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How would you change HP's Envy Spectre XT?
We've always prided ourselves on having a crack team of laptop reviewers, who run the rule over almost every mobile computer available. One that earned a measure of praise was HP's Envy Spectre XT, which addressed plenty of our complaints that we'd lodged against the original Envy 14 Spectre. The only things that remained stuck in our collective craw were the unimpressive battery life and poor audio, but otherwise it received a clean bill of health from us. But now that you've had some time to spend with this hardware, you can share with us what it's been like to live with it on a daily basis. So why not come on down to our forum and dish the dirt?
Telecom New Zealand pulling plug on its CDMA network in 2012
It's a bit early to sound CDMA's death knell, but this is definitely an interesting development: New Zealand's Telecom NZ is getting ready to switch off its legacy CDMA network just a year after turning on its HSPA-based one. It gets even crazier, though, because although CDMA will go dark in 2012, EV-DO service will actually be turned off before that on November 30 of this year. That's an extremely rapid transition that's presumably being egged on by the carrier's desire to free up spectrum for next-gen services, but we can't even imagine the kind of chaos you'd see if Verizon or Sprint did that -- or Canada's Bell or Telus, for that matter, both of which actually have recently added HSPA networks to their footprints. Let's hope Telecom makes it as painless as possible for legacy customers to migrate, eh?
Canon EOS Rebel XT spits in gravity's face, survives 3,000-foot drop?
Picture this: you're a skydive instructor with a makeshift helmet apparatus for taking stills and video of your feats. Suddenly, about 3,000 feet from above the ground, your photography mount decides to take its own flight pattern and sets off without you. That apparently happened to a friend of FredMiranda forum member Calin Leucuta, who calculates the velocity at impact was approximately 100 miles per hour. After a 15- to 20-minute search after landing, the video camera was found to be without saving... but the Canon Rebel XT for still was still functional despite a crack in the body and some jerkiness with the zoom lens. We're still hesitant to take it at face value -- it's a pretty wild and impressive tale, after all -- but video is reportedly on the way and we'd definitely like to see that footage remove all lingering doubt from our minds. More pics of the aftermath past the read link.
Seagate 2TB Barracuda XT: world's first SATA 6Gbps hard drive
Ready for this speed freaks? Seagate just announced the world's first 2TB disk with full support for the third generation SATA interface pushing data at 6Gbps -- double the rate of previous controllers. The 3.5-inch SATA 6Gbps Barracuda XT drive spins 4x 500GB platters at 7200RPM with a big 64MB cache to prevent bottlenecks. It promises a sustained transfer rate of just 140MBps (compared to 600MBps / 4.8Gbps possible), MTBF of 750,000 hours, and carries a five-year warranty. The disk hits retail this week for about $299 list. Then you'll just need to find SATA 6G controller / MoBo to make the most of your new purchase -- fortunately, SATA 6Gbps is backward compatible with SATA 1.5Gbps or 3Gbps rigs until then.%Gallery-73607% Show full PR text [Via TG Daily]
Telecom New Zealand, Vodafone kiss and make up; XT network to be delayed a bit
Looks like Telecom New Zealand was fully prepared to fold like a bad poker hand the moment Vodafone put on the pressure, because they've quickly agreed to delay the launch of their shiny new HSPA network with the thread of legal action looming. The so-called XT network will no longer be lighting up May 13 as promised; instead, they'll be looking to launch it toward the end of the month as Telecom resolves "technical issues" that are threatening to interfere with Voda's preexisting airwaves. At the end of the day, we think this probably works out best for Vodafone customers, Telecom customers, and those darling little kiwis (the birds, not the people) -- so hang tight; you'll all be blazing along on your Samsung F480s soon enough.[Thanks, Steve L. and Aarun]
Telecom New Zealand lighting up 3G network on May 13
It's not terribly often that a carrier beats a planned launch date for a major product -- let alone an entire new network -- so Telecom New Zealand's XT has already earned a special place in our hearts. Originally settling on a June go-live window, Telecom has now bumped up the date to May 13 midway through a NZ$574 million (about $325.5 million) investment to build out 3G services, which includes face time by Top Gear personality Richard Hammond (pictured) -- though they must be pretty far along in that investment effort, considering the CEO's claim that the entire country will be live on day one. Launch devices will include Samsung's venerable F480, paired up with planned July availability for the 8.1 megapixel W995 from Sony Ericsson. Look out, Vodafone -- these guys look like they mean business. [Thanks, Ray]
Latitude XT free multi-touch update now available
Hey Dell Latitude XT owners -- multi-touch is now yours. The 15MB update announced Monday is available to download for 32- and 64-bit Vista or Windows XP tablet users. Direct2Dell even posted a video hosted by a real live Texan to walk owners though the installation and calibration process. Yeehaw!
Dell Latitude XT tablet unboxing
Since some of you have apparently been waiting on Dell to make a tablet PC for well over three years now, we imagine that the first unboxing of the company's Latitude XT convertible will be welcome eye-candy to the true believers. With dual input methods (finger or pen), integrated 802.11n, and optional SSD and WWAN, this model definitely delivers on a number of fronts, though the relatively low resolution and high price may be too much for some to bear. Check out another shot after the break, and then hit up the Read link for the full ritual over at I Started Something.
