Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Friday, September 18, 2009

Core i7 Laptops: Early Tests of Mid-Range Quad-Core Chip Say It's Fast, Real Fast [Intel]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/q8DpzJoFr-U/core-i7-laptops-early-tests-of-mid+range-quad+core-chip-say-its-fast-real-fast

Looks like Core i7 could dominate laptops the way it has desktops. We should see the chips in new machines at next week's Intel Developers Conference, but PC Pro has already tested the mid-range quad-core 1.73GHz i7-820QM, and they're impressed.

The UK Magazine's test laptop was a 16-incher with modest specs: 4GB of DDR3 RAM, 5400rpm hard disk, Nvidia GeForce GT240M graphics, and a 32-bit Vista install.

So they were surprised when it almost matched the results of the their top-performing laptop to date: a much higher-specified Dell Precision M6400 Covet with a 2.53GHz Core 2 Quad QX9300, twice the RAM, faster 7200rpm hard disk, high-end Nvidia Quadro FX 3700M graphics, and 64-bit Vista OS.

PC Pro's write-up also digs into the i7-820QM's heat and power saving efficiencies, and sums things up as follows: [PC Pro]

3D Gaming And Video Coming To A Dell and HP Laptop Near You? [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/8bxJxy86Nl4/3d-gaming-and-video-coming-to-a-dell-and-hp-laptop-near-you

I was just thinking that my laptop's screen was way too two-dimensional. Ok, no I wasn't but these rumored 3D laptops from Dell and HP could be pretty freaking cool for 3D games and movies.

The rumor is that Dell and HP have placed orders with Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron for 3D notebooks and they could arrive soon. Acer has been rumored to release a notebook with a 16-inch 3D display as soon as next month. I have to expect 3D technology would add quite a bit to these types of notebooks especially if they use Nvidia's GeForce 3D Vision.

Now I am convinced I would look like a tool wearing 3D glasses in front of my laptop, but I've always wanted to read my e-mail in 3D. [Digitimes]

Ustream Video Streaming Android App Out Now [Android]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Pq60yI-ssyY/ustream-video-streaming-android-app-out-now

While the Android app store is still far from the gajillion iPhone mark, some software is better on the former because of Apple's third-party developer limitations. Like the new Ustream for Android, which can broadcast live video to the web.

While on the iPhone version you can't broadcast video straight to the web, the Android version can do it just fine. It's not a hardware limitation. It's just that Apple's politically-driven limits don't allow it.

The Android version of Ustream seems to work great. In fact, according to TechCrunch's test it, it only has a lag time of three seconds over 3G. Can't wait for the first on-the-go Android-based sexcam website. [TechCrunch]

LG introduces XPION X30 Ion-based nettop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/lg-introduces-xpion-x30-ion-based-nettop/

Apparently not content to let ASUS have all the fun, LG's just announced the XPION X30, its first Ion-based nettop. This little fella features an Atom N230 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 250GB HDD, and ships with Windows Vista (for the time being, at least). Aside from sporting six (count 'em!) USB ports, it weighs in at a mere 2.4 lbs, draws just 40 watts of power, and can be VESA mounted to the back of your LCD. But never mind all that -- as long is it allows us to stream American Ninja from Netflix with minimal fuss we're happy. Debuts tomorrow in Korea.

Gallery: LG XPION X30

[Via SlashGear]

Filed under: Desktops

LG introduces XPION X30 Ion-based n! ettop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N86 8MP finally available stateside

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/nokia-n86-8mp-finally-available-stateside/

It's still showing as a preorder on Nokia USA's own site, but Amazon and the brick-and-mortar flagship stores in Chicago and New York are finally stocking the N86 8MP -- a little bit of a stretch for the "coming weeks" claim made at the North American version's launch announcement back in July. The beefy dual slider features a 2.6-inch QVGA OLED display, US 3G up to 3.6Mbps on the downlink, and WiFi -- but clearly the big draw is its 8 megapixel cam with Carl Zeiss optics around back accompanied by a dual LED flash. We would've liked this last month, but the good news is that it's launching for less than the $558 originally mentioned: Amazon's got it written up at $469, while the flagship stores are apparently hawking 'em for $30 more.

