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NVIDIA's GeForce Experience gaming tune-up reaches open beta
NVIDIA wants to take the mystery out of gaming performance through its GeForce Experience. It's been hard to appreciate that when the app has been in closed testing for well over a month, however -- so it's good news that the company just recently opened the beta program to everyone. Along with bringing faster and better-looking graphics to the PC gaming masses, the public version widens the optimizations to include Core 2 processors, 2,560 x 1,440 displays and games like Far Cry 3 and Mechwarrior Online. There's no word yet on when the app will reach its finished form, although we hope it's sooner rather than later when Project Shield's remote PC game streaming will depend on GeForce Experience to run. For now, players running Windows can grab the beta at the source link.
HP slashes Envy 13 price to $999 with $450 rebate
First it was the Adamo, now it's the Envy. HP has joined Dell in deeply discounting its aging 13-inch ultrathin, though unlike its Round Rock competitor, it hasn't bothered to give it any spec bumps. Consequently, even with this interest-building $450 rebate, the Envy 13 loses out to the Adamo 13 in a straight spec fight -- a 1.6GHz CPU, 3GB of DDR3 RAM and a 5400RPM hard drive are all either slower or smaller than Dell's offering -- but it does still have a pair of aces up its sleeve to get latecomers to part with their cash. Those include an external SuperMulti DVD rewriter and a discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 GPU with 512MB of dedicated memory. Sure, it's not much, but then neither is the new price.
Dell's Adamo 13 ultraportable slips to $899, gets a spec bump
It's been awhile since we've heard any news from the Adamo camp, but for those looking to blow a bit of that Santa cash on something thin and light, the timing here couldn't possibly be better. Nearly 1.5 years after the 13-inch ultraportable was let loose -- for $1,999 and up, no less -- a new low-cost configuration has emerged at Dell's website. These days, $899 gets you a 0.65-inch thick machine, complete with a 13.4-inch WLED display (1366 x 768 resolution), 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo SL9600 processor, a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium and 4GB of DDR3-800 memory. You'll also get a 128GB SSD, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and a 40 WHr Lithium Polymer battery, and if you're down for spending a bit more, you can grab an internal mobile broadband module as well. Or, you know, you could wait and see what kind of treasures CES brings. Your call.
Apple introduces 11.6-inch MacBook Air, available today for $999
Hoo boy, our tipster was spot on with this one, Apple's adding an 11.6-inch sibling to its newly redesigned 13.3-inch MacBook Air. It'll have a dual-core 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU (upgradeable to 1.6GHz on the more expensive model), 1366 x 768 resolution, and a $999 starting price for the 64GB SSD model, with the 128GB version setting you back $1,199. It carries over the aluminum unibody construction from the 13-incher, along with the same 2GB or 4GB DDR3 RAM options and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics, but has to settle for a briefer 5-hour battery life. Full PR and Apple's first ad for this new hotness both await after the break.%Gallery-105542% Update: We've got our very first hands-on pictures with the new machine. Enjoy!
MSI WindBox III gets a bit more oomph, still lives on your LCD
If your current WindBox is growing a bit long in the tooth, MSI has a newcomer with somewhat more respectable internals. Since it's a fanless machine designed to live on the rear of your LCD, you won't be ordering one with a Core i7, but the included Core 2 Duo chip is certainly a step above what's been offered in the past. It's designed primarily to be used as an ultra-low power solution for folks needing to handle the simplest of simple tasks, though the integrated graphics are purportedly capable of HD playback (on a good day). It's packing DVI, VGA and HDMI outputs, six USB 2.0 sockets, a pair of mini-PCIe slots, inbuilt 802.11b/g/n WiFi and a Bluetooth module, but your guess is as good as ours when it comes to price or availability.
