-slanted-edges-could-save-your-data-not-the-musi/#commentsMini disks with slanted edges could revolutionize magnetic storage, not the music industry No, not those MiniDiscs. The ones we're talking about, created by researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, are much, much smaller -- less than 300 nanometers across. The tiny disks of magnetic material are formed using glass spheres that are themselves about 300nm in diameter. They are arranged into hexagonal shapes on top of a thin, magnetic layer and are then bombarded with argon ions. The ions wear away the magnetic layer that is not protected by the glass spheres, leaving behind tiny disks. The argon also starts to eat at the glass too, shrinking the spheres and, as they erode, chipping away at the edges of those newly formed disks on the surface. This gives them a nano beveled edge, allowing for a so-called vortex twist that enables magnetic storage of individual bits at incredibly low power. While it remains to be seen what kind of storage density can be achieved in this manner, we do know one thing for sure: you're a real trooper if you made it through that post. Give yourself a pat on the back and three internet points.

Mini disks with slanted edges could save your data, not the music industry originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argonHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-RossendorfHelmholtz-zentrumDresden-rossendorfionion bombardmentIonBombardmentmagnetic storageMagneticStoragemini disksMiniDisksresearchstoragevortex twistVortexTwistTue, 15 Mar 2011 08:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Flexible batteries get the graphene treatment, could be cheaper than other bendy batts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/flexible-batteries-get-the-graphene-treatment-could-be-cheaper/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/flexible-batteries-get-the-graphene-treatment-could-be-cheaper/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/flexible-batteries-get-the-graphene-treatment-could-be-cheaper/#commentsWe've been talking about flexible batteries for years now, but a team of Korean researchers have presented a new solution to bendable energy sources that is not only more powerful than standard lithium-ion batteries, but also potentially cheaper to produce than its malleable predecessors -- and unsurprisingly, everyone's favorite wonder material, graphene, is at the heart of the innovation. The rechargeable battery contains a vanadium-oxide cathode, grown on a sheet of graphene paper, an unidentified separator, and an anode made of lithium-coated graphene. According to the folks behind the new power source, it sports higher energy and power density, as well as a better cycle life than the literally stiff competition. Similar advances have also out-performed rigid lithium-ion batteries, but have enlisted carbon nanotubes, a material more expensive to produce than graphene. Of course, like all technological advances, we won't be seeing these things for years, if not decades, so you might as well get used to ye olde standard bearer.

Flexible batteries get the graphene treatment, could be cheaper than other bendy batts originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybendablebendable batteryBendableBatteryflexibleflexible batteryFlexibleBatterygrapheneGraphene sheetGrapheneSheetionKorea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyKoreaAdvancedInstituteOfScienceAndTechnologylithiumlithium ionlithium-ionlithium-ion batteryLithium-ionBatteryLithiumIonpowerpower sourcePowerSourcerechargeablerechargeable batteryRechargeableBatterysheetWed, 02 Mar 2011 01:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Xtreamer Ultra HTPC launching with Ion 2, 200 Euro price point]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/xtreamer-ultra-htpc-launching-with-ion-2-100-price-point/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/xtreamer-ultra-htpc-launching-with-ion-2-100-price-point/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/xtreamer-ultra-htpc-launching-with-ion-2-100-price-point/#commentsName recognition? Ah, who cares? Particularly when you're hawking an Ion 2-based media PC for €100 €200 Xtreamer -- the same folks responsible for the e-TRAYz NAS -- is gearing up to unveil its latest concoction at CeBIT 2011, but it looks as if most of the beans have already been spilled. It's billed as a portable HTPC, and it can be ordered with a dual-core Atom D525 / Ion 2, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, HDMI / DVI outputs, six USB ports, an eSATA socket, Bluetooth, WiFi, gigabit Ethernet and support for IR control. Predictably, that low (low!) price point doesn't include an operating system, but at least that gives you the option to slap whatever you want on there. If you're looking for a TV tuner or optical drive, you'll need to turn to external options, but those looking for a barebones system to build on should be able to procure one in a matter of weeks. That is, if the Boxee Box doesn't lure you in while you wait.

Update: Seems as if the final retail price is actually going to be set at €200, which simultaneously makes a lot more sense and makes us wish it weren't true.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Xtreamer Ultra HTPC launching with Ion 2, 200 Euro price point originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cebitcebit 2011Cebit2011HTPCionion 2Ion2media center pcmedia pcMediaCenterPcMediaPcnvidiaultraxtreamerXtreamer UltraXtreamerUltraMon, 21 Feb 2011 08:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion Book Saver hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/ion-book-saver-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/ion-book-saver-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/ion-book-saver-hands-on/#comments Treading on the brink of being another CES crapgadget, here's Ion Audio's venture into the book-digitizing business. The Book Saver promises one-second color scans of both pages of a book and comes with OCR software and the ability to export to PDF or JPEG formats. Plans aren't quite finalized and the unit before us wasn't functional, but a 2GB SD card is expected to be included while there's also a USB connection to hook up straight to your PC or Mac. The big problem here is that there's no automation for page turning, and worse yet, you'll need to lift the entire, somewhat fragile, scanner in order to flip to the next page. That's done using that fetching Wiimote KIRF up at the front of the device and there are a pair of cameras embedded in the bottom of the overarching plastic casing. MSRP is set at $149 and availability is coming in June at places like Barnes & Noble, Staples, and Office Depot ... you know, in case you actually want one.

