CoreDuo
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Lion will drop support for earliest Intel Macs
In the past two releases of Mac OS X, we've seen the baseline support for legacy machines hiked a notch higher each time; for Leopard, eliminating slower G4s from the working list, and for Snow Leopard dropping PowerPC support entirely in favor of the newer Intel models. Now, with the developer preview of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in the wild, the next frontier for obsolescence is set -- the new OS drops official support for Core Duo and Core Solo-based Intel Macs as well. We have heard from some testers that they've successfully installed and booted Lion on the older unsupported machines, but your mileage may vary. Update: Our correspondents were confused about the requirements, and in fact were using supported machines. Why the shift? Apple's not saying yet, but the machines based on these 32-bit Intel CPUs may not have the horsepower or addressable memory space to support Lion, or Apple may be pushing towards a full 64-bit OS and kernel (which might cause some issues for hardware drivers and peripherals). In any event, if you've got a first-generation Intel Mac that's more than four and a half years old, you may be staying with 10.6 Snow Leopard (or Leopard or Tiger, for that matter, if you haven't updated). Machines with the newer 64-bit Core 2 Duo and later chips are almost all good to go with the new cat in town, with one exception in this preview release; "late 2006" iMacs with Core 2 Duos are not yet supported. Keep in mind that the exact system requirements and supported models may change between now and the official release of 10.7 sometime this summer. [hat tip to ZDnet]
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
TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC reviewed, benchmarked
Just over a fortnight after the TabletKiosk's Sahara i440D Slate PC began shipping out to interested buyers, the niche machine has now been reviewed and benchmarked for those still mulling a purchase. The folks over at TabletPCReview noted that this machine was a breeze to tote around, had a solid feel, sported a satisfactory (though not awe-inspiring) display, and performed sufficiently enough for those not looking to actually replace their (likely more robust) laptop. Additionally, the pen functionality was highly praised as was the respectable array of ports, but the amount of noise and heat that this bad boy emitted was a slight turn-off. Still, the Sahara i440D benchmarked well against similar alternatives, and while we wouldn't recommend 3D gaming or motion picture rendering on it, it seems like a solid choice for those in the market. Check out a videoed extension of the review after the jump.
Windows still in 32-bit post-Vista
Calm down, first-gen Core Duo owners -- the rumors aren't true. Microsoft made some waves earlier today when Bill Laing, one of the general managers of the Windows Server division, was quoted at WinHEC saying that "Windows Server 2008 is the last 32-bit operating system (for desktops and servers) that we'll produce." While many took that "desktops and servers" part to include non-server OSes and assumed Vista was Microsoft's last 32-bit OS, Microsoft has since clarified the announcement, saying that while the future of Windows Server is indeed 64-bit only after 2008, no decision has been made about client versions of Windows, which is what most of us run. Whew. Although we've got to say we didn't really understand all the fuss -- if the next version of Windows takes as long to ship as Vista did, there aren't going to be too many 32-bit machines left anyway.[Via Slashdot]
Averatec rolls out another: the 1579 11.1-inch ultraportable
If good things always come in threes, Averatec should probably stop while it's ahead, as the forthcoming 1579 ultraportable marks the third new lappy from the company in the past couple days. Following the 6700 and 2371, this 11.1-inch machine packs a 1.06GHz Intel Core Duo U2400 processor, WXGA resolution, 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, and a flash card reader that plays nice with SD, MMC, MS, and MSPro. Additionally, users will find a VGA output, a number of USB 2.0 ports, and line in / out as well. Nothing too hard-hitting on this one, but those needing just the basics on a miniature machine can snap this one up for $1,275.99 starting May 11th.
Everex intros VR2000J and XT500J StepNote laptops
Neither of Everex's latest StepNote laptops are apt to stop the presses, but they do offer Windows Vista and all the basics for those not interested in flashy extras. Up first is the XT5000J, which chooses the 1.6GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 processor to handle the number crunching, and also packs a 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics card, 17-inch WXGA+ display, 1GB of RAM, 120GB SATA hard drive, dual-layer DVD writer, and built-in speakers with an included "subwoofer." Furthermore, you'll find Ethernet, 802.11b/g, a 56k modem, FireWire, PCMCIA, four-in-one flash card reader, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, and a paltry 2.4-hours of battery life. The lesser-spec'd VR2000J rocks a 15.4-inch WXGA display, and opts for an Intel Core Duo T2080 running at 1.73GHz. Moreover, this lappie offers up Intel's GMA950 graphics set and four hours of battery life, but other than that, most everything else mimics its sibling. The 17-incher looks to be priced at ¥129,800 ($1,087), and while the VR2000J doesn't seem to carry a price of its own, you can probably assume that it will run a few hundred less.[Via Electronista]Read - Everex XT5000JRead - Everex VR2000J
New refurb MacBooks, minis, etc. in the Apple Store
Apple has just added a few new goodies to the collection of refurbished products in the Apple Store, including several Intel Core Duo-based MacBooks, MacBook Pros, iMacs, and minis. Specific models range from the 17 inch, 2.16GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro with 1GB of RAM, 120GB HD, and SuperDrive for $1,999, to the 1.66GHz Core Duo-equipped mini with 512MB of RAM, 80GB HD, and a SuperDrive. There are some good deals to be had on older Core Duo (and even newer Core 2 Duo) systems here, with savings ranging between 18% to 33%+. Of course, all systems include the standard one year warranty, so if you're looking for to save a few bucks and don't mind having a slightly older model, this is a prime opportunity.
