| Apple Exploring Liquid Notebook Cooling Systems for Cooler Laps |
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MacNN reports on a newly published Apple patent application which details ongoing research into alternative cooling systems for notebook computers.
Specifically, Apple explores the possibility of a liquid cooling system for th...
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| | 12/04/2008 2:51 AM (23h 6m ago) |
| When Blu-ray and laptops collide |
| | Sony's Vaio FW270 features a Blu-ray drive and a fair price.
If you're waiting for Blu-ray players to dip below the $99 mark before replacing your DVD player, let us offer an alternate solution: a Blu-ray-equipped laptop.
While Blu-ray drives first appeared on huge laptops with 18.... |
| | 11/27/2008 7:34 PM (7d 6h 22m ago) |
| Newsweek: Why we need better batteries |
| | Batteries are becoming the weak link in our high-tech lives as computers and other technology advances quickly but batteries--constrained by the laws of physics and chemistry--evolve very slowly. |
| | 11/26/2008 4:30 PM (8d 9h 26m ago) |
| Apple releases Safari 3.2.1 |
| | Filed under: Software Update
Apple just updated Safari to version 3.2.1. According to Software Update, "This update includes stability improvements and is recommended for all Safari users." Apple updated Safari only a few weeks ago, adding protection from phishing websites. If you've been paying attention to the Apple updates this week, then you know that they've done some heavy updating in this area. The past few days have seen updates to iPhone/iPod touch, iTunes, Apple TV, Pro Applications, Trackpad, and QuickTime.You can get the Safari update, or any other updates you might be missing, by opening Software Update (Apple menu > Software Update). You can also download the installer packages from the Apple Support Downloads website.Thanks to monu, and others for the tips! TUAWApple releases Safari 3.2.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 11/25/2008 4:08 PM (9d 9h 49m ago) |
| Samsung starts mass production of 256GB SSDs |
| | (Credit: Samsung)
The main things keeping solid-state drives out of the mainstream are their high costs and low capacities. Currently, 128GB SSDs sell for around $400, far more expensive than comparable traditional mechanical drives while still holding less data.
Samsung's aiming to fix that with its new 256GB SSD, ... |
| | 11/24/2008 5:42 PM (10d 8h 14m ago) |
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| | 11/24/2008 5:41 PM (10d 8h 15m ago) |
| Ease Your Holiday Travel: TSA Announces "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bag Procedures |
| | To help streamline the security process and better protect laptops, TSA recently encouraged manufacturers to design bags that will produce a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. A design that meets this objective will enable TSA to allow laptops to remain in bags for screening.If you intend to use a "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag once they are on the market, make sure to check that: - Your laptop bag has a designated laptop-only section that you can lay flat on the X-ray belt - There are no metal snaps, zippers or buckles inside, underneath or on-top of the laptop-only section - There are no pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop-only section - There is nothing in the laptop compartment other than the laptop - You have completely unfolded your bag so that there is nothing above or below the laptop-only section, allowing the bag to lie flat on the X-ray belt Remember, a well designed "checkpoint friendly" bag must be packed appropriately if you intend to leave your laptop in your bag for screening. |
| | 11/20/2008 3:25 PM (14d 10h 32m ago) |
| Toshiba Introduces Half-Terabyte 2.5-inch Hard Disk Drive With Ultra-Quiet Acoustics and Enhanced Durability |
| | State-of-the-Art Design Features Provide a Valuable Storage Solution for High-Capacity Mobile PCs, Game Consoles, Printers and External Storage
Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), the pioneer in small form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), today announced a half-terabyte 5,400 RPM, Serial-ATA (SATA) 3.0 Gb/s 2.5-inch HDD with a number of enhanced features that improve the user [...] |
| | 11/19/2008 5:15 PM (15d 8h 42m ago) |
| Transcend thumbdrive gets tiny, colorful |
| | Look at me! I am colorful and have a loop.(Credit: Transcend)
Facing a flash-based memory market downturn, flash chip makers are getting creative. Recently Super Talent unveiled a fancy thumbdrive with a black leather carrying case and on Wednesday, Transcend announced its new USB drive that's no less ... |
| | 11/13/2008 5:10 PM (21d 8h 47m ago) |
| Best Buy's Blue Label: So far, so good |
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(Credit: CBS Interactive)
When Best Buy unveiled its Blue Label program last month, we were skeptical. The program seemed good enough in concept: Best Buy asked its customers for their most desired laptop features, then worked with HP and Toshiba to develop laptops that delivered those features. But being jaded ... |
| | 11/13/2008 5:09 PM (21d 8h 47m ago) |
| PC Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazard |
| | These lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. |
| | 11/08/2008 11:13 PM (26d 2h 44m ago) |
| Laptop shipments exceed desktops in US for the not-exactly-first time |
| | Filed under: Desktops, Laptops
