Category: Hardware News

Latest news from the World of Hardware

Samsung Corby 2 S3850 Unboxing and Review
The Samsung Corby 2 is the successor to the original Corby, a might successful college/ ladies phone. So, the corby 2 has huge shoes to fill, the question here arises weather or not it can fill them. We take a look at the new Corby 2 and see its capability in the exact situation where a lot more competition is available even from the likes of Samsung themselves.

BUILD QUALITY and HARDWARE

The build quality of the new Corby 2 is far superior to its predecessor. The plastics are well weighed and the switchable panels are form moulded and fit perfectly like a glove without creaks or sounds.

As far as hardware is concerned the Corby 2 has two major changes (corby 2 = 2 changes hah). Seriously the addition of a capacitive touchscreen will definitely attract previous Corby owners to buy the new improved Corby 2. But wait there is WiFi onboard so that means faster internet and easily downloaded Apps.

SPECS and FEATURES

Camera & Display
- Camera – 2.0 Mega Pixels, Resolution 1600×1200 Pixels, (VGA)Video
- Screen Display – 3.2 inches, Resolution 240×320 Pixels
- Color – TFT Capacitive Touch Screen with 256K colors
Special Features
- Accelerometer
- Digital Natural Sound Engine
- Social networking integration with live updates
- TouchWiz UI
- Find Music recognition service
- Organizer, Document viewer
- Voice memo
- Audio, Video Recorder & Playback
- MP3, MP4 Player
- MP3, WAV Ring tones, Vibration
- 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
- Stereo FM radio with RDS
- Speaker Phone
Message Support
- SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email
- Instant Messaging
- Predictive Text Input
Connectivity
- Connectivity Options – Bluetooth v3.0, Micro USB v2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Data Modes – GPRS 32 – 48 Kbps, EDGE, WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML Internet Browsing
Memory
- Internal Memory – 26 MB
- Expandable Memory- 16 GB MicroSD/Card Slot
- Phone Book – Contacts, Photo call
- Call Records – Yes
Battery Power
- 1000 mAh Li-Ion Standard Battery
- Battery Life – 620 hours
- Battery Talk Time – 9.30 hours
Mobile Size and Looks
- Size – 109.9 x 60.6 x 11.7 mm
- Weight – 102 grams
- Body Colors – White, Pink, Yellow & Black
MULTIMEDIA and CAMERA

The Speaker is nice and loud, Wifi enables users to watch youtube videos (read iGyaan videos) directly on the phone, The lack of 3G somewhat limits the Multimedia aspect on the go, the screen resolution is also somewhat a disappointment at 240×320 px with only 256 colors. Although, movies and videos can still be streamed via wifi and loaded onto the memory card and the device is ready to serve its master.

The camera is a poor demonstration of keeping the price of the phone low. But, then what all do you expect in a phone that costs merely minimum wage + couple of hundred. But, hey there are effects and scene modes and brightness setting and movie mode, The quality of which is as bad as you think it is. If you want a phone with a camera, that you will use, this is definitely not it.

PHONE and MESSAGING

Thank you Samsung for making us work hard with the resistive screen to make us understand that a capacitive screen is heaven sent. The dialer and messaging on the keyboard just seem to improve tenfold simply because of the touchscreen improvement. The call quality is decent with little or no dropped calls. Volume at both ends is good and no issues there. An overall performer in the phone department.

The messaging in portrait does not bring up a QWERTY keyboard but switch to landscape and “boom” a QWERTY experience the keyboard is fast and intuitive with the text prediction and large keys make it fun to use. So, Messaging and Phone systems are sorted in this device and will not disappoint basic users at all.

OTHER

The Touch-wiz 3.0 UI is a great add-on , the BADA-esque interface is a great improvement, with widgets and a notification panel make this device a better Smart-phone than the Corby ever could have been. The interface is hugely colorful and the icons are large and easily readable. The interface is pleasing to the eyes and the menus are fast and responsive.

CONCLUSION

The Corby 2 is a huge improvement over the Corby, But, is it enough with a host of Android devices from companies like Micromax and Spice the corby seems lost. There is still however a charm about the Corby brand and those loyal to it should definitely upgrade to the new Corby 2. Build and Phone is impressive along with good multimedia, But, a poor camera and a average display. The touchscreen is a massive improvement and Wifi adds to the experience.

