02/12, 12:15am
We review Dell's smaller XPS performance notebook
The 13- to 14-inch notebook screen size is currently one of the hottest areas of competition right now: it's where Apple, HP, and others start off their higher-end models. Dell has certainly been one of the most active in this space and has brought its high-end XPS line to that space through the 14z. We'll check in our Dell XPS 14z review whether the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Sony VAIO S, or comparable rivals will feel the strain.
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02/08, 11:20am
HP Envy 14 Spectre tackles Apple
HP on Wednesday began selling its most direct competitor to the MacBook Air, the Envy 14 Spectre. The pseudo-ultrabook starts at a relatively steep $1,400 with a 14-inch, 1366x768 display, a 1.6GHz low-voltage Core i5, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB solid-state drive. Options can take it to a 1.8GHz Core i7 and a 256GB SSD.
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01/30, 6:40pm
May have dropped HD 3000 GPU from 3 new i5 CPUs
Intel has released seven new processors. All are based on its current Sandy Bridge 32nm architecture. The new CPUs include three desktop quad Core i5 processors as well as dual- and single-core Celeron processors for both the desktop and mobile.
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01/25, 5:05pm
Panasonic adds SX and NX, also intros J10
Panasonic today unveiled two 12.1-inch notebooks in its home country. The Let's Note SX1 and SX2 offer Intel Core i5 processors in a compact, ruggedized magnesium form factor with batteries that provide up to 16 hours of run-time. Panasonic is also offering the J10, a 10.1-inch laptop targeting business customers.
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01/22, 11:20pm
Sony preps spring 2012 VAIO refresh
Sony in a post-CES update has tweaked several of its VAIO notebooks for the spring. The VAIO Z now has the option of 4G LTE access on Verizon, making it one of the first full-powered notebooks with the choice. The $1,950 ultraportable now comes in a Carbon Fiber Silver color and gets newer Core i5 and i7 processors from the late 2011 upgrade.
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01/22, 1:15pm
ASUS B23E ups business notebook design
ASUS has quietly slipped out a new pro-oriented notebook in admist the more home-focused designs of CES. The 12.5-inch B23E has a relatively sleek magnesium alloy chassis. Although 1.1 inches thick and 3.4 pounds, it's intended as a true complete replacement with a DVD burner, up to 750GB of storage, and as much as 8GB of RAM.
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01/19, 2:15pm
Unlocked Core i5, i7 overclock warranty offered
Computer chipmaker Intel has just launched its Performance Tuning Protection Plan meant for users who want to overclock their unlocked Core i-series CPUs without worrying about the consequences if they go too far. The plan will replace a single processor if it fails when taken outside of Intel's specifications. This is in addition to Intel's standard three-year warranty, but does require owners to pay a separate fee.
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01/13, 6:00pm
Dell XPS 13 tested on the show floor
We've at last had a first-hand look at the upcoming Dell XPS 13 on the CES show floor. The ultrabook on an initial glance bears more than a passing resemblance to the MacBook Air, down to the side port layouts and the single-piece, multi-touch trackpad; there's no question of who inspired the design. It remains something of its own beast, however, and the combination of aluminum (mostly on the lid) as well as a tightly constructed body give it a much more premium feel than we're used to from Dell.
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01/09, 9:00pm
HP officially outs Envy 14 Spectre with glass lid
HP at CES officially unveiled the recently leaked Envy 14 Spectre ultrabook, which was expected thanks to the multiple hints. The ultrabook reserved online now, and promises a 14-inch HD screen in a 13.3-inch sized body. Its screen is covered by Corning's Gorilla Glass, as is the top of the lid and the touchpad. This is a first in the industry.
There are also Beats by Dr. Dre-certified speakers onboard, and the ultrabook weighs 3.79lbs. To go with the audio theme, users adjust volume through an aluminum analog dial. HP Wireless Audio lets users stream wireless music up to four external devices or a KleerNet-supporting device.
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01/08, 7:00pm
Lenovo to show six new desktop PCs at CES
Lenovo will bring six desktop computers to CES this week, including four IdeaCentre all-in-ones from the B-series, the easily upgreadable H520s and the slim IdeaCentre K430. The IdeaCentre B540 uses a 23-inch frameless touchscreen with 1080p resolution and an integrated VESA mount that can be equipped with 3D capabilities. It can be equipped with NVIDIA's GeForce GT 650M graphics card with 2GB of RAM and DirectX 11 support.
