Thunderbolt Mobo

 The Asus P8Z77-V Premium

 I remember the old days when I used to tweak the desktop pc, upgrading it with a new processor or gfx card and how I also used to overclock them, sometimes with the risk of a guarantee void... Today I prefer the extra mobility so the desktop pc's are not my weapon of choice anymore but from time to time there's innovation and that's something I can't ignore.

 Let's see what's this baby capable of: ATX motherboard with Intel Z77 chipset - supports LGA1155 processors and features four DDR3 DIMM memory slots to up to 32GB of RAM, four PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 2.0 x1 slot, WiFi and Bluetooth V4.0. Connectivity-wise, it has six SATA 6.0 Gbps, three SATA 3.0 Gbps, one mini-SATA 3.0 Gbps with onboard 32GB SSD, two Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, one display port, HDMI and one Thunderbolt port.

 Intel's high-speed I/O Thunderbolt technology was released on the Apple MacBook Pro and it has recently been integrated in notebooks like the Asus G75VW, but we were yet to see it on desktop PC's.

 There's no word on pricing yet but if you're a desktop PC enthusiast this one's for you.

 Links: Asus P8Z77-V Premium
            Thunderbolt explained

           

Gingerbread on Atom

 Xolo X900

 And here we are ladies and gents, we’ll be witnessing yet another milestone in the mobile industry. Lava (an Indian mobile phones company) is preparing to launch the Xolo smartphone which, hardware wise, runs on an Atom platform. As the OS is concerned the weapon of choice would be Android Gingerbread at launch with an update to ICS following up shortly.

 I know y’all geeks are eager for some specs so here they are: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z2460 processor, 1 GB of ram, 16GB of internal memory, screen size of 4.3”@1024x600 pixels resolution, 8MP main camera with Flash, a front camera of 1.3MP, micro HDMI out. The handset is also NFC (near field comm.) ready. All those goodies are packed in a form factor that measures a mere 123x63x10.99 mm.

 At first glance the specs are on par with the last year’s high end devices but do keep in mind that this is an Atom processor on which a PC version of Windows might work just fine. 

 From now on we should get used to see the “intel inside” logo on smartphones as well. But how soon is now and how’s that Xolo for a change? See ya!  

 Links: Xolo X900
            Lava Mobile Phones

Tablet hardware - Netbook form factor

 Toshiba AC100

 To begin with, I started this blog writing about "smartbooks" and today I can give you a heads up regarding this category of devices.
 The AC100 is a niche product and in my opinion it has been launched ahead of its time. The "smartbook" defines a product that has the hardware of a smartphone inside a netbook form factor.

 Nowadays the smartphones tend to be an important part of our everyday lives and interesting crossovers have emerged (see the Motorola Atrix and its docking station).
 Nevertheless the Nvidia Tegra 250 SOC (system on a chip) has been designed for every mobile form factor that exists today. Today the users tend to own a notebook, a tablet ('cause of the hype) and a smartphone. Sooner or later you'll think about having a single device that can do it all. The AC100 isn't such a product by any means but it's a step forward. It has great hardware and the Android 2.2 does the job well although the Android Market is not officially supported. "Let's roll" - this time with the specs, not with the Autobots :)

- 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 250 SoC (built around a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor);

- 8GB, 16GB or 32 GB SSD;

- 512MB of DDR2 memory;

- 802.11n WiFi, optional 3G data, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;

- 1.3 megapixel webcam;

- HDMI out;

- headphones jack;

- microphone jack;

- 1x USB 2.0;

- SD card reader;

- 10.1 inch 1024 x 600 pixel display;

- integrated stereo speakers;

- "fanless" design - no noise during operation;

 The keyboard is comfortable to use whether you write e-mails, chat with friends or edit a doc. The chassis is quite slim an the weight of the device is "featherweight".
 I'm not aware of future software updates for AC100 but Toshiba released an update by the end of July that solved some battery draining issues. They might be able to update the AC100 with an Android 3 version aka Honeycomb given that the Asus Transformer runs it pretty well.
 So, what the future holds? Quad core tablets and netbooks for mobile fan(s)atics...