[Via The Nokia Blog]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Nokia N86 8MP finally available stateside originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Booklet 3G hits the unboxing phase of its product cycle

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/nokia-booklet-3g-hits-the-unboxing-phase-of-its-product-cycle/

Might as well add your own soundtrack, because chances are, you won't be able to understand what the narrator with a tattoo on his left hand is saying. Not that you really need, as you can probably get the gist of this Nokia Booklet 3G unboxing. We've got blue packaging, a power brick, a "Hello, Hei" greeting just under the portable itself, and a fairly sleek portable to boot. Of course, with a $800 price tag on the outside and an Atom processor on the inside, it's not the most attractive of combinations. See the whole kit and caboodle after the break.

[Thanks, mimo]

Continue reading Nokia Booklet 3G hits the unboxing phase of its product cycle

Filed under: Laptops

Nokia Booklet 3G hits the unboxing phase of its product cycle originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/volkswagen-l1-concept-is-crazy-efficient-could-ship-in-2013/

Look, it's a well-known fact that the world is ending in either 2012 or when the Large Hadron Collider starts back up (whichever comes first). But, assuming neither of those scenarios actually cause planet Earth to fold in on itself, you should have some pretty swank Volkswagens to choose from in 2013. Just days after hearing that the highly-anticipated E-Up! concept would be landing in around four years, VW is now proclaiming that the L1 concept you see above could also hit production at the same time. What's odd, however, is that the automaker is already calling this the "most fuel-efficient automobile in the world," but at 170MPG, you'd think the suits at Chevy would have a thing or two to say about it. At least in theory, the hybrid TDI vehicle can cruise 100 kilometers on just 1.38 liters of diesel, but we'll wait until the EPA gets a go before buying in completely.

Filed under: Transportation

Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP and Dell working on 3D gaming laptops?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/hp-and-dell-working-on-3d-gaming-laptops/

After the IFA show in Berlin a few weeks ago, it's clear that 3D is getting a big push by some powerful players in consumer electronics. Unfortunately, you won't find many editors around here chompin' at the bit to replace their new Full HD flat screens for a 3D-capable one... and we've seen the demos! Now a Commercial Times report has HP and Dell signed on with Wistron to produce 3D laptops -- Lenovo and Sony are still negotiating. Of course, we've already seen desktop systems powered by NVIDIA's GeForce 3D Vision solution. And rumors have swirled in the past regarding a possible HP laptop using 18.4-inch 3D panels developed by Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) and a Wistron-developed 3D laptop solution based around NVIDIA's Vision technology. Thing is, if 3D isn't that compelling on screens 40-inches and above, how's it going to woo consumers at this size?

Read -- HP and Dell
Read -- 18.4-inch 3D laptop
Read -- Wistron 3D laptop

Filed under: Gaming, Laptops

HP and Dell working on 3D gaming laptops? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mattel's Mindflex: now stressing brain muscles for $80

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mattels-mindflex-now-stressing-brain-muscles-for-80/

It's taken nine whole months for this mental-stresser to go from CES show-stopper to household mainstay, but at long last, the only Mattel product we could ever recommend (with a straight face) to those with an age larger than 12 is finally shipping. In short, the Mindflex forces your brain -- as in, that hunk of meat between your ears -- to keep a ball suspended in the air, and if you're thinking Matrix, you're thinking correctly. Sort of. Hit the read link to get your own for $79.99, and make sure you do so before these things sell out and break the $1,000 mark on eBay. It's almost the holidays, don'tcha know?

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Mattel's Mindflex: now stressing brain muscles for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T launching 3G Microcell in some markets in the next few days?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/atandt-launching-3g-microcell-in-some-markets-in-the-next-few-days/

Zacks Investment Research is reporting in a matter-of-fact tone that AT&T's long-rumored, long-desired 3G Microcell femtocell will be hitting some markets "in the next week." The full list of initial launch areas hasn't been disclosed, but Atlanta, San Antonio, Seattle and North Carolina are all specifically mentioned; as you might recall, Sprint restricted the launch of its Airave for some time, too, so limited availability out of the gate wouldn't really come as a surprise. AT&T had no comment when asked about the report, so it's a wait-and-see game -- but if you're clinging to one bar of service, have hope that help is on the way.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

