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ViewSonic VPC08 keeps Windows XP, clamshell style alive
The xpPhone isn't even out yet and already it has competition. ViewSonic has announced its own take on the idea of a phone with Windows XP as the OS, in the form of the VPC08. With an Intel ULV processor, half a gigabyte of RAM, and 8GB of storage, it has just about enough to let you run XP productively, and once you open up the clamshell casing you'll find a 4.3-inch display and a full QWERTY keyboard to do it with. The outside is adorned with a 2 megapixel camera, plus a 2-inch screen and numeric keypad for your old school phone needs. An asking price of $800 and what we suspect to be pretty atrocious battery life will likely be the biggest hindrances on this device's path to respectability, but all the same, we totally wanna play with one. You should mosey on past the break to find a picture of the retro-looking externals. [Via Cloned In China]
Viewsonic officially launches VPD400 MovieBook media player
Viewsonic was showing this one off way back in July alongside a slew of other gear, but it's just now gotten fully official with its VPD400 MovieBook media player, which is apparently available right away for $129.99. That will get you a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 display, 8GB of internal memory, a micro SD card slot for more, an AV out port for some bigger screen viewing (not HDMI, it seems), and a promised 12 hours of battery life for audio and six for video -- not to mention your choice of black, pink or white color options. Not too shabby, just don't go expecting anything fancy like WiFI or a touchscreen.
ViewSonic's VMP70 media player does 1080p for less than a hundie
The WD TV is still more or less the king of the tiny media player boxes, but now Viewsonic is getting into the game at a lower price point -- and minus the whole network compatibility bit. The VMP70 is a "direct connect" media device, so it will play content from your choice of USB-compatible storage, pumping it at up to 1080p to your display over HDMI or component cables, also sporting composite for lower-def fare. It packs an S/PDIF port to get clean audio, and supports a slew of formats including the usual suspects (DivX,Xvid,H.264) along with some slightly less usual ones (RM/RMVB, DTS, OGG). It's all available for an MSRP of $129.99, but order now and you'll get special holiday pricing of $98.99. Operators are standing by... somewhere... probably.
Viewsonic debuts new range of ViewBooks, ViewBook Pros
Viewsonic's already announced a few new laptops in advance of that little Windows 7 launch, but it looks like it's saved its biggest guns for the last minute, with it now introducing a whole range of new models in Taipei. The stand-out of the lot is the company's new ViewBook Pro (pictured above), which packs a 13.3-inch display, low-power Core 2 Duo processor, and a fairly unique interchangeable optical drive / second battery into a slim aluminum enclosure. Rounding out the lot are the ViewBook 120, 130 and 140, which expectedly boast 12-inch, 13.3-inch and 14-inch screens, respectively, and some low-end to mid-range specs across the board (think Celeron or Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, and a 250GB or 320GB hard drive). Still no word on a release over here, but it looks like the ViewBook Pro will set you back $999 or $1,099 depending on the configuration, with most of the rest running well under the $1,000 mark. Head on past the break for a hands-on look at the Pro.[Via TweakTown]
ViewSonic VNB132 laptop and VNB102 netbook hit the massage table
If you believe Jon Rubinstein, mobile computing is the future, but if you look at the VNB102's spec sheet, you'll find that the future still comes with an Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard disk. Should that still satisfy your humble needs, it'll cost you $349 with a 3-cell battery or $399 for the 6-cell edition. Now for grown-up people, ViewSonic ditches the glossy casing and throws up a most righteous 13.3-inch 1280 x 800 display, riding atop an SU7300 CULV processor, 2GB RAM and 320GB HDD. For $899, you'll even get a DVD rewriter, or you can sacrifice it to save a hundred bucks and get an even thinner machine. The VNB132 (pictured) is set to ship with the release of Windows 7, but check the read link below to see it handled today.
ViewSonic doles out a half dozen LCDs, forgets to make 'em interesting
It's been a hot minute since ViewSonic cranked out any new LCDs, but the drought is officially ending today. The firm has just blessed the universe with a fresh half-dozen, a few of which pack 1080p panels and respectable price points. Both the VT3245 ($649) and VT3745 ($799) feature a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, 4,000:1 contrast ratio and a five millisecond response time, while the latter is somehow tailored for streaming media. Then there's the N4285, which also sports a 1080p LCD and a dynamic 10,000:1 contrast ratio; for whatever reason, this one's priced at $999, so we're guessing it's... um, larger? The VT2042 ($299), VT2342 ($349) and VT2645 ($449) are all scaled back versions with lower resolutions (save for the 2342, which does Full HD), though none of 'em are particularly noteworthy. Peep the read link for ship dates and the like, but good look finding out non-critical information like "panel size" and "available inputs."
