In This Issue... - Sanyo debuts first cameras with iFrame support
- PSPgo can be, and has been, hacked
- Shields Up!: Protecting yourself from online predators
- Talking about the Nokia Booklet 3G on TechVi
- Monsoon Multimedia intros the HAVA Player for the iPhone
- Coming soon to your Google Voice account, the ability to invite a friend
- Gadgetell Review: Adesso Wireless Mini Trackball Keyboard WKB-3100UB
- Free Dictionary.com app now available for BlackBerry
- McFarlane Toys releasing Halo Series 6 Medal Edition, more Odd Pod action figures October 2009
- Eee PC Keyboard stops by, gets detailed by the FCC
- AT&T makes the white BlackBerry Bold official, available as of October 18
- Openmoko putting Wikipedia in your pocket, without Internet access
- HD video and 8MP stills from JVC's new Picsio
- "Certain" Sidekick customers will be getting a $100 for their data loss troubles
- HP launches two new ProBooks, the 6445b and the 6545b
- HP's giant 42-inch multi-touch LCD, the LD4200tm
- HP and Compaq's brand new desktops
- HP announces new TouchSmarts to coincide with Windows 7
- HP's new TouchSmart tx2 tablet PC is here with multi-touch goodness
- Compaq's low-cost Windows 7 notebook, the CQ61, announced
- HP's business-oriented TouchSmart 9100
- More Recent Articles
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Section: Video, Portable Video, Imaging, Camcorders It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new video format, maybe a few months or so. It looks like today we’re seeing yet another new video format, the iFrame. Developed by Apple, the iFrame is first included in today’s iMovie update for Mac OS X, though it is compatible with both Macs and PCs. Of course, what use is a format with nothing that actually uses it? To answer that, Sanyo comes in. Sanyo today debuted two new Dual Cameras that record in the new iFrame. The new format is supposed to allow for easier importing to a computer, easy editing and sharing. The cameras themselves are pretty standard. Both can shoot 8-megapixel photos and full 1080p HD video at 60fps. The iFrame video comes in at 960x540, which isn’t a bad resolution at all. Other features of the cameras include slow motion playback, high speed recording, and “face chaser” for identifying up to 12 faces in photo/video. For $500 and $600 they are decent cameras overall. New video formats are always bit iffy, with so many other ones already being used. However, with the iFrame being developed Apple, and now with Sanyo onboard with it, there might be something there. The resolution should provide for good quality video. With small files sizes, and much easier importing, it could prove to be popular over time. The quiet release seems a bit strange and something that would usually be made at an Apple event of some sort. Either way, once more applications adapt the new format, if they do, we can see just how well it will do in the long term. Read [PR Newswire]
Read [CNet News] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Security, Features, Originals, Columns Now that so much of our daily lives revolve around the net, the need to protect ourselves has become increasingly critical. We have our anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware and anti-spam software installed and up to date, but there are other threats out there as well. They can be found on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, on web forums, email discussion lists, chat rooms and blogs, and go by several names: trolls, cyberbullies, cyberstalkers, online predators. These threats, unlike spam and malware, aren't aimed at your computer, they are aimed squarely at you, and can be just as devastating. Here's how to protect yourself. Pick your screen name with care.
When choosing a screen name, make sure it doesn't include any identifying information, not even your initals, and choose a unique one for every board, forum, chat room and email list you join. Keep the heat down.
Avoid starting or joining flame wars. Many cyberbullies and trolls purposely try to get people riled up. They thrive on drama and upset. Don't fall into the trap. Another reason to avoid such situations is that, just like real life, you never know what might set someone off. What appears to be a perfectly friendly, rational person on the surface could be a seriously disturbed person underneath. Don't provoke or attack people. The relative anonymity of the net tends to make us feel brave and invincible, and that can lead to trouble. Keep your personal info close to the vest.
Once you've been visiting a chat room, forum or email list regularly it's natural to feel comfortable with the people you've been interacting with, but be very careful about giving out personal info like addresses and phone numbers, and posting photos of yourself or your loved ones. Go slow. Know the privacy tools available to you.
