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| Acer Server | Altos 900Pro |
| Computer |
| product code; part number; part no; model number; model no 900Pro |
Computer ▪ Acer ▪ 900Pro ▪ P/099802000018
Updated 12/26/2007 6:46:46 PM UTC (682 days, 11 hours, 52 minutes ago) | |
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| News and Tips & Techniques |  |
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| Windows 7 sold early at college bookstore, order somehow maintained |
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digg_url = 'http://digg.com/microsoft/Copy_of_Windows_7_Sold_Early_at_College_Bookstore';
Street dates are invariably broken somehow, somewhere even when it comes to the biggest products and companies, and Microsoft is certainly no exception, with it now able to chalk up at least one sold copy on the Windows 7 charts thanks to an exceptionally eager college bookstore. While it didn't come in an actual retail box, this does indeed appear to be a legitimate education copy of the OS and, according to our tipster, it has been successfully activated. A little earlier than the usual slip-up to be sure, but we have a sneaking suspicion this won't be the last copy that drops before the big October 22nd date. Feel free to let us know in comments if you happen to come across one.
Filed under: SoftwareWindows 7 sold early at college bookstore, order somehow maintained originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 10/12/2009 3:28 AM (27d 3h 10m ago) |
| Microsoft handing out Windows 7 Launch Party host confirmations |
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"Congratulations."
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Microsoft handing out Windows 7 Launch Party host confirmations originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 9/22/2009 4:05 PM (46d 14h 33m ago) |
| Microsoft's LifeCam Cinema HD webcam lets you film those YouTube confessionals in 720p |
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For when the world needs to see with pristine detail your cat playing inside a paper bag in the middle of the kitchen, or every blemish on your face as you regale the exciting story of your day, Microsoft's unveiled the LifeCam Cinema HD webcam. The USB 2.0 device captures life in 1,280 x 720 HD resolution at 30 frames per second, with auto focus, 4x digital zoom, a noise-canceling mic on top, and something called ClearFrame for smoother video, somehow. It's not without caveats, of course, requiring a dual core processor (1.6GHz minimum, 3GHz recommended) and listing for $80, but it does happily tout its Windows 7 compatibility out of the box. Interests piqued? The webcam'll be popping up in stores on September 9th, which as it turns out, is becoming a rather busy day for tech enthusiasts.Filed under: Digital CamerasMicrosoft's LifeCam Cinema HD webcam lets you film those YouTube confessionals in 720p originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 8/18/2009 6:19 PM (81d 12h 19m ago) |
| Google's Chrome OS and Netbooks: Why Microsoft shouldn't worry...yet |
| | (Credit: Dan Ackerman/CNET)
While it may not have the same buzz as a new iPhone, Google's announcement of a new computer operating system based on its Chrome Web browser, has certainly set tongues wagging across the Interwebs. It certainly has many of the hallmarks of a hot news story--the bitter fight between Microsoft and Google; the rise of low-cost, low-power computing in Netbooks; free vs. paid software.
But while we're always in favor of more consumer choice and potentially lower prices, it's not quite time for Microsoft to worry about losing its firm hold on the Netbook market.
Microsoft's Windows XP is currently on 96 percent of Netbooks sold in the U.S. by some estimates (up from less than 10 percent in early 2008). When the similar idea of Netbooks running Google's Android operating system was discussed back in April, we said:
The very first Netbooks ran Linux operating systems, usually with a custom front-end to give users easy access to a Web browser and other frequently used apps. But as well-intentioned as that plan was, it wasn't until PC makers added the already archaic Windows XP operating system that the Netbook craze took off.
It wasn't that XP was the perfect solution for small screens and low-power CPUs--it's that consumers searching for a simple, low-cost second or travel laptop value ease of use over almost anything else. XP benefits from looking and feeling familiar to most users.
What we said then is just as true now, even if the OS is called Chrome and built specifically for PCs, rather than the smartphone-based Android. ... |
| | 7/20/2009 11:40 PM (110d 6h 58m ago) |
| Lexar releases new solid-state drive in Crucial brand |
| | (Credit: Lexar)
The market for consumer solid-state drives just got slightly more diverse.
