[ad#ad-1}The Samsung Series 9 Ultrabook is just a half-inch thick and weighing less than 3 pounds, the new Series 9 is Samsung’s thinnest, trimmest notebook. Rendered in elegant brushed aluminum, the refined aerodynamic shape. It also has a 2 seconds to wake and 10 seconds to boot up, making it an ultrafast startup pc. It is powered by ani5 Intel® Core™ processor lets you multitask at mach-speed, while up to 6 hours battery life. The New Series 9 ultrabook from Samsung comes in 13 7 15″ variants. enjoy the hands-on

The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook, is Dell’s first full entry into the ultrabook market with a super lightweight laptop from dell at 13.3 –inches this bad boy only weighs a mere 2.9lbs. it also houses an Intel Core i7 CPU, intel HD3000 graphics card, storage of 128GB 0r 256GB SSD , plus an additional 100GB of cloud storage through Dell DataSafe for seamless content backup and sharing at no additional cost. Additionally, all XPS 13 units include a 12-month Skype Premium subscription to always stay in touch. In addition to a backlit keyboard, and your full complement of ports. The Dell XPS 13 will be available early in 2012, starting at under $1,000.

Specifications

Detailed Information: Ultrathin laptop (0.24-0.71″/6-18mm) with Microsoft Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium; precision machined aluminum with a carbon fiber composite base  Intel Core i5 2467M and i7 2637M processor choices  13.3″ HD WLED, 300-nit (1366×768) 720p; edge-to-edge hardened Gorilla Glass  Intel HD 3000 video graphics  [12]   4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333Mhz memory  [12]   128 GB SSD or 256GB SSD drive options  [3]   Full size, backlit chiclet keyboard; glass integrated button touchpad with multi-gesture support  Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 A/G/N and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity  [13]   High definition audio with Waves MaxxAudio 4  Built-in 47WHr 6-cell battery (Dell XPS 13 batteries are built into the laptop and are not replaceable by the customer) offering up to eight hours, fifty-three minutes of battery life  [5]  ; 45W AC adaptor  USB 3.0 (1) + USB 2.0 with PowerShare (1), mini Display-Port, and headset jack (1)  Built-in 1.3MP webcam (H.264 enabled via Skype  [4]  ) with dual array digital microphones  Dell ProSupport for business customers, Dell Configuration Services and Windows Trusted Platform Module options for commercial models  Dimensions: Height: 0.24-0.71″ (6-18mm) / Width: 12.4″ (316mm) / Depth 8.1″ (205mm); Weight: starting at 2.99lbs (1.36 kg)ii Availability and Pricing: The XPS 13 will be available at the end of February in the United States through www.Dell.com , and in select retail stores nationwide at a starting price of $999 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD hard drive [3] and 4GB memory [10] . Customers can reserve the XPS 13 on www.dell.com starting today. The first 10,000 customers in the U.S. to purchase an XPS 13 will receive a free T-Mobile 4G Mobile HotSpot and 90 days of free mobile broadband service at up to 4G speeds on America’s Largest 4G Network with no annual contract at time of purchase [6] – a value of more than $200. The XPS 13 will be available in select geographies around the world in March 2012.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is what I personally consider is the future of computing. This intel powered device, is still in its early stages. But it does run a build of Windows 8, its got an ultrabook book form factor with a slim body line,  has USB 3.0 ports HDMI –out and all the usual PC connectors, what is unique about the device is the proprietary hinge on the screen allowing the user to swivel and change the position of the laptop to become a tablet. the yoga sport a capacitive touch screen. thus combining the touch and physical aspects of windows 8 unto a laptop form factor. For initial use, it seemed smooth and effective. Lenovo states that the unit is in its early phases and this is not the final deign as well as weigh, which the expect to cut down  on the device. So far I like what I see and hopefully we will get more from Lenovo on this device in the coming months. but Lenovo di indicate pricing for the IdeaPad Yoga to be $1,129 in the second half of the year

The Spectre looks like HP’s first real entry into the Ultrabook market, not much can be seen from the video. But with CES 20112 around the corner. You can bet HP is looking to launch this new laptop with a lot of force

The New Facebook Messenger for windows client is available, and is strictly Windows 7 compatible. The app allows access to chat, ticker fed, and notification from you Facebook page. Also the app currently requires a web browser sign-in. This adds to Facebook’s collection of stand alone messaging apps for Android, iOS, & Blackberry. For all Facebook Fanatics, enjoy our walkthrough below and hit the download link  to start using the app on your PC

Facebook Messenger for Windows Download Link

Facebook Help instructions

Steven Sinofsky (President, Windows and Windows Live division, Microsoft), says “We’re gonna reimagine Windows. From the chipset, to the experience, Windows 8 reimagines what Windows can be.”

