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Velocity Micro rolls out T30 Italia laptop, Vector Campus Edition desktop
As anyone that's been to a mall recently is no doubt well aware, the back-to-school season is upon us, and so is the usual batch of hardware aimed directly at students (and their parents). Among the latest is a pair of computers from Velocity Micro, including the T30 Italia thin-and-light laptop, and the Vector Campus Edition desktop. Those opting for the$999 laptop will get a 13.3-inch display, a 1.3GHz Pentium SU1400 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 120GB hard drive, all wrapped in a 0.8-inch thick casing "inspired by the rolling curves of fine sports cars." The desktop, on the other hand, is your usual blue LED-lit fare, and starts at $899 for a Core i5-750-based system with NVIDIA GeForce GT 220 graphics, 4GB of RAM, and 1TB hard drive.
Velocity Micro shows off $199 Cruz Reader
We haven't heard much about Velocity Micro's Android-based Cruz Reader since it sort of came out of nowhere back in April, but it's now finally nearing a release (sometime in August), and the company is starting to show it off a bit more. As expected, the Cruz Reader is just one of a series of tablets from the company and, despite the "reader" moniker, is actually more of a full-fledged Android tablet, complete with support for apps, games, web browsing, and other tablet-like activities. Velocity Micro is playing up the reader angle though, and has announced a partnership with Borders and Kobo to deliver ebooks to the device. Somewhat confusingly, however, it will be joined later in August by the $299 Cruz Tablet, which opts for a 16:9 capacitive display, adds 4GB of internal storage and an 8GB SD card, and Flash support, which the Reader apparently doesn't have (we're not quite sure what that means OS-wise). Rounding out the initial group is the kid-friendly Cruz StoryPad, which boasts a spill-resistant case and will run $149. Head on past the break for a look at the Cruz Reader on video, and the complete press release.
Velocity Micro's Cruz Tablet has Android 2.1 with full Flash support
Some alleged spy shots of a brand-new Android tablet materialized in our inbox this afternoon, and after sending a few e-mails and making a quick phone call, we can confirm they're 100 percent legit: boutique PC retailer Velocity Micro's getting in the tablet game something fierce, with a whole new lineup of touchscreen devices it's dubbed "Cruz." Designed to compete with both e-readers and tablets, Cruz will appear in both 4 x 3 and 16 x 9 configurations over the coming months, with the high-end devices sporting 7-inch capacitive multitouch screens, 800MHz processors and Android 2.1 (complete with Flash 10.1) right out of the box. Best of all, Velocity Micro tells us they'll be relatively affordable -- all will arrive under the $300 line. A company rep couldn't tell us whether Android Market would be included or when exactly the tablets are due, but he hazarded a guess of "late summer." Hit up our gallery to see the first prototype. [Thanks, Kendall]%Gallery-91468%
Intel's Core i7-980X Extreme Edition hits a slew of new gaming desktops
Intel's six-core, twelve-threaded Core i7-980X Extreme Edition has turned the hardcore gaming community on its head, and just about everyone is scrounging around in a (mostly futile) attempt to locate $999. For those in dire need of an entire system replacement, it seems that today's the day to start looking. Shortly after we heard that this 32nm Gulftown chip would be landing with Alienware and Origin PC rigs, a veritable plethora of other outfits have shown up to make similar announcements. Digital Storm has popped an overclocked (4.4GHz) version into its Black|OPS machine (which conveniently starts at $5,642, while CyberPower is now offering the silicon in its Black Mamba, Black Pearl and Gamer Xtreme 3D machines. Maingear's also sliding said CPU into its world-beating Shift "supercomputer," and anyone shopping a high-end Velocity Micro system will also see the option. We suspect most every other PC maker in existence will be following suit soon, so if your prefab PC builder hasn't yet jumped on the bandwagon, just hold tight. Real tight.
