By Admin 31 July 2011 0 comments

• Intel Ultrabooks - No-compromise computers

Intel is empowering a new breed of no-compromise computers, called Ultrabooks which will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and security in thin, elegant form factors. The notion of ‘one-size-fits-all’ computing is out of place in today’s increasingly fast-paced world; and consumers are demanding more functionality packaged in sleek packages at mainstream prices.

Read the following article about how Intel is driving innovative changes in how these must-have mobile devices are made. The article was written by Becky Emmett on the 28th July 2011 at the technology section of Intel blog and is at http://goo.gl/5EGz2. You can read it below:-

The world of computing is in the midst of a sea change. Some might call it a "strategic inflection point." You can see it all around, especially in the massive growth of device types -- smartphones, tablets, hybrid devices, e-readers, netbooks, Chromebooks. It's a time of great creative ferment. We at Intel love this. The variety of all of these different devices is changing how people think about computing. In terms of the devices themselves, we are working hard to bring the benefits of Intel technology not only to improve the overall mobile experience, but to revolutionize it.

In case you didn't catch it, one of the more interesting recent disclosures related to this happened at Computex last month in Taiwan. Intel's Sean Maloney and Mooly Eden provided further details on the significant changes Intel is making to the Intel Core processor roadmap to enable a new mainstream line of mobile computers, called Ultrabook. This new breed of devices will combine best in class performance, responsiveness and security in thin and light, elegant form factors. Eventually you'll think of an Ultrabook as a tablet when you want it, a PC when you need it. This is an historic change that we believe will redefine the computing experience. We've been mapping out these changes over the past several months and they aren't trivial. They will impact the physical shape and capabilities of personal computing devices and require substantial changes to the way Intel and its partners design, produce and market devices and their components. Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini said in our most recent earnings announcement that he's pleased with the industry response and customer commitments around this new product category. Sean and Mooly explained that Ultrabooks will arrive in phases. Phase 1 was kicked off when Intel introduced its latest Ultra-Low Voltage 2nd Generation Intel Core processors in June that will bring new systems to shelves this holiday season. Phase 2 centers around the next generation Intel microarchitecture code name Ivy Bridge processors scheduled for availability in systems in the first half of 2012. Laptops based on Ivy Bridge will bring improved power efficiency, smart visual performance, increased responsiveness and enhanced security. Faster I/O such as USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technologies are also part of Intel's ongoing work to drive the PC platform forward. Intel microarchitecture code name Haswell is the third phase toward accelerating the Ultrabook and reinventing the capabilities of the laptop in ultra thin and light, responsive and secure designs. With Haswell, Intel will transform the computing experience with more power efficient processors that allow a more dynamic experience in insanely sleek systems.

In late 2011, you'll begin to see systems that offer:

• Thin/light designs
• Less than 21 mm thick - some much thinner than even that.
• Ultra-fast start up
• Intel Rapid Start Technology gets your system up and running faster from even the deepest sleep, saving time and battery life.
• PC wakes up almost instantly - Quick access to your data and applications
• Extended battery life
• Ultrabooks will offer 5 hours of battery life even in the sleekest form factors with some systems delivering 8 hours or more for all-day usage.
• Security enabled
• Bios/Firmware enabled to expose hardware features for Intel Anti-Theft Technology and Intel Identity Protection Technology

Intel has a strong track record in delivering innovation and growth in computing by employing our core assets of architecture, engineering, and manufacturing leadership. We transitioned to multimedia instructions with Pentium in 1995 and the mobile PC market with Centrino in 2003. We are confident we have the right set of technologies to influence a major change once again.

Here's the thing: We are totally jazzed about all of this. It's a good time to be working in this industry and it's awesome time to be working at Intel. It's also a fantastic time to be a user of technology - never before have we had so many choices of devices to suit our personal needs and lifestyles. If you think today's variety of computing devices is exciting, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Speaking of which, what new features, designs or experiences would you like to see from your future mobile device? Would it look much like the laptops or tablets of today or would it be something completely different? What would you call it? We'd like to hear from you!

By Admin 4 comments

• ASUS Eee Pad Slider

ASUS continues to lead the Pad Trend with the Eee Pad Slider, an Innovative Android™ tablet with slide-out keyboard for a comfortable typing experience. With the ASUS Eee Pad slider, users enjoy a superior multimedia experience powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 dual core processor, IPS display panel, cameras, and more. Of course, mobility problems will no longer be an issue, especially with the trendsetting cloud experience and connectivity features available with the ASUS Eee Pad Slider.

On the 29th July 2011, ASUS launched the ASUS Eee Pad Slider, a tablet that builds on the great success of the Eee Pad Transformer. Prior to its launch, the Eee Pad Slider has already made its mark with its winning design at the International Design Excellence Awards 2011. The Eee Pad Slider, which comes in either pearl white or metallic brown, features a slide-out keyboard, the new Google Android™ 3.1 operating system (Android™ 3.2 upgradable*), as well as a plethora of powerful multimedia features. In pad mode, users can experience rich visuals on the 178° wide viewing angle IPS display. Connectivity is a breeze too, with the built-in USB port, Micro SD card reader, and mini-HDMI port. In slide-out mode, users can take advantage of the keyboard to compose emails and blog posts faster than ever.


Superior multimedia experience
Powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 dual core processor, the ASUS Eee Pad Slider is blazing fast whether browsing the web, watching HD movies, listening to music, or doing all of the above at once. HD video playback and surround sound system are supported, so users can easily view media from their Eee Pad Slider on their home entertainment system.