Lexar Media announced Monday its latest line of solid-state drives (SSDs), the Crucial M225 SSDs. Lexar has been a known flash storage device maker, while Crucial is a known brand for computer system memory, or RAM.
The ... |
| | 7/20/2009 11:38 PM (110d 7h 1m ago) |
| Lexar Media issues 64GB, 128GB and 256GB Crucial M225 SSDs |
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It's been a long, long while since we've seen a new Crucial-branded SSD, but we'd argue that Lexar Media couldn't have picked a better time to end the hiatus. The M225 solid state drive family is the fastest, most capacious Crucial SSD line to date, and while they still lag behind OCZ's new Vertex Turbo SSD drives, they don't lag by much. The 2.5-inch SATA units can hit read speeds of up to 250MBps and write speeds of up to 200MBps, and the whole lot features MLC NAND flash memory and a SATA 2.0 (3Gbps) interface. Available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models, the trio is also fully compatible with the Crucial SK01 external drive storage kit, and unlike so many competitors, Lexar decided to go rouge and actually announce prices for the now-available units: $169.99, $329.99 and $599.99 in order of mention. Not too shabby, wouldn't you agree?Filed under: LaptopsLexar Media issues 64GB, 128GB and 256GB Crucial M225 SSDs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/20/2009 10:39 PM (110d 7h 59m ago) |
| Microsoft confirms Windows 7 RC upgrade rules |
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As October 22nd hastily approaches, Microsoft is slowly but surely dropping all sorts of knowledge on to-be Windows 7 buyers. The latest tidbit about the forthcoming OS revolves around upgrades, with a company spokesperson reportedly confirming that users running an activated version of Windows 7 Release Candidate will not have to "reinstall an older version of Windows before using a Windows 7 upgrade disk." Unfortunately, those who choose this path will see all of their files and such ushered into a folder labeled "Windows.old" when the final version of Win7 is installed, essentially putting a damper on what would've been an otherwise awesome experience. Interestingly, the fun doesn't stop there; if you ever need to reinstall the final version of Win7 from scratch using the upgrade copy you purchased, you'll first need to install (and activate) a copy of XP or Vista, which is different that Vista's somewhat more lax upgrade policies. Check out the read link for the full spiel, and make sure you wrap your noodle around it good before you go off pre-ordering the wrong box.[Via HotHardware]Filed under: SoftwareMicrosoft confirms Windows 7 RC upgrade rules originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/14/2009 4:20 PM (116d 14h 18m ago) |
| Microsoft Office 2010 to Gain Free Web-Based Components |
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Microsoft yesterday announced at its Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 that its forthcoming Office 2010 suite will gain a web-based component offering free, ad-supported access to browser-based versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote to anyon...
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| | 7/14/2009 4:17 PM (116d 14h 21m ago) |
| First Google Chrome OS screenshots leaked? Update: it's a fake |
| | var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/tech_news/First_Google_Chrome_OS_screenshots_leaked';
It's not much, in fact, these screenshots are incredibly easy to fake. Still, a hastily constructed WordPress blog has been setup to host what are claimed to be the world's first screenshots of Google's new Chrome OS -- hailed as both a Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X killer or a Google FUD generator depending upon who you're listening to. As the story is told, a Google representative demonstrated a private beta build of the OS to an anonymous Acer parts supplier yesterday, presumably somewhere in Taiwan. The picture above was grabbed breathlessly while the Google rep was distracted. Highlights of the demonstration break down as follows:
The "elegant" install on the Acer Extensa 4620Z laptop took about 10 minutes and 1 restart
Reboots desktop-to-desktop in about 25 seconds
It was "amazingly fast" in its stripped-down beta form
The blue orb on the auto-hiding "Chrome Bar" along the bottom of the UI is essentially the start menu
Navigating the file system can be done in "exploration" (like Windows explorer) or "browser" (search based) modes
