Posts Tagged ‘Desktop’

« Older Entries

Leap Motion Brings 3-D Motion Control Technology To Laptops And Desktops

May 23rd, 2012
Share

Leap Motion has officially set the new standard for how we use desktop devices.

The world’s most accurate 3-D motion control device is said to revolutionize the way users control their laptops and desktop computers.

Leap Motion’s newest creation offers a motion control interaction space that will allow users to operate traditional desktop computer elements — windows, folders and icons — and interact with applications, using gestures made in the air.

By creating a three-dimensional interaction space, consisting of 4 cubic feet, The Leap controls the computer more precisely and quickly than a mouse or touchscreen, and as reliably as a keyboard, according to a statement released by Leap Motion.

Information Week’s Thomas Claburn notes that the Leap device produces an infrared light that reflects off objects in the four-cubic foot visible to its sensors, much like Microsoft’s Kinect.

Accordingly, The Leap device then interprets that data to direct the movement of objects on the screen of the connected computer.

“It was this gap between what’s easy in the real world but very complicated to do digitally, like molding a piece of clay or creating a 3-D model, that inspired us to create the Leap and fundamentally change how people work with their computers,” Leap Motion CEO and co-founder Michael Buckwald said in a statement.

Leap Motion expects its Leap device to be useful for basic computing tasks like navigating an operating system or browsing through web pages, 2D or 3D drawing, manipulating 3D data visualization systems, and playing computer games, including first-person shooters like “Rage” and “Call of Duty.”

Based in San Francisco, Leap Motion is a motion-control software and hardware company that develops 3-D motion-control and motion-sensing technology.

The $70 device is slated to ship “this winter,” as Leap Motion says it has already begun accepting requests for free developer kits.

Source:http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/344071/20120522/leap-motion-3d-technology-laptops-desktop.htm

No comments »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Hand-Gesture Technologies Wave Bye to Desktop Mouse

May 21st, 2012
Share

A race to liberate computer users from the mouse is kicking into high gear, inspired by the potential of turning hands and other body parts into digital controllers.

The goal: to manage computers and other devices with gestures rather than pointing and clicking a mouse or touching a display directly. Backers believe that the approach can make it not only easier to carry out many existing chores but also take on trickier tasks such as creating 3-D models, verifying whether clothes fit, training athletes and browsing medical imagery during surgery without touching anything.

Such possibilities have spurred furious action at some high-tech heavyweights, including Microsoft Corp., MSFT -1.51% Apple Inc., AAPL +0.05% Google Inc. GOOG -3.64% and companies that make televisions, computers and other hardware. Microsoft, which helped ignite the action with the 2010 introduction of its Kinect accessory for gaming consoles, on Monday is updating the software that allows developers to build applications for the PC version of the product.

Meanwhile, smaller entrants are developing inexpensive gesture-based products to help bring the technology to a mainstream audience. A start-up called Leap Motion on Monday will begin taking orders for a $69.99 device that allows users to control any desktop or laptop computer by waving their hands and fingers in the air.

The gadget, which resembles a pack of gum, is designed for particularly precise actions. Where devices like Microsoft’s Kinect track larger movements—like the action of swinging a tennis racket—Leap Motion says its technology can let a person write words or draw a picture, as it tracks motions within fractions of millimeters.

David Holz, Leap’s chief technology officer, demonstrates how the Leap allows users to rotate and zoom in on a digital globe with one motion, something that would take several steps using a mouse or a touch screen.

How it Works

The Leap is a series of small camera sensors enclosed in a metal case slightly larger than a jump drive, with hard black plastic film on the top.
The device emits a stream of infrared light particles, which bounce off objects within the four-cubic-foot sensor zone.
Source: WSJ Reporting

“It really makes you feel connected,” says Mr. Holz, during an interview in the company’s bunkerlike basement office in San Francisco. By contrast, existing tools that control computers “don’t work like real life.”

Not every interaction with a computer will necessarily be enhanced by gestures. But new interfaces have consistently defined winners and losers in the technology industry—such as Apple’s pivotal backing of the mouse on the Macintosh in the 1980s and touch-screen applications since 2007 with its iPhones and, later, iPads.