The brilliant IPS display panel, with an ultra-wide 178° viewing angle and 16:10 golden ratio, not only provides an unrivaled experience, but is also protected by a layer of scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass. With 10 finger multi-touch support, users can have the most natural and intuitive touch experience possible. On top of that, the front-facing 1.2MP camera and back-facing 5MP camera gives users video conferencing capabilities as well as the ability to take stunning pictures.


Ultra-mobile productivity
The slide-out keyboard that is built right into the ASUS Eee Pad Slider gives users a faster and more comfortable typing experience compared to an on-screen keyboard. Now users can be productive anytime and anywhere. The pre-installed Polaris® Office 3.0 gives users a professional Mobile Office Solution, allowing them to view and edit office documents including documents, spreadsheets and presentation files.

To help users seamlessly transfer data between devices, ASUS WebStorage provides one year of unlimited cloud storage so users can backup and share all of their favorite songs, movies, and photos. With the addition of the 16/32GB eMMC slot, USB port, Micro SD card reader, and mini-HDMI port, the Eee Pad Slider is truly a productivity and entertainment powerhouse.


Trendsetting cloud experience
With Google’s revolutionary Android™ 3.1 operating system (Android™ 3.2 upgradable*), designed and optimized for tablets, users will receive the full web experience on the Eee Pad Slider. Adobe® Flash®** is enabled, which means rich and immersive content is right at users’ finger tips.

ASUS also included several unique applications such as MyNet, MyCloud, and MyLibrary. MyNet easily streams digital media wirelessly to home network devices, so HD videos or music can be played on HDTVs or desktop PCs. MyLibrary consolidates downloaded books, magazines, and newspapers in one easy-to-browse profile, while MyCloud is a total cloud solution that provides access to digital content such as music, videos and photos. Users can even use MyCloud to remotely access and control their PC or Mac systems and access applications to extend the capabilities of the Eee Pad Slider.

Finally, the Google Android™ Market offers hundreds of thousands of apps for users’ enjoyment, including popular ones such as Angry Birds, Facebook, and Twitter.


Full Specifications Of Asus Eee Pad Slider

Network
3G Network	–
2G Network	–
Form Factor	QWERTY-Slider
Dimensions
L x B x H	273 x 180 x 17.7mm
Weight	886 grams
Display
Type	IPS Capacitive touchscreen
Size	7 inch
Colors & Resolution	16 Million Colors & 1280 x 800 Pixels
Input/ User Interface
Input	Full Slide-out QWERTY Keyboard Multi Touch Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
System Properties
Operating System	Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS
CPU	1GHz Dual-Core Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor 1GB / 512MB RAM
Memory Storage
Internal Memory	16GB/ 32GB memory storage
Memory Expansion	–
Browser & Messaging	HTML, Flash SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email and IM
Camera
Still	- 5 Megapixels - 2592 x 1944 pixels - LED Flash, Auto Focus
Secondary	- 1.3 Megapixels - 1280 x 1024 pixels
Video Recording Capability	- 1080p HD video recording capability @ 30fps - 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Connectivity
Bluetooth & USB	Bluetooth v2.1 with EDR & v2.0 micro USB
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Headset	3.5mm stereo headset jack
GPS	A-GPS
3G	Yes
HDMI	Mini-HDMI
Music & Video
Music Format	MP3, WMA
Video Format	MPEG4, H.263, H.264
Battery
Type	Li-Ion 25WH Standard battery
Battery Life	6 Hours Running
Other Features	1080p HD video playback Micro HDMI Connector My Wave UI Optional onboard 3G Adobe 10.1 Flash compatibility Facebook integration Android Market, G-mail, Google Maps, G-Talk Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Picasa Quickoffice, Digital compass
Colors	Black

*Android™ Honeycomb 3.2 upgrade will be available through FOTA.
**Users may need to download Adobe Flash from the Android™ Market.

By Admin 0 comments

• How to Install Hydro Series H100 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler

This tutorial shows you how to properly install the Hydro Series H100 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler, the currently top cooler provided by Corsair. With the help of pictures, the tutorial has been written with details to provide you with a good explanation. You can click on the pictures for a full-scale view.

The tutorial was originally made by Jeff Checchi on the 29th July 2011 at the Corsair blog (http://goo.gl/aPdkv). Well, they continue to provide us with their amazing tutorials. So, I do not claim that this is my work. I`m only sharing the tutorial with you. All credits go to him.

The Hydro Series™ H100 is the new top of the line all enclosed water cooling CPU coolers from Corsair. The H100 is similar to other Hydro Series CPU coolers from Corsair with a few exceptions, the main one being that the H100 uses a longer 240mm radiator. Luckily all of Corsairs PC cases will support the H100 and this blog will serve to illustrate the process. We will be installing it in our Obsidian Series™ 800D full-tower case.

First, it’s a good idea to lay out your components and make sure you have everything you will need for your particular CPU socket. The H100 supports the following CPU sockets right out of the box:

• Intel: LGA, 775, 1155, 1156, 1366 2011
• AMD: AM2, AM3

In this build we will be using an EVGA P55 motherboard which uses the 1156 socket. The H100 comes out of the box with the Intel bracket already attached, so we are ready to move on to the next step. If you are mounting the H100 on an AMD socket, you will want to unscrew the Intel bracket that is already mounted to the cooling unit, and then screw in the AMD bracket. There are 4 screws, 2 on each side which are outlined in the picture below.


The backplate on the H100 is adjustable and can be configured for any of the supported socket types. Just slide the pins on the bracket so that they align with the holes on the motherboard and then use the double-sided mounting bolts to secure it into place. With the 800D’s CPU backplate cutout, you can apply the bracket without having to remove the motherboard from the case.


