Samsung ATIV Smart PC and Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 hit AT&T on November 9th at $800 and $500 prices

Samsung ATIV Smart PC for AT&T

If you like your tablets of the Samsung persuasion, AT&T has just promised an abundance of riches. The carrier has confirmed that both the Android-toting Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and the Windows 8-based ATIV Smart PC will reach its stores and LTE network by November 9th at respective contract-free prices of $500 and $800. Those who spring for the ATIV-badged hardware can deck it out with a $49 Stand Dock and a $40 VGA adapter, both available in late November, if they’re keen to transform their 11.6-inch slates into tiny desktops. And if you’d really, really like to go all-in with Samsung, there’s a promo running through the holidays that knocks as much as $100 off the tablet price if you’re willing to buy a Samsung phone (and the matching two-year contract, naturally) at the same time.

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Samsung ATIV Smart PC and Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 hit AT&T on November 9th at $800 and $500 prices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer’s Greater China president wants Microsoft to leave the hardware to the “professionals”

It is safe to assume that many of Microsoft’s manufacturing partners were surprised when Microsoft unveiled the Surface tablet, a device designed and made by the Redmond company as opposed to sourcing it to companies like Dell, HP, Acer, etc. Acer was probably the most vocal when it came to voicing their displeasure, with the company’s CEO stating in August that Microsoft’s decision to make the Surface would have a negative impact on the ecosystem, and even went as far as to suggest that this could affect their partnership with Microsoft. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Windows 8 Pro upgrade for just $15? , 4 million Windows 8 upgrades in less than a week,

Acer exec warns Microsoft may eat ‘hard rice’ with its Surface tablet

Acer exec warns Microsoft may eat 'hard rice' with Surface

Acer seems to be straddling a delicate position with respect to Microsoft right now. On the one hand, it’s outwardly indifferent towards Surface RT and indeed the the whole Windows RT concept, which is why it’s holding off on its own RT tablets for the time being. But if that’s true, why are the company’s top brass so eager for Microsoft to withdraw from the competition? President for Greater China, Linxian Lang, has just resorted to a food metaphor to emphasize the point, warning that Redmond will have to eat “hard rice” with Surface, and implying that it should stick to its more readily-chewed software diet. If you’ve seen our own Surface RT review, then you’ll know our thoughts on the matter: Microsoft’s tablet has been boiled and salted just right, which might be the real reason Acer is so averse to it.

[Image credit: Sina Tech]

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Acer exec warns Microsoft may eat ‘hard rice’ with its Surface tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ballmer: Windows Phone 8 ‘still small’, but will ‘really ramp quickly’

Ballmer Windows Phone 8 'still small', expects it will 'really ramp quickly'

Following its launch event in San Francisco and the appearance of its first devices last week, the folks behind Windows Phone 8 is hoping for big things in the future. Microsoft’s chief exec Steve Ballmer said that its work with Nokia, HTC and Samsung offered them the chance to create a “really strong third participant in the smartphone market.” He admitted that they weren’t there quite yet and told the audience at a Windows 8 launch event in Israel that Microsoft’s mobile OS was “still relatively small”, but that he expects “the volumes on Windows Phone to really ramp quickly.” The company will be lavishing more on marketing and advertising around Windows 8, Window Phone 8 and Surface than it has on anything previous — which sounds good, as its new mobile OS might need the help.

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Ballmer: Windows Phone 8 ‘still small’, but will ‘really ramp quickly’ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft posts Build 2012 session videos for eager Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 coders

Steve Ballmer at Build 2012 with giant display

Not every developer had the luxury of putting a flight to Redmond on the corporate tab so that they could attend Microsoft’s Build 2012 conference in person. Much to their delight, they won’t have to. The company has posted streaming video for every session addressing Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and beyond, ranging from the two keynotes through to nuts-and-bolts framework talks. Be warned: most programmers will want to know Visual Studio and similar tools like the back of their hand before tackling some of these sessions. If they emerge unscathed, though, they’ll be well-equipped to live in Microsoft’s Windows Store world.