Apple hasn’t publicly tipped its hand, but a person familiar with the matter said it has been studying gesture-based technology for years. It has patented an invention for allowing users to manipulate three-dimensional interfaces without touching a screen. Apple declined to comment.

Backers believe gesture-based technology, along with voice-activation technology, will inspire entirely new kinds of devices and applications, such as robots that recognize and interact with humans based on their movements or physical therapy training programs that can tell whether someone is performing exercises correctly.

The field is attracting some venture-capital money. Bot Square Inc., whose Flutter app parses images from a webcam to allow users to play and pause iTunes and Spotify music libraries with a hand wave, has raised $1.4 million from venture capitalists Andreessen Horowitz, NEA and others. The Mountain View, Calif., company plans to release other apps and support for additional gestures soon, says CEO Navneet Dalal.

Leap Motion has raised a total of $14.55 million from Highland Capital Partners and Founders Fund as well as Andreessen Horowitz and others.

Microsoft’s existing version of Kinect for Windows PCs—introduced earlier this year—tracks the motions of an entire body, but the company says its updated software will allow tracking of more joints, including head, neck and arms.

Craig Eisler, general manager for Kinect for Windows, says the existing version of the software has been downloaded more than 350,000 times by developers. Potential uses include helping surgeons view 3-D medical imagery while operating, and creating cheap 3-D body scanners.

Other variations of the concept are in the works. Google recently offered a sneak peak of specially modified glasses that give the user information about the world around them, combining sensors and voice recognition along with gesture control.

At PrimeSense Ltd., an Israeli developer of motion-sensor technology, Tal Dagan, vice president of marketing, envisions gesture technology being embedded in signs that can change when different people are standing in front of them and robots that guide shoppers in stores.

Mr. Holz, 23 years old, began working on Leap’s technology while in high school. He says he was frustrated by how hard it was to draw a three-dimensional object with a mouse.

He dropped out of a University of North Carolina Ph.D. program to start the business with a friend from middle school in Florida, Michael Buckwald. For the past year and a half, they and now 20 employees have been working to refine their software and the Leap, which is expected to ship between December and February.

Like the Kinect, the Leap relies on infrared light. The device creates a three-dimensional zone where it can detect minute movements. It can control any software running on a computer it is connected to but the company wants developers to build applications specifically optimized for gesture.

Mr. Buckwald says the company is talking to partners about embedding its technology in laptops and other devices.

Source:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303879604577412550939856014.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Desktop computer systems morphing

May 14th, 2012
Share

Microsoft revealed some information last week that points to the next stage of evolution of the desktop computer.

Windows big shot Steven Sinofsky wrote on a blog that the Windows Media Player included with the upcoming Windows 8 operating system will no longer play back DVDs.

Of course, Mr. Sinofsky tried to spin this as Microsoft listening to its customers.

“The media landscape has changed quite significantly since the release of Windows 7. Our telemetry data” (by this I suppose he means data collected from users’ computers) “and user research shows us that the vast majority of video consumption on the PC and other mobile devices is coming from online sources …

“On the PC, these online sources are growing much faster than DVD and broadcast TV consumption, which are in sharp decline …”

In other words, increasingly you don’t want to watch DVD content on your computer. But why not just leave the function there for those who do want it? (TechMan has lately been watching 1960s episodes of Julia Child’s PBS cooking show on DVD on his computer. That woman was a hoot.)

Could it have to do with money? Bingo.

“These traditional media playback scenarios, optical media (DVDs) and broadcast TV, require a specialized set of decoders (and hardware) that cost a significant amount in royalties,” Mr. Sinofsky said. And because Windows 8 is both a desktop and mobile platform, its different forms make the royalty problems even more complicated.

But do not fear. If you want to watch Julia Child on your computer, you still can — as long as you are willing to pay more to do it.

Microsoft will now offer something called Windows Media Center that can be purchased as an upgrade to Windows 8. It is different from Windows Media Player, which comes with Windows 8 — the main difference being that it allows DVD playback and watching live TV.

