Aug 18

Samsung Series 7 700G7A targets gamers with monstrous size and specs

Posted in: CoreI7, intel, laptop, Laptops, notebook, Notebooks, samsung, Today's Chili, usb 3.0, Usb3.0, video
Samsung Series 7 700G7A

Samsung has never really tried to court gamers with its laptops, but a glimpse its new Series 7 family indicates that may be changing. German sites, NewGadgets.de and netzwelt.de, scored the deets on this 17.3-inch behemoth and it’s safe to say the 700G7A is a force to be reckoned with. Pushing pixels to the 1,920 x 1,080 screen is a Radeon HD 6970m with 2GB of RAM, while a 2GHz quad-core Core i7 takes care of any non-graphical tasks. Not impressed yet? Well, you can also trick it out with up to 16GB of RAM and a Blu-ray drive, to compliment its USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, HDMI jack, and Bluetooth 3.0 radio. The most convincing sign this rig is squarely aimed at dedicated gamers is the backlit keyboard — the W, A, S and D keys are highlighted in red, while the rest of the spread glows a calming blue. The 700G7A will hit shelves in September for around €1,800 (about $2,600), though there’s no word if said shelves include those here in the states. Check out NewGadgets’ hands-on video after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Series 7 700G7A targets gamers with monstrous size and specs

Samsung Series 7 700G7A targets gamers with monstrous size and specs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNetzwelt.de (translated), NewGadgets (translated), 2  | Email this | Comments

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Aug 17

MSI X460 and X460DX make their slim and shiny debuts

Posted in: laptop, msi, Today's Chili, usb 3.0, Usb3.0

MSI took the wraps off of two similarly named slim notebooks today. The X460 and X460DX both pack 14-inch displays, two USB 3.0 slots (and one 2.0), and shiny multitouch trackpads into 4.3 pound frames. The higher end X460 rocks an Intel Core i7 processor, WiDi 2.0 and 750GB of storage. The models are currently available, with a suggested starting price of $799.

Gallery: MSI X460 and X460DX

Continue reading MSI X460 and X460DX make their slim and shiny debuts

MSI X460 and X460DX make their slim and shiny debuts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 16

ADATA’s SH14 hard drive packs a stylish yet rugged punch

Posted in: external hard drive, ExternalHardDrive, hard drive, HardDrive, storage, Today's Chili, usb 3.0, Usb3.0
Always thought ruggedized storage had to look tough and utilitarian? Think again, because ADATA’s latest looks more like a fashionable disco-futon than the outwardly brawny externals we’re used to. Buried somewhere under all that style is a 2.5-inch, 5400RPM drive that’s IPX4 water-resistant and “military grade shockproof.” It’ll come in red or black and in 500GB, 750GB or 1TB capacities, which’ll set you back €59.90, €71.90 or €92.90, respectively. The chic but virile drives also tote USB 3.0, equating to a relatively speedy 90MB/s transfer rate. No word on pricing for yanks yet, but they’ll probably show up before long at the “select agents and distributors” at the source below.

Continue reading ADATA’s SH14 hard drive packs a stylish yet rugged punch

ADATA’s SH14 hard drive packs a stylish yet rugged punch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 13

Ask Engadget: best 1TB+ USB 3.0 external drive on a budget?

Posted in: AskEngadget, storage, Today's Chili, usb, usb 3.0, Usb3.0

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Patrick, who can’t wait another day to start taking advantage of his newfangled blue USB port. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I just got a new laptop with a USB 3.0 port. I currently have a USB 2.0 external hard drive, but I would like to upgrade. First of all, is the speed boost really worth the money? Is there a speed difference between those that need external power and those that are powered through the USB cable? Looking for one that’s 1TB to 2TB, and my price range is about $150, give or take. Thanks!”

It’s certainly harder to come across a SuperSpeed bargain than a USB 2.0 bargain, but we’re sure there’s a few deals to be had. That said, reliability has to come into play here — any well-rounded suggestions for this fellow? Drop ’em in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best 1TB+ USB 3.0 external drive on a budget? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 11

Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0

Posted in: thin and light, ThinAndLight, Today's Chili, usb 3.0, Usb3.0
Can you blame Dell for deciding its laptops needed a makeover? After suffering some serious market share losses and earning a reputation for bland designs and questionable customer service, we can see why the company would be keen on revamping its lineup as a way of distancing itself from its not-so-sunny rap. That seems to be precisely what the outfit’s doing with the Inspiron 13z and 14z, which Dell unveiled today. Both laptops move to aluminum lids and palm rests, available in a small (and fairly toned-down) color selection, with black and red being your only choices. The two have also whittled to under an inch thick, with the beefier 14z leaving enough room for an optical drive. Not surprisingly, the resolution’s 1366 x 768 — precisely what you’d expect in a $600 laptop. Also predictable: this generation of Inspirons offers USB 3.0 and Sandy Bridge, with a choice of Core i3 and Core i5 processors. Both models start at $599.99, with the 14z available in the states today, and the 13z launching in “select” Asian countries. Curious? We’ve got a handful of hands-on shots below and the full PR after the break.

