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Oct 18

Google launches 11.6-inch ARM-based Samsung Chromebook: $249, ultrathin, 6.5-hour battery, 1080p video

Google just launched the latest iteration of its Chrome OS-based laptop here in San Francisco — the $249 (or £229, for those in the UK) 11.6-inch Samsung Chromebook. It’s ARM-based (fanless), 0.8-inches thick, weighs only 2.43 pounds, runs 6.5+ hours on battery, boots in under 10 seconds and supports 1080p video playback. Pre-orders start today at Amazon and PC World, and the laptop includes Google Now integration using Google Drive as a transport and comes with 100GB of free storage for two years. It will be available for sale on the Play Store and featured prominently at retailers like Best Buy, and naturally, we’re expecting this one to make a bigger splash than prior models based on the bargain bin price alone.

Under the hood, there’s a dual-core A15-based Samsung Exynos 5 Dual (5250) SoC, 2GB RAM, 16GB of built-in flash storage, WiFi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth, all of which should act to give this Chromebook a lot more oomph compared to slower, earlier models. Other specs include a 1366 x 768 native screen resolution, a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 socket, combo headphone / mic jack, an SD card slot and a “full-size Chrome keyboard.” Hit up the links below for the nitty-gritty, or hop on past the break for a promo vid.

Update: Our hands-on with the new Chromebook is live!

Gallery: New Chromebook (2012)

Gallery: Google 11.6-inch ARM-based Samsung Chromebook hands-on

Continue reading Google launches 11.6-inch ARM-based Samsung Chromebook: $249, ultrathin, 6.5-hour battery, 1080p video

Filed under: Laptops, Google

Google launches 11.6-inch ARM-based Samsung Chromebook: $249, ultrathin, 6.5-hour battery, 1080p video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 18

Razer gives away custom Star Wars-themed Blade, may turn friends Imperial Guard red with envy

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Razer has been big on Star Wars gaming gear, but never quite like this. Enter a free contest and there’s a chance to win a completely unique Star Wars: The Old Republic version of Razer’s Blade gaming laptop. The winner sees the system’s normally black shell replaced with a matte, laser-etched aluminum gray and the green backlighting dropped in favor of a subtler yellow matched to the MMORPG logo. Anyone who brings out this portable at a bring-your-own-computer gaming party is inevitably going to be the center of attention, although we have a feeling some would almost prefer the second-place bundle of peripherals — at an estimated worth of $15,000, the Star Wars Blade might be too precious to carry for all but the most well-heeled of fans.

Filed under: Gaming, Laptops

Razer gives away custom Star Wars-themed Blade, may turn friends Imperial Guard red with envy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 03:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 13

Apple, other thin laptop makers pass latest round of EPEAT tests after summer mini-drama

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Apple gave eco-friendly computer fans a brief jolt this July after it backed out of EPEAT certification, only to restore most devices just days later. While we can’t say we’re completely shocked at the follow-up, EPEAT has confirmed that at least one “ultra-thin” laptop from Apple has just cleared the verification process. The as yet unnamed system is more likely to be a Mac that had already earned the recycling-friendly rating in the past, such as the MacBook Air, rather than a sudden turnaround for the MacBook Pro with Retina Display. The look wasn’t exclusively devoted to the Mac side, though — EPEAT cleared Apple’s computer as part of a wider test that also greenlit extra-thin portables from Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba. We’ve reached out to get a more definitive list, but the approvals should ease the minds of those worried that ever-slimmer laptops are forcing us to give up our green efforts.

Continue reading Apple, other thin laptop makers pass latest round of EPEAT tests after summer mini-drama

Filed under: Laptops, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo

Apple, other thin laptop makers pass latest round of EPEAT tests after summer mini-drama originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 08:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 12

Windows 8 HP PCs pop up at Best Buy stores

Posted in: Today's Chili

We’ve heard a lot about Windows 8 today – Netflix pushed a Windows 8 update earlier today, we learned a little more about the Windows 8 marketing campaign, and – most importantly – the new OS officially went up for pre-order. With that mind, Best Buy has wasted no time putting Windows 8 PCs on display in some of its stores. WinSource reports that at least one Best Buy store is showing off a number of HP Windows 8 notebooks, ultrabooks, and all-in-one PCs to get customers excited about the release of the latest Windows installment.

Specifically speaking, a Best Buy location in St. Cloud, MN has the HP Pavilion 23, the ENVY TouchSmart, the ENVY 23 TouchSmart, and a pair of ENVY m6 laptops out on the show floor for customers to play around with. You obviously can’t take one of them home with you today, but this a good chance to see Windows 8 in action. This should be especially handy for those who didn’t want to bother with installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

Windows 8 is scheduled to launch on October 26, and it looks ready to take the PC world by storm – or at least that’s the outcome Microsoft is hoping for. Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer recently said that he thinks Windows 8 could be as big as Windows 95 was for the company, and manufacturers are more than willing to show us their fancy new Windows 8 machines. Microsoft has pumped a lot of money into the marketing campaign for Windows 8, so you can bet that those manufacturers are counting on the new OS to move some machines once October 26 is on the books.

