Hasta La Gadget!

So Apple might have inadvertently kicked off the Ultrabook trend without knowing it by launching their MacBook Air which captured the imagination of millions for many years. Well, Intel responded with a list of hardware specifications that an Ultrabook needs to conform to, although there are some computer manufacturers who do skirt around that list with the bare minimum specifications, and they end up looking like regular notebooks instead of the now signature slim look found in majority of the Ultrabooks out there. Sony’s latest attempt will definitely not fall short of expectations, with the announcement of the Sony VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook.

For starters, the Sony VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook will merge innovative hardware designs with rich touch experiences that are powered by Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 8 (which is still unreleased by the way). The highly versatile Sony VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook is said to be able to transform just about instantly between a power-packed Ultrabook and a multi-media tablet with scratch-resistant glass. Hmmm, is it me, or are computer manufacturers starting to work on hybrid devices that offer flexibility in view of the work or play situation at hand?

The Sony VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook will boast of a durable Surf Slider mechanism that will allow you to switch smoothly between keyboard and tablet, delivering a dual functioning computing experience. Tipping the scales at approximately 2.84 lbs. while boasting of an 11.6-inch display, the VAIO Duo 11 will also be accompanied by a pressure-sensitive digitizer stylus which delivers an expressive feel of natural handwriting directly on the touchscreen. You will be able to swap pen tips, depending on your current needs, for a firmer or softer writing feel. Sony claims that the digitizer stylus is ideal for writing, sketching and interacting with media and applications on the bright, detail-packed Full HD touchscreen.

Other hardware specifications include an LCD display and a backlit keyboard, the latest generation of Intel Core processors, full functional I/O port connectivity and Sony’s unique Sheet Battery technology. However, the color options are extremely limited – you will have to settle for black only, where prices start from $1,099.99 upwards depending on the hardware configuration.

Press Release
[ Sony VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

I clearly remember that back in the days when fat, chunky CRT TVs were the staple in any decent living room, the TV was divided into two categories – one that had a curved display, while the other was a pure flat display. Panasonic had the Tao, while Sony called theirs the Trinitron (where the name did date back further, of course). Well, one thing is for sure – Sony does come up with aesthetically pleasing devices from time to time, and they used to be well known for the build quality in their products. The thing is, no company remains at the top of their game without doing anything, and somewhere along the way, it did seem as though Sony must have gone off tangent, as their reliability ratings suffered, and more and more people moved on towards South Korean goods. Well, Sony’s foray into the computing world is a hit or miss affair with select models, but at least the Vaio name remained, and their latest PC expression comes in the form of the Sony Vaio Tap 20 PC.

The Sony Vaio Tap 20 PC is said to come with a bright, responsive 10-point multi-touch screen that boasts of engaging interactive applications, family computing options and being able to deliver new experiences in terms of mobile productivity. Steven Nickel , VP, Sony VAIO, said, “VAIO Tap 20 is creating a new category of PCs by combining desktop PC functionality, battery-powered mobility, and multi-angle viewing.This along with the innovative VAIO Duo 11 and the intuitive touch solutions incorporated across our existing PC portfolio, offers consumers flexibility to optimize their Windows 8 experience. Through the combination of compelling applications, Sony’s network services, and cross device connectivity, VAIO is leading the way in developing a new Touchworld experience. We expect when consumers think of touch PCs, they’ll think of VAIO.”

The VAIO Tap 20 might be classified as is a family tabletop PC, but it will be a whole lot easier to use than before, where it has been specially designed to take advantage of the intuitive ease of Windows 8. Boasting a 20” screen, you can lay this mobile desktop PC flat on a coffee table for the entire family to play games (make sure no one has greasy fingers!), while the presence of a removable battery ensures you are able to move the VAIO Tap 20 from room to room without worrying about plugging and unplugging the power cable.

Your ears will also be more than pleased, where the VAIO Tap 20 will incorporate stereo speakers that rely on Sony’s audio fidelity expertise, including Dolby Home Theatre v4 Audio Technology for one to experience full-impact surround sound.The VAIO Tap 20 is said to arrive at the end of this month in either black or white shades, where it will retail for $879.99 and above.