The Chrome Bar can also host a search bar if configured
Future Chrome OS netbooks will feature an iconified Chrome key on the keyboard similar to the Windows flag key
Of course, it's a long, long time before this OS appears on next generation ARM and x86 smartnetbooks -- second half of 2010 according to the Goog -- so who knows what the interface will look like by then. One more image after the break.[Thanks, Matthew M.]Update: We just got another set of shots of what is purportedly the boot screen. To be honest, any of these could be faked, but we thought we'd pass along -- hopefully we'll be seeing something a bit more concrete in the coming weeks. Gallery is below.Gallery: More leaked Chrome OS shots?Update 2: Mr. Chrome OS Leak himself has come forward and confirmed his "screenshots" to be fake.... |
| | 7/09/2009 7:26 PM (121d 11h 12m ago) |
| Google Chrome OS under development |
| | Filed under: OSGoogle just announced they are indeed developing the long-rumored Chrome OS.Expected to be web-focused with a minimal user interface, the lightweight open source operating system will appear initially on netbooks running either x86 or ARM processors. Expansion to the desktop and full-powered laptops will most likely follow. According the Official Google Blog, Chrome OS will be available to consumers in the second half of next year."Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS," wrote Sundar Pichai, VP Product Management and Linus Upson, Engineering Director. "We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds."Not surprisingly, the OS will be based on a Linux kernel and should run all current and future web-based applications. Google admits that there may be some overlap between its operating system for mobile devices, Android, and the newly introduced Chrome OS. The blog announcement explains, "Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems."What does this mean for the Mac community? Sound off in the comments!TUAWGoogle Chrome OS under development originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/08/2009 11:08 PM (122d 7h 30m ago) |
| Microsoft's Gazelle browser takes a radical path |
| | Many people think that the browser is starting to replace the operating system as the center of the personal computer. Naturally, the view that Windows is on a path to irrelevance is not one generally espoused by Microsoft. That said, at least some inside Redmond's walls argue that the Web browser needs to start acting more like an operating system. ... |
| | 7/07/2009 8:13 PM (123d 10h 25m ago) |
| Windows 7 release to manufacturing reportedly on track for July 13th |
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Get out your Bill Gates commemorative calendars folks, 'cause it looks like we now have a few more dates to mark off on the road to Windows 7 availability. While Microsoft still isn't saying anything official itself just yet, a number of different sources are reporting that the company has set July 10th as the date for the final gold build of Windows 7, while the big release to manufacturing date is apparently on track for July 13th. Of course, things could still change if there's a major bug or other problem encountered, but barring any disasters, that'll likely be the same build that finds its way onto your PC this fall.
Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsWindows 7 release to manufacturing reportedly on track for July 13th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/06/2009 5:53 PM (124d 12h 45m ago) |
| eMachines intros ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 desktop PCs |
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Just a few short weeks after eMachines outed its EL1300 line of SFF PCs, the company is hitting us up again with a new trio of full-size desktops. The ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 are all encased within a luminous white mini-tower and ship with a matching LCD monitor, speakers and a keyboard. As for specs, the $449.99 ET1300-02 checks in with an AMD Athlon X2 4850e (2.5GHz) CPU, Vista Home Premium, NVIDIA's GeForce G100 (512MB), 3GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB hard drive, 18x SuperMulti DVD burner, multicard reader, HDMI / DVI / VGA outputs and an 18-inch E182H display. The $369.99 ET1810-03 steps to a 2.2GHz Pentium E2210 CPU, GeForce 7500 integrated graphics and just a single VGA port, while the $299.99 ET1810-01 cranks it down to a 1.6GHz Celeron 420 and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. The trio should be filtering out to respected retailers as we speak.Filed under: DesktopseMachines intros ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 desktop PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 7/01/2009 4:20 PM (129d 14h 18m ago) |