Gallery: Ion Book Saver hands-on

Ion Book Saver hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 22:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbook saverbook scannerbooksBookSaverBookScannercesces 2011ces2011hands-onionion audioion book saverIonAudioIonBookSaverprototypescannerSat, 08 Jan 2011 22:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion iCade hands-on: gaming on the iPad like it's 1979 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ion-icade-hands-on-gaming-on-the-ipad-like-its-1979-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ion-icade-hands-on-gaming-on-the-ipad-like-its-1979-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/ion-icade-hands-on-gaming-on-the-ipad-like-its-1979-video/#comments You may recall ThinkGeek's pretty convincing April Fools' prank last year: the iCade cabinet for the iPad. Now, thanks to the keen beans at Ion, the two companies held hands and turned this totally rad concept into reality (although they're definitely not the first). Come late spring, retro gaming enthusiasts will be able to pick up one of these well-built Bluetooth joystick kits for $99 direct from Ion, and eventually they'll make it across the pond for about €99 and £79. Don't worry, there'll be plenty of classic games available to suit the iCase courtesy of Atari, who's already got Asteroids working beautifully on the iPad (and it's actually a lot harder than it looks); any iOS game that takes a Bluetooth input peripheral should also play nice with the iCade. Hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: Ion iCade hands-on

Continue reading Ion iCade hands-on: gaming on the iPad like it's 1979 (video)

Ion iCade hands-on: gaming on the iPad like it's 1979 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applearcade cabinetarcade gamearcade gamingArcadeCabinetArcadeGameArcadeGamingbluetoothbluetooth joystickBluetoothJoystickfeaturedfeaturesgaminghands-onicadeionion audioion icadeIonAudioIonIcadeipadperipheralthinkgeekvideowireless joystickWirelessJoystickFri, 07 Jan 2011 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion Personal Genome Machine: the DNA sequencer with an iPod dock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/ion-personal-genome-machine-the-dna-sequencer-with-an-ipod-dock/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/ion-personal-genome-machine-the-dna-sequencer-with-an-ipod-dock/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/ion-personal-genome-machine-the-dna-sequencer-with-an-ipod-dock/#comments We're still struggling to find the speakers on this thing, but Life Technologies' new Ion Personal Genome Machine does at least have one big advantage over most other iPod docks: it's... a personal genome machine. Curiously, the company itself isn't doesn't seem to be talking up the iPod dock at all, but MedGadget reports that it can be used to explore a genome and check on the status of given sequencing run with either an iPhone or iPod touch. As for the device itself, while it's still only designed for research use and "not intended for animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use," the company does have some pretty grand designs for the future. According to Ion Torrent founder Dr. Jonathan M. Rothberg, the company hopes to eventually do nothing short of doing for DNA sequencing what digital cameras did for photography. Head on past the break for the complete press release.

Continue reading Ion Personal Genome Machine: the DNA sequencer with an iPod dock

Ion Personal Genome Machine: the DNA sequencer with an iPod dock originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dnadna sequencerDNA sequencingDnaSequencerDnaSequencingdockionion personal genome machineIonPersonalGenomeMachineiphoneiphone dockIphoneDockipodipod dockIpodDocklife technologiesLifeTechnologiespersonal genome machinePersonalGenomeMachineThu, 23 Dec 2010 01:11:00 EST<![CDATA[British government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there are really only six]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/#commentsBritish government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there's really only eight Buy an electric vehicle in the US, like the Nissan Leaf, and you can expect to get a nice boost to your tax refund: a $7,500 federal subsidy. Now the UK is getting in on the cash back game, with a programme program starting on January 1st to offer a 25 percent discount on EVs purchased -- up to a maximum of £5,000. Nine cars have been declared eligible for this decidedly choice bonus:
Sure, the first three and the last two cars are effectively the same models, just with different bits of chrome stuck on the front, but a little badge engineering never hurt anybody.