Velocity Micro's Atom N270-packing NoteMagix M10 coming this month for $380
Largely under the radar since its CES debut -- and even then there wasn't much to say, frankly -- Velocity Micro's 10.2-inch NoteMagix M10 is on sale with an April 30 estimated ship date. Base price is $380, and color notwithstanding (it comes in red, blue, and black), the only customization option really is a DVD writer for $70. What you do get, however, is the usual spec list that comes along with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, along with the pleasant surprise of a 6-cell battery. The big question now is if there's really enough here to divert attention from any of the other, more dominant brands in this hyper-saturated netbook market.[Via PC Launches]
Velocity Micro delivers NoteMagix M10 netbook and M5 UMPC
Answering the call for yet another netbook in the world is Velocity Micro, who has graciously provided us with the NoteMagix M10 (pictured) here at CES. The 10.1-inch machine includes a 4-cell battery for up 5 hours of usage, 802.11b/g WiFi, a 2.6 pound chassis, Windows XP running the show and a custom carrying case to really showcase its awesomeness. Never mind those trivial tidbits like CPU model / speed, RAM quantity and GPU type -- Velocity Micro clearly thinks you don't even need 'em. Moving on, we've got the even more portable 4.8-inch NoteMagix M5 UMPC, with packs a touchscreen display, full QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, Bluetooth, integrated 3G WWAN and 5 hours of battery life. Both machines should be available later this Spring for prices that are currently unknown.[Via NotebookReview]
Intel Core i7 desktop roundup: the rest of what's new
You likely don't need any reminders that the likes of Gateway and Dell (and Alienware) have released some new systems based around Intel's flagship Core i7 processor, but it's a whole other matter to sort out the multitude of options available from some of the smaller PC manufacturers out there, and we thought we'd take this opportunity to shed a bit light on some of those slightly lower profile contenders for the desktop throne. Ready to get started? Then check your bank account and head on past the break.
Velocity Micro intros CineMagix FuzeBox Home Media Server
Remember that Velocity Micro FuzeBox that was talked about back in August? Say hello to that very box, which was properly introduced this week by the aforesaid firm. As the title implies, Velocity Micro paired with Fuze Media Systems in order to create this here HTPC, which features CableCARD support, multi-zone audio, optional Blu-ray burner, Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 750GB of storage space, multicard reader, gigabit Ethernet, a whole slew of ports and a FuzeBox MCE remote to boot. Best of all, the system gets going at just $1,995, though speccing it out will get that figure much higher in a hurry.
Fuze infuses software into Velocity Micro FuzeBox
Now that Fuze has gone OEM, we should probably expect a lot of similar announcements from the firm. In a somewhat confusing twist, Fuze Media has just signed an OEM deal that will place its tightly integrated software into an HTPC built by Velocity Micro. If you'll recall, Velocity Micro was actually responsible for the original FuzeBox, though this one will start out "much cheaper" at $1,995. Presumably, the box will feature Fuze's FuzeOne platform, which will reportedly play nice with any machine out there (that's good, since it went OEM and all), utilize its own homegrown media player and simplify DVD ripping / library management. Hit the read link for a blowout of the new architecture and machine, and expect to see more when CEDIA cranks up in about two weeks.
CineMagix Grand Theater Entertainment System pops out from Velocity Micro
In addition to their new desktops and notebook, made-to-order honchos Velocity Micro are also throwing a little love to your living room with the CineMagix Grand Theater Entertainment System. Powered by your choice of Intel Core 2 Duo, Quad or Extreme processors, the unit features CableCARD support, optional dual digital cable tuners, optical 7.1 surround sound and system design by the Dolby Home Theater crew. Add storage to taste and centralize your media bits HD and otherwise starting at $2095 come February 4 of this year.
Velocity Micro intros new gaming, desktop and notebook lines
Custom manufacturer Velocity Micro brought some new goodies to CES, including a brace of gaming PCs, a mid-range desktop, and configurable notebook. The Raptor Signature Ultimate Gaming line (pictured, left) takes approximately 5995 of your hard earned smackers (depending on config) in exchange for a personal blessing by Velocity founder Randy Copeland and some actual functionality in the form of Intel's Core 2 Extreme QX9650 and quad 3.0GHz cores. The Edge M40 system (pictured, right) is billed for those "beyond casual gaming," so if you're beyond Peggle but not quite ready to call yourself a hardcore gamer, this could have your name on it. The Edge M40 is built on AMD's new Spider platform and sports AMD Phenom processors and your choice of ATI or nVidia motherboard, starting around $2000 with plenty of options for the tinkerers amongst you. For those still mired in casual gaming, the mid-range Vector Z20 might be your ticket starting at $899, or perhaps the $1499 and up NoteMagix C90 Ultra notebook for some Puzzle Pirates action on the road. Street dates vary on these but all will be rolling out within the next month.