Hidden in all this kerfuffle about telemetry and reader feedback is the idea that Microsoft doesn’t think the DVD drive will be around much longer as standard equipment on your desktop or laptop.

“Globally, DVD sales have declined significantly year over year and Blu-ray on PCs is losing momentum as well,” Mr. Sinofsky said.

In fact, Apple’s lighter, slimmer Macbook Air does not include a DVD drive. Apple also offers a Mac mini without a DVD drive.

The morphing of desktop operating systems like Windows 8 into do-all systems that run on phones, tablets and desktop also spells death for the DVD drive.

A phone and a tablet and an Ultrabook don’t have a DVD drive; why should a desktop?

The loss of the DVD drive will be just another step toward the minimalist computer. Desktops, once bedecked with peripherals, have been stripped of their bangles.

HP and others now make touch-screen desktops. And Apple’s newest operating systems encourage use of a touch pad instead of a mouse. So a mouse becomes increasingly unnecessary.

The MacBook Air also introduced the idea that you don’t need a mechanical hard drive. Solid-state memory is faster, more reliable, sturdier and soon will match hard drives in storage capacity.

Again, beginning with Apple — the iMac specifically — desktops are increasingly one unit — computer, monitor and keyboard joined together. PC makers are following suit.

Good-bye to separate monitor and keyboard and computer tower. And as that all-in-one unit continues to get smaller, the difference between a desktop computer and a portable computer disappears.

So we’re down to one unit with keyboard, monitor and CPU.

In the future, those also will start to disappear.

Projectors are getting so small that there are cell phones with them built in. There goes the keyboard; just project it from your glasses. If you don’t like looking at your desktop on the inside of your glasses, project it on the nearest wall.

So it is obvious that in the not-too-distant future, you won’t have a computer on your desktop, you’ll be wearing it.

Source:http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/techman-desktop-computer-systems-morphing-635696/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Lenovo debuts business desktop systems

May 10th, 2012
Share

Lenovo has developed a number of new business systems, including two compact desktops and a 23-inch all-in-one computer. The manufacturer simultaneously debuts a new ThinkVision 2-inch” IPS-monitor, also intended for business users.

ThinkCentre M92p en M72e

The two small desktop systems are named ThinkCentre M92p and M72e and are no thicker than a golf ball (3.45 cm). Their one-litre volume makes these machines extraordinarily small, while offering virtually the same functionality as a large desktop PC. The systems are powered by an Intel Core processor based on the LGA 1155 socket. Processor choices include the latest and most-efficient Ivy Bridge processors. These chips perform exceptionally well when it comes to office use, while the integrated Intel GPU allows for smooth video conferencing and offers support to up to three monitors simultaneously. The special ‘Mozaik Mode’ even allows four monitors to be hooked up. As a result, no separate graphics card is present in the two desktop systems, that are both compatible with Intel’s business vPro features.

Both cases have a TPM module, a WiFi receiver, an unknown amount of memory and up to 1 TB of storage (both hard disks and SSDs are possible). Lenovo bundles the ‘Enhanced Experience 3 for Windows 7′ (EE3) software with the machines, which should allow the operating system to boot faster. Also bundled is ‘PC Cloud Manager for vPro’, which manages all desktops on the business network through a web interface. Given the limited dimensions and hardware, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the two desktops are very efficient. The ThinkCentre M92p and M72e both have EPEAT Gold, UL Environment Gold, Energy Star, GREENGUARD and Cisco EnergyWise certificates.

ThinkCentre M92z

The ThinkCentre M92z is an all-in-one computer that will be available in both 20-inch and 23-inch versions. The specifications are pretty similar to the desktop systems, the difference being a dedicated AMD Radeon graphics card. These all-in-ones are aimed at the business market with features like Intel’s vPro, a high-resolution webcam for video conferencing, integrated audio with ‘Dolby Advanced’ enhancements, an integrated microphone and WiFi support. This machine also comes with several efficiency and durability certificates.