British government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there are really only six originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmperabritainChevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltCitroenCitroen CZeroCitroenCzeroCZeroelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfourtwo electric driveFourtwoElectricDrivegovernment subsidyGovernmentSubsidyi-MiEViOnLeafMitsubishiMitsubishi i-MiEVMitsubishiI-mievNissan LeafNissanLeafPeugeotPeugeot iOnPeugeotIonPrius Plug-in HybridPriusPlug-inHybridSmartSmart fourtwo electric driveSmartFourtwoElectricDriveTataTata VistaTataVistatax rebatetax refundTaxRebateTaxRefundToyotaToyota Prius Plug-in HybridToyotaPriusPlug-inHybridukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomVauxallVauxall AmperaVauxallAmperaVistaVoltTue, 14 Dec 2010 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Ion Audio's Twin Video dual-facing camera becomes more than a render, starts shipping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/ion-audios-twin-video-dual-facing-camera-becomes-more-than-a-re/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/ion-audios-twin-video-dual-facing-camera-becomes-more-than-a-re/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/ion-audios-twin-video-dual-facing-camera-becomes-more-than-a-re/#comments Remember this little "Twin Video" freak of nature from January? Well, Ion Audio went and built the thing, and while it looks dramatically different now, the general idea is the same: one camera faces you, the other camera faces your subject. Outside of that it's a pretty basic Flip-style camcorder, with a decent $120 price tag, SD card storage, and a rechargeable battery. Just remember, with great dual-facing power comes great dual-facing responsibility. Check out a sample video after the break.

Continue reading Ion Audio's Twin Video dual-facing camera becomes more than a render, starts shipping

Ion Audio's Twin Video dual-facing camera becomes more than a render, starts shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camcordercameradual cameraDualCameraionion audioIonAudiotwin videoTwinVideovideoWed, 01 Dec 2010 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mouse Computer's Lm-mini30X nettop gets D525 processor and SSD, costs a lot of cheese]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/mouse-computers-lm-mini30x-nettop-gets-d525-processor-and-ssd/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/mouse-computers-lm-mini30x-nettop-gets-d525-processor-and-ssd/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/mouse-computers-lm-mini30x-nettop-gets-d525-processor-and-ssd/#commentsMouse Computer's Lm-mini30X nettop gets D525 processor, SSD, costs a lot of cheese What would you pay for a netbook without a screen? How about one that's rocking a dual-core, 1.8GHz Intel Atom D525 processor, NVIDIA ION graphics, and an 80GB SSD? Mouse Computer is hoping your answer is somewhere around $600, because that's roughly what its new, 49,980 yen Lm-mini30X will cost along with 4GB of RAM, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, HDMI output, and a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. If that's a bit too rich for you, there's the slightly lower-spec Lm-mini30S, which drops you to 2GB of RAM, 320GB on platters, and lowly 32-bit Windows. That'll set you back 37,800 yen, or about $450 -- still a good amount for a little PC, but given neither are likely to see a release on these shores there's no point in getting too worked up about it.

Gallery: Mouse Computer Lm-mini30X nettop

Mouse Computer's Lm-mini30X nettop gets D525 processor and SSD, costs a lot of cheese originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomd525intel atomIntelAtomionLm-mini30SLm-mini30xmouse computerMouseComputernettopnvidiassdMon, 29 Nov 2010 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Habey's ENT-6564 nettop packs Ion and Atom D510 power for potent playback]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/habeys-ent-6564-nettop-packs-ion-and-atom-d510-power-for-potent/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/habeys-ent-6564-nettop-packs-ion-and-atom-d510-power-for-potent/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/habeys-ent-6564-nettop-packs-ion-and-atom-d510-power-for-potent/#commentsHabey's ENT-6564 nettop packs ION and Atom D510 power for potent playback The nettop hits, they just keep on coming. This one's from Habey, who we've seen delivering a number of microATX wunder-machines over the years. Its latest delivers Intel's latest 1.6GHz Atom, the dual-core D510, and pairs it with Ion 2 graphics to deliver a system capable of 2560 x 1600 output over HDMI, easily handling 1080p or, as you can see in the video after the break, triple Flash video playback without much of a hiccup. There's gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 wireless, four USB ports, and 250GB of storage. Price? Well, that's up in the air. Like many of the company's products this is really meant to be bought in bulk, so we're guessing the cost is wholly dependent on how many of these you want for your business or man cave. But, if you're the DIY sort, you can just get the board itself, the MITX-6564, complete with graphics and processor and dual slots just waiting for your DIMMs. Again, though, no price for mere consumers.

Update: Ya'll never fail to impress. Moments after this post went live commenter Brent found these for sale (individually) at a reasonable $329. It's also available at Newegg.

Gallery: Habey USA ENT-6564 nettop

Continue reading Habey's ENT-6564 nettop packs Ion and Atom D510 power for potent playback

Habey's ENT-6564 nettop packs Ion and Atom D510 power for potent playback originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomd510ENT-6564habeyhabey usaHabeyUsaintelionion 2Ion2microatxmitx-6564nettopnvidiavideoTue, 12 Oct 2010 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT DoCoMo's ion-generating phone is literally a breath of fresh air]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/ntt-docomos-ion-generating-phone-is-literally-a-breath-of-fresh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/ntt-docomos-ion-generating-phone-is-literally-a-breath-of-fresh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/ntt-docomos-ion-generating-phone-is-literally-a-breath-of-fresh/#comments Sharp has been working on miniaturizing its so-called Plasmacluster line of ion-generating products as of late, most recently with the pocketable IG-CM1. Well, imagine if you took an IG-CM1 and duct-taped it to the back of a Japanese-style flip phone... what would you get? You'd get something like this concept being shown off at CEATEC, we think. Found in the booths of both Sharp and NTT DoCoMo, the basic idea is that the phone surrounds you with pleasant, invigorating ions while you chat away, repelling viruses and generally making you a better, happier, and healthier human being; in addition to the functional prototype, DoCoMo was also showing off totally fake (and considerably sexier) design concepts of how a personal ion generator / phone combo could look down the road. We're not aware of any commercialization plans here -- but considering that Plasmacluster technology comes pre-installed on some Toyota cars sold around the world, it's not a far leap to say that we could see it in a production phone, too. We suppose.