[xrr rating=3.5/5 label=”We Rate The Corby II” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

VIDEO UNBOXING AND REVIEW
May 17, 2011
Fujitsu LOOX F-07C launched with dual boot Windows 7 and Symbian
NTT DoCoMo’s Fujitsu LOOX F-07C has been officially announced. Specs include
- 4-inch 1,024 x 600 LCD
- 1.2GHz Intel Atom processor
- 1GB of LPDDR400 RAM
- 802.11b/g/n WiFi
- 32GB of eMMC disk space
- Expandable memory via microSDHC
- 5 megapixel autofocus camera with face detection
- VGA front-facing camera
- 600 minutes of standby time
- 370 minutes of 3G talk time
- Windows 7 mode gives 120 Mins
- HDMI-out via a USB adapter
- ¥70,000 ($860) – Approx INR 42,000
Pricing is possibly high , but decent for a Phone with a real life processor and a real life operating system.

PRESS RELEASE

NTT DOCOMO Unveils 24 New Mobile Devices
– Including biggest and most diverse lineup of smartphones –

TOKYO, JAPAN, May 16, 2011 — NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today its 2011 summer lineup of 24 new mobile devices for launch on or after May 20, including nine smartphones, the largest and most diverse collection of smartphones ever released by DOCOMO, plus a wide variety of feature phones compatible with DOCOMO’s i-mode™ mobile Internet platform, as well as mobile Wi-Fi® routers for DOCOMO’s Xi™ (read “Crossy”) LTE extra-high-speed service.

The smartphone lineup offers user-friendly features for tethering, mobile-wallet (Osaifu-Keitai™) and infrared-based data exchange, plus downlink speeds up to a theoretical maximum of 14 Mbps starting from early June. The lineup also boasts the world’s first wirelessly chargeable smartphone. All Android™ smartphones, including the globally popular Xperia™ and GALAXY models, are preinstalled with Android 2.3.

DOCOMO’s new lineup meets a broad range of needs for mobile users in Japan:

Numerous i-mode services and technologies available for smartphones, including Area Mail™ disaster information service, i-channel™ push-based information service and Melody Call™ ringback tones.
Smartphones offering enhanced convenience and operability thanks to the new “docomo Palette UI” feature for easy sorting, searching and management of apps.
Eleven high-spec, i-mode-compatible feature phones equipped variously with 3D screens for dynamic viewing, HD-quality cameras and much more.
The i-motion™ video-clip distribution service for FOMA™ 3G feature phones now offers 50 MB capacity for both long and high-definition video. Batch downloads of various content are possible with DOCOMO’s new “content package” service.
Two mobile Wi-Fi routers compatible with DOCOMO’s Xi-brand LTE service, offering fiber-optic-level mobile connectivity for wireless devices. LTE service will include Japan’s six largest urban metropolises by July and other large cities including prefectural capitals by March 2012.

The new models and their planned launches are as follows:

docomo Smartphone (9 models)

AQUOS™ PHONE SH-12C
May 20
Android smartphone with 8.0-megapixel 3D twin cameras. LCD panel and image processor based on AQUOS technology for high-resolution images.

Optimus bright L-07C
Mid June
Equipped with a world’s brightest display*. Body is 9.5 mm thin and weighs only 112 g. Interchangeable rear cover comes in 3 colors.

GALAXY S II SC-02C
Late June
Android smartphone with 4.3-inch SUPER AMOLED Plus display. Powerful 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU enables fast app launches and stable video.

MEDIAS WP N-06C
June or July
Waterproof Android smartphone in world’ first 7.9-mm body**. Mobile wallet, infrared-based data exchange and one-seg TV. Premium model designed with appliance brand amadana.
BlackBerry® Bold™ 9780 June or July Featuring the new BlackBerry OS 6.0 for faster, richer web browsing.

Xperia™ acro SO-02C
June or July
Android smartphone with mobile wallet, infrared -based data exchange and one-seg TV features. 4.2-inch “Reality Display” delivers brilliant, crystal-clear images.

F-12C
July or August
Android smartphone features Bright Color Liquid Display and voice-enhancement capability for extra-clear audio. Designed in collaboration with luxury luggage brand Globe-Trotter.

P-07C
July or August
Stylishly beautiful Android smartphone with 4.3-inch touchscreen. Screen position of keypad and touch-speed selector can be customized for easy one-hand operation.
AQUOS PHONE™ f SH-13C July or August First smartphone capable of wireless charging*** merely by placement on top of a pad. Compact body is both dustproof and waterproof.

*As of May 13, 2011, according to LG Electronics Japan.
**Among 3G mobile phones as of May 13 2011, according to NEC CASIO Mobile Communications, Ltd.
***Requiring no other accessory, and among smartphones of IEC-member/Taiwanese makers as of May 15, 2011.

docomo STYLE series™ (5 models)

SH-11C
May or June
Dust/waterproof phone with combined mat/glossy body scheme. 8.1-megapixel camera, over 2,000 preinstalled Deco-mail™ pictograms/animations, and various mail-decorating functions.