| Windows 7 pre-orders sell-out in Japan |
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Often companies will claim a "sellout" in order to hype incredible demand for its product. However, these claims are pointless without any firm numbers -- after all, there's a big difference between moving 100 and 100,000 units. Now we're getting word from Japan that the heavily discounted Windows 7 upgrades that went up for pre-order on Friday are sold-out. While no numbers are given, the 17 retailers involved in the pre-order sales, who presumably have no vested interest in trying to inflate perceptions on behalf of Microsoft, report sales as "considerable" and taking only 1.5 days (of the 10 days planned) to burn though the alloted inventory. A quick check on Amazon US and Canada shows the same pre-order prices we saw Friday. Still, it might be wise to take notice of the "while supplies last" disclaimer if you haven't already.Update: Engadget Japanese tells us that the 30,000 copies were sold according to Microsoft.Windows 7 pre-orders sell-out in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/29/2009 5:30 PM (131d 13h 9m ago) |
| Intel's 32nm Clarkdale CPUs moved up to Q4, a full year ahead of AMD? |
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It's just a rumor, but DigiTimes has pretty decent sources within Taiwan's motherboard industry. So what was a Q1 2010 mass production launch of Clarkdale CPUs is now rumored to be coming in Q4, notable as the first Intel CPU to use its new 32nm process technology with an integrated memory controller and graphics core built on a 45nm process. This jibes with what DailyTECH and others were reporting back in Feburary. DigiTimes adds that Intel expects Clarkdale CPUs to account for 10% of its total desktop CPU shipments in Q4 rising to 20% in Q1 2010. That means we should see the chips well before the holiday shopping season (near the October 22nd launch of Windows 7 makes sense) if true. As for AMD, well, last we heard they're still looking to "ramp up" production in the middle of 2010 with mass production capabilities arriving around Q4. Yeah, we know.Read -- DigiTimes Read -- DailyTECHFiled under: DesktopsIntel's 32nm Clarkdale CPUs moved up to Q4, a full year ahead of AMD? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/29/2009 5:29 PM (131d 13h 9m ago) |
| Microsoft extends XP downgrade availability to 2011. When will it end? |
| | Hold onto your hats folks, 'cause Microsoft has just done the unthinkable and extended availability of its Windows XP downgrade option, again. This latest move, of course, follows complaints that new licensing issues with Windows 7 could cause some serious headaches for businesses still hanging onto XP, and basically force them to either stock up on XP-ready systems before April 23rd, 2010 or face the possibility of Vista-only downgrades thereafter. The new deadline isn't quite as clear cut as past ones, however, with Microsoft saying only that the XP downgrade option will be available for 18 months after the release of Windows 7, "or until the release of a Windows 7 service pack, whichever is sooner." So, as ComputerWorld notes, if Microsoft pushes an SP1 update out the door six months after Windows 7 is released, folks could well be out of luck yet again -- at least until Microsoft sets a new deadline, that is.[Via Electronista]Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsMicrosoft extends XP downgrade availability to 2011. When will it end? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/20/2009 12:13 AM (141d 6h 25m ago) |
| Brando offers up wireless HTPC keyboard with multitouch trackpad |
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Brando may be best known for some of its slightly off the wall products, but it also carries plenty of less fanciful gadgets, like this HTPC-minded keyboard with a still relatively uncommon built-in multitouch trackpad. As you can sorta see above, that also doubles as the numeric keypad, and you can switch between the two functions at the press of a button, but not a swipe, apparently. Otherwise, you'll get a 2.4GHz RF USB transmitter that can be tucked into the keyboard itself if you don't feel like actually using it, along with 18 presumably customizable hotkeys, and support for Windows XP and Vista, but not Macs. $69 and it's yours.
