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News & Opinion
Leaving Windows for 'the Laptop I Had Always
Wanted'
Forbes' Jason Raznick says he's never owned a Mac, not so much
because of a dislike for Apple, but rather a preference for the Windows
format. However, he says that over the years, Apple has slowly worked
its way into his world, beginning with an iPod.
But until two weeks ago, he'd not been tempted to buy a Mac.
The change arrived due to apparently intractable problems with a
Sony VAIO laptop that he says he babied from the moment it came into
his possession, but to no avail. Then it dawned on him that, aside from
one ancient desktop (also a Vaio), he's never had a Windows machine or
known anyone with a Windows machine that worked at full capacity for
more than three years.
Consequently, he began to use a 13" MacBook Pro, and
by the end of my first week with the Apple laptop, he says he was
tempted to go and buy one right after work, impressed by the fact that
the MacBook Pro ran more smoothly, entered and exited standby more
quickly, and could remain in standby overnight without causing any
glitches the next day, and was, he realized, the kind of laptop he had
always wanted.
Link: Why I'm Leaving
Windows for Mac
Apple to Build 380K Next Gen MacBook Airs This
Month
AppleInsider's Kasper Jade and Neil Hughes report that according to
Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who's been on something of a
roll with recent, accurate iPad 2 and iPhone predictions, has now
turned to the Mac, issuing a new research report claiming that Apple is
planning to manufacture 380,000 units of a Sandy Bridge-based next
generation of Apple's revitalized 11.6" and 13.3" MacBook Air notebooks
this month.
Kuo estimates that roughly 55% of the new MacBook Airs will be 11.6"
units, which have been slightly more popular sellers than the 13.3"
model, presumably attributable to their more attractive entry-level
price point of $999 along with their trim size. Kuo anticipates that
Apple will wind down Core 2 Duo MacBook Air production this month with
a final run of 80,000 units, bringing total MacBook Air production for
June 2011 to 460,000.
Jade and Hughes observe that in the Worldwide Developers Conference
keynote last week, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product
marketing Phil Schiller pointed out that that the Mac has outgrown the
PC market in every quarter over the past five years and singled-out the
revitalized MacBook Air as a major reason why Apple has found such
success while the rest of the market continues to struggle,
summarizing, "It's beautiful, it's thin, it's light, it's fast. The
whole PC industry wants to copy it."
Schiller also noted that Apple has been leading in notebooks for
some time and was the first major PC maker to achieve a majority of
computer business with portable machines,* and that today, almost
three-quarters of Mac systems shipped are notebooks. An Apple supply
chain insider told AppleInsider that the two MacBook Air models sell at
roughly half the volume of MacBook Pros, with more than a million units
of the revised MacBook Air sold in its first quarter of
availability.
The article predicts that the new revision MacBook Airs will sport
Intel's' latest ultra-low-voltage Core i5 and Core i7 chips, supporting
a theoretical maximum of 8 GB of internal system memory.
Link: Apple Poised to
Build Nearly 400K Next-Gen MacBook Airs This Month
Apple Gears Up for a Revised MacBook Air
Cnet's Brooke Crothers notes that, as Cnet reported in February, a
new MacBook Air revision will get Intel's Sandy Bridge silicon and
finally drop the older Core 2 Duo chips that have powered the Air since
it debuted in January 2008.
Crothers observes that a remaining question is whether the new Airs
will get the high-performance Thunderbolt I/O port that comes with all
2011 MacBook Pros and iMacs, and he expects it a lock that the Air will
return to an Intel integrated graphics chipset.
Link: Apple Gears Up
for New MacBook Air
Acer Slashes Tablet Sales Forecast, Banks on
Notebooks
The Register's Paul Kunert reports that Acer has cut its 2011 Tablet
PC shipment forecasts by 60% but is predicting a gradual recovery in
its traditional notebook markets, with Acer Chairman and CEO JT Wang
telling shareholders at a meeting in Taiwan that he expects tablet
sales of 2.5 to 3.0 million units for the full year, down from previous
estimates of 5-7 million, and also that tablets will be removed from
Acer's consumer division and sold alongside smartphones.