F-10C
June
11.8-mm waterproof phone with 12.2-megapixel camera for shooting Full High Vision video. Prism glass illumination and beautiful jewel-like design features.

P-04C
June
Elegant body embedded with Swarovski-brand white crystals. 13.2-megapixel camera features synchronized operation of quick-action auto focus and shutter release.

P-06C
July
Waterproof body with 12 color variations for personalized styling. Equipped for mobile wallet and one-seg TV. Preinstalled with Snoopy screensavers and wallpapers.

L-10C
Sept.
Elegantly simple phone with four dedicated keys for quick access to favorite functions/contacts. “Clear voice” function for enhanced audio.

docomo PRIME series™ (4 models)

SH-10C
May or June
Dust/waterproof body with 3.4-inch Full Wide VGA mobile 3D touchscreen. 16.1-megapixel camera shoots Full HD video. Beautiful function-linked illumination on side edge.

F-09C
June
High-spec waterproof body with responsive touchscreen. Vibrant 3D experiences on large 3.5-inch rotating screen. 16.3-megapixel camera with CMOS sensor shoots Full HD movie.

CA-01C
June or July
First EXILIM™ Handset for DOCOMO. 16.3-megapixel camera shoots Full HD video. 3D screen for enjoyment of dynamic images and games.

P-05C
July
LUMIX Phone™is world’s first phone with optical anti-shake*. “My Color Mode” enables easy creation of highly artistic photos taken with 13.2-megapixel camera.

*For photo/video functions as of May 13, 2011, according to Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.

docomo SMART series™ (2 models)

F-11C
July
12.8-mm waterproof phone with security features such as fingerprint sensor. Business-support features including business card reader linked to address book and “whiteboard photo” mode.
N-05C June or July Waterproof slider phone with quick-shooting 8.1-megapixel camera equipped with highly sensitive lens. Professional/personal tool equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, various dictionaries, etc.

Xi™ Data Terminals (2 models)

L-09C
June or July
Stylish mobile Wi-Fi router for FOMA 3G/Xi LTE services. Robust battery lasts up to 6 hours for Xi and 8 hours for FOMA. Works simultaneously with up to 10 devices.

BF-01C
July or August
Mobile Wi-Fi router for FOMA 3G, Xi LTE, WLAN and wired LAN. Connects to 6 devices. Preinstalled with Network Attached Storage (NAS) and media server function.

FOMA USB Data Terminal (1 model)
L-08C
May or June
FOMA USB data terminal with protective cap. Stylish design and weighs just 25g.

Windows® 7 Handset (1 model)
Windows® 7 Handset F-07C
June or July
World’s smallest Windows 7 PC (Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit Japanese edition)*. Enhanced security and practical mobile-wallet functions preinstalled. USB/HDMI cradle optional.

*According to Fujitsu Limited as of May 13, 2011.
May 16, 2011
Seagate GoFlex Satellite with Wifi and an Inbuilt Battery Revealed

In an interesting FCC filing, The Seagate GoFlex Satellite was Revealed. The Portable harddisk allows you to stream media and content directly from the drive without the need of wires. The network attached storage will also feature an iOS app which will enable users with an iOS device to stream directly to their handheld devices. The hard drive has 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and a 3.7V battery within its body. It will also feature a USB 3.0 port which will charge and allow the device to be docked the old fashioned way – with wires.

[VIA]

[FCC]

May 15, 2011
Amazon is Possibly coming out with a range of Android Devices including a Smartphone

Amazon has been working on an Android Based tablet, this news has been confirmed by the Amazon’s CEO. But, in a drastic turn of events according to Android and Me, looks like the company is actually planning a host of ANDROID POWERED DEVICES. Ranging from Tablets in various sizes, E-book readers and even possibly a Smartphone.

Earlier this week Amazon’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, said “stay tuned” for more information on the product, which is rumored to have been manufactured by Samsung and could launch as early as this summer. According to us a tablet from amazon will possibly beat the sales of their E-book reader “Kindle” in the first few months.

May 14, 2011
Samsung announces DDR 2.0 NAND Flash Chips Boasting 3x Performance Gain

Samsung announced that is is going to be producing DDR (Double Data Rate) 2.0 NAND flash memory chips based on its smallest 20 nanometer architecture. The chips boast a doubling in memory storage upto 64GB and a performance increase of upto three times, over their current DDR 1.0 technology.

