HILO - Concept Computer (Tablet High On Felt!)

The HiLo is quite an interesting concept; it is a 10” OLED Tablet with a wireless felt keyboard. Now the thing about the keyboard is that it’s styled as a jacket to hold the tablet. At the same time it features fused (hot pressed – embedded circuitry) keys on the outside. Naturally, you use the keyboard as desired, however I’m getting a kick out of the casual interaction between the protective jacket and the tablet. It’s just too awesome!

Materials

Keyboard: Felt
Tablet Shell: aluminum and ABS plastic
Size: 280 x 160 x 14 mm
Weight: 1 kg

article source:http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/08/09/tablet-high-on-felt/

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Samsung Intros Five More Series 9 Ultra-thin Notebooks

Samsung's ultra-thin Series 9 line-up of notebooks has just been extended with five more Intel powered models; three of which are 13.3-inch and two 11.6-inch sized ones. This family of notebooks are only 0.62-inches thick and no more than 1.31kg in weight.

All five models use SSDs and have an LED-backlit SuperBright panel running a 1366x768 resolution, Intel IGP, USB 3.0 support, FastStart technology (can ready up a machine in as little as 3 seconds), packed in a duralumin chassis with pre-loaded installation of Windows 7 Home Premium.

The three 13.3" models shape up like this :-

- NP900X3A-B01US ($1,349) - 1.6 GHz Core i5-2467M, 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD

- NP900X3A-B02US ($1,649) - 1.6 GHz Core i5-2467M, 4GB of RAM, 256GB SSD

- NP900X3A-A05US ($2,049) - 1.5 GHz Core i7-2617M, 6GB of RAM, 256GB SSD

And the two 11.6" models :-

- NP900X1B-A02US ($1,049) - 1.3 GHz Core i3-2357M, 2GB of RAM, 64GB SSD

- NP900X1B-A01US ($1,249) - 1.3 GHz Core i3-2357M, 4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD

The 13.3-inch models are shipping right now, while the 11.6" ones are coming in August.

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Acer intro Aspire Ethos notebook PCs

Acer today introduce two new top-of-the-line multimedia notebook PC lines for both the US and Canada. The new Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G and AS5951G are designed to deliver an unparalleled high-definition personal theatre experience for a wide range of activities, including graphics-intensive gaming, video streaming and enjoying high-definition DVDs, photography or videos.

The new Ethos-branded notebooks feature edge-to-edge frameless displays available in two sizes. Firstly, the Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G includes an 18.4-inch full HD widescreen (1920x1080) display whilst the AS5951G includes a 15.6-inch HD widescreen (1366x768) display. The Ethos notebooks can be configured with Blu-ray drives or just the standard DVD optical drive while the screens included are scratch-resistant due to Corning Gorilla glass display tech.

 

The Ethos 8951G includes Acer CineSurround with five Dolby-tuned built-in speakers and Acer Tuba CineBass subwoofer supporting low-frequency effects and vibrant audio for the ultimate movie and music enjoyment. The Aspire Ethos 5951G sports True 5.1-channel surround sound output, two built-in stereo speakers as well as Acer Tuba CineBass booster.

The new Ethos line feature a large detachable touchpad that can be removed and used as a remote control. Whilst used a remote control users can control their music, movies or a slide show from across the room or the comfort of their lounge. It includes LED buttons that can launch music and videos and the remote can be used both vertically and horizontally. The backlit chiclet style keyboard makes it easy to navigate in low-light conditions.

 

The Aspire Ethos also features InstantOn Arcade Key which allows a fast-boot, allowing consumers to watch movies, play music and photos at the touch of a button without waiting for the entire PC to start up.

 

Depending on the configuration options, consumers will find the Ethos powered by Intel's 2nd generation Core i7 or Core i5 processor, up to 16GB of ram and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M with 2GB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM. The Ethos is also designed to impress with a "Black Tuxedo Design" (what a name!) which portrays sophistication with an all-black look. Also styled with a brushed aluminium magnesium alloy cover with a hairline finish, it oozes style from all angles.