Hope you're eager to break into that Halloween candy early, because you've got some (re)celebrating to do. If you'll recall, we first heard that laptops accounted for over half of US retail computer sales back in 2003, and in June of 2005, we found that it was somehow worth getting jazzed over once more when it happened again. Here we are in the latter half of 2008 shaking our heads in disappointment, as IDC has amazingly discovered that notebook shipments into the US market have exceeded the 50% threshold for the first time evar. Go ahead and stock up on rave supplies early -- we get this weird feeling that we'll be doing this same song and dance in 2010 or so.[Image courtesy of DayLife]Laptop shipments exceed desktops in US for the not-exactly-first time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 10/29/2008 5:58 PM (36d 7h 58m 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 (39d 8h 59m 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 (161d 11h 37m ago) |
| Adobe Reader and Acrobat security updates |
| | Filed under: Software, SecurityDanger, Will Robinson! Adobe is warning that "critical vulnerabilities" have been found in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.1.1 and earlier. They are recommending that Acrobat 8 and Adobe Reader users install the 8.1.2 update as soon as possible. Those who are using Acrobat 7 are advised to install the 7.1.0 update quickly as well. A full summary of the security concerns and links to the update files can be yours by visiting the Adobe security update site. Note that while Acrobat & Reader 8.1.2 have been out for some time, the 7.1 update is fresh this week and the security issue is newly disclosed.[via Macintouch]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/09/2008 1:51 PM (209d 12h 5m ago) |
| Toshiba lets loose 13.3-inch Portege M800 laptop |
| | Filed under: Laptops
Toshiba's been cranking out a pretty steady stream of laptops since the year began, and it's making sure no slacking goes on in May. Revealed today, the 13.3-inch Portégé M800 weighs in at 4.3-pounds and will be available with a white pearl finish with silver accents, not to mention the white LEDs within meant to keep things classy. Furthermore, you'll find a 2GHz Core 2 Duo T5750, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a WXGA (1,280 x 800) panel, Intel's GMA X3100 graphics set, a built-in DVD burner, three USB 2.0 ports, FireWire / VGA / headphone sockets, 802.11a/g/n WiFi, 56k modem, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth and Vista Home Premium running the show. Regrettably, there's no word on price, but you won't see this one arrive in Europe until Q3, anyway.[Via Tech Digest, thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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| | 5/07/2008 4:08 PM (211d 9h 49m ago) |
| April 2008: Most Popular Laptops |
| | Here are April's most popular notebooks. The popularity is based on the number of views by Personafile users. 1. Dell XPS M1530 (previously #1) - The Dell XPS M1530 is the larger brother to the XPS M1330. It's a 15.4-inch screen sleek looking performance notebook that offers the powerful nVidia 8600m graphics card. The XPS M1530 is available in black, red, midnight blue and white colors.Dell XPS M1530 (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM) - XPS M1530 (XPS) 2. Lenovo ThinkPad T61 (Previously #2) - The ThinkPad T61 was released in May of 2007 and is still holding strong on the most popular charts. The T61 sports the Intel Santa Rosa (Centrino Duo) platform and improves upon the popular T60 by offering an even sturdier build and extra port options.Lenovo - Notebook | Model: ThinkPadT60 - ThinkPadT60(Notebook) 3. Toshiba Satellite A200 (previously #3) - The Satellite A200 / A205 series is a 15.4" screen mainstream offering from Toshiba. It has Core 2 Duo inside and ATI dedicated graphics is configurable with this notebook.Toshiba - Laptop | Satellite Pro® Satellite Pro A200-EZ2204X | Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7250 2.0 GHz | 15.4" Disp... - A200-EZ2204X(Satellite) 4. Dell XPS M1330 (Previously #4) - The XPS M1330 stays solid on the charts at #5 for the month. The M1330 is a 13.3" portable notebook with the Intel Santa Rosa processor, Nvidia 8400M graphics and slick looks. The M1330 is available in red, black and white color lid options.Dell XPS M1330 Desktop Computer for Business (Core 2 Duo T5250 1.5GHz/120GB/1GB) - XPS M1330 (XPS) 5. HP Pavilion dv6700t (previously #8) - The HP dv6700t Entertainment Notebook PC is the replacement for the popular dv6500t. This laptop delivers a 15.4" Brightview display, dazzling high-gloss design, Intel's Core Duo processors and the option to upgrade to an Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card with 256MB dedicated video memory.HP Compaq - Pavilion dv6215us Entertainment Notebook PC ( RP164UA#ABA ) - RP164UA#ABA(Notebook... |
| | 5/02/2008 7:10 PM (216d 6h 46m ago) |
| Toshiba gets official with five new Satellite Pro laptops |
| | We're not quite sure how much more official-er Toshiba could really get with its freshest lineup of Satellite Pro laptops, but five "new" models are being trumpeted today as the latest in its ever-expanding family of business essential lappies. Up first, we have the 15.4-inch L300 / L300D, which arrives with Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD dual-core CPUs (respectively), a TruBrite display, 802.11a/b/g WiFi and an integrated webcam with microphone. Also on tap is the 14.1-inch M300, 13.3-inch U400 and the beastly 17-inch L350. We won't bore you with specifications you've already committed to memory, but needless to say, any of the aforesaid machines are readily available and boast starting prices between $699 and $1,149. Full release posted after the jump. |
| | 4/22/2008 3:09 PM (226d 10h 48m ago) |
| Why XP over Vista (Isn't your browser your OS?) |
| | I went back to Windows XP and I want to tell you why.
