05/23, 2:50pm
Preview of OS X 10.9, iOS 7, possible MacBook refresh
Apple has formally announced that the Worldwide Developers Conference will begin with the traditional keynote address, set for the first day of the conference: Monday, June 10. Unusually this year, the company has pre-announced that the convention (and presumably the keynote) will focus on the forthcoming OS X 10.9 and iOS 7. Though not included in the announcement, CEO Tim Cook is expected to headline the presentation.
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05/23, 8:13am
MSI joins cavalcade of pre-Computex unofficial Intel 'Haswell' reveals
With Computex Taipei just over a week away, MSI has taken the covers off its latest gaming notebooks packing Intel’s next-generation ‘Haswell’ silicon. Heading up the range is the 17.3-inch GT70 Dragon Edition 2 that will feature a quad-core fourth-generation Core i7 processor. Graphics processing is powered by Nvidia’s GeForce GTX780M and is good for a 3DMark Vantage score of 36,000.
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05/23, 4:46am
HP Envy Rove, 20-inch portable touchscreen desktop with Win 8
HP has taken a stab at the fledging mobile desktop market with its new Envy Rove. Like the Sony Vaio Tap 20 and the Dell XPS 18, the Envy Rove does double duty as an all-in-one touchscreen Windows 8 desktop computer, while it also incorporates an in-built battery for mobile use around the house. The Envy Rove is one of three new all-in-ones HP announced today, which also offer a choice of the latest Intel ‘Haswell’ silicon scheduled for widespread availability in July.
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05/22, 9:51am
Addition of tablets to reliability report significantly boosts Apple score
A new reliability report from Rescuecom shows Apple placing in second place, beaten by Samsung by a wide margin. The new report for the first quarter of 2013, which now takes into account tablets as well as computers, also puts Apple ahead of Lenovo, Asus, Toshiba, HP, Dell, and Acer, with both Sony and Panasonic dropping out of the rankings entirely.
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05/21, 9:32pm
New drive line available in up to 4TB, 64MB cache capacities
Seagate Technology has announced the new Seagate Video 3.5 HDD -- the industry’s first 4TB, 3.5-inch hard disk drive engineered specifically for use in video applications such as digital video recorders, set-top boxes, and surveillance systems. Purpose-built for video solutions, the Video 3.5 HDD can store up to 480 hours of high-definition (HD) content. The drive supports up to 16 simultaneous HD streams or 20 standard-definition streams as well as 24-hour operation capabilities optimizing it for video content applications.
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05/21, 5:56pm
Both 15.6 and 17.3-inch laptops use new AMD Richland A10 processor
Computer manufacturer MSI Computer Corp, products and solutions, unveils the new and refreshed GX70 and GX60, the world’s first AMD Richland A10-5750M powered gaming laptops. The new processor also increases battery life and CPU performance in both the 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch models.
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05/21, 3:55pm
Components to be sourced from US companies where possible
During his testimony before the Senate on Apple's tax strategies, CEO Tim Cook restated an earlier promise that a forthcoming Mac model -- not identified -- was going to be built in the United States, and further revealed that it would be assembled in Texas. While the exact site wasn't specified, Apple has established and is expanding an administrative campus in Austin, and manufacturing partner Foxconn has facilities in Houston.
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05/21, 1:39pm
Five MBAs for $1,099 or less
At Apple's online store, take advantage of low prices on refurbished MacBook Air models. Save $300 on the 13.3-inch MacBook Air with a 1.7GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage, now $1,099. For $1,059 is the refurbished 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.8GHz Intel dual-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage.
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05/21, 7:04am
Research firm sees 51.8-percent rise in touchscreen-enabled notebook shipments
Almost one in ten notebook computers shipped in the first quarter of 2013 have touchscreens, according to a market research firm's report. It is claimed by Displaybank that 4.57 million of the notebooks used the displays out of a total shipment figure of 46 million, a rise of 51.8 percent compared to the previous quarter.
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05/20, 7:21pm
New displays slightly exceed Apple's displays in iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro
Samsung Display announced today that it is showcasing several mobile to extra-large-sized display prototypes at the Society for Information Display’s Display Week. These include a Full HD 1920×1080 mobile AMOLED 4.99-inch display with the world's broadest color gamut, a 10.1-inch 2560 x 1600 LCD for tablets, and a 13.3-inch 3200 x 1800 LCD for notebooks.