Ethos also includes PowerSmart long-life battery which ensures prolonged battery performance over longer periods of time. Conventional batteries start to fade after 300 charge cycles, not the Ethos. The new battery with the long cycle life formula can retain 80-percent capacity for over 1,000 charge cycles (roughly four years of charges) which is three times more than traditional notebook batteries.

 

Featuring USB3.0 ports, which even allow the charging of USB-based devices when the notebook is asleep, in hibernation mode or even when the Ethos is completely turned off. HDD sizes range from 500GB to 1.5TB which provides more than enough space for high-definition video, music or the latest AAA games. Finishing off the Ethos we have a Firewire port, a combo USB/eSATA port, 1.3-megapixel HD webcam and a bio-protection fingerprint reader which not only prevents unauthorized use of the PC but also creates a secret hideout, James Bond/Batman style coolness to your already stylish notebook.

 

Lastly, pricing. The Acer Aspire Ethos AS5951G has a US MSRP of $1399, in Canada, MSRPs start at $1,199 CAD dependant on configuration. In the US, the Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G has an MSRP of $1,599 whilst Canadian MSRPs start at $1, 499 again depending on configuration. All models will be available this week at leading retailers.

artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19969/acer_intro_aspire_ethos_notebook_pcs_puts_entertainment_into_the_palm_of_your_hand/index.html

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Sandy Bridge Apple MacBook Air Release Imminent

The internet is filled with the buzz of Apple releasing an updated Sandy Bridge-based Apple MacBook Air this week in both 11.6 and 13.3-inch models. Apple has reportedly placed orders for production of 380,000 Sandy Bridge MacBook Airs. Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo told AppleInsider that roughly 55-percent of the order will be 11.6-inch Airs whilst the remaining amount the 13.3-inch based Airs.

The move has been a while in the making with both the MacBook Pro and iMac ranges getting an injection of Sandy Bridge lovin', but the new MacBook Air will be the last move for Apple and the Sandy Bridge inclusion into their range.

artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19951/sandy_bridge_apple_macbook_air_release_imminent/index.html

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Samsung's Google Chromebook gets the iFixit teardown

Samsung's Google Chromebook gets an interesting teardown from the usual suspects at iFixit. iFixit have some quite good things to say about Samsung's first outing into the Chromebook world saying it fixes a lot of the mistakes Google's own Cr-48 made.

Highlights of the teardown are surprising; the Series 5 features an improved Atom N570 processor which sports 512K more L2 cache than Google's Cr-48's Atom N455. Samsung uses a large integrated lithium-polymer battery which is good for 8.1 Amp-hours at 7.4 V. The Atom processor and NM10 graphics chip produce so little heat that no cooling fins are used at the fan's exhaust (!).

As for detailed specs of the notebook, we now know it is powered by:

 

1.66GHz Intel Atom dual-core N570 processor

 

Intel NM10 Express Chipset (labeled as CG82NM10)

 

2GB RAM in the form of Samsung K4B2G0846 HCH9 2GB DDR3 SDRAM

 

16GB SanDisk SDSA4DH-016G SSD

 

Realtek ALC272 4-Channel High Definition Audio Codec

artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19934/samsung_s_google_chromebook_gets_the_ifixit_teardown/index.html

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ASUS are ready to unleash new Republic of Gamers-branded products

ASUS are set to raise the bar with their Republic of Gamers line with a bunch of new products. Take a deep breath right about now... because you're going to need it! First up, we have the ASUS ROG G74Sx 3D Gaming notebook. This notebook is a high-performance notebook for gamers on the go, it features clean, angular lines that of which nothing less than a damn stealth fighter jet has, and the power to match thanks to Intel's amazing Sandy Bridge architecture.

NVIDIA fills out the graphics quota of the G74Sx notebook with a GTX 560M chip that will allow great frame rates at the native 1920x1080 Full HD resolution as well as NVIDIA 3D Vision which allows playback of 3D Bluray movies and 3D Vision-compatible games. ASUS have gone one-up on this notebook by using an innovative thermal design that features twin fans to draw cool air from the front of the case whilst two rear exhausts help by expelling warm out the rear.

