Tuesday, January 06, 2009

HP Mini 2140 Netbook Outdoes the 2133 with Atom Processor and 16:9 LED Screen [NetBooks]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Ro8gQnt7JZU/hp-mini-2140-netbook-outdoes-the-2133-with-atom-processor-and-169-led-screen

The Gadget: The HP Mini 2140 is the update to the education and business oriented Mini 2133 netbook. HP says they bumped the 2140's specs to cater more to the road warriors.

The Skinny: The most notable changes in the 2140 is the 10-inch, LED-backlit, 16:9 screen (1366x768!) and the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor. Visually, the 2140 is pretty much identical to the 2133. HP also tacked on support for 802.11n wi-fi. Other than that, it still offers up to a 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM and your choice of Windows Vista, FreeDOS or SuSE Linux. The HP Mini 2140 will be available this month starting at $500.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2009 – Building on its award-winning portfolio of Mini products, HP today unveiled a new HP Mini designed for mobile professionals that require a rich computing experience in a small, portable package.

The HP Mini 2140 Notebook PC features a simple, refined all-aluminum case for a sleek yet lightweight design. Starting at 2.6 pounds,(1) the fully functional and durable HP Mini 2140 is an ideal companion PC for the on-the-go professional. It features a large 10.1-inch diagonal scratch-resistant HP Illumi-Lite LED display available in either standard or high-definition(2) resolutions, a user-friendly 92 percent of full-size QWERTY keyboard, and a range of hard-drive options including an optional high-capacity 80-gigabyte (GB)(3) solid-state drive.

"HP continues to enhance its portfolio of Mini products to ensure we offer customers choices that meet their personal performance and style needs," said Dan Forlenza, vice president, Business Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The sturdy, lightweight HP Mini 2140 integrates innovative functionality to keep on-the-move executives connected without w! eighing them down."

The HP Mini 2140 keeps mobile professionals ultra-productive by including a small, low-power Intel® Atom processor to enable the unit to run cooler, use less power and improve battery life. It includes a suite of wireless technologies such as integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLAN(2) and optional Bluetooth® 2.0, allowing a variety of ways to access the Internet for email, IM, chat and blogging. An integrated VGA webcam allows for easy still-image capture, web-conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging(4) with no additional hardware to buy or carry.

The HP Mini 2140 is also a great tool for the classroom. The suite of wireless,(5) multimedia and security capabilities allows students to learn wherever they have Wi-Fi access – from the classroom, to the library, to their homes. The HP Mini 2140 can change how students learn today and is the practical answer to providing each student continuous access to a notebook in one-to-one computing.

To meet the needs of both mobile professionals and students, the HP Mini 2140 underwent the HP Total Test Process, which included more than 95,000 hours of extensive testing and product validation to ensure designs, materials and components meet the highest standards.

The product is packed with a combination of innovative features to boost productivity and improve the overall mobile experience, including:

A large 10.1-inch diagonal LED display with 16:9 aspect ratio available in either standard-definition (1,024 x 576) or high-definition (1,366 x 768) resolutions. User-friendly 92 percent of full size keyboard (QWERTY) and touchpad.

HP DuraKeys, featuring a clear coating applied over the notebook keyboard that protects the finish and printed letters and characters. HP DuraKeys offers 50 times more resistance to visible wear than keyboards without it.

HP 3D DriveGuard, featuring a three-axis digital accelerometer chip that sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock.

HP Pan! el Prote ction System with a scratch-resistant acrylic LCD cover and magnesium hinge bracket for added durability in demanding environments. Ability to view video, still-image capture, web conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging with no additional hardware to buy or carry.

The integrated VGA webcam enables video and still-image capture to allow the addition of photos and video clips to presentations, documents and email.(4)

Two battery solutions – three-cell for lightest-weight configurations or six-cell lithium-ion battery for longer life.(6)

Optional Absolute Software's Computrace,(7) which allows IT professionals to work with local law enforcement to track and help recover stolen or missing computers, inventory computers district wide, and detect changes in hardware and software.

New accessories designed for the Mini include an HP USB Docking Station, USB-powered HP Mobile Audio Speakers and HP USB optical disk drive that can read and write CD and DVD formats, as well as offer HP LightScribe capability to burn content directly onto discs. A lightweight, functional messenger bag designed specifically for the HP or a neoprene slip case offer added protection for professionals while on the go.

