Dell today has launched updated versions of its Vostro line of business laptops, specifically loading them up with Ivy Bridge CPUs. Available in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch sizes, these laptops include – the Vostro 3360, 3460 and 3560 respectively. These laptops will be configurable with either second – (Core i3) or third-gen (Core i5 or Core i7) Intel processors as well as with graphics options and up to 8GB of RAM. Other features worth noting about these laptops include fingerprint readers, file and folder encryption and security software. In addition, the Vostro 3360 and Vostro 3460 can have an optional 4G LTE mobile broadband capability. As for their specific technical specs, we have the Vostro 3360 getting a price tag of $649. For that price you’ll get a laptop with 13-inch screen display measuring 0.76-inch thick and weighing 3.67 pounds. It is loaded with 320GB HDD at 7,200 RPM. You can also have it with a 750GB drive plus optional 32GB SSD if you so like. The 14-inch Vostro 3460 on the other hand is a bit cheaper at $599. But this laptop weighs a bit more a 4.92 pounds. Still, it comes with the same processor option and in addition will have NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M graphics and up to 750GB HDD at the same 7,200 RPM spinning speed. In addition, the Vostro 3460 also comes with a backlit keyboard and you can have it with optinal optical drive. Finally, the Vostro 3560 sports a 15-inch screen display, weighs 5.75 pounds and can have AMD Radeon HD 7670M graphics and 1920×1080 display. This laptop will set you back for $599. The Vostro 3560 is on sale starting today while the Vostro 3360 and 3460 will be released on June 21. Via [Business Wire]  
The Samsung Galaxy Note has been available internationally and has been receiving raves from those who have it. But in the US it has yet to become in the spotlight, what with it only available with one carrier at the moment. Well, that might soon become a thing of history since a T-Mobile capable version of the Galaxy Note has been spotted visiting the FCC. With a codename SGH-T879, the spotted Galaxy Note bears support for the 1,700MHz HSPA band which happens to be for T-Mobile 3G. What’s interesting to note is that the Galaxy Note will also have support for 850MHz and 1,900MHz 3G, hinting at the possibility that other carriers will be bringing it in. According to Engadget, that 1,700MHz wireless support could probably work well for Canadian carriers such as Mobilicity or Wind Mobile. In the meantime, TMOnews has made the link between the T879 and the Galaxy Note, suggesting that demo units of the device are already waiting in time for the July 11 rumored release date of the Galaxy Note. With all these rumors and talks, we wouldn’t be surprise if we wake one day with the Galaxy Note becoming available for sale from T-Mobile soon. Question is – will you still consider getting the Galaxy Note instead of the faster and better spec’d Samsung Galaxy S3? Via [Engadget]  
Record companies are applying a new tactic in their never-ending fight against illegal music downloads. EMI, Sony, Universal, and Warner are investing in an anti-piracy group known as “proMedia” in an attempt to seek out individuals involved with music piracy. Big deal, right? Well, the nuance in this case is that the Germany-based company is using students to snitch out other students. According to an anonymous employee at proMedia, the company has employed roughly 35 students to scour the web to find these music criminals. While countries like New Zealand, France, and the US will soon implement warning notices for illegal downloads, countries like Germany face far more severe penalties. Due to legal developments in the country over the past few years, it has become increasingly easy to take money from file-sharers by threatening to sue. But to see students willingly take out their peers is something I never thought I’d see. I mean, didn’t we learned anything from the ridiculously successful opening weekend for The Avengers? Via [Gizmodo]  
Following Apple’s announcement of its latest Mac OS X Mountain Lion to be available soon, Google has updated its Chrome Browser for Mac, bringing the Stable Channel to 19.0.10.1085.56. According to the change log, this build of Chrome for Mac contains a new version of Flash Player 11.3 plus more patches that will support the transition to OS X Mountain Lion. Apple announced that OS X Mountain Lion will be available for us in July, so if you want your Macs ready for it, specifically your Chrome Browser, better get the latest stable build as early as now. While you’re waiting for OS X Mountain Lion, you’ll be enjoying full Flash Player support as well. The Stable channel has been updated to 19.0.1084.56 for Mac. This build contains a new version of Flash Player (11.3), in addition to more patches to support transitioning to OSX Mountain Lion. Full details about what changes are in this build are available in the SVN revision log. Interested in switching release channels? Find out how. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug.