These chips will be used extensivly in mobile devices like Smartphones, Tablets and SSDs. Equipped with a toggleable DDR 2.0 interface the new 64 GB chips can transmit data at speeds of upto 400 Mbit/sec. DDR 2.0 provides a ten times increase in performance from the current 40 Mbit/sec DDR 1.0 interface. It also triples the performance over current toggleable DDR 1.0 chips which have a throughput of 133 Mbit/sec.

May 14, 2011
Pioneer Attacks the Surface with the Discussion Table
Microsofts Surface has already arrived in India, but is still not mainstream, with the initial instances of the product in early 2008, the Surface has still not made it to homes and offices as it dreamed. But looks like Pioneer has an answer. Enter : The Discussion Table.

Launching in Japan in JULY this Table has pretty interesting specs
- 52-inch, 1920 × 1080, multitouch glass slab
- Core i7 processor and 6GB of RAM
- Windows 7 and an interface called SCHEDA
- Ability to wirelessly pull content from laptops, tablets, smartphones and cameras
- Document to digital doc Scanner
- The table is also tele-conference enabled
[Pioneer]
May 12, 2011
HP Launches Elite L2201x Superslim 22 inch Monitor
Hp along with various other notebook and tablet announcements, has also announced the new Elite L2201x Monitor
- LED-backlit display
- 0.4-inches thick
- 1920 x 1080 display
- 5000:1 contrast ratio
- DisplayPort
- Priced at $250
[HP]
May 11, 2011
HP Announces the new Pavilion dv4, New Envy 14 with Sandy Bridge, revamped Mini 210
Just like the business series, HP has also revamped an announced new range of Consumer series laptops. The New Pavilion DV4 has been revamped with new mesh color options, a newer multicore processor and the price is set at just 600$

The Mini 210 also has new features
- Seamless touchpad
- Edge-to-edge 10.1-inch display
- Six-cell Battery = 8.8 hours of battery life
- Beats Audio
- $300 Starting Price
Envy 14 has been updated with
- Sandy Bridge Processors
- USB 3.0
- Optical sensors to analyze your multitouch gestures
- Price starting $1000
Press Release

HP Brings Style, Performance and Portability to Notebook PCs
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 9, 2011 – HP today expanded its notebook PC line with products and services that provide an optimal combination of sleek style, ultra-portability and high performance to deliver an outstanding mobile experience.
The company also launched HP DataPass, a pre-paid 3G mobile broadband service available in the U.S. across HP’s business notebook lineup and expanded HP Beats Audio technology to a business notebook and consumer Mini PC.
HP furthered its FORGE business notebook design framework with the HP ProBook m-series and EliteBook p-series models and built upon its MUSE consumer notebook design philosophy with the HP Mini 210, Pavilion dv4 and ENVY 14.

New products and services include:
– Less than 1-inch thin, the HP ProBook 5330m features a dual-tone color scheme, brushed aluminum chassis and backlit keyboard and is HP’s first business notebook to offer BeatsTM Audio, which allows listeners to hear music the way the artist intended.
– HP’s smallest and lightest EliteBook at only 3.68 pounds, the newly designed HP EliteBook 2560p includes a 12.5-inch diagonal high- definition (HD) display, high-performance Intel® processor, and is the only notebook in the industry with an integrated optical drive in this form factor.
– The redesigned HP Mini 210 sports vibrant new colors, HP Beats Audio and HP QuickWeb 3.0, creating an ideal mobile companion for on-the-go consumers.
– HP DataPass is a pre-paid 3G mobile broadband service that allows users to purchase wireless broadband data using major mobile carriers in the U.S. without being tied down by contracts, hotspots and set-up fees.

HP ProBook 5330m – thin, stylish and affordable
Designed for savvy business professionals who value style, performance and affordability, the HP ProBook 5330m measures less than 1-inch thick, weighs 3.9 pounds and sports a 13.3-inch diagonal HD screen for exceptional portability. It also includes a backlit keyboard, making it easier to type in low-light environments.

The new ProBook is powered by the latest second-generation Intel Core i5 and i3 dual-core processors and includes the HP Fingerprint Sensor and TPM for enhanced hardware-based data security. Optional Intel vPro technology helps deliver cost savings and improves security and remote manageability.

HP EliteBook 2560p and 2760p – light, powerful and travel-ready
Available in a stylish platinum color, the ultraportable HP EliteBook 2560p Notebook PC and EliteBook 2760p Tablet PCs blend modern design and precision engineering.
The HP EliteBook 2560p sports a thin, clamshell design with a lightweight 12.5-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD, 16-inch x 9-inch display, and an integrated optical drive for added on-the-go convenience. Offering the same functionality as a conventional business notebook along with the flexibility of a writing tablet, the 12.1-inch HP EliteBook 2760p allows for pen use or finger touch.