More information on HP Mini 2140 product specifications, images and other HP mobility solutions is available in an online press kit at http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press_kits/2008/mobility/index.html and at http://www.hp.com/personal.

Pricing and availability
The HP Mini 2140 starts at $499(8) and is expected to be available later this month.



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Epson PowerLite Flagship 1080p Projector Is Super Bright, Super Clear For Under $3K [1080p Projector]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/pgLe-oO8bkM/epson-powerlite-flagship-1080p-projector-is-super-bright-super-clear-for-under-3k

Epson's PowerLite Home Cinema 6500 UB projector, with a 75K:1 contrast ratio and 1,600 lumens, is a prime example of what I love about tech: Everything's cheaper even as it becomes more powerful.

The 6500 uses Epson's "Crystal Clear Fine" D7 chip set to up the black levels and a Cinema Filter feature for improved color accuracy, and comes with HDMI 1.3a connectivity, 2.1x optical zoom and 4,000 hours of lamp life.

Also featured is a sweet HQV Reon-VS Video Processor and horizontal, vertical lens shifting—which lets you adjust the picture without having to move the actual projector. With 22dB of fan noise, you won't hear it whirring through your movies.

The 6500's price is set at $3000, pretty low for the feature set. By comparison, an Epson projector (the PowerLite 1080) from last year was the same price point for just a 12,000:1 contrast ratio and 588 lumens. Crazy what a year will change, eh?

The PowerLite® Home Cinema 6500 UB offers native 1080p resolution for an outstanding home entertainment experience. Delivering a superior contrast ratio of up to 75,000:1 with brightness up to 1,600 lumens, this high-performing projector features a new 3LCD™ D7 chip set from Epson with Ultra Black technology and a built-in HQV® processor and PW390 scaler for sharp, clear high-definition image quality at home.
Estimated Street Price
$2,999
Target Market
• Home entertainment and AV enthusiasts looking for the best performance, features and specs available in a home projector
Key Features
• Native 1080p (1920x1080) resolution
• Epson 3LCD technology with New "Crystal Clear Fine" D7 chip set and Ultra Black technology for superb black lev! els and extraordinary details
• Unprecedented contrast ratio of 75,000:1
• Built-in HQV Reon-VX Video Processor and PW390 video scaler
• FineFrameTM Technology provides frame interpolation for smoother and sharper video quality
• Superior video image quality with Opticinema™ lens (2.1 zoom ratio)
• Cinema Filter feature delivers larger color space for improved color accuracy
• Brightness of up to 1,600 white and color lumens
• New dust filtration system for increased efficiency
• Low fan noise of only 22dB
Additional Noteworthy Features
• Manual lens shift of 100 percent maximum up/down (vertical) and 50 percent maximum left and right (horizontal)
• 6 Color Modes – Dynamic, Living Room, Natural, Theatre, Theatre Black 1, Theatre Black 2, x.v.Color
• HDMI 1.3a connectivity with Deep Color support
• Zoom ratio – 2.1x optical zoom, manual focus
• Brighter 200W E-TORL lamp delivers high brightness using less energy for up to 4,000 hours of lamp life
• Dimensions – 17.7" x 15.4" x 5.7" (W x D x H)
• Weight – 16 lbs.
Warranty and Support
• 2-year parts and labor limited warranty, 90-day lamp warranty, Epson HomeService Program and Epson PrivateLine dedicated toll-free support



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Pentax P70, E70 Point-And-Shoot Cameras Aim High, Sell Low [Cameras]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/a7zqYNztHEc/pentax-p70-e70-point+and+shoot-cameras-aim-high-sell-low

Pentax has got two new Optio pocket cameras for us, each with a clear purpose in mind. The name of the game for the P70? Slim lines and HD video. The E70? Dollars and cents.

The P70 looks remarkably petite, though Pentax's press materials don't specify just how thin the body is. As for specs, the still imaging features aren't terribly surprising: a 12MP CCD sits behind a 4X zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens. Pentax claims that the camera's autofocus will track 32 faces almost instantly, which is useful if you often take pictures of, uhh, 32 faces.

The P70's trump card is its video recording capability. The camera can pull down 720p video at a respectable 15fps, making it a reasonable replacement for many of the pocket video cameras that sit around the same price, as long as the cut in framerate doesn't bother you too much. About that price—the P70 should sell for $200.

