It's been a while since I updated due to school and other things life throws at us on a daily basis. In today's news:
Gizmodo showcases some very interesting and cool keyboard shortcuts in Windows 7. I personally appreciate the Win+P feature, which makes it a while lot easier to understand what video mode that the laptop is going into. Read more.
An industry first, Western Digital is launching the world's first 2TB hard drive, with four 500GB platters offering the highest platter density ever. Now the part that confuses me is why WD labeled it as part of its Green series, when it is rated at 7200 RPM. What could WD do to make this into a Black model for high performance applications? Time will tell. Read more.
While the Dell Studio Hybrid isn't exactly ground-breaking new, I saw it for sale on Best Buy here and was highly tempted to buy it, considering that it is, essentially, a Mac Mini, except for it being in the Windows and Dell flavor. For such a low price, you do get quite a bit, and despite the X3100 graphics, that is better than the integrated GMA950 that the Mac Mini has. And it has HDMI and optical connections, perfect for a HTPC setup. Oh, and what do you know, a dissection guide for taking apart/upgrading. So simple! Read more.
Lastly, Intel is releasing a new Core 2 Duo, the E8700 CPU for the desktop. Rated at 3.5Ghz with a 1333MHz FSB and 6MB of cache with a TDP of 65W, this is the fastest 45nm Core 2 Duo to date. However, it is a little odd that Intel is releasing a new Core 2 Duo given that their i7 line offers higher performance. Possibly to provide more options to customers that are still appealing to the Core 2 Duo lines. As a side effect, the slower Core 2 Duos will most likely see a drop in price. Read more.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Razer Mamsa, Windows Live!
Today, Razer has released a new mouse known as the Mamba (Razer names all of its products after snakes... which I guess is fitting, as snakes eat mice...?). What makes this mouse better than the other seven that Razer offers? Well, simply put, it is a DeathAdder with a unique twist. The popular standard for gamers is to never go with a wireless mouse. Gamers want instantaneous response, and no lag. However, Razer has produced a unique product that may change that. The Mamsa provides Razer's legendary ultra-responsive mouse as a hybrid - you can use it as a wireless mouse or as a wired. The mouse cable detaches from the mouse and instantly the mouse becomes wireless yet still retains its high polling (and thus, high sensitivity and responsiveness) capabilities. Plug the cable back in and it becomes a wired mouse, no time needed to wait for the transition or for recharging. And did I mention it's 5600dpi laser engine too? Read more about it also here
Also of note is Windows Live Essentials, a bundled suite of programs from the Windows Live team that are meant for home use. These tools include Messenger, Mail, Writer, Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker, among others. I tried using Writer for writing to this blog, but it would not upload, which is strange especially becuase the version you download starting today is their final version (was in beta before). All of these programs are available for download now, and have been revamped to appear and function to integrate well into Windows 7, which I remind you, the 64-bit beta will be available for public download tomorrow! Yay!
One last thing that peaked my interest is the new Dell G2410 24" monitor. It's supposed to be eco-friendly AND LED backlit. $359. I know what I want now ;) Read more.
Also of note is Windows Live Essentials, a bundled suite of programs from the Windows Live team that are meant for home use. These tools include Messenger, Mail, Writer, Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker, among others. I tried using Writer for writing to this blog, but it would not upload, which is strange especially becuase the version you download starting today is their final version (was in beta before). All of these programs are available for download now, and have been revamped to appear and function to integrate well into Windows 7, which I remind you, the 64-bit beta will be available for public download tomorrow! Yay!
One last thing that peaked my interest is the new Dell G2410 24" monitor. It's supposed to be eco-friendly AND LED backlit. $359. I know what I want now ;) Read more.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Alternative Methods of Posting Blogs
So apparently, it would appear that there are ways to blog other than, well, blogging from a browser. With Blogger, I can send emails and they will show up as blogs. I can also use mobile blogging, but since I don't have a data plan it is not possible. I would have liked if there is an Adobe AIR powered app, but have yet to find one.
