AGOG TECH-pc&laptops

BenQ unveils monitor for gamers

2007-03-30T11:01:00.002-07:00

Gamers rejoice! BenQ is currently offering the FP94VW LCD monitor that offers 19" of gaming goodness at a resolution of 1440 x 900, a brightness level of 300cd/m2, and a contrast ratio of 800 to 1. Just in case you're looking out for the magical number, take note that the FP94VW boasts a 2ms response time which is more than adequate for games and movies alike. Additional features include a DVI-D HDCP port and an HDMI port for you to hook up an Xbox 360 or PS3. Interested parties will be able to pick one up for €210 in due time.

Ritek Yego USB flash drive

2007-03-30T11:01:00.001-07:00

The Ritek Yego definitely takes a more candid approach towards the USB flash drive which we see everywhere these days. Instead of coming in the standard rectangular format, the Ritek Yego boasts a Y-shaped design that enables you to plug in an additional two USB devices for expansion options. This means you can continue to transfer your files or view photos from the USB flash drive while adding on other USB-based peripherals without changing devices. Each Ritek Yego USB flash drive comes with advanced partition and security functions to secure the information within. There is no word on pricing or availability.

Sigma USB hub

2007-03-30T11:00:00.001-07:00

Taking a look at the Sigma 7-port USB hub just reminds me of one thing - Toblerone chocolates. What makes this prism-shaped USB hub special is the inclusion of a magnetic surface that enables you to stick this hub onto steel surfaces with ease. Just in case you're working on an expensive mahogany wooden table, you can always use the supplied gel and affix it where you please. The 7-port USB hub comes with its own AC power adaptor that comes in handy when you have plenty of power intensive devices hooked up. This unique USB hub measures 125mm × 35.6mm × 33.3mm , weighs approximately 95g, and retails for $33.

Panasonic LF-P968C now Vista-savvy

2007-03-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

With the recent launch of Windows Vista, many hardware manufacturers have taken this opportunity to include Vista compatibility in their current line up of appliances, and Panasonic is no different with a revision of the LF-P968C which is capable of burning DL DVD +/- at 4x, DVD +/- R at 8x, and RAM at 5x. The LF-P968C portable DVD player measures 135mm x 135.6mm x 14.8mm and weighs 290g. There is no word on pricing or availability of this USB-powered portable DVD player though.

Seagate FreeAgent goes orange

2007-03-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Seagate has just launched the FreeAgent range of hard drives that definitely brings some much needed color to the boring backup area, featuring a chocolate surface and an orange trim that sets it apart from the other devices in the same class. Depending on your storage needs, the FreeAgent range comes in varying capacities that range anywhere between 12GB to a whooping 700GB. I'm not sure what's going on with Seagate's execs, but they are coining hard drives as "data movers". Will a name change actually shift more sales? Why can't we just call a spade a spade instead of being so politically correct these days. Anyways, the FreeAgent hard drives retail between $140 an $420, depending on the capacity.

Asus sends tablet to boot camp

2007-03-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Asus introduced a couple of new devices at CeBIT 2007, consisting of a tough tablet PC known as 13.3" Rugged Military NB which upholds the IP 54 standard for sand and water protection. Well, at least you know which is the perfect tablet PC to bring along the next time you head out to the beach. The other new offering is the weirdly named "Highly Integration UMPC" that features a 7" display, an integrated GPS system, and an ExpressCard slot, all running on a VIA processor. Pricing details for both devices are currently unavailable, but they ought to cost more than a mere grand. Picture courtesy of CNet.

Keyboard comes with built-in computer

2007-03-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

Now this has got to be one of the biggest keyboards ever made for the home computer user, but there is a very good reason behind this madness. Somehow with a little faerie dust and engineering genius, the folks who created the ZPC-945SL managed to squeeze in an Intel Pentium 4 processor that runs at 3.4GHz, 2GB of RAM, a 2.5" hard drive, an optical drive, and a pair of integrated speakers. Amazing stuff, seeing all those crammed into a body that measures just 1.5" tall. I sure hope the keys don't get too hot whenever the computer is running.