Press Release

[ Sony Vaio Tap 20 PC announced copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

You can more or less blame the MacBook Air for fast tracking the Ultrabook market, in fact, causing PC manufacturers to buck themselves up and come up with something interesting to compete with Apple on a similar level, although it is rather safe to assume that the Ultrabook segment has not really picked itself up to date in terms of sales figures, never mind the fact that it is still growing steadily. Well, Acer intends to keep their hands on the mantle of having the thinnest Ultrabook in the market for some time to come with the release of the Acer S7 Ultrabook which is touted to be nearly as thin as a tablet.

The Acer S7 Ultrabook starts to sound more and more Apple-ish when you read on about it, considering how it boasts of an all-aluminum unibody design (can you say that this is going to be way too easy to damage or get scratched?), you know for sure that this is not going to weigh you down, making it one of the more ideal devices to carry around whenever you are on the showfloor. Don’t be fooled by its exceptionally thin and light form factor, as it is said to be resilient and durable at the same time. Depending on the model of your choice, it measures as thin as 0.47” and tips the scales at a mere 2.29 pounds.

You will be able to choose from either a 13.3-inch or 11.6-inch full high-definition (1920 x 1080) touch screen display, where it will be amply protected by rigid lids made of white Gorilla Glass 2 or aluminum. The S7-391’s lid is able to tilt back a full 180 degrees, so that you can use it flat against a table or desk, similar to how you would make use of a tablet. Not only that, a hotkey is able to rotate the view ny 180 degrees, making it a snap to share what you are viewing with other folks.

Underneath the hood lies a 3rd generation Intel Core i5-3317UB or i7-3517U processor, an SSD, an embedded Li-Polymer battery that delivers up to 6 hours of battery life, and an optional second battery that doubles computing time. There is also a micro HDMI to VGA cable and a USB to RJ45 port. The Aspire S7 Series 11.6” and 13.3” models will retail for $1,199 and $1,399, respectively from the end of this month onwards.

Press Release
[ Acer S7 Ultrabook is thinnest of its kind in the market copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

I know theres been a lot of changes happening over at Netflix, and some folks are fans, others… not so much. I happen to fall into the fan category. I opted to give up the rentals by mail and use only the streaming videos, along with my regular cable, and using Google TV, I have to say I am NEVER without entertainment options, but do I want my little one browsing through my line-up of gangster and horror films?

My daughter finds her way around Netflix well enough, but the new Netflix Just for Kids is the perfect platform for the younger set. ”Just for Kids” on iPad lets your kid find their favorite show or movie simply by swiping through familiar rows of their favorite characters and ”Just for Kids” also displays rows of TV shows and movies that are all organized by their genres, like sing-alongs, superheroes, school or girl power, and each title features a simple description of the plot.

In addition to iPad… Netflix “Just for Kids” is available on PCs and Macs, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Apple TV and certain Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and streaming media players. Other devices, including Android-powered tablets, are scheduled to follow this year. Its a nice service for kids, mine is gonna love it. Sign up for a free trial by visiting Netflix.com.

 
[ Netflix – Just for Kids copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Getting out of town for a weekend to recharge the batteries does wonders. Some of us opt for outdoors while others just want to relax. Some like to visit family or friends, some go solo. Some travel by air, others by bus or train (or bike or feet). But one thing our getaways have in common is the need to pack a variety of stuff. Clothes, sports gear, toiletries, gadgets. It is rare to find a bag that meets all needs. But we think the Skooba Laptop Weekender, $179.99 at Brookstone, may be the perfect solution.

The Weekender has a rectangular, gym bag look. The main compartment provides plenty of space for a few days of clothing or even sports equipment. What makes the Weekender unique are the four zip down compartments on the sides. One end perfectly stores most 15” laptops. It contains Skooba’s exclusive Bumper Bar™ protection on the sides and bottom for extra cushioning. And for the airplane travelers the laptop is easily accessible for security checks. The other end of the bag provides a tablet space. The longer sides contain space for files and phones or smaller devices. In total the Weekender has 12 compartments or pockets – plenty to keep you organized on your short journey. And of course it will easily fit in standard commercial overhead bins. So prepare yourself for you next quick trip, and rest assured that your belongings will be safe and sound in the Skooba Laptop Weekender.

[ The Ultimate Weekend Bag copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]