It all starts with the word “Metro”. A design language by Microsoft that puts YOU at the centre and works the way you want it. It’s your life – digitized. Your people, your content; everything is about YOU. Metro makes things work just the way they should. If you’ve used a Windows Phone 7 device, you know what I’m talking about. Metro is about bringing the stuff you care about closer to you; it’s about getting the technology out of your way just so that you can enjoy your digital life.

What do you think of a computer? What first thought do you get when you hear about using a computer? It’s probably sitting on a chair in front of a monitor typing with a keyboard and using a mouse. It’s been like that for ages! Sure there are laptops, but they are pretty much the same. Sure there are Windows slates but they’re not that good at what they do. Sure there are iPads and Android tabs but they are essentially just oversized smartphones. They just can’t do what a desktop OS can do like full video editing, smooth full featured web experiences etc. You get the point.

When Windows 7 was designed, the shifts that were happening then were around high performance notebooks. People wanted thinner and lighter notebooks; notebooks that would resume from sleep immediately, with batteries that last longer and mobility features like that and Windows 7 did successfully fulfill all those needs and wants.

· About 450 million copies of Windows 7 have been sold!

· Windows 7 consumer usage greater than Windows XP.

· 1502 seamless non-security product changes delivered

· Internet Explorer 9 is the fastest growing Windows 7 browser

· 542 million people signing into Windows Live services.

These are very successful statistics.

Changing World of Computing

But, the shifts that are happening now have changed. Today there are trends around immersive internet computing, ultraportable devices that have touchscreens. Windows 8 is the reimagining of Windows for trends we’re seeing today. The web is driving a lot of this. The web is affecting the way we work, the way we play, the way we connect with other people and it’s only getting more immersive, more personal and more significant in our lives.

· Form factors and user interaction models create new scenarios and opportunities

· Mobility means devices you use while carrying, not just devices you carry then use

· App developers want rich connectivity and sharing capabilities, connection to customers

· Services are intrinsic in all software

Windows 8 – How does it look?

Windows 8 features a Windows Phone 7 like lockscreen which is very personal. It has a beautiful background of your picture. It shows you the time, date, your next appointment and your notifications.

Windows 8 features the “Start Screen” inspired by Windows Phone 7. The Start Screen is your personal mosaic of tiles; the apps on your system are represented by Tiles. Tiles are better than icons for a couple of reasons – they have a lot more space for the apps to show it’s personality and information. For example, you can see stuff like Weather status, stock status, status updates, notifications, news headlines etc. without having to open any app. The information is surfaced to you. That’s the start screen.

Windows 8 experience

· Fast and fluid user experience – Responsive, alive and beautiful with animations and Metro style

· Immersive and full-screen – Focuses attention on your apps

· Touch-first with full keyboard and mouse – Enables choice of interaction

· Web of apps working together – Apps are connected to each other and the cloud

· Experience for all PC devices and architectures – No compromise across new form factors, desktops and laptops

What about the apps? Windows 8 features a new app platform based on standard web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript and CSS. These languages form the backbone of the web. So, on day 1 when Windows 8 ships, hundreds of thousands of developers will already know how to build great apps for Windows 8. HTML5 is doing a freaking good job at building interactive and immersive web apps. Apps using this technology would be pretty rich and engaging for the end users. These apps are called “Metro Apps” (Of course) and these apps will be available through the Windows App Store, a one stop shop for your Windows 8 app demands. The revenue will be the 70/30 split for the developers/Microsoft apparently. Though, it’s not confirmed yet.