The mounting bolts serve two purposes, one is to secure the backplate to the motherboard, the other is to give you a mounting point for your CPU cooling unit and bracket. In the picture below you will see two out of four of the mounting bolts are already installed and circled in yellow.


Now that the backplate is secure, we will mount the radiator. It will be easier to mount the radiator first, and then the CPU cooling unit, rather than the other way around.

In the Obsidian Series 800D there is a large mounting area for the H100 in the top of the case. Find your 8x 10mm screws (the shorter ones) and washers and get them ready to screw into the radiator. The following picture shows me holding the radiator in place (outlined in yellow), getting ready to mount it with the 8x 10mm screws.


The correct order for screwing in the radiator screws is Screw > Washer > Case > Radiator.


Once you finish securing the radiator in place, we will mount both fans on the radiator. Every Corsair fan will show you both the direction of airflow and the direction which the fan blades will spin. Look closely on the sides of the fan for two arrows pointing in these directions.


The fan direction with the H100 is optional, and dependent on how many exhaust fans you already have, the key is to have a good balance of intake versus exhaust. In most configurations with the H100 we would recommend using the fans as exhaust, which we will be doing with the 800D.

When mounting the fans I find that it is easiest to thread 2 screws in by hand in a diagonal pattern, which will align the fan with the holes in the radiator. Once the fan is pinned loosely to the radiator, screw it in the rest of the way and then add your two remaining screws. Repeat the process with the second fan.


Once the radiator, fans and backplate are mounted, it is time to mount the CPU cooling unit. Simply line up the pins with the holes on the CPU bracket and tighten it down with the supplied thumb screws. The H100 comes with thermal material already applied to the CPU cooling unit. When you are ready to mount the CPU cooling unit, remove the plastic shielding that covers the thermal material and use the 4x thumbscrews to secure it to the mounting bolts that we used to secure the backplate earlier.


Now that the unit is mounted, we will want to plug in power cables for both fans and the pump. The H100 has an integrated 4-fan hub which is where you will want to plug in your H100 fans. This is outlined in yellow in the picture below.


Plugging the fans directly into the integrated 4-fan hub allows you to select from 3 different fan speed profiles which control fan RPM based on the coolant temperature within the H100. The 3 profiles are Quiet, Balanced, and Performance, and are indicated by the LED display on the H100, you can see a chart showing the relationship between fan speed and coolant temperature for each profile in the picture below.


The final step is to plug in the power cable for the pump. The power cable for the pump has two connectors, one will plug directly into your PSUs 4-pin peripheral cable, and the other will plug directly into your motherboards CPU 4-pin fan header. The H100 is powered by the 4-pin peripheral cable, while the 3-pin fan header sends pump RPM information to your motherboards BIOS.


Now the Hydro Series H100 is completely installed and there is still plenty of room to fill up all the motherboards DIMM slots with some of our tallest Vengeance memory, which measures 52mm in height.


Well, that was how you can Install the Hydro Series H100 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler. I hope this helped you.

By Admin 30 July 2011 0 comments

• GPU Technology Conference in Tokyo

Last week, NVIDIA had its first GPU Technology Conference in Tokyo, attracting almost 1000 people at the Tokyo Midtown Hall. The conference was co-hosted by NVIDIA and the Tokyo Institute of Technology.

Below is an article written by the NVIDIA members and talks about the the conference went.

The enthusiasm for all things GPU was palpable as attendees filled breakout sessions to capacity, listened to speakers presenting their academic/research papers and browsed various technical posters.

While each breakout session was packed to the brim, the CUDA training sessions – which offered standing-room-only throughout the day – drew the largest crowds. Given the number and breadth of questions asked at the CUDA sessions, there’s no denying that developers are hungry for more CUDA. It’s a good sign for GPU computing when questions like these stop focusing on the basics of GPU computing and start addressing topics concerning deployment of GPU-powered systems.

The agenda also featured technical talks from a group of speakers that included university professors, engineers and industry executives, as well as a gallery of GPU-related technical posters (which were selected by the GPU Computing Study Group). At the conclusion of the event, a review committee, comprised of representatives from universities across Japan, selected the best paper and the best poster at GTC Japan. The winners will go on to showcase their work at GTC 2012.

Taro Okamoto, from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, won top honors from the review committee for his paper and presentation on “Full GPU Simulation of Seismic Wave Propagation.” Naoyuki Ichimura, from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology, was honored with the distinction of submitting the best poster in the show, entitled “Extracting Local Invariant Features by Parallel Processing Based on Orientation Maps.”


We are inviting both winners to present their work to a likeminded group of conference goers, and to rub elbows with industry thought-leaders, at GTC 2012 in San Jose, California, on May 14-17, 2012.

On behalf of the NVIDIA team, I’d like to extend a big “thank you” to our GTC Japan partners and sponsors.

For those of you eager for the next regional GTC event, you won’t have to wait long. GTC Asia will be held Dec. 14-15, 2011, in Beijing. For more GTC info, please visit www.gputechconf.com.

By Admin 0 comments

• Intel® Boot Loader Development Kit Now for Embedded Platforms

On the 28th July 2011, Intel announced the availability of the Intel® Boot Loader Development Kit (Intel® BLDK), a software toolkit that allows the creation of customized firmware offerings for embedded Intel processor-based platforms without requiring a full BIOS (Basic Input-Output System) solution. This offering provides developers with a more flexible solution that helps to lower bill of materials costs, reduce boot times and offers greater firmware initialization flexibility and reusability. This is free and publicly available software with the initial release supporting platforms based on the Intel® Atom Processor E6xx Series.

