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OCZ gets official with 10.1-inch DIY Neutrino netbook
We know what you're thinking -- another day, another netbook, right? Not quite. OCZ Technology's Neutrino, which we caught napping at CeBIT earlier this month, just got official. Weighing in at 2.86 pounds, the DIY netbook arrives with a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 LED-backlit display, Intel's 945GSE chipset, a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, twin stereo speakers, VGA output, Ethernet, two USB 2.0 sockets, 1.3 megapixel camera, WiFi and a 4-cell 2,200mAh battery. Notably missing is a hard drive, RAM, multicard reader and an operating system, all of which OCZ allows the end user to purchase as they see fit. Said machine is shipping out now to channel partners, and it should be available to end users within a fortnight for $269.
OCZ introduces Eclipse and Behemoth wired gaming mice
It's going to be tough for OCZ Technology to top its Z Drive, but clearly, it's not aiming to do such a thing just yet. Instead, it's setting its sights rather low with a somewhat plain duo of gaming mice. Both the Eclipse and Behemoth arrive with the ability to switch between four different profiles and with support for uploading profiles direct to the onboard memory. The former sports a "time-honored compact style" and sports a 2,400DPI sensor, while the latter is a bit beefier in size and touts a 3,200DPI sensor. There's no mention of pricing or availability for either, but you definitely won't be asked to pay a premium for cutting-edge design.
University of Calgary researchers teach little robots to be scared of angry humans
It's one thing to prepare for the future's inevitable robot uprising by building bigger and better weapons, but a pacifist might say the simpler approach would be to simply avoid conflict altogether -- by making our autonomous underlings cower in fear before us and our mighty emotions. That's the idea (sort of) behind some research taking place at the University of Calgary, which relies on an OCZ Neural Impulse Actuator to monitor the stress levels of a real, live, human being. That stress level is then communicated to a poor, defenseless Roomba, which was taught get out of the way and look busy whenever the wearer got angry. It's a long way from the three laws and saving the human race as a whole and all that, but this could play a major part in preserving future human/robot relations -- at least in the living room. [Warning: PDF read link][Via Technology Review]
OCZ's Z Drive puts 1TB of blazing SSD capacity in your PCIe slot: eyes-on
Here's a little something OCZ Technology cooked up just for CeBIT: a PCIe enclosure that'll contain 1TB worth of SSD storage with maximum read rates of up to 600MB/sec and maximum write speeds of up to 500MB/sec. Oh, and the sustained write speeds are right around 400MB/sec. Essentially, this device will contain four 256GB MLC-based OCZ SSDs along with 256MB of ECC DDR2 RAM; when slapped in one's desktop, they can choose to set it up as the boot disk or a slave. OCZ is also hoping to offer a 4TB edition by the end of the year, which is totally plausible given that 1TB SSDs are already a reality. The on-hand demo was just a mockup shell, but the finalized version shouldn't look much different than what's pictured in the gallery below. As for pricing and availability? It should hit the US of A in around six weeks for somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000. It's high-end, y'all.
OCZ launches first netbook with Neutrino, we go hands-on
Well, well, what have we here? Yet another entrant into the decidedly oversaturated netbook market, that's what. While waltzing through OCZ Technology's CeBIT booth today, we happened upon the company's very first netbook: Neutrino. After chuckling for a few at the empty Beck's bottle beside it (hey, we're in Germany!), we scoped out the specs (and chatted with an on-hand rep) and found that it will be shipping Stateside within nine or so weeks in two variations. The first is a "DIY" model, which will be "priced competitively" compared to similar sized netbooks and enable buyers to select their own RAM, HDD, etc; the alternative is an OCZ'd-out edition, which will cater to high-end users who won't mind the undisclosed price premium. The 10.1-inch machine will come loaded with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, a 945GSE chipset, up to 2GB of RAM, an optional 250GB OCZ SSD, 1,024 x 600 resolution LCD, VGA output, Ethernet, twin USB 2.0 ports, a 4-cell (2,200mAh) battery, WiFi and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. It'll weigh in at 2.86 pounds and come with Ubuntu or WinXP, and while we weren't thrilled with the trackpad performance, the keyboard was one of the nicest we've touched on a netbook, even nicer than the well spaced one on ASUS' Eee PC 1000HE. Check out the gallery below for more looks.
DDR3 shootout pits OCZ, Kingston and Corsair against one another
DDR3 modules aren't exactly new or anything, but given just how low the prices of big time kits have become, we figured it prudent to pass along one of the most thorough shootouts on the subject that we've seen. HotHardware grabbed a few DIMMs from the labs of OCZ Technology, Corsair and Kingston, threw 'em all in a Core i7 rig (not simultaneously, silly!) and benchmarked the lot until they literally fell asleep at the keys. The results? We'd love to tell you which sticks came out atop the pile, but that would just be spoiling the fun for you, now wouldn't it? Give the read link a look if you're ready for the action.