How would you change Dell's Latitude XT?
Much like the long-awaited XPS m1330, Dell's fancy fresh Latitude XT didn't come quick nor cheap. Nevertheless, the previously mythical convertible tablet is finally here and shipping out to consumers -- or, ones that are willing to pay the premium, we suppose. Sure, the XT is packed with all sorts of simplistic sexiness, not to mention the mighty impressive list of specifications, but Dell didn't seem to mind much that bargain hunters would be looking elsewhere when it priced this thing to start at $2,499. So, now that no one can jump on the Round Rock powerhouse for making a promise it couldn't keep, how's about keeping it honest with a few suggestions for the next iteration? Maybe toss in a little multi-touch action (as in, for realz)? Spice it up with a few color options? What about an optional panel with a resolution higher than WXGA? C'mon, with something this expensive, we're sure there's plenty of room for improvement -- after all, it's not like there's a price ceiling (glass or otherwise) that we've got to mind here. Oh, and for those who've actually had the pleasure of owning one, your input is particular coveted.
Dell Latitude XT manual appears online, tablet still MIA
We've been hearing that Dell's latest tablet, the Latitude XT, was supposed to hit this week, but here we are with nary a peep -- except for the shockingly uninteresting 245-page user manual that's just popped up on Dell's site. In addition to detailing such revolutionary features as the AC power adapter, wireless on / off switch, and keyboard status lights, it's also got one more nugget of info: it looks like Dell will be shipping a Core Solo version, which should make for scintillating performance when paired up with the integrated AMD RS600 graphics on this thing. Apart from that, it looks like those specs we saw a couple weeks ago were right on the money, so only the hardest of the hardcore need hit the read link to snag the entire PDF.[Thanks, Adam]
Dell Latitude XT tablet specs leak out
We already knew quite a bit about the Latitude XT multitouch tablet, but it looks like a complete spec sheet just leaked out and now we've got the hard details we crave. The 12.1-inch tablet will rock a 1.2GHz U7600 ultra-low-voltage Core 2 Duo processor, ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics with 256MB of memory, 1GB of RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth and a range of WWAN options, and sport both SD and ExpressCard slots. An integrated media bay can accept either an optional secondary 80GB hard drive or a dual-layer burner, and Dell will preload various versions of Vista and XP Tablet Edition on the unit. Of course, there's still no word on when we might see these, but hopefully it'll be soon.[Thanks, Jay]
Dell continues to extol Latitude XT by pulverizing rivals
While we patiently await Dell's highly-touted gift to the tablet PC universe, the marketing crew has apparently decided that obliterating yet another rival machine will keep the buzz alive until this thing actually launches. This go 'round, a team gathers around a blindfolded individual who takes his frustrations out on a piñata, er, tablet PC, and does a fine job of making sure it never boots up the same way again. Per usual, the video of the massacre is after the break, but we're still not sure what all it proves about Dell's forthcoming solution.[Via GottaBeMobile]
Dell promotes Latitude XT tablet by sawing another in half
These days, you better bring your A-game when promoting a product in an already (somewhat) saturated market, and Dell has certainly given it its best shot with a recent Latitude XT promo. The video showcases a gentlemen who is apparently fed up with his other tablet and the incomprehensible grief it has caused him, and rather than selling it to another poor sap and waiting it out for Dell's forthcoming alternative, he takes matters into his own hands. Needless to say, the poor machine didn't stand a chance against a mighty electrical saw, and while we highly doubt the impending Latitude tablet could either, it's a comical watch nonetheless. Check it out after the break.[Via GottaBeMobile]
Segway launches two new models: the i2 and x2
As rumored, Segway is launching two new versions of their still-looks-nerdy-as-ever two wheel Human Transporter. The biggest update is the new "LeanSteer" system that does away the clunky grip-based control for turning, and now allows for leaning into turns in much the same way as leaning forward and back controls speed. Segway is also packing in a new wireless "InfoKey" controller (the Bluetooth HT-V1A unit we recently saw get by the FCC) that operates as a monitor for battery level, seed and distance, and also acts as extra security for your Segway. When mounted on your Segway, the InfoKey acts as a normal "dashboard" display. Finally, along with extensive redesign of the entire unit, Segway has added those "Saphion" lithium-ion batteries -- first featured in the XT and i180 -- which manage 24 miles on regular terrain with the i2, and go for 12 miles offroad with the x2, but both devices still "speed" along at the traditional 12.5 mph. You can nab the i2 now for $5,000, or wait around for the x2 which will be out in September. Segway will also be releasing other versions of their second-generation scooter, such as a new golf-centric model, with all six total version due by the end of the year.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - Segway i2Read - Segway x2
DIY cable release and serial cable for Canon Digital Rebel
While DSLR prices are dropping, the prices for accessories are not, so the folks over at Make have come up with a way to make a cable release and serial-port cable out of electronics you might already have laying around. The cable release, which helps to prevent camera-shake during long-exposures, requires a 2.5-mm stereo phone plug, some flexible wire and a switch. The serial-port cable, which allows you to make "bulb" exposures with the Remote Capture software included with the camera, requires a few more parts and some coding knowledge, but the reward could be well worth the effort for astrophotographers or people who want more cred at the next Maker Faire.[Via Make: Blog]
