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Of the Spellborn PC, personal experience points, and adventure!
There's been a lot of talk recently about special collector's editions. Are they really worth the money? Chronicles of Spellborn may have just made the ultimate deal here. For about 1200 Teuros (about two grand in US dollars), they've teamed up with Ultraforce to sell you a game and the custom gaming rig on which to play it. You just can't beat a deal like this. A highly anticipated MMO and a speedy Core2 Duo processor, twin GeForce 9600s SLI on an nForce 750i motherboard and custom Spellborn case art... No idea whether it comes with a three day head start, though, and we can hope those aren't the minimum system specs to play the game.We've been seeing a lot of beta screen shots out of Spellborn, but there's been too many shots showing static scenes with perhaps a person standing in them but precious little action. The beta testers finally came through for us with a dozen adventuring screen shots and there is plenty of action to be seen. The screen shot above showcases how different the characters you create can look -- the woman in front is gray-haired and chunky but still looks good in her steel-and-silk bikini. She doesn't have to run fast; just faster than the doomed, thin girl lagging behind.Spellborn is currently due to release world-wide in Q4 2008. They'll have some tough competition. The Spellborn devs just (like, a minute ago) put up a new beta video showing off their Personal Experience Point system. The PEPs are gained through PvE and grant permanent buffs to your character ... provided you don't die. Good stuff, and you can be one of the first to see it! Click on through to watch the video below the cut.
Panasonic Toughbook 19 gets Core 2 Duo, expanded memory
While Panasonic's rugged Toughbook 30 has been strutting its stuff with a Core 2 Duo within, the poor, poor Toughbook 19 has been going without. No more, however, as Panny has just announced that it'll be boosting the speed and expanding the memory available in the beastly convertible tablet. Available now, the 5.1-pound rig is stuffed with a 1.06GHz U7500 processor (2MB L2 cache), up to 4GB of SDRAM, 80GB shock-mounted HDD, 10.4-inch daylight-readable display, a battery good for around seven hours, optional integrated WWAN / GPS / 2-megapixel webcam and a magnesium alloy case that won't mind getting trampled. So, what's the price for such an (almost) impossible-to-destroy machine? $3,199 and up, we're afraid.
Intel's Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale gets tested
If you'll recall, we already witnessed a pre-production Wolfdale CPU outpace its competition back in August of last year, but the real deal has finally arrived. Over at Hot Hardware, the folks were able to crack open a retail Core 2 Duo E8500 processor, which comes in at 3.16GHz and features 6MB of L2 cache, a 1,333MHz FSB speed and is built on 45-nanometer technology. When put to the test, reviewers found this luscious piece of silicon to be quite the performer, noting that it was probably a better choice for gamers than a low-end quad-core chip. Still, with an expected price of just under three bills, it wasn't exactly seen as the greatest of values, but if you've got the coin and happen to fit the market, the "Recommended" badge tells you everything you need to know.
MacBook Air's custom-built CPU going PC?
That special Intel processor found in the MacBook Air could be getting a lot less special. PC Advisor, citing "a source familiar with Intel's plans," claims that a pair of PC makers will use the MBA processor. Not that this would be unexpected. The custom-built 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz Intel procs remember, are 60% smaller and consume less power than the typical Core 2 Duo while using the same 65-nm manufacturing processes. Of course, with Intel's 45-nm Montevina platform scheduled to ship as early as May, the advantages gained by the processor will likely be short lived, though glorious if a PC maker can dethrone Apple of its claim to the world's smallest thinnest laptop.