ASUS Eee Pad official: Intel CULV processors, Windows 7, and a 10-hour battery life
Computex is really starting to ramp up now, as ASUS has taken the covers off its brand new Eee Pads. Of most interest will be the 12-inch EP121, which sports Intel's Core 2 Duo CULV processors, Windows 7, and a reputed 10-hour battery life. Sort of like a laptop sans the keyboard, you might say, which is probably why ASUS is also touting a "hybrid" dock/keyboard solution for those times when you want some more tactile feedback to your typing. The Eee Pad will also include an integrated webcam and at least one USB port. A 10-inch EP101TC is being announced today as well, though its specs are less detailed and it's set to run Windows Embedded Compact 7 -- you can see it after the break, along with the full PR. We'll be doing our best to bring you hands-on pics and video shortly. Update: ASUS has given us a $399 to $499 price range for the Eee Pads, but don't start salivating just yet. We were also told that the Eee Pad won't be out until the first quarter of 2011. Update 2: As promised, we've now got a preview of both devices, which you'll find right here.%Gallery-93952%
Acer launches 11.6-inch Aspire Timeline 1825PT netvertible
If you've suddenly found yourself torn between a tablet and netbook, Acer wants you to know you're not alone. It also wants you to know there are options, one of which would benefit said company's bottom line should you choose to accept. The new Aspire Timeline 1825PT is an 11.6-inch netvertible at heart, boasting a swivel-screen multitouch panel (1,366 x 768 resolution), up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 1.3GHz Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor, integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics, HDMI / VGA outputs, a 250GB or 320GB hard drive, integrated media card slot, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, a VGA webcam, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, gigabit Ethernet and a 6-cell battery that can reportedly last up to eight solid hours under ideal conditions (read: no chance). There's even a multitouch trackpad and gobs of bloatware to really cap things off, with color options including diamond black, sapphire blue and ruby red -- all of which sound seductively awesome. A 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium gets you going, but it'll take at least £599.99 ($886) to get one headed your way.
MacBook refresh gets official with 10-hour battery
Weird, but there it is, the leaked MacBook refresh is now official, on Tuesday, just as we thought. The 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo refresh with NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics and longer 10-hour battery life (up from 7 hours) is sitting up, nice and pretty on Apple's very own store in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Germany, and a few other sites. It's still $999 making it a better deal for the moment than the similarly spec'd 13-inch MacBook Pro listing for $1,199. Expect it to go global shortly. A few more screengrabs after the break as Apple gets its house in order. Update: It's live for purchase in the US, as well as the US education store (starts at $950). Ships within 24 hours, too. [Thanks, Jose and Peter]
Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video)
We're not sure what's going on in Vietnam these days but it's suddenly a hot bed for industry leaks. Perhaps it's due to manufacturers expanding from China to Vietnam's relatively cheap (but limited) labor pool? Or maybe it's because the kids at Tinhte are just resourceful as hell? Whatever it is, they've just scooped themselves what appears to be an unannounced MacBook update (identifying itself as a MacBook7,1) that includes a faster 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (up from 2.26GHz) and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM (an update from the GeForce 9400M found in the current MacBook6,1) -- right, the same CPU and GPU as the entry level 13-inch MacBook Pro but for only $999 (assuming Apple maintains the same entry-level pricing). These minor bumps aren't enough to warrant a model change, however, as we're still seeing "Model No: A1342" stamped on the box. Of course, this could be an elaborate hoax, but Tinhte has an impressive track record and these MacBook specs are right in line with what we'd expect since the white MacBook was last updated in October 2009. No word on when we'll see these announced but it's gotta be soon -- Tuesday perhaps, with a refreshed MacBook Air if we're lucky. Video unboxing after the break and plenty of pics for Zaprudering at the source link below.