Most sites offer tools to protect your privacy and keep you safe. Check them out. Social networking sites give you full control what information you share and with whom. Most message boards, forums and chat rooms allow you to block people from contacting you privately or emailing you, and many let you block or ignore people you'd rather not interact with on the site. When joining email lists, use an email address other than your main one. That way if a spammer harvests addresses from the list it won't wind up in your main inbox. Listen to your instincts.
If you don't feel comfortable in a group or if a specific person seems creepy, listen to that warning voice! It's seldom wrong. If you should find yourself the target of a cyberbully or stalker, don't engage them in any way. Responding to them will only make the situation worse. Save any correspondence you receive from them, then block them from contacting you and report them to the moderator or admin of the site or list. Don't be afraid to unsubscribe from the list, leave the site, or shut down your email address if you feel unsafe. If things escalate, contact your police department. Cyberstalking is a crime now in many states and cyberbullying laws are starting to be passed as well. Have you had a cyberstalking or cyberbully experience? How did you handle it? Please share your stories with us and stay tuned for more on this topic next week! Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellular Providers, Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops, Netbooks The details on the Nokia Booklet 3G have finally dropped and they are interesting to say the least. The Intel Atom powered laptop will cost $299 if you get it with a two year contract from AT&T. It will run Windows 7, has GPS, Nokia Ovi store access, Wi-Fi, and, as the name says, 3G. Buying the computer outright will cost $599. Even with its 16-cell battery (and 12 hour battery life), computers with better stats can be had. Randall Bennett, Clayton Morris, and I talked over the Nokia Booklet 3G. Who exactly is this for and is this a good idea at all? Read: [InformationWeek]
Watch More: [TechVi.com] http://techvi.com Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, Content, Portable Video, Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile  Monsoon Multimedia has just given iPhone and iPod touch users a new way to watch live television while on the go. The recently released app is simply called the HAVA Player and will work in conjunction with your existing HAVA setup. In terms of iPhone and iPod touch compatibility, you will need OS 2.2.1 or later.
Assuming you already have a HAVA set-top box in your home, the iPhone app will run you an additional $9.99 and in turn allow you to watch and control your television from anywhere. The app will give you full control over your home set-top box which includes the ability to watch live television as well as schedule or watch previously recorded DVR content. Additionally, the app also features a “Favs” section which will allow you to set your favorite channels to make navigation easier on the smaller screen. For those interested in watching television from your iPhone that do not have a HAVA set-top box at home, currently there are four units to choose from ranging in price from $149.99 up to $249.99. Read [MyHAVA.com] Download [HAVA Player (App Store link)] Keep reading to check out the full press release… Monsoon Multimedia Announces Availability of HAVA Mobile Player for iPhone Watch and Control Your Live TV From Anywhere on the iPhone and iPod Touch SAN MATEO, CALIF. - October 14, 2009 - Monsoon Multimedia today announced the availability of the HAVA Mobile Player application for iPhone and iPod Touch users. The HAVA Mobile Player app allows HAVA customers to view and control their home television service, including cable, satellite and TiVo, from anywhere in the world on their iPhone. The HAVA Mobile Player for iPhone was designed for seamless integration with Apple’s unique smartphone allowing viewers to control their home television service (whether it’s cable or satellite, receiver or DVR, standard or high definition) via the touch screen interface. “Monsoon’s HAVA line of video streaming, place- and time-shifting devices give consumers more options when choosing how, when and where they view their home video and TV content,” said Colin Stiles, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Monsoon Multimedia. “Our support for iPhone and iPod Touch gives HAVA customers the ability to watch any of their 300+ TV channels, their favorite football team on game day or their local news in very high quality, regardless of their location, wherever WiFi is available.” The iPhone version of the HAVA Mobile Player is optimized software for the video-streaming application that Monsoon also provides for PCs, Netbooks and other mobile devices. HAVA is a standalone device that does not require a dedicated or connected PC/Mac in the home to enable the iPhone or other portable devices when watching your TV over the Internet. In addition to place shifting video to PC or smartphones, Monsoon’s HAVA features unique DVR capability that allow users to initiate a recording to their PC or attached storage, or pause, rewind or fast forward their live TV. HAVA for iPhone:
High quality video playback
Remote access to HAVA device
Enables full remote control and channel changing capabilities of any TV source such as Cable, Satellite, DVD or TiVo
Browse program guides for schedules, series and episode descriptions (based on availability from service provider)
“Favorites” feature allows users to label favorite channels
Supports iPhone and iPod Touch with OS 2.2.1 or higher
Pricing and Availability
The Monsoon HAVA Player for the iPhone and iPod Touch is now available as a direct download at iPhone App Store for $9.99. The HAVA product line is available from Monsoon at www.myhava.com and through select retailers and retailers nationwide. About Monsoon Multimedia
Monsoon Multimedia provides advanced, standards-based multimedia products and technologies for the PC, Smartphone and Consumer Electronics industries. Monsoon licenses highly optimized multimedia solutions comprised of applications, drivers, frameworks, middleware and reference designs. Our customers and partners are semiconductor companies, PC manufacturers, MSO’s, software suppliers and consumer electronics companies. Founded by the founders of Dazzle and Emuzed, the company has offices in California, India and Russia. For more information, please visit www.monsoonmultimedia.com.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications  This post is being written as both a good news announcement for those still waiting for a Google Voice invitation and also a warning to those that already have a Google Voice account.
First, for those current users, be prepared to begin receiving more than your fair share of people begging you for a Google Voice invitation. Of course, at this point you are most likely wondering why, after all Google Voice does not allow individual users to invite one friends. Well, that is where the good news comes into play. Beginning today current Google Voice users will start to see an “Invite a friend” link on the left hand side of their Google Voice inbox. In other words we will finally be able to invite people that we deem worthy. There is a catch however, these “Invite a friend” links are going to be showing up beginning today, however you may not see it in your account for a little while. According to the Google Voice blog, it could show up sometime in the next few weeks. Additionally, the first wave of invite links will be limited to three (to give out) per person and they will not be received immediately, instead those will be rolling out “gradually.” And just in case you feel the need, yes I am a current Google Voice user, but have not yet seen the “invite a friend” link in my inbox, but I will say, those first three will likely go to family members anyway. Read [Google Voice Blog] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Peripherals, Mice / Keyboards, Reviews What is it? The name pretty much explains it all: the Adesso Wireless Mini Trackball Keyboard. The keyboard is under 12-inches in width with an optical trackball. A USB dongle allows the keyboard to communicate via RF. It costs $79.99. What's in the box? - Keyboard
- USB RF adapter
- Batteries
The Good The compact design means that this could easily be your living room computer's keyboard. Installation is a breeze. Attach the RF adapter to a USB port on your computer and then install the batteries into the keyboard. The inclusion of batteries is a nice thing so you don't have to search for them before getting started. The keyboard is light, but feels sturdy. Typing on the Adesso is comfortable and the keys are responsive. There's a good springy-ness and reminds me of my old Lenovo ThinkPad's keyboard. This keyboard is small, but is very comfortable. Letter and number keys are full-sized. The built-in trackball is very responsive. The keyboard has the trackball on one side and the mouse buttons on the other so you can input clicks without needing to take your hands off the keyboard. Since the trackball is built in, you do not need a flat surface to mouse around. Officially, the keyboard is certified for Windows Vista, however, using it on a Mac required no hacks at all. If you are a Mac person and are looking for a keyboard, this will work, but there will be that big Windows key that you may or may not hate. The USB RF adapter magnetically attaches to the bottom of the keyboard so there are no weird clasps or plastic points to break. There is the option to pair the keyboard with the receiver and the instructions are written on the bottom of the keyboard. The keyboard also