Gallery: NTT DoCoMo's ion-generating phone is literally a breath of fresh air

NTT DoCoMo's ion-generating phone is literally a breath of fresh air originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceatecceatec 2010Ceatec2010ionion generatorIonGeneratorntt docomoNttDocomoplasmaclustersharpTue, 05 Oct 2010 11:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer unveils AMD-infused Aspire AZ3100 AIO, Revo 3700 nettop now available for $349]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/acer-unveils-amd-infused-aspire-z3100-aio-revo-3700-nettop-now/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/acer-unveils-amd-infused-aspire-z3100-aio-revo-3700-nettop-now/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/acer-unveils-amd-infused-aspire-z3100-aio-revo-3700-nettop-now/#comments Can you smell it in the air? Autumn is most assuredly here. Sure, you can deduce as much from equinoxes or changing leaves, but if you ask us, it's almost just as precise to go by a new, pre-holiday product cycle. Acer's taken the cue with two new desktop SKUs -- one each in the nettop and all-in-one categories. First with the latter: the 21.5-inch AZ3100 all-in-one (pictured). A tier lower than the AZ5700, this one lacks the multitouch and TV tuner, and instead utilizes a 2GHz AMD Athlon II 170u processor, NVIDIA GeForce 9200 graphics, 3GB RAM, and 500GB HDD. Add in a DVD drive, webcam, HDMI, six USB 2.0 ports, Windows 7 Home Premium, and a side chassis for "cable management." It does best its older brother in the price category, though, at just $599 -- about five Benjamins lower.

As for the Aspire Revo 3700, it was actually announced earlier this month, but now we've got the skinny on this book-sized nettop's price and availability. That'd be $349 for the tag, and a street date of approximately... now, according to the press release. Speaking of which, all pertinent paperwork can be found after the break.

Gallery: Acer Aspire Z3100 AIO and AspireRevo AR3700 nettop press photos

Continue reading Acer unveils AMD-infused Aspire AZ3100 AIO, Revo 3700 nettop now available for $349

Acer unveils AMD-infused Aspire AZ3100 AIO, Revo 3700 nettop now available for $349 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceraioall in oneall-in-oneAllInOneamd athlonamd athlon iiAmdAthlonAmdAthlonIiar 3700Ar3700aspireaspire revoAspireRevoathlon II neo dual core k325AthlonIiNeoDualCoreK325AthlonX2atomaz 3100Az3100d 525D525geforce 9200Geforce9200intel atomintel atom d525IntelAtomIntelAtomD525ionnet topNetTopnvidianvidia ionNvidiaIonrevoz 3100Z3100Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer introduces Atom D525-equipped Aspire Revo 3700, your den swoons]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/acer-introduces-atom-d525-equipped-aspire-revo-3700-your-den-sw/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/acer-introduces-atom-d525-equipped-aspire-revo-3700-your-den-sw/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/acer-introduces-atom-d525-equipped-aspire-revo-3700-your-den-sw/#comments Ah, hello again! It seems like just yesterday that we were talking up Acer's latest Aspire Revo -- a '3600' model equipped with a dual-core Atom 330 and NVIDIA's Ion graphics system. Nearly a year to the day, we're now faced with the company's latest and greatest subcompact, the Aspire Revo 3700. As far as evolutionary advancements go, this one's fairly predictable -- within the one-liter box is a 1.8GHz Atom D525 dual-core processor, NVIDIA's next-generation Ion platform, support for 1080p video playback, a 500GB hard drive, four USB 2.0 ports, 4GB of DDR3 memory, VGA / HDMI outputs, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, gigabit Ethernet and a mini PCIe slot. It's expected to ship later this year with a $580 price tag, but it's still a TV tuner shy of being exactly what our living room asked for.

Continue reading Acer introduces Atom D525-equipped Aspire Revo 3700, your den swoons

Acer introduces Atom D525-equipped Aspire Revo 3700, your den swoons originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3700aceraspireaspire revoaspire revo 3700AspireRevoAspireRevo3700atomatom d525AtomD525d525desktopdual coreDualCorehtpcionion 2Ion2mini pcMiniPcnettopnvidiarevoWed, 08 Sep 2010 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Eee PC 1215N review ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/asus-eee-pc-1215n-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/asus-eee-pc-1215n-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/31/asus-eee-pc-1215n-review/#comments About nine months ago ASUS released its 12.1-inch Eee PC 1201N to much fanfare. It was the first "netbook" to pack NVIDIA's Ion platform and a desktop-class Atom processor. Translation: it absolutely wrecked regular netbooks (and even other Ion netbooks) on the graphics and performance battlefield. Indeed, the 1201N blurred the lines between netbook and regular laptop, but we ultimately knocked it fairly hard for not lasting longer than 2.5 hours on a charge -- it was dubbed a "netbook" of course.