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05/20, 2:40pm
Some analysts had predicted a slight downturn
A new report from market analysts NPD Group indicates that US Mac sales for the month of April were about even with the same month last year, which some analysts see as a positive sign for Apple. However, NPD's data -- which is normally considered reasonably accurate -- only covers US sales, meaning the higher percentage of Mac sales overseas is making meaningful predictions difficult.
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05/20, 9:51am
Finnish company site follows previous Amazon leak
The Acer Iconia W3 has been leaked yet again, but this time through Acer itself, and confirming it as having an 8.1-inch 1280x768-resolution display. The company's Finnish website shows the Intel Atom-powered tablet, complete with an optional keyboard dock and Windows 8 Pro pre-installed, after previously being shown by mistake on Amazon before being pulled from view.
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05/20, 7:38am
Sony Xperia Tablet Z now available globally for pre-order
Sony has announced the belated global availability of its Xperia Tablet Z. First unveiled in January, and finally made available for pre-order in the US in late April, international customers can now also place pre-orders for the device. Shipments of what Sony is calling the ‘world’s thinnest’ 10-inch tablet are expected in early June.
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05/19, 11:01pm
Cram eight hard drives in a Mac Pro
Nobody outside of Cupertino's privileged bunch knows the future of the Mac Pro line for sure. Despite Apple's reluctance to tell us what the line holds, there are a large number of machines in service all getting a bit long in the tooth, relatively speaking. As production Mac Pros have been replaced with new iMacs and even the Mac mini, IT departments are looking for creative ways to repurpose some of the older machines to preserve dwindling budgets and continued expansion of needs. Regardless of generation, the Mac Pro makes an excellent server for the home or business, limited only by the drive capacity. Macintosh upgrade purveyors MaxUpgrades has a one-of-a-kind custom engineered solution for the 2006 through 2008 Mac Pro optical bay called the MaxConnect for Mac Pro Optical Bay. Using it, up to four 3.5-inch drives can be installed in the bay, in lieu of lightly-used opticals. Whether or not cramming all these drives in the space is a good idea remains to be seen -- check our review to find out!
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05/17, 4:33pm
Air could be due for imminent refresh
Third-party vendors are starting to run out of stock of the 13-inch MacBook Air, says AppleInsider. Amazon, B&H, MacConnection, and MacMall are all out of a common configuration, a system with a 1.8GHz processor and a 256GB SSD. Another reseller, J&R, is saying that it only has the configuration at retail stores. Best Buy continues to have some units.
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05/17, 3:13pm
Retina MBP shuts down while sleeping
This week in the MacNN forums, one Professional Poster was trying to get to the bottom of a problem they had with their Retina MBP shutting down while in sleep mode, a solution has yet to be found. Fresh-Faced Recruit "frozentundra" is wondering when Apple will update the Mac Pro line.
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05/17, 3:12pm
15.4-inch MacBook Pros from $1,489
A vast selection of refurbished 15.4-inch MacBook Pro models are available at Apple's Online Store. The 15.4-inch MBP with a 2.3GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive has been reduced to $1,489, a savings of $310. A $420 price cut is offered on the 15.4-inch Retina MBP with 2.3GHz quad-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 750GB hard drive, now $1,679.
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05/17, 3:05pm
$200 off 12-Core Mac Pro, more
Currently JR.com has the Mac Pro for the reduced price of $3,599.99, that's $199.01 off the list price of $3,799 and the lowest price we have seen on this Mac model, brand new, anywhere. Free shipping is included and sales tax applies for residents of New York and California. The Mac Pro features a 2.4GHz 12-Core Xeon processor, 12GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. A one year warranty on parts and labor is included from Apple.
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05/17, 9:00am
Trend predicted by Apple CEOs Jobs, Cook: tablets up 188 percent from Q1 2012
A report from market analysts IDC looking at market conditions in the United Kingdom says that in the first quarter of 2013, tablet shipments outpaced the combined desktop and notebook PC for the first time. A total of 2.8 million tablets were shipped in Q1, outpacing the 2.3 million PC units (which include Macs alongside Windows desktops and laptops) by a half-million units -- a rise of 188 percent year-over-year. While the report is limited to the UK, the results likely foreshadow future trends elsewhere.