Intel issues product discontinuance notice for seven Merom chips
Oh, Merom. It felt like just yesterday that we were shaking our heads in disappointment after reading lackluster reviews and wondering when you'd finally make an appearance in Apple's MacBook Pro. Thankfully, times change, and with Intel's mobile Penryn stealing all the limelight of late, we 'spose it's about time the Merom lineup cashed out its 401(k) and sailed off to Maui. According to a PCN (product change notification) from the chip maker, the Core 2 Duo T7200, T7600, T5500, T5600 and LV L7200 are being flagged for discontinuation along with the less potent Celeron M 520 and 530. Granted, the whole family will still be available to ship until sometime in 2009, but for us, it's on to bigger smaller and faster things. [Warning: PDF read link][Via TGDaily, image courtesy of Gutenberg]
HP tossing Penryn into latest Pavilions
You'd think there'd be a bit more excitement associated with the inclusion of Intel's latest and greatest, but HP decided to take the quiet route with integrating Penryn into its Pavilion laptop lineup. The Pavilion dv2700t, dv6700t and dv9700t are all getting an Intel T9300 2.5GHz Core 2 Duo option, with a 6MB l2 cache and a purported 10% speed boost over last-gen Intel processors. Unfortunately, that mild speed boost comes at a $100 premium over the T7500, so you money might be better spent on RAM or a better graphics card -- or you could just choose it all, the Engadget-approved method of speccing a laptop.[Via NotebookReview]
Toshiba adds 3G to the featherweight Portege R500
Forget the MacBook Air: those folks seeking the absolute lightest notebooks on the planet know that Windows machines are still the only way to go, and Toshiba has proven that once again with an official 3G upgrade to the already impressive Portege R500. According to Akihabara News (which seems to be a little confused concerning the model number here), two new 12.1-inch, HSDPA-equipped configurations will be available this month: the ultra-lightweight (and ultra-pricey) R500-11J, highlighted by a 64GB SSD drive and impressive 1.72-pound package, and the cheaper, optical drive-packing R500-11I, which features the same 1.20GHz U7600 CPU and 2GB of RAM, but introduces a less appealing 120GB HDD. Pricing should be around €2,500 ($3,658) for the high-end 11J and €2,050 ($3,000 even) for the heavier 11I.
MacBook Air processor situation gets explained
We already knew the basic details about the processor at the heart of Apple's MacBook Air, but those itching to know exactly how Apple and Intel managed to cram everything into that oh so small package may want to head over to AnandTech, which has pieced together a fairly thorough report on the matter. As the site reports, the processor is based on Intel's 65nm Merom architecture and packs an 800MHz bus, yet it uses the significantly smaller chip package that Intel had originally only planned to debut with the launch of its Montevina laptop platform later this year. That combination, along with the Intel 965GMS chipset with integrated graphics, allowed for a 60% reduction in total footprint size, and a TDP rating of just 20W, as opposed to 35W from the regular Core 2 Duo processor. If that's still not enough MacBook Air minutia you, you can hit up the link below for the full rundown.[Via AppleInsider]
Intel CES announcement: Penryn in the wild
Since the Mac Pros announced earlier today are using the "Harpertown" desktop version of the chip, it should be no surprise that Intel's Penryn family of processors are shipping and in use, as announced at CES yesterday. The full suite of chips includes 16 devices, including four for server use, seven desktop parts and five for mobile devices or laptops.With premium laptop vendors Sony, Lenovo & Toshiba announcing products built around the new Core 2 Duo parts, it would be downright shocking if next week's Stevenote did not feature at least one Apple portable sporting the new and improved 45nm processors. With the desktop and server bumps out of the way a week ahead of time (and who can remember the last time that happened?) the way is clear for plenty of excitement a week from now.
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.