ThinkVision LT2323z

Lenovo claims that the ThinkVision LT2323z is the first monitor with a Microsoft Lync qualification, which relates to the quality of the monitor during video conversations. In order to receive this qualification, Lenovo combined a high-quality IPS panel with an integrated ‘Full HD’ webcam, two microphones (for filtering and damping) and two speakers. The monitor also has a user-friendly stand, which allows the screen to be adjusted in height, as well as rotated. The 23-inch monitor has the UL Environment Gold, Energy Star, TCO Edge and EPEAT Golf certificates. Lenovo states that the monitor is also the first to receive a TUV Green Mark certification.

The ThinkCentre M72e and M92p desktops will cost $499 and $799, while the all-in-one system starts at $799. The price of the 23-inch monitor has yet to be determined, as are the UK prices.

Source:http://uk.hardware.info/news/27647/lenovo-debuts-business-desktop-systems

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Lenovo Announces Thin New Desktops, All In Ones, And More

May 9th, 2012
Share

Lenovo announced a thin new desktop PC that’s as wide as a golf ball. The new ThinkCentre M92p offers up to 3rd Generation Intel Core Processors with vPro Technology, solid state or traditional hard drives, and supports up to four monitors in Mosaic Mode or three independent monitors.

Lenovo also announced the new ThinkCentre M92z all-in-one and the ThinkVision LT2323z wide monitor. The ThinkCentre M92z is available in 20 and 23-inch models and features up to 3rd Generation Intel Core Processors with optional Intel vPro technology, up to 1 TB of storage with optional solid state or traditional hard drives, and optional 1 GB discrete AMD Radeon graphics on the 23-inch touch-screen model. The 23-inch ThinkVision LT2323z is qualified by Microsoft Lync and designed to offer an excellent VoIP experience. The monitor features an IPS screen, Full HD camera, speakers, and dual digital microphone with noise cancellation. The ThinkCentre M72e and M92p Tiny desktop, ThinkCentre M92z all-in-one desktop and ThinkVision LT2323z monitor are expected to be available in June.

Lenovo also announced a new series of ThinkCentre M and Edge Series desktops and all-in-ones that feature the latest generation of Intel Core processors. Among the new models, you’ll find the 21.5-inch ThinkCentre Edge 92z commercial all-in-one, ThinkCentre Edge 72 desktop, ThinkCentre M72z all-in-one, ThinkCentre M72e, and ThinkCentre M82. The ThinkCentre M72e comes in a traditional tower, small form factor, or a new tiny form factor, a one-litre desktop. The ThinkCentre M82 is available in micro tower or small form factor.

The ThinkCentre tiny form factor is equipped with the latest desktop power manager for optimal energy efficiency and enhanced reliability and manageability features. It’s the perfect desktop for users who need uncompromised computing power in a small package. Lenovo today also announced the new ThinkCentre M92z all-in-one (AIO) and the ThinkVision LT2323z wide monitor offering an improved VoIP experience.

“ThinkCentre desktops are evolving to fit the needs of today’s professional users, offering uncompromised desktop power in a very innovative, space and energy efficient form factor,” said Tom Shell, vice president and general manager, Commercial Desktop Business Unit, Lenovo. “We designed the tiny form factor so that businesses can enjoy outstanding performance and manageability regardless of the size of their workspace.”

“We are excited to see continued innovation from Lenovo with their tiny form factor ThinkCentre M92p desktop PC”, said Zane Ball, general manager of Intel Desktop Platforms. “Lenovo has taken advantage of the unprecedented performance and power reduction improvements of our upcoming 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processor family, which will enable the industry to build smaller, thinner and more power-efficient PCs moving forward.”