OCZ expands Alchemy line with Illuminati backlit keyboard
OCZ Technology's Elixir keyboard was fine and dandy, but let's face it -- it's pretty hard to beat the awesomeness of a keyboard with lights. Today, the company is expanding its Alchemy peripheral line with the Illuminati multimedia keyboard, a board with rubber coated keys, fourteen quick launch buttons and the choice of two backlit colors (red or blue, naturally). OCZ promises that the keys can withstand over five million cycles, and given its USB 2.0 port, it should play nice with just about any machine you jam it into. Regrettably, the company has failed to divulge a price here, but it's supposedly "attainable on all budgets" -- whatever that means.%Gallery-45366%
OCZ Summit Series SSDs get boost from new Samsung MLC
Intel's X-25M SSD may be the current go-to drive for those primarily concerned with speed, but it looks like it could soon have some competition from OCZ's latest Summit Series drives, which get a significant boost from some new Samsung MLC memory, not to mention 64MB of on-board cache. According to PC Perspective, those additions show themselves the most in write speeds, which manage to top even the X-25M, although the Summit drive fell slightly behind when it came to read speed tests, prompting the site to still give the overall edge to the X-25M. PC Perspective does speculate, however, that, given OCZ's past track record, the drives (available in sizes up to 250GB) could come in significantly cheaper than Intel's offerings, which would make the X-25M a much harder sell even with its slight performance edge. Hit up the link below for the complete benchmarks and a peek inside the drive.[Thanks, Ryan]
OCZ's 250GB Apex SSD reviewed, recommended
We know what you're thinking -- "great, another SSD." Right though you may be, OCZ's Apex line is rather unique. It manages to combine the low cost of MLC technology with the high performance more commonly associated with SLC designs by instituting a dual-controller RAID-0 configuration. The 250GB version that was tested by PC Perspective managed to hold its own, and while it still didn't wow critics the way Intel's X25-M did, it seemed to notch a very solid second place. In fact, they couldn't help but recommend it (and the much, much cheaper 120GB sibling) for those scouting a speedy upgrade without completely decimating the bank account. We couldn't possibly run down the results from the litany of benchmarks this thing endured, so we'll just point you to the read link and suggest you slice out a solid half hour to really look this over.
OCZ introduces Apex series of 2.5-inch SATA II SSDs
Another month, another new line of SSDs. This go 'round, we're having a glance at OCZ Technology's Apex Series, a midrange line of solid state drives of the 2.5-inch SATA II variety. The drives will be made available in 60GB, 120GB and 250GB flavors, and all three will offer 230MB/sec read and 160MB/sec write speeds. As with most every other SSD, these were also designed with low power consumption and reliability in mind, and the lightweight alloy housing keeps things secure during those unsettling installation procedures. There's no mention of price, but the trifecta should be available to upgraders everywhere soon.[Via Electronista]
21 USB drives tested, 20 immediately misplaced
It's three days until Christmas and you're looking for last-minute gift ideas for tech-inclined friends and colleagues. You decide on a USB drive, but how do figure out what's best to get -- attraction to hammers, ability to open beer bottles, or some other, clearly inferior metric entirely? Kristofer Brozio at Test Freaks Blog took 21 drives of various sizes (5 each of 1, 2, 4 and 8GB and one 64GB Patriot Magnum) and models and tested their transfer speeds. Top marks went to the 4GB OCZ, Sandisk, Lexar, and Super Talent models, as well as the 1GB SanDIsk. Given the small sample size, we can't really say if the speeds were the result of the capacities of the drive or the company who makes them, but it's definitely some flash-based food for thought. Hit the read link for the full results.
OCZ unveils Throttle eSATA SSD flash drive
We haven't seen a ton of eSATA flash drives, but OCZ is entering the fray with the Throttle, which looks a lot like the Ao-Lab unit we saw back in October. No pricing or release date is given, but Register Hardware estimates it'll be $32 for the 8GB model, $56 for 16GB and $160 for 32GB. For eSATA ports that don't provide power, the Throttle has a mini-USB port to give it some electrical juice that can also be used to transfer data, which should cover most scenarios unless you're at a phantasmagorical computer that somehow has only FireWire ports. [Via Maximum PC; thanks, Havok]Read - Official press releaseRead - OCZ readies USB eSATA Flash drive (Register Hardware)
OCZ intros Vertex line of 2.5-inch SATA II SSDs
What's this? A solid state drive family with prices not hidden deep within telephone menu trees? Yep, OCZ Technology is so sure you'll be unable to resist the speed and agility packed within its Vertex series that it has proudly produced MSRPs to go along with 'em. The 2.5-inch SATA II crew is MLC NAND-based and includes up to 64MB of onboard cache, 200MB/sec read speeds, 160MB/sec write speeds and a 1.5 million hour mean time before failure (MTBF). If your current machine could use a little bit of this, you can pick up a 30GB, 60GB, 120GB or 250GB edition right now for $129, $249, $469, and $869, respectively.