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05/16, 6:32pm
Panels boast highest pixel density of any display Sharp has made
According to Sharp, the company will begin production of three types of IGZO LCD panels that boast pixel densities among the highest in the industry. The panels, scheduled to begin production in June 2013 are intended for use in notebook PCs and will come in three sizes: 11.6 inches, 14 inches, and 15.6 inches. A 13.3 inch panel is already being produced by the company.
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05/16, 3:22pm
Update mandatory, Apple says
Apple has posted a new support download for mid-2012 MacBook Airs, MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.0. Unusually, Apple states that the patch is mandatory; it fixes a problem with the Air's firmware that can, potentially, prevent a computer from recovering from a crash. The file is a 1.69MB download, and requires either OS X 10.7.5 or 10.8.3.
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05/16, 11:53am
Ultrabook to reach Best Buy on June 23rd, starts from $800
Lenovo has started shipping the IdeaPad Yoga 11S in the United States. The convertible ultrabook is a smaller version of the IdeaPad Yoga 13, opting for an 11.6-inch, 1366x768 touchscreen display instead of the 13-inch version of its larger stablemate, and provides full Windows 8 instead of the Windows RT installed on the Yoga 11.
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05/16, 7:33am
Samsung rumored supplying 7.9-inch displays for smaller Surface
Samsung has reportedly been tapped by Microsoft to supply 7.9-inch panels for a smaller version of its Surface, according to Digitimes. The purported smaller tablet could be released as soon as the end of June, however, no Taiwanese suppliers have yet been included on the supplier list. Microsoft has not revealed its plans for future versions of its Surface tablet, but it recently changed the specifications of Windows 8 to accommodate displays that could be used on smaller tablets.
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05/16, 5:54am
Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong set for May Surface Pro launch
The Microsoft Surface Pro will start shipping in a number of other countries later this month, as part of the company's plans to expand its retail availability further than the US, Canada, and China. The United Kingdom will see the device appearing on store shelves on May 23, while a number of markets in Europe looking to get the slate computer on May 30.
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05/16, 12:02am
New workstations offer future fourth-generation Intel Core processor support
Dell today announced an expanded and stronger Dell Precision workstation portfolio that includes the company's smallest tower workstation chassis in the Dell Precision T1700 small form-factor (SFF), a more powerful Dell Precision T1700 Mini-Tower, and Dell's most powerful rack workstation, the Dell Precision R7610.
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05/15, 7:53pm
IRIScan all-in-one mouse and scanner
Quite often, in our electronic world, it is necessary to make digital copies of documents or pictures. The IRIScan all-in-one mouse and scanner makes doing this super fast and easy. Electronista has one to give away; read on to learn more about this mouse and find out how you can enter to win.
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05/15, 7:12pm
Ruggedized tablet aimed at military, pubic safety, healthcare
Rugged computer manufacturer Panasonic has announced upgrades to the Toughbook H2 handheld tablet PC. The ruggedized device improvements include a faster processor, expanded storage while maintaining the same durability, including the ability to survive a six-foot drop with no damage.
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05/15, 8:46am
Discounted Dell tablet likely due to low Windows RT hardware sales
Dell has lowered the price of its Windows RT tablet from $449 to $299. The drop in price of the XPS 10 slate, possibly due to the underwhelming sales of Windows RT-based tablets across the industry, is accompanied by discounted additions to the tablet, including the keyboard dock and doubling the internal storage.
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05/15, 12:02am
Slatebook X2 Android-based, Split X2 driven by Windows 8
HP has just announced the HP SlateBook X2 and the HP Spilt X2, a pair of detachable PCs offering notebook and tablet functionality in one device. The SlateBook X2 is the first Android detachable device with the Nvidia Tegra 4-processor, and runs Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean." The Split X2 is powered by the full Windows 8 operating system.
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05/14, 11:58pm
Full Windows 8 experience on portable 18-inch multitouch display
After nearly a year following announcement, Dell has begun shipping its hybrid desktop PC and Windows 8 tablet -- the XPS 18. This 18-inch full Windows device has been in Electronista's hands for a few days now, and we've taken some time off to put it through its paces.