Overview of Intel® Boot Loader Development Kit

The Intel® Boot Loader Development Kit (Intel® BLDK) is a software toolkit that allows creation of customized and optimized initialization firmware solutions for embedded Intel® processor-based platforms. The Intel BLDK enables rapid development of firmware for fixed-function embedded designs—those requiring basic initialization and functionality rather than the full capabilities delivered with a traditional BIOS.

The foundation of the Intel BLDK is Intel’s latest implementation of the UEFI Specification Version 2.3 is the Intel® UEFI Development Kit 2010 (Intel® UDK2010). Consequently, the Intel BLDK is fully compliant with the latest UEFI standards and compatible for use with the Intel® UEFI Development Kit Debugger Tool and UEFI 2.0 Shell. Because Intel BLDK is based on open UEFI standards and the Intel UDK2010 implementation, a significant portion of the source code is openly available to provide flexibility for customizing the firmware initialization of code.

Development Kit Components

• Rich Code Base: Based on the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), the Intel BLDK provides a plethora of features and functionality required in embedded systems.
• Reference Implementations: Example reference board images from Intel provide a baseline from which developers can customize their system firmware images.
• GUI Tools: An integrated development environment facilitates easy navigation, modification, and debug of the underlying code base. Module selection and build tools allow custom image creation without direct code changes.
• Documentation: Comprehensive instructional documents enable self-sufficiency and effective support, no matter what the size of the project.

Benefits

• No Cost or Royalties: Intel BLDK helps reduce BOM costs.
• Reduced Boot Times: Customers can optimize firmware for reduced boot times and smaller firmware size.
• Rich Feature Set: Includes power management and the ability to boot to a variety of alternate devices.
• Greater Flexibility: Allows developers full control to create and customize firmware initialization.
• Greater Reusability: UEFI standards help create firmware solutions that can be widely reused.
• Rapid Firmware Development: Tools and development environment allow for rapid creation and customizing of reference firmware implementation.
• Ecosystem Support: Members of the Intel® Embedded Alliance provide a wide array of value-added products, solutions, and services based on the Intel BLDK.

The product brief of Intel® Boot Loader Development Kit can be obtained at http://goo.gl/ubXGQ

For more information and to download of the Intel BLDK, please visit www.intel.com/go/bldk.

By Admin 0 comments

• ASUS Eee PC X101 - Thinnest and Lightess Netbook

As announced at Computex some times ago, ASUS has finally launched the ASUS Eee PC X101, the world`s current thinnest and lightest netbook available. ASUS announced about the ASUS Eee PC X101 on the 28 July 2011. ASUS Eee PC X101 - Thinnest and Lightess Netbook is designed to keep users connected to their favorite sites quickly and easily at an affordable price. With this netbook, users can stay connected while moving.


ASUS Launches the Eee PC X101, the World's Thinnest and Lightest Netbook

ASUS has launched the Eee PC X101 netbook, the world’s thinnest and lightest netbook. Announced earlier this year at Computex, the X101 has a super thin 17.6mm profile and weighs a mere 920g so it is easily slipped in to bags for superior portability. Preloaded with the new MeeGo operating system, the X101 allows users to stay connected to their favorite social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and more. This is the perfect netbook as a first computer for kids, teens, as well as students.


Mobility achieved

The X101 shatters the mold of past netbooks with its super thin profile of 17.6mm and a lightweight 920g, yet is still equipped with all the standard netbook goods. It features the latest Intel® Atom™ N435 processor with 1GB of RAM, 2x USB 2.0 ports, a MicroSD Card reader, built-in webcam and 8GB SSD for quick startup and launch times. ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology is also built-in to help conserve battery life for the X101, which is available in a variety of colors including white, black, brown and red.


Staying social

The new MeeGo OS was developed to help users stay connected through a convenient, easy to use interface. With specific applications for Facebook, Twitter, as well as a dedicated instant messaging client, keeping up with friends has never been easier. Google’s Chromium browser is also built-in to the MeeGo for web surfing, while a variety of cloud-based services like asus@vibe, the asus appstore and the popular Dropbox online file storage are also available for use.


Computer aided learning

While the X101 is a great computer to stay connected, it is also a great tool to learn the world’s international language, English. Offered on the X101 is the British English Language Learning application, which comes in the form of a content bundle of interactive games, videos and mp3s which are pre-installed on the X101. Over 300 pieces of material was developed by English Language Training (ELT) leaders and the British Council, with the application designed by Intel’s award winning Performance Learning Solutions.
Choice for users

The Eee PC X101 netbook is also offered in the X101H configuration, which comes with the choice of either Windows® 7 Starter with a 250GB HDD, or MeeGo OS with 8GB SSD. The X101H model gives users the option to choose the environment they are more comfortable with.


Product highlights:

• Ultra-thin and light for easy portability — just 17.6mm thick and 920g
• Seamless chiclet keyboard & comfortable large touchpad
• MeeGo operating system with comprehensive selection of preinstalled productivity, entertainment and social networking applications
• Preinstalled British Council English Language Learning software for industry-leading language learning across all age ranges
• Bundled asus appstore for instant access to applications, ebooks and games, plus asus@vibe for rich cloud-based entertainment content.

Now, let`s look at the ASUS Eee PC X101 - Thinnest and Lightess Netbook in some details.

Overview of ASUS Eee PC X101 - Thinnest and Lightess Netbook

Slim profile

The X101 was designed to be thin and lightweight, for maximum portability. Boasting a profile that’s less than 17.6 mm thick and weighing less than 920 gram, it easily slips into bags without adding much bulk. Featuring a comfortable chiclet keyboard for typing and large responsive touchpad, the X101 just screams to be used.