So what of the E70? It's pretty boring, to be frank. The features are as standard as they come, for the most part mirroring, with a bit of subtraction, the E70. Where there were 12MP, there are now 10, and where there was 4x zoom, there's a 3x. The HD video recording is gone, as is the rechargable battery, and the body is a bit thicker, though still admirably slim. The E70 is an unspectacular camera, a very cheap one. The price at launch will be a scant $140, and it is due for release in February, with the P70. [Pentax via Akihabara]



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Shure Hits Home Recording with First USB Mics PG27USB and PG42USB and X2u Mic Adapter [Ces 2009]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/LZxmxvDfcAM/shure-hits-home-recording-with-first-usb-mics-pg27usb-and-pg42usb-and-x2u-mic-adapter

Anybody who has ever recorded in studio or garage knows that "Shure" spells "microphone." This year, they finally get into the USB mic action with PG27USB and PG42USB, plus the X2u USB mic adapter.

So many people already own the Shure SM57 and SM58 condenser dynamic mics that it made sense for Shure to create the X2u, a $130 adapter that would let people easily use them with their amateur home recording rigs. This isn't about ProTools, which requires its own proprietary I/O. It's for people using GarageBand and other cheapie programs, who just want some way to ease in their vocals and acoustic instruments. It's plug-and-play compatible as an audio input, so it just works. It is bus-powered for easy one-cable connectivity, yet it's got an integrated pre-amp with phantom power, so you won't have to worry about not having enough juice going in. There's a headphone jack on the box, along with a monitor-mix playback dial, for easy latency-free tracking and monitoring.
Supposing you don't have a Shure mic just lying around—Shure built two new microphones—the company's first foray into USB mics—integrating essentially the same circuitry as the X2u. The $200 PG27USB is the multi-purpose mic, with a 20 dB pad for dropping the input level for stuff like drum recording. You can record whatever you want with it, but if you want to focus on voice, the better bet is the $250 PG42USB. It is tuned for singing and voice work, and it has a low-cut switch that drops anything south of 120Hz, meaning any environmental sounds that couldn't possibly come from human vocal chords.

There are a lot of home recording products out there, and a number of USB mics, but to see Shure getting invol! ved, esp ecially aiming product at a lower-price-range amateur-level audience, well, that's pretty damn sweet. Almost makes me want to get the band back together. [Shure]

Shure Unveils New USB Microphones and USB Signal Adapter for Seamless Computer Recording
New Products Connect Personal Recording Enthusiasts With Professional Quality Audio

LAS VEGAS, NV; SAN FRANCISCO, CA; and NILES, IL, January 6, 2009 – At the Consumer Electronics Show and Macworld Conference and Expo, Shure Incorporated extended the Company's legacy of world class microphones to the digital recording market, unveiling three new products – the PG27USB and PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones and the X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter (XLR is the standard electrical connector for microphones). In recent years, consumers have taken recording into their own hands, creating an explosion of user-generated content. Now, the overwhelming number of low cost options for digital media production means that anyone with a computer and a microphone is a potential recording star, and the demand for tools that enable and encourage personal creativity is surging.

"Shure has catered to the high-fidelity audio cravings of consumers since the introduction of its first stereo phonograph cartridge 50 years ago," said Mark Karnes, Shure's Executive Director of Global Marketing. "Back then, we were just listening to music. Today, most of us are not only taking our music with us, we're also actively involved in creating and recording sound."

"Given the broad appeal of our new digital recording products, we chose the biggest consumer electronics stages in the country – the Consumer Electronics Show and Macworld – to introduce our highly anticipated answer to the question 'How can I replicate professional quality audio recording with my computer?' Our new digital recording microphones and adapter connect seamlessly for personal recording and produce rock ! star-cal iber sound worthy of bearing the Shure name," continued Karnes.

Shure's iconic microphones have been used by everyone from Elvis Presley to FDR, and they are still the equipment of choice when high quality sound can't be sacrificed – such as in Grammy-winning performances and professional broadcasting arenas. Today, Shure is for the first time bringing its legendary microphones to every level of performer and recording enthusiast, including the new breed of aspiring audio enthusiasts that's proliferating as digital recording takes hold. These content creators need three key factors to produce accurate and high-quality recordings: superior equipment to translate sound; the ability to hear themselves (monitoring); and the ability to accurately adjust monitoring mix. Shure delivers all three capabilities with the new PG27USB and PG42USB microphones and X2u Adapter.