It also features a gamer-friendly keyboard that looks ever-so-stylish. Backlit keys are included to make sure your parents basement lighting (or lack thereof) doesn't effect your late night or all night gaming sessions.

Up next we have the ASUS ROG Crosshair V Formula series motherboard which is powered by an AMD 990FX chipset and has a special feature it likes to brag about. Not only is it the first ROG motherboard with AM3+ CPU support but it's the first ever AMD motherboard to support both 3-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX as well as UEFI BIOS. Remember that breathing I told you about before? I'm glad you remember, because if that didn't take your breath away, I'm not finished yet.

This board does not only push the boundaries of including NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire X, but it includes an onboard SupremeFX X-Fi 2 which is set to deliver "the most intense and immersive gaming audio experience". Intel's Ethernet and GameFirst technology also created a LAN connection that is fast enough to keep up with the pace of modern multiplayer gaming over an internet connection that is also being used for other Internet-related tasks.

The Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt also comes with ThunderBolt audio/LAN combo expansion card as well as a class-leading XONAR audio solution that provides dramatically better sound quality than any other standard audio card, while it's built-in headphone amplifier with adjustable impedance settings make it perfect to getting the drop on the gaming competition.

Filling the board out we have an included, award-winning Bigfood Networks Killer E2100 networking platform with exclusive Advanced Stream Detect technology which is said to automatically classify and prioritize traffic for online games, HD video and audio streams to provide optimum performance, even when performing these tasks simultaneously.

ASUS are also set to unleash the ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z and ROG Maximus IV GENE-Z motherboards, both based on Intel's Z68 chipset, they offer two different takes on the high-performance motherboard. The Maximus IV Extreme-Z is the latest model in a long line of ROG motherboards designed from the ground up to be an overclocking enthusiasts dream come true. Where as the Maximus IV GENE-Z takes the successful ROG motherboard recipe and squishes it down to the microATX form factor.

Both boards support NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX, but wait for it; the Maximus IV GENE-Z also feature support for Lucid Virtu graphics virtualization engine which means the GENE-Z can seamlessly switch between discrete and integrated graphics on-the-fly as the application demands, while SupremeFX X-Fi 2 audio and Intel Ethernet and GameFirst ensure a first-class gaming experience.

Next up ASUS have the ROG MATRIX GTX 580. This puppy is powered by the obvious NVIDIA GeForce GTX580 GPU, but it has been heavily tweaked. It includes Enhanced TweakIt, ProbeIt and Safe Mode overclocking utilities which offer unparalleled hardware adjustment while GPU Tweak provides instant settings adjustment and monitoring. The ROG MATRIX GTX 580 also features 19-phase Super Allow Power technology which provides greater overclocking abilities with more headroom and enhanced power efficiency and component durability.

ASUS DirectCU II technology is included and it provides extremely effective cooling by combining copper heatpipes that fix in direct contact with the GPU core with two huge sound-dampened fans that suck through 600-percent (!!) more air and achieve 20-percent cooler operation than the reference-based GeForce GTX580.

ASUS aren't finished with GPUs just yet, they have also announced the ASUS ROG MARS II graphics card, to be exact it's the ROG MARS II/2DIS/3GD5 which slaps two (yes TWO) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580's onto the card to ensure (and I'll quote ASUS here, because they're probably right) "phenomenally high frame rates in the latest games at maxed-out detail settings". Well, yeah, ASUS you're probably right!

It also includes the same tech that the MATRIX GTX 580 included; GPU Tweak overclocking utility, 19-Phase Super Allow Power tech and DirectCU dual-fan cooling.

Another breath right about now will be good and we'll continue onto the ASUS ROG Vulcan ANC Headset. The ROG Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset completes the new range of ROG-branded accessories. It's perfect for gaming in noisy environments, or for times when speakers aren't appropriate. The Vulcan ANC Gaming Headset features active noise cancelling technology specifically designed to filter external noise from both its high-quality speakers and boom microphone. This results in a crystal-clear form of audio which is perfect for music, movies, games and even VoIP calls.