Link: Acer
Slashes Tablet Forecast, Banks on Notebooks
Datamancer's Steampunk Laptop
Datamancer says it may look like a Victorian music box, but inside
an intricately hand-crafted wooden case lives a Hewlett-Packard ZT1000
laptop that runs both Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux.
Closed lid view and keyboard of Datamancer's Steampunk Laptop.
The steampunk laptop features elaborate display clockworks under
glass, engraved brass accents, claw feet, an antiqued copper keyboard
and mouse, leather wrist pads, a customized wireless network card, and
turns on with an antique clock-winding key by way of a custom-built
ratcheting switch made from old clock parts.
Link: Datamancer's
Steampunk Laptop
Tech Trends
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Combines Laptop and Tablet
Virtues
The Asus Transformer is a dual-core ARM-based tablet that transforms
into a laptop computer. Perhaps someday the iPad or MacBook Air will
undergo a similar transformation.
PR: With a super slim profile of only 12.98v mm thick in
a frame that weighs just 680g, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer is claimed
to be comfortable to hold in any position with a unique textured
pattern that offers a better tactile sensation, so it won't feel as if
it will slip out of your hands.
Powered by Nvidia's Tegra 2 dual-core processor, the
Transformer offers lively Web performance, providing a snappier
response time and better speed when multitasking. Sporting a HDMI 1.3a
port, the Transformer can also connect to a HDTV and 5.1 surround sound
system, delivering an enhanced multimedia experience.
An IPS Panel made from durable and scratch-resistant glass is
viewable at angles up to 178°, and produces a crisper and more
accurate color range by up to 50% when compared with certain other
tablets in the market.
A 5 MP rear- and 1.2 MP front-facing camera can shoot and
record HD video, which can be played back at 1080p. Output to HD video
on HDTVs is also available via a mini HDMI output port, making it a
true mobile entertainment device.
Built-in SRS Sound technology provides a dynamic 3D stereo
audio experience, with maximum bass response and a wide sound field
from the discrete speakers housed within the Transformer.
The Transformer can transform to notebook mode with its keyboard
docking station and up to 16 hours of battery life.
The optional docking station provides access to a full QWERTY
keyboard along with unique Android Function keys, turning the tablet
Transformer into a full-fledged notebook with a touchpad, 3.5mm audio
jack, and two USB ports, as well as a built-in SD Card reader for easy
file sharing and storage expandability makes the Transformer a
versatile media hub.
The docking station also extends the Transformer's rated 9.5
hours of battery life up to 16 hours.
Preloaded on the Transformer is Polaris Office 3.0, a professional
mobile office Solution which enables users to edit various types of
office documents including documents (.doc), spreadsheets (.xls) and
presentation (.ppt) files, making the Transformer very attractive for
professional use. In addition, the ultra-convenient ASUS WebStorage
with one year of unlimited storage space provides worry-free cloud
computing.
Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS with ASUS Waveshare UI
Google's Android Honeycomb is an operating system specially
designed and optimized for tablets, and enables users a full web
experience for on-the-go web browsing, communicating and casual
computing. Supporting Adobe Flash 10.2 and the ever growing Android
Market, entertainment is a finger swipe away.
The ASUS Launcher also allows users to easily launch software,
manage content and access online services and connect devices with a
few simple taps.
Listen to your music or online radio and bring them wherever you
go.
MyLibrary consolidates downloaded books, magazines and newspapers in
to one easy step.
While ASUS' Waveshare Interface hosts a variety of unique
applications such as MyNet, MyLibrary, MyCloud and more. MyNet easily
streams digital media wirelessly within home network devices so HD
videos or music can be played on devices such as an HDTV or desktop PCs
for an even better experience from the Transformer.
The MyCloud application is a total cloud solution, providing access
to digital content such as music, videos and files from the cloud
anywhere, anytime. Users can even use MyCloud to remotely access and
control any PC or Mac system and access applications or files to extend
the versatility of the Eee Pad Transformer experience.