Your social networking companion - MeeGo OS

Today’s digital life is all about staying connected. We write blogs, upload photos and stay connected with friends on countless social networking sites. The new MeeGo Operating System on the X101 brings the internet to you in a new intuitive interface, integrating Facebook, Twitter and other popular social media sites onto the homepage for quick access so you can stay connected even faster.

English learning application

The X101 isn’t all play; it’s also a learning tool. Included with the MeeGo OS is the British Council English Language Learning application, designed for people from non-native English speaking countries who aspire to improve their English. The product takes the form of a content bundle of interactive games, videos and mp3s which are preinstalled on the X101. Over 300 pieces of material was developed by English Language Training (ELT) leaders and the British Council, with the application designed by Intel’s award winning Performance Learning Solutions.

Cloud computing for everyone

The X101 is preloaded with not only the MeeGo OS, but also the ASUS App store so you can download applications and stay productive and entertained. Discover apps, games, extensions and themes for the Google Chrome web browser on the Chrome Webstore. Also available is access to asus @vibe, which provides a fun, easy and convenient center filled with rich cloud computing content. As an added bonus, the popular Dropbox online storage is preloaded so you can easily and seamlessly sync files across your desktop, netbook or smart phone.

Technical Specifications of ASUS Eee PC X101 - Thinnest and Lightess Netbook

Operating System : MeeGo
Display : 10.1" LED Backlight WSVGA (1024x600) Screen
CPU : Intel® Atom™ N435/N455 Processor
Memory : DDR3, 1 x SO-DIMM, 1GB ( Maximum 2GB )
Storage : 2.5" SATA 8GB SSD, 2 GB Dropbox Web Storage
Wireless Data Network : WLAN 802.11 b/g/n@2.4GHz*1, Bluetooth V3.0*1
Camera : 0.3 M Pixel Camera
Audio : High Quality Speaker
Interface : 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x Audio Jack (Headphone/Headset), 1 x Card Reader : Micro SD
Battery : 4hrs (3cells, 28W/h) battery life*

*Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations
Dimensions : 262 x 180 x 17.6 mm (WxDxH)

Weight : 0.92 Kgs (w/ 3cell battery)
Color Texture : Black, Red, White, Brown
Note *1 : Availability is dependent on selected model, country or operator support. Check with your local ASUS website for more details.

• All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers. Products may not be available in all markets.
• PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.
• Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

By Admin 29 July 2011 0 comments

• Corsair Graphite Series 600T with AirFlow Pro Case Mod Installation

This tutorial shows you how to use the Corsair Graphite Series 600T along with AirFlow Pro Case Mod so that you can enjoy the experience. The tutorial shows you how to install the parts correctly, with details and screenshots for better understanding.

The tutorial was originally made by Carlos Pascual on the 22nd July 2011 for the Corsair blog (http://goo.gl/1m5XV). I wanted to share this excellent tutorial with you here. All credits go to him and this excellent work. Below is the exact post he made to show us how to use the Corsair Graphite Series 600T with AirFlow Pro Case Mod and how to install them properly.

The AirFlow Pro™ Dynamic Temperature and Activity Display for Dominator Memory is a uniquely designed accessory that allows you to see your memory's activity and temperature simultaneously via LED meters. I've always wanted to install one with my Dominator® with DHX Pro Connector and Airflow II Fan &mdash 12GB Triple Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMP12GX3M3A1600C9), but with the mesh side panel installed on my Graphite Series 600T mid-tower case the Airflow PRO is being concealed inside my case and is difficult to see. With the considerable“Bling” factor of the AirFlow Pro you don’t want that to be hidden. So I decided that I would modify the AirFlow Pro to place it on the front panel of the 600T, so I can see the it in all it's glory on front of my case.


First step of modifying the AirFlow Pro was figuring out the tools and materials I needed to extend cables already provided to the length required:

1. Expandable Sleeving
2. Solder
3. Standard wire (ST26-25BK)
4. Soldering Iron
5. AirFlow Pro
6. Heat Shrink Tubing

I cut the standard wire to desired length, and soldered the existing AirFlow Pro connecters to extend the length of wire. Once they were soldered, I used heat shrink tubing where I've soldered the wires together to insure that any exposed wires do not touch, and sleeved the cables to give it a clean look.


I ensudred that I wired my cables correctly by testing each one, and started to take apart the Airflow Pro as I only need the PCB board and not the plastic covering. Located on the back of the Airflow Pro, where the PCB is exposed, are four small screws, which allowed me to remove the plastic covering. Once that was complete, I also modified the front case panel by removing the dust filter and cutting away the plastic which covered the middle area.


I was finally ready to place the Airflow Pro in the desired location on the 600T front panel. Using double sided tape, I placed it on the inside of the front panel with the LED’s facing out. I connected the extended cables to the AirFlow Pro to the Dominator memory modules and ensured all connections, including the power connection, were properly wired and hidden.


Once everything was installed I turned on my machine and enjoyed my new modified AirFlow Pro!

By Admin 0 comments

• Sony Vaio Z Series VPCZ217GGX review

Sony Vaio Z Series VPCZ217GGX is a new high-end notebook with exceptionally features and specifications. Designed with quality and to be durable, Sony Vaio Z Series VPCZ217GGX will soon be available around the world with its Intel Core i7 Processor and AMD Radeon™ HD 6650M graphics card.

VAIO Z Series is a high performance yet thin and light PC, SSD RAID 0, 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, and full HD LCD for speed and power. Simply connect Power Media Dock™ for additional benefits of AMD Radeon™ HD 6650M with 1GB VRAM and Blu-ray Disc™ storage.