Our apologies for the brief history lesson, but it's actually quite important in understanding why ASUS' second generation of the 1201N is such a big deal. The 1215N has a Pine Trail 1.8GHz dual-core Atom D525 processor and NVIDIA's Ion 2 with Optimus, which no longer requires the GPU to be running the entire time and saves battery power. The $500 rig (though we're seeing it on sale for as much as $599) is still on the pricey side for a "netbook," but promises 1080p playback, seven hours of battery life and a 250GB hard drive. So, does the 1215N correct all the wrongs of the 1201N and live up to the "netbook powerhouse" title that ASUS has given it? And more importantly can it compete with some of the newer thin and light laptops, like the Dell Inspiron M101z? We found out, and we're assuming you want to as well in our full review after the break.

Gallery: ASUS Eee PC 1215N review

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 1215N review 

ASUS Eee PC 1215N review  originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1215nasusasus eee pcASUS Eee PC 1215NAsusEeePcAsusEeePc1215natomatom d525AtomD525d525Eee PC 1215NEeePc1215nintel atomIntelAtomionion 2Ion2nvidianvidia ionnvidia ion 2NvidiaIonNvidiaIon2reviewTue, 31 Aug 2010 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Zotac's Zboxes are small, Ion-fueled, and cheap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/zotacs-zboxes-are-small-ion-fueled-and-cheap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/zotacs-zboxes-are-small-ion-fueled-and-cheap/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/zotacs-zboxes-are-small-ion-fueled-and-cheap/#comments If you're like us, you're constantly on the hunt for the perfect small computer. Now, we're not saying we've found it in this new set of Zotac Zboxes... but we do like where they're coming from. The minimal slivers pack Ion chipsets along with Intel CULV CPUs, making for a power-sipping experience that can actually push a couple of pixels (a couple, not many more). The company is dishing out a few varieties of the mini PCs, all loaded with some variation of Intel's Celeron processors. The HD series (the NS21 and ND22) pack a Celeron 743 or SU2300 CULV (respectively), DDR3 RAM slots, a 2.5-inch hard drive slot, HDMI and DVI-I ports, along with NVIDIA's Ion GPU. There's also an ITX series, all sporting those same CPUs, a single PCI Express x16 slot, a handful of SATA / eSATA hookups, and HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA connections. All the systems have a slew of USB ports, the boxes can be mounted in four different positions (including on the back of a monitor), and though retail pricing hasn't been announced, it looks like at least the ND22 should list for around $270. Hit the source link for all the details, and More Coverage for a review.

Zotac's Zboxes are small, Ion-fueled, and cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culvhd-nd22hd-ns21intelintel culvIntelCulvionitxmini pcMiniPcns-21nvidiazboxzbox hd-nd22zbox hd-ns21zbox nd22ZboxHd-nd22ZboxHd-ns21ZboxNd22zotaczotac zboxZotacZboxSat, 28 Aug 2010 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[JooJoo software update adds local video playback and password storage, still a few months too late]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/joojoo-software-update-adds-local-video-playback-and-password-st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/joojoo-software-update-adds-local-video-playback-and-password-st/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/joojoo-software-update-adds-local-video-playback-and-password-st/#comments It's baaaack. Okay, it never really went anywhere, but thanks to a very nice tipster we learned that Fusion Garage released a new software update for the JooJoo last night. The new 0.2.4 firmware, as you can see from the shot above, adds a few previously-lacking features such as the ability to store passwords, calibrate the screen, and basic USB support. Obviously, we couldn't help but whip out our JooJoo review unit and try it all out. The download didn't take more than three minutes and, lo' and behold, we were able to log into Twitter, close the browser, and then launch it again without having to log back in! However, more impressive is that its sole USB port is now functioning. We put a 1080p trailer of Scott Pilgrim on a flash drive, plugged it into the side of the tablet, and miraculously the NVIDIA Ion chip was finally put to work -- it handled the clip with ease and with absolutely zero stuttering. Don't believe us? Video after the break, so there.

Gallery: JooJoo Software update


[Thanks, Mark]

Continue reading JooJoo software update adds local video playback and password storage, still a few months too late

JooJoo software update adds local video playback and password storage, still a few months too late originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.2.41080 p1080Pfusionfusion garageFusionGaragegarageionjoo joonvidia ionNvidiaIonpatchupdateupgradevideoThu, 26 Aug 2010 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp's Plasmacluster Ion Generator: refreshes skin, won't eradicate enemies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/sharps-plasmacluster-ion-generator-refreshes-skin-wont-eradi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/sharps-plasmacluster-ion-generator-refreshes-skin-wont-eradi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/sharps-plasmacluster-ion-generator-refreshes-skin-wont-eradi/#commentsAkihabara is home to some rather unorthodox wares, but Japan's certainly seen it's fair share of ion generators over the years. Though, we have to say -- we've yet to see or hear of one with a name this good. Sharp's IG-CM1 is better known as the Plasmacluster Ion Generator (or Virus Buster, if you will), and so far as we can tell, it's a portable Ionic Breeze. In other words, this thing somehow cleans the air around the owner and rejuvenates their skin, and when the day's done, it'll recharge over USB. We know, it's all you can do to stifle that chuckle, but Sharp's clearly pretty serious about this thing. You know, judging by that stratospheric ¥17,950 ($210) price tag.