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Microsoft posts Build 2012 session videos for eager Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 coders originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 03:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 8 upgrade diary: multiple monitors make my mouse mad

Windows 8 upgrade diary

Tune into the chatter around Windows 8 and it won’t be long before you start hearing about keyboard shortcuts. Instead of forcing us to replicate long swipe gestures using a mouse (which would be cruel to all concerned), Microsoft is putting forward these little key combos as the primary means of navigation on traditional desktop PCs that don’t have touchscreens. Right now, I’m in the middle of trying to adapt to this — and like our Windows 8 review concludes, the curve is steep. In my case, matters are complicated by the fact that I use a triple-monitor setup for work, which perhaps makes me more sensitive to UI issues. But regardless of how many displays are hooked up to it, there genuinely are some interface niggles in this OS. Despite having mastered the basic shortcuts, I’m still having to reach for my mouse way too often, and the arm ache is starting to dampen the good vibes left over from my last diary post. So, join me after the break and at the very least you’ll get to observe someone flailing around in search of answers.

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Windows 8 upgrade diary: multiple monitors make my mouse mad originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI Wind Top AE2712 All-in-One Windows 8 PC announced

MSI, the Taiwanese consumer electronics company, has just announced its flagship Windows 8 All-in-One PC, the Wind Top AE2712. The new AIO sports a 27-inch full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and it supports up to 10 multi-touch points which, according to MSI, is highly optimal for Windows 8. Contrary to traditional panels, MSI adds that the Wind Top AE2712′s frameless design will prevent dust from getting inside its nooks and edges.

But probably one of the most interesting feature of this AIO is its military class components. Under the hood is a third-generation Intel Core processor, an Nvidia GeForce GT630M graphics chip, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 3.5-inch SATAII 1TB HDD storage, 3-in-1 card reader, USB 3.0, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, a 2-megapixel built-in webcam, an optional TV tuner, and a wireless keyboard and mouse. The availability and pricing has yet to be announced.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Windows 8 Pro upgrade for just $15? , 4 million Windows 8 upgrades in less than a week,

Acer Windows RT hardware depends on Microsoft’s Surface performance

If you were thinking of continuing your Acer collection of computers with a Windows RT tablet, you’ll likely have to wait at least until next year while the manufacturer delays their plans and waits out the Microsoft Surface wave. With the Surface RT, reviewed by SlashGear just this past week, Acer is seeing a situation happen that includes items like Microsoft’s Times Square launch and is keeping their own efforts a secret for now. Acer’s own President has made it clear this week that they aren’t stopping research, but they are putting Windows RT-toting hardware on hold.

As Acer President Jim Wong told Reuters this week, “Originally we had a very aggressive plan to come out very early next year but because of Surface, our R&D development doesn’t stop, but we are much more cautious.” He also made it clear that they’ll be delaying not just until 2013, but nearer the second quarter of the year rather than the first. This is not that much of a difference for some consumers, but certainly a change for interested investors.

“Originally our plan was Q1, but now I don’t think it will be earlier than Q2. I don’t know what’s next, what Microsoft will do. We are watching how Surface is doing … How is RT accepted by customers, how Microsoft is aggressive on RT and on Surface, we don’t know… We want to see.” – Wong

Imagine if the rest of the Microsoft partners did this with their own hardware, waiting until the Surface Pro was released before they put out any sort of touchscreen device running Windows 8. Such a thing would force Microsoft to put their own hardware out early – never a great moment for a tech company no matter how you spin it. At the moment though it does appear that Acer is the only business stopping up production in light of the Surface RT.

Wong did note that he recalled Lenovo and ASUS bringing forward Windows RT tablets at $599 USD price points before Microsoft revealed their own $499 Surface machine. Their response was, of course, to make slight changes that allowed for slightly lower price points. Now continues the war of prices, we must judge, rather than destruction of hardware amalgamations. Prepare yourself for the inexpensive quality PC!