Kontron intros ultra-rugged 13-pound NotePAC
If you think your Toughbook or Itronix laptop is hardcore, then you haven't been formally introduced to Kontron's forthcoming NotePAC. While we've seen our fair share of rugged (and not-so-rugged) devices, this bad boy definitely ups the ante. Presumably designed to literally go through hell (and back), the nearly 13-pound beast can survive a 3-foot drop onto solid concrete, is MIL-STD 810F and IEC 529 certified for shock and vibration tolerance, and there's even an available upgrade that adds MIL-STD-461 certification for low electromagnetic radiation output, and ATEX (atmospheric explosives) certification "for use in areas where the slightest spark could prove deadly." Besides the tank-like armor surrounding it, it holds a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo T2300 processor within, accompanied by up to 2GB of DDR RAM, a 12.1- or 14.1- touchscreen LCD, removable 80 GB / 120GB SATA hard drives (mounted in shock absorbing, sealed cartridges, no less), and a hard disc heater that keeps your platters spinning down to minus 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you'll find twin PCMCIA slots, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, VGA output, and a myriad of connectivity options that include UMTS, GSM, GPRS, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Notably, the system has been "fully validated" under Windows XP, but can also be ordered sans an OS if users wish to install Linux, and the company's own product manager stated that Kontron had already tested SUSE Linux and found that it "ran well" under the circumstances. Though we've no idea how much coinage this uber-tough NotePAC will demand, it'll be available to customize starting next month.
Systemax's Pursuit: sub-$1,000 Merom action
One of the best things about the new Core 2 Duo fad is that the majority of manufacturers who previously sold laptops with Core Duo chips have upgraded their models with little or no increase in price. The latest company to upgrade without upping prices is Systemax, which is about to endow its low-cost Pursuit laptops with Core 2 Duo processors and a new slim design. The new configuration features the same 15.4-inch widescreen LCD, 1GB of RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, 1.3 megapixel webcam, and DVD burner as its predecessor, but adds a 1.66GHz Merom processor to give an estimated 20% performance increase over the 1.6GHz Core Duo model. Retaining the price of the old model, the newly-speced Pursuit will be priced at $999.99, although we're not too optimistic that the old model's $200 mail-in rebate will stick around.
TUAW Mythbusting: Core 2 Duo with 3GB RAM slower than with 2GB?
Does a 3GB RAM configuration break the Core 2 Duo's dual channel requirements? Does it lower performance below what you'd get with 2GB RAM? Blogger Dino over at ip0d.com has been on the case but hasn't gotten any clear answers one way or the other. So TUAW is tossing this one out to you myth-busting readers. What's the deal here? Is this fact or fiction? Will a 3GB system run slower or not?
Elgato unveils dual-tuner EyeTV Diversity USB stick in the UK
If you didn't bite when Elgato released its pocket-friendly EyeTV Hybrid, you may be interested in its supercharged successor, the EyeTV Diversity. The USB 2.0 stick makes for easy travel, and this rendition sports dual attachable antennas and a DSP, "which uses information from both tuners to generate the best signal possible." Designed to work with DTT / DVB-T signals, the device supports dual tuner functionality, PIP, scheduled recordings via the included EveTV 2 software, and a one-year subscription to the "tvtv" program guide. It touts seamless integration with Toast 7, and even provides easy converting for use on video-playing iPods. The company also notes that 1080i and 720p viewing / recording is possible on Macs housing "dual PowerPC G5 or Intel Core Duo" processors, and the dual-tuner USB stick can be picked up now on the other side of the pond for €149.95 ($191).[Via digg]
Apple's Mac mini Core Duo reviewed
While rumors were a swirlin' in the days leading up to Apple's "It's Showtime" event, one thing we didn't exactly forecast was a refresh in the Mac mini lineup. Nevertheless, Apple bumped its most minuscule Macs by tossing in Intel Core Duo processors, while leaving just about everything else (including price points) the same. In case you've been dreaming up a homegrown media center or recording studio, and need to know if the revamped mini would fit the bill, Macworld's review crew has the scoop. Reviewers admired the inclusion of Core Duo chips in both high and low-end models, the built-in WiFi / Bluetooth, and the "admirable" Front Row performance. Aside from praising the small footprint (and the "impressive versatility" it allowed), they found the "10 to 15 percent" performance boost quite helpful in the typical media center related tasks, but (as expected) didn't hesitate to slam the weak integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics set. Overall, the speedier new Mac earned a 4 out of 5 ranking, and was deemed an "excellent, fully-featured system" -- so be sure and hit the read link for the complete critique on the this maxed-out mini.