Features Summary:
- Nvidia Tegra 2 1.0 GHz dual-core CPU for excellent multitasking
& 1080p video playback
- Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS. with Adobe Flash 10.2 support
- Full QWERTY keyboard, touchpad input with Polaris Office for mobile
productivity
- Up to 16 hours long battery life for all day computing with docking
station
- Brilliant IPS panel with ultra-wide 178 viewing angle made from
scratch resistant and super tough glass
- One year of Unlimited ASUS WebStorage, two USB ports, SD and Micro
SD card readers for easy sharing & storage expandability
- 3D stereo with max bass response with SRS premium sound
Eee Pad PC suite includes MyDesktop PC server, ASUS Webstorage
(Windows version) and ASUS Sync: all the essential kit to connect and
sync your data with MyCloud and your EeePad.
Specs:
- Display - 10.1" LED Backlight WXGA (1280 x 800) Screen
- 10 finger multitouch support
- Scratch resistant glass
- CPU - Nvidia Tegra 2
- Memory 1 GB
- Storage 16 GB/32 GB
- Unlimited ASUS Webstorage
- Wireless Data Network - WLAN 802.11 b/g/n@2.4 GHz
- Bluetooth V2.1+EDR
- Camera - 1.2 M Pixel Front Camera; 5 M Pixel Rear Camera
- Audio - SRS Premium Sound
- Stereo Speakers
- High Quality Mic
- Interface
- 1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Headphone/Mic-in)
- 1 x mini HDMI 1.3a
- 1 x Card Reader (Micro SD)
- Sensor - G-Sensor
- Light Sensor
- Gyroscope
- E-Compass
- GPS
- Multitask Support
- Flash Support
- Software :
- ASUS Launcher
- MyLibrary
- MyNet
- MyCloud
- File manager
- PC Sync
- Battery: 9.5 hours; 24.4 Wh Li-Polymer Battery; 16 hours with dock
(battery life estimated under certain conditions)
- Dimensions 271 x 171 x 12.98 mm
- Weight 680 g
- Mobile Docking Keyboard
- Touch Pad
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 2 x Docking port (Host + Client)
- 1 x Card Reader (MMC/SD/SDHC)
- 1 x 24.4 Wh Battery
Link: Asus Eee Pad
Transformer
'Fully Rugged' Panasonic Toughbook 19 Receives
Performance, Display, and Storage Upgrades
Here's one small, profitable market that Apple has avoided thus far.
Although the aluminum unibody MacBook Pro and Air are pretty solid,
they can't take the kind of abuse a Panasonic Toughbook is designed
for.
PR: Panasonic Solutions Company has announced a series
of upgrades to its Toughbook 19 fully-rugged convertible tablet. The
updated device features a standard voltage processor, increased RAM and
hard drive capacity as well as speed, a brighter sunlight-viewable
screen and more. With these enhancements, the reliable Toughbook 19
continues to be an ideal device for utilities, first responders,
maintenance and field service workers.
With the new Intel processor and enhanced functionality, our users
will benefit from improved performance and outdoor screen visibility
without sacrificing battery life.
Powered by the second generation Intel Core i5-2520M (2.5 GHz)
standard voltage processor with Intel HD 3000 graphics, the Toughbook
19s startup time is more than 20% faster and overall CPU and graphics
performance have also been improved compared to the previous model.
This is also the first time a standard voltage CPU and Intel HD 3000
graphics have been included in the Toughbook 19. The device still does
not require a fan, ensuring reliability in a challenging environment
remains a priority. The new device also comes standard with 4 GB
RAM, expandable to 8 GB, and runs a 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7
professional operating system. A 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive is
standard, with an optional 128 or 256 GB solid state drive
available.
The
rugged Toughbook 19 convertible tablet has been on the market for five
years, providing reliable connectivity to users in some of the most
demanding environments including emergency services and utilities, said
Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Solutions Company.