• Intel® Core™ i7-2620M Processor 2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.40 GHz
• Genuine Windows® 7 Professional with Service Pack 1 64-bit
• 13.1 inch wide (Full HD: 1920x1080) TFT colour display (VAIO Display Premium, LED backlight, Adobe RGB 96% coverage)
• Absolute power in only 16.65 mm and 1.165 kg body
• Power Media Dock™ to enhance productivity and connectivity: AMD Radeon™ HD 6650M, Blu-ray Disc™ Drive with DVD SuperMulti, and more ports.
• SSD in RAID 0: (256 GB (128 GB x 2; Serial ATA)) for Quick Boot and quick operation

The new VAIO Z Series Notebooks will begin to ship on the 8th August, 2011.

Remote Play & Remote Keyboard

Remote Play with PlayStation®3 is software which allows your VAIO to access videos, music & photos stored on your PlayStation®3 via the internet or across a wireless or hardwired LAN network. If a PlayTV (a PlayStation®3 digital TV tuner accessory) is connected to the PlayStation®3 you can also view recorded or live free-to-air Australian TV on your VAIO from virtually anywhere in the world. Remote Play is preloaded on this VAIO – ready to be installed.

Remote Keyboard allows the keyboard on your VAIO (via your local home network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to be used to control and enter text on selected 2010 Sony Blu-ray players and selected 2011 BRAVIA TV’s. Remote Keyboard is pre-installed on this VAIO.

Remote Keyboard for PlayStation®3 allows the keyboard on your VAIO (via Bluetooth) to be used to control and enter text on your PlayStation®3 system. Remote Keyboard for PlayStation®3 is pre-installed on this VAIO.

Remote Play and Remote Keyboard for PlayStation®3 are also available as a free download.


Windows® 7 Professional
Windows® 7 Professional has all the features you need for business along with all the great media and entertainment features of Home Premium.

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
Second generation Intel® Core™i7 processor provides ultimate smart performance for the toughest tasks, with higher frequencies and greater cache size. It also features Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology for smart PC experience.

Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Intel HD Graphics 3000 delivers immersive and casual mainstream gaming capabilities with entry-level discrete graphics card performance without an additional graphics card or chip.

Bluetooth®
Built-in Bluetooth® unleashes the power of communication by enabling swift wireless data transfer with minimum power consumption. Compatible accessories for enhanced wireless enjoyment include a Bluetooth® mouse, keyboard, and headset.

HDMI Output
A single HDMI cable lets you digitally output movies and music to your large-screen television. It’s the perfect way to enjoy original HD home movies.

Specifications of  Sony Vaio Z Series VPCZ217GGX

Operating System
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Professional with Service Pack 1 64-bit (English Version)
Language Pack: Hong Kong Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai
Language Interface Pack: Vietnamese

Architecture
Processor Name Intel® Core™ i7-2620M Processor 2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.40 GHz*1
Chipset Intel® HM67 Express Chipset
Cache Memory 4 MB (L3 Cache)

Main Memory
Pre-installed/Max 8 GB (4 GB (Custom Module) x 2) DDR3 SDRAM*2 (Max)
SO-DIMM Slots Custom Slot (Unexchangable,Unused Memory slot 0)
Memory Speed 1333 MT/s

Flash Memory
Flash Memory 256 GB*3 (128 GB x 2(RAID 0)*4, Serial ATA)

Graphics
Graphics Accelerator Intel® HD Graphics 3000

Display
Type 13.1 inch wide (Full HD: 1920x1080) TFT colour display (VAIO Display Premium, LED backlight, Adobe RGB 96% coverage)

Interface
USB Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Type A Connector x 1*5
Network (RJ-45)Connector 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T x 1
Display Output Connector Analogue RGB, Mini D-Sub 15 pin x 1
Headphone Stereo, Mini Jack x 1
HDMI In/Out Connector HDMI Out x 1 (3D Supported)
Memory Stick Slot "Memory Stick Duo"("Memory Stick PRO-HG" compatible, "MagicGate" ("MagicGate" is not supported for 256 MB or less capacity media. ))*6
SD Memory Card Slot SD memory card (SDHC, SDXC compatible, UHS (SDR50) supported , Copyright protection (CPRM))
DC IN x 1
Extend Battery Connector x 1
Others Docking Station/USB port x 1 (This port supports USB 2.0/3.0 compatible devices)

Wireless Connection
Wireless LAN Type IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n*7
Wireless LAN Data Rate Maximum transmission speed: 300 Mbps*8, Maximum receipt speed: 300 Mbps*8
Bluetooth Bluetooth® standard Ver. 2.1 + EDR

Security/Utilities
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
Security Chip TCG ver.1.2 certified

Camera
Front Side Camera HD web camera powered by "Exmor" (Resolution: 1280 x 1024, Effective Pixels: 1.31Mega pixels)

Audio
Sound Chip Intel® High Definition Audio
Speaker Internal, Stereo speakers
Microphone Internal, Monaural microphone
Audio Technology Dolby® Home Theater® v4, Digital Noise Canceling

Keyboard/Input Device
Keyboard 19.05 mm key pitch/1.0 mm keystroke, 83 keys, Backlit Keyboard
Touchpad Touchpad (Gesture supported)

Battery Life
Bundled Battery VGP-BPS27/X Lithium-ion battery: up to 6.5 hours of use*9
Optional Battery VGP-BPS27 + VGP-BPSC27 Lithium-ion battery: up to 13.0 hours of use*9

Size
Dimensions (WxHxD) 330 x 16.65 x 210 mm
Weight 1.165 kg (including the supplied battery)