Thought WinSource’s report only covers one Best Buy store, there’s a good chance that other stores have already put Windows 8 devices out on the show floor. If your store hasn’t yet, it’s only a matter of time. In any case, if you’re interested in checking out Windows 8, it can’t hurt to stop by your local Best Buy to see if it has any computers running Windows 8 you can take a look at.

Windows 8 HP PCs pop up at Best Buy stores is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
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Oct 12

Windows 8 now available to try at Best Buy

Posted in: Today's Chili

Microsoft’s already opened up the floodgates with Windows 8 pre-orders, and it looks as if those still on the fence now have a sandbox to goof off in. Pictured above is a trio of Windows 8 notebooks from a Best Buy located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and we actually called around to confirm with several other stores that a similar setup had been erected in their locales. Nah, we can’t make October 26th get here any faster, but at least you know where to head if you’re looking for a sample.

Filed under: Laptops, Software, Microsoft

Windows 8 now available to try at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 12

ASUS teases October 23rd Vivo Book and Vivo Tab event, likens it to world history (video)

Posted in: Today's Chili

Most event teasers have at least some kind of grandiosity; we’re not under illusions that they have to be modest. At the same time, ASUS may have crossed a humility barrier with a teaser for an October 23rd event launching its upcoming Vivo Tabs and (possibly TAICHI- or Transformer Book-linked) Vivo Books. In the space of 42 seconds, ASUS likens the New York City announcement for its touchscreen Windows 8 devices to the Apollo moon missions, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and having a child — a bit much for slabs of aluminum and glass, we think. There’s not much to see of the systems themselves beyond what we already know, although Notebook Italia has noticed at least one reseller listing a Vivo Book S200 laptop with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a Core i3, 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive for €499 ($647). That price would go a long way towards ASUS’ promise of making touch “available to everyone…” we’re just not convinced it’s as important as Elvis.

Continue reading ASUS teases October 23rd Vivo Book and Vivo Tab event, likens it to world history (video)

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, ASUS

ASUS teases October 23rd Vivo Book and Vivo Tab event, likens it to world history (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 12

Dell hits Windows 8 PC pre-order market with a bang

Posted in: Today's Chili

It would appear that Dell wants to get in on the party early with three Windows 8 computers it’s putting up for pre-order here this morning for a release date “soon after Windows 8 is officially available on October 26.” With the XPS 12 convertible laptop, the XPS One 27 All-in-one, and the Inspiron One 23 All-in-one ready for action, you’ll not be left wanting for the Windows 8 touch-capable environment in all its glory. This release will be strictly pre-order inside the United States on Friday, the 12th of October (today), with releases of the actual physical devices aimed nearer the end of this month.

This update from Dell has you not just able to pre-order the new machines, but the Windows 8 operating system on a set of other compatible Dell machines on the market right this minute as well. Of course no matter what you pick up, Windows 8 won’t be getting to your door before October 26th – after that though, it’ll be a free-for-all. Over at Dell.com they’ve got your whole Windows 8 collection, everything you could possibly want, up for pre-order and regular order right now.

Dell’s XPS 12 is a strange, flippy beast – have a peek at our hands-on from August of this year to see how it looked when Dell first brought it out for sunlight. It’s got a flip hinge to it so you can use it as a normal laptop or can twist it around and push it down for a massive tablet, too. With a full HD display at 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and full touch capacity you’ll have a hard time saying no – this attached to a price of $1,199 USD on pre-order from today.

A couple of Dell All-in-one machines are also up for order this morning, the XPS One 27 and the Inspiron One 23. With the XPS One 27 you’ll get a massive quad HD (2560 x 1440) display – the same as it’s had in the past – but this time with touch capabilities so you can make full use of Windows 8 and its full touch user interface. This update also has an articulating stand that’s able to tilt the display to a 60 degree angle – flexibility indeed! This device rings in at $1,599.99 USD. Have a peek at our XPS One 27 hands-on right this minute to see the layback.

The Inspiron One 23 brings on a lovely full HD (1920 x 1080) display and a single-cord setup to match its full touch-sensitive interface with Windows 8, all of it running on Intel’s 3rd Generation Core chipset, with several iterations available for pre-order. This model will run you $779.99 USD for starters.

Also of note is an updated version of the Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook, a device that’s now got Ivy Bridge with full Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics – this update comes in at $999 USD and is up in the Dell store right this minute as well. Have a peek at our original Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook review to see what this device is all about.

In the UK, meanwhile, the XPS 12 convertible running Windows 8 will be starting at £999, the XPS One 27 with touch at £1,779, and the Inspiron One 23 AIO with touch at £879.