Both EliteBook models offer second-generation Intel Core i7 or i5 dual- core processors, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and vPro technology. They also feature full-size 7,200 RPM hard disk drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) for longer battery run time, increased durability and quieter, cooler operation.

HP Mini 210 – stylish, on-the-go computing
With the addition of Beats Audio, the redesigned HP Mini 210 is the ultimate companion PC, offering high-quality entertainment plus productivity while on the go. Weighing under 3 pounds and measuring less than 1-inch thin, the stylish HP Mini 210 delivers up to 9.5 hours of computing.

The new Mini 210 design provides a modern, streamlined aesthetic with a sleek upswept back and is available in five colors – sweet purple, charcoal, crimson red, luminous rose and ocean drive.

The Mini 210 also features HP QuickWeb 3.0, allowing users to be more productive by connecting to the web within seconds of powering the mini. QuickWeb 3.0 includes a customizable widget dashboard and syncs to Windows® bookmarks. Users can chat with friends on Skype, update Facebook posts or tweets, and view their social calendars all in one place.

Innovative technologies for enhanced consumer experiences
The sleek, full-performance HP Pavilion dv4 features improved HP CoolSense technology that includes a simplified user interface of on, off and auto. CoolSense uses advanced hardware and intelligent software for a notebook that feels noticeably cooler. Weighing under 5 pounds, the dv4 boasts a 14-inch diagonal HD LED BrightView screen and comes in two HP Imprint colors – espresso black and pacific blue.

Also featuring HP CoolSense technology is the award-winning HP ENVY 14 notebook PC. Combining power, mobility and aesthetics, the ENVY 14 includes new second-generation Intel Core processors, USB 3.0 and a new HP imagepad that uses image sensor technology for advanced gesture support and more fluid control. The premium machine boasts a precision-etched metal alloy case with a 14.5-inch diagonal, HD BrightView Infinity LED display for an eye-popping viewing experience and Beats Audio for fuller, more detailed sound.

Protecting personal information and simplifying password management is easy with HP SimplePass with One Time Password, now available on the Pavilion dm4, dv6 metal and dv7 metal notebook PCs. HP SimplePass helps prevent phishing fraud by providing unique ?one-time? passwords that are linked to each individual user’s fingerprint. These one-time passwords, generated every 60 seconds, grant more secure access to websites that store financial information.

Docking and display solutions for a customized workspace
The new HP 2560p Docking Station makes it easy for business professionals to maintain the connectivity and comfort of their notebook while working from a fixed station. The docking station offers four USB ports and eSATA, DisplayPort and VGA ports for added connectivity to peripherals and compatibility with an array of video devices.

HP’s slimmest business display to date, the HP Elite L2201x display easily connects to a notebook with a single DisplayPort connector. Its sleek easel stand design and external power supply free up limited desk space in smaller office cubicles and the brushed-metal finish matches HP’s EliteBook business notebooks. The HP Elite L2201x features a wafer-thin display panel measuring less than 0.4 inches thick and a 21.5-inch diagonal, LED backlit panel that eliminates the use of mercury and provides solid state reliability.

Pricing and availability
All products will be available in the United States.
– The HP ProBook 5330m starts at $799; the HP EliteBook 2560p starts at $1,099; and the HP EliteBook 2760p starts at $1,499. The HP EliteBook 2760p and 5330m are expected to be available on May 9 and the HP EliteBook 2560p will be available on May 23.
– The HP Mini 210 starts at $299.99 and is expected to be available on June 15.
– The HP Pavilion dv4 starts at $599.99 and is expected to be available on May 18.
– The HP ENVY 14 starts at $999.99 and is expected to be available on June 15.
– HP DataPass pricing starts at $5, for an amount of 75MB, for a duration of 5 hours.
– The HP 2560p Docking Station starts at $149 and is expected to be available on May 23.
– The HP Elite L2201x starts at $249 and is expected to be available on June 1.
More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.
May 9, 2011
HP Announces the ProBook 5330m, EliteBook 2560p, and EliteBook 2760p tablet (PR)
HP has just announced a huge bunch of revamped notebooks for the Business and consumer Line, The ProBook 5330m, EliteBook 2560p, and EliteBook 2760p tablet are targeted at the business user, including the 12.1-inch EliteBook 2760p convertible tablet.
- Sandy Bridge Core i5 and Core i7 CPU options
- 5.5 hours of battery life
- Windows 7 tablet edition
- Priced at $1,500
EliteBook 2560p laptop
- Aluminum-and-magnesium-alloy build
- Sandy Bridge
- 12.5-inch display : 16:9 screen
- built-in optical drive
- Starting price of $1,100
ProBook 5330m
- 13.3-inch Screen
- Dual-tone aluminum chassis
- Backlit keyboard
- Sandy Bridge Core i3 and i5 CPU
- Beats Audio
- TPM circuitry
- Intel vPro processors
- Price Starting at $800.
PRESS RELEASE