PG27USB and PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones

The PG27USB and PG42USB microphones connect professional-caliber Shure microphones to any USB computer port with "Plug and Play" performance. Excellent tools for multi-track recording, the cardioid condenser microphones feature built-in headphone monitoring with zero latency and monitor mix control, enabling users to instantly hear what they're recording through headphones and make adjustments on-the-go. Both microphones are durable enough for everyday use and practice, but sophisticated enough for advanced recording by the most discerning artists.

The key difference between the PG27USB and PG42USB microphones is the application for which they were designed:

• The PG27USB features a flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction of a wide variety of instrument and vocal sound sources.
• The PG42USB was specifically engineered to reproduce the subtle nuances of lead vocals. The large diaphragm allows for higher sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances. The low-cut filter and external shock-mount further optimize! perform ance for vocals.

Other unique features of the PG27USB and PG42USB include:

• Large diaphragm capsule: Provides wider dynamic range, clear highs, and strong lows.
• USB "Plug and Play" Connectivity: Allows the convenience of digital recording, anywhere your computer goes.
• Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control: Allows control of input signal strength.
• Zero Latency Monitoring: For real-time playback and multi-tracking without disorientation.
• Headphone Jack: For monitoring with 1/8" connectivity.
• Monitor Mix Control: For blending microphone and playback audio.

X2u XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter

The Shure X2u Adapter is a modular accessory that connects any XLR microphone to a computer to create better-than-CD quality recordings. As home recording flourishes, the X2u redefines what amateur musicians and podcasters can do in their homes and on the go. The X2u mimics the sleek, beautiful design of Shure's iconic SM57 and SM58 microphones and can be used unobtrusively for live and in-studio recording. The X2u's unique features include:

• USB "Plug and Play" Connectivity: Allows the convenience of digital recording, anywhere your computer can go (compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and Mac OS X 10.1 or later).
• Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control: Allows control of input signal strength.
• Zero Latency Monitoring: Enables real-time playback and facilitates multi-tracking without disorientation.
• Headphone Jack: For monitoring with standard 1/8" connectivity.
• Monitor Mix Control: For blending microphone and playback audio.
• Phantom Power: For use with condenser microphones.

Pricing and Availability

• X2u Adapter: $129.00 retail [$154.00 MSRP]
• PG27USB: $199.00 retail [$238.00 MSRP]
• PG42USB: $249.00 retail [$298.00 MSRP]

Shure's PG27USB and PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones and X2u Signal Adapter will be available to co! nsumers in spring 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty. The products can be purchased at select retail partners and the X2u will also be available at www.shure.com. Check www.shure.com for a complete list of Authorized Dealers.



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AMD kinda sorta takes aim at Atom with Athlon Neo

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/amd-kinda-sorta-takes-aim-at-atom-with-athlon-neo/

And here you thought AMD's 45-nm Conesus was its next generation netbook / ultra-portable processor. Sorry, for that you'll have to wait until the beginning of the second half of 2009 according to Bahr Mahony, Director of AMD's mobile division who we just spoke with here at CES. Instead, AMD's Athlon Neo ultra-portable platform built around existing 65-nm processes is scheduled to make its retail debut in the US in March. Remember, AMD won't be challenging Intel in a race to the bottom so Neo is aimed squarely at that soft, chewy marketshare nestled between the underperforming $499 netbook and over-the-top $1,499 ultra-portable. Neo boasts more processing power than Intel's 45-nm Atom at the cost of a higher load on your battery thanks to the 35W thermal envelop of the Neo chipset combined with a discrete, ATI Mobility Radeon Hd 3410 graphics. The result however is what AMD calls balanced performance from ultra-thin notebooks capable of smooth 1080p playback of your HD media -- a feat that Atom-based netbooks saddled with integrated graphics struggle with. Interesting, now let's see the 3rd party benchmarks. AMD's data versus the Atom posted after the break.

Continue reading AMD kinda sorta takes aim at Atom with Athlon Neo

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AMD kinda sorta takes aim at Atom with Athlon Neo originally appeared on Engadge t on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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