Lenovo ThinkCentre A70z review
The hallowed Think branding finally spread out to the land of AIOs earlier this year and we just had to wrap our paws around some of that signature matte black plastic to see what's what. The ThinkCentre A70z represents Lenovo's most direct assault on the eco-conscious office manager's checkbook, coming as it does with minimal packaging, built out of recycled and recyclable materials, and significant energy savings relative to orthodox desktops. In our time with it, we found the A70z to be a well built and capable little rig, but the question you most probably want answered is whether the premium branding we associate with the tank-like ThinkPads can be trusted to deliver a similar superiority in hardware and construction in the all-in-one arena. Click past the break for the answer.%Gallery-88173%
Alienware M11x review
We've been itching to get our hands on the Alienware M11x ever since we first saw it at CES -- it's one of the most interesting riffs on the thin-and-light we've seen in a long time. Sure, it's compact, but inside it's got a ULV Core 2 Duo paired with a switchable NVIDIA GT335M GPU, making it one of the most powerful small laptops on the market. But power never comes cheap: the M11x starts at $799, and our tester model equipped with an upgraded 1.3GHz SU7300 Core 2 Duo and 4GB of RAM clocks in at $949. That's pricey, but potentially worth it if you're a serious gamer on the go. You know we had to test one and find out -- let's see if the M11x can back up those looks with performance. Special thanks to our new favorite reader Joe Kelly, who loaned us his M11x for this review! %Gallery-86247%
Dell Adamo falls to under $1,000 for the first time, tempts you mercilessly
You know what's hard to resist? This. You know what else is difficult to turn a blind eye to? One of the sexiest machines Dell has ever made, at a price point that's below the all-important four figure mark. Starting today, the Adamo Admire is sporting an altogether sultry base price of $999, which nets you a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, Windows 7 Home (64-bit), 2GB of DDR3 RAM and a 128GB solid state drive. If that's a little weak for your tastes, the upmarket Adamo Desire has also undergone a price reduction, enabling you to get a 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo chip, 4GB of memory, integrated mobile broadband and a 256GB SSD for $1,799 -- a full $500 less than it was in October. You're blowing it off like you just don't care, but you know you'll be back to visit that Source link when no one's looking. And the video after the jump, too. [Thanks, Ben and Ryan]
ViewSonic blitzes CES: HDTVs, nettops, PMPs, laptops and more
You wouldn't generally think of a smaller outfit such as ViewSonic having a major presence here at CES, but sure enough, the company has hit the ground blazing in Las Vegas. Kicking things off is the new ViewLED TV lineup, which consists of four LED-backlit sets ranging from 19- ($299) to 42-inches ($1,199) in size. Moving from HDTVs to PC panels, we've got ten new Eco-View monitors spanning the entire gamut of sizes and features. The company is also letting loose its VFP858 connected Bluetooth smart frame, which packs an 8-inch panel, an integrated microphone, stereo speakers and support for handsfree dialing... all from a digiframe. For media junkies on the run, the new line of MovieBooks (including the 5-inch VPD550T and 3-inch VPD313T) both sport touch-sensitive displays and sub-$150 price tags. Finally, we've got no fewer than nine new laptop and desktop models, including the 13.3-inch VNB131 ViewBook Pro, 18.5-inch VPC190 all-in-one and the VOT125 nettop. Obviously we've got far too many pricing, availability and hardware details to cover in this space, but all the information you could ever want on the new kit is hosted up after the break. %Gallery-81339%
ASUS UL30Vt-A1 pops up on Amazon for pre-order: silver, 5600mAh battery, $849
ASUS' UL30Vt-X1 was largely hailed as the CULV machine to get when it finally went on sale just a few weeks back, and it has a Core 2 Duo CPU alongside a switchable graphics solution to thank. Still, the main two gripes on it were the inability to choose a color and the (comparatively) lackluster battery. Thankfully for those who managed to hold off, ASUS has quietly pushed its UL30Vt-A1 onto Amazon's pages, complete with a silver paint job, a capacious 5,600mAh battery (good for "up to 12 hours" of usage) and an asking price that's $50 higher than the X1. All other specs have seemingly remained constant, from the 1.3GHz Intel SU7300 CPU to the 4GB of DDR3 RAM to the 500GB hard drive. You'll also get a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium and an NVIDIA G210M (512MB) + GMA 4500MHD GPU setup, but there's no telling when your order will actually ship. Here's hoping for sooner rather than later, yeah? [Thanks, Paul]
MSI Wind Top AE2220 unboxing and impressions
