MSI dishes specs for its Wind mini-notebook

MSI put out a vague news release that detailed some, but not all, of the specifications of its upcoming and unfortunately named Wind mini-notebook. At the top of the release, it states the 10-inch notebook will "feature the new Intel Processor", but it failed to explain what that processor might be. An Intel Atom processor is a safe bet; the chips are expected to be released this June.

The only mention of pricing in the release reveals that MSI Wind configurations will start at less than US$500 in early June. The MSI Wind is available, however, for preorder at Expansys, which lists a S$764.95 (US$503.26) price for a Linux-based model and a S$834.95 (US$549.31) price for a Windows model (and a ship date of June 27). Expansys states that the processor as a 1.6GHz Intel processor. I'd hazard a guess that the Wind will use the 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 chip. Available colors for the models on Expansys are white, black, and pink.

The MSI Wind news release does reveal that there will be two configurations, one based on Novell Linux and another based on Windows XP Home. Both models will feature a 10-inch, LED-backlit screen with a 1,024 x 600-pixel resolution, the Intel 945GMS chipset, Bluetooth and an 80GB hard drive. Common features also include three USB ports, a card reader, an integrated Webcam, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi.
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Dell XPS M1730 gets a major graphics boost

When we first reviewed the XPS M1730, its dual Nvidia GeForce 8700M GT graphics engine took gaming benchmark scores to new heights. As possibly the first SLI laptop in Asia, it truly deserved the title of extreme gaming rig and won our Editors' Choice award.

So how can you improve an already fast machine? Make it faster, of course. Dell is now offering the high-end dual Nvidia GeForce 8800M GT video cards for an extra S$960.86 (US$632.14) to the starting price. It may seem steep, but with a score of almost 13,500 on 3DMark06 (as tested by our US labs), this monster will eat even the most resource-intensive games for lunch and still have room for dessert.

There is one small thing, though. Dell's MediaDirect 3.3 software is not compatible with the Nvidia GeForce 8800M GT drivers. As such, upgrading to the new graphics card means losing pre-boot entertainment features. Dell is working on an update to the application but, according to its engineers, will require the user to reformat and reinstall the entire operating system. Hardly an elegant solution but that's the price to pay for an extreme gaming experience.

A backpack case for your cherished laptop

New parents are drawn to body-hugging slings like the "BabyBjorn" to keep their bundles of joy as close as humanly possible, as well as easier to tote. Perhaps taking a cue from that bond of love, Built NY has created a wearable carrier for another cherished possession--the laptop.

As we observed last week in its minimalist Cargo Laptop Sleeve, the designers at this company do not like to waste an iota of space. Now they've taken their economical crusade to a new extreme with the Laptop Backpack for computers measuring 12 to 17 inches, which Gizmodo says looks more like a bulletproof vest than anything else. (Maybe that's the idea, because it comes in styles called "Police Black" and "Army Green".)

This is one instance, however, where the touted comfort of the neoprene material used to make the apparatus might be a negative: If you forget you're wearing it and hit the back of a seat too hard, the purpose would be clearly defeated.

Via Crave CNET

Dell XPS line on life support? Maybe not

According to Wall Street Journal, Dell's trademark XPS line may soon be retiring in favor of the Alienware brand.

This was a move expected by many when the US maker acquired the Alienware label, which is well known for offering extreme gaming rigs at an equally extreme price point. Dell's gaming XPS range, on the other hand, is conventional and relatively more affordable. But with the recent release of the overclocked and water-cooled XPS 730, the Texan manufacturer has elevated the XPS into enthusiast levels.

In light of this, the report makes sense. After all, having two lines in the same niche market will cause confusion to consumers. We made a quick call to a Dell Asia Pacific representative and was told that there has been no news of terminating the XPS line for this region. So if this news is true, it could be likely that this move may apply only to the US market for now.

Creative announces USB-powered X-Fi audio solution

Sound card maker Creative Technology has announced that it will add an external USB solution to its Sound Blaster X-Fi family. Dubbed the Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1, the upcoming audio device is aimed at making it really easy to upgrade the basic sound systems in PCs and notebooks to deliver 5.1 surround sound. In fact, all that's needed is a simple connection to the USB port, according to Creative. Unfortunately for Mac and Linux users, the external X-Fi sound device will work with only Windows Vista and XP systems.

The X-Fi Surround 5.1 features several onboard technologies such as the X-Fi 24-bit Crystalizer which enhances the sound quality of MP3s and movies, as well as the X-Fi CMSS-3D which converts stereo music into surround sound. It also comes with an integrated volume control knob and push-to-mute feature. Connectivity on the X-Fi audio box includes RCA jacks for front inputs, optical output (TOSLINK), as well as mini jacks for surround sound, line-in, microphone and headphone.
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