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Sony Launches the Cyber-shot TX55 with 16.2 MP sensor and great Low Light Performance (PR)

Sony has just launched a new Cybershot camera the TX55, it packs a 16.2 MP sensor with a 3.3-inch OLED touch-screen, and 1080i AVCHD video recording capability. It also has features from high end cameras from Sony such as Picture Effects, and a 42.9-megapixel Sweep Panorama mode. Price is set at $350 or IN Rs. 18,000/-.

[toggle title_open=”Collapse” title_closed=”Read the Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]SONY’S NEWEST CYBER-SHOT CAMERA EXPANDS RANGE OF CREATIVE OPTIONS

Ultra-thin DSC-TX55 Camera Delivers Full HD Video, 3D and Picture Effect Mode – with up to10x Clear Image Zoom at Maximum Resolution

SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2011 – With an exceptionally slim and stylish design, Sony’s new DSC-TX55 Cyber-shot camera makes it easy to capture any moment with high-quality still photos, full high-definition video and amazing 3D images, providing consumers with the ultimate in creative control of their photos and videos.

The DSC-TX55 camera features a range of innovative new technologies, including “By Pixel Super Resolution” technology, which boosts the cameras’ zoom range to a virtual 10x without losing quality at the image sensor’s maximum resolution (16.2 million pixels). The new model is also the first Cyber-shot camera to offer a “Picture Effect” mode, which expands a shooter’s artistic possibilities without the need for editing software.

“Our new DSC-TX55 model redefines what a compact camera can do,” said Yosuke Tomoda, director of Sony Electronics’ Cyber-shot business. “In addition to the newly developed, ultra-thin chassis design, the camera features an incredible combination of features and performance, putting more creativity at users’ fingertips than ever before.”

The TX55 boasts a 16.2 megapixel, highly sensitive Exmor R™ CMOS sensor that delivers incredible image detail and ultra-low picture noise in both still images and Full HD video – even in low light conditions. Also the camera’s hi-speed auto focus can lock onto subject in as little as 0.1 seconds, letting users grab the most fleeting photo moments with ease.

16 Mega-pixel CMOS Sensor with Clear Image Zoom

Just 12.2mm slim (measurement excludes lens cover), which is smaller than the thickness of a standard AA-size battery, the Cyber-shot TX55 is the world’s thinnest camera in its class (among cameras with an optical anti-shake function). The new model captures Full HD AVCHD video clips as well as 16.2 megapixel still images through its innovative and exceptionally thin 5x optical folded zoom lens.

It introduces brand-new ‘Clear Image Zoom’ that boosts magnification without lowering the pixel count in the final image. Exclusive to Sony, ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ processing further extends the camera’s 5x optical zoom range, allowing full-resolution 16.2 megapixel images with a maximum 10x zoom.

‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology also significantly boosts still image quality during movie recording. At a touch of the shutter button, ‘Dual Rec’ grabs detail-packed 12 megapixel-level still photos without interrupting Full HD video shooting.

Further, the camera’s back panel is dominated by a super-sized 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ OLED wide touch-screen, perfect for showing off photos and movie clips with incredible detail.

Enhanced Creativity and Functionality

The innovative Picture Effect mode broadens the range of artistic options with an exciting palette of in-camera image treatments. Effects can be viewed on the camera screen, allowing users to see the result of a chosen effect instantly rather than during the post-shooting experience.

The full list of seven Picture Effect options includes HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Toy Camera, Partial Color, Pop Color and Soft High-key.

Newly enhanced with additional electronic image stabilization for vertical and horizontal handshake correction, SteadyShot® image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for handheld camera movements during Full HD video shooting. Users can enjoy crisp, blur-free movie clips at all zoom settings, even when holding the camera while walking.

Great Results Made Easy

The new DSC-TX55 camera makes it simple for users to easily achieve DSLR-like picture quality. Superior Auto mode recognizes a wide range of shooting situations, adjusting exposure and other settings for high-quality images with low noise and high dynamic range.

Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode also features HR (High Resolution) mode, letting users capture breath-taking up to 42.9 megapixel panoramas. Just sweep the camera, then enjoy the results on a connected HD TV, or zoom in using a PlayStation®3 system to reveal the finest details.
3D Still Image captures dramatic 3D photos without the need for a large, bulky stereoscopic lens. With a single shutter press, the camera takes two shots consecutively, using the first image to estimate depth information to create a dramatic three-dimensional still image. Other 3D shooting options include 3D Sweep Panorama mode and Sweep Multi Angle.

Enabling its incredible slimness, the new TX55 camera includes a slot to accept Memory Stick Micro™ (Mark2) and MicroSD/SDHC flash memory cards. Sony offers a choice of ultra-compact, high quality media in capacities up to 16GB, with Memory Stick Micro™ being enhanced to achieve data transfer speed of up to 15MB/s (fastest among micro memory cards) by carrying the same high performance HX Engine controller used on Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo to fully support the new cameras’ features such as 3D and full HD video shooting. All cards come with free PC software (available via download), File Rescue for quick, easy recovery of deleted or damaged photos and files, and x-Pict Story™ that simplifies creation of dazzling slideshows.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony Cyber-shot™ TX55 camera will be available for about $350 this September at Sony stores, www.sonystyle.com and other authorized retailers throughout the Sony Dealer Network.

The range of Sony Memory Stick Micro™ and MicroSD/SDHC media cards are available now throughout the Sony dealer network and along with an expanded range of coordinating accessories – including the colorful new LCJ-THF camera cover, AC-UD10 AC adaptor and BC-TRN2 fast battery charger.[/toggle]

July 25, 2011
The Space Invaders Multi-Tool

Everyone has needed a multi-tool at some point, but when you really need it, most of the time you don’t have one. One of the most popular multi-tools has been the Swiss Army Knife. Its got a ton of features and it works really well. What if you didn’t want to roam around with a Swiss Army Knife in your pocket all the time?

Well there is a device for you. Its called the Space Invaders Multi Tool. Its shaped like an alien invader from Space Invaders and it’s got a phillips and flat head screw driver built in so that you are never without them. And the best part? Its lightweight and has a key-chain ring for you to attach your car/home/office keys.

July 25, 2011
Apple Planning to buy HULU – Bring it to the World

Looks like Apple is in talks to buy HULU, according to a report by Bloomberg. In June, Hulu announced that it had hired Morgan Stanley and Guggenheim Partners to assist with a the sale of the company earlier reports stated that Yahoo! was interested in making a bid at that time.

Currently Hulu is available only in select countries. Should Apple buy it, we can expect a massive video service offering from Apple , that would easily take on the likes of Netflix, even make it available in less fortunate countries, like ours. (redundant sarcasm)

July 24, 2011
Google+ reaches 20 Million Mark in 3 Weeks

Google’s new Social Networking site Google+ has reached a massive 20 million subscribers, as almost everyone wants in on the action. Its just been a week since Google’s Larry Page said that Google plus reached 10 million. Page noted at the time that the service remains in a “field trial” mode, and with “a lot of barriers” to use it right now, but that the company is continuing to expand how many have access to it.

Despite its massive growth in its first three weeks, a population of 20 million is just a grain of sand in comparison with Facebook’s 750 million, half of whom log in daily.

July 22, 2011
Vodafone To Release Its Webbox Soon

First unveiled in South Africa in February, Vodafone’s Webbox is to be release in India soon. The device, which looks like a QWERTY keyboard, connects to any television set via standard RCA cables and converts the attached TV into a monitor. This setup can then be used to browse the web, read e-mail and perform simple computing tasks.

The device offers internet access via a Vodafone SIM card that supports 2.5G and EDGE networks. When connected, the home-screen offers users the ability to browse the web using an android version of Opera Mini 5.1, which compresses data by upto 90% to ensure fast loading pages. The device also boasts the ability to send and receive SMS and E-Mail messages, listen to FM radio as well as music, view photos in the photo gallery, edit documents with the built in text editor and integration with social networks.

The Webbox is expected to retail for Rs. 5800/- which includes a 12 GB data plan for free. You can see a demo of the device in the video below.