 Links: AC100
           Hacking the AC100

FinePix for FinePeople :)

 Fujifilm FinePix Z900 EXR

 Remember the old days when you had to carry around a bulky cam to shoot even the most casual set of pics? Well, compact cameras aren't a novelty but the set of specs gets better by the day. Here's what the Z900 has to offer:

 - 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor;

 - 5x optical zoom covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent);

 - 3.5 inch touch-screen LCD with Multi Touch functionality;

 - rich user interface using Vector fonts/graphics and Flash animation;

 - CMOS Shift Image Stabilisation;

 - up to ISO 6400;

 - 1600% wide dynamic range;

 - high speed shooting up to 12 frames per second;

 - Full HD movie capture using H.264 (MOV) format;

 - mini HDMI port;

 - new EXR Auto mode featuring 27 scenes;

 - 360° Panorama mode;

 The compact size makes it ideal to take it everywhere, though it's not waterproof. Its performance wouldn't match a DSLR camera so pros might get the Z900 as a secondary camera. It's still summer people, so be sure to take a camera along on your vacation!

Link: FinePix Z900 EXR

K10 + K1 = K11

 Acer K11 projector

 The K11 is the world’s smallest projector featuring 200 lumens brightness and offering great mobility by fitting in your pocket.

 The projector has an intuitive user interface and offers easy setups for various environments like: your mom's living room, your office, your garage, the back of your limo, etc.

 With a 2000:1 contrast ratio the K11 delivers good image quality. The native SVGA resolution of 858×600 pixels and 4:3 aspect ratio is ready for photos, presentations and multimedia.

 Get your popcorn ready 'cause the K11 can also be adjusted to a 16:9 aspect ratio suitable for watching movies.

 Rounding up the specs it features: 1x HDMI port, 1x USB 2.0 port, a SD card reader, 1x D-sub and 1x composite video/audio. The retail box should also include a remote control and a carrying bag.

 So, globetrotters and traveling businessmen/women alike, this one might be for you. Have a good one!

 Links: Acer K11

           Projection calculator 

Acer's "Ethos" - Aristotle was no "gamer"...

  Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G

 What's up? Still using your PC in ancient "desktop" setup? If the answer's "yes" then you should definitely check the "desktop replacement" class of notebooks. The processing power is on par with the bulky desktops so no matter what task you're up to - these notebooks can deliver. The first thing that sets Acer's "Ethos" apart from the crowd is the marketing gimmick they came up with - a detachable touchpad that can be used as a remote control for the system. As the savvy users that you are, I'm sure this novelty won't be the selling point for the system but rather its hardware configuration so let's roundup the specs:

 Processor:

 Intel's 2nd Gen Core i7 (Quad-Core Technology) 2630QM (6M L3 Cache) @ 2 GHz with max speed @ 2.9 GHz

 Chipset:
 Mobile Intel HM65 Express

 Ram:
 8 GB DDR3 PC3-8500 @ 1066 MHz (up to 16 GB max)

 Storage:
 HDD 750 GB @ 5400 rpm - Serial ATA-300

 Optical drive:
 DVD±RW (±R DL) / BD-ROM (Blu ray player)

 Display:
 18 inch TFT active matrix LCD Backlight Technology with LED backlight
 Max Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 16:9 Image Aspect Ratio
 Features: HDCP, CineCrystal

 Video:
 NVIDIA GeForce 555M GT with 2 GB DDR3 VRAM

 Audio:
 5.1 complies with Dolby Home Theater standards

 Networking:
 WLAN 802.11b,g,n
 Bluetooth 3.0
 Gigabit Ethernet

 Interfaces:
 1 x USB 3.0
 2 x USB 2.0
 1 x HDMI
 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T RJ-45
 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
 1 x eSATA

 Battery:
 8 cell Lithium ion - 6000 mAh (up to 5.5 hrs)

 Power:
 External AC adapter 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)

 Down to Earth now, I guess all the geeks out there are drooling over these tech. specs and the lack of a SSD drive it's not a setback given that the "Ethos" should replace a desktop PC. Gaming should be a pleasant experience along with watching HD video content.
 How about you "happy power users" - would you replace your bulky desktop PC with one of these?

 Link: Acer Aspire Ethos

Project Switchblade: by gamers for gamers

 The Razer Switchblade

 How y'all gamers doin'? Good news for you: Razer has unveiled a concept design for the most portable pc gaming machine yet. The path of innovation is a neverending journey filled with bright ideas and heavy R&D :)
 They say it's a "revolution in pc gaming", I'd say it's evolution. Besides its size and portability the "Switchblade" will feature a dynamic tactile keyboard that can be customized with control schemes for all the games that would be played on it. It will feature a Windows 7 OS powered by an Intel mobile processor. Other features will include: a mini HDMI port, USB 3.0, WiFi and 3G. A quick glance at the specs and the next things comin' to my mind besides gaming are: productivity on the go with the help of an Office Suite and HDTV connectivity - which will add further value and interest for the system.