Sony VAIO VGN-TXN15P

2007-03-10T06:34:00.001-08:00

Sony Corporation
http://www.sonystyle.com

Type: Ultraportable, Business

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Processor Name: Intel Core Solo U1400

Processor Speed: 1.2 GHz

RAM: 1024 MB

Weight: 2.8 lb

Screen Size: 11.1 inches

Screen Size Type: widescreen

Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Storage Capacity: 80 GB

Networking Options: 802.11a/g

Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

The most enthusiastic buyers of ultraportable laptops are those who travel on a whim, whether for leisure or business. The Sony VAIO VGN-TXN15P ($2,299 list) should be especially appealing to these travelers because it doesn't break the 3-pound barrier. This is not uncommon for ultraportables, but what sets the TXN15P apart from the rest is a built-in optical drive, unheard of in previous systems of below 3 pounds. But before you succumb to the design appeal, you'll have to come to terms with several productivity roadblocks: Windows Vista Business requirements can be unforgiving; you'll need to upgrade the RAM to offset the extremely low-powered processor; and you'll need to get used to typing on a smaller keyboard (90 percent).

2007-03-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

Sony Corporation
http://www.sonystyle.com

Type: Ultraportable, Business

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Processor Name: Intel Core Solo U1400

Processor Speed: 1.2 GHz

RAM: 1024 MB

Weight: 2.8 lb

Screen Size: 11.1 inches

Screen Size Type: widescreen

Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

Storage Capacity: 80 GB

Networking Options: 802.11a/g

Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

Lenovo ThinkPad T60p

2007-03-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Lenovo
http://www.lenovo.com

Type: Business, Small Business

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo T7600

Processor Speed: 2.33 GHz

RAM: 4096 MB

Weight: 5.6 lb

Screen Size: 14.1 inches

Screen Size Type: standard

Graphics Card: ATI Mobility FireGL V5250

Storage Capacity: 100 GB

Networking Options: 802.11a/g

Primary Optical Drive: DVD+R DL

Many large and medium-size businesses purchase laptops once every four or five years. The migration cycle to a new operating system takes even longer because of compatibility issues and the cost of upgrading. Thankfully, this doesn't apply to all businesses. Start-ups and small businesses, as well as IT departments being built from the ground up or starting a new purchasing cycle, can do more than dream about Lenovo's latest gem. The ThinkPad T60p ($4,048 direct) is a business workstation laptop built on the same principles as a gaming rig: Load the fastest components you can find and worry about the price later. In addition to the fastest Intel Core 2 Duo processor (the T7600), 4GB of RAM, and workstation graphics, you also get the latest from Microsoft: Windows Vista Business.

Estari DC15 takes after Nintendo DS

2007-03-04T05:58:00.001-08:00

Is the laptop going the way of the Nintendo DS? Those who feel that 17" of viewing real estate are not enough to handle all the spreadsheets and work assignments can always settle for the briefcase-inspired Estari DC15 laptop. Although each touch screen is only 15" when measured diagonally across, the combined viewing area is definitely much more than a single 17" display. The DC15 is no slouch when it comes to performance with an Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz processor running the show, along with 2GB RAM, WiFi and USB connectivity, and a 100GB hard drive. Input methods include a styles, typing on the virtual keyboard, or plugging in an actual keyboard. Unfortunately, the DC15 weighs heavier than the average briefcase at 5.9kg, making this unsuitable for traveling. The Estari DC15 retails for $4,350.

Sony TP1 is pretty mediocre

2007-03-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

The marketing department at Sony sure has a sense of humor, naming this Vaio computer the Sony TP1. Other than the unique design that looks more like some piece of home theater equipment instead of a computer, the TP1 also stands out above the rest with the inclusion of an HDMI port, making it perfect to hook up to your spanking new HDTV in the living room. The missing CableCard support is also another cause of concern, with average system specifications to boot. The $1,600 price tag is pretty steep for such a device, but I suppose you're buying the brand name and design more than performance. Could this be the first of many toilet-inspired to come from Sony? Only time will tell.

Xbox 360 hardware vulnerable

2007-03-04T05:56:00.003-08:00

Hackers love a challenge, whether it is in hardware or software format. Microsoft's Xbox 360 console can now be used to run other operating systems on the hardware itself with a fair bit of tinkering, thanks to a vulnerability that appears on the Xbox 360 hypervisor. When exploited properly, hackers will be able to run arbitrary code and an alternative OS complete with full priviledges and hardware access. The hack has been possible since the bug was available last October, but a software patch has since been released to prevent such exploitation. You can read more about the fully skinny here.