ViewSonic debuts WPG-350 for WiFi video streaming, PJD2121 for portable SVGA projecting
Don't let your instinctual attraction to glossy items fool you. While the PJD2121 pico projector on the right is certainly the shiniest, it's ViewSonic's WPG-350 wireless gateway that we're digging the most. Assuming you've pre-installed the appropriate software onto the pertinent Windows / OS X machine, connect the bridge to a VGA display of some sort, and stream all the 1024 x 768 presentation content you want over 802.11b/g/n WiFi. Sure, it's not HD, but at $199, it's not the worst value, either, and it's still half-lustrous on the top. Looking back at the projector, the little DLP shiner boasts 800 x 600 output, 400 lumens, and a 1,800:1 contrast ratio. A $499 price tag definitely undercuts the Samsung offering we saw yesterday, but it's still way pricey for SVGA. Read - Press release Read - PJD2121 product page Read - WPG-350 product page
ViewSonic's VOT120 and VOT121 nettops suck in their guts for the camera
Unsatisfied with only having the tall and slim 130 and 132 nettops, ViewSonic's newly announced family of hardware also features a pair of even more diminutive options: the VOT120 and 121. Snapped in the wild for your delectation, these machines are small enough to be confused for a well-filled CD wallet and come with WiFi, four USB inputs, gigabit Ethernet and DVI-out. While the 120's standard netbook spec is nothing to write home about, the 121 does receive a (comparatively) potent 1.4GHz CULV chip and a HDMI output 'round back, making for an intriguing HTPC proposition. Prices in Taiwan are set for $304 and $423 respectively, but feel free to browse past the break for an inquisitive look at these miniature computers.
Viewsonic VOT130 and ION-based VOT132 nettops handled in the open
Not long after we first heard about Viewsonic's latest VOT130 and VOT132 nettops, the gang at Netbook News have gotten some hands-on time with the hardware. On the surface, it looks pretty sleek, and the abundance of USB ports is a definite plus, as is the HDMI port on the NVIDIA ION-based VOT132, but unfortunately we're lacking any performance demonstrations or impressions. As we saw previously, the slot-loading optical drive attachment is essentially the same form factor and attaches flush with the unit thanks to some aptly placed magnets, and the bundled stand is designed for the computer with or without the peripheral. So what's not to love? Well, the price for one -- the ION-packed VOT132 costs a hefty $514 US in Taiwan, with the VOT130 priced at a more reasonable $331 -- but perhaps that'll be brought down if / when it ever makes an official stateside debut. Video hands-on after the break.
Viewsonic's entry-level VNB100 netbook shown on video
Viewsonic wasn't playing around with its latest outlay of wares, and while the intriguing Atom-powered VNB100 is dangerously similar in name to the VNB101, there's actually a good bit of difference between the two. Across the way, the good guys and gals over at NetbookNews have managed to score some hands-on time with the former, and while it's labeled the outfit's budget model, it still packs an ExpressCard slot, a built-in 3G modem and a red paint job that's sure to catch a few eyeballs. Hop on past the break for a video showcase, but don't expect to hear a North American price or release date.[Thanks, TheLostSwede]
Video: ViewSonic VNB101 gets handled in the wilderness of Taipei
The new ViewSonic VNB101 may be rightly accused of aping the EeePC S101 a little too closely, but if you're going to copy something, it might as well be something sexy. Netbooks News have gone hands-on with an early model, noting a multicard reader, space for a 3G SIM card, and a 3400mAh Lithium-Polymer battery, which should deliver about 5 hours of juice and degrade more slowly over time than its Li-Ion counterparts. Pricing in Taiwan is set for around $485, and for that you'll get your standard dosage of Atom N280, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD inside and a red, black or champagne paintjob on the outside. Europeans can look for these later this year, but with no word of a US release, you'll have to make do with the video past the break.
Viewsonic goes all out with new nettops, netbooks, media PCs and media players
Viewsonic may still be best known as a monitor company, but it looks to be doing its best to change that with its latest batch of products, which run the gamut from handhelds to media PCs. The bulk of the new offerings are in the small form factor PC category, and include the Atom-based VOT 120 / 121 and 130 / 132 nettops (pictured above), as well as the more beefed-up Core 2 Duo-based VOT 530 / 550 media PC (complete with Blu-ray drive and remote control). Launched alongside those are Viewsonic's fairly standard VNB 100 / 101 netbooks, and the company's all new VPD 400 and 500 media players, which pack a 4.3-inch and 5-inch screen, and 8GB and 16GB of storage, respectively. Check out the gallery below for a look at the whole lot, and hit up the link below for a rundown of all the specs.