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01/05, 12:00am
Lenovo updates ThinkPad Edge ahead of CES 2012
Lenovo's lead-in to CES has included three new ThinkPad Edge models. Fronting the pack, the S430 has an 0.8-inch thickness bordering on ultrabooks but still keeps to regular notebooks: it uses Ivy Bridge-era Intel Core processors and is one of the first Windows PCs with Thunderbotl, giving it very high speed storage and displays on one cable.
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12/30, 12:55pm
Low prices on MacBooks and more
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on MacBook Pros, headphones, and more. Apple's online store is offering discounts on a wide range of refurbished MacBook Pros, one of which is the refurb. 2.53GHz MacBook Pro with a 17-inch glossy widescreen display, 500GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5 processor. Currently featured at DealNN, this model has now dropped $380 in price and can be purchased for only $1319.
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12/28, 8:05am
Intel Ivy Bridge line tentatively dated, priced
PC builder slips on Wednesday may have locked down release timing for Intel's Ivy Bridge roster. About 25 processors should be available on or near April 8, Digitimes said, 17 of which would be for desktops. The desktops would range from the Core i5-3450 through to the Core i7-3770 and would have a narrow initial price spread of between $184 to $332.
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12/12, 3:35pm
AMD may go thin and fast to rival Intel
AMD's Australian and New Zealand regional head Brian Slattery in a discussion [reg. required] Monday said that AMD could have its own take on ultrabooks could arrive as soon as January, likely at CES. Calling them "ultrathins" in a likely attempt to avoid colliding with Intel's term, he explained to The Australian that processors for thin but fast computing would be ready soon. In opposition to Intel, however, AMD didn't have set guidelines and would let companies use larger screens as well as thicker and heavier systems if they felt it necessary.
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12/12, 8:00am
Samsung Series 5 Ultra has thin profile, big drive
Samsung in its home country has rolled out the Series 5 Ultra in what's considered a tenuous claim to the ultrabook title. While a 13-inch system at 0.6 inches thick and 3.1 pounds is largely inside of the official definitions, the 14-inch system at four pounds and 0.8 inches is outside of the class, even with an aluminum shell. In including the choice of an optical drive, they also fit more closely to the definition of a traditional notebook.
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12/08, 3:25pm
HP Folio 13 ultrabook ships, already discounted
HP's Folio 13 ultrabook is now on sale, in more ways than one. What was due to cost $900 can be purchased for $850 at LogicBuy or just $703.50 with the NBK3573 coupon code, according to Liliputing. The notebook weighs 3.3lbs and is 0.7 inches thick while sporting a 13.3-inch, 1366x768 display.
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12/06, 1:55pm
Intel Ivy Bridge to focus on efficiency over clock
Following a desktop slip, details of Intel's notebook versions of its Ivy Bridge processor lineup have leaked as well. The lineup seen by VR-Zone will simplify into just U-series ultra-low voltage chips that use 17W and full-power M-series chips that use 35W, 45W, or 55W depending on the model. All 25W chips have disappeared now that PC builders can dial down the peak power themselves.
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12/05, 9:20am
LG Z330 takes MacBook Air, Pro cues
Already known for ultraportables, LG took a more direct shot at the ultrabook category Monday with a new addition to the Xnote line. The Z330 carries a 13-inch screen and a tapered, silver and black design reminiscent of a cross between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. LG claims the system is lighter, at under 2.7 pounds, and slightly thinner, at 0.6 inches.
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12/02, 2:35pm
iBuyPower ships latest liquid-cooled gaming PC
iBuyPower has just unveiled a new mid-tier gaming PC in the Gamer Paladin HS11. It gets a quad 3.3GHz Core i5 and a 1.2GB NVIDIA GTX 570 graphics card, along with 8GB of RAM and a 1TB, 7,200RPM hard drive. There is also a Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 mainboard and a 120mm liquid cooling system that keeps it quiet and potentially gives headroom for overclocking.
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11/29, 6:00pm
Low prices on refurb. Macs
Today at Apple's online store save big on refurbished Macs starting as low as $519 for a Mac mini originally released in July 2011, it features a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive. A $100 price drop is available on the refurb. Mac mini with a 2.5GHz Intel dual core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, now $699.