And finally, the most exciting (well, to me anyway) product in the new line up of ROG-branded procuts. The ASUS VG278 3D 27-inch monitor. This puppy is a 27-inch, LED-backlit, 3D Vision-compatible, 120Hz, Full HD monitor that features a built-in infrared emitter for wire-free 3D gaming. Not only that but it includes support for HDMI 1.4 also. Because of its 120Hz goodness, it is a perfect screen for the gamer who wants ultra-smooth, ultra-perfect looking games at high frame rates. That, or 3D!

And breathe out - we're finished. ASUS has a great looking line up in the ROG range and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on multiple products including that amazing looking screen - not just one, but 3 to have some great 3D Vision Surround gaming action!
artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19843/asus_are_ready_to_unleash_new_republic_of_gamers_branded_products/index.html

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Intel's Ivy Bridge detailed, 22nm tech, ultra-thin and light laptops to come

COMPUTEX Taipei 2011: Tick, tock. Intel has teased the world with their Ivy Bridge-based technology, building upon their 2nd generation Intel Core technology, Ivy Bridge is expected to find its way into systems in the first half of 2012. Laptops that are powered by Ivy Bridge will bring improved power efficiency, smart visual performance, increased responsiveness and enhanced security. Ivy Bridge will also be the first high-volume chip based on Intel's 22nm manufacturing technology that uses a revolutionary 3D transistor design dubbed Tri-Gate which was announced last month.

Intel Corporation Executive Vice President Sean Maloney has today said that by the end of 2012, he expects 40-percent of the consumer laptop market will emcompass an emerging new breen of no-compromise computers called "Ultrabook". The new Ultrabook's will combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and security all bundled into a thin, elegant form factor.

But, like those ads on TV that promise steak knives with "and that's not all" promises, Intel isn't finished yet! In Intel's news release, Maloney goes into detail on how Intel are looking at the future. Along side the Ultrabook unveiling, Intel have said there'll be a fair amount of changes between now and then to the Core processor range that will allow Ultrabook to take off. He also reiterated Intel's push to accelerate the pace of innovation for Intel's Atom processor-based system-on-chips (SoCs) for netbooks, smartphones, tablets and other companion devices.

Intel's Ultrabook will include three key phases according to Maloney, including Intel's 2nd Generation Intel Core processors. This family of products is said to enable Intel to provide thin, light and beautiful designs that are less than 20mm (0.8-inch) thick and hit a mainstream price point of under US$1,000. Systems based on this design will be available for the 2011 winter holiday shopping season and include an outing from ASUS in the form of the UX21, ASUS Ultrabook.

Next in line for the three key phases is Intel's Ivy Bridge. Ivy Bridge will bring the above-mentioned improvements in power efficiency, performance and security as well as being based on 22nm tech. Another surprising move will be the inclusion of USB3.0 and Thunderbolt technologies.

Our third key phase details will include planned 2013 produced codenamed "Haswell". This last phase is said to be the end result of Intel achieving the Ultrabook and reinventing the capabilities of the laptop in ultra-thin and light, responsive and more secure designs. Haswell is said to change the mainstream laptop thermal design point by reducing the microprocessor power to half of today's design point.
artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19842/intel_s_ivy_bridge_detailed_22nm_tech_ultra_thin_and_light_laptops_to_come/index.html

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Dell unleashes new XPS 15z

 Dell have finally released their aimed-at-the-Apple-MacBook-Pro notebook in the form of the Dell XPS 15z, a 15-inch, powerhouse of a system that looks virtually identical to the stylish-yet-expensive MacBook Pro. Dell's XPS 15z starts at a decent $999 and can be ordered today. The XPS 15z features both Core i5 and Core i7 options from the second-generation Core architecture, weighs in at 5.54 pounds and is under an inch thick.