Sharp's Plasmacluster Ion Generator: refreshes skin, won't eradicate enemies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>healthIG-CM1ionjapanjapanesePlasma Cluster Ion GeneratorPlasmaClusterIonGeneratorSharpweirdTue, 24 Aug 2010 07:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Shuttle's excessively thin XS35 nettop now shipping, 1080p Ion 2 graphics and all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/shuttles-excessively-thin-xs35-nettop-now-shipping-1080p-ion-222/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/shuttles-excessively-thin-xs35-nettop-now-shipping-1080p-ion-222/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/shuttles-excessively-thin-xs35-nettop-now-shipping-1080p-ion-222/#comments It's been a long wait (nearly half a year, in fact), but Shuttle has finally transitioned the XS35 from a luscious HTPC promise into a retail reality. The 1.5-inch thick nettop is today rolling out to online retailers in the US and Canada, offering three preconfigured options to suit a variety of budgets. All come with built-in 802.11n WiFi, a dual-core 1.66GHz Atom D510 CPU, 5 USB ports, and a 4-in-1 media card reader, while the pricier two also include DVD-RW drives for good measure. The top XS35 spec gives you 500GB of storage, 2GB of RAM, a HDMI output, and the crowning glory of NVIDIA's scrumptious Ion 2 powering 1080p video playback. Newegg doesn't seem to yet have that SKU available, but it's priced the other two at $240 and $290, suggesting a price somewhere north of $300 for the complete package. Full press release after the break.

Update: And sure enough, the Ion 2-equipped SX35 has also made its Newegg debut, yours for $380. Thanks, RatioTitle!

Continue reading Shuttle's excessively thin XS35 nettop now shipping, 1080p Ion 2 graphics and all

Shuttle's excessively thin XS35 nettop now shipping, 1080p Ion 2 graphics and all originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p802.11natomatom d510AtomD510hdmihome theater pcHomeTheaterPchtpcintel atomIntelAtomionion 2Ion2multicard readerMulticardReadernettopnvidianvidia ionnvidia ion2NvidiaIonNvidiaIon2sffshuttleshuttle sx35ShuttleSx35slimslim pcSlimPcsmall form factorSmallFormFactorsx35thinwifixs35Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:43:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS' EeeBox EB1501P leaks out with Atom D525, Ion GPU]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/asus-eeebox-eb1501p-leaks-out-with-atom-d525-ion-gpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/asus-eeebox-eb1501p-leaks-out-with-atom-d525-ion-gpu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/06/asus-eeebox-eb1501p-leaks-out-with-atom-d525-ion-gpu/#comments We're still waiting on leaked (or official, we're not partial) images to confirm, but based on a presentation slide and a bit of insider information passed on to Notebook Italia, ASUS is gearing up to replace its aging EeeBox EB1501 with the EB1501P. Reportedly, the box will be based around Intel's dual-core Atom D525 processor and will feature NVIDIA's Ion GPU, a 250GB hard drive, 2GB of DDR3 memory, 802.11n WiFi, an HDMI output, six USB sockets and Bluetooth. That aligns quite nicely with the EB1501U (shown above) that we spotted back at CeBIT, which has yet to launch in any capacity since. A proper introduction at IFA, perhaps? We'll be watching, ASUS.

ASUS' EeeBox EB1501P leaks out with Atom D525, Ion GPU originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASUSasus eb1501asus eb1501uasus em0501AsusEb1501AsusEb1501uAsusEm0501atomcebitD525eb1501eb1501 uEB1501Ueee boxeee pc vx6eeeboxEeeBox EB1501PEeeBox EB1501uEeeboxEb1501pEeeboxEb1501uEeePcVx6em0501hands-onhdmiintelintel atomintel atom D525IntelAtomIntelAtomD525ionLamborghininettopnvidianvidia ionNvidiaIonusb 3usb 3.0Usb3Usb3.0vx6Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Eee PC 1215N with NVIDIA Ion and dual-core Atom D525 is a netbook powerhouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/asus-eee-pc-1215n-with-nvidia-ion-and-dual-core-atom-d525-is-a-n/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/asus-eee-pc-1215n-with-nvidia-ion-and-dual-core-atom-d525-is-a-n/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/asus-eee-pc-1215n-with-nvidia-ion-and-dual-core-atom-d525-is-a-n/#comments The phrase "netbook powerhouse" would typically be considered an oxymoron. That was before ASUS announced its Eee PC 1215N bumpin' a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor with NVIDIA Optimus to intelligently switch between its NVIDIA Ion discrete and integrated graphics. That means it'll cut through 1080p video without any problem when displayed on the 12-inch 1,366 x 768 pixel display or out to an HDTV via the included HDMI jack. Other specs include Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11n WiFi, integrated webcam with lens cover, choice of 250GB or 320GB hard disk drives augmented by 500GB of ASUS WebStorage, and pass-through USB to charge connected devices like cellphones when the Eee is powered off. Sorry, no mention of battery performance, price, or availability on this so-called netbook.

