You probably use it without even thinking. You’ve may have used it today, maybe in anger and frustration, maybe with a definitive sigh. The escape key is a fixture of modern keyboards everywhere, but who invented it? The New York Times dug into the question. More »
MSI is back with its latest all-in-one PC namely the WindTop AP1612. Designed for business users, the computer is powered by a 1.80GHz Intel Celeron B830 dual-core processor, a 15.6-inch LED-backlit display with a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, up to 4GB RAM, a 250GB hard disk drive and an Intel HD graphics. Additional specs include Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, a card reader, a webcam, stereo speakers and a wired keyboard-mouse set. The MSI WindTop AP1612 all-in-one PC runs on the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS. [techPowerUp]
Planning on replacing your old desktop PC with a new one anytime soon? If you’re, why don’t you take a look at this newly released Librage BTO MN545aA10 from PC Koubou. This BTO (Build To Order) system is packed with a 3.80GHz AMD A10-5800K APU processor, an AMD A85X chipset, a Radeon HD 7660D (built-in APU), an 8GB DDR3 RAM, a 1TB hard drive, a DVD Super Multi Drive and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OS (Basic Configuration). Price itself is set at 57,980 Yen (about $738). [Product Page]
MSI’s latest mini-ITX motherboard ‘Z77IA-E53′ is finally making its way to Japan. This mini-ITX motherboard will hit Japan on October 6th via Links International for around 14,980 Yen (about $190). Based on Intel Z77 Express Chipset, the Z77IA-E53 supports for Intel LGA1155 processors and features two DDR3 DIMM memory slots (up to 16GB RAM) and one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. It also comes with a number of connectivity ports including two SATA 6.0 Gbps, two SATA 3.0 Gbps, one mSATA, four USB 3.0, six USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet. [Product Page]
Considering that pretty much the entire Mac lineup (save the Mac Pro) comes with iSight cameras which is essentially a built-in webcam, there’s really no need for Mac users to buy a third-party webcam unless they’re really fussy about the image and sound quality. Well if you think that describes you and want something of better quality to record videos or music with, then Logitech might have something for you. While not officially announced, website B&H Photo has outed the Logitech Wireless Webcam for Mac, which as its name suggests, has been designed for Mac computers and is wireless.
Unfortunately apart from that, not much else is known about the webcam although it has been speculated it can capture video in 1080p Full HD video quality. Given its wireless feature, we suspect that it can also double as a security camera and placed at entrances, or perhaps just a nifty feature for those who aren’t a fan of cables. The cloud icon at the top is interesting and we’re not sure what it indicates – integrated iCloud support, perhaps? Either way there is no word on when this particular webcam will be released, but B&H has priced it at $179.99 which we’re not sure if it will be the final price. We’ll keep our eyes peeled but in the meantime, anyone have an idea of what the cloud icon on the webcam could signify?
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Logitech ConferenceCam announced, Logitech TV Cam for Skype,
We know that Microsoft’s Kinect is capable of more than just gaming, and the folks at 3Gear Systems have come up with an interesting way to use it as a possible replacement for your mouse. Through the use of gestures, they demonstrated in the video above that the Kinect can be used to interact with the computer. This is achieved by mounting a pair of Kinect devices above the user which we presume will be used for one for each hand. Based on the demonstration, it looks pretty smooth and responsive, although they demonstrated its use while interacting with 3D environments rather than in everyday situations.
However 3Gear Systems has also released an SDK that will allow developers to add gesture support to their software. Granted not everyone will have a pair of Kinects at home to use in this setup, but it’s a step towards a rather interesting direction. More information can be found on 3Gear Systems’ website where the SDK (which is free, by the way) can also be downloaded. In the meantime you can check out their setup in action in the video above.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Microsoft’s Kinect appears in Paranormal Activity 4, used to detect ghosts, eyeSight gesture control can code motion control into any camera,
ASK Inc. Japan will launch a new ATX motherboard from ECS called the A85F2-A Deluxe. Based on AMD A85X chipset, the board supports for FM2 processors and is equipped with four DDR3 DIMM memory slots (up to 16GB RAM), two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots, three PCI-Express x1 slots and two PCI slots. In terms of connectivity-ports, it has seven SATA 6.0 Gbps, one eSATA 6.0 Gbps, six USB 3.0, eight USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet. The A85F2-A Deluxe will become available from late October for around 10,000 Yen (about $127). [Product Page]
Tsukumo Japan offers you their latest slim desktop PC, the AeroSlim RS5A-A42 / S. Powered by a 3.60GHz AMD A8-5600K APU processor, the system sports an AMD A75 chipset, an AMD Radeon HD 7560D graphics (built-in APU), a 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a DVD Super Multi Drive, a 300W power supply and runs on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (SP1) OS. The AeroSlim RS5A-A42 / S is priced at 46,980 Yen (about $598). [Product Page]
Google recently issued a warning to many of their Gmail users, citing that their accounts could fall under the crosshairs of hackers. This email is similar in nature to the one that the Internet search giant sent out in June earlier this year, stating, “We believe state-sponsored attackers may be attempting to compromise your account or computer,” with the warning being presented in black text on a red banner for that added effect. “Protect yourself now” will be accompanied by a link to Google support page. The support page further underlines the seriousness of the entire event, warning, “It’s likely that you received emails containing malicious attachments, links to malicious software downloads, or links to fake websites that are designed to steal your passwords or other personal information. Google’s internal systems are not compromised and that this message does not refer to one specific campaign.”
Needless to say, it is already 2012 so for folks who have been online long enough and yet continue to adopt a nonchalant attitude towards online security, it is time to stop acting as though you were a newbie and clicking all links with wanton abandon, even from suspicious emails.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Gmail access restored in Iran, YouTube ban remains, Iran: No love lost for Gmail block,
We reported yesterday that according to market research firm, iSuppli, their predictions of the number of Ultrabooks shipping in 2012 have been slashed in half. Could pricing be a reason behind their revised predictions? While it might have been a consideration, the folks at Digitimes have put out a report that suggests that come 2013, it seems that we can look forward to Ultrabooks that will cost a pretty affordable $699. Of course there will still be higher-end Ultrabooks made with aluminum, SSDs and the likes, but the report has suggested that the $699 price tag will be for entry-level Ultrabooks.
These cheaper Ultrabooks are expected to still maintain the slim form factor which defines an Ultrabook, although instead of more “premium” materials, these cheaper devices will turn to fiberglass-reinforced plastic, or metal-plastic hybrid builds with HDD/SSD hybrid drives and etc. which will help keep retail prices down to around the $699 level. Perhaps they might not be as sturdy or as zippy as their higher-end counterparts, but perhaps the $699 price tag might be an attractive purchase to those looking for a slim mobile computer but don’t want to fork out $1,000 or more. What do you guys think? Would you sacrifice build quality and a bit of performance for a cheaper Ultrabook?
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: iSuppli slashes their Ultrabook shipment estimates, Lenovo X1 Carbon Review,
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