Hasta La Gadget!

We can’t say this one is much of a surprise considering we’ve heard multiple times that Intel was planning to launch its next generation of Sandy Bridge processors in early 2011, but Chipzilla just confirmed that it will indeed be launching those “second generation Intel Core processors” at its CES press conference on January 5th. The details in the invite are few and far between, though apparently our favorite Intel exec Mooly Eden will take the stage to show off the “world’s fastest processor” as well as technologies that “enhance visual life.” Our guess is that we will also hear a number of Sandy Bridge system announcements from major laptop and desktop manufacturers at the show. Of course, we’re also hoping to hear some solid Oak Trail / tablet news and more details about LightPeak at the presser, but there’s one thing you can count on… us liveblogging our hearts out!

Confirmed: Intel Sandy Bridge or ‘second generation Core processors’ to be introduced at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When Dell told us of its plans to revive its tried and true XPS laptop line we were pretty darn excited. With so much brand dilution in the past few years — there’s been the Adamo XPS and the Studio XPS — the products have noticeably strayed from providing the rock solid gaming and multimedia experience they were once known for. There’s a reason XPS stands for Xtreme Performance System, right?! The new line, which includes 14-, 15-, 17-inch systems, has all the ingredients to set it back on track — including Core i5 / i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce 400M graphics with Optimus, JBL speakers, a backlit keyboard, an HD webcam and a solid aluminum lid – but has Dell succeeded in creating a well-rounded multimedia machine? And does it rival our oh-so-adored HP Envy line? We’ve spent the last week using the more mobile $899 XPS 14, so read on to find out in our full review!

Continue reading Dell XPS 14 review

Dell XPS 14 review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, in Canada at least. Sammy’s QX410 is listed as “backordered” on America’s Best Buy portal, but it’s bound to make its online debut in short order — in fact, we’re hearing that they’re already popping up on retail shelves. For those in need of a refresher, this 14.1-incher ships with a silver lining (and enclosure, too), 2.53GHz Core i5 processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 640GB hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, SD / SDHC / SDXC card reader, NVIDIA’s 512MB GeForce 310M GPU (Optimus enabled) and an inbuilt webcam. You’ll also find gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, three USB 2.0 ports and a battery that’s supposedly good for up to seven hours. Oh, and did we mention it includes a WiMAX model for tapping into Sprint’s widening 4G network? Best Buy’s US site is estimating a ship date of “one to two weeks,” and you can pre-order now if you’re sold already for $829.99.

[Thanks, B.S.]

Samsung’s 14.1-inch QX410 laptop now on sale at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It looks about like every other MSI 15.6-incher out there, but for those who prefer classy over vivacious, he GE603 might just be right down your alley. Designed primary as a multimedia laptop with the ability to handle a modest amount of demanding games, this here rig will be available with a Core i5-460M, i5-450M or i5-430M processor, NVIDIA’s GeForce GT 425M (1GB), HDMI and VGA outputs, a 320/500/640GB hard drive, a DVD burner, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and a foursome of USB 2.0 sockets. You’ll also find 802.11b/g/n WiFi, an ExpressCard reader, 5-in-1 card reader, gigabit Ethernet and up to 8GB of DDR3 memory. As you’d expect, Windows 7 is running the show, and the nine-cell Li-ion should keep it humming for at least a couple of hours. Per usual, MSI’s not serving up details regarding a price or release date, but we both know it’s aiming to have it on store shelves pre-Christmas.

MSI brings Core i5, GeForce GT 425M to 15.6-inch GE603 laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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June was a lifetime ago, we’ll give you that, but surely you can’t forget those 16 Optimus-based laptops that NVIDIA teased us with at Computex, right? Right. At any rate, MSI has just come clean with a delightful pair of them, the FX700 and FR700. Both of these beasts boast 17.3-inch widescreen displays, the company’s own anti-scratch, anti-smudge coating and a design that actually looks fairly attractive given the hugeness. The former also includes up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, a Core i5 processor, NVIDIA’s GeForce GT 425M (1GB), HDMI / VGA outputs, 320/500/640GB hard drives, a DVD SuperMulti drive, four USB ports (two of the SuperSpeed variety), a 5-in-1 card reader, inbuilt webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, gigabit Ethernet and a 6-cell Li-ion that’ll probably exhaust itself long before you’d like it to. The FR700 includes most of the same specifications, but opts for integrated Intel graphics for those who aren’t planning to dabble too long in Crysis. Per usual, MSI’s keeping quiet when it comes to pricing and release details, but we’d be shocked if they didn’t find their way onto retail shelves pre-Christmas.

MSI gets official with 17.3-inch FX700 and FR700 multimedia laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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