Hasta La Gadget!

Lenovo has apparently discontinued its only Windows RT notebook, the IdeaPad Yoga 11 convertible, quietly ceasing sales through its own online store. The Yoga 11, which ran the pared-back Windows RT on NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 chipset, has seemingly been superseded by the newer Yoga 11S, which swaps out the ARM chipset and replaces it with an Intel Core i3 processor and a full copy of Windows 8.

The end result is a far more flexible machine. In our original Yoga 11 review, we praised the unusual form-factor but were forced to conclude that Windows RT – and its limitations on software – meant that it wasn’t an all-round work and play machine.

In contrast, as we found when we reviewed the Yoga 11S recently, the presence of Windows 8 makes a big difference for usability. Even though the notebook may be part of Lenovo’s more consumer-centric IdeaPad range, rather than a ThinkPad, it’s still capable of standing up to business use.

Lenovo is yet to comment on the Windows RT version, though if it has indeed been discontinued as the online store suggests, the company wouldn’t be alone in its disappointment with the OS. Dell admitted back in June that sales of its Windows RT tablets had been disappointing, and Microsoft itself recently slashed pricing of its Surface RT worldwide to try to drive demand.

Acer, meanwhile, has described the OS as “not influential” and has no plans for a machine that will run it, and there’s chatter of Microsoft cutting its licensing fees for OEMs too. An incoming update of the Surface RT will supposedly use Windows RT 8.1 and include faster chips and the option of embedded LTE.

We’ve contacted Lenovo for more information, and will update if and when the company gets back to us.

VIA Neowin

Lenovo Yoga 11 Windows RT seemingly axed as official store stops sales is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Acer has announced the availability of its 23-inch Z3-605 All-in-One desktop computer, bringing with it a couple of Harman Kardon speakers, something the computer maker referred to as an “important milestone” for the company. The desktop computer is now shipping to customers in the United States in both touchscreen and non-touchscreen varieties.

Acer has put a bit of focus on audio with the Z3-605, placing two 3 watt speakers in the AiO and utilizing Dolby Home Theater version 4 for the output. With this, it is capable of “dynamic surround sound,” also signifying a first in the market with the inclusion of the Harmon Kardon speakers, something the company speaks at length about.

Said Acer’s Director of Desktop Product Management Frank Chang: “Acer is the first in the market to bring Harman Kardon premium sound to a mainstream all-in-one desktop, setting a new standard. The Aspire Z3-605 delivers a dynamic, high-quality audio experience for music and movie lovers and furthers convenience and comfort with an ergonomic and adjustable frame and webcam.”

Inside, users will find an Intel Core i5 processor with up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, depending on user configuration. There’s a 1TB hard drive for ample storage space, as well as two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 slots for an additional drive and other peripherals. Video output comes in the form of HDMI, and there’s an integrated SuperMulti optical drive with disc burning.

Other specifications include an SD card reader, a 2-in-1 audio jack, and an on-screen display button, all of which are located within a “capsule-shaped” bay on the front of the device. This design is aimed at making it easy to access certain frequently-used slots and ports. Connectivity includes 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0.

The non-touchscreen version is priced at $699, with the touch variety being $799.

SOURCE: Maximum PC

Acer Z3-605 AiO unveiled with Harman Kardon speakers is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

There’s no lack of high-powered ruggedness in the Panasonic Toughbook range, and when it comes to keeping up with the rest of the notebook power world, the company is making sure of Windows 8-era excellence this week. There’s the Toughbook CF-31, CF-19 and CF-H2 from Panasonic’s “ultra durable Fully-rugged” range and the Semi-rugged CF-53 that are getting said upgrade, it’ll finally be time to really, truly be done with Windows XP.

Speaking on the end of Windows XP support by Microsoft in 2014, Panasonic suggests that this upgrade to Windows 7 and 8 will offer “smooth migration option(s) for businesses.” That’s not the only use for these hardcore machines, of course, with each unit aimed at unique use-cases for computer needs small and great. In addition to updating the operating systems of these notebooks, camera upgrades are in order for full video conferencing functionality.

Each of the four models mentioned will be hitting the market with a push for the next generation of convertible notebook, tablet, and all-in hardcore notebook machines immediately. Just make sure wherever you’re picking one of these machines up that you’re hitting the newest range – run down the specs while you’re at it!

Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 (pictured above)
• Intel® Core™ i5-3340M vPro Processor
• Windows® 8 Pro
• Intel HD 4000 graphics
• Vibration and shock resistant (MIL-STD 810G)*
• Water and dust resistant (IP65, MIL-STD 810G)*
• Balanced lightweight at just 2.3kg
• Extremely bright 10.1″ transflective plus LCD with Touchscreen or Dual Touch (up to 6.500cd/m2 reflective brightness) with circular polarizer
• Long battery life of up to 10 hours
• 3G mobile broadband optional (HSPA+, up to 14.4Mbps)