Viewsonic announces three new 3D projectors
Good news, 3D fanboys and girls, looks like Viewsonic's back on the scene with a clutch of 120Hz 3D-enabled projectors. The first new model, the PJD6381, looks to be aimed at schools and businesses, with an extremely short throw ratios (around .68) for reducing shadowing effects, and a number of interactive whiteboard options. Available in August, this guy has 1024 x 768 XGA resolution, 2,500 ANSI lumens, a 2,500:1 contrast ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, and is compatible with the both Texas Instruments' DLP Link and NVIDIA's 3D-Vision 3D technology -- expect it to have an MSRP of $1,249. The PJD6211 and PJD6221 ($849 and $899, respectively) also sport 1024 x 768 XGA resolution, as well as up to 2,700 lumens, a 2,800:1 contrast ratio and both DLP Link and 3D-Vision compatibility. These two should hit the stores some time in July.
ViewSonic's VPC100 all-in-one PC now available for $600
ViewSonic's probably best known for its LCD monitors and not its all-in-one PCs, but those not turned on by MSI's AE1900 (for whatever reason) can surely give the VPC100 a look. First announced at CES, this 1.6GHz Atom-powered all-in-one packs an all black, glossy enclosure, a 19-inch panel, Windows XP Home and a lifetime supply of Fruit Loops. Wait, that can't be right. Anywho, it's all yours from a number of respected e-tailers for $599.
ViewSonic intros new 20-, 22- and 24-inch VG27 LCD monitors
Don't get all worked up here, you won't find anything too far out of the ordinary. That said, there's nothing at all wrong with new LCD options in the 20-, 22- and 24-inch segments, and that's exactly what ViewSonic's delivering. The VG2027wm, VG2227wm and VG2427wm are all equipped with 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD panels, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, 300 nits of brightness, an integrated two-port USB 2.0 hub, DVI / VGA ports and built-in stereo speakers. The new trio can be had right now for $319, $399 and $499 from smallest to largest. Sexy side shot is after the break.
ViewSonic intros 7-, 8- and 10.4-inch VFD20 series digiframes
Nine new ones not enough for you? Not if you're ViewSonic, who just came clean with three more in its rapidly expanding digital photo frame lineup. The 10.4-inch VFD1020, 8-inch VFD820 and 7-inch VFD720 make up the new TrueView line, which offers up a 4:3 aspect ratio and 2GB of internal memory. As for resolutions, the smaller two do their thing at 800 x 600, while the June-bound VFD1020 will kick things up to 1,024 x 768. Naturally, there's a multicard reader for loading multimedia, and the USB 2.0 port is bound to make friends with your impenetrable Iron Drive. The trio also ships with a remote control from mixing things up from afar, with prices set for $129.99, $89.99 and $79.99 in order of mention.
ViewSonic throws caution to the wind, plans own 3G smartphone
Take it from Garmin-Asus -- making a smartphone ain't exactly easy sauce. Regardless of the facts, ViewSonic has decided it prudent to jump head first into the tumultuous waters known only as "the smartphone industry," announcing today plans to create its very own offering that'll undoubtedly compete with the likes of HTC, Samsung, LG, Apple and the rest of the gang. The portfolio addition brings it a major step closer to realizing a "3- to 300-inch product line," but outside of a launch pattern, no details whatsoever were dished out. We're told that China will get the phone first, with Europe and the Americas following suit. We'll go ahead and start the vaporware watch now, just so we aren't caught off guard when there's nary a mention of this at CES 2010.
ViewSonic debuts 24-inch VG2427 1080p LCD monitor
With little to no fanfare, ViewSonic has followed up its recently outed VT2230 with an all-too-similar VG2427. Said display packs a 24-inch panel, 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution, 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 300 nits of brightness, a height adjustable stand and hidden stereo speakers. Additionally, you'll find a 2-port USB hub, ECO mode for sucking down less energy (while idle, we presume) and a seductively slim bezel to boot. It's up for grabs right now for $499.
ViewSonic ships 22-inch VT2230 1080p LCD monitor
Not ready to go big screen? Just need a medium sized set to handle your bedroom Xbox 360 addiction? ViewSonic's got a new one ready to splash down in your abode -- the 22-inch VT2230. Said panel checks in with a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, VGA / HDMI inputs, a built-in ATSC / NTSC / QAM TV tuner and a relatively small price tag. Further specs include a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, five millisecond response time, 300 nits of brightness and twin 3-watt speakers. Sure, nothing mind-blowing or anything, but it's not half bad for $349.
ViewSonic prepping 22-inch laptop for China?
ViewSonic is mostly known for the display game, but the company got into netbooks this January, and now it looks like it's going after the complete opposite end of the spectrum with a 22-inch laptop for China (and hopefully elsewhere). At least that's the word from not-always-reliable "industry sources" in Taiwan, who also claim ViewSonic is looking to sell small laptops bundled with monitors to further pad sales. We'll have to wait and see if either tidbit pans out, but we're always up for an extra gargantutop on the market to laugh at and secretly desire.