has an on/off button to keep batteries fresh as well as a standby mode. If the keyboard goes untouched for 8 minutes, it goes into standby. The Bad It would have been nice if the trackball could be depressed so if you scroll over a location you could simply press the ball down for a click. The trackball clacks around the housing if you shake the keyboard. Why you would shake the keyboard, I don't know. The Crux If you're looking for a living room keyboard or want a portable keyboard, the Adesso Wireless Mini Trackball Keyboard does the job. Product Page: [Adesso] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Smartphones, Mobile  Dictionary.com has now announced the availability of a free app for BlackBerry owners. The download is currently the only free dictionary and thesaurus app available for BlackBerrys. The app includes over 500,000 word definitions and synonyms and is modeled after the current application available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Besides definitions, the app includes spelling suggestions and delivers a daily Word of the Day in both English and Spanish. Press the audio key and you can hear the correct pronunciation of a particular word. You can save your browsing history in order to quickly access past word lookups. A unique feature for BlackBerry users will be the ability to access the Dictionary.com tools while emailing. It is expected to be a popular download, especially since Dictionary.com is one of the most downloaded iPhone apps. You can get the application by visiting BlackBerry App World or on the Dictionary.com website. Also, sending a text to 44636 with BBAPP in the body will have the app sent instantly to your BlackBerry. Site: [Dictionary.com] Full Story » | Written by Heather Wood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Peripherals, Mice / Keyboards The last we heard was that the Eee Keyboard from Asus was expected to be arriving in October, however most recently we have seen it stop by and make the required FCC appearance. This is most likely good news for anyone waiting to be able to make a purchase because the visit does seem to fit in with the timeline for an October release. The exciting news here is that the FCC documents list all kinds of juicy details about what we can expect. Feature wise, the Eee Keyboard will have a 5-inch 800 x 480 touch panel display, an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, gigabit Ethernet, VGA out, HDMI out and either 16 or 32GB of SSD storage. Additionally, you can also expect to see built-in stereo speakers, a microphone, headphone and microphone jack and three USB 2.0 ports. The keyboard will also feature a UWB (ultra wide broadband) port which will allow users to stream audio and/or video wirelessly up to 10 meters. Well up to 10 meters in terms of audio, and up to 5 meters in terms of video. Finally, it was noted as coming with Windows XP, but given the release it seems likely that we will see Windows 7. Now if Asus could just give us some final pricing. Read [FCC] Via [eeepc.it] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile AT&T has, by way of Facebook, made the white BlackBerry Bold 9000 official. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to find anything in terms of a press release to accompany the Facebook announcement which means the details are pretty non-existent as of now. So far what we have is; “Check out the latest BlackBerry Bold from AT&T… in white! Available online beginning 10/18.”
Which means that as of now all we know is that the white Bold will be available online as of October 18. It would be logical to believe that it will be priced the same as the existing BlackBerry Bold, which is $199.99. Of course that price does come after a $100 mail-in-rebate and along with a two-year agreement. Read [Facebook] Via [Twitter @ATTNews] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle There’s a good chance this scenario has happened to you before: you just hear about something or are asked about something that you’re not sure about. You don’t have Internet access, but you know once you have it, Wikipedia will most likely be able to answer your question. Now you don’t have to wait until you get Internet access, as Openmoko has designed a device that will give you Wikipedia anywhere you want it. The device is called the WikiReader. It’s a small device with a 3.7” monochrome touch screen, with four buttons, and all of Wikipedia (minus the pictures, of course). The device works by containing all of the English Wikipedia articles on a single 4GB microSD card, which can be updated every three months to keep up with the latest changes. The three face buttons allow you to do everything that’s needed for Wikipedia, search (which brings up a keyboard on the touchscreen), history, and of course random article. Openmoko is promising the device will last for one year on just two AAA batteries. The