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11/28, 6:05pm
Updates 3-in-1 with faster i5 processor & video
Gigabyte has released an updated version of its signature convertible tablet. The T1132 features a rotating docking station and swiveling display that enables it to serve act as a notebook, tablet, or desktop. Driving the device is an Intel 1.6GHz processor that keeps it up to speed with newer ultraportables.
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11/24, 6:00pm
Amazon slashes MacBook Air price deeply
Amazon has joined in a rare price race on Macs by dropping the price on the 11-inch MacBook Air. A brand-new, 1.6GHz Core i5 version of the ultraportable has dropped to $850, a full $150 less than its retail price. The discount is steeper than what's expected from Apple, which may stop at $898.
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11/22, 7:55pm
Ultrabooks feature Intel 2nd generation Core CPUs
Toshiba has begun selling its Portege Z830 and Z835 13.3-inch ultrabooks through its online store. The computer builder is offering four pre-configured models as well as a build-your-own option at prices starting at $930. All models run low-voltage Intel Core processors.
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11/16, 12:00am
HP Folio 13 claims ultrabook battery record
HP formally launched itself into the ultrabook space early Wednesday with the Folio 13. The 13.3-inch system is "less than" 0.7 inches thick and, while heavier than the MacBook Air at 3.3 pounds, also has what HP claims is the longest-lasting battery in the class. At nine hours, it can last for up to two hours longer than the Air, although Apple's tests are usually real-world where HP's are theoretical.
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11/16, 12:00am
HP overhauls Envy 15, 17, and 17 3D for audio
HP in one of its more surprising unveilings Wednesday night completely remade its Envy 15 and 17 notebooks. The new versions take more of their visual cues from the MacBook Pro, adopting its silver-colored metal, but put an even heavier emphasis on Beats audio processing than they did in the past. Each has six speakers and a subwoofer, even going so far as to have an oversized thumb dial for volume that both gives it finer volume control and a more iconic look.
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11/07, 7:45am
HP unveils trio of 3D-aware devices and PCs
HP started off the week with a push into 3D in areas it doesn't normally touch. Its media hub, the Wireless TV Connect, now has a new model that has the still-rare ability to stream 3D video from a PC to a TV. It's now much smaller but can still take the footage directly from a PC's HDMI adapter, up to 1080p with 7.1-channel surround, over a WHDI stream with "virtually no latency" to its own wired HDMI connection.
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11/03, 2:40pm
ASUS U24E arrives in Japan on November 6
The ASUS U24E notebook unofficially tipped up just yesterday has now been made official in Japan. The 11.6-inch notebook will ship on November 6 for 59,800 yen (about $770), and there is still no word on a North American release. It is an inexpensive way to access the performance of Intel's 2.4GHz Core i5 processor, however.
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11/02, 11:25am
ASUS U24E to get Core i5, 750GB hard drive
ASUS may ship a new notebook this month, according to an unofficial report. The 11.6-inch notebook would get Intel's 2.4GHz Core i5, a 750GB hard drive and integrated HD 3000 graphics with an HDMI output, NotebookReview understood. Its promised battery life would be relatively long at seven hours.
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11/01, 12:30pm
Dell XPS 14z starts at $1,000, tops out at $1,300
Dell's supermodel-thin XPS 14z notebook is now up for sale. It starts at $1,000 and includes a 2.4GHz Core i5 processor, a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, and a 14-inch, 1366x768 display. That 0.9-inch thick body also houses 6GB of RAM and a 500GB, 7,200RPM hard drive, along with a dual-layer DVD reader that can burn CDs or single-layer DVDs.
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10/24, 9:30am
Dell XPS 14z billed as thinnest
Coming quickly on the heels of new MacBook Pros, Dell has formally launched the XPS 14z. Its system is conspicuously targeted at Apple's 13-inch notebook and uses LG's Shuriken panel tech to get a 14-inch, 1366x768 screen into the size of a 13-inch design. Unlike the exaggeration of the XPS 15z, the 14z is genuinely thinner at exactly 0.9 inches and lighter at 4.36 pounds.