With the new Intel processor and enhanced functionality, our users will
benefit from improved performance and outdoor screen visibility without
sacrificing battery life.
Improved Functionality
The 10.1" XGA touchscreen on the Toughbook 19 now features a
TransflectivePlus display, which, in addition to an adjustable LED
backlight, harnesses the rays of the sun by using an internal
reflecting layer to illuminate the screen and can generate up to 6000
nit of transflective brightness equivalent under 200K lx environment.
This exclusive technology comes standard with antireflective and
antiglare screen treatments plus a circular polarizing filter for an
unparalleled outdoor viewing experience. The LED backlight can deliver
as little as 1 nit, useful in dimly lit areas or for concealed
nighttime use, which is critical to the safety of military and public
sector users.
The
Toughbook 19 also includes a new dashboard designed to conveniently
customize each Toughbook to the users preferred settings, providing a
user-friendly quick launch interface for common functionalities such as
brightness, volume, and tablet button backlighting. The dashboard also
allows easy management of the device using helpful tools, such as the
popular Panasonic Power Plan extension utility and PC information
viewer utility.
To ease customer usability in the field, the Toughbook 19s display
rotation mechanism has been redesigned so mobile workers can convert
from traditional laptop to tablet mode with just one hand.
Embedded Wireless Connectivity
The Toughbook 19 offers a variety of embedded wireless technologies,
including WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, optional GPS receiver and
optional Gobi2000 3G mobile broadband technology from Qualcomm. The
device is certified on the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless 3G
networks, allowing workers to stay connected virtually all of the time.
With certifications coming later this year, the Toughbook 19 will also
offer embedded support for 4G networks.
Platform Compatibility
The upgraded Toughbook 19 maintains the same platform footprint as
previous generation devices. This ensures existing customers can
continue to use peripheral equipment, including vehicle docking
stations, which significantly lowers the total cost of ownership.
Panasonic Toughbook 19: Key Upgraded Features
- Intel Core i5-2520M (2.5 GHz) standard voltage processor with Intel
HD 3000 graphics, Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz
- Genuine Windows 7 Professional (32-bit or 64-bit)
- Screen Brightness: Up to 6000 cd/m2 (nit) in direct
sunlight (under 200K lx environment)
- TransflectivePlus
- RAM: 4-8 GB DDR3 (1333 MHz)
- Storage: 320 GB 7200 rpm shock-mounted HDD, optional 128 GB or 256
GB SSD
- Embedded Connectivity
- Optional embedded 4G LTE (available later this year)
- WiFi
- Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 802.11a/b/g/n
- Interfaces: SDXC
For a full list of Toughbook 19 specifications, go to the Toughbook
website.
The upgraded Panasonic Toughbook 19 will be available worldwide
starting September 2011. In the United States, the Toughbook 19 is
expected to be available starting at an estimated street price of
$3,349 from authorized Panasonic resellers.
The Toughbook 19 includes a full three-year limited warranty, parts
and labor, providing coverage wherever the unit may be deployed.
The Panasonic Toughbook brand can be followed on various social
media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and
Toughbloggers.com.
Link:
Panasonic Toughbook 19
Products & Services
OWC Expands 6 Gb/s Solid State Drive Line with New
Built in USA Mercury Electra 6G SSD
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the OWC
Mercury Electra 6G SSD, a new consumer/prosumer targeted SandForce
Driven SATA Revision 3.0 6 Gb/s Solid State Drive. Designed and built
in the USA utilizing the highest quality components available,
including Tier 1/Grade A NAND, the OWC Mercury Electra delivers 556
MB/s read and 523 MB/s write sustained data rates for over 7x faster
performance than a standard factory hard drive found in Mac and PC
computers.
