Today, Dell’s Studio 17 Touch laptop with its new multitouch display became available, and the news of the release was barely spoken in a whisper. No need to be bashful, Dell, we know you’ve been going a little touchscreen crazy recently and we commend you on your fervent multitouch mission. Dell’s new 17-inch system adds multi-touch input and carries the company’s own suite of touch apps.
Category: Hardware
Dell’s Studio 17 Touch with Multitouch Display is Available
Viewsonic VOT530 and VOT550 PC Minis
Earlier this year, display maker ViewSonic entered the PC business with its Atom-based VPC100 all-in-one computer, sporting a sleek design and—befitting a monitor company—an 18.5-inch display. Now the company is taking another step into the home computing arena, and it’s pumping up the horsepower and dispensing with the display. The new ViewSonic VOT530 and VOT550 mini PCs boast Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Windows 7, high definition video output, low power consumption—and price tags that might appeal to folks who already have displays or HDTVs around looking for a new brain.
iBuyPower Chimera 2 Gaming PCs Feed the Flames
Boutique PC Maker iBuyPower is celebrating its 10th anniversary by rolling out its new Chimera 2 gaming PC just in time for the end-of-year holidays. Available in five customizable forms (the Chimera 2-F, Killer Chimera 2-F, Chimera 2-E, Chimera 2-Q, and Killer Chimera 2-Q), the system caters to serious gamers at any budget point, and offers innumerable configuration options so players can be sure to get exactly the capabilities they desire…so long as their credit lines can support it.
Origin Busts Out Boutique Notebook, Desktop Gaming Systems
Although corporate takeovers and the economic downturn have taken a toll on boutique PC makers who cater to gamers, a group of former Alienware folks are staying true to their faith: Origin has just introduced its first Genesis desktop and Eon18 notebook gaming rigs, and for folks who have the cash on-hand to invest in some serious game-playing horsepower, both systems look to deliver the goods. And, befitting high-end gamer PCs, both the Eon 18 and Genesis desktop are available with a wide variety of case colors and custom artwork.
Asus, Toshiba Notebooks Top SquareTrade’s Reliability Figures
Independent warranty provider SquareTrade has released a study of more than 30,000 notebooks tracked through its extended warranty plans—and the results are a little surprising. Computer makers Asus and Toshiba led the pack in terms of notebook system reliability, with fewer than 10 percent of their systems needing repair after two years, with three-year failure rate projections of about 15.6 and 15.7 percent (respectively). And who’s in last place? Top computer maker Hewlett-Packard, with more than 15 percent of its systems failing after two years, and a three-year projection forecasting over a quarter of them will fail in three years.
Hitachi SimpleDrive External Hard Drives Reach 2 TB
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has just taken the wraps off a resigned SimpleDrive external hard drive, featuring a vertical orientation that takes up less desk space than its predecessors, and an anodized aluminum enclosure that helps cool the drive. What’s more, the new SimpleDrive Rev 3’s are available in capacities up to 2 TB—and Hitachi is extending the top 2 TB capacity as an option across its entire line of 3.5-inch hard drive offerings.
Hitachi is emphasizing the SimpleDrives not only as a way to expand available storage on a system, but as a necessary backup option as users accumulate and pack away more and more digital content like movies, music, photographs, and video.
Apple Trounces Psystar in Court Ruling
It’s a legal fight that’s been brewing for over a year, but now a heavy hammer has come down: U.S. District Judge William Alsup has ruled categorically against Mac clone maker Psystar, finding the company violated Apple’s copyrights by pre-installing Mac OS X on its own Intel-based computers. The judge also threw out Psystar’s motions that Apple was misusing copyright law to monopolize a market, and that Psystar had the right to do anything it liked with Mac OS X under the “first sale” doctrine.
Best Budget PCs of 2009 and 2010
We’ve scoured the Internet for the best budget laptops, desktops and tablet PCs that’ll give you the best style and substance for your dollar. These budget computers will put a smile on your face, and still leave you with some leftover greenbacks.
Intel and AMD Settle Antitrust War for $1.25 Bln
Chipmaker Intel has agreed to pay $1.25 billion to rival AMD to settle all antitrust litigation and legal disputes between the two companies. The agreement also includes a five-year patent cross-licensing agreement, and Intel is agreeing to adhere to a set of “business practice provisions” apparently designed to prevent the company from squeezing AMD out of markets and applying pressure to computer manufacturers to downplay or sideline AMD gear.
AMD has been relentlessly pursuing antitrust efforts against Intel for more than half a decade; the battle includes legal fights in Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the European Union. Under the terms of the settlement, AMD will drop all the litigation.
Dell Inspiron Zino HD is Available in U.S. Today
Dell is on a roll this holiday season, pulling out all of its sleek (Adamo XPS) and colorful technology. And today, Dell’s technicolored Inspiron Zino HD makes its debut in the U.S. These mini PCs include standard HD-capable integrated graphics, HDMI output and built-in networking. Here are its main features and specifications:
- Ultra-small form factor designed to fit almost anywhere.
- Easy personalization with nine color choices for Inspiron Zino HD.
- Choice of AMD processors or dual core Athlon Neo X2 6850e.
- Up to 8GB dual channel DDR 2 memory.
- Up to 1TB internal hard disk storage.