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10/24, 7:20am
MacBook Pro gets early morning upgrade
In an uncharacteristic early morning refresh, Apple on Monday updated the MacBook Pro. The new versions use slightly upgraded processors, up 100MHz on 13-inch models to 2.4GHz Core i5 and 2.8GHz Core i7 chips and 200MHz to 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz on 15- and 17-inch models. Video has also been given a boost: the base 15-inch now uses a much faster Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB of RAM, up from a 6490M with 256MB of RAM, while the higher-end 15-inch and 17-inch models use a 6770M with 1GB of RAM.
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10/23, 11:00pm
MacBook Pro late 2011 may be 200MHz bump
Tentative specs rumored late Sunday for the late 2011 MacBook Pro by 9to5 suggest that Apple will almost exclusively focus on the processor speed. The 15- and 17-inch models would get 200MHz bumps to the refreshed Intel Core i7, starting at 2.2GHz for the entry 15-inch system and 2.4GHz for the higher-end 15- and 17-inch systems. The 13-inch models could be a more modest update still at just a 100MHz step up to 2.4GHz and 2.8GHz for their dual Core i5 parts.
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10/23, 7:45pm
Dell Latitude ST may be Peju tablet revealed
Dell Malaysia has posted a video (direct link, embedded below) that has inadvertently spoiled details of the company's long-delayed Windows 7 tablet. The clip confirms a hinted-at Latitude ST name and lines up with the Peju slate leaked back in July. The 10-inch design has a unique iMac-style dock to turn it into a makeshift desktop with Ethernet, HDMI, and USB ports.
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10/21, 3:35pm
MacBook Pro refresh possibly moved for iPhone 4S
New leaks have moved back the late 2011 MacBook Pro update to early November. A previously accurate AppleInsider source said that the notebooks had been penned in for late September but were delayed after the iPhone 4S' October 14 release had been solidified. Rather than risk diminishing iPhone efforts and overshadowing the Mac, Apple reportedly left the date in flux and told resellers not to expect more systems until the November schedule.
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10/13, 8:00pm
Lenovo IdeaPad U400 at Amazon for $920
Lenovo's recently introduced IdeaPad U400 has now gone up for sale on Amazon. The 14-inch notebook is priced at $920, and the 099329U model gets a 2.4GHz Core i5 processor and ATI's Radeon HD 6470M graphics processor with a dedicated 1GB of RAM. They're paired with 6GB of system RAM and a 750GB hard drive.
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10/11, 3:20pm
ASUS Zenbook UX models ship October 12
ASUS at its New York City event formally brought over its UX ultrabooks to the US. Now called Zenbooks, the 11.6-inch UX21 and 13.3-inch UX31 are fundamentally similar to the ones sold abroad and have very portable dimensions not unlike the MacBook Air both are based on. The two are no more than 0.67 inches thick and weigh either 2.4 pounds (UX21) or 2.9 pounds (UX31) through their brushed aluminum designs and uses of solid-state drives.
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10/11, 12:40pm
Aspire S3 up for pre-order on Amazon for $900
Acer's MacBook Air-fighting Aspire S3 is now available for pre-order at Amazon for $900. While ship dates aren't yet being revealed, the full specs of the Amazon system are. The mid-range S3-951-6646 model will get a 1.6GHz Core i5 ultra-low voltage processor, a 320GB hard drive, and a 20GB SSD to go with 4GB of RAM.
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10/10, 9:30am
Acer Aspire S3 ultrabook reaches US
Acer claimed the distinction of being the first to ship to the US outside of Apple in Intel's new ultrabook category by proving launch details for the Aspire S3. The very thin 13-inch notebook will try to undercut Apple on price by carrying an $899 price tag when it ships to the US and Canada this week. The base trim gives it a low-power Core i5 along with 4GB of RAM and a rare mix of both a 20GB SSD for speed and a 320GB rotating drive for space.
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10/07, 4:45pm
Embedded Intel CPU features allow secure streaming
CinemaNow is now offering 1080p HD movies for rental and purchase with the help of Intel. CinemaNow has added several hundred HD titles to their catalog. Previously, the division of Best Buy had only offered standard-definition media.