Windows Home Server launches hardware blitz for holidays
Microsoft's Windows Home Server is saying balls to its dicey launch year and rallying the troops for a holiday hardware blitz. Its original hardware launch partner HP's on-sale-again-off-sale-again MediaSmart Home Server is officially back and on sale (huzzah!), and multiple hardware partners are (re)announcing their own boxes.Up to bat with new and "new" WHS hardware: Fujitsu-Siemens, Gateway, Iomega, LaCie, Leo Computers, LifeWare, Maxdata, Medion, and Tranquil. Sure, some have already announced, but those named today will either be introducing new WHS gear in short order, or at least intend to in the next quarter. Also getting official and on sale today: Velocity Micro's NetMagix (previously VMHS). Expect it with a Core 2 Duo, 1GB of RAM, eSATA, gigabit Ethernet, front / rear USB, and up to 4TB of storage (starting at $1000 for 1TB).P.S. -We're sure Microsoft would like us to remind you of the burgeoning WHS software add-on scene, with the dozens of apps now written for the platform. That's all well and good, but we'll worry about getting that hardware first, then take a look at that software.%Gallery-9767%
Velocity Micro Home Server based on Windows Home Server
Velocity Micro -- the crew that brought you many a tricked out rig and the first CableCARD Vista boxes sold -- is working on a product tentatively titled the Home Server based on, you guessed it, Windows Home Server. What we know is the Home Server can be oriented horizontally or vertically, use an Intel Conroe-like processor with DDR2 RAM, have SATA II (with NCQ), gigabit Ethernet, eSATA, and will launch at an "extremely competitive price". More as we get it.Update: Our bad, the Home Server's drive expansion box will launch Q108, but the server itself will launch when Windows Home Server is released. Also, zoomed-in pic after the break.
Velocity Micro acquires Overdrive PC, gets 'hyperclocked'
Although the folks over at boutique PC shop Overdrive PC must have been on a serious Spaceballs bender when they decided to call their proprietary method of performance tweaking 'hyperclocking,' such silly naming conventions didn't stop custom manufacturer Velocity Micro from wooing and finally winning over the firm. Velocity, probably best known for its relationship with Best Buy, will leave Overdrive as a separately run brand and subdivision within the larger company, while employing the mind-blowing hyperclocking technique in its own off-the-shelf systems. None of the deal's financial details were disclosed, but we do know that Overdrive will relocate its headquarters to Richmond, VA, where its founder and CTO will take on the role of Director of Advanced Technologies at Velocity and General Manager of Overdrive. Sure it's no HP / Voodoo or Dell / Alienware pairing, but during Golden Week in Japan, this is what passes for hot news. [Via Crave]
Velocity Micro's CableCARD Grand Theater PC ships
It's been a hot couple of days for the shipping industry, as we've seen everything from automatic HDMI switches to the OQO Model 02 leave the docks en masse, and while Velocity Micro's much-anticipated CineMagix Grand Theater PC didn't quite beat out Niveus (which is admittedly just a CableCARD-ready solution), it's apparently joining the fray anyway. According to a report / screenshot over at Gearlog, it looks like Velocity Micro's intentions to ship its CableCARD HTPCs within the month actually panned out alright, as at least one lucky user is enjoying "premium HDTV on a Media Center PC" already. Notably, the coveted recipient didn't seem to have any major qualms when contacting Verizon for assistance in bringing the FiOS action into the HTPC, which makes the collective majority of us weep in envy. So if you've been waiting around to make sure this wasn't just one long-winded dream, feel free the pinch yourself and hand over your credit card deets, because these bad boys are ready and waiting to head your way.
Velocity Micro to ship CableCARD HTPCs next week?