I have a Dell Latitude 600, purchased in late 2004. Perhaps old by typical technology refresh standards, but a good machine that I want to use a little bit longer. Its has 512MB of memory and a 2004-model Centrino processor. It is a dual-boot machine, boots Windows XP and Windows Vista.
About two weeks ago, in a low power situation, my laptop shutdown suddenly. I could no longer boot into Vista. Whoa! Not good. I was about to throw in the Vista DVD-ROM and attempt a fix, but then I remembered that XP was installed. So I booted into XP. I then applied all the missing updates, since I hadn't run XP in perhaps a year or more.
While I had Office 2007 installed on Vista and a few other applications, I realized that 90% of my work (play, whatever) takes place in the browser. So I upgraded IE6 to IE7 and got the latest Firefox installed too (neither browser holds a special place in my heart, in fact, I pretty much feel they are interchangeable).
What did I notice: everything suddenly was very, very fast. Every user action got an immediate response from the browser. I thought my Internet connection suddenly increased to some new data rate, but it had not.
Very simply Vista is a memory and processor hog. And on older (wimpy) machines like mine, it just doesn't perform well (too much processor use, too much virtual memory use). I never liked the performance, but had gotten used to it. When I experienced the shocking difference, I realized just how bad it was.
Now if you go buy a shiny new Dell Latitide 600 series, like the Dell Latitude D630 with a Intel Duo processor running at 2GHz with 1GB of RAM or more, all of that slowness fades away. And for those with a new circa-2007/8 laptop at the mid to high end, this story barely applies.
Dell Latitude ATG D630 Notebook Computer (Core 2 Duo T7300 2.00GHz/80GB/1GB) - Latitude ATG D630
(Latitude Laptop)
Product Compare
compare all Laptop/Notebook... |
| | 4/16/2008 5:17 PM (232d 8h 40m ago) |
| Windows XP fans don't want it to XPire |
| | A petition to “Save Windows XP” has drawn more than 111,000 supporters — and continued shots across the Microsoft XP vs. Vista bow, a battle that began with Vista’s release last year. |
| | 4/16/2008 2:57 PM (232d 11h ago) |
| More details on new Toshiba Satellites |
| | Someone at Toshiba has taken PR 101, where you learn that two headlines are better than one and that a trickle of information is often better than a single splash (unless you're Apple). Thus the handful of press releases that hit the wires this morning, which provide further details of the new Satellite line-up the company announced last week.
Last week's announcement focused on the new Satellite look (which Toshiba describes as "gray pinstripes set upon a field of black" and my colleague Dan Ackerman describes as "a distinct metallic sheen") and the new Sleep and Charge feature, which lets you charge USB devices even if the laptop is powered off. This week's news listed the full specs of 11 preconfigured Satellite models that are available at Toshiba's site. We've listed all the deets after the jump.... |
| | 4/08/2008 2:41 PM (240d 11h 15m ago) |
| News: Toshiba Expands Recycling Program to Include Free Computer Take-back |
| | Demonstrating its continuing commitment to preserving the environment for future generations, Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., recently announced that it has enhanced its recycling initiatives with a free computer take-back program. The company also announced it has joined the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) by registering select notebook models with EPEAT, extending Toshiba’s commitment to the environment.To keep computers out of dumpsters and landfills, Toshiba offers to recycle its notebook computers for free with no obligation by the consumer to purchase a new Toshiba computer. Non-Toshiba notebook computers will be recycled for a small shipping fee. In addition, Toshiba offers users the option of trading in their used, functioning computers for cash. Toshiba is providing users with a product value estimator at http://toshiba.eztradein.com/toshiba/. Toshiba’s recycling and computer take-back initiatives are large and responsible strides to protect the environment. Proper recycling techniques ensure that minimal damage will be done to the environment as a result of improper disposal.The Green Electronics Council estimates that over the next five years EPEAT-registered computers will positively contribute to the reduction of more than 13 million pounds of hazardous waste, more than 3 million pounds of non-hazardous waste, and save more than 600,000 Megawatts of energy – enough energy to power 60,000 homes for a year. EPEAT is a procurement tool that enables purchasers to evaluate and select computers and monitors based upon their environmental attributes. As an EPEAT member, Toshiba submitted the Tecra® A8 and the Tecra M5, two of the company’s best-selling computers, for analysis and registration. In particular, the Tecra A8 embodies industry-leading quality and demonstrates that environmental considerations and product performance can be simultaneously... |
| | 3/28/2008 5:25 PM (251d 8h 32m 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 (255d 10h 7m ago) |
| Toshiba gets flash-ier: Will ship notebook with 128GB SSD |
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Though the MacBook Air and ThinkPad X300 might be prettier and thinner, Toshiba's outdone them both in a crucial area.
Japan's Toshiba announced Monday that it had bumped the specs of its Dynabook SS RX to include a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) as an option. That's twice ... |
| | 3/22/2008 12:40 AM (258d 1h 16m 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 (258d 10h 49m ago) |