WikiReader seems like the perfect idea for transporting Wikipedia. Sure, those of us with smartphones could just browse to the website, provided there’s decent, reliable data service, but a dedicated device makes sense. It brings the community encyclopedia into anyone’s pocket, and could prove very handy for quick references. Sure, the screen looks like it’s not the greatest out there, but it should work just as long as there’s some light. Plus, with this being an Openmoko device, it is open to whatever hacking anyone might want to do. Perhaps an open source eBook reader could be possible (provided the correct format is used), that could prove interesting. At $99 from Amazon, the WikiReader surely looks like an interesting device to play with as a user or a hacker. Read [The WikiReader]
Read [Press Release (PDF Link)] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Imaging, Camcorders JVC is getting in on the pocket camcorder game with its new Picsio GC-FM1. The Picsio shoots 1080p video as well as 8MP still shots. Since you'll be shooting HD video, JVC put in image stabilization to reduce camera shake. The camera charges via USB, has a HDMI out, a SDHC card slot, and a 2-inch LCD. You've got to give it to JVC for trying an interesting pattern on the device - they call it "a tone-on-tone geometric pattern and chrome accents for a jewel-like appearance." You won't confuse this with a Flip or Kodak any time soon. The controls look very iPod-like with a circular direction pad and a center button. JVC claims that operation of the Picsio can be done without menus. It costs $199.95 and is available now. For you folks curious about shooting and still modes, here’s the rundown: Video Recording
Mode Image Size Frame Rate
1080p 1440 x 1080p 30 fps
720p 1280 x 720p 60 fps
VGA 640 x 480p 60 fps
QVGA 320 x 240p 30 fps
Still Recording
Mode Image Size Aspect Ratio
8 M 3264 x 2448 4:3
5 M 2592 x 1944 4:3
2 M 1600 x 1200 4:3
0.3 M 640 x 480 4:3
Take a look at JVC’s video introducing the Picsio: Product Site: [JVC Picsio] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Mobile T-Mobile has released an updated statement in regards to the great Sidekick data loss incident of 2009. Of course, I am pretty sure this will not make everyone happy. According to the details, which comes by way of the official T-Mobile User Forums, those customers who have “experienced a significant and permanent loss of personal content” will be getting a “$100 customer appreciation card.” That and, they will also be getting a free month of data service. The downside here, aside from the fact that many Sidekick owners have had their data permanently lost, is that they will have to wait up to 14 days to receive that credit. But on the positive side, they can just sit back and wait for it to arrive because there is nothing special they have to do. In the meantime, the sales of all Sidekicks are still on hold with T-Mobile simply listing them as “temporarily” out of stock. Finally, and as much as I know those angry yet loyal Sidekick may not like my next statement, but I will take this time to suggest they move over to a real smartphone and test out something Android flavored. After all T-Mobile does have the G1 and myTouch 3G which are selling for $129.99 or $149.99 respectively. Read [T-Mobile Forums] Updated: 10/12/2009 5:15 PM PDT
T-MOBILE STATUS UPDATE ON SIDEKICK DATA DISRUPTION, MON., OCT. 12 Dear valued T-Mobile Sidekick customers: We are thankful for your continued patience as Microsoft/Danger continues to work on preserving platform stability and restoring all services for our Sidekick customers. We have made significant progress this past weekend, restoring services to virtually every customer. Microsoft/Danger has teams of experts in place who are working around-the-clock to ensure this stability is maintained. Regarding those of you who have lost personal content, T-Mobile and Microsoft/Danger continue to do all we can to recover and return any lost information. Recent efforts indicate the prospects of recovering some lost content may now be possible. We will continue to keep you updated on this front; we know how important this is to you. In the event certain customers have experienced a significant and permanent loss of personal content, T-Mobile will be sending these customers a $100 customer appreciation card. This will be in addition to the free month of data service that already went to Sidekick data customers. This card can be used towards T-Mobile products and services, or a customer's T-Mobile bill. For those who fall into this category, details will be sent out in the next 14 days – there is no action needed on the part of these customers. We however remain hopeful that for the majority of our customers, personal content can be recovered.