Well, well, Mr. Velocity Micro Director of Product Development Chris Morley -- didn't think we read AVS Forum, did you? Well, maybe you did, we dunno, but we appreciate your letting us know that "Grand Theater systems look to be 100% and we're shipping [this] week. Pro Cinemas are a few days behind due to issues with Asus." Shipping full-on CableCARD-equipped HTPCs that soon huh? Good, because we can't fricking wait to start rocking some CableCARD HTPC action -- DRM and expensive tuners and delays and all. Let's get it on.[Thanks, Keith]
Velocity Micro to ship CableCARD HTPCs this week?
Well, well, Mr. Velocity Micro Director of Product Development Chris Morley -- didn't think we read AVS Forum, did you? Well, maybe you did, we dunno, but we appreciate your letting us know that "Grand Theater systems look to be 100% and we're shipping [this] week. Pro Cinemas are a few days behind due to issues with Asus." Shipping full-on CableCARD-equipped HTPCs that soon huh? Good, because we can't fricking wait to start rocking some CableCARD HTPC action -- DRM and expensive tuners and delays and all. Let's get it on.[Thanks, Keith]
Velocity Micro's latest HTPCs add Vista and ATI Digital Cable tuner
Looks like Okoro Media Systems isn't the only HTPC builder on the block cramming Microsoft's latest OS into its systems and upping the specs, as Velocity Micro has taken a break from its NoteMagix series to amp up a few media PCs. Both boxes come with Windows Vista Premium pre-installed, ATI's TV Wonder Digital Cable tuner, and options for HD DVD and Blu-ray playback. The CineMagix Pro Cinema rocks a fairly average black chassis, 500-watt power supply, AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, HDCP-compliant ATI Radeon X1950 Pro, onboard 7.1 audio, 8-in-1 flash card reader, up to 1.5TB of hard drive space, dual gigabit Ethernet adapter, 802.11b/g, a pair of FireWire connectors, six USB 2.0 ports, and a wireless keyboard / mouse combo. The Intel-powered CineMagix Grand Theater swaps in your choice of CPU, including options for both the Core 2 Extreme X6800 or QX6700, up to 4GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS, up to 2.25TB of HDD space, but otherwise mimics its AMD-packin' sibling. Both units are fully customizable if you've got the cash to burn, and while the CineMagix Pro Cinema starts at $1,695, the Grand Theater rings up between $2,195 and near-five digits.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]
Velocity Micro launches NoteMagix L80x Ultra in Best Buy
While you might not be exactly keen on waltzing into your local Best Buy for gadgetry purchases (for various reasons), Velocity Micro is going all in, hoping that millions of others just might. The gaming-centric boutique is unveiling its latest NoteMagix offering -- dubbed the L80x Ultra -- in select Best Buys today in favor of its own website. Pumping up the specs from the plain ole L80, the 6.5-pound L80x Ultra reportedly packs a 15.4-inch LCD, 2.0GHz T7200 Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, 100GB hard drive, nVidia GeForce Go 7600GS graphics, an integrated webcam, and a fingerprint scanner. While elaborate details concerning the wireless suite, host of ports, and collection of stickers you can expect to find on the palm rests aren't currently available, we do know that it'll set you back $1,999 -- if you manage to dodge that additional "protection plan," of course.[Via TGDaily]
Velocity Micro's Merom-powered NoteMagix L80
You probably thought we were done with this latest volley of Merom-powered laptops. Ha -- you were wrong. Next up to board the Core 2 Duo train is Velocity Micro's 15.4-inch NoteMagix L80 "Ultra Notebook Computer," which adds T5500, T5600, T7200, T7400, and T7600 options (ranging from 1.66GHz to 2.33GHz) to the already available suite of regular Core Duo and Celeron M configurations. So besides the latest processors, what makes this model so "ultra"? Well first of all, it ships with a 256MB nVIDIA GeForce Go 7600GS card standard -- a refreshing change-up from the usual integrated graphics we see around here -- plus an option to bump the LCD resolution up to 1,680 x 1,050 from a ho-hum 1,280 x 800. You can also cram in as much as 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 7,200 RPM 100GB hard drive, and dual-layer DVD burner, with WiFi, a card reader, and three USB 2.0 ports part and parcel of any configuration. Available immediately, you can pick up a decently-speced L80 for about $1,655, but of course for the one we'd want, pricing is a little closer to $2,600.[Via laptoping]