Filed under: PeripheralsBrando offers up wireless HTPC keyboard with multitouch trackpad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/09/2009 10:20 PM (151d 8h 18m ago) |
| Windows 7 not likely to jolt PC market |
| | Microsoft's top Windows business executive said Monday that for all his excitement about Windows 7, he doubts the release of the operating system will lead to a significant spike in PC sales. "History would tell us that generally as you ship a Windows release into the market...the bump is very modest," Microsoft senior vice president Bill Veghte said in a "fireside chat" at the UBS Global Technology and Services Conference. "You will see a little bit, but it is modest." ... |
| | 6/08/2009 3:48 PM (152d 14h 50m ago) |
| Windows 7 goes on sale October 22nd |
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digg_url = 'http://digg.com/microsoft/Official_Windows_7_on_sale_October_22nd'; We knew good and well the next iteration of Windows would be generally available this fall, but now we've a date to circle in our datebooks: October 22nd. Yep, the fourth Thursday in the tenth month of this year will mark the first date in which you -- the general consumer -- can purchase Win7, which gives you plenty of time to figure out which of the 94 variants will suit you best. Have fun![Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsWindows 7 goes on sale October 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/03/2009 4:28 PM (157d 14h 10m ago) |
| Intel's Core i7 975 Extreme Edition reviewed, crowned world's fastest desktop processor |
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Surprise, Intel's top of the line 3.33GHz Core i7 975 Extreme Edition is fast. In fact, based on the reviews by Hot Hardware and PC Perspective, among others, this quad-core proc is the fastest desktop processor ever. While it's only 4-5% faster across the board than Intel's previous champ, the Core i7 965, world's fastest is world's fastest, right AMD? Better yet, the CPU is suitable for "significant" overclocking -- HH took it around the benchmark block at 4.1GHz and found only a "small voltage bump" while hitting a 50-degree C max temperature using Intel's stock heat sink. Look for the Core i7 975 to hit retail for a $999 list price which explains why the first gaming rigs wrapped around the 975 start at $8,000.Read -- Hot Hardware reviewRead -- PCPer reviewFiled under: DesktopsIntel's Core i7 975 Extreme Edition reviewed, crowned world's fastest desktop processor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 6/03/2009 4:24 PM (157d 14h 14m ago) |
| Windows 7 to launch October 22 |
| | Microsoft confirmed on Tuesday that it is planning for Windows 7 to hit retail shelves and start showing up on new PCs on October 22. To reach that milestone, Microsoft plans to wrap up development of the operating system by the middle or end of next month, Senior Vice President Bill Veghte said in an interview. "The feedback from the release candidate has been good," Veghte said. Microsoft made the near-final release candidate version available last month. Shortly after its release, Microsoft finally confirmed that it was aiming Windows 7 for a holiday 2009 release, something that was widely anticipated, but not confirmed by those in Redmond. In an interview, Phil McKinney, chief technology officer of Hewlett-Packard's computer unit, said that he feels good about Microsoft's launch date. "We're locked and loaded for the launch," McKinney said. "The quality of code is just absolutely stellar." ... |
| | 6/02/2009 10:43 PM (158d 7h 55m ago) |
| Updated Windows 7 and Vista downgrade rights leaked |
| | Are you ready to have your mind blown by some truly incredible gadget news? No, we're not talking about our peek at the Zune HD with none other than Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. In fact, we have spicy hot new Windows licensing details. According to Tech ARP, Microsoft will soon allow end users to downgrade from Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate editions to either Windows Vista Business or Window XP Professional. If that weren't enough, OEMs may now choose to install XP Professional, XP Pro Tablet, or XP Pro X64, instead of Windows Vista Business / Ultimate -- as long as they fulfill a bunch of legalistic requirements regarding activation markers, certificates of authenticity, Windows Vista Logo criteria, and other stuff you probably don't care about. It looks like the repudiation of Windows Vista is continuing apace... and we're guessing that it doesn't stop until it results in a series of war crimes tribunals in The Hague. (We can dream, can't we?)Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsUpdated Windows 7 and Vista downgrade rights leaked originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/29/2009 7:58 PM (162d 10h 40m ago) |
| Windows Vista SP2 is live, ready to download |