Via [Google Chrome for Mac] and [The Next Web]  
The productToday I am spending some time with the Lowepro Event Messenger 250 camera bag. The Event Messenger 250 is billed as a “modern messenger bag built to fit your complete camera kit.” Disclaimer: The Lowepro Event Messenger 250 camera bag was provided to GadgeTell for the purpose of this review. The detailsThe Lowepro Event Messenger 250 is priced at $79.99 and at the moment, available only in the color you see in the images in this post. Fortunately, the color is generic enough that it should work for most people. That thought aside though, the Event Messenger 250 camera bag weighs in at 1.8 pounds (empty) and measures 15.3 (W) x 7.4 (D) x 11.7 (H) inches on the outside. The interior measurements are 13.8 (W) x 4.7 (D) x 9.6 (H) inches. The exterior is made of nylon with the interior being a mix of polyester and foam. Nothing surprising in that respect. In terms of compartments and what you will be able to store — the folks at Lowepro note that the bag can hold a “Pro DSLR without grip, with attached lens; 3-4 extra lenses (up to 70-200mm f/2.8) or a flash and 3 lenses; up to a 13″ laptop; accessories and personal items.” As for our use case, the bag can hold plenty but continue on to catch a few more thoughts and check out the images. 
Some thoughtsAs for using the bag, it has been around the GadgeTell office for a few weeks now and has been in and out on several excursions. The bag seems to hold up rather nicely, a few minor scuffs on the exterior bottom, but nothing that you would not expect. Certainly nothing that leaves us concerned. And just to clarify, nothing that we would describe in any way as a tear or rip. The bag has plenty of interior storage, at least for our use cases. Which with a DLSR, a lens, some accessories and a 13-inch MBA — is rather close to what was noted by Lowepro. Some of the smaller perks that we noticed include the rear pocket for papers and the two side pouches for quick access for frequently used items. The bag has a shoulder strap and a handle for carrying similar to a briefcase. In terms of closure, you will find a buckle that holds the flap down as well as two velcro strips. And nicely done, the velco strips can be folder over for a ‘quiet mode’ which will let you open and close your bag without having that velcro sound go and everyone stare. Certainly a nice perk for when you are shooting a quiet event. Say, maybe a wedding. Otherwise, once the flap is opened you have your main compartment which includes the padded laptop compartment as well as three sections for your camera and accessories. These three sections each feature a divider that velcros in and out for easy adjustment. Those also allow you to separate some of your smaller gear. Aside from the main section there is also a front zippered section with a smaller open space along with two pouches, a pen holder and a memory card holder. Bottom line here, the bag seems to have more than enough storage (at least for this amateur) and appears to hold up well. Personally speaking, I would say it is worth the $79.99 purchase price and if you are looking for a new camera bag and would like to get one without breaking the bank — the Lowepro Event Messenger 250 should be worthy of consideration. Product [Lowepro Event Messenger 250]                  
Nearly every carrier selling the Galaxy S III by Samsung, Best Buy and Future shop are conducting pre-orders for the highly anticipated smartphone. However, it looks like the two retailers have stopped offering pre-orders because of high demand. Unable to fulfill additional pre-orders, Future Shop and Best Buy recently ended their pre-order promotion and are now focusing on securing enough devices for the June 20 launch. The fact that these retailers cannot allow additional pre-orders goes to show just how popular the Galaxy S III is in Canada. If you still want to place a pre-order for the Galaxy S III instead of waiting until it launches, then you can do so through the carriers. The remaining carriers offering pre-orders include WIND, SaskTel, Virgin Mobile, Bell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron, and Mobilicity. Canadians only have to wait another eight days until the Samsung Galaxy S III launches. Via [MobileSyrup]  
The productsToday I am spending some time with the Fillmore Hard Case and Noe Soft Pouch, both from Acme Made. These little goodies are pouches made for your gadgets. The Fillmore is a hard case and the Noe is a soft case — both open and close with a zipper, have a back pocket and lanyard. Continue reading to get some additional details and to find out whether or not these are worth the money. Disclaimer: The Acme Made Fillmore Hard Case and Noe Soft Pouch were provided to GadgeTell for the purpose of this review. The detailsBoth of these offer some common features such as a zippered pouch along with a small accessory pocket on the back and a d-ring with lanyard. The Noe Soft Pouch, as the name would imply — is a soft exterior with a brushed lining on the inside. The Fillmore Hard Case brings an EVA front panel for a bit more protection and also has the soft inner lining. The Noe sells for $9.99 and the Fillmore for $12.99. Both are available in a variety of colors. 