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 1215N with NVIDIA Ion and dual-core Atom D525 is a netbook powerhouse

ASUS Eee PC 1215N with NVIDIA Ion and dual-core Atom D525 is a netbook powerhouse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1215N802.11nasusatomatom d525AtomD525bluetooth 3.0Bluetooth3.0D525eee pc 1215NeeepcEeePc1215nhdmiionnvidianvidia ionnvidia optimusNvidiaIonNvidiaOptimusoptimusWebStoragewifiWed, 30 Jun 2010 05:33:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Eee PC 1201PN with NVIDIA Ion now available at an Amazon.com near you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/asus-eee-pc-1201pn-with-nvidia-ion-now-available-at-an-amazon-co/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/asus-eee-pc-1201pn-with-nvidia-ion-now-available-at-an-amazon-co/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/asus-eee-pc-1201pn-with-nvidia-ion-now-available-at-an-amazon-co/#comments Well, what do you know? Just a few hours after hearing the Acer Aspire One 532g with NVIDIA Ion 2 has been canceled, the Ion 2-equipped 12.1-inch ASUS Eee PC 1201PN that we've also been waiting on pops up for sale on Amazon.com. While we had heard this Eee wouldn't be shipping in the US, that's clearly not the case, and for $484.00 it's not a bad deal either -- especially considering the Eee PC 1201N started at $499. The spec rundown is exactly the same as we've been hearing for months -- it's got a Intel Atom N450 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 201M graphics. But don't forget while this is technically dubbed as having "Ion 2," it doesn't use NVIDIA's Optimus technology, which means the GPU is always on, and thus probably going to chew away at the battery life. The whole last part is quite a bummer, but we're still betting some will hit the source link below and pull out the plastic. Will you?

Updated: If you're waiting to read a review before pulling the trigger LAPTOP Mag has one up right now. Stay tuned for the official Engadget review soon.

ASUS Eee PC 1201PN with NVIDIA Ion now available at an Amazon.com near you originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1201pnasusasus eee pcASUS Eee PC 1201PNAsusEeePcAsusEeePc1201pneee pcEee PC 1201PNEeePcEeePc1201pnionion 2Ion2next generation ionNextGenerationIonnvidianvidia ionnvidia ion 2NVIDIA next generation IonNvidiaIonNvidiaIon2NvidiaNextGenerationIonMon, 21 Jun 2010 01:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 vs. the smartphone elite: EVO 4G, N8, Pre Plus, and HD2]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/iphone-4-vs-the-smartphone-elite-evo-4g-n8-pre-plus-and-hd2/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/iphone-4-vs-the-smartphone-elite-evo-4g-n8-pre-plus-and-hd2/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/iphone-4-vs-the-smartphone-elite-evo-4g-n8-pre-plus-and-hd2/#comments We know how the iPhone 4 sizes up against the aging 3GS -- but how does it fare against its fiercest competitors from all the major platforms? We wish we had some production Windows Phone 7 kit to check out here, but in the meantime, take a look at the results against the gruesome foursome of the EVO 4G, N8, Pre Plus, and HD2. You might be surprised by some of the results -- and sorry, RIM, you don't get to play until you bring some fresh, media-heavy hardware to the table. Nothing personal!

Continue reading iPhone 4 vs. the smartphone elite: EVO 4G, N8, Pre Plus, and HD2

iPhone 4 vs. the smartphone elite: EVO 4G, N8, Pre Plus, and HD2 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1Android2.1appleATTevo 4gEvo4gevolutionhd2htcionios 4Ios4iphone 4iphone 4gIphone4Iphone4gn810nokiapalmpre plusPrePlussprintSymbianSymbian 3Symbian3Tale of the TapeTaleOfTheTapeVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwweboswindows mobilewindows mobile 6.5WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6.5WinMo 6.5Winmo6.5wm6.5Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Eee PC 1215 with Ion receives Optimus and USB 3.0 augmentation (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/asus-eee-pc-1215-with-ion-receives-optimus-and-usb-3-0-augmentat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/asus-eee-pc-1215-with-ion-receives-optimus-and-usb-3-0-augmentat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/18/asus-eee-pc-1215-with-ion-receives-optimus-and-usb-3-0-augmentat/#commentsASUS Eee PC 1215 with Ion receives Optimus and USB 3.0 augmentation When we found out that the Ion 2-packing Eee PC 1201PNs lacked NVIDIA Optimus tech for switching graphics hardware on the fly, well, it was a bit of a bummer to say the least. But, ASUS is at least fixing its successor, the Eee PC 1215. It's largely the same machine as the 1201, packing a dual-core Atom D510 processor and Ion graphics to complement the onboard graphics. This one, though, will have the Optimus hardware to switch betwixt the two, saving battery life all the while. The case has also been subtly refreshed but, most interestingly, ASUS saw fit to throw in a pair of USB 3.0 ports, their cerulean insides shining like beacons to guide us toward the future of high-speed file transfers. We're not sure when the 1215 is destined to hit retail and make the 1201PN obsolete, nor how much of a premium it will cost when it does, but there are plenty more pictures of the thing and even a few benchmarks at the source link.