LG C1 Tablet PC spotted in the wild?
LG last wowed us with its ever-so-delicious Chocolate phone (and then that newer Black Sapphire), but for you folks of the PC persuasion who've been feeling a little left out, we've got something to whet your appetite too. We've just been alerted to the new LG C1 tablet PC, spotted in the jungles of the internet -- and no, it's not that other C1. Details are skimpy for now, but TabletPCReview is saying -- unconfirmed of course -- that she'll be packin' an Intel Core Duo proc along with a nVIDIA graphics card, as well as a free pack of Pall Malls with every purchase. If from the photos you're thinking the C1's case looks an awful lot like the LG T1, well, you read our minds exactly. Furthermore, we can spot a SIM card door on the underside (see pic after the break) so you can get your EDGE on -- you know, for those few remote outposts left in the world that haven't discovered WiFi yet. Naturally, though, we'd love to be totally blown away with some HSDPA action instead of that weak sauce EDGE, but hey, that's what expansion slots are for.[Via TabletPCReview.com]
HP Compaq's tc4400 tablet PC joins the Merom crowd
If you thought the bevy of Merom-based laptops coming at you had finally stalled, well, maybe it has -- but HP Compaq's tc4000 tablet PC has arrived (albeit fashionably late) with spec-bumped innards that include an Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz T5600 processor. Aside from the Merom boost, this convertible also packs 512MB of DDR2 RAM, a 12.1-inch XGA display, 5,400RPM 80GB hard drive, 56k modem, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g, biometric fingerprint sensor, and a 6-cell battery. It comes fully prepared for that stylus abuse thanks to the included Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005, and sports the usual complement of ports: VGA out, S-Video out, microphone in, headphone jack, IR, and a trio of USB 2.0 connectors. If you've somehow held out on those Merom-powered laptops and just can't resist the allure of taking notes on an LCD, the tc4400 is available now for $1,479.[Via Laptoping]
Apple spec bumps iMacs, minis, adds 24-inch iMac
Well done, Steve, you've surprised us yet again. While we were sitting around bracing for another day filled with Apple rumors (e.g. "OMG! What's he gonna announce on the 12th? iPhone!!!!), Cupertino has gone and released some actual products today, including upgrades to the entire lineup of iMacs and minis. Most exciting, perhaps, is the all-new 24-inch iMac (we were all looking out for a 23-incher), complete with a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 1GB of RAM, 250GB HDD capacity, FireWire 800, and some of that sweet nVIDIA GeForce action in the form of a 128MB 7300GT graphics chipset. Besides the 24-incher, both the 17-inch and 20-inch models now come with Core 2 Duo standard (ranging from 1.83GHz to 2.16GHz), 160GB or 250GB worth of hard drive space, 512MB or 1GB of RAM, 8x dual-layer SuperDrive, and ATI Radeon X1600 graphics (except for the low-end 17-incher, which sports integrated graphics and just a 24x Combo drive, plus no bundled remote or Bluetooth 2.0). As for the minis, they're all part of the dual core family now as well, featuring 1.66GHz or 1.83GHz Core Duo CPUs, 512MB of RAM (2GB max), up to 160GB of hard drive capacity, either a Combo drive or a SuperDrive, but still just integrated graphics. Available immediately from Apple online or retail, pricing on the new models is as follows: $999 for the 1.83GHz 17-inch iMac, $1,199 for the 2.0GHz 17-incher, $1,499 for 20 inches of iMac goodness, and $1,999 for the 24-inch monster, while the minis start at $599 and $799, respectively, depending on the processor. So now the big question is: what IS going to be announced at the "It's Showtime" event? Damn, guess we're in for another week of rumors after all...Read - iMacRead - mini[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Fujitsu Siemens kits up with football club crested laptops
Custom laptop designs are a dime a dozen these days, with everything from fast car logos to glorious "Pink Feather" designs being stamped onto the back of LCDs in an attempt to draw the eyes of punters looking for a new lappie. The latest custom job on the market is Fujitsu Siemens' team of soccer themed laptops which don the colors and crests of four different UK clubs: Celtic, Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur, to be precise. Under the soccer shirts, the laptops are Amilo 1536 models featuring 1280 x 800 15-inch displays powered by a 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 graphics adapter. Dig a little deeper and you'll find a 1.83GHz Core Duo processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, and a roomy 120GB 5400RPM SATA drive. Not quite striker material, we know, but the £1000 (plus three year warranty) price tag ain't too shabby considering the bundled paint job. Fujitsu Siemens is promising other clubs will join the line-up to celebrate the recent start of the Premiership season, although don't expect any teams with notable rivalries to be released at the same time. If you follow English football, you'll notice that the first four club themed laptops are a rather disparate lot: there's no Liverpool to go with Everton, no Rangers to go with Celtic, and so on. These guys obviously know how to manage their laptop teams without starting a football riot.[Via Reg Hardware]