In the land of netbooks and nettops, the tried-and-true all-in-one PC still has a place in this world yet. MSI is living proof of that, with its 21.5-inch Wind Top AE2220 bringing Windows 7, multitouch and an eye-pleasing design to the collective masses. Said machine just started shipping to consumers at the tail end of last month, and we've been fortunate enough to spend a few weeks tinkering with one of the most cost effective AIO options on the market right now. Thankfully for those who enjoy doing anything with relative speed, MSI overlooked the Atom range and went straight for the Core 2 Duo lineup, and for those with a bit of extra coin to spend, there's even an optional TV tuner and Blu-ray drive. Care to see how we felt about this touch-friendly rig after some extended play time? Read on to find out. %Gallery-81063%
MSI slides out 13.4-inch X-Slim X350 CULV laptop
MSI has been quite the snake of late. Just over the past fortnight alone the outfit has slyly rolled out a new Wind Top all-in-one PC, a revamped X-Slim X600 Pro and now a brand new CULV rig that promises up to 9 hours of battery life and weighs just 3.31 pounds. The 13.4-inch X-Slim X350 doesn't deviate from the design mantra established in earlier X-Slim models, and within you'll find an Intel CULV Core 2 Duo processor, a 'chiclet' keyboard, LED-backlit 1,366 x 768 resolution display, an integrated HDMI socket, GMA 4500MHD graphics set, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, gigabit Ethernet, optional Bluetooth, WiFi, an SD / MMC card reader, audio in / out, a couple of USB 2.0 sockets and Windows 7 Home Premium runnin' the show. There's also an optional external optical drive available (DVD or Blu-ray), your choice of a 4- or 8-cell battery, VGA output and a pair of inbuilt speakers. Mum's the word on pricing and availability, but we suspect the firm will be showcasing this shortly when CES kicks off.
Dell Vostro 1015 now on sale in America: starts at $429
Wait a second -- a business-centric laptop... with style? Dell's 15.6-inch Vostro 1015, which was announced alongside the still-unavailable (in the US, anyway) Vostro 1014 and Vostro 1088 back in August, has just emerged for purchase, and the relatively attractive case and low starting price definitely has our attention. Granted, the $429 base model gets saddled with a 2.2GHz Celeron 900 processor, but $629 buys you a 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T6670, Windows 7 Professional, 3GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB (5400RPM) hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 2 megapixel webcam, integrated WiFi, GMA 4500MHD graphics and a 6-cell battery. Anyone down for stroking their inner suit? [Thanks, Peter]
Ask TUAW: iMac processor upgrade, 27" iMac as display, wireless input devices, and more
Happy holiday, and welcome back to Ask TUAW, our weekly troubleshooting Q&A column. This week we've got questions about upgrading an iMac processor, using the 27" iMac as a display, sharing a Magic Mouse and Bluetooth keyboard with a Linux machine, and more. As always, your suggestions and questions are welcome. Leave your questions for next week in the comments section at the end of this post. When asking a question, please include which machine you're using and what version of Mac OS X is installed on it (we'll assume you're running Snow Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions.
AOpen's Ion-powered XC Mini GP7A-HD puts the 'choice' in 'nettop'
There's a decent chance you North Americans in attendance won't ever see the likes of AOpen's XC Mini GP7A-HD, but for those in places where having a say on what innards are shoved into their next nettop (we're lookin' at you, Japan), this mini PC is apposite to fill quite the void. Boasting only a small frame, NVIDIA's Ion graphics technology and space for a multicard reader, it's up to the buyer to slap in a Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD and a DVD burner or Blu-ray drive. You'll also find six USB 2.0 sockets, an HDMI port and a VGA output, and while gigabit Ethernet is included, it looks as if the WiFi module is on you. Mum's the word on pricing, but we're guessing it'll be as close to nothing as NVIDIA will allow.
Dell's Adamo XPS now on sale starting at $1,799
Dell's slimmest laptop ever still isn't shipping out to eager consumers, but at least the Win7-packin' Adamo XPS is now configurable over on the outfit's website. The base $1,799 configuration includes a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo SU9400 CPU, a 128GB solid state drive, 13.4-inch WLED panel, 2 megapixel camera, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, GS45 integrated graphics, WiFi and a USB Ethernet adapter. Unfortunately, hardly any of the components are upgradable, but there are a few select upgrades available for those with the cheddar. The scary part? That December 22nd estimated ship date. Better spring for overnight and cross those toes! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
