Hasta La Gadget!

Between Computex and the launch of Intel’s fourth generation Core Haswell processors, June’s shaping up to be a big month for the PC industry. Fresh from letting us play with its new folding hybrid, Dell is whipping out new OptiPlex 9020 and XE2 desktops, an OptiPlex All-In-One and the Latitude E6540 business laptop. Given that they’re Dell machines, customization options will be limitless when they arrive in the forthcoming weeks, backed by all of those enterprise-friendly vPro, WYSE and Cloud management services that Dell’s attempting to become famous for.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

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Via: Electronista

Source: Dell

Now that it’s unveiled its next-gen Ultrabook, Dell’s taking the opportunity to refresh the machines it’s already got. Starting with the XPS 12 convertible Ultrabook, the company is adding an NFC chip, Haswell processors and a bigger battery (50Wh, up from 47Wh). Between that CPU change and the enlarged power pack, Dell says the system will now last up to 9.5 hours on a charge — more than three hours longer than the OG version. Fortunately for you, the starting price is staying put at $1,200, with shipments beginning July 9th in most regions.

Moving on, the XPS 27 all-in-one is stepping up to a 2,560 x 1,440 screen with improved brightness (350 nits vs. 300) and a wider color gamut (99 percent, up from 72). As you’d expect, Dell also swapped in fresh Haswell processors and a 2GB, next-gen NVIDIA GPU, along with a Thunderbolt port, TPM and Dell’s ProSupport service offering. Finally, the machine’s getting a bigger storage option: a 2TB 7,200RPM HDD paired with a 256GB SSD. That’s available today for $1,600 and up — the same price you would’ve paid for the last-gen model with a touchscreen. Finally, Dell replaced the XPS 8500 desktop tower with the XPS 8700, which brings Haswell, along with four HDD bays, up to 4TB of storage and up to 32GB of RAM. Additionally, the SSDs offered now include Intel’s Smart Response Technology. That’s available today too for $700 and up. Happy shopping!

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Dell

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ASUS cannot get enough of Computex, and today its PC gaming arm is rolling out some high powered new kit. This is the Poseidon Formula 1, housing the apex of ROG’s gaming hardware know-how and brandishing its new Poseidon GTX 700 series GPU. It pairs NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 700 graphics series with a hybrid cooling system, with ASUS’ CoolTech combing blower and axial fans into one design, forcing air over the heatsink in multiple directions. Augmenting this is a liquid cooling system that ROG promises can reduce operating temperatures by up to 31 degrees Celsius, likely ensuring some impressive overclocking feats. The system is built upon ROG’s new Maximus VI motherboard that packs even more thermal cooling assistance, as well as the company’s SupremeFX audio card which will give gamers 120dB headphone output with a 600 Ohm headphone amplifier to improve volume and clarity. If that didn’t quite satisfy your thirst for specs, check out the slide show below and the press release after the break.

Richard Lai contributed to this report.

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, ASUS

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Gigabyte said that we’d have at least a few BRIX mini PCs to choose from. At Computex, however, it’s showing four new prototypes that could lead to a much larger catalog. Two of them are run-of-the-mill designs with AMD Kabini and Intel Haswell processors — nice enough, but more evolution than revolution. The other two are decidedly more exotic, though. One includes a wireless charging pad to charge a smartphone in a pinch, while the other carries a pico projector for on-the-spot presentations. Although Gigabyte hasn’t mentioned whether or not these BRIX models will reach production, we’d wager that the conservative systems are more likely to reach our desks.

Filed under: Desktops, AMD, Intel

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Source: Engadget Chinese (translated)

Most would agree that motherboards aren’t particularly exciting components, so it’s good to have a hook to stand out. ASUS’ new Z87 mobo series for Intel’s Haswell chips may not be waterproof, but the Deluxe / Dual model has plenty to offer nonetheless, including two Thunderbolt ports, on-board 802.11ac WiFi support, ASUS’ “4-Way Optimization” tech and more. What really got our eyebrows lifting at this specific board, however, was the new NFC Express accessory that comes bundled with it (you’ll also be able to purchase one separately). It’s not just your standard USB-connected NFC reader and writer, as it has features like automatic photo and video syncing with mobile devices, one-touch Windows 8 login, and quick-launch options for loading software or sites with a tap. An NFC tag is included, but you’ll need an equipped smartphone for some of the functions, like quick-pairing in ASUS’ Wi-Fi GO! utility for remote desktopping. If you’re not a big NFC user (and let’s be honest, who is?), then at least the little box’s got two USB 3.0 ports, meaning you’re still getting a free, if not overqualified USB hub.

Filed under: Desktops, Peripherals, Wireless, ASUS

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Via: Fareastgizmos

Source: ASUS (1), (2)