Update: We've got a video of some hot benchmarking action after the break.

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 1215 with Ion receives Optimus and USB 3.0 augmentation (video)

ASUS Eee PC 1215 with Ion receives Optimus and USB 3.0 augmentation (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1215asusasus eee pcasus eee pc 1215AsusEeePcAsusEeePc1215eeeeee pceee pc 1215EeePcEeePc1215ionion 2Ion2netbooknvidia ion 2NvidiaIon2optimususb 3.0Usb3.0videoTue, 18 May 2010 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 upgrades to Atom D510, keeps NVIDIA Ion, 1080p playback, and ultraslim look]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/lenovo-ideacentre-q150-gives-nvidia-ion-an-ultraslim-nettop-to-c/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/lenovo-ideacentre-q150-gives-nvidia-ion-an-ultraslim-nettop-to-c/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/lenovo-ideacentre-q150-gives-nvidia-ion-an-ultraslim-nettop-to-c/#comments The world might be all abuzz about Ion 2 already, but we reckon we can still make room for an NVIDIA Ion nettop that measures a malnourished 21mm in width and offers full 1080p video playback. The successor to Lenovo's IdeaCentre Q110, the Q150 is built around a pair of Intel Atom options -- the single-core D410 or dual-core D510, both running at 1.6GHz -- and will come with Windows 7 Home (Basic or Premium) preloaded, built-in WiFi, a quartet of USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI output should you pick up the Ion option. The wireless Multimedia Remote with Keyboard is also optional, but Lenovo seems to rightly expect you to want one in order to match the stylishness of the machine. The starting price for this little beaut is listed at $249, with availability by the end of June, but expect to pay quite a bit more for the fully outfitted option above. One more intimate pic of the Q150 awaits after the break.

Continue reading Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 upgrades to Atom D510, keeps NVIDIA Ion, 1080p playback, and ultraslim look

Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 upgrades to Atom D510, keeps NVIDIA Ion, 1080p playback, and ultraslim look originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080patomatom d410atom d510AtomD410AtomD510d410full hdFullHdhdhdmihome theater pcHomeTheaterPchtpcideacentreideacentre q150IdeacentreQ150ionlenovolenovo ideacentrelenovo ideacentre q150LenovoIdeacentreLenovoIdeacentreQ150Multimedia Remote with KeyboardMultimediaRemoteWithKeyboardnettopnvidia ionNvidiaIonq150sffsmall form factorSmallFormFactorsveltethinultrathinTue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11 and its Ion 2 innards reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/zotac-zbox-hd-id11-and-its-ion-2-innards-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/zotac-zbox-hd-id11-and-its-ion-2-innards-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/zotac-zbox-hd-id11-and-its-ion-2-innards-reviewed/#comments Small form factor? Check. Low power consumption married to 1080p video playback capabilities? Of course. Quiet cooling? Naturally. Those are the basic requirements for, and their fulfillment is the means by which we judge, a good home theater pc. They're also the highlights of Zotac's Ion 2-powered ZBOX HD-ID11 barebone (you have to add your own RAM, storage and OS) nettop, which recently visited AnandTech's labs for some old fashioned review action. It's a highly illuminating read, particularly for those interested in the differences between NVIDIA's Ion generations, which throws up a mixed bag of results. While you'll be quite alright watching Full HD Blu-rays on the ZBOX, Flash hardware acceleration -- yeah, that old nugget again -- is not yet implemented well enough, resulting in a maximum of 480p resolution before Hulu streams started glitching out on the reviewer. A June driver update from NVIDIA should rectify this issue, and we're encouraged to wait it out and see what we might see then. In the mean time, you can just delve into the complete analysis which awaits at the link below.

[Thanks, Wowzers]

Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11 and its Ion 2 innards reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p40nmatomatom d510AtomD510barebonebarebonesd510full hdFullHdgpugraphicshdhome theater pcHomeTheaterPchtpcintel atomintel atom d510IntelAtomIntelAtomD510ionion 2Ion2nettopnext generation ionNextGenerationIonnvidianvidia ionnvidia ion 2NvidiaIonNvidiaIon2reviewsffsmall form factorSmallFormFactorzboxzbox hd-id11ZboxHd-id11zotaczotac zboxZotac Zbox HD-ID11ZotacZboxZotacZboxHd-id11Fri, 07 May 2010 11:44:00 EST