The Dell Studio Hybrid is one of the smallest PCs on the market. According to Dell, the PC is 80% smaller than standard desktops and uses 70% less power than a typical system. The small design is quite nice, allowing for placement almost anywhere, and making portability a snap. The Studio Hybrid comes with 6 interchangeable color sleeves and a extra bamboo design. As for specifications, the Studio Hybrid offers up to 2.6GHz Intel processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB disk drive, and Sound Blaster Audigy HD integrated audio. Other features include an optional TV tuner, slot loading optical drive, wireless keyboard/mouse, and WiFi. Prices range from $499 to $2026 at the time of this writing.
Computer Hardware
Gadget Advisor presents the best in computer hardware news, including PCs, notebooks, ultra-portables, peripherals, processors, video cards, etc.
Fusion-io ioDrive Available
The ioDrive from Fusion-io was announced quite some time back, with specifications and information on the product. However, Windows drivers were not available until recently, and the product was not readily available for purchase until today. DVNation has become the Internet’s exclusive distributor for the ioDrive.
HP Elitebook 6930p Offers 24 Hour Battery Life
The most newsworthy feature of the HP Elitebook 6930p is no doubt the 24 hour battery life the notebook boasts. Battery enhancements and power-saving hardware selections have been combined to yield this milestone achievement. The new battery option is 12-cell, ultra-capacity, and each hardware option has been hand-picked for its battery saving benefit, including an Intel SSD for storage and the highly efficient HP Illumi-Lite LED display. Other specifications for the notebook include Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor P8600 (2.40 GHz), 14.1-inch WXGA+ display, up to 4GB RAM, LightScribe DVD+/-RW SuperMulti with double layer support, ATI Mobility RadeonTM HD 3450 graphics, 2 MP Webcam, Intel 802.11a/b/g/draft-n wireless, and built-in broadband.
Epson Artisan 800
The Epson Artisan 800 is an all-in-one printer series recently launched that is packed with numerous impressive features. It offers WiFi fax, automatic document feeding, a 7.8″ smart-touch panel, 3.5″ LCD, and ultra high resolution photos. The Epson Artisan 800 will be available this month, with an estimated retail price of $299.99.
Intel X25-E Extreme SATA SSD
Intel has made a big splash into the SSD market. Today the company officially announced the X25-E Extreme SATA SSD. The drive boasts up to 250MB/sustained read, 170MB/s sustained write, 35,000 IOPS read, and 3,300 IOPS write performance. A mainstream model has also been announced with lower write speeds. The SSD also offers a <1ms random access time. This new drive is the fastest SSD currently on the market. With a max 80GB capacity, the SSD also offers a good capacity range for SSDs.
Dell Precision M6300 Mobile Workstation
Dell has announced a monster new Precision M6300 Mobile Workstation. The 17″ notebook features a powerful quad-core processor, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB disk space via two drives in a RAID0 configuration, 1GB dedicated graphics memory, and an impressive LED-backlit display. Information on system weight has not yet been anounced, but from the specifications, 10lb+ would be a good assumption.
OCZ Core V2 60 GB SSD
OCZ’s Core V2 60 GB SSDs are now available for purchase online. The affordable price tag of $239 after rebate marks an important milestone in the transition to SSD for data storage. Of course, buyers trade disk capacity for performance, but the $239 cost is in the same range as mechanical hard drive options, making them a viable option for a much wider demographic. The OCZ Core V2 SSDs feature read speeds of 170MB/sec and write speeds of 98MB/sec, which is very attractive for those seeking top system performance. Comparable solid state drives from other companies cost as much as $400 more per disk.
Lenovo ThinkPad X200
Building on the popularity of the ThinkPad X300 notebook, Lenovo recently released the sub-3 lb ThinkPad X200, which offers a perfect mix of portability and performance. The notebook is one of the first to use Intel’s new Centrino 2 platform to provide the latest technologies and a standard-voltage Core 2 Duo mobile Penryn processor, packed into a 12″ form-factor with a 1280×800 display resolution. Of course, the X200 features the legendary ThinkPad keyboard, the best among laptops. For those who are not comfortable with a TrackPoint (pointing stick), the new X301 may be more preferable, but for the rest, the TrackPoint offers convenient navigation and allows for optimal usage of the available space.
Sony Recalls 438,000+ VAIO Laptops
An important note for those who own a VAIO notebook. Sony has issued a massive recall of over 438,000 laptops sold between July 2007 and August 2008 due to overheating problems. Recalled models include Vaio VGN-TZ100, VGN-TZ200, VGN-TZ300, and VGN-TZ2000 series notebooks.
MSI Wind with 160GB Hard Drive
MSI is rumored to be introducing a new version of the MSI Wind U100 ultraportable notebook. The current MSI Wind release features an 80GB disk drive. However, the new edition will boast a 160GB drive. Interestingly, this enhancement seems to be fueled by Microsoft’s new 160GB minimum hard drive requirement for Windows XP licensing. This change may cause a number of other hard drive size increases in the ultraportable segment in the near future.
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard
Logitech is no stranger to the PC peripheral sector. Their mouse, keyboard, and other peripheral offerings are very popular. While numerous gaming keyboards have been released that feature backlighting, the average user did not have many options until now. Logitech claims that the new Illuminated Keyboard is their thinnest design ever. It features the Logitech PerfectStroke key system, which provides longer key travel (3.2 mm) to enhance the typing experience.
Transcend 64GB JetFlash V20 USB Flash Drive
Transcend has announced a new, high-capacity USB flash drive that offers 64GB of storage space. The JetFlash V20 works with Windows Vista/XP/Me/2000 as well as Mac and Linux. The flash drive features a pearl-white finish, full high-speed USB 2.0 support, pocket-friendly edges, and free software (Website AutoLogin, PC-Lock, Mobile Favorites, Email, and Online Update).
Logitech V550 Nano Wireless Notebook Mouse
The Logitech V550 Nano is an innovative new mouse that offers a few significant features that would be useful to anyone that uses an external mouse with a notebook.
Most significantly is the 18+ month battery life, which is very handy for any wireless mouse. The battery is also USB-rechargeable. The mouse can be turned off to further conserve battery life, and boasts an auto-shutoff feature.
Another important feature is the small “Plug-and-Forget Nano-Receiver”. The receiver is so small that it barely protrudes from the notebook, making it practical and convenient to always leave in place, ready for use.