ThinkCentre Goes Tiny

The ThinkCentre tiny form factor is the first desktop of its size to employ Intel vPro technology and can conveniently be positioned on a desktop, hang on a wall, or mount under a desk. With up to 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processor’s with vPro Technology, the tiny form factor can fit in today’s shrinking office space without sacrificing power. The M92p tiny also supports up to four monitors in Mosaic Mode or three independent monitors, without the need of a graphic card. Lenovo is also expanding its accessories portfolio to include options specifically created for the tiny form factor. The M92p and M72e tiny form factor desktop features include options for solid state or traditional hard drives, integrated graphics and WiFi. With Lenovo’s Enhanced Experience 3 for Windows 7 (EE3), the tiny form factor enjoys a fast boot up — 30 percent faster than non-optimized PCs. Users can be assured their information is safeguarded with enhanced data protection with TPM Security Chip and RAID 0,1. With PC Cloud Manger for vPro, IT managers can manage their PC fleet remotely on web-based system, without the need for a management console. The M92p and M72e tiny feature certifications from EPEAT Gold, UL Environment Gold, Energy Star, GREENGUARD and Cisco EnergyWise.

Next Generation All-in-One

Available in 20 and 23-inch models, the ThinkCentre M92z AIO provides a powerful and productive computing experience with:

* Choices of up to 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processor’s with optional Intel® vPro technology
* Up to 1 TB of storage with optional solid state or traditional hard drives
* Optional 1 GB discrete AMD Radeon graphics on 23″ touch-screen model

The M92z AIO, Microsoft Lync qualified, is built for business collaboration: a new 23″ IPS LED delivers 178 degrees wide viewing angle and a built-in HD webcam delivers a more effective VoIP experience, while a supreme anti-glare feature with multi-touch capability is available as an option. It also comes standard with Dolby Advanced sound enhancement for a rich audio experience. With its built-in Wi-Fi technology, users can easily connect to the Internet and its enhanced tool-less design allows quick and simple system service and upgrade. Not only powerful and manageable, the M92z is among the industry’s most environmental friendly AIO: its plastic components use more than 50 percent recycled consumer materials and it meets certifications for energy efficiency and environmental considerations, including EPEAT Gold, UL Environment Gold, Energy Star, TCO Edge, GREENGUARD, Cisco EnergyWise and TUV Green Mark.

Voice and Audio Optimized Monitor

The 23-inch ThinkVision LT2323z is the first monitor to be qualified by Microsoft Lync – specifically designed to enhance the VoIP experience. Features include IPS screen technology, allowing multiple viewers to see images clearly regardless of which angle they’re looking from. Integrated Full HD camera, speakers, and dual digital microphone with noise cancellation and adjustable settings aid smooth group meetings. For enhanced productivity, users can opt to work in dual-screen mode, which provides the benefit of two monitors in one. For convenience, users can lift, tilt, swivel or pivot the monitor.

The LT2323z’s industry-leading technology is matched with the highest industry standards for environmental safety and energy efficiency including: UL Environment Gold, TUV Green Mark, Energy Star, TCO Edge, and EPEAT Gold. Lenovo’s LT2323z is also the industry’s first TUV Green Mark certified monitor.

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkCentre M72e and M92p Tiny desktop, ThinkCentre M92z all-in-one desktop and ThinkVision LT2323z monitor are available beginning in June through Lenovo business partners and www.lenovo.com. Pricing for the models starts at approximately $499, $799, $799 respectively, and the ThinkVision L2323z pricing TBD.

“Business professionals working in highly productive and collaborative environments need PCs designed with their business needs in mind,” said Tom Shell, vice president and general manager, Commercial Desktop Business Unit, Lenovo. “These new desktops give users and IT managers a more productive computing experience, whether it’s better multi-tasking, powerful performance or space-saving design.”

Style, Simplicity and Power for Small-to-Medium Business – ThinkCentre Edge 92z All-in-One

With an Infinity Glass front panel covering the 21.5-inch high definition IPS LED display and a design that’s 2.5 inches (65mm) thin, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Edge 92z is Lenovo’s slimmest commercial AIO with an eye-catching design. Under its modern, sleek look-one that looks like more like a monitor than an entire machine-the Edge 92z includes the essential features small-to-medium businesses (SMB) require, including third generation of Intel® Core™ processors and the Lenovo Solution Center powered by Intel® Small Business Advantage, which provides a set of tools for remote management of energy settings and PC updates.