 Smartphones and tablets are getting better by the day so the competition will be swift and stiff. In the end, the sales numbers will tell the difference. So, gamers (hardcore and casual) this one's for you, are you interested? See ya!

 Link: Switchblade

Do you want to know what the Atrix is? :)

Motorola Atrix

 "Welcome, to the real world!" this is how Morpheus from The Matrix would great you. Today I'm gonna tell you about a device that's worthy of 21'st century. This is a powerful smartphone that can be easily transformed into a netbook with the help of a docking station that includes a 11.6 inch LCD display, a qwerty keyboard and usb ports among other things. The hardware powered by an nVidia Tegra 2 system on a chip can easily handle most of everyday tasks whether you are editing docs, browse the net or watch HD movies. This device might be a good choice for those who are annoyed by the multitude of devices to choose from when up to a task. Should I use the desktop pc, the notebook, the tablet, or the smartphone? Motorola seems to get back in the game with a device that has multiple uses for the consumer. It's not everyday that innovation strikes and gives us a glimpse of the future, it seems Moto has challenged another "Milestone". Be sure to post your opinions on this. See you around!

Link: Complete review





                                                 

Your multiple lifestyles, you decide!

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101

 The tablet wars gets hotter by the day. Many companies have deployed lots of foot soldiers on the battlefield but it's seems that Asus has the advantage of a sharpshooter, aiming right at their hearts - the price tag. The Eee Pad Transformer runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb and it's based on nVidia Tegra 250 SOC (system on a chip) platform.

 Apart from being the most affordable Honeycomb tablet on the market, it can be hooked up to a keyboard dock thus transforming into a netbook form factor with full Qwerty keyboard and extended battery life up to 16 hours. Here are the full specs: Eee Pad Transformer

 This video: I can transform ya  - would make a fine product commercial, don't you think?

Go turn every screen into a computer!

The Asus EeeKeyboard PC EK1542

 That's right guys - The Asus EeeKeyboard PC EK1542 is a fully fledged PC in a keyboard form factor. It's got its uses mainly at home if you wanna surf the net from the comfort of your sofa or bed, or just use it as a personal media center. Hardware wise it's based on EeePC architecture: powered by an  Intel® Atom™ N270 cpu, 1GB of ram DDR2, Video Decoder Broadcom 70010/ 70012 Solution, 16GB or 32GB SSD, Bluetooth ver.2.1, WLAN B/G/N connectivity and wheighs about 1kg. It also features touch controls on a 5" touchscreen.
 Overall this is a great addition for the in-home computing. As usual you're more than welcomed to post personal opinions.

Link: The EeeKeyboard PC EK1542

Smartbooks - to be ola or not to be ola *(ola - online always)

 So, here we are ladies and gents almost mid 2011. The tablet-hype reached it's peak. Nowadays even grandma wants to read the news online or check the e-mail  - most of which could be spam anyway. You can find touchscreen tablets everywhere, ranging from dirt cheap to the full price of a Core i5 powered Notebook. I won't get into much details cause stirring up an Apple fanboys rebellion it's not my cup of tea, at least not today.
 So let's take a look at the big picture: Smartphones, Netbooks, Touchscreen Tablets - they all fit in the MID (mobile internet devices) bucket. What about smartbooks? First time I heard about 'em I was like wtf? A mobile OS designed for touchscreen usability transferred to a netbook form factor? As I got the chance to experience Android 2.2 on a Asus Eee PC 900 (fresh OS install by me) I had a sudden change of heart. Everything fell on place just like a 3 year old puzzle. Using keyboard and mouse with the Android OS it's not a bad user experience after all.
 Nowadays I'm eager to get my hands on a Toshiba AC100 Smartbook. It's powered by a nVidia SOC (system on a chip) Tegra 250 with dual core cpu, full HD capabilities and it runs Android 2.2 Froyo. Don't know if an update to Android 3.0 Honeycomb would be available but still, hardware wise it's more than a match for most Netbooks out there powered by Intel's Atom cpu's. So I'd like to hear from you, don't be shy and post your own opinions/comments on the matter. To be continued...

Links you might be interested in:

Porting Android OS to x86
Smartbook - Wikipedia
Toshiba AC100 Smartbook