Internet Aquos features touchpad remote

2007-03-04T05:56:00.001-08:00

Sharp's family of Internet Aquos media center PCs has just been expanded with the introduction of another three models. These HD-ready LCD TVs come in sizes of 20", 26", and 32". Depending on your budget, you have a choice of Celeron or Core 2 Duo processors, 512MB or 1GB of RAM, and a 250GB or 400GB hard drive. Shared features include a digital TV tuner, a DVD burner, Gigabit Ethernet, and an Intel 945GM Express chipset. Bear in mind these computers are meant for watching and recording TV in addition to casual Internet surfing, and not hardcore gaming. Navigation can be done via a touchpad remote control, doing away with the need for a mouse. There is no word on pricing or availability at this moment.

Ultimate workspace setup

2007-03-04T05:55:00.001-08:00

If you think you have got one of the swankiest display setups to go along with your souped up computer, think again. Stefan Didak's home office is guaranteed to pwn anything you throw at him - just take a look at the insane amount of monitors that line his SoHo! There are a total of 9 screens on display, including a couple of laptops. When broken down individually, you get a quartet of Hyundai dual-input displays, a couple of BenQs, and a solitary HP monitor. The lower monitors run at 2560 x 1024 resolution while the rest of the widescreens make up a 6400 x 1024 resolution.

DELL XPS M1710v2.0

2007-03-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

In terms of aesthetics, the revised XPS M1710 is identical to the system we previously reviewed. Given the quality finish and unique appearance of the system, this is certainly not a bad thing. In order to truly appreciate the changes Dell has made to their flagship notebook, one must look inside the system. Easily, the most dramatic change is the upgrade to NVIDIA's latest enthusiast mobile GPU the GeForce Go 7950 GTX. However, there are additional enhancements which have been made including the inclusion of 802.11n wireless networking as well as the ability to overclock the CPU thanks to the new Intel Core 2 Duo T7600G with its unlocked multiplier. Overall, we were extremely impressed with Dell's initial XPS M1710. More than six months later, we were anxious to see whether Dell was able to improve upon their previous efforts with the latest incarnation of the XPS M1710 notebook.

Dell XPS M1710 v2.0 - Special Edition Formula Red

Specifications

Processor
._Intel Core 2 Duo T7600G processor
(2.33GHz)

Chipset
._Intel 945PM + ICH6

Memory
._Two SODIMM sockets
._2x1GB DDR2 667 Unbuffered Non-ECC memory
._Supports maximum memory capacity up to 4GB

Graphics
._NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GTX 512MB (MXM)

ATA
._1 x DMA 100/66
._100GB Hitachi 7200rpm HDD
._8x Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

Communications
._10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
._Dell Wireless 1500e(802.11b/g/n) Wireless LAN
._56K v.90 Fax/modem

Display
._17" WUXGA TFT LCD (native 1920 x 1200)

Audio
._2.1 speakers and subwoofer
._24-bit High-Definition Audio

External I/O Connectors
._1 x Power port
._1 x Lock jack
._1 x Ethernet port
._1 x Modem port
._1 x Headphone jack
._1 x Microphone jack
._1 x SPDIF jack
._1 x PCMCIA slot
._1 x TV-out port (S-Video)
._6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
._1 x D-Sub port
._1 x DVI port
._1 x 4-pin mini IEEE1394 port
._1 x Multimedia (MMC/SD/MS/MS Pro) Card Reader

Dimension and Weight
._1.6" x 15.5" x 11.3"
._Starting at 8 lbs.

Software
._Microsoft Windows Media Center 2005

Taking a quick glimpse at the system, we can see that Dell has opted to retain the exact same casing used previously. Again, this is hardly an issue as the XPS M1710 is sure to turn heads thanks to the special edition Formula Red casing and the user's choice of 16 different LED colors for the illuminated logo and fans. As before, the fit and finish of the casing's construction is excellent with panels fittings tightly and buttons having a very positive tactile feel.

Starting on the left side of the system and working our way over, we find an 8X Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW optical drive along with two USB ports, a large air intake, and a Kensington lock port. The back of the system is loaded with ports including an S-Video, modem, RJ-45 ethernet, 15-pin D-Sub, DVI, power, and 4 USB 2.0 ports. Rounding out the right side of the notebook, we have an ExpressCard expansion slot, IEEE 1394 port, audio jacks, and a 5-in-1 memory card reader.

Directing our attention to the bottom of the system, we find a pretty standard orientation. In addition to the fan intakes and battery, we have the wireless NIC and memory bays along with a port allowing for a docking station. Overall, the layout is clean and concise with no particular areas for concern.