Asus intros sleek Nova P22 desktop
Asus, currently on a crash-bang roller derby thanks to the massive success of the Eee, has stepped up its game in the desktop arena today with the announcement of the Nova P22. The sleek, white and orange box is in the size class of the Mac Mini, standing at just 2-inches in height, and features a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo E6320 processor with a 1.06GHz front-side bus, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and what appears to be some sweet media center options. As of right now, the PC is only available in Taiwan, where you'll drop around $1,019 for bragging rights. We can only hope they bring something with this much style to the US, so the Mini vs. Nova P22 flamewar can begin in earnest. The ball is in your court, Asus.[Via Electronista]
Fujitsu launches the SlimEdge Lifebook S6510
Fujitsu, known to lovingly produce a laptop from time to time, has once again stepped into the fray with a new offering in its Lifebook line. The company has just announced the Lifebook S6510 (in China, at least), and it's somehow managed to squeeze a 14.1-inch display into the "SlimEdge" casing which would typically house a 13.3-inch system. Besides the medical-marvel that is the LED-backlight WXGA display, the laptop features a Core 2 Duo T7700 or T7500, the illustrious 965GM Express chipset, an Intel PRO / Wireless 4965AGN/3945BG WiFi card, Intel GMA X3100 GPU, 160GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM (upgradable to 4GB), and a DVD "Super Multi Burner." We're not sure these figures are accurate, but Engadget China has the T7500 model clocking in at a whopping 72,800 yuan, while the T7700 will run you 76,800 yuan, which is pretty steep for a laptop. Of course, if you really want one, you'll probably have to hit up your local importer... or book a flight.Update: So our main man Atticus from Engadget China has confirmed, the price is in Taiwanese dollars, thus making the US cost around $2,247 and $2,370 respectively.
Dell intros X38-based Precision T3400 desktop
Looks like Shuttle isn't the only desktop maker cranking out a new X38-based rig in the past 24 or so hours, as Dell is also introducing one of its own in the Precision T3400. Not diminutive by any stretch of the imagination, this workhorse can be equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo or Extreme processor, up to 8GB of 800MHz EEC memory, as many as four internal hard drives, your choice of NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards, dual optical drives and a front-mounted multicard reader to boot. Dell states that the new machine is available worldwide and starts at around $1,000.
Evesham launches Cosmos family of gaming rigs
Evesham's no stranger to the gaming laptop realm, but the company is lookin' out for the desktopers too with its lineup of Cosmos gaming rigs. The standard Cosmos comes equipped with a 3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 processor, 2GB of Corsair DDR2 RAM, a 500GB SATA drive, NVIDIA's 768MB GeForce 8800 Ultra graphics card, a dual-layer DVD writer and a 24-inch widescreen monitor for good measure. The Elite system ups the ante with a 3GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 CPU, double the RAM, a pair of 500GB HDDs, and twin GeForce 8800 Ultras. Both machines come bundled with a Microsoft wireless keyboard / mouse combo and include a three-year warranty, and while you can certainly customize these things till your credit card cries uncle, they start out at £1,999 ($4,027) and £3,199 ($6,445), respectively.[Via Pocket-Lint]
HP to debut bumper crop of new Pavilions and Presarios
HP has a whole lotta' new laptops to launch, possibly at a press conference this Tuesday if Notebook Italia is on the money. The designations are a real mouthful, so brace yourself: in all, we could be looking at Pavilions numbered dv2600, d6600, dv9600, and tx1300, and new HP G7000 and HP G6000's also coming in the form of Compaq Presario F700 and F500 models. There are a crazy amount of specs here, so it's probably safe to say that there is a machine to suit your requirements. Screen sizes range from 12.1 inch with the tx1300 up to 17 inches with the dv9600, CPUs range from 1.6GHz Core Duos and 1.7GHz Athlons up to 2.2GHz Core 2 Duos and ... well, you get the point. Most notably, the new dv models include HDMI among their image output ports, with the dv2600 featuring some kind of fancy new print on the outer casing (pictured above). For a more detailed listing, check the read links below. Fortunately, spec sheets don't require translation.Read - HP G7000 and G6000 (Notebook Italia)Read - New Pavilions (Notebook Italia)
Intel adds chips, cuts prices, kills lines