AT&T launching 3G Microcell in some markets in the next few days? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitac takes Tegra to MID-land

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mitac-takes-tegra-to-mid-land/

We've spotted an early prototype of an upcoming MID from Mitac powered by Tegra and running Windows CE, and we like where it's headed. There are actually a lot of similarities to Mobinnova's smartbook, though we suppose it's more of a Tegra thing: CE with a custom interface on top, emphasis on 720p media playback and output (there's an HDMI jack and TV tuner) and what promises to be an uber-competitive price and good battery life for the form factor. Mitac also plans on selling the thing with a fold-out case / keyboard combo to sweeten the deal. The unnamed device is quite thin, but unfortunately the unit we saw was out of battery -- though NVIDIA assured us it was "really cool" while it worked. Sure guys, sure.

Gallery: Mitac takes Tegra to MID-land

Filed under: Handhe! lds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Mitac takes Tegra to MID-land originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba dynadock wireless U puts wireless USB to good use at last

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/toshiba-dynadock-wireless-u-puts-wireless-usb-to-good-use-at-las/

We just spotted Toshiba's new wireless U dynadock in the flesh, and guess what: it looks a lot like a dynadock. The good news is that wireless USB makes the whole docking concept a lot more attractive, though we'd much rather have a solution that's integrated into the laptop -- the included wireless USB dongle looks quite precarious, and kind of ruins the whole idea of not having to plug anything in. The $300 pricetag also makes this hard to swallow, but there's a real logic to wireless docking that we hope can expand in the industry as the components become more integrated in laptops, or least a bit more miniature.

Gallery: Toshiba dynadock wireless U hands-on

Filed under: Laptops, Networking

Toshiba dynadock wireless U puts wireless USB to good use at last originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile starts 21Mbps HSPA+ rollout in Philadelphia, nationwide in 2010

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/t-mobile-starts-21mbps-hspa-rollout-in-philadelphia-nationwide/

T-Mobile USA's really kicking things into high gear, coming from behind (way behind, actually) on its 3G launch to become the first to bring 21Mbps HSPA+ here -- and possibly the only one to do it, considering that its closest GSM rival is leapfrogging from 7.2Mbps HSPA to LTE. Speaking at 4G World in Chicago, T-Mobile's Neville Ray has gone on record saying that its 3G footprint will be blanketed by HSPA+ next year and is actually already up and running in parts of Philadelphia; amusingly, he was apparently a little weirded out by AT&T's earlier comments at the show that it'd have 90 percent of its 3G coverage upgraded to 7.2Mbps by the end of 2011, suggesting that was slow (we'd agree, but then again, considering how far behind T-Mobile still lags in raw 3G coverage, we're not sure they've got room to talk just yet). If we had to guess, this huge push for mega-fast data has to do with investor discontent on the Deutsche Telekom side of things, so you can bet there are some crossed fingers out in Bellevue as this stuff lights up; now, just give us the world-class phone selection to match and we'll be good to go.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

T-Mobile starts 21Mbps HSPA+ rollout in Philadelphia, nationwide in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RAmos Android event scheduled for next week, mystery MID getting real?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/ramos-android-event-scheduled-for-next-week-mystery-mid-getting/

Any time a good conundrum is solved there's bound to be mixed feelings -- and The Case of the Mysterious Android MID was certainly no different. Has it really only been a month? Certainly you remember the affair -- how pictures (and eventually video) of this handheld Internet device, running Android, kept popping up all over the place? Well, we were somewhat comforted to discover that it was a Rockchip-powered concept device, although at the same time we felt a little cheated: how dare RAmos flaunt such a thing and fail to deliver? But not so fast! According to a teaser that's made its way to us on the Internet machine, a press event scheduled for September 25th will feature some combination of: "Android" and "ramos digital." Whether or not its the Rockchip-powered device we've been taunted by remains to be seen, but it's definitely a fair guess to say that it will be. Besides, RAmos, after Apple's recent iPod event, we need this.

[Via Pocketables]

Filed under: Handhelds

RAmos Android event scheduled for next week, mystery MID getting real? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYC, just saw a woman handing out parking vouchers to people WALKING to work. Hmm... what is the rate of success of this marketing campaign?

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