CES 2009
The past two years, I have attended the one show that all gadgeteers envy to attend - the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Usually during the second week of January, companies from all over the world come to this city that never sleeps to exposition the latest and greatest in tech. From cell phones to TVs to computers to cars, it's all here, and boy is it a rush. However, this year I decided not to go, because the second time that I went last year I was not as excited by what I saw on the showroom floor. Despite that, if you've never been, and you work in a sector that deals with consumer electronics, you.have.to.go.at.least.once.
Now, you may wonder, "What's so great about going to CES? They're just showing crap, it's not like you can buy any of it...". Well, the whole idea of the Consumer Electronics Show is that people who work in the Consumer Electronics are to exhibit and showcase their up and coming products and technology. It is, a trade show of sorts. It is NOT open to the public specifically so that only those that work in the Consumer Electronics industry are able to sample and see what the latest and greatest trends are and will be in that coming year. To put it simply... you get to see shit before it hits the stores.
Personally, I have only gone because of my fascination with gadgets and being able to see the latest gadgets before they even arrive at stores is definitely exciting for me. While I was working at Best Buy, I saw this opportunity to be able to not only feed my obsession over gadgets, but also be able to learn and know about products before they even enter the store, and thus be better prepared at informing the customer about what will be coming (that is, if that product will fit their needs better than current offerings). However, now that I no longer work for Best Buy (retail is not for me...sadly), I do not see any other reason to go to CES other than to appeal to my personal interests.
One funny tidbit about CES though, is that while you have to be involved in the consumer electronics industry, it is not defined as to how far of a stretch that you are involved. For example, I saw a few attendees that worked at a library. Yes, a library. The only consumer electronics I believe for a library are just...well... computers. As working in Information Technology, I suppose I could still qualify to go to CES, since technically I do work on consumer electronics (laptops, higher education audio/visual equipment, etc.). But I digress.
In retrospect, the experience of CES, especially for a young adult as myself is definitely something to remember. You get to meet and talk with some of the people that are directly involved in the design, marketing, and engineering of the products that you find in stores. In doing so, it brings a much wider view of the world into mind -- that there is so much more to the world and life. You definitely are exposed to people such that it gives you an idea of "the big picture", and trust me, it is amazing.
Now, you may wonder, "What's so great about going to CES? They're just showing crap, it's not like you can buy any of it...". Well, the whole idea of the Consumer Electronics Show is that people who work in the Consumer Electronics are to exhibit and showcase their up and coming products and technology. It is, a trade show of sorts. It is NOT open to the public specifically so that only those that work in the Consumer Electronics industry are able to sample and see what the latest and greatest trends are and will be in that coming year. To put it simply... you get to see shit before it hits the stores.
Personally, I have only gone because of my fascination with gadgets and being able to see the latest gadgets before they even arrive at stores is definitely exciting for me. While I was working at Best Buy, I saw this opportunity to be able to not only feed my obsession over gadgets, but also be able to learn and know about products before they even enter the store, and thus be better prepared at informing the customer about what will be coming (that is, if that product will fit their needs better than current offerings). However, now that I no longer work for Best Buy (retail is not for me...sadly), I do not see any other reason to go to CES other than to appeal to my personal interests.
One funny tidbit about CES though, is that while you have to be involved in the consumer electronics industry, it is not defined as to how far of a stretch that you are involved. For example, I saw a few attendees that worked at a library. Yes, a library. The only consumer electronics I believe for a library are just...well... computers. As working in Information Technology, I suppose I could still qualify to go to CES, since technically I do work on consumer electronics (laptops, higher education audio/visual equipment, etc.). But I digress.
In retrospect, the experience of CES, especially for a young adult as myself is definitely something to remember. You get to meet and talk with some of the people that are directly involved in the design, marketing, and engineering of the products that you find in stores. In doing so, it brings a much wider view of the world into mind -- that there is so much more to the world and life. You definitely are exposed to people such that it gives you an idea of "the big picture", and trust me, it is amazing.
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