Computer Hardware

A Crapware-Free PC? Now, You're Talking!

July 21, 2008

Sick and tired of getting a new PC and discovering all of the free trial software and other stuff you don't need, didn't ask for and now have clogging up valuable drive space on your new baby?

Well, looks like Sony has taken the noble step of making it possible to configure your own PC (like the VAIO notebook) without any of that extra stuff included. And they do it for free.

Like the concept? Then read more about it here.

Posted in Computer Hardware, Computer Software

We Already Said Goodbye to the Computer Mouse

July 17, 2008

Not that anyone can't write about anything at any time (particularly as bloggers), but we already covered how the computer mouse may become extinct anytime soon -- ah, about a week ago.

See the VoIP & Gadgets Blog piece here.

But if you want to read the "follow-up story" on this topic that's making the rounds today, click here. But they really do take a look at what the future may hold ...

Posted in Computer Hardware

Did You Buy a Mouse Today? Much Cheaper Now!

July 11, 2008

You're probably using a mouse today, but you may never buy one again.

All the planets are aligning against this humble pointing device.

The computer mouse has long been associated with the PC, but in fact it was invented during the John F. Kennedy administration (in 1963) by Silicon Valley engineers Douglas Engelbart and Bill English.

The mouse was nothing but a lab rat until the Xerox Star shipped in 1981. Though it was the first time anyone could buy a mouse, few did. The Star was overpriced ($16,000 -- wow!) and poorly marketed. (As if marketing would have made much of a difference ...)

The IBM PC came out that year, too -- without a mouse.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Storage? You Want Storage? How 'Bout 1.5TB?

July 10, 2008

Seagate today broke through a long-held barrier and released a 1.5 terabyte version of the Barracuda 7200.11.

The storage is 500GB more than any other 3.5-inch desktop hard drive and is accomplished through extra refinement of perpendicular magnetic recording that allows it to fit 375GB on each of its four platters.

(Bet you didn't know it got that technical, but how on earth are you going to fit all of that data if you don't get very, very technical!)

The density also helps improve speed and lets the disk transfer data at a sustainable 120MB per second or higher in bursts -- thanks to the extra bandwidth of its Serial ATA II connection.

More at Electronista or at Seagate.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Everything You Wanted to Know About Smart Cards ...

July 7, 2008

... and were afraid to ask!

Or didn't know to ask!

Must reading indeed in last week's New York Times Circuits column by David Pogue, who explores not so much the past, but what the future holds for smart card technologies.

Take a look at how a contactless Smart Card works -- one small (maybe not so small) step forward from contact Smart Cards.

And that may be a time when we indeed have only one card -- or one gadget -- that contains all of the digital information we now need to carry with us today.

Don't miss it here.

Posted in Computer Hardware, Wireless

Apple Lets a Little Air Out ...

July 3, 2008

Apple has quietly dropped the price of the high-end MacBook Air by $500.

The Air, which comes with a 1.8GHz upgrade (from 1.6GHz) and a 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD), is now $2,598. Compare this to the original price of the 1.8GHz/SSD MacBook Air at $3,098 just last week.

The difference in price appears to be a combination of price drops in both the processor upgrade ($200 vs. $300) and SSD ($599 vs.

Posted in Apple, Computer Hardware

Compaq Aero: What's Your All-Time Favorite Gadget?

June 27, 2008

Thinking about all the gadgets I've owned over the years and the ones I really liked (easy to remember) and the ones I didn' t like (those are much harder to remember).

Quickly coming to mind was the Compaq Contura Aero, a snappy subnotebook that had its trackball at the right edge of the wrist rest -- great for righties, but must have been impossible for lefties!

This was a great notebook for word processing and commuting -- which when I had it was exactly what I used it for -- made my train rides super productive! I had both the mono and color versions of this thing, but actually liked the mono better.

Check out these representative stats (on the super high-end model):
Intel 486SX, 33 MHz. 12 MB RAM (4 MB on the motherboard plus 8 MB module in expansion slot).Up to 500 MB hard drive. Screen: Color, 640 by 480 pixels. AC adapter.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Dell Enters the Studio

June 26, 2008

Remember when writing about computer hardware -- actual PCs and desktops -- was the heart and soul of writing about gadgets.

Well, we're getting a bit of that back now, with Dell's introduction of Studio, a new consumer product line "designed for self-expression and creative living."

Here's what Dell had to say: "People seeking stunning design, brilliant colors, and innovative new technology find inspiration in Dell's new Studio brand. These products are built for today's digital nomad based on the millions of conversations we have every year on dell.com, Ideastorm and community forums. With Dell Studio we're answering the call for personalization, connectivity and simplicity."

The first Dell Studio products are two distinctively styled laptops, the Dell Studio 15 and Dell Studio 17. These laptops combine sleek designs and striking visual color elements (according to Dell -- but let the people tell it how it really is!) with personalization options and such features as standard built-in webcam, capacitive touch media control buttons, slot load drives and optional mercury-free LED displays and built-in mobile broadband.

MSRP: $799 (Studio 15) and $999 (Studio 17)

Available now at www.dell.com and also at Best Buy and Staples (but the retailers will have these in a few days)

Posted in Computer Hardware

UK court rules Modchips do not circumvent copyright protection

June 13, 2008

UK-based MrModchips was cleared of all 26 counts against him for his role in importing and selling gaming console modchips. You know, the kind that lets you play [cough] backup copies of your video games. The Court of Appeal Criminal Division ruled that modchips do not circumvent copyright protection.

The icing on the cake is that the defendant was "awarded full costs as a result of his successful appeal," Sweet! Can you imagine the look on high-priced lawyers faces representing the multi-billion dollar video gaming industry?

Posted in Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Gadgets, Home Entertainment, Microsoft, TMCnet, Video Games & Gaming, Video Hardware & Software

1TB Drive under $200!! Wow! Oh, Baby ...

May 29, 2008

Samsung recently announced its one terabyte EcoGreen F1 hard drive with low power features for less than $200. Yes! Yes, you are reading correctly! 1TB

According to the company, the eco-friendly drive can be adopted as an external hard drive or internal drive for desktop PCs.

It offers a 15% power savings compared to other low-powered 1TB hard drives and a 50% power reduction against traditional 1TB drives.

Slated to launch Q2 2008 (like now), it will carry an MSRP of $199.00.

Read all about here on the official Samsung press release.

Posted in Computer Hardware

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next