Three Consumer/Prosumer Models Offered Starting at $229.99
Offering the SATA Revision 3.0 performance of a 6G SSD, but
aggressively priced like a SATA Revision 2.0 3G SSD, the OWC Mercury
Electra 6G is ideal for high speed personal computing, home office
environments, gaming, and production workstations, can be incorporated
into a RAID 1 or SPAN configuration, and is available for immediate
ordering in three capacity sizes:
- 120 GB OWC Mercury Electra 6G with Tier 1/Grade A NAND $229.99
MSRP
- 240 GB OWC Mercury Electra 6G with Tier 1/Grade A NAND $479.99
MSRP
- 480 GB OWC Mercury Electra 6G with Tier 1/Grade A NAND $929.99
MSRP
Maximizes Any Computer's 3G and 6G Data Bus
Whether a consumer has a Mac or PC with the SATA Revision 2.0 (3
Gb/s) data bus or computer with the latest SATA Revision 3.0 (6 Gb/s)
interface, the OWC Mercury Electra 6G SSD is able to deliver near bus
saturating speed when installed in either interface. OWC benchmark
testing confirms the Mercury Electra 6G SSD delivers up to 284 MB/s
sustained reads and 268 MB/s writes in the 3G's 300 MB/s max speed bus.
Taking advantage of 6 Gb/s interfaces maximum bandwidth of 600 MB/s,
the Mercury Electra 6G SSD provides up to 556 MB/s sustained reads and
523 MB/s writes.
Doesn't Slow Down With Use Like Ordinary SSDs
Ordinary SSDs offer fast read/write performance during first initial
uses, but can then experience significant write speed degradation over
repeated, long-term usage. Independent simulation tests by leading
drive performance experts confirm OWC Mercury SSDs ultra-efficient
block management, wear leveling technologies, and real-time data
redundancies enable incredibly high performance and Extreme
reliability, both of which are maintained over long-term intensive
use.
Up To 100x Greater Data Protection
Speed doesn't matter if it can compromise data integrity. Thanks to
SandForce DuraClass technology, the OWC Mercury Electra 6G is able to
provide up to 100X higher data protection than provided by ordinary
SSDs as well as leading enterprise class hard disk drives. By combining
the highest level of Error Correction Code (ECC) and SandForce RAISE
(Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements) technology along with
7% over provisioning reserve/overhead flash allocation, the OWC Mercury
Electra 6G provides RAID like data protection and reliability in a
single drive application.
Risk-Free 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
To ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction and confidence,
OWC is extending its renowned 30-Day Money Back Guarantee on its SSD
line to include the new Mercury Electra 6G SSD. If a consumer is not
completely satisfied with an OWC Mercury Electra 6G SSD for any reason,
they simply need to contact OWC's award-winning Customer Service
department which offers 24/7 Live Chat support - to request a full,
hassle-free refund.
"Were very excited to continue the evolution of our solid state
drive line with this new Electra model," says Larry O'Connor, Founder
and CEO, Other World Computing. "We're being very aggressive in pricing
this model to appeal to consumers and prosumers who have yet to make
the SSD switch. With over 500 MB/s of highly reliable performance, the
OWC Mercury Electra 6G helps Mac and PC owners make their machines
quickly and easily faster in a flash."
"The new SandForce Driven 6 Gb/s Mercury Electra line, using our
latest SF-2000 SSD Processors, is well suited for further expanding the
deployment of SSDs into both the Mac and PC environments," says Kent
Smith, Sr. Director of Product Marketing for SandForce. "SandForce is
already in volume production with these latest award-winning SSD
Processors and fully prepared to support this new OWC product line
expansion."
Expands Most Comprehensive SSD Line For Macs And PCs
The new Mercury Electra 6G SSD joins OWC's existing line of
performance leading, world speed record breaking Mercury Pro SSDs for
nearly every Mac and PC produced over the past decade available in
capacities from 40 GB to 480 GB starting from $99.97:
- OWC Mercury Aura Pro: First and only high performance
SandForce processor based SSD for 2008-2010 Apple MacBook Air models
for up to 4X the maximum factory available SSD capacity; as well as a
SandForce processor based model specifically for use with
netbook/subnotebook computers that use an internal 1.8" sized SATA
drive.