HP Brings Style, Performance and Portability to Notebook PCs
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 9, 2011 – HP today expanded its notebook PC line with products and services that provide an optimal combination of sleek style, ultra-portability and high performance to deliver an outstanding mobile experience.
The company also launched HP DataPass, a pre-paid 3G mobile broadband service available in the U.S. across HP’s business notebook lineup and expanded HP Beats Audio technology to a business notebook and consumer Mini PC.
HP furthered its FORGE business notebook design framework with the HP ProBook m-series and EliteBook p-series models and built upon its MUSE consumer notebook design philosophy with the HP Mini 210, Pavilion dv4 and ENVY 14.

New products and services include:
– Less than 1-inch thin, the HP ProBook 5330m features a dual-tone color scheme, brushed aluminum chassis and backlit keyboard and is HP’s first business notebook to offer BeatsTM Audio, which allows listeners to hear music the way the artist intended.
– HP’s smallest and lightest EliteBook at only 3.68 pounds, the newly designed HP EliteBook 2560p includes a 12.5-inch diagonal high- definition (HD) display, high-performance Intel® processor, and is the only notebook in the industry with an integrated optical drive in this form factor.
– The redesigned HP Mini 210 sports vibrant new colors, HP Beats Audio and HP QuickWeb 3.0, creating an ideal mobile companion for on-the-go consumers.
– HP DataPass is a pre-paid 3G mobile broadband service that allows users to purchase wireless broadband data using major mobile carriers in the U.S. without being tied down by contracts, hotspots and set-up fees.

HP ProBook 5330m – thin, stylish and affordable
Designed for savvy business professionals who value style, performance and affordability, the HP ProBook 5330m measures less than 1-inch thick, weighs 3.9 pounds and sports a 13.3-inch diagonal HD screen for exceptional portability. It also includes a backlit keyboard, making it easier to type in low-light environments.

The new ProBook is powered by the latest second-generation Intel Core i5 and i3 dual-core processors and includes the HP Fingerprint Sensor and TPM for enhanced hardware-based data security. Optional Intel vPro technology helps deliver cost savings and improves security and remote manageability.

HP EliteBook 2560p and 2760p – light, powerful and travel-ready
Available in a stylish platinum color, the ultraportable HP EliteBook 2560p Notebook PC and EliteBook 2760p Tablet PCs blend modern design and precision engineering.
The HP EliteBook 2560p sports a thin, clamshell design with a lightweight 12.5-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD, 16-inch x 9-inch display, and an integrated optical drive for added on-the-go convenience. Offering the same functionality as a conventional business notebook along with the flexibility of a writing tablet, the 12.1-inch HP EliteBook 2760p allows for pen use or finger touch.

Both EliteBook models offer second-generation Intel Core i7 or i5 dual- core processors, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and vPro technology. They also feature full-size 7,200 RPM hard disk drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) for longer battery run time, increased durability and quieter, cooler operation.

HP Mini 210 – stylish, on-the-go computing
With the addition of Beats Audio, the redesigned HP Mini 210 is the ultimate companion PC, offering high-quality entertainment plus productivity while on the go. Weighing under 3 pounds and measuring less than 1-inch thin, the stylish HP Mini 210 delivers up to 9.5 hours of computing.

The new Mini 210 design provides a modern, streamlined aesthetic with a sleek upswept back and is available in five colors – sweet purple, charcoal, crimson red, luminous rose and ocean drive.

The Mini 210 also features HP QuickWeb 3.0, allowing users to be more productive by connecting to the web within seconds of powering the mini. QuickWeb 3.0 includes a customizable widget dashboard and syncs to Windows® bookmarks. Users can chat with friends on Skype, update Facebook posts or tweets, and view their social calendars all in one place.

Innovative technologies for enhanced consumer experiences
The sleek, full-performance HP Pavilion dv4 features improved HP CoolSense technology that includes a simplified user interface of on, off and auto. CoolSense uses advanced hardware and intelligent software for a notebook that feels noticeably cooler. Weighing under 5 pounds, the dv4 boasts a 14-inch diagonal HD LED BrightView screen and comes in two HP Imprint colors – espresso black and pacific blue.