| | Face it: in between waiting for Windows 7 to launch and tweaking the XP build on your newly purchased netbook, there's this little thing called Windows Vista that needs to be maintained. Today, Microsoft did its part and released the standalone installers for the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Service Pack 2 for Vista and Server 2008. Now it's all up to you. Hit the read links to patch the Wow with a little SP2 Meh.[Thanks, Justin W.]Read -- 32-bitRead -- 64-bitFiled under: Desktops, Handhelds, LaptopsWindows Vista SP2 is live, ready to download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 07:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/27/2009 4:51 PM (164d 13h 47m ago) |
| Windows 7 branding leaks out |
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You didn't think Microsoft was going to ship Windows 7 with that same tired Vista-esque branding it's been using on the betas and RCs, did you? No way, man -- and if those crazy-cool wallpapers didn't prove it to you, the eager monkeys at MS China have thoughtfully posted up the new branding for your persual right now. We rather like it -- it conveys a welcoming sense of lightness that contrasts well with the battleship-heavy aesthetic of Vista, and that's pretty much exactly how Microsoft needs to position 7. A few more shots of the branding being used at the Chinese PCBETA event at the read link.[Thanks, Nicola] Read - Microsoft China Windows 7 site Read - Branding at PCBETAFiled under: Desktops, LaptopsWindows 7 branding leaks out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/22/2009 8:25 PM (169d 10h 13m ago) |
| We get it, Windows means cheap hardware |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple Corporate, AppleMicrosoft's latest advertising campaign, while more stimulating than the Seinfeld/Gates spots, has one goal and one goal only: sell PCs. Microsoft's endgame, it seems, is to persuade people into purchasing Windows-running PCs by leveraging the fact that Macs are more expensive than PCs. I'm not going to get into this argument because a) it's been done before, and b) the answer always comes out with just a little bias. In my opinion, the hardware comes out costing the same (with negligible differences) no matter how you run the numbers. What I would rather discuss is how Microsoft is making its attack and what it is actually doing to help Apple.Let's first focus on what Microsoft is not doing. Microsoft, as you will notice if you have watched any of the commercials, is not talking about Windows, at all. This is interesting given the fact that Microsoft is a software company first and foremost. It is also interesting when taking into consideration that Apple's wildly popular "I'm a Mac" campaign knocked Windows' flaws and shortcomings without holding anything back. Windows Vista is capable of some pretty impressive stuff and Microsoft is not touting any of it.Windows and OS X are very similar in terms of what they allow users to accomplish and yet, in many ways, they are very different in how they allow users to accomplish varying tasks. I'm not saying that one OS is necessarily "better" than the other (at least not now, I'll say that later). The two camps are different, though, and it is surprising to see Microsoft not point out the areas in which Windows is (or is perceived to be) better than OS X.However, what Microsoft is throwing some pretty hard punches by pointing out one glaring fact: Macs are not inexpensive. This is not to say that Macs are too expensive; I'm not going to get into this argument. What I will say, however, is that the numbers are close. Maybe not exact, but close enough. Given that Macs are... |
| | 5/18/2009 4:56 PM (173d 13h 42m ago) |
| Microsoft Windows 7 on track for the holiday season |
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Well, we thought this might happen -- especially after the news that Acer's Z5600 all-in-one will be shipping with Windows 7 pre-loaded, come October 23rd of this year. And now it's official: Windows 7 is on track to be released this "holiday season." Now, this announcement may be officially vague, but it is official. Sometimes in this business (as in life) we take what we can get.
Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsMicrosoft Windows 7 on track for the holiday season originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/12/2009 4:47 PM (179d 13h 51m ago) |
| Windows 7 RC 1 now available for public consumption |
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digg_url = 'http://digg.com/microsoft/Windows_7_RC_1_now_available_for_public_consumption'; Looks like Microsoft decided to pull the trigger just a hair early on this one. Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 is now available to the public at large. If you haven't gotten your hands on it, now's your chance to try it out well into 2010. What are you still reading this for? Hit up the read link to download. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]Filed under: Desktops, LaptopsWindows 7 RC 1 now available for public consumption originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/05/2009 3:39 PM (186d 14h 59m ago) |
| Microsoft to distribute Vista until at least January 2011, ending mainstream support by April 2012 |