Some thoughtsThese cases/pouches are one of those items that you may not even realize you need (or would use) until you happen to have one show up. I will admit that I fell into that category. When they first appeared in the GadgeTell offices I thought they were a bit silly and had no real desire to use them. Now, having had them around for a few weeks, well, lets just say that they are getting tons of use. That point should be nice for those who may fall into the same category a I did. More to the point here, the tons of use part is showing good things. You see, while I have been using these, some may say that I have also been abusing these. My iPhone has been packed in for everything from fishing, to camping and even running. And the part that should make anyone considering a purchase happy — they seem to have held up rather nicely. Albeit, a bit dirty and grimy given my use cases, bit not damaged in any way. As for some perks aside from durability, the prices seem more than fair and they are available in a variety of colors. In fact, the only point that I will bring up — the size. The internal dimensions of the Fillmore measure in at 2.5 x 4.6 x .78 inches and the internal dimensions for the Noe measure in at 2.67 x 4.72 x .78 inches. Those stated, lets just say this — my iPhone 4S and older generation iPod touch fit very nicely. But if your phone (or other gadget) is much larger than an iPhone you may be out of luck. Bottom line, these have found a home with me. And for those curious, for reasons unknown to me, I prefer the Noe Soft Pouch over the Fillmore Hard Case. Product [Fillmore Hard Case] and [Noe Soft Pouch]               
We are still waiting for the Galaxy S III to arrive here in the US, however it looks like Samsung has begun to roll-out a small update. The update is coming over-the-air and is noted as being 31.17MB in size. Those with a Galaxy S III in hand will be able to download the update using Wi-Fi and/or a cellular connection and can expect just one thing — improved stability. In addition, SlashGear is reporting that this first update was followed by a smaller second update. The second update was also noted as brining improved stability and measured in a 15.57MB in size. And while we have not seen any specifics as to what the updates may be improving, it is nice to see the updates coming and attention being provided to the handset.  
Apple has officially launched their annual Back to School sale. Well, more accurately, they launched the sale yesterday but with all the hype surrounding the WWDC keynote — this little tidbit seems to have gotten buried. That aside though, this should come as good news for those who are already in (or about to be attending) college and planning to buy a Mac. The sale means college students, those accepted or parents buying for a college student can get a $100 gift card with the purchase of a Mac. Or alternatively, a $50 gift card for those buying an iPad. Apple breaks this down as follows; Buy a Mac for college between June 11 and September 21 and receive a $100 Back to School Gift Card to use on apps, books, music, and movies. Or buy the new iPad and get a $50 Back to School Gift Card.
And of course, these gift card offers come in addition to the regular education pricing. Finally, the 2012 Apple Back to School offer will run through September 21, 2012. Via [Apple]  
T-Mobile had told us this update was coming, and well, Samsung has since made it official. Those rocking a Samsung Galaxy S II with T-Mobile can now update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The update is not coming over-the-air and will instead need to be downloaded using the Kies software. But on that note, and nicely done for those not quite familiar with how the Kies software works — rest assured in knowing that Samsung has a nice set of step-by-step directions available. That said, those with a T-Mobile branded Galaxy S II in hand — hit that via link below and get to updating. Via [Twitter @SamsungSupport]  | 
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