Also featuring HP CoolSense technology is the award-winning HP ENVY 14 notebook PC. Combining power, mobility and aesthetics, the ENVY 14 includes new second-generation Intel Core processors, USB 3.0 and a new HP imagepad that uses image sensor technology for advanced gesture support and more fluid control. The premium machine boasts a precision-etched metal alloy case with a 14.5-inch diagonal, HD BrightView Infinity LED display for an eye-popping viewing experience and Beats Audio for fuller, more detailed sound.

Protecting personal information and simplifying password management is easy with HP SimplePass with One Time Password, now available on the Pavilion dm4, dv6 metal and dv7 metal notebook PCs. HP SimplePass helps prevent phishing fraud by providing unique ?one-time? passwords that are linked to each individual user’s fingerprint. These one-time passwords, generated every 60 seconds, grant more secure access to websites that store financial information.

Docking and display solutions for a customized workspace
The new HP 2560p Docking Station makes it easy for business professionals to maintain the connectivity and comfort of their notebook while working from a fixed station. The docking station offers four USB ports and eSATA, DisplayPort and VGA ports for added connectivity to peripherals and compatibility with an array of video devices.

HP’s slimmest business display to date, the HP Elite L2201x display easily connects to a notebook with a single DisplayPort connector. Its sleek easel stand design and external power supply free up limited desk space in smaller office cubicles and the brushed-metal finish matches HP’s EliteBook business notebooks. The HP Elite L2201x features a wafer-thin display panel measuring less than 0.4 inches thick and a 21.5-inch diagonal, LED backlit panel that eliminates the use of mercury and provides solid state reliability.

Pricing and availability
All products will be available in the United States.
– The HP ProBook 5330m starts at $799; the HP EliteBook 2560p starts at $1,099; and the HP EliteBook 2760p starts at $1,499. The HP EliteBook 2760p and 5330m are expected to be available on May 9 and the HP EliteBook 2560p will be available on May 23.
– The HP Mini 210 starts at $299.99 and is expected to be available on June 15.
– The HP Pavilion dv4 starts at $599.99 and is expected to be available on May 18.
– The HP ENVY 14 starts at $999.99 and is expected to be available on June 15.
– HP DataPass pricing starts at $5, for an amount of 75MB, for a duration of 5 hours.
– The HP 2560p Docking Station starts at $149 and is expected to be available on May 23.
– The HP Elite L2201x starts at $249 and is expected to be available on June 1.
More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.
May 9, 2011
Transcend StoreJet 25H3P 1TB Drive Launched in India

Transcend has launched its portable 1TB drive the 25H3P. The drive is equipped with USB 3.0 and a rugged rubber exterior. The Drive comes with the Transcend backup management software and has an MRP of IR : 9990/- The new 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drives have undergone the rigorous U.S. military drop-test tests, making them one of the most robust portable hard drives in the market today.

May 7, 2011
3D Transistor Chips: Coming in 2012

Intel announced on Wednesday that it has made a major breakthrough in advancing chip design. Up till today, all transistors on chips have been flat and 2 dimensional. The new technology has allowed Intel to build transistors upward, which has allowed them to squeeze more transistors into a chip, allowing them to keep up with Moore’s law.

The new technology, which is expected to make PC’s, Smartphones and Tablets faster will make its appearance next year when Intel shifts to 22 nanometer chips. The new chips using the 3D transistors will use less than half the power of traditional 2D chips, and will be as much as 37% faster than their current 32 nm chips. What this means is that Intel may now have an opportunity to work its way into the lucrative Smartphone and Tablet market, which has so far been the monopoly of ARM.

So you could have an Intel smartphone in your pocket in the next few years.

May 6, 2011
The SmartBook: The Future Delivered Last Year
Well we are all for amazing devices and freaky gadgets, but the SmartBook is the monster that scared them all away. The future came and went and most people didn’t even know about it. Here we have a device that is a netbook, a tablet, a Mobile Internet Device, A PC Dual Screen, a VOIP phone, a bluetooth/wired keyboard and the kitchen sink. Always Innovating, the company that made this device, calls it the “Swiss Knife” of electronics.

Tablet

The tablet is a fully-functional standalone tablet. You dont need anything else to run it. It has an 8.9 inch capacative touchscreen with an integrated front-facing webcam.

VOIP Mobile Internt Device i.e. The Minibook

In the back of the tablet sits the Minibook. This device is basically a smartphone running Android 2.2 with a capacative touchscreen, front facing camera, wifi b/g/n, hdmi out, and a whole host of other features.

Smart Keyboard

The keyboard “dock” for the smartbook is a very smart design in itself. It has compartments to store a USB pen-drive and the Dual-Screen USB to HDMI adaptor. It can connect not only to the Smartbook but to any other computer via bluetooth or a USB cable.