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05/14, 6:24pm
Machine tailored for video production, other high-demand industries
Portable audio and video workstation manufacturer Rain Computers has released the new LiveBook V, a high-performance laptop designed for 3D arts and video editing. The 17.3-inch laptop boasts third-generation Intel Core processors, and the capability for up to three drives.
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05/14, 4:00pm
Traveling Mac-less
This week in the MacNN Forums, Mac Elite "asxless" started a discussion about ways to travel "Mac-less" using only iOS devices while road-tripping this summer. Yesterday, Professional Poster "mindwaves" was looking for a reason why their Retina MacBook Pro was shutting down while in sleep mode.
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05/14, 3:56pm
MacBook Air, Logitech iPad keyboard and more
This week, MacMall.com has reduced the price of the 13.3-inch MacBook Air from $1,399 down to $1,319 with free shipping. That $79 discount makes this the lowest price we have seen by about $30. This MacBook Pro features a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage, along with Intel HD Graphics, built-in FaceTime camera with 720p resolution, and it comes with Mountain Lion pre-installed. A one-year warranty is included from Apple.
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05/14, 7:48am
Netflix updates API to remove expiry dates for movies, shows
Netflix has removed the expiry dates for films and TV shows from its public API, following recent reports that the streaming service would drop around 1,800 items of content in May alone. According to a company blog post, the change is being made due to the inaccuracy of the expiry date due to the "frequent, often last minute, changes in content flow," though the field will still appear with a default date in the API, in order to avoid errors in third-party apps.
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05/14, 6:55am
NEC LaVie first to tout Intel 'Haswell' CPUs, beats Intel to the punch
The NEC LaVie L has surfaced on the NEC Japan website and is one of the first notebooks to feature Intel’s next-generation ‘Haswell’ processors. The new chips will carry the ‘Core’ branding and will be available in Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 variants as it has in its previous three generations. NEC has ‘jumped the gun’ somewhat in revealing the specs of the new notebook with Intel not expected to formally launch the chips until Computex Taipei in early June.
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05/10, 2:26pm
Bluetooth keyboard typing issues with iPad and more
Earlier this week in the MacNN forums, Mac Elite "abbaZaba" was trying to figure out why the Apple Bluetooth keyboard that they have paired with an iPad 4 will stutter the first letter when typing. After making a digital copy of a 20-year-old VHS home movie, one Fresh-Faced Recruit turned to the forums looking for any advice on ways to make the imported footage look a little less faded.
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05/10, 6:40am
i-mate back from the dead with Intelegent Windows 8 smartphone concept
Former Windows Mobile maker i-mate has apparently sparked back into life after looking as though it was all over just a few years ago. The troubled company is planning on returning to the market with a new 4.7-inch smartphone running the full Windows 8 desktop and tablet operating system – not to be confused with Windows Phone 8, which runs on Nokia, HTC and Samsung handsets. The company, now based in Redmond Washington, is developing the Intelegent smartphone to work in combination with a dock and a wireless tablet display to create comprehensive workstation with full mobile capabilities.
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05/09, 4:36pm
Apple issues minor patch
Apple has posted a new support download for Macs, Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.2. The patch appears to deal solely with stability problems related to Target Disk Mode. The file is 1.22MB, and requires OS X 10.8.3 or later.
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05/09, 3:54pm
New model supplements dual PCI-E slot model
Sonnet today introduced a significant upgrade of its popular xMac mini Server, a Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure for a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac mini with a Thunderbolt port. The updated xMac mini Server now supports a double-width PCIe card's daughter card and includes BNC connector mounting holes on the enclosure's rear panel. In addition, the length of the xMac mini Server is now just 15.8 inches, optimizing it for a wider range of popular mobile racks, carts, and rack bags.
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05/09, 11:11am
Appears to be 13-inch version of Sony Vaio Duo 11 Ultrabook
A video clip on YouTube claimed to be leaked from training videos for the Dixons Store Group in the UK appears to show an unannounced larger version of the Sony Vaio Duo 11. Using the same "Surf Slider" hinge found on the 11-inch version, the mystery Ultrabook is shown in the clip to have a 13-inch Full HD Triluminos touchscreen that lines up with the top of the keyboard when propped up.