Oct 12

Panasonic announces the Toughbook SX2 business PC

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Panasonic‘s Toughbook line of durable laptops has come a long way, with the first models looking akin to something you would use to transport nuclear launch codes. Over time, the laptop line has transformed into something sleeker and smaller, but no less durable. Today Panasonic announced the arrival of the Toughbook SX2, a business PC.

The Toughbook SX2 runs on an Intel Core i5 3.3GHz processor with Turbo Boost Technology. The machine weighs in at 3.13lbs, and is approximately 40% smaller than previous models, with a magnesium alloy chassis. The LED-backlit display measures in at 12.1 inches with an HD+ (1600×900) resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio. The webcam can record in 720p high-definition, and has a built-in microphone. Ports include three USB 3.0 slots, VGA, HDMI, and an SD card slot. The battery life clocks in at 14.5 hours.

What about its durability? The SX2 has a drop height of 12 inches when turned off, with the exception of a drop to its base, which the device can handle while on or off up to 30 inches. The lid and base are rated for over 220lbs of pressure. For security, the SX2 is equipped with a hard drive/user/supervisor lock, a cable lock, Computrace, TPM security chip v1.2, Intel’s Anti-Theft Technology, and optional biometrics security.

The Toughbook SX2 is designed for mobility, which it seems to achieves with its thin and lightweight design. The wide array of features, high battery life, and durability combine the SX2 into a machine that seems as like it will function well as both an workstation and an everyday system. This laptop will be available later in October from authorized Panasonic resellers. The price starts at $2,649.

Oct 11

Sony outs its refresh Vaio line-up in the US

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Today Sony outs in the US its latest Vaio line-up and introduces some already well known devices including the stunning Vaio Duo, and the Vaio Tap 20 alongside the new Vaio T Series, E Series and S Series
T Series
The top-selling stylish T Series Ultrabook made with an ultra-smooth brushed aluminum shell now comes with a touch display on the new T13 Ultrabook to allow consumers to experience Windows 8-based touch in a clamshell form factor with optional touchscreen.
Sony is also introducing …

Oct 11

Sony unveils touch enabled VAIOs, Tap 20 and Duo 11 available this month

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Sony has introduced its first tabletop PC in the US market, the VAIO Tap 20, a massive 20-inch tablet computer, as well as the smaller VAIO Duo 11 “hybrid slider” PC, which we reviewed back in August. In addition to the Tap 20 and the Duo 11, Sony has also released touch-enabled ultrabooks, including a refresh of the T13 and the E series 14P models. This line of touch-enabled PCs runs Windows 8.

We got our hands on the Tap 20 back in August, and yes, it is as massive as you think it is. This 20-inch tablet is a full PC, and offers a 10-multitouch touchscreen at 1600×900 resolution, a front webcam, USB ports, audio in and out ports, an adjustable metal stand, and a battery. Watch us playing Fruit Ninja on Tap 20 in the video below. The VAIO Tap 20 is priced at $879.99, and will be available in white and black.

Meanwhile, the smaller “hybrid slider” VAIO Duo 11 PC is a smaller, portable tablet/laptop hybrid, with a built-in keyboard that slides under the display when you want to use it as a tablet, and slides out when you want to use it as a touch-enabled laptop. The Duo 11 has a full HD display, a pressure-sensitive stylus with swappable pen tips, a backlit keyboard, Active Clip, Sony original app for photo cropping, and the Note Anytime note taking application. It weighs in at 2.84lbs. The VAIO Duo 11 is priced at $1099.99, and will only be available in black.

As a bonus – especially for artists and graphic designers – Sony partnered with ArtRage, and will provide a copy of ArtRage Studio on all five of these new touch-enabled devices. In addition to ArtRage, the VAIO Tap 20 will include the FingerTapps Organizer, a calendar/organizer app designed to allow families to easily share notes and events with each other, perhaps an indication of who Sony’s primary intended market is. In line with the family-oriented apps, the VAIO Tap 20 will also include My Daily Clip, an app developed in partnership with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment that allows individuals to sit around the tablet and play a movie trivia game.

As for the other three models, the VAIO T13 ($669.99) is a refresh model, with an added touchscreen display running Windows 8. The E series 14P ($689.99) is also a refresh model, with an added touchscreen running Windows 8. The E Series is price as follows: models 11, 14, and 15 at $449.99, and model 17 at $729.99. Both T Series models are priced at $669.99. The S Series 13 has a starting price of $799.99, while the premium S series 13 starts at $1199.99. The S series 15 model starts at $849.99, and the L Series 15 starts at $1199.99.

All five of these devices will be available at the end of the month. Whether the Tap 20 and Duo 11 are the future of PCs as traditional PC sales slip and Microsoft pushes its touch-friendly Windows 8 is yet to be seen. For now, however, it looks like things are getting interesting.