July 22, 2011
Optical Discs Get A Makeover – Enter Holographic Discs

Optical discs are quite an old technology. They’re big, fragile and easily damaged, and the principle behind them hasn’t changed much in years. GE has developed a commercial micro-holographic storage technology that can store 500 GB on a single optical disk the size of a CD. That’s over 20 times the storage capacity of today’s single side Blu-Rays and over 100 times the storage capacity of a single DVD.

GE has had this technology for a few years now but the real breakthrough was made when they successfully created a reader/writer system which can read and record data to and from the disc at Blu-Ray speeds, which makes the discs commercially viable.

Holographic storage is nothing like a CD, DVD or Blu-Ray. The only thing that the technologies have in common is the spinning plastic disc and the laser. Instead of reflecting a laser off the disc to read one’s and zero’s, holographic discs store data in three dimensional patterns, called holograms, within the material of the disc itself. To read a holographic disc, a laser is used to create a snapshot of the data stored on the disc, and multiple snapshots can be layered one on top of the other to increase storage density.

Since the data on a holographic disc is stored in 3D, GE has the entire volume of a disc to play with, therefore 500 GB is not the storage limit for this technology. Researchers at GE’s labs are already hard at work developing the second generation of these discs which could hold upwards of 1 TB of data. This technology will be backwards compatible with CD’s, DVD’s and Blu-Ray’s, ensuring the continued life of optical discs everywhere.

July 22, 2011
Over 1 Million Copies Of Lion Sold On Day 1

On the day that Apple launched the new version of its operating system OSX Lion, it sold over a million copies. Apparently, people were not intimidated by a lack of a disc to install from. The ease with which Apple has distributed its update can be seen in the sales figures. The price of the update along with the ability to download is must have helped boost sales even further than Apple expected.

The update is available in the Mac App Store for only $29. It will be available on physical media in August.

July 22, 2011
Read Unlimited Comics Till The End Of The Month For FREE
This one is for all the comic book lovers out there. Marvel comics has a monthly subscription package that lets users read unlimited digital comics. Well we’ve got a coupon that will let you read as many comics as you want for free. The only catch is that its valid till the 31^st of July. So hurry up and create your account on Marvel using the following steps:
- Go to the subscriptions page
- Select the Monthly Package
- Enter the Promo Code: CAP734
- Click Apply Promo
- Enter your user details.
- You dont have to enter your credit card info unless you want to continue your subscription after the promo expires.
- Agree to the terms and click the Start Your Subscription button.
Once you’ve created your account, you can browse Marvel’s digital comic library and simply click the Read It Online button for any comic that you wish to read. This will open a new window which loads a flash comic book reader. Not only can the reader display pages in a single page or two page format, but it can also zoom into specific panels while you’re reading. This makes it much easier to read the comics on a digital display.

We hope you enjoy this little surprise and we’ll see you after the 31^st. With great power comes great responsibility.
July 22, 2011
Chevrolet will Launch the Beat Diesel on Jul 25
General Motors India will launch the Cheverolet Beat Diesel in India on the 25th of July

With fluctuation in fuel prices in India from time to time, the new diesel Beat, the prices of which will be announced at the launch will revolutionise the small car segment, with its engine capacity and fuel economy,” Karl Slym President and Managing Director General Motors India said

The company plans to sell 1.4 lakh cars this year, an increase of over 30% over last years 1.1 lakh units. The company also plans to invest over US$ 500 Million over the course of the next 1.5 years to ramp up production in their Existing plant at Halol in Gujarat and an upcoming unit at Talegaon in Maharashtra bringing their overall capacity to a total of 2.5 Lakh Units a year

The details of the Cheverolet Beat diesel are as follows
- Advanced engine design, engineering & packaging.
- Combination of features and engine components package that provides improved performance.
- Significant improvement in NVH characteristics of the engine leading to more comfortable driving experience.
- Smart engine design and technology that provides optimum fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions.
- Higher low end torque delivery for improved driving experience in stop and go traffic conditions.
- Rigorously tested & proven in extreme Indian road and climatic conditions.
July 22, 2011
ASUS Launches Eee Pad Transformer Tablet in India
Asus has Launched the Eee Pad Transformer tablet in India, with the optional dock.