Check your PC for Blu-ray & HD DVD compatibility
We understand if you're just a bit confused about Blu-ray and HD DVD playback on your PC. Forgetting unreleased operating systems for the moment, if you want to check your current Windows XP PC for compatibility and get more information on what you can expect from next gen discs, Cyberlink has a FAQ up and also an automated tool for you to download and run, that will let you know if your computer is HD DVD and/or Blu-ray-ready. While the specs aren't guaranteed yet, it is obvious that on top of HDCP for any digital outputs, compatible disc player and plenty of memory, they think you'll need either a Intel Core Duo, Pentium EE/D or AMD Athlon 64 processor and plenty of memory to power those next-gen codecs without a problem. You'll also need a recent graphics card from ATI or NVIDA, PureVideo HD support should ensure the power necessary. As you can see from the picture above, this PC is going to need quite a bit of work, maybe revision two will include an automatic calculator to figure out the cost of the necessary upgrades.[Via CDRinfo]
Sony's iMac-like Vaio VGC-LS1 announced, reviewed
Back in our former lives as sales drones for the big box retailers, we used to cram all our computing gear onto the coffee table, because, well, we couldn't afford a proper desk. We sure wish Sony had been around back then with its all-in-one Vaio VGC-LS1 Media Center desktop, which like the latest generation of iMacs, packs all of the PC components neatly in and around a flat-panel LCD. First appearing in Japan several months ago, the LS1 will finally make it stateside come September, and PC Mag finds the Core Duo-equipped multimedia powerhouse to be a worthy adversary for similar machines from Apple (a wireless keyboard and mouse come standard here) and especially Gateway (its horribly-designed Profile 6 isn't even fit for public display). The LS1 improves upon Sony's previous all-in-one offering, the VA11G, by getting rid of the hardware at the base of the display as well adding ExpressCard and SD slots -- though you still have to deal with an unsightly appendage in the form of a tethered USB IR receiver dongle. The built in TV tuner, dual-layer DVD burner, and 250GB hard drive make this model sound perfect for college students or as a bedroom PC, but the main drawback lies in its lack of HD support: not only is it missing a Blu-ray drive, you're not getting a single HDMI, DVI, or component input for filling that 19-inch, 1,680 x 1,050 screen with high definition goodness. Overall, though, the $2,100 machine comes across as a pretty capable performer with an eye-catching design and only a few, mostly minor drawbacks -- meaning that we would have been proud to give it a home in our dingy little studio apartment.Read- LS1 announcementRead- PCMag review
Asus W7J 13.3-inch Core Duo notebook reviewed
While more than a few portables have gone the Core Duo way, the Asus W7J intrigued us a few months back thanks to its dedicated GeForce 7400 Go graphics, very respectable pricetag, and gigantic stickers on the palmrests. The 13.3-inch lightweight notebook has finally come to fruition, and although the specs on PC Perspective's test unit were a bit tamer than we originally hoped, it still proved to be a solid performer. The unit was highly praised for combining the graphics of a gamer-centric laptop (albeit a mid-level one) with the mobility of an ultraportable, all while throwing in a "superb user experience" to boot. Every aspect of the W7J was said to be "polished," and niceties such as the firm, responsive keyboard, plethora of wireless options, integrated webcam / microphone, and the above average 1.83GHz Core Duo CPU and 1GB of RAM that comes standard were regarded quite highly. The biggest digs came from the puny speakers, uninspiring battery life (about 2.5 hours), and the uncomfortable amount of heat this little guy emitted; particularly when taxing that dedicated GPU, it was recommended to stay away from "soft surfaces" to keep the excessive heat from marring your carpet, or worse, starting a blaze. Overall, the laptop performed very well (considering the size limitations), and was recommended to "business users and students" looking for a small footprint and the occasional fragfest -- if that's you they're talking about, the nimble (yet toasty) W7J can be snapped up now for a very modest $1,498.