The great thing about Windows 8 is – these apps aren’t silos. These apps can talk to other apps. For example, you can tweet a photo stored in your friend’s Facebook album without saving anything to the desktop or someplace in the sky. You can imagine being able to search for anything on the web, twitter, music, games, apps through a single vie. That’s a pretty slick feature that nobody has done before and developers and consumers alike are going to appreciate a lot.

Features

Windows 8 is entirely gesture based; although you can use buttons too. To go to the start screen using a tablet, you swipe from the right. That’s the place for you to tinker around with the setting and to access more options. Windows 8 features real multitasking. You swipe from the left to switch between apps. Windows 8 also includes a great feature – Snap. The ability to dock two apps side by side which none other touch operating system supports.

IE10 is the best hardware accelerated browser out there. You can run hardware accelerated flash, ActiveX, do in private browsing and experience HTML5 content and other stuff that most other touch operating systems don’t support.

Another really important factor is speed. Windows 8’s UI is blazing fast. That’s because it is hardware accelerated. All the transitions, graphics, animations, effects and even the Metro style apps everything is hardware accelerated to the core which means the power of your GPU is used to make everything slick and smooth.

Microsoft has also redesigned the Windows Explorer with the Ribbon interface familiar to Office 2007 and Office 2010 users.

Windows 8 also features an improved task manager and a better multiple monitor support.

Windows 8 will also include Xbox LIVE functionality.

Windows 8 includes support for all the latest and greatest technologies like TPM, UEFI, Compass, Gyro, Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Near Field Communication, Ambient Light, LCD TSP, SSD, WLAN, GPS, Cameras, Touch, Ink, 3G/4G.

Also, buzz is that Windows 8 will include Phone capabilities. That would be a real nice addition I guess.

Windows 8 PCs with UEFI and SSDs will be able to boot in just about 8 seconds!

Windows 8 fast boot up -

Windows 8 will also have Microsoft SmartScreen technology and Microsoft Security Essentials built right into the OS. A Metro version of Microsoft Office is in the works according to some rumors.

At the BUILD Conference, about 5000 Developers were given a Samsung Windows 8 developer slate.

This isn’t all. Microsoft says there are hundreds other features that aren’t shown yet. I think we’ll know about them till Windows 8 reaches Beta.

Check out Windows 8 in action:

Will Windows 8 be able to take on the iPad? Decide for yourself!

It seems the cat is finally out the New XPS 15z is now available for order of dell.com/au.   The XPS 15z is .97/24.6mm, Plus an 8 cell Battery with 8 hr battery life. We will have to put that to the test thick and pricing is as follows

A$1,400. That buys you a Core i5-2410M from Intel (2.3GHz default speed, 2.9GHz with Turbo Boost), a generous 6GB of DDR3 RAM, backlit keyboard, GeForce GT 525M graphics with 2GB of dedicated memory, a 750GB hard drive, and a 64WHr battery. The screen spans 15.6 inches diagonally and offers 1920 x 1080 resolution. Stepping up to A$1,700 gets you a Core i7-2620M (2.7GHz default, 3.4GHz TB) and 8GB of RAM

More updates as it launches in the US.

You can Now order the Dell XPS15z in 4 varied configuration. Sad that no of them include a true Quad-core  chip in there

XPS 15z orders here

BASE SPECS

Processor Help Me Choose

• Intel^® Core^TM i5 2410M Processor (2.3GHz/3MB cache)

Operating SystemHelp Me Choose

• Genuine Windows^® 7 Home Premium 64-Bit

Memory³Help Me Choose

• 6GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1 x 2GB + 1 x 4GB)

Chipset

• Intel^® HM67

Video CardHelp Me Choose

• NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 525M 2GB graphics

Display

• 15.6" (39.6cm) FHD Widescreen, 300-nit (typical) (1920×1080) 1080p

Audio and Speakers

• High Definition Audio +Waves MaxxAudio^® 3
  5.1 Surround sound can be supported via HDMI

Hard Drive Help Me Choose

• Up to 750GB⁴ hard drive (7200RPM)

Optical Drive

• Slot load 8x DVD+/-RW (reads & writes to CD/DVD) (9.5mm)

