DMFC "internet viewer" prototypes are truly next-gen

Toshiba and Samsung have been chatting up DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) power technology for ages, but to see it live and in person -- and powering a truly unique form factor -- is quite a treat. Word is these things can last for a week of typical use on one methanol refill, and are running regular old Windows XP. Unfortunately, there's no word on what processing and storage is under the hood or when these will hit the market, or for how much. Basically, Windows 7 is much more likely the OS we'll be seeing on them by the time they're ready to go -- if that ever happens at all, DMFC doesn't have the best track record of actually breaking through the productization stage. Video is after the break, and the gallery includes a couple other Toshiba prototypes.Gallery: Toshiba's DMFC "internet viewer" prototypes are truly next-genContinue reading Toshiba's DMFC "internet viewer" prototypes are truly next-genFiled under.

Read more...

Garmin zumo 660 navigator

Garmin announced the Zumo 660, a new motorcycle device that integrates the slim and sleek design of the nüvi with specific features made exclusively for motorcyclists. The Zumo 660 was announced in conjunction with the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Read more...

Shuttle launches barebone with Intel P45 Chipset

The XPC Barebone SP45H7 takes full advantage of the Intel P45 Express chipset at the core of its compact aluminium chassis (32.5 x 20.8 x 18.9 cm). It can handle quad-core Intel Core 2 processors with 1600 MHz FSB as well as 16 GB of DDR2 RAM. The PCI Express 2.0 slot accepts current dual slot graphics cards, making top 3D performance a reality.

The barebone's motherboard uses so-called solid capacitors and has four DDR2 memory slots which are able to control up to 16GB of RAM. The SP45H7 barebone is also suited for gamers, space has been reserved for larger graphics cards with a dual slot cooler. Thanks to the P45 chipset, the graphics card can run at its full 16x speed, which means that even the fastest graphics cards can be used. On top of the GPU slot, there's also a regular PCI slot available, which can be used for a TV-card or soundcard.

Read more...

Asus' angular laptop based on Origami

As in some major groups of South Korean, Asus advantage of CES to expose an news while showing off prototypes. Among the concepts presented could see a laptop inspired by origami (no connection with the Microsoft of the same name) called Oiro. This is an ultra compact laptop, ultra portable chassis which contains a mechanism that allows the keyboard to escape by raising to ensure a better cooling components.

Read more...

First look at Windows 7 beta 1

I've not had a long time with Windows 7 beta 1 (given the holidays) but I've played with it long enough to form a few opinions:

• There are no new features in this build. If Microsoft has any new stuff lined up for the RTM then we're going to have to wait to find out. Features-wise, build 6.1.7000.0.081212-1400 is similar to earlier builds I've looked at .
• This beta is of excellent quality. This is the kind of code that you could roll out and live with. Even the pre-betas were solid, but finally this beta feels like it's "done." This beta exceeds the quality of any other Microsoft OS beta that I've handled.
• Performance of this beta is exceptional. I've not had a chance to benchmark it yet but it feels snappier and more responsive than earlier betas I've handled.
• Judging by the quality of this build, I expect Windows 7 to be released June/July of '09. I really can't see Microsoft dragging out the release a year.

Read more...

Announces Availability of Windows 7 Beta and Windows Live

In a keynote address at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer announced the beta availability of the Windows 7 operating system as well as the availability of the latest version of the Windows Live, a suite of personal communications services and applications.

"I'm thrilled to announce the availability of the Windows 7 beta, which is on track to deliver simplicity and reliability," Ballmer said. "Windows 7 and Windows Live are part of an incredible pipeline of consumer technology that is making it easier than ever for people to communicate, share and get more done."

The beta version of Windows 7, Microsoft's next-generation PC operating system, can be downloaded today by MSDN, TechBeta and TechNet customers. Consumers who want to test-drive the beta will be able to download it beginning Jan. 9 at http://www.microsoft.com/windows7.

Microsoft also announced the global availability of Windows Live, a free suite of communications and sharing applications. Windows Live makes it easy for people to communicate, share and keep their online lives in sync and in one place with one login. The new and enhanced Windows Live services — including PCMag.com 2008 Editors' Choice winner Windows Live Messenger — along with Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Photo Gallery are designed to work seamlessly with more than 50 popular Internet services. Ballmer also announced new alliances with the following companies:

Read more...

Cuts Price of ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 Graphics Card

ATI, graphics product group of Advanced Micro Devices, said this week that it had slashed the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of its flagship graphics board and that certain partners may be even offering their versions of the product at even lower pricing, significantly boosting appeal of the card on the market.

From now on, ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB graphics cards cost $449, down $100 from the previous price of $549, which has been effective for about five months. Moreover, some partners of ATI are offering $50 mail-in rebate on Newegg.com online for their Radeon HD 4970 X2 models, which effectively makes such graphics boards available for $399.

The price drop on the Radeon HD 4870 X2 graphics card comes as Nvidia Corp., the arch-rival of ATI/AMD, is gearing up to release its dual-chip graphics card named GeForce GTX 295 that is supposed to outperform the model 4870 X2.

ATI is working hard to capture 50% of the market of standalone desktop graphics adapters. One of the ways to gain market share is to slash prices of final products. In Q3 2008 Nvidia Corp. commanded 60% of shipments with its GeForce chips, whereas ATI Radeon's share was about 40%, according to market tracker Jon Peddie Research.

Read more...