Alienware: It's not just about hardware

In an insightful interview with Marc Diana, Alienware's product marketing manager for desktops, an interesting twist was given to the quest for more computing power. While hardware companies are constantly making faster processors and graphics cards, Marc believes that the next breakthrough in the industry is really in 64-bit driver support.

One major bottleneck of the 32-bit environment is that memory size is capped at 4GB. Beyond that the system simply refuses to recognize additional RAM. With computers multitasking like never before, this limitation puts a serious dent when pushing for more power.

So why not just switch to a 64-bit environment? Though 64-bit operating systems have been around for a long time, driver support pales in comparison to 32-bit devices. Moreover, some popular applications may not work well in 64-bit machines. So no matter how advanced PC hardware gets, Marc believes that once 64-bit computing hits mainstream consumers, computing performance will reach new heights.

Via CNET Crave

From Speed Racer to Typeracer

Ready, set, type! Not quite what the Wachowski Brothers would have envisioned, but this cool, new site site should fuel the competitive streak in computer speed junkies at the keyboard. Typeracer not only lets you practice your typing speed, it allows you to race against others in the competitive typing pit, with a scoreboard keeping tabs on the race leaders and their wpm scores. Be warned. If you don't want to get sucked into this new addiction, steer clear. Otherwise, fastest fingers win!

Via Shiny Shiny

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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Exit USB hub

I'm a sucker for trashy, pop-cultural whimsy. So not surprisingly, this one caught my fancy, though it's not all table clutter since this pulls its own weight as a four-way USB hub. Still, one suspects the awkward placement of the ports will have PC users tossing this back onto the clutter heap. Shanghai Donya has this retailing for 999 yen (US$9.70) if it's collectible fun you're after.

Theme-wise, this ought to get along manfully with the bloody Voodoo Knife Holder, prickly Voodoo Doll Toothpick Holder, the rather unfortunate Dead Fred Penholder and Hanging Harry Light Pull, and The Hold Up.

Via Japan Today | Photo credit: Shanghai Donya

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