The Edge 92z’s innovative features include an optional 10-point multi-touch display and Lenovo’s View Management Utility to easily manage multiple active displays. In addition, professionals in fields such as advertising, design or higher education will appreciate the ability to wirelessly connect the Edge 92z to an HDTV or business display using the integrated Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology. For increased productivity, the Edge 92z includes all of the capabilities expected of Lenovo PCs, including Lenovo Enhanced Experience 3 (EE3) with Rapid Boot technology and integrated voice and video conferencing capabilities with an optimized high definition camera and array microphone.

Stylish and Powerful – ThinkCentre Edge 72

For SMBs seeking an affordable yet elegant PC that covers the essentials, the sleek design of the ThinkCentre Edge 72 integrates easily in almost any office décor and environment. Built for performance, productivity and convenience, this desktop includes the third generation Intel® Core™ processors. It offers a full package of productivity tools and features, such as Lenovo EE3 with RapidBoot technology. The Edge 72 also includes support for two independent displays with standard VGA and DVI ports so users can work separately on two monitors.

Built for Business – ThinkCentre M72z

Designed for productivity in dynamic working environments such as education, healthcare and government organizations, the space-saving design of the ThinkCentre M72z All-in-One is ideal for organizations that need big performance in a small space. The clutter-free design with optional wireless keyboard and mouse results in a 65 percent smaller footprint compared to a traditional desktop system with 20-inch display1, yet the M72z delivers uncompromised performance with third-generation Intel® Core™ processors and Lenovo EE3 with RapidBoot technology.

A 20-inch LED backlit LCD panel with an optional touch screen display and Lenovo’s View Management Utility for multiple screen displays complements the M72z’s compact design and high performance. The M72z also includes integrated voice and video capabilities with optimized high definition web camera and array microphone for unified communications. To reduce the worry of protecting sensitive data, the M72z includes security features such as a TPM security chip, an optional self-encrypting hard disk drive and support for Lenovo PC Auto Lock technology, which uses the web camera to detect when the computer is unattended and then locks it securely.

Essential Value and Convenience – ThinkCentre M72e

Designed to meet the ever-increasing communication needs of large businesses and state government organizations, ThinkCentre M72e comes in a traditional tower, small form factor, or a new “tiny” form factor, a one-litre desktop. The M72e delivers powerful performance with its third-generation Intel® Core™ processors2 and up to 16GB of fast memory to provide plenty of computing power for daily work. The M72e also features Lenovo EE3 with RapidBoot technology for super fast boot and shutdown times. Combined with optional WiFi and optional Bluetooth, the M72e delivers a potent mix of productivity and efficiency.

Enhanced Corporate Reliability – ThinkCentre M82

Armed with the latest third-generation Intel® Core™ processors, the ThinkCentre M82 gives mainstream business users the power to complete everyday tasks with ease. The M82, available in micro tower or small form factor, boasts many of the same features as the M72e, including Lenovo EE3 and ICE 2.0. It also makes corporate computing highly secure with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) security chip and enhanced design that makes the PC easily serviceable along with more efficient thermal levels that increase reliability.

Gold Standard for Green

The ThinkCentre M72e, M72z and M82 desktops have been awarded multiple certifications for energy efficiency and environmental considerations, including ENERGY STAR® 5.2 compliance, an EPEAT® (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Gold rating and compliance with the Cisco EnergyWise energy management architecture. The M82 has also received a UL Environment Gold rating and, as an option, can use a highly efficient 80 Plus Platinum power supply unit (PSU), while the M72e uses a 90 Plus Platinum PSU. Similarly, the M72z is a TCO Certified Edge product, identifying the desktop’s best-in-class position in the areas of usability and reduced impact on the environment.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Lenovo-Announces-Thin-New-Desktops-All-In-Ones-And-More/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Sharkoon Adds USB 3.0 to Desktop Tower Front Panels

May 8th, 2012
Share

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that make it better. For Sharkoon customers, that little thing is having USB 3.0 on the front panel of some of its desktop cases. The company announced that two of its cases, the Nightfall U3 and Rebel9 Alu U3, will both eschew front panel eSATA ports in favor of USB 3.0.