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Just because Windows 7 is right around the corner doesn't mean Microsoft intends to immediately sweep Vista under the rug and forget about it. After some confusion around the 'nets today, a company spokesperson confirmed with PC World that its policy is to back an OS for at least four years from launch, meaning January 2011 here, but also said it plans to cut ties and drop mainstream support for the three consumer models within three years, before April 2012. Despite the minimum, most Windows variants have seen longer lifecycles -- XP, for example, had mainstream support for eight years after launch. Business and Enterprise users will still receive security updates until April 2017. Sure, it's good to see people will still have the option for Vista further down the road, but we don't expect a lot of OEMs or consumers will be opting for it once 7 goes gold. Read - Vista's fading support Read - XP's support lifecycleFiled under: Desktops, LaptopsMicrosoft to distribute Vista until at least January 2011, ending mainstream support by April 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/05/2009 3:39 PM (186d 14h 59m ago) |
| Acer's Aspire One 751 netbook gets officially pictured |
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This one's been in the oven for some time, but at long last, we're finally able to see official images of the 11.6-inch Aspire One netbook that we first heard about in early March. Obviously aimed at the likes of Dell's Mini 12, this larger-than-usual netbook still packs the all-too-familiar suite of "netbook internals," but that doesn't mean it can't look pretty being average. The relocated VGA port is sure to become this unit's signature (or... something), right beside the sleek overall appearance and nicely spaced keyboard. If we didn't know any better, we'd say we see a little X-Slim in here -- right? One more look after the break, or you can opt for a boatload down in the read link.Continue reading Acer's Aspire One 751 netbook gets officially picturedFiled under: LaptopsAcer's Aspire One 751 netbook gets officially pictured originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 00:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/04/2009 4:48 PM (187d 13h 50m ago) |
| Acer's AT&T 3G Aspire One landing at Costco on May 11? |
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Hot on the heels of Radio Shack's $79.99 AT&T-subsidized Acer netbook incident, it looks like the folks at Costco are looking to get in on the action their own self. According to Boy Genius Report, the 3G-ified, 10.1-inch Aspire One will be available at the box store from May 11th. It looks like employees are currently undergoing intense, military-style training, which will culminate on May 8th, and the netbooks should be hitting electronics kiosks on May 11. Pricing yet to be sussed out, but you'll know as soon as we do. Promise.
Filed under: LaptopsAcer's AT&T 3G Aspire One landing at Costco on May 11? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/04/2009 4:45 PM (187d 13h 53m ago) |
| Latest survey shows Apple customers are happiest |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple
While the economy continues to tank, and desktop PC purchases are falling, a new survey from ChangeWave Research says Apple customers are the happiest buyers. Looking at people who bought a computer in the last 90 days, 81% said they were very satisfied with their purchase. That compares with 67% high satisfaction from Asus, Dell is at 55%, HP at 52%, and Toshiba at 52%. Only 50% of Lenovo buyers were very satisfied. Ouch.Apple buyers plans to get a new laptop have increased 3% since the January survey. Plans to buy a desktop have declined by 2%.Other survey highlights reflect similar opinions to Apple buyers. People buying brands other than Apple still want laptops, while interest in desktops continues to sink. There is also continuing interest in netbooks, and many Apple owners in the survey said they considered the iPhone to be a form of netbook.The report also notes that overall consumer electronics spending is at the lowest level since ChangeWave began their research in 2002. If you'd like to see a PDF of the complete survey results click here.TUAWLatest survey shows Apple customers are happiest originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 2/20/2009 11:36 PM (260d 7h 2m ago) |
| Acer Aspire One goes official on AT&T's 3G network |
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Hey, remember that Acer Aspire One equipped with on-board 3G we spied in a Radio Shack ad the other day? Well guess what? It's real -- and we've got the PR to prove it. Just as expected, the netbook is being offered for the teensy price of $99.99 (coupled with a lengthy and expensive contract with AT&T). The diminutive laptop comes equipped with a single mind-blowing gigabyte of memory and a decently sizeable 160GB hard drive. Besides doing its mobile broadband thing, it also sports 802.11b/g, weighs in at 2.44 lbs., and will never, ever seem worth it in the long run.Filed under: LaptopsAcer Aspire One goes official on AT&T's 3G network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 12/12/2008 4:30 PM (330d 14h 8m ago) |
| Radio Shack to sell $99 Acer Netbook, but there's a catch |
| | (Credit: Boy Genius Report)
According to this leaked ad posted on Boy Genius Report, Radio Shack is poised to offer an Acer 8.9-inch Netbook for only $99 for people who sign up for a two-year mobile broadband contract through AT&T.