Gallery: Dell Inspiron 13z / 14z hands-on

Continue reading Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0

Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 10

Revved up USB 3.0 carries 10 times the power of Thunderbolt

Posted in: thunderbolt, Today's Chili, usb, usb 3.0, Usb3.0

Wow. Those rockstars at the USB 3.0 promoter group haven’t taken the threat of Thunderbolt lying down. They’ve been working long into the night (we imagine) screaming “More Power!” and “Liiiiive, damn you, liiiive!”. In a press release, the group announces a new power delivery specification which will push USB 3.0’s limit from 4.5 watts all the way up to 100. You all of course remember that Thunderbolt’s maximum is a mere-by-comparison 10 watts. Brad Saunders, the promotion group’s chairman, believes that the new standard could enable USB 3.0 to supply a laptop with energy at the same time as it delivers data between your devices. (After all that time sponging off your laptop’s meager battery it’s about time your USB-powered foot warmer started returning the favor.) At the moment it’s only a specification and won’t be implemented until 2012 at the earliest, but this could just turn into an arms race of electrifying proportions.

Revved up USB 3.0 carries 10 times the power of Thunderbolt originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Slashdot, Thinq  |  sourceUSB 3.0 Promoter Group Press Release (.pdf)  | Email this | Comments

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Aug 01

Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go USB 3.0 hard drives add color to your otherwise drab storage needs

Posted in: external hard drive, ExternalHardDrive, hard drive, HardDrive, storage, Today's Chili, usb 3.0, Usb3.0

Our parents always taught us that it’s what’s on the inside that counts — and that’s why we don’t ever take them hard drive shopping with us. Sure these Store ‘n’ Go drives are pretty standard 500GB HDDs, but hey, they come in Caribbean blue and hot pink, so they should fit in nicely with that neon fanny pack we just picked up to haul around our computer peripherals. The drives sport USB 3.0 and come loaded with Nero BackItUp software. You can pick them up for $100 from Verbatim’s site — they shouldn’t be too hard to spot. Decidedly less colorful press information after the break.

Continue reading Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go USB 3.0 hard drives add color to your otherwise drab storage needs

Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go USB 3.0 hard drives add color to your otherwise drab storage needs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jul 23

Ask Engadget: best USB 3.0 hub on the market?

Posted in: accessories, Today's Chili, usb, usb 3.0, Usb3.0

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Sam, who couldn’t be more excited to hop onboard the SuperSpeed bandwagon. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I finally got a new laptop with a lone USB 3.0 port. I’m now looking at getting a USB 3.0 hub with a power adapter so I can use both of my USB 3.0 hard drives at faster speeds. I’ve read lots of horror stories where some hubs either don’t come with power adapters — and as a consequence the portable drives don’t work with them properly — or they are designed poorly which results in USB 2.0 speeds. Or, the hard drives keep getting disconnected. Do your readers have any suggestions or experience using USB 3.0 hubs? Thanks!”

A timely question, indeed. We too have seen USB 3.0 hubs act awfully finicky — particularly when mixing USB 3.0 and 2.0 HDDs — so we’d love to hear what one(s) are working out for folks. Shout it out in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best USB 3.0 hub on the market? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jul 20

5 Best Alternatives to Apple’s New Product Lineup

Posted in: Today's Chili, top, usb 3.0

Shocking as this news may be, not everybody uses a Mac (*raises hand*). For those of us not drinking the Cupertino Koolaid, here are 5 solid alternatives to the new products from today’s Apple announcement. More »

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Jul 19

LaCie’s Rugged Mini is rugged, also mini (video)

Posted in: hard drive, HardDrive, rugged, Today's Chili, usb 3.0, Usb3.0, video

Got a knack for all things rugged, rubberized and orange? Then you’re undoubtedly familiar with LaCie’s robust line of drives, which the firm’s been peddling to abusive storage lovers since 2008. Joining the family today are 500GB, 1TB, and (next month) 1.5TB miniaturized versions of Neil Poulton‘s shock, drop, and rain-resistant baby. They also tote USB 3.0, making them perfect candidates for speedy transfers while you’re being hunted by some rare and soon-to-be extinct Amazonian jungle cat. Sound like your kind of shindig? PR and a video await you after the break.

Continue reading LaCie’s Rugged Mini is rugged, also mini (video)

LaCie’s Rugged Mini is rugged, also mini (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceLaCie  | Email this | Comments

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