Included Software
AV Entertainment Media Gallery*10, Windows® Media Center, PowerDVD BD, Quick Web Access
Content Creation/Editing PMB VAIO Edition, Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 9, Roxio Easy Media Creator
Word Processor / Spreadsheet Microsoft® Office Starter 2010*11
Tool Adobe® Reader® X
Utilities VAIO Control Center, VAIO Gate, WebCam Companion, Magic-i™ Visual Effects, Infineon TPM Professional Package, Remote Keyboard*12, Remote Play with PlayStation®3*13, VAIO 3D Portal
Security Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 60days*14, TrueSuite
Support VAIO Care, VAIO Care Rescue, VAIO Update, VAIO Transfer Support, Norton™ Online Backup 60-day Free Trial*14

Supplied Accessories
AC Adaptor VGP-AC19V49*15 or VGP-AC19V46*16
Battery VGP-BPS27/X*17
Port Replicator / Docking Station VGP-PRZ20A*18
Others Cleaning Cloth, Noise Cancelling Headphones (MDR-NC033L2/BM(SET)), Windows® 7 Professional Service Pack 1 32-bit Recovery Media

Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station
Product Name VGP-PRZ20A*18
Type Docking Station

Optical Disc Drive (Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station)
Drive Blu-ray Disc™ Drive with DVD SuperMulti*19
Maximum Reading Speed BD-ROM: 6x / BD-R: 6x(SL), 6x(DL) / BD-RE: 6x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD+R: 8x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD-R: 8x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 8x / DVD-ROM: 8x / DVD-RAM: 5x / CD-ROM: 24x / CD-R: 24x / CD-RW: 24x
Maximum Writing Speed BD-R: 6x(SL), 6x(DL) / BD-RE: 2x(SL), 2x(DL)/ DVD+R: 8x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD-R: 8x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 6x / DVD-RAM: 5x / CD-R: 24x / CD-RW: 10x


Graphics (Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station)
Graphics Accelerator AMD Radeon™ HD 6650M*19
Dedicated Video Memory 1 GB DDR3

Interface (Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station)
USB Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Type A Connector x 2, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) x 1*19
Network (RJ-45)Connector 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T x 1*19
Display Output Connector Analogue RGB, Mini D-Sub 15 pin x 1
HDMI Out Connector HDMI Out x 1(3D Supported)

Size (Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 148.0 x 16.65 x 220.0 mm
Weight 0.685 kg

Dedicated AC Adaptor (Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station)
AC Adaptor VGP-AC19V46*16

Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
*1 CPU speed will be reduced under certain operating conditions. For the availability of Intel® Virtualization Technology, please visit our web site at http://www.sony-asia.com/subtype/notifications/asset/339736/productcategory/it+personal+computer
*2 If memory modules of the same capacity are installed to both of the two memory module slots, the supported dual channel mode provides better performance. And this memory is unexchangable.
*3 GB means one billion bytes when referring to storage capacity. Accessible capacity may vary. A portion of storage space is reserved as a recovery partition.
*4 Set to RAID 0 (Striping) at initial shipment settings. It will be displayed as 256GB x 1 on the Windows operating system.
*5 Charge function via USB port is only available with AC adopter.
*6 Compatibility confirmed with Sony branded “Memory Stick” media only.
*7 The maximum communication distance can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance between the communication devices, the radio waves, the operating system or the software being used.
*8 The communication speed varies depending on the distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the device configuration, the radio conditions, and the software in use. In addition, communication may be cut off depending on the radio conditions.
*9 Estimated battery life (under JEITA Battery Run Time Measurement Method ver.1.0,measurement method (a)).
Actual battery life may vary with different operating conditions and settings. For further details, please visit http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/jeita
*10 When you use your PC with battery only or change the Power Plan to “Power saver”, WMV HD contents may not playback smoothly. In that case, please connect your PC to AC adapter or change the Power Plan to “Balanced” or “High performance”.
*11 Microsoft® Office Starter 2010 includes reduced-functionality versions of Word 2010 and Excel 2010 with advertising. Does not include PowerPoint®, Outlook® or Publisher. To activate full-featured Office software, purchase an Office 2010 Product Key.
*12 Compatible with certain devices only.
*13 Available in certain countries only.
*14 Free use of 60 days. Further update will be charged.
*15 This AC adopter does not have compatibility with Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station.
*16 This AC adopter has compatibility with Bundled Port Replicator/Docking Station.
*17 This product may only function with a genuine Sony battery designed for this model.
*18 This Port Replicator/Docking Station only works with AC adopter.
*19 The graphics accelerator/USB/LAN/disk drive on the docking station may not provide maximum performance, depending on system environment. In addition, the performance may be limited when using two or more of the above features on the docking station at the same time.

By Admin 28 July 2011 0 comments

• Acer Next-Generation TravelMate Timeline Notebooks Series

In a press release on the 21st July 2011, Acer announced the release of some Next-Generation TravelMate Timeline Notebooks Series for U.S. and Canadian customers. These excellent notebooks are suitable solutions when it comes to performance, features, battery life, graphics and durability. These Acer Next-Generation TravelMate Timeline Notebooks Series come with high hard disk capacity, RAM memory, USB 3.0, and more. The notebooks include the 14-inch TravelMate Timeline 8473 and 6495, as well as the 15.6-inch TravelMate Timeline 8573 and 6595.

Below is the press release made by Acer, with title "Acer America Unveils Next-Generation TravelMate Timeline Notebooks Series for Professional Customers" :


Acer America today debuts its latest series of TravelMate Timeline notebook PCs for U.S. and Canadian business customers. Designed to support the most demanding professional environments, the new Timeline TravelMate series of notebooks combines enhanced security, superior performance, excellent reliability, great manageability and extended battery life.