This type of subsidized Netbook is hardly surprising--in ... |
| | 12/10/2008 4:40 PM (332d 13h 59m ago) |
| Microsoft signals some improvements in Windows Vista SP2, |
| | It hasn't been too awfully long since Windows Vista SP1 hit the intertubes for real, but the Vista team is already talking up SP2. Granted, we all know Redmond is focused on moving beyond all of this Vista hoopla and forging ahead with Windows 7, but there's apparently still some work to do on the outfit's current OS. Unfortunately, the latest update isn't exactly enthralling, as we're given no set time frame for launch and we're not shown any forthcoming changes that really get our juices flowing. For instance, Vista SP2 will add Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches, the Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack, ability to natively record data on Blu-ray media and Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify WiFi configuration. Wait, did you just yawn? You did. We saw it. |
| | 10/26/2008 4:58 PM (377d 13h 40m ago) |
| Windows XPiration is at hand |
| | Windows XP, R.I.P. — at least for most buyers of new PCs. On Monday, Microsoft will stop selling copies of the operating system to retailers and computer manufacturers. |
| | 6/26/2008 2:20 PM (499d 16h 18m ago) |
| Sneaky Safari Updater opinion roundup |
| | Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Freeware, Internet Tools, Software Update, Bad Apple, AppleThe news that Apple has stealthily included Safari in its Software Updater bounced all over the Mac blogosphere today, and earned cheers and jeers (well, mostly jeers). Here's a quick roundup.
The most attention probably comes from John Lilly, CEO of Mozilla, who unequivocally calls the decision "wrong," and says that doing something other than "updating" with an "updater" betrays the public trust.
Darby Lines at The Angry Drunk says that the whole matter is just plain "whining" and that Apple is hardly forcing the software on anyone, especially considering that there's a checkbox right next to the name of it. And it's not like, as many people have said, installing Safari on a PC is actually a bad move.
The Inquirer actually makes a worthwhile joke: "Some iTunes users report that the box to sign up for Safari appears pre-ticked." At least we think that's a joke -- you'd only say Apple was "targeting" and "hijacking" Windows users if you were joking, right?
Microsoft Watch calls the program a "rogue updater," while Paul Mison fisks them pretty completely and shows that even if Apple did somehow hurt the computers by installing a reasonable, standards-compliant browser, Microsoft has done much, much worse.
So what's the deal overall? As we said earlier, Jobs very plainly told us this was going to happen, and though, yes, users who don't pay attention may end up with extra software, it's extremely easy to not install the software. While a warning might have been nice, Apple isn't really outside its bounds here, so it's unlikely that they'll change it anyway.The only real result is that users, whether PC or Mac, are reminded once again to pay attention to what they're clicking on. It's unexpected that Apple would be the company to remind us of that, but it's as true as ever.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 3/24/2008 3:49 PM (593d 14h 49m ago) |
| Vista SP1 Available / Early Adopters Encountering Some Issues |
| | Some users are encountering problems, others are not offered the install.SP1 Problems via Pocket-lintRead the Microsoft Vista BLOG to learn more about SP1 (issues/problems/solutions)List of drivers cauing problems. via MicrosoftWhat to do if your update hangs. via MicrosoftWhat's in SP1 via BetaNewsBelow are a few of the most common reasons why you might not see SP1 on Windows Update: * You have not yet installed all the prerequisite packages you need for Windows Vista SP1. To install them, visit the Windows Update control panel and click on "check for updates." * You have a pre-release version of SP1 and need to uninstall it before installing SP1 * You already have it. To determine if you already have SP1 installed, Open the Start Menu, right click on Computer and left click on Properties. * We released SP1 in these 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, and Japanese. If you have any other language installed, SP1 will not yet be offered to you. (You might not even know if you have an additional language installed -- check the Regional and Language Options control panel to see which languages you have installed.) * Back in February we announced that we'd be using Windows Update to help make the update as seamless as possible for our users. Windows Update will detect drivers that we know may be problematic when updating to SP1 and will not offer the service pack until an update has been installed. |
| | 3/21/2008 3:08 PM (596d 15h 31m ago) |
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| FAQ: Buying the right Windows 7 upgrade |
| | When I wrote on Monday about the ins and outs of what counts as proper licensing of Windows 7, I was worried that it might turn into a flame war. But, instead, readers sent in a whole bunch of really good questions on the intricacies of licensing Windows 7 that went beyond the basics I had covered. ... |
| | 11/05/2009 4:55 PM (2d 13h 43m ago) |
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