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops HP is looking to give IT employees powerful laptops, yet portable and easy to bring around. To do so, they have launched two new notebooks within their ProBook lineup each powerful enough to act like a desktop machine, yet are compact enough to bring around the office or to travel with. No information on pricing or availability have been released at this time for either the 6445b or 6545b. The HP ProBook 6445b The 5.3lb 14-inch 6445b notebook operates on the Windows Vista platform as well as the Windows 7 platform and can be upgraded to Windows 7 when Microsoft releases the OS later this month. It can run on a powerful 2.4GHz AMD processor or a 2.0GHz AMD processor. In terms of RAM, it allows for as little as 1GB or it can expand to fit 8GB of RAM, allowing it to be a simple machine or a very powerful one. Remember 8GB of RAM is only powerful if the OS is the 64-bit version. In terms of hard disk space, it can go from 160GB to a large 500GB. The screen comes with an LED backlight, anti-glare technology, and a resolution of 1366 x 768. For security, it comes with a fingerprint sensor among other measures, comes with a 2MP webcam for video conferencing, and a full-sized QWERTY keyboard. The HP ProBook 6545b One of the main differences between this model and the previous notebook is its larger screen, measuring in at 15.6-inches. Since it has a larger screen, it weighs slightly more - 5.9 pounds. Both models allow for the optional HP Mobile Gobi powered broadband access, but feature WLAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for connectivity; it also uses HP’s native Connection Manager. Again, it has the same support for operating systems (both variants of Windows 7 and Windows Vista) as well as support for the same AMD processors. The dual channel DDR2 SDRAM RAM remains the same, it can go from 1GB to 8GB. Hard drive storage is still 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, or 500GB at 7200RPM. If the 1366 x 768 resolution 15.6-inch screen does not fit your needs, you can purchase the notebook with 1600 x 900 resolution, allowing for more screen real estate. Furthermore, the machine houses a 2MP webcam and a full QWERTY keyboard. Unfortunately, there is no word on pricing or availability at this time. Expect the HP ProBook 6545b to cost more than the ProBook 6445b. Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, HDTV, Peripherals, Displays/Projectors HP just announced its new LD4200tm, a 42-inch LCD that can handle multi-touch inputs. HP has positioned this device for businesses, so you may see this in a hotel near you soon. This display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and uses "an array of infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), along with photo sensors, to determine touch by pairing to create a grid of light beams across the display. When an object (such as a finger, pen or any other pointing device) touches the screen, the light beam within the grid is interrupted and thus, touch is recognized." In other words, this display won’t be using your usual capacitive or resistive technologies for its touch screen. There's no information as to the pricing of this thing, but since it's for businesses, don't expect to be adding this to your home any time soon. The LD4200tm is also designed to run 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Company Site: [HP.com] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Desktops HP Elite 7000 The HP Elite 7000 starts at $799, but it has a lot of options so that price could get inflated easily. Inside, you can get either an Intel Core i5 or an Intel Core i7. There is a maximum of 8GB of RAM. For your OS, you'll get your choice of Windows Home Basic 32, Home Premium 32, or Professional in either 32 or 64-bit editions. There's even a XP option, a Vista Business 32 option, FreeDOS, and Novel SUSE Linux. There are two hard-drive bays, three PCIe x1 full-height slots, and one PCIe x16 slot. The Elite 7000 even has a virtual browser with Firefox running in a virtual machine preinstalled. Compaq's 500B and 505B These are low cost machines that could are positioned for small businesses. The 500B starts at $359, the 505B starts at $409. The major difference between the two machines is the processor. The 505B comes with AMD Athlon II Quad, Triple, or Dual Core processors. The 500B has either an Intel Celeron or an Intel Pentium-dual core. They both have the same amount of expansion slots with two full-height PCIe x1 slots, one full-height PCIe x16 slot, and one full-height PCI 2.3 slot. They also have 8 USB 2.0 ports and 10/100 Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n wireless is an optional component. Compaq Presario CQ4010 Compaq's got one more low cost desktop PC. This Presario CQ4010 starts at $309.99 and comes with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, a 2.30GHz AMD Sempron LE-1300 processor, 250GB hard drive, 2GB of RAM (with a maximum of 4GB), and a DVD burner with