Posts in Notebooks
Creative announces USB-powered X-Fi audio solution 
Reuben Lee | May 13, 2008
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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Why is there a PS3 in my laptop?
Darius Chang | May 12, 2008
After its failed attempt at dominating the next-generation optical standard, Toshiba still refuses to toe the same technological line as its competitors. According to reports, the Japanese company is taking a gamble on the same technology which powers the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and hopes this will find a new home in Qosmio entertainment laptops.
The SpursEngine SE1000 chip is a quad-core processor (the PS3's chip has eight cores) whose main purpose--beside general computing tasks--is encoding and decoding high-def content. Sounds perfect for entertainment portables, right? Well, hold your horses because software and gaming companies will need to optimize their codes to take full advantage of this new chip.
How likely will the SpursEngine SE1000 succeed in the competitive mobile processor and graphics market? With Intel's upcoming Larrabee processor taking on both processing and video duties while Nvidia and AMD/ATI continue being heavyweights in the graphics arena, this may turn out to be an even bigger battle than the HD-DVD/Blu-ray war.
Via Register Hardware
Dell's new laptops leak (again)
Dan Ackerman | May 09, 2008
The mainstream Inspiron line, currently sitting at the 1420, 1525, and 1720 level, is getting an upgrade with three new models--the 14-inch 1435, the 15-inch 1535, and the 17-inch 1735, according to Engadget. (At least they stick to a simple, relatively obvious naming system--now can someone please explain to me why HP's 14-inch laptop is called the 2700?)
These look like they have a tapered design and prominent side hinge that's similar to the well-regarded XPS 1330 and 1530 models, as well as slot-loading optical drives and capacitive touch buttons.
The leaked docs we saw give a release date of October for the 1435, May 26 for the 1535, and June 9 for the 1735.
Via Crave CNET
Fashionable custom gadget cases
John Chan | May 08, 2008
Accessorizing tech gadgets is an addiction, and sometimes can be a chore as well. Finding the right bag, sleeve, case or even screen protector for your music player or notebook can be a harder decision than choosing the device being protected. Here's another one to add to the decision-making process--Fabrix, a made-in-Singapore brand of cases for tech products.
Fabrix seems to have its focus on design. By that, we mean the printed design, not the way its cases are made. For example, all its iPod cases are slip cases, which mean you have to remove the player to view a video or to change the volume--a no-no for users who'd rather not ever have to fiddle with their protective gear.
What Fabrix has going for it though, are the many designs available. On one end of the spectrum, you have professional-looking solid, two tone-colors. On the other end, you have a whimsical polka dot pattern. What's more, even if your notebook, say, a ThinkPad X300, is not listed as one of its laptop case sizes, you can just key in your model and corresponding dimensions and Fabrix will make one for you that'll fit. That'll ensure a snug fit because as we all know, a generic 13.3-inch notebook case will always be a little loose so as to accommodate all devices with that screen dimension.
If you are one of those who would rather die than be caught wearing the same piece of clothing as someone else, then this company's limited run of notebook and iPod cases might just tickle your fancy. Fabrix will be collaborating with some Singapore-based artists to create this batch of cases and should be available in the coming months. Meanwhile, check out some of the limited-edition designs available from its shop. For close-up photos or to buy one, visit its Web site. Prices start from S$25.90 for an iPod case.
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Hitachi hawks a 320GB notebook drive
Erica Ogg | May 08, 2008
Following Fujitsu, Hitachi is now stepping up to the plate with its 320GB hard drive for notebooks that also spins at 7,200rpm.
The 2.5-inch Travelstar 7K320 can read and write data at 7,200rpm, which is the fastest spin speed for drives currently on the market.
Hitachi is the third-largest producer of hard disk drives in the world, with 17.3 percent share of the market. The leader is Seagate Technology, which owns more than a third of the hard drive space.
Battery life is often a concern with faster spinning drives, but Hitachi claims it has improved this drive's battery performance by 22 percent over its previous versions. It sucks up 1.8 watts of power when reading/writing data (the same as its 5,400rpm drive) and uses 0.8 watts when idling, versus the 5,400's 0.55 watts.
Hitachi's director of consumer and commercial hard drives, Larry Swezey, said with the release of the Travelstar 7K320, Hitachi "fixed the stumbling block" for 7,200rpm drives. Namely, that they couldn't hold the same capacity as drives that spin at 5,400rpm.
Fujitsu announced its version back in March, but says its customers won't get the drives until June. So, if Hitachi is quick about it, it could beat it to the punch. We'll see--Hitachi says it's drives are being built in the factory right now, and will be available to its customers later this month.
Via Crave CNET
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