The 16Gb WiFi only version was launched for Rs. 32,899/- and the optional dock will run you back Rs. 7500/-.
- 10.1-inch IPS display (1280×800 pixels)
- 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 SoC processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8 hours of battery life
- 5MP rear autofocus camera
- 720p HD video recording
- mini HDMI, microSD/SD, and microUSB
The laptop dock has a full sized keyboard, a touchpad, 2 USB ports, and a battery pack, giving it up to 14 hours of usability.

Honestly if you ask us the device seems a bit expensive for the price, especially since the company will launch an upgraded Transformer 2 Tablet later this year in India.
July 22, 2011
Ford Will Unveil the Focus during the AutoExpo in 2012

Ford India plans to unveil its sedan “Focus” during the Indian AutoExpo in 2012. This is going to be the second car out of the eight cars Ford plans to bring to India.

The company aims to deliver a wider range of products to the Indian Market. Currently our existing lineup of cars are not attracting the attention of the buyer, and we plan to change that by 2015. Ford will launch a total of 8 new cars , including the Focus during the AutoExpo 2012″ Said a Ford India spokesperson

No details are known on the type of equipment that will be installed in the Indian variants of the sedan. The sedan will compete will similar cars in the segment like the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Corolla.

July 22, 2011
Mercedes Benz to Unveil Compact Range in India by 2012

German Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz will unveil the compact range of automobiles from the company by the end of 2012.

Initially, cars with Left Hand Drive option, manufactured at our facilities in Germany and Hungary, will be introduced in Europe later this year. We plan to bring them to India by 2012-13 as Completely Knocked Down (CKD) units,” said Mercedes Benz India MD and CEO Peter Honegg

Right now we don’t have the facility to manufacture the compact class at our Chakan facility near Pune, Last year we sold 5,800 cars. This year we expect to cros 7,000 units. During January-June (2011) we sold 3,800 units. ” He added.

Currently, Mercedes Benz India manufactures the C, S and E class at their facility in Chakan near Pune. The addition of their new series of automobiles will pave way for a completely new segment in the market. Hopefully the competition will follow.

July 22, 2011
Google Maps on Android Now Add 3D Buildings in Several Cities None from India

Google announced on Tuesday that it has added support for 3D buildings in 13 additional cities on Google Maps, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Stockholm, Singapore, Lisbon, Boulder, and 11 cities in South Africa.

To activate 3D buildings in one of the aforementioned locations, simply zoom in close to the city and the application will then show a 3D renders of the city landscape. If you already upgraded your Google Maps to the latest version a software update will not be required to view the new Google Maps in 3D

[GOOGLE]

July 21, 2011
Panasonic launches Lumix FZ47 and LX5 (PR)
Panasonic has just launched its new FZ47 High End Point and Shoot with Super zoom.

Basic set of features include:
- 12.1-megapixel sensor
- 1080i HD at 30 fps
- 3-inch LCD
- 24x Leica zoom lens with a 25mm wide-angle focal length
- Price US $ $400
The Lumix LS5 on the other hand has a different set of features.
- 14.1-megapixel sensor
- optical image stabilization
- 720p video
- AA batteries
- Price US $ 249
[toggle title_open=”Collapse” title_closed=”FZ47 Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]PANASONIC EXPANDS POPULAR FZ-SERIES SUPER-ZOOM LINE, WITH 24X OPTICAL ZOOM AND FULL HD-CAPABLE MODEL

New Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 Digital Camera Packs a Powerful 24x Optical Zoom in High-Quality Leica Lens and Adds Creative Manual Control Options
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2011) – Panasonic today introduces the LUMIX DMC-FZ47 digital camera, the newest addition to the company’s super-zoom FZ-Series. The LUMIX FZ47 packs a powerful 24x optical zoom in a 25mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, full-High Definition 1080i video-recording capabilities and new creative controls while shooting both still and video images. The high-quality Leica lens features Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology to help minimize light reflection that causes ghosting and flare.

“The LUMIX FZ-Series is an extremely popular line for Panasonic and we expect this model to be another winner for users who not only want an impressive 24x optical zoom, but those that seek exceptional image quality, and thanks to the Leica lens and full HD video capabilities – the FZ47 delivers,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “New to the FZ-Series are the improved AF speeds, 3D photo shooting and full 1080 HD video capabilities.”