Operating Systems

You read that correctly, its Operating Systems in plural. This device supports not 1, not 2, not 3 but a whopping 4 operating systems which are:
- Ubuntu 10.10 (ARM)
- AIOS – Always Innovating Operating System
- Android (2.3)
- Chromium OS
Price

The best part of this device is the price. In its complete everything and the kitchen sink configuration it costs an awe inspiring $549, which is cheaper than the iPad, the Motorola XOOM and the Samsung Galaxy TAB.
Full specifications
- ARM Texas Instruments cortex-A8 with video and 3D acceleration
- Numonyx 512MB RAM + 256 MB NAND
- 8GB microSD card
- 1024×600 8.9″ capacitive touchscreen
- Extractable Mini Book
- Detachable Bluetooth / USB keyboard
- Stored-in 2GB USB keychain
- Stored-in Dual Screen
- Wifi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth class 2.1
- Video output HDMI 720p
- 4 available USB 2.0 (2 internal, 2 external)
- 3-dimensional accelerometer
- Speakers, micro and headphone I/O
- Headset included
- 3 batteries:
  
  12000mAh in the Keyboard
  
  6000mAh in the Tablet
  
  1500mAh in the Mini Book
- outstanding battery life
- FCC, CE, UL-certified, 5V, 3.5A power adapter
- Bi-color silver/black case
- Dark-red transparent back cover
- Secured attachment system of tablet into keyboard
- 9.7″ x 7″ x 1.3″ for 3 lbs
Also coming from the company are a Pico Projector and a Pocket TV. Watch more in the Video.
May 4, 2011
Apple Refreshes iMac with Quad Core Sandy Bridge Intel i Processors and Thunderbolt Ports (PR)

As was expected the new iMac refres has been in the mill for quite some time, and Apple has officially annouced and started shipment of its new iMac 2011 Lineup. The new revision will feature the same starting price of US $ 1,199/- for the 21.5 inch mac with 1920 by 1080 pixel iPS Display and 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i5. With specs going upto 3.4 Ghz Core- i7 on the iMac 27 inch.

The new revision brings single thunderbolt port to the 21.5 inch and a dual thunderbolt to 27 inch iMacs.

Press Release

Apple Announces New iMac With Next Generation Quad-Core Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology

CUPERTINO, California-May 3, 2011-Apple® today updated its signature all-in-one iMac® with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime® HD camera. Starting at $1,199, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.*

“Our customers love the iMac’s aluminum enclosure, gorgeous display and all-in-one design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we’ve made the world’s best desktop even better.”

The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.

iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire® and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.

iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad® 2, iPhone® 4, the current generation iPod touch® and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop line is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every Mac comes with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard®, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife®, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Snow Leopard builds on more than a decade of innovation and includes the Mac App Store? for finding great new apps for your Mac. iLife ’11 features iPhoto® with stunning full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand® with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.

Pricing & Availability
The new iMac is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US).

Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare® Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/imac.

*Testing conducted by Apple in April 2011 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/imac/features.html.

**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of April 2011. EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

May 4, 2011
D-Link Launches 2-Port USB KVM Switch in India
D-Link KVM-222 – a 2 port KVM (Keyboard, Video & Mouse) switch, that allows a user to control two PCs from a single keyboard, mouse, and VGA monitor console. D-Link KVM-222 comes with a audio support feature that allows the two connected PCs to share a set of speakers via. a standard 3.5 mm stereo jack.

Key features:
- Access multiple PCs with one set of Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor and Audio
- Use remote control to switch independently
- Select PCs by using Remote Control button or Hot-key commands or AP
- Stereo audio support
- Compatible USB 1.1 specifications
- Support SVGA, VGA, XGA, WXGA, UXGA, WUXGA, QXGA and multi-sync monitors (the max. resolution is up to 2048*1536)
- Supports DDC, DDC2, and DDC2B
- Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7, Linux and Mac OS(10.3 and up) compatible
- No additional cable or adapter required
Availability & Pricing: D-Link KVM-222 is currently available all across India at a MRP of Rs. 3100/- & comes with 1 year warranty.
April 29, 2011
Acer Iconica Tab A500 with Honeycomb, now shipping in the US for $499
The Acer Iconia Tab A500 has
- Android 3.0 (Honeycomb tablet)
- 10.1-inch display
- Price of $450
- Dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 at 1GHz
- 16GB of onboard storage
- 2-megapixel front-facing camera
- 5-megapixel rear camera,
- 8 hours of battery life
- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
- MicroSD card slot that supports up to 32GB
The device is now available from local vendors and reatails merchants like Best Buy in the US for 450 US$ or approximately 20,000/- INR. Pretty steep for a wifi only Tab if you ask us!
April 26, 2011