Dell is making claims that it is the thinnest 15-inch PC on the market (key word there being PC). Display options come in the form of 1366x768 standard or the option of upgrading to a 1920x1080 screen. The XPS 15z can be optioned with 8GB of RAM and features the Intel HM67 chipset. Two GPUs are on the block here, the GeForce GT 525M with Optimus technology including 1GB of RAM. For those who want some oomph in gaming performance, the same GPU is offered but with 2GB of RAM.

Battery wise, we have an 8-cell, 64WHr polymer battery. Finishing off the notebook we have a plethora of details, a 1.3MP HD resolution webcam with digital array mic for video chat and recording, Wi-Fi in the form of the standard a/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 and Intel Wireless Display tech. HDMI 1.4, mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, three USB3.0 ports and an eSATA port. Finally, a 9-in-1 memory card reader and a great looking chiclet keyboard which is backlit and spill resistant. The trackpad also supports multi-touch with gestures.

artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19764/dell_unleashes_new_xps_15z/index.html

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ASUS make official statement on Eee Pad Transformer shortage

One thing I want for an early Christmas present (apart from my two front teeth) is the new ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, but alas, there is a shortage. We've posted about it over the past couple of days but now ASUS have come to the microphone and have said a few words. We previously heard out of ASUS' expected 300, 000 units per month, only 10, 000 units were being produced, ASUSTek spokesperson David Chang disagrees.

ASUS are pumping out 100, 000 Transformers this month and 200, 000+ units will flow onto the streets in June. Chang also expects volume to increase rapidly in June with Chang saying "If the demand continues to increase substantially then we will have to continue to ramp up production in order to fulfill our customers' demand." The Transformer has been quite popular so far and seems to be quite the hot item on the market right now.

ASUS just didn't expect this high of a demand for their tablet so the shortage is being blamed on it's high demand. This is great news for ASUS, for customers - it just requires a little more patience.
artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19618/asus_make_official_statement_on_eee_pad_transformer_shortage/index.html

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Samsung Google Chrome OS Netbook Leaked

Finally! After what seems like a very long time of little press or word from Google as to when Chrome OS netbooks would start hitting the shelves, Engadget discovered, interestingly enough, a bug report for the Samsung version on the Chromium Google Group.

The bug report lists components and implementations like a 1.5GHz dual-core Atom N550, SanDisk SSD P4 (size TBA), and 2GB RAM, a Qualcomm Gobi 2000 3G card, Bluetooth, WiFi, webcam, and a Synaptics touchpad. (Code)Named "Alex", this Samsung notebook will most likely launch in the next couple months. Then again, Google I/O is in two weeks, so who would be that surprised if the official announcement came then?
artcal sourse:http://www.tweaktown.com/news/19560/samsung_google_chrome_os_netbook_leaked/index.html

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Haier 7G2 14-inch Sandybridge Notebook Hands-on

Haier 7G2 was on display at IDF Beijing 2011 showing off its Core i7 Sandybridge processor.

This 14-inch metallic beauty has metal wire drawing on the palm rest and an ATI HD 6730 which gives it a 3DMark06 score of 11,000. If you're wondering if you should be impressed, well, you should, the current industry average for an equivalent desktop replacement is around 9,000. The 7G2 comes in both Core i3 and i5 options with a 350 and 500GB hard drive options with 2GB/4GB RAM varieties.

My initial impressions of this notebook aren't great, the keyboard has a great deal of flex (I was kind in the above video since the booth staff beamed so proudly over his machine) and the track pad is small for a 14 inch device. The woes of the device don't end there, the mouse buttons offer poor feed back and there are a lack of USB ports as I was only able to count two on the entire system.

The 3DMark06 score got out attention, but the keyboard has us hesitant on wanting to even try to get our hands on for a review!

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M15x Laptop

Pure Domination

Faster and Smarter

Destroy and conquer with DDR3 1333MHz memory, engineered to support the next-generation quad-core processors that are designed to bring you faster speeds and higher bandwidths.

In-Your-Face Action

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