The new TravelMate Timeline notebook line projects a high-quality, professional image with its neat lines and slim profile. At just one-inch thin, the notebooks are available in a variety of LCD display sizes, including the 14-inch TravelMate Timeline 8473 and 6495, as well as the 15.6-inch TravelMate Timeline 8573 and 6595.
“Today’s mobile professional needs all the conveniences and reliability of the office no matter where their work takes them,” said Gregg Prendergast, vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Acer America. “The TravelMate Timeline series has been designed to ensure a longer life cycle, provide exceptional PC performance, innovative durability features, security and long battery life that will provide business users a best-in-class mobile experience.”

Feature-Rich Workhorse PCs
Ensuring mobile PC performance needed for business users, the new TravelMate Timeline notebooks take advantage of the second-generation Intel® Core™ processors, capable of delivering maximum processing power in response to peak demands. From creating and editing digital multimedia to running power hungry business applications, the new TravelMates can handle the most demanding tasks with ease. The notebooks enable professionals to run business productivity applications 60 percent faster than previous generation processors, while delivering smart performance that adapts to the task at hand, thus enabling more responsive multitasking and energy efficiency. Additionally, the TravelMate Timeline 6495 and 6595 notebooks pack Intel® vPro™ and Anti-theft Technology, an intelligent way for users to help secure their mobile assets.

The TravelMate Timeline series provides stunning visual performance, with rich color and crisp images provided by Intel® HD Graphics 3000. The notebooks can also be equipped with discrete graphic options including NVIDIA GPUs with NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology to boost graphic performance without negatively impacting battery life. In addition, Intel® Wireless Display technology enables users to share presentations or videos on HD displays or TVs via an easy to set up wireless connection.

The TravelMate Timeline models pack up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and provide plenty of space to store and manage files and folders of any size thanks to a spacious hard disk with up to 750GB of capacity. Optionally, the notebooks can be equipped with a 120GB Solid State Disk to further boost system performance. The notebooks also include a USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer and charging smartphones and other USB devices, even when the notebook is powered down.

Long-lasting battery life is another extremely important requirement for professional users. The TravelMate Timeline series provides up to eight hours battery life, to ensure users are productive for an entire working day without a power source. Additionally, the notebooks feature Acer PowerSmart long cycle batteries, which provide up to three times longer battery life cycles than traditional batteries (1000 vs. 300 cycles). These batteries also maintain 80 percent capacity after the 1,000 cycle count, which means the battery will last longer, reducing the need to replace it.(1)

The TravelMate Timelines offer a full range of advanced connectivity solutions including Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth. The Acer Video Conference solution, including high-def webcam and built-in microphone enables high-quality video conferences so that users can easily keep in touch with business contacts.

Smart PC Design Maximizes Durability
The new TravelMate Timeline series notebook PCs were designed with a number of new features to ensure reliable performance. Housed in a resilient Magnesium-Aluminum case that evenly distributes external forces and can withstand extreme pressure, the notebooks feature the innovative Acer DustDefender technology, which allows the notebook to remain cool while performing faster. Acer DustDefender technology is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust inside the system, by utilizing a smart reversing mechanism in the cooling fan to push the dust out of the system.

In the event a user accidently spills liquid onto the keyboard, the new TravelMates feature a spill-resistant keyboard with aqueduct drainage gaps at the bottom of the system, allowing full protection of the PC. The Acer FineTouch™ keyboard has scratch-resistant coating to withstand intense usage and improve durability, and provides a comfortable typing experience with a unique key shape designed to avoid mistyping.

The TravelMate Timeline notebooks also provide next-generation DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection) technology that insulates the hard disk, providing added protection on-the-go and ensuring the physical integrity of the PC’s data. The hard disk drive is also soft-mounted onto the system to provide extra cushioning. The result is a significant improvement in preventing hard disk drive failure.

An optional Acer ProDock docking station features advanced I/O ports such as USB 3.0/2.0, Display Port, DVI, HDMI, VGA, and an ergonomic design for secured and tangle-free cable management. Measuring 14.9” (W) x 6.3” (L) x 1.18” (H), Acer ProDock has a compact design that fits in small spaces and provides single connect capability.

Pricing, Warranty and Reliability
The Acer TravelMate Timeline series is available now at authorized Acer resellers. Pricing begins at $799.99 US/CAN for the TravelMate Timeline 8573 and 8473, $999.99 US and $1049.99 CAN for the TravelMate Timeline 6595, and $999.99 US/CAN for the TravelMate Timeline 6495.

Acer professional notebooks are submitted to a series of reliability tests and are compliant with the most stringent industry criteria. These TravelMate Timeline series models are Energy Star® qualified, ensuring energy savings and longer battery life and are registered EPEAT® Silver, having less environmental impact than products that do not meet the EPEAT criteria.(2)

The new Acer TravelMate Timeline Series comes with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer notebooks and netbooks are backed by toll-free service and support.(3)

About Acer
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has achieved the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks No. 2 for total PCs and notebooks.(4) A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to the company's continuing growth, while its multi-brand approach effectively integrates Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell, and eMachines brands in worldwide markets. Acer strives to design environmentally friendly products and establish a green supply chain through collaboration with suppliers. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and London 2012 Olympic Games. The Acer Group employs 8,000 people worldwide. Revenues for 2010 reached US$19.9 billion. See www.acer-group.com for more information.

© 2011 Acer America Corp. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

(1) Battery life varies depending on product specifications, computer settings and applications or features launched. All batteries' maximum capacity diminishes with time and use.
(2) EPEAT ratings may vary by location—see www.epeat.net for registration status by country.
(3) Limited warranties and service agreements apply. May not be available in all locations. Availability varies. Other conditions apply.
(4) Source: Gartner data, FY2010