Powered by a 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the LUMIX FZ47 can produce the high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording in the AVCHD format, and high-speed continuous shooting. The Venus Engine FHD processor helps create superb image quality in both photo and video recording, while also powering the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution, the LUMIX FZ47’s zoom can be extended 1.3x times to a 32x zoom length. The LUMIX FZ47 can take high-resolution consecutive shots at 3.7 fps in 12.1-megapixel full-resolution and maximum 10 fps at 3-megapixel recording. With Panasonic’s Sonic Speed AF (Auto Focus), the LUMIX FZ47 has a quick start-up time, approximately 35% faster than the Panasonic LUMIZ FZ40, and also has an incredibly fast response time, helping to catch any fast-action photo opportunity. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ47 has fast and accurate AF Tracking.

The LUMIX FZ47’s 24x optical zoom optimized for video recording with a mechanism designed to minimize the noise of AF and zooming. The full-HD video capability is complemented with the high-quality stereo sound of Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, to offer extremely realistic audio. And with a Wind Cut function, the LUMIX FZ47 reduces noise from background wind automatically. While shooting video, users can simultaneously take a 3.5-megapixel still photo.

Differentiating itself from most digital cameras that record video, the LUMIX FZ47 is unique in that it features a Creative Video mode, which lets the user set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to videos, which is especially suitable for shooting a fast-moving subject. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out.

The creative mode is also available for still photos. For users seeking more creative freedom, the LUMIX FZ47 adds the new Creative Control and Photo Style that comes with a variety of options for artistic effect modes, including: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. Users can also adjust exposure compensation in the Creative Control mode. In addition, Photo Style is newly added to the LUMIX FZ47 to allow finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction in these settings: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery and Portrait.

On the other hand, for those users who would prefer not to change any settings, the LUMIX FZ47 also features Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. When in iA mode, the LUMIX FZ47 automatically chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment and features include: POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Motion Deblur*, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control and Intelligent Scene Selector. Additionally, iA is available during video mode, and the following features engage automatically: POWER O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 include:

• 3D Photo Mode: Take 3D still photos** that can be played back on MPO-compatible 3D equipment, such as a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV
• 3.0″ Intelligent LCD: Features a 460,000-dot high resolution
• Social Media Connection: The LUMIX FZ47 makes it extremely easy to share photos via Facebook and videos via YouTube. As soon as the camera is connected to the computer it will prompt the user with an easy-to-follow menu asking if they want to share the images – no software needed

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ47 will be available in black for a suggested retail price of $399.99, starting in August 2011. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Collapse” title_closed=”LS5 Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]PANASONIC ANNOUNCES EASY-TO-USE DIGITAL CAMERA WITH 26MM WIDE-ANGLE F2.8 LENS, IDEAL FOR LOW-LIGHT SHOOTING

The LUMIX LS5 Shoots 720 HD Video and Runs on AA Batteries

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2011) – Panasonic today announces a new 14.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-LS5 digital camera that features a high-quality 26mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom lens. With an incredible F2.8 lens and Optical Image Stabilization, the LUMIX LS5 excels in taking clear photos, even in dimly-lit situations. The LUMIX LS5 also features 720p High Definition video capabilities and runs on AA batteries, perfect for the user who is looking for added convenience.

“The LUMIX LS5 is the ideal digital camera for an entry-level user who wants an extremely easy to use digital camera that does not sacrifice image quality,” said David Fisher, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With top-quality features like HD video and an F2.8 26mm wide-angle lens, the LS5 is giving consumers exceptional performance and value, while being easy-to-use and convenient. By adding a LUMIX model that runs on AA batteries, we are mindful that consumers have different needs and preferences.”

To further its ease-of-use, the LUMIX LS5 features Panasonic’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto mode), which automatically engages the following features, without the user making any setting adjustments:

• O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) – Helps reduce blur caused by a shaky hand
• Face Detection – Finds human faces to give appropriate focus and exposure
• Intelligent Scene Selector – Detects the environment and sets the best shooting parameters based on Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Macro

The new LUMIX LS5 records HD video in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps – which is ideal for viewing on a High Definition Television. Users with a VIERA® HDTV, can simply remove the SD Memory Card from the LUMIX and insert it into the built-in SD Memory Card Slot on the VIERA HDTV to enjoy HD videos and photo slideshows. The LUMIX LS5 can also record video in standard VGA (640 x 480) and QVGA (320 x 240). With the included YouTube and Facebook Image uploader, users can easily share their photos and videos via popular social networking sites.