LightScribe. This computer is not as expandable as the others with only one available PCI Express x16 slot. There is another PCI Express x1 slot, but that is already occupied. On the plus side, the desktop is glossy black and does not look like a super-budget desktop. Company Sites: [HP] [Compaq] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Desktops, Hardware With the release of Windows 7 looming, HP is certainly bringing out everything it has both for the new OS update and holiday shopping. First, there was the new Envy laptops, and now HP is bringing out new TouchSmarts. However, these new machines take advantage of much more than just the Windows 7 release. For those unaware, HP’s TouchSmart line is its collection of multitouch enabled desktops. With the new multitouch-friendly Windows 7, new TouchSmarts were imminent. HP promises the new computers will take full advantage of those capabilities, in addition to its slew of new partnerships. For those who used the TouchSmart line before, the software in HPs TouchSmart experience was a bit lacking, it had media control, but only for the media stored on the computer, or local network. The new HP TouchSmart 300 and 600 computers will ship with software from HP’s newest partners: Pandora, Rhapsody, WildTangent, Hulu and Netflix. Pandora will provide the music streaming that has grown so popular. Rhapsody will provide its music library to the TouchSmart experience (subscription will still be required). WildTangent will provide games for users. The big announcement here, though is both Hulu and Netflix. Hulu Desktop will ship on HP TouchSmarts (and HP is saying it’s the only place you’ll find it packaged in). Netflix will be available through Netflix on HP, which will provide the streaming, though no mention of whether it will allow for HD or not. As for the specs of the new machines, there’s the TouchSmart 300 which comes with and AMD Athlon II Processor (clocked at different speeds for the two models), and a 20-inch HD display. The TouchSmart 600 ships with Intel Core 2 Duo Processors (again, different versions and speeds for the two models), with a 23-inch HD display. Both come equipped with Blu-ray burners that can read and burn all three major optical media discs. The computers even come with TV tuners built in and the option to connect video game consoles, so it can act as an HDTV as well as a PC. HP TouchSmarts have always been a bit drool-worthy and these new updates makes them even more so. There are some problems with constantly using touch on a desktop PC, but for minimal use, it should be fine. Even so, the TouchSmart 300 and 600 look to be great options to get the most out of Windows 7 in a desktop. Company Site: [HP.com] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops HP is taking advantage of Windows 7's built-in multi-touch support with its new TouchSmart tx2-1377nr tablet PC. Here's the rundown: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, fingerprint reader, it has a capacitive 12.1-inch touch screen that can take inputs from fingers and the included stylus and the screen can turn up to 180 degrees or be folded flat. Inside, you'll find an AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-75, 320GB hard drive, 802.11b/g, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics card and 4GB of RAM. Like many new HP machines, the TouchSmart tx2 comes with a fancy pattern that HP calls the "HP Reaction Imprint finish." It weighs 4.65 pounds and starts at $799.99. Company Site: [HP.com] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Laptops Compaq's got a new Windows 7 laptop called the CQ61-310US. It's got a big 15.6-inch screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution, 2GB of RAM, 802.11b/g, an AMD Sempron Processor, ATI Radeon HD 4200 Graphics card, and, of course, Windows 7 in the Home Premium 64-bit flavor. While a major new trend in notebooks has been thin, light, and cheap - the CQ61 is a bit bulky at 5.9 pounds, but starts at only $399.99. Its styling is a bit on the conservative side with a black and silver look, but is far from ugly. Company Site: [Compaq] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Desktops Today, HP introduced a third TouchSmart, the 9100, and is calling it a "business PC." It comes in either Windows 7 Professional 32 or 64-bit editions. Unlike the two other TouchSmart computers announced today, there won't be any integrated web video here. However, there is a TV tuner and an optional Blu-ray drive to show off video on its 23-inch HD display. For the CPU, there is a choice of either 2.26GHz or 2.10GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors. This TouchSmart has the option of a 64GB SSD or regular hard drives with 250GB or 500GB capacities. No word on the pricing yet. Company Site: [HP.com] Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
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