Acer Windows RT hardware depends on Microsoft’s Surface performance is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 hands-on and first impressions

Windows 8 officially launched last week, which means that a ton of new computers, laptops, and tablets are either on shelves now or coming up soon. By far one of the most interesting new Windows 8 machines is the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, a new convertible that aims to show off Windows 8 in all of its touch-based glory. The major selling point of the Yoga 13 is its 360-degree hinge, which allows you to use the laptop in a number of different ways. It’s certainly cool, if not a little strange at first.


If you couldn’t already tell, I haven’t used very many convertibles. I was never really sold on the idea of a tablet/laptop hybrid, but with what I’ve seen of the IdeaPad Yoga 13, I might be singing a different tune by the time everything is said and done. The Yoga 13 impresses right out of the box – the silver chassis looks sleek, and I was actually surprised by how light it is. I was certainly expecting heavier than 3.3 pounds, though with that weight, the Yoga 13 still has some heft that you won’t find in traditional ultrabooks.

The screen is really nice as well, though again a little unconventional as far as ultrabook screens go. Instead of running at the 1366×768 resolution we’re all so bored with, the Yoga 13′s touch screen is running at 1600×900 resolution. It’s an odd resolution that we don’t see to often in notebooks, but it’s a welcome change. The visuals are sharp and touch is responsive. This plays hand-in-hand with the touch-friendly tiles in Windows 8; even when using the Yoga 13 in notebook mode, I’m finding myself using the touch screen instead of the track pad. I said in my Windows 8 review that the operating system was clearly geared toward touch screens, and the Yoga 13 backs that assertion up.

There are four different “modes” Lenovo has been pushing with the Yoga 13: notebook mode, which is self-explanatory; stand mode, which allows the user to place the keyboard face-down with the screen angled upward; tent mode, which has the user standing the laptop up on its ends like a little mini tent; and tablet mode, achieved by folding the screen all the way around to the underside of the notebook. Tablet mode feels a little strange at first due to the fact that the keyboard is exposed on the slate’s backside, but thankfully the keyboard and trackpad are both disabled when you’re using a mode other than the traditional notebook setup. This means that you don’t have to worry about hitting keys and screwing everything up while using the machine in tablet mode.

On the inside, there isn’t too much deviation from the hardware found in other ultrabooks. We’ve got a third-gen Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 1.7Ghz – essentially the industry standard for ultrabooks – working alongside 4GB of DDR3L RAM, making the Yoga 13 quite the little speed demon. That’s all helped along by the 128GB SSD, so if it’s speed you want, the Yoga 13 probably isn’t going to disappoint. On the outside, the pickings are a little slim, as you’ve only got one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port to take advantage of. Those are joined by a 2-in-1 card slot (SD and MMC), a headphone jack, a full-size HDMI port, and of course, the jack for the power adapter.

I’m impressed with what I’ve seen of the IdeaPad Yoga 13 so far. There are certainly aspects that are going to take some getting used to, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with the Yoga 13 and seeing all that it and its 360-degree hinge have to offer. My full review of the IdeaPad Yoga 13 will be coming up shortly, but in the meantime, let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to touch on.

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Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 hands-on and first impressions is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


MSI launches the 27-inch Wind Top AE2712 all-in-one brandishing Windows 8, military specs

MSI launches the 27inch  Wind Top AE2712 allinone toting Windows 8, military specs

The Windows 8 all-in-one arena is already pretty crowded, but if MSI’s new model had to fight it out with the rest battle-bot style, then it might just come out on top. That’s because the Wind Top AE2712 comes with MSI’s usual military class components, alongside a brutish 27-inch 1080p display with ten-finger touch, Core i3 or i5 processors and optional NVIDIA GeForce GT630M graphics (on the ‘G’ model). Also included is the company’s Smart Media cloud that lets you share data with DNLA-enabled TVs and mobile devices. The PC’s already popped up on Amazon UK with a £830 sticker and November 9th ship date, so if you need an AIO tough enough to withstand, say, an all-out rugrat assault, check out the source link.

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MSI launches the 27-inch Wind Top AE2712 all-in-one brandishing Windows 8, military specs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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