SSD shootout, round II: OCZ, Super Talent and Mtron do battle
If you'll recall, a slew of prohibitively expensive SSDs were pit against one another last summer in a battle royale of pricey HDD replacements. Fast forward a year and change, and the barrier to entry for one of these heralded devices has dropped significantly. That being the case, we've a feeling HotHardware's latest shootout will be a whole lot more relevant for the average joe / jane. The aforementioned test simultaneously reviews the OCZ Core Series 64GB MLC, OCZ 64GB Standard SLC, Super Talent MasterDrive MX 64GB MLC and the Mtron MSP 7500 32GB SLC. Interestingly, the writeup didn't conclude with a medal ceremony, but rather, it elaborated on the merits of each and where it would likely fit best. You know what that means -- time to bust out the spectacles and get to readin'. Chop chop!
32GB laptop SSD for less than $100: caveat emptor
It's finally happened, a 32GB SATA II SSD for laptops has just dipped below $100 ($159 list, minus $60 rebate)... with a catch. The SSD in question is the 32GB OCZ Core Series SATA II -- an SSD which could actually be slower and consume more power than your current, aged spinner depending upon your usage habits. But man, 99 bucks -- that's tempting.[Via DailyTech] Read -- NewEgg Read -- Mwave
OCZ stays on its game with Core Series V2 SSDs
Mere months after debuting its highly-desirable and smashingly-priced Core Series of SATA II SSDs, OCZ is back for more with the Core Series V2 of 2.5-inch drives. Sizes have been bumped to 30GB / 60GB / 120GB / 250GB, and access times are up to 170MBps read and 98MBps write. OCZ even crammed in a mini-USB port for applying future speed-enhancing firmware updates. No word on price yet, but hopefully OCZ will stay in line with its original Core lineup.
OCZ's Neural Impulse Actuator gets reviewed, mice everywhere safe for now
We tried to take OCZ's Neural Impulse Actuator seriously, we really did. But unable to suppress those recurring images of Geordi La Forge, we simply couldn't help ourselves from having a laugh at this thing's expense. Nevertheless, the way-more-solemn dudes and dudettes over at HotHardware managed to give this brain-computer interface a fair shake, and overall, it was pretty impressed. Still, the bottom line is this: "the NIA is a very unique input device and possibly the first true brain-computer interface to hit the retail market," but it's not "a replacement for traditional input methods." Granted, critics did point out that it would supplement current devices quite well, but only after "slogging through" hours upon hours of training. The hardcore among us may be willing to put in the time necessary to really get a lot out of this; for everyone else, just continue to point and laugh while masking your ignorance.
OCZ Core SSD vs WD VelociRaptor: the early performance numbers are in
Now that all the SSD efficiency drama has mellowed out a bit, the guys over at Hot Hardware got their hands on an OCZ Core Series SATA II 64GB SSD and already pitted it against a WD VelociRaptor. The early numbers are impressive: The OCZ averaged read speeds of over 140MB/s and was writing at 87MB/s while the WD topped out at around 136MB/s read and 134MB/s write times. When it comes to applications and random-access times, though, the OCZ SSD scored some crazy fast times. In Windows Defender, gaming, photo import, and Vista startup tests, the SSD was getting things done at as much as 5 times the speed of the VelociRaptor. Sure, the tests are incomplete, but the future is undoubtedly bright for solid state storage once prices roll into realistic range.
OCZ announces Centrino 2-based "whitebook" reference design for rebranders
All the big names might have gotten their Centrino 2 lappies out the door today, but there hasn't been much action from the shady rebranders and fly-by-night system builders we love so dearly -- good thing OCZ is here with its Centrino 2-based OCZNBIM17A "whitebook" reference design. Get ready to see this bad boy appear in the back of vans everywhere with random company names on it -- you'll recognize the 17-inch laptop's boxy shape and available X9100 Core 2 Extreme processor, or perhaps the dual CrossFire-capable graphics slots with HDMI output will tip you off. Pricing will vary wildly depending on how various system builders configure this thing, but we've got a feeling generic doesn't mean cheap when it comes to this particular machine.
Tom's Hardware rescinds SSD power test, finds them more efficient
Looks like Tom's Hardware fessed up and apologized for their slip-up in that recent controversial power test, which found SSDs consuming more juice than their spinning-platter counterparts (or, well, not exactly). We're giving 'em a pass, not just because we've always had a fond place in our heart for Tom's, but because they did another comprehensive SSD test (this time under more consistent conditions) which basically confirms that many newer SSDs are, in fact, power savers in most usage scenarios. Not all drives and scenarios, but many. Tom's also namechecks OCZ's Core SATA II SSD (a Samsung in disguise) as the clear winner by a longshot, having "unmatched" power efficiency. Sold.[Thanks, Chuckles and SNP]