Panasonic Toughbook CF-31
• Intel® Core™ i5-3340M vPro Processor (Standard Model)
• Intel® Core™ i5-3380M vPro Processor (Performance Model)
• Windows® 8 Pro
• Intel HD 4000 graphics (Standard Model), AMD® Radeon™ HD 7750M (Performance Model)
• Vibration and shock resistant (MIL-STD 810G)*
• Water and dust resistant (IP65, MIL-STD 810G)*
• 13.1″ high brightness outdoor display (up to 1.200cd/m²) with circular polarizer
• Up to 14.5 hours battery life (Standard Model, 12 hours Performance Model)
• 3G mobile broadband optional (HSPA+, up to 14.4Mbps)
• Backwards compatible with CF-30 docking stations and Car Mounter Kit**
• High flexibility and connectivity through new configuration such as second LAN, camera or GPS

Panasonic Toughbook CF-53
• Intel® Core™ i5-3340M vPro Processor
• Windows® 8 Pro
• Intel HD 4000 graphics
• 14″ HD display
• Integrated DVD Super Multi Drive
• Up to 11 hours battery life
• High capacity “road warrior” Battery optional
• 3G mobile broadband optional (HSPA+, up to 14.4Mbps)
• Dedicated GPS Module optional
• RFID Module optional
• 2nd LAN, Firewire or Modem optional
• Robust magnesium alloy display case
• Shock-protected HDD
• Low temperature HDD optional
• Withstands drops from a height of 76cm***

Panasonic Toughbook CF-H2
• Intel® Core™ i5-3437U vPro processor
• Windows® 8 Pro
• Intel HD 4000 graphics
• Vibration and shock resistant (MIL-STD 810G, Field Model)*
• Water and dust resistant (IP65, MIL-STD 810G)*
• Easy to clean/disinfect and meets Hospital Safety Certifications (Health Model)****
• Extremely bright 10.1″ transflective plus LCD with Dual Touch (up to 6.500cd/m2 reflective brightness) and circular polarizer
• Lightweight form factor – weighing only 1.58kg
• Dual hot swappable batteries providing up to 7 hours battery life
• USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, LAN and Serial Port (depends on model)
• Integrated Barcode Reader optional
• Smartcard Reader optional
• Camera, GPS or RFID optional

SlashGear also recently had some hands-on time with the back-breaking Panasonic Toughbook CF-AX2 if you’d like to take a look. This machine was revealed well within the bounds of this same future-ready range of Windows 8 machines so doesn’t fall under this reboot schedule – it’s already prepped!

The same goes for the Panasonic Toughbook CF-C2, a display-turning transformable notebook ready to bring on both tablet and notebook abilities in a hardcore form. And for those of you that want to say small and don’t necessarily feel the need to move forward with Windows 8, there’s always the Panasonic Toughbook SX2 from back in 2012 – always room for a strange trackpad or two!

Panasonic Toughbook Windows 8 upgrade continues push for rugged supremacy is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.

An iWatch may still be a distant dream, but at least Microsoft fans have a glimmer of hope. According to "sources familiar with Micosoft’s Surface plans," a translucent, aluminum smart watch could soon be hugging wrists everywhere.

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Microsoft’s Surface team has taken on development of the company’s upcoming smartwatch, it’s reported, with the wrist-worn gadget supposedly running a modified version of Windows 8. The Surface smartwatch is being built on an original design by the Xbox team, The Verge‘s sources claim, which had been tinkering with a “Joule” heart-rate monitor prototype for the Xbox 360.

Speculation as to the capabilities of the watch have varied, though Microsoft is believed to be making its wearable more functional than some of the existing designs we’ve seen. A modified version of Windows 8 is an ambitious strategy, where existing alternatives like Pebble are more accurately remote displays for the user’s phone.

According to the leaks, the Surface smartwatch is intended to be integrated with other Windows-powered devices, which presumably means both Windows 8 on desktops, notebooks, and tablets, and Windows Phone on handsets. Already suggested is a 1.5-inch display, making the watch bigger than Pebble and other options.

Meanwhile, there’s also talk of customization support with different colored watchbands. AmongTech claimed last week that Microsoft would offer red, blue, yellow, black, white, and grey straps, something The Verge says it has independently confirmed.

Still in the air are other suggestions from the site’s sources, which include a casing made of Oxynitride Aluminum that, as well as being tougher than glass, is also transparent, and both 6GB of storage and integrated LTE. The latter seems a tall order, given the power consumption of 4G radios and the minimal space for batteries in smartwatches, though it’s said to be part of Microsoft’s attempt to integrate the Surface watch with its various cloud services.

One workaround to the power issue is Microsoft making the smartwatch particularly easy to recharge, something implied by rumors back in April that it would use the magnetic Surface connector already used on the detachable keyboards.

Microsoft isn’t the only company believed to be working on a smartwatch. Intel has confirmed it has a design in R&D, while Dell too has said it is investing in wearables.

Most frequently rumored, however, is the Apple iWatch, which is believed to be the Cupertino firm’s attempt to bring iOS to the wrist. That, however, isn’t expected to launch until sometime in 2014.

Surface smartwatch tipped to clad tweaked-Windows in transparent metal is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2013, SlashGear. All right reserved.