- OWC Mercury Legacy Pro: First and only SandForce processor
based IDE/ATA SSDs available for pre-Intel PowerPC based Mac and PC
notebook/laptop and desktop/tower computers.
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 3G SSD: High performance 2.5" SATA
Revision 2.0 SSD with up to 285 MB/s sustained reads and 275 MB/s
writes for demanding portable and desktop tower use.
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 3G RE SSD: RAID-Ready Enhanced
performance with 28% over-provisioning for data centers, network
operation centers, and dedicated RAID installations. Used to set
overclocking world record: http://bit.ly/lFJAMr
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G SSD: Ultra high performance 2.5"
SATA Revision 3.0 SSD with over 500 MB/s sustained data rates and up to
479 MB/s incompressible data rates for nearly SATA 3.0 bus saturating
speed for prosumers and A/V, photography, and graphic production
professionals.
Link: OWC Mercury Electra 6G
SSD
OWC Lowers Prices on SandForce-Based Mercury Pro
SSDs for pre-2010 MacBook Air, Notebooks, and Netbooks
PR: Other World
Computing (OWC) has announced it has lowered it prices by up to $50 on
three of its OWC Mercury Pro SSDs: The Mercury Aura Pro MBA for
2008/2009 MacBook Air, the Mercury Legacy Pro for all notebooks that
use a 2.5" IDE/ATA drive, and the Mercury Aura Pro 1.8" for netbooks,
subnotebooks, and special applications that utilize a 1.8" SATA
drive.
Mercury Aura Pro MBA
For 2008/2009 MacBook Air
- Up to 41x faster than factory hard drive models & over 3x
faster than factory SSD models
- Up to 4x more capacity than original factory SSD option
- Up to 100x higher reliability than hard drives
Pricing for SandForce-Based OWC Mercury SSDs:
- Now available 40 GB - $149.99
- 60 GB was $199.99, now $179.99
- 120 GB was $299.99, now $279.99
- 240 GB was $579.99, now $529.99
Link: Mercury Aura Pro
MBA
Mercury Legacy Pro
For Mac and PC notebooks that use a 2.5" IDE/ATA drive
- Up to 41x faster than factory hard drives
- Up to 100x higher reliability than hard drives
- Now available 40 GB - $149.99
Pricing for SandForce-Based OWC Mercury Legacy Pro SSDs:
- 60 GB was $199.99, now $179.99
- 120 GB was $299.99, now $279.99
- 240 GB was $579.99, now $529.99
Link: Mercury
Legacy Pro
Mercury Aura Pro 1.8"
- For special applications, netbooks & subnotebooks that utilize
a 1.8" drive
- Up to 275 MB/s data rates
- Up to 16x more capacity than original factory hard drive
option
- Up to 100x higher reliability than hard drives
Pricing for SandForce-Based OWC Mercury Aura Pro SSDs:
- Now available 40 GB - $119.99
- 60 GB was $179.99, now $149.99
- 120 GB was $279.99, now $259.99
- 240 GB was $549.99, now $499.99
Link: Mercury Aura
Pro
The Most Comprehensive SSD Line for Macs and PCs
OWC offers additional Mercury brand SandForce processor based SSDs
name SSDs for nearly every Mac and PC in capacities from 40 GB to 480
GB starting from $99.97:
- OWC Mercury Aura Pro Express The first and only high performance
SandForce processor based SSD for 2010 Apple MacBook Air models.
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 3G SSD High performance 2.5" SATA Revision
2.0 SSD for demanding portable and desktop tower use.
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 3G RE SSD RAID-Ready Enhanced performance
with 28% over-provisioning for data centers, network operation centers,
and dedicated RAID installations. Used to set overclocking world
record:
https://eshop.macsales.com/NewsRoom/Framework.cfm?page=PR/ssdre_032411.html
- OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G SSD Ultra high performance 2.5" SATA
Revision 3.0 SSD for prosumers and A/V, photography, and graphic
production professionals.
Link: Mercury Pro SSD Line
Bargain 'Books
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