The Panasonic LUMIX LS5 will be available in black in November 2011. Pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.[/toggle]
July 21, 2011
Apple Refreshes The Mac Mini with Core i5 and i7, Thunderbolt and AMD Radeon HD (PR)

Apple has dropped a new load of goodies on us today, as we suspected, Apple has updated the Mac Mini to include new hardware and Thunderbolt Ports.

The new Mac mini packs an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, Thunderbolt, AMD Radeon HD graphics, and Mac OS X Lion.

Starting at $599 with a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 they offer a cheap alternative for owning a Mac.

The 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive starts at a suggested retail price of $599 (US), with options to add memory up to 8GB and a 750GB hard drive.

The 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive starts at a suggested retail price of $799 (US), with options to upgrade to a 2.7GHz dual-core Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of memory, and a 750GB hard drive with an option to add or replace with a 256GB solid state drive.

The 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 Mac mini with Lion Server, 4GB of memory and dual 500GB hard drives starts at a suggested retail price of $999 (US). Options include adding memory up to 8GB, two 750GB hard drives, or up to two 256GB solid state drives.

[toggle title_open=”Collapse” title_closed=”Expand and Read Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Apple Updates Mac mini

CUPERTINO, California-July 20, 2011-Apple® today updated the Mac® mini with next generation Intel core processors, new discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and Lion, the world’s most advanced operating system. The new Mac mini delivers up to twice the processor and graphics performance of the previous generation in the same amazingly compact and efficient aluminum design.* Starting at just $599 (US), the new Mac mini is available for order today and in stores tomorrow.

“Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever.”

At just 7.7-inches square and 1.4-inches thin, the new Mac mini maintains its compact aluminum design while delivering amazing performance and graphics capabilities. Available in three different configurations, customers can choose a Mac mini with the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics, or a quad-core Intel Core i7 powered server configuration. Designed without an optical disc drive, Mac mini can access the optical drives on other PCs and Macs, and works with the MacBook Air® SuperDrive®. Configure-to-order options include up to 8 GBs of memory, a faster 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive.

Mac mini now comes with Thunderbolt I/O technology for expansion possibilities never before available to Mac mini users. With a Thunderbolt port, Mac mini can connect to peripherals such as high-performance storage devices, RAID arrays and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, a stunning 27-inch IPS widescreen display that’s great for making FaceTime® HD video calls, surfing the Web and viewing movies and photos.

With ultra-fast Wi-Fi, you can wirelessly download apps from the Mac App Store™, get music and movies from iTunes®, back up data to Time Capsule® and share files with AirDrop, which makes transferring files quick and easy. Mac mini includes Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and four USB ports for easy connectivity for the wired and wireless devices you use every day.

The new Mac mini remains the world’s most energy efficient desktop, meets Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.** Mac mini has a highly recyclable aluminum enclosure, PVC-free components and cables, no brominated flame retardants and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.

Every new Mac mini comes with Mac OS® X Lion, the latest major release of Mac OS X, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife® apps for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Lion introduces more than 250 new features to the Mac, including Multi-Touch® gestures and system-wide support for full screen apps; Mission Control, an innovative view of everything running on your Mac; the Mac App Store, the best place to find and explore great software; Launchpad, a new home for all your apps; and a completely redesigned Mail app.

Pricing & Availability

The new Mac mini is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com) today and in Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers starting July 21.

The 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive starts at a suggested retail price of $599 (US), with options to add memory up to 8GB and a 750GB hard drive.

The 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive starts at a suggested retail price of $799 (US), with options to upgrade to a 2.7GHz dual-core Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of memory, and a 750GB hard drive with an option to add or replace with a 256GB solid state drive.

The 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 Mac mini with Lion Server, 4GB of memory and dual 500GB hard drives starts at a suggested retail price of $999 (US). Options include adding memory up to 8GB, two 750GB hard drives, or up to two 256GB solid state drives.
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July 20, 2011