Making room for all that new speed can be difficult... just ask Intel. The chipmaker has been doing some reshuffling as of late, leaving some space in its lineup for the new Penryn CPUs we're all foaming at the mouth over. First off, Intel has added the mobile-based Core 2 Extreme X7900, plus the desktop-destined, 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo T7800 and 2GHz T7250. The company has also announced its first Core 2 Solo processors, the 1.2GHz U2200 and the 1.06GHz U2100, as well as a few new Celeron M chips, in the form of the 2GHz 550 and the 1.72GHz 530. Other odds and ends showed up, like the new ULV Celeron M 523, and the dual core, 2GHz Pentium E2180. The company also cut prices on a number of existing processors by up to 40-percent, which will either make you really happy, or really sad (depending on whether or not you bought anything). Additionally, Intel announced end-of-life news for a whole batch of CPUs, including all of the Core Solo and Duo chips, with ordering availability expected to end sometime around the 31st of December. Hit the links for all the detailed nastiness.[Thanks, Jorge]Read -- Intel chops mobile CPU prices, intros Core 2 Solo lineRead -- Intel cans first-gen Core chips
Fujitsu's LOOX T70XN laptop: now in a multitude of colors
Just in case Fujitsu's colorful new line of LOOX U50XNs weren't enough for ya, the outfit is also giving a vivid facelift to its LOOX T70XN. This ultraportable sports a 10.6-inch LED-backlit display, a 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo U7600 processor, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, between 80GB and 100GB of hard drive space, and Intel's GMA950 graphics set. Moreover, this bad boy can get up to 13.8-hours of battery life when hooked up with optional cells, and connectivity shouldn't be an issue considering the built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, 56k modem, 4-pin FireWire, twin USB 2.0 sockets, multicard reader, and audio / in outs. This well-spec'd little machine can be had right now for around $2,650 depending on options, but it's the nine color choices that are likely to give you the most pause when ordering.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Dell intros 17-inch Precision M6300 laptop
If you've been waiting patiently on Dell's monster of a laptop, the 17-inch, Santa Rosa-based behemoth known as the Precision M6300, feel free to get really excited. Very soon, all of you business boys and girls will be able to get your hands on the company's new enterprise-centric laptop (a follow up to the M90), that rocks a Core 2 Duo X7900 CPU (2.8GHz with an 800MHz FSB), Nvidia's Quadro FX 1600M graphics chipset, up to 4GB of RAM, and a 120GB or 200GB hard drive. Dell also plans to make a SanDisk 32GB SSD available for the road-ready laptop, and is offering a DVD, DVD-RW, or Blu-ray writable optical drive. Of course, the M6300 has all the regular bells and whistles, like 802.11a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0, DVI, Firewire, plus a not-so-usual optional AT&T HSDPA card. You can also choose between XP, Vista, or RedHat Linux for the OS. No word on price of availability, though it appears these will be landing sometime this month.[Via DailyTech]
Intel's new vPro processors toughen up your system
According to Intel, your computer-security fears will be a thing of the distant past thanks to its latest vPro technology update. Apparently, the new safe-guarding apparatus is a combination of the company's Core 2 Duo processors and the Q35 Express chipset, in addition to several "technology innovations" that the chipmaker says will fortify business-centric systems against "software-based attacks," as well as viruses and the ominously vague "other threats." New components of the technology include Intel's Trusted Execution Technology (TXT, AKA LaGrande), which isolates assigned memory and protects it from access via unauthorized software, and improved system defense filters, which can identify a larger number of threats in network traffic. "Today, the business desktop PC just got more secure," says a company spokesperson, though for our system "protection" we're sticking to NoDoz and nunchucks.
Mouse Computer intros glossy white i-Friend desktops
Nah, it's not surprising that yet another company is tacking an "i" onto its product line and dousing each unit in glossy white, and Mouse Computer's latest lineup of desktops certainly fits the aforementioned mold. Arriving in both micro tower and slimline models, these new machines offer up a multitude of hardware options including a number of Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a dual-layer DVD writer, up to 2GB of RAM, a 15-in-1 flash card reader, and NVIDIA's 256MB GeForce 8500 GT (or the 8400GS in the slim model). Additionally, the skinnier sibling (seen after the break) can be equipped with up to 250GB of SATA hard drive space while the micro machine can house 320GB of capacity. Each model in the new i-Friend series looks to be on sale now, and prices will range from ¥79,800 ($676) to ¥129,800 ($1,100) depending on how you configure.[Via Impress]