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10/06, 3:05pm
Dell Peju tablet shows up in leaked photos
What is expected to be Dell's codenamed Peju tablet has been photographed and the leaked images were shared by Engadget. The 10-inch, Windows 7 tablet should arrive with 2GB of RAM onboard, though, as reported earlier, models with at least twice that should be available. The photos also confirm the presence of a USB port, an HDMI output, and a stylus holder.
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10/02, 9:00am
Sony ships new VAIO SE and upgrades others
Sony chose an unusual Sunday timeframe to tune the VAIO notebook line. As promised earlier, the 15.5-inch VAIO S is now on sale as the definition of Sony's new mid-range. Known as the VAIO SE, its focus is on HD content with a 1080p display and dedicated Radeon HD 6630M video.
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09/29, 4:35pm
Dell promises XPS 14z in a few weeks
Dell once again staked out a position against Apple Thursday with word that it would launch the XPS 14z. A 14-inch version of the XPS 15z we reviewed earlier, it will stay under an inch thick with the screen size. Dell bills it as the "world's thinnest fully-featured laptop" at 0.9 inches, attempting to once again challenge the MacBook Pro for the title among systems with optical drives.
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09/26, 8:55pm
ASUS UX ultralights get US intro at Oct 11 event
ASUS on Monday sent out invitations accompanied by a teaser page to mark the US arrival of its UX series ultrabooks in its first shot at dethroning the MacBook Air. The ultraportables will be unveiled at a New York City event on October 11. In a dig at Apple, the PC builder also claims to have the "real ultrabook" with its release.
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09/20, 11:30pm
Notebook currently available for pre-order
Asus has quietly expanded its computer offerings with the new U46SV-DH51, a 14-inch notebook that has surfaced at several online retailers. The device features a 1366x768 display, mounted with an offset hinge and surrounded by a black bezel, while the entire brushed-champagne housing is said to be 10.8-inches thick with a weight of 4.85 pounds.
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09/19, 4:20pm
Windows 8 dev tablet eBay bid up to $2,700
A few of the more than 5,000 Samsung Windows 8 developer tablets given out to the attendees of last week's Build conference have now shown up for sale on eBay. The prices on the auction site have reached as high as $2,700. Based on the Slate PC 7, the device gets some detailed changes.
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09/13, 5:35pm
Apple may use updated Sandy Bridge for late 2011
Apple may return to its once frequent pattern of updating computers more than once a year with a second 2011 MacBook Pro refresh, historically accurate tipsters suggested Tuesday. Taking advantage of Intel's recently refreshed Core i5 and i7 mobile processors, the refresh would just be a mild speed upgrade to keep the performance up. The revamp could happen before the end of September, AppleInsider heard.
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09/13, 11:00am
Samsung Windows 8 tablet for Build spoiled early
Samsung's Windows 8 reference tablet for the Build conference this afternoon was downplayed after Chinese visitor Michelle Hu posted a premature unboxing on Weibo. The design is a special edition of the Slate PC Series 7 that ships with the Developer Preview version of Windows 8 on top. An Intel sticker confirms that it's still using the Intel Core i5 processor and not ARM.
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09/09, 5:15pm
ASUS promises multimedia notebooks due soon
ASUS has just put up two new multimedia notebooks with the 15.6-inch N55SF and 17.3-inch N75SF. The former can be had with a screen resolution of either 1600x900 or 1920x1080, and with either a 2.3GHz Core i5 or 2GHz Core i7. Either model gets a 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M graphics processor.
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09/08, 3:25pm
ASUS outs business tablet with Core i5, Win 7 Pro
ASUS has just introduced its business-oriented Eee Slate B121 PC. The 12.1-inch, 1280x800 tablet is similar to the original Eee Slate but tuned to workers, with security coming from a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and Computrace LoJack for remote location and data wipes. It likewise ships with Windows 7 Professional, although it still has the Gorilla Glass display and a 1.33GHz low-voltage Core i5.
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09/06, 3:45pm
ASRock website shows off HTPC with Sandy Bridge
A newly-discovered web page for an HTPC from ASRock reveals the computer has quietly taken an update to Sandy Bridge-based Intel processors. The Vision 3D 2nd-gen Series computer can be had with Core i3, i5 or i7 CPUs and also sports switchable 1GB GeForce GT 540M graphics, 4GB of RAM and a HDMI 1.4a port, in addition to four USB 3.0 jacks.
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