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05/09, 9:08am
Microsoft said to be responsive to OEM feedback on Windows 8
Acer Chairman J.T. Wang has said that Microsoft is starting to listen more closely to its OEM partners following the troubled launch of Windows 8, reports the Wall Street Journal. Wang indicated that he thought that that Microsoft has had its head in the clouds until recently, “But now the go down to earth and they start to learn how people living on earth think.” Acer President Jim Wong also added that Microsoft is becoming more “considerate” to its partners and has been baking in their suggestions into Windows Blue, the first major update to Windows 8 due later this year.
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05/08, 8:42am
Acer first to market with sub-10-inch Windows 8 tablet
The leaked Acer Iconia W3, which first surfaced on the weekend has been confirmed for June 4 launch in Russia. The launch date was revealed by Acer’s general director of the Taiwanese company’s Russian office, and provides an indication for its global rollout. The device briefly appeared on the Amazon store, before it was quickly pulled.
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05/07, 9:05pm
New version brings better mobile integration, enhanced reporting
Retail technologist LightSpeed today announced the launch of StoreMaster, enabling Macintosh users to track real-time data across all sales channels, manage inventory levels, and process invoices and shipments from one control panel. Its new customizable Dashboard delivers up-to-the-minute metrics in easy-to-read graphs, assisting stores in reaching sales goals and performance monitoring.
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05/07, 5:22pm
Gadget gifts to get for the woman that gave you life
Mother's Day is a special sort of day where we get to give back to the woman that gave us life. This special day is right around the corner -- but you knew that already, right? Of course, the reason you haven't gotten a gift yet is because you're looking for just the perfect one. Ah, but what's the thing to get for such a woman? Electronista took a look at the latest and greatest in consumer tech to figure out what you should get good ol' Mom in order to one-up all your siblings -- who went the flowers-and-chocolate route.
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05/07, 7:43am
Sony revamps 2013 notebook line with new Vaio Fit 14, 15-inch models
Sony Japan has revealed a new lineup of notebooks for 2013 that also carry new branding. The new ‘Fit’ series encompasses a wide range of notebooks that the company is targeting at "students and business users who are looking for a step up and want more of a premium design but still at an entry-level price point." The 14- and 15-inch touchscreen notebooks also span a wide price range, starting at $550 with the high end models topping out at $2,210.
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05/06, 4:00pm
Specific processor models not revealed at Intel's briefing
In Intel's second major technology announcement in the span of a week, the chip manufacturer has revealed a refresh of its Atom processor line. Intel's new "Silvermont" architecture promises faster speeds and reduced power draw with what the company calls best-in-class performance plus power efficiency.
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05/03, 3:42pm
Aspire P3 includes keyboard cover, 5-megapixel camera
Aside from unveiling the Aspire R7 with the "Ezel" hinge, Acer also revealed a number of other mobile computing options at its media event. The Aspire P3 is billed as a slate computer that can convert to a notebook with its keyboard case, while the Aspire V5 and V7 notebooks are said to bring thinner and lighter designs to the company's notebook ranges.
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05/03, 3:15pm
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
This week at Apple's online store, take advantage of a vast array of refurbished MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. The 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.7GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage has been reduced by $190 to $909. A $240 price break is offered on the 13.3-inch MacBook Air with a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage, now $1,159.
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05/03, 3:14pm
iMacs, printers and more
This weeks deals from DealNN include bargain prices on iMacs, printers, monitors and more. Currently MacConnection.com has the 21.5-inch iMac for $1,279, which is $220 off the MSRP and the lowest price we have seen on this iMac by about $90. Free shipping is included, but sales tax applies for residents of New York state. The 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. Included are an Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard, Magic Mouse, and one-year warranty on parts and labor from Apple.
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05/03, 12:19pm
Notebook screen can face away from user, be used as tablet
Acer has revealed a new notebook with a floating touchscreen, one that it previously teased alongside Star Trek footage. The Aspire R7 holds its 15.6-inch 1080p multitouch display on an "Ezel" hinge, allowing it to be viewed in the normal notebook way, lying flat on a table, flipped to face away from the user, and also closed with the display facing out and making it resemble a tablet.
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