The two cases are distinctly similar and feature a black brushed aluminum finish and detachable drive covers, but they have different facades and drive options.

The Nightfall costs 44.90 euros (approximately $58.58 USD), and the Rebel9 chassis runs 54.90 euros (approximately $71.62 USD).

Sharkoon reissues two of their upgraded PC towers: The Sharkoon Nightfall and the Sharkoon Rebel9 Aluminium are now available with a front USB3.0. Sharkoon has replaced the existing eSATA port on both Midi ATX towers with a SuperSpeed USB interface. For the internal USB3.0 port, a 19-pin connector cable is available for mainboards with a USB3.0 header.

Both towers present themselves with an elegant, black-finished aluminium front, including a high-quality “diamond cut” edging and detachable drive covers. The SECC case on both models, with its exterior and interior black finish, are identical; differences consist in the front design and with the drive installation options.

The Sharkoon Rebel9 Aluminium accommodates up to nine optical drives behind its integrated front. The Sharkoon Nightfall offers room for five optical drives and five 3.5 inch hard drives. The removable hard drive cage of the Sharkoon Nightfall is cooled by a blue illuminating 120 mm LED fan, which sits behind a mesh air intake in the front panel. In addition to the pre-installed front fan in both models, two 120 mm fans can be mounted on the side panel plus an 80 or 120 mm fan in the backside and a 120 or 140 mm fan in the tower?s lid. The functional range also includes the cable management and CPU cooler mount opening on the mainboard bracket, quick-locking mechanisms to mount the hard drives, base positioning for the power supply and feedthroughs for water cooler tubes. The easily accessible Top I/O with the new USB3.0 interface is complete with two USB2.0 ports, headphone and microphone jacks as well as a Power and Reset button.

End customers will find the Sharkoon Nightfall U3 and the Sharkoon Rebel9 Alu U3 available for the suggested retail price of 44.90 (Rebel U3) as well as 54.90 euros (Nightfall U3) from authorized retailers.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Sharkoon-Adds-USB-30-to-Desktop-Tower-Front-Panels/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Dells Adds Ivy Bridge to a Pair of Desktops

May 4th, 2012
Share

Hot on the heels of an update to its Alienware gaming laptop line that brought Intel’s 3rd-generation Core processors to the series, Engadget noticed that Dell has added Ivy Bridge chips to its Vostro 470 mini tower and XPS 8500 desktops.

The Vostro is designed for businesses and has modest specs that are ideal for office-type applications. At the entry level, the Vostro 470 includes a 3rd-generation Intel Core i5-3450 (3.10GHz, 3,5GHz Turbo) processor, integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, 4GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 500GB (7200RPM) HDD, 16X CD/DVD burner, and a Dell keyboard and mouse, in addition to Windows 7, Microsoft Office Starter Kit (i.e., reduced-functionality Word and Excel), fifteen months of Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, and a one-year limited Dell Basic warranty with NBD onsite service. Of course, there are ample upgrade options, which can take the price past $800, but the above configuration is just $549.

As you might expect, the XPS 8500 has more robust features. Billed as a multimedia powerhouse, the machine starts at $749.99 and includes an Intel Core i5-3450 (3.10GHz, 3,5GHz Turbo) processor, 8GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 1TB (7200 RPM) HDD, AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics card, 16X CD/DVD burner, WiFi and Bluetooth, Dell keyboard and mouse, premium Dell warranty, Microsoft Office Starter, and a year of DataSafe 2.0 Online Backup (2GB).

However, the XPS 8500 also boasts higher-end options such as a 24-inch multitouch monitor with integrated webcam, Bose speakers, Intel Core i7-3770 processor (up to 3.90 GHz turbo), 12GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, 2TB (7200RPM) HDD with a 32GB SSD, and loads of software options. A top-end XPS 8500 will run you upwards of $1300.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/Dells-Adds-Ivy-Bridge-to-a-Pair-of-Desktops/

Comments Off »

Posted in Hardware News

Tags:

Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes