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Did Dell quietly kill the XPS 730 gaming rig?
We're not claiming that the suits in Round Rock really have a 187 on their hands just yet, but the evidence is mounting. For quite some time, Dell's XPS 730 gaming PC was the outfit's flagship unit, throwing down insane benchmarks and garnering boatloads of cash from those willing to pay the premium for cutting-edge hardware. Now, however, it seems that the lesser XPS 720 is the only classmate remaining, with all links to the 730 leading to soul-crushing "We're Sorry..." pages. To make matters worse, Dell CSRs have apparently been telling inquisitive consumers that they have phased out the 730 and are pushing folks to select an Alienware machine instead. So, do any of you folks know of some backdoor way to keep ordering this here beast, or should we really break out the new Brand New CD and paint our eyelids black in memoriam?[Thanks, Garry]Update: Seems it's still around in some corners of the globe (we're lookin' at you, Canada), so maybe it's just the whiny Americans getting the shaft. Typical.
VAIO TT disappears from Sony's US site (update: gone for good)
We've always loved the super-expensive VAIO TT with a passion, but apparently the netbook onslaught was just too much for the well-reviewed 11.1-inch machine to take: it's gone from Sony's US website, and we're guessing that it's not going to return. That's too bad, since we've always felt the TT was one of the more beautiful laptops ever made, and while we could never justify its fully kitted-out $4,450 price tag, we always had one on our want list. Hopefully Sony has some grander plans for this size point than the sadly-generic VAIO W -- in the meantime, light a candle and check our unboxing and hands-on gallery below. Update: We just heard back from Sony -- yep, the VAIO TT is gone, and it's not coming back. Shed a tear, will ya? %Gallery-34090%
Flash Zunes mysteriously disappear from Zune site
Looks like the rising tide of Zune HD news has taken some casualties along the way: Microsoft's official Zune store no longer lists any flash players at all, leaving just the Zune 80 and Zune 120 to hold things down while we wait for the next generation. Amazon and some others still have stock, so if you're looking to pick one up on the rebound you know what to do -- but we think you're better off holding out for a little Tegra action. [Thanks, Nathan]
Dell Mini 12 quietly discontinued
There was no official announcement of this one, but a look over Dell's website will reveal the truth -- it looks like the Mini 12 has been shuttered. It's not hugely surprising news considering its companion, the Mini 9, was recently given the axe as well. We'll miss them both. Sniffle.[Thanks, Drew]
80GB PlayStation 3 on the outs in Japan, PS3 Slim looking all the more likely
We know the whole "where there's smoke, there's hotness" argument is played out, but it sure feels like the pieces are coming together here. With Sony's 20GB, 40GB and 60GB PlayStation 3 already a part of history, it's just the 80GB and 160GB models holding down the fort. After August 9th, however, it seems that just the latter will be representin' in Japan. The notice above essentially informs retailer 7-Eleven (don't hate) that no more orders for the black, white and silver 80GB PS3 will be accepted after Sunday due to a request from "the manufacturer." The note also instructs store owners to take down the in-story displays for the 80GB model, giving us all the reason we need to believe that a slimmed down version of the console is within reach. Of course, that's just whimsical speculation, but we just can't talk our hearts into listening to our heads on this one.[Via VG247, thanks Hawk]
Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices
Media Center Extenders -- remember those? Yeah, those things were all the rage at CEDIA 2008, and right around four hours after the show closed up, you and the whole world forgot about 'em. Honestly, the concept and execution was flawed from the start. These standalone boxes provided exactly what media loving consumers didn't want: yet another set-top-box crowding their space. Furthermore, most were priced at or above the cost of an Xbox 360, which -- lo and behold -- could be used as an MCE as well as a darn good gaming console. See the holes in this plan yet? Furthermore, most of 'em, particularly those that relied on WiFi, were utterly unreliable and offered disappointing streams. High prices plus lackluster results yields low demand, who woulda thunk it?Essentially, manufacturers were hoping that those with loads of media on Windows-based PCs would jump at the chance to get all of that material on their HDTV with the addition of one little box. And in theory, at least, that does sound somewhat attractive. Unfortunately, only a few of these were announced in Denver, and almost all of them suffered from inexcusable delays. By the time they hit the market, all of the buzz generated at the trade show was extinguished, and early reviews were less than positive. It didn't take long to see prices begin to plummet, all while fence sitting companies realized that avoiding this niche would likely be most beneficial to their longevity.Today, we're seeing Linksys' DMA2100 and DMA2200 listed as "Discontinued" at a number of legitimate e-tailers, and while D-Link's DSM-750 and HP's MediaSmart Connect seem to be hanging around at near-full price, we can't say the same for Samsung's discounted MediaLive Digital Media Adapter. Heck, Niveus Media doesn't even list its Media Center Extender - EDGE as a product on its website anymore. It shouldn't be any real shock that hardly any other companies have jumped in since these first few, and we're having serious doubts about the future of the dedicated MCE. Are you getting the same vibes? Do you think these things could thrive at the right price? Let us know in the poll and comments below![Via GeekTonic]Update: Turns out HP is axing its MediaSmart HDTV / Connect lines as well. It's full statement sent to us is after the break. %Poll-30216%
Debunk: Sony has not discontinued Rolly in America
Two years in, we still can't say with any level of definitiveness or authority what exactly Sony's Rolly is, but here's what we can say: it's still hanging around. After catching wind of a somewhat innocent Sony Insider report (which was seemingly misunderstood / misreported elsewhere) that the curious music maker was being canned in the US, we contacted Sony directly to sort things out. From Sony to you: "There is no truth to these reports at this time." 'Nuff said, yeah?
Sony's mylo 2 only available in refurbished form -- is the end near?
Sony's mylo 2 -- wait, you do remember what this thing is, right? -- could be headed for the grave... as if it wasn't already there in the minds of most. After Sony hacked a hundred bucks from the asking price during the run-up to Holiday Season 2008, we heard absolutely nothing further until now. Today, the very same order page shows that no new models are available to purchase, leaving prospective buyers with two clear-cut options: 1) walk away or 2) snag a refurb model in black or white for $149.99. So, is this the end for Sony's own Internet Device? Or is this just the calm before the sure-to-be-ferocious mylo 3 storm?[Thanks, Ali]
Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset now discontinued
Would it be too cruel to say we're shocked it lasted this long? Apple's iPhone Bluetooth Headset never was too popular outside of the hardcore Apple faithful, with a litany of respectable (and let's face it, far superior) alternatives available for a fraction of the $99 MSRP. To that end, Cupertino has seen fit to discontinue the peripheral, though prospective customers can apparently still buy 'em until supply runs dry. Here's a tip, though -- wait for the fire sale.[Thanks, Richard]
Fido getting ready to give 16GB iPhone 3G the pink slip?
Well, that was quick. Actually, not really -- it's not altogether unheard of for a phone to last less than a year on a carrier before getting pulled off shelves -- but when that phone happens to be the iPhone 3G, it's bound to raise a few eyebrows. MobileSyrup reports that the 16GB version of the device will not be reordered in April by Fido once current stock depletes, leaving just the 8GB model to soldier on. Why only 8GB? Two theories, and in all likelihood, the truth lies somewhere in between both: one, since Fido's been rebranded as Rogers' value brand, it makes more sense for the high-end iPhone to live on Rogers alone; two, there's one (or more) new devices on the way in the next few months. For the world's sake, we hope the latter theory figures prominently in the equation.
Panasonic drops the axe on DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player
Not that the act of discontinuing Blu-ray players rather early on in their life is unheard of, but Panasonic's DMP-BD35 still had a few months left in it by our estimations. Shortly after Panny unveiled a new trio of BD decks at CES, the company has reportedly killed production of its BD35, and we're left to assume the BD55 ain't far behind. Of course, this means that those on the prowl for a Panasonic Blu-ray player will either have to wait until April (for the DMP-BD60) or try and procure one of the remaining BD35 / BD55 models from a local retailer. If you've waited this long, however, we'd suggest holding off -- the connected nature (YouTube, Amazon Video on Demand) of the forthcoming models makes 'em way more attractive. Just sayin'.
TiVo quietly removes Series3 from its webstore
Break out the tissues -- the rumors were true. Or, at least it sure looks that way. As of right now, the only two TiVo units available on the outfit's webstore are the TiVo HD and the Series2, and even if you do a bit of digging and find the still-active Series3 page, you'll notice a glaring Out of Stock notification. Of course, you can still find leftover inventory hanging around at various resellers, but all signs are pointing to this being the final hurrah for the S3. Any touching moments you'd like to share in comments as we all bid the device a fond farewell?[Thanks, Tim]
Linux-based Samsung i800 gets canned
Back in February, we all had high hopes that the Linux-based Samsung i800 would be a real winner when it launched on Orange this fall. Unfortunately, the i900 is apt to be out and about before the i800 can even have a proper funeral. According to Edelman, Orange's PR firm, the "i800 has been withdrawn in order to... prepare a more competitive Linux mobile." In all honesty, we don't suspect that many folks will miss it, but those holding out on picking up a new cellie can safely move on to courting other handsets.[Image courtesy of SmartphonesOfToday]
Sprint's Motorola Q9 / Q9c gone for good?
First things first: this isn't the first time (in the past quarter) that we've seen a handset vanish from Sprint's website, only to get fanboys riled up and it reappear days later when stock refreshed. That being said, quite a few Q9 / Q9c users are thinking the smartphone may be gone for good from The Now Network. For starters, neither phone is listed on Sprint's website. Furthermore, we're hearing reports that "discontinuation" has been confirmed by a number of Sprint representatives, though no official word seems to have leaked out just yet. Curiously enough, the carrier just posted the Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the Q9c earlier this month, giving us at least a reason to believe the lights aren't shut out entirely just yet.[Via GearDiary]
8GB iPhone and iPod touch reach end-of-life, at least in the UK
Conspiracy theorists and Mac rumor-mongerers, start your engines. According to an internal O2 memo we've received, stock of both the 8GB iPod touch and iPhone have run their courses, and have been EOL'd (at least in the UK). The brief letter sent out yesterday evening states that, "Due to the highly successful sales of the Apple 8GB I-Phone [sic], supply chain have today run out of stock & will not be replenishing stock of this product as it has now gone to end of life." Whether this is due to the recent price cuts, the rumored upcoming 2nd generation iPhone, or just a sign that Apple is moving towards higher capacity devices is anyone's guess. All we know is that soon the 8GB iPhone -- at least in the UK -- will become as rare and precious as the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth.[Via The Register; Thanks Callum M.]
Pioneer discontinuing BDP-LX70A Blu-ray player in UK?
You've got permission to file this one in the rumor folder for the time being, but we've received word from across the pond that Pioneer may be nixing the über-pricey BDP-LX70A Blu-ray player in the UK. For those unfamiliar, it's the Euro version of the prestigious BDP-95FD that we reviewed just last month. There's no word on exactly when the product will be discontinued (nor if the US version will follow suit), but we are hearing that numerous back-orders have been canceled and that a replacement model won't be around until August. Taking a step back, ditching such a high-end player that had a fairly decent following doesn't seem to make sense, but then again, who thought Pioneer would ever let anyone else get their panels inside the almighty Kuro?
TiVo killing off the Series3, focusing on TiVo HD?
When we forced the TiVo HD and Series3 to go mano-a-mano back in October of last year, we had a sneaking suspicion that the latter was actually no longer being produced. Fast forward (har) three months, and sure enough, it seems that the end really is nigh for the Series3. According to TiVo Lovers (who heard directly from DVRupgrade), TiVo is accelerating the EOL (end of life) of the Series3 and "focusing all efforts on the recently launched, lower cost TiVo HD." Apparently, the firm managed to sell through oodles of Series3 boxes over the holidays (thanks in large part to a sizable rebate-based promotion), and rather than searching for creative ways to solve the "continued component shortage," TiVo is reportedly choosing to nudge potential customers in the direction of the TiVo HD. Granted, we'd still take this with a (light) dose of salt for the time being, but don't be shocked to see Series3 stock start dwindling in the coming weeks.[Via TVSquad, thanks Brad L.]
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]
Target bidding the Xbox 360 Core model adieu?
It wouldn't be a legitimate discontinuation rumor without an incredibly blurry picture as proof, now would it? In yet another disputable case of "is the Xbox 360 Core model on its way out," a certain Target employee apparently snapped a picture of horrific quality showing the "Xbox 360 Core Hardware Sys" with a "Discontinued" status. The shot was reportedly taken from one of the store's oh-so-knowledgeable PDAs, and while there's obviously no confirmation either way just yet, this tidbit does substantiate the questionable Best Buy slip. Ah well, it's not like we won't have yet another iteration coming up soon to ease the pain if this proves accurate.
Rumor: Target done with Xbox 360 Core model
Although not mentioned as part of today's Xbox 360 price drop announcement, more evidence is coming in that the Xbox 360 Core model may be finished. An employee of a Target store took multiple images (sadly the clearest one is above) of the store's PDA showing the Core model as "discontinued" in the "status" bar at the top right. This follows last week's Best Buy information that the Core model was finished there as well. The stories are starting to stack up. We've been told by numerous sources that their various stores haven't stocked Core units in a while, this all feels identical to the way the PS3 20GB death occurred earlier this year.[Thanks Anonymous]