Power

• AC Adapter
  90 Watt
  Battery
  8-Cell Lithium Polymer (64WHr, 2.2AHr)
  Up to 8 hours, 22 minutes⁵ of battery life

Camera

• Webcam
  1.3MP HD with dual array digital microphones

Wireless

• Connectivity Options⁶
  10/100/1000 Ethernet network standard, opt external USB Modem
  Intel^® Centrino^® Advanced-N 6230 802.11 agn (2×2)
  Bluetooth 3.0
  Intel^® Wireless Display ready⁶

Ports, Slots & Chassis

• Ports and Connectors
  HDMI 1.4 (1), Mini DisplayPort (1), RJ-45 (1), headphone (1), microphone (1)
  3 total USB ports; USB 3.0 (2); USB 2.0/eSATA combo with PowerShare (1)
  9-in-1 media card reader supporting SD, SDIO, SDXC, SDHC, MS, MS Pro, MMC, MSXC, xD
  Dimensions
  Height: 0.97" (24.68mm)
  Width: 15.15" (384.85mm)
  Depth 10.25" (260.37mm)
  Starting at Weights
  Starting at 5.54lbs (2.51 kg)⁷
  Keyboard / Touchpad
  Standard full size, backlit chiclet keyboard; spill-resistant
  Multi-Touchpad with Integrated Scrolling & Gestures and two mechanical buttons; 100 x 56 mm – centered on system
  Color
  Anodized aluminum in Elemental Silver; Formed aluminum base
  Magnesium alloy palmrest

The 14-inch P430 and 15.6-inch P530 mark the start of its new Blade series of laptops, which are the result of some obsessive slimming work at the LG labs — display thickness is 4.5mm and 4.7mm, respectively, while the bezel on the 14-inch model is so narrow as to fit its screen within the dimensions of a traditional 13.3-inch laptop. Weight, at 1.94kg on the P430 and 2.2kg on P530, is also said to be on par with machines offering significantly smaller screens, but that’s not at the sacrifice of construction materials as brushed aluminum is used to strengthen LG’s new slimsters. A Core i7 CPU and GeForce GT520M GPU will provide the internal firepower, though the rest of the internal specs are as yet unannounced. The P430 will launch in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America at the end of May, to be followed by the P530 in June.

Via Engadget

Press Release

LG SETS NEW STANDARD IN STYLE AND PERFORMANCE WITH BLADE SERIES NOTEBOOKS

P430 and P530 Feature Super Slim, Super Light Designs in Super Strong Exterior
SEOUL, May 3, 2011 – LG Electronics (LG) today introduced two notebooks – the P430 and P530 – as the first in the company’s new "Blade" series to be launched later this month.

LG’s Blade series comprises ultra-slim notebooks that deliver the ultimate in style without sacrificing performance. Compared with LG’s first generation slim notebooks (models P210 and P420), the Blade series boasts a noticeably slimmer profile. The P430 and P530, with 14-inch and 15.6-inch LED LCD screen respectively, offer outstanding features that set them apart from the competition in slimness, weight and material.

"The Blade series is the fruition of many months of effort by LG engineers and designers to develop portable computers that deliver beyond the performance, looks and value that today’s consumers have come to expect," said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of LG Electronics PC Business Unit. "Leveraging tomorrow’s technology and breakthrough design, LG will continue to offer slim, beautiful notebooks that raise the bar in portable computing."

■ Three Super Slims: Screen, Bezel, Body
The minimalist, sophisticated designs of the P430 and P530 feature a super-slim LED LCD screen, bezel and body, creating a new style icon for fashion-forward consumers. The notebooks’ new display technology, developed in collaboration with LG Display, allows the LED LCD screens to be incredibly thin while still delivering rich, sharp images. With respective depths of 4.5mm and 4.7mm, the screens of the P430 and P530 are up to 50 percent thinner than any other notebooks in their class.

Thanks to LG’s world-class bezel technology, LG Blade notebooks boast bezels that are more than 40 percent narrower than other notebooks in the same class. This allows the 14-inch P430 to be designed around a 13.3-inch-class notebook. Together, the thinner display and narrower bezel contribute to LG’s new Blade series being up to 22 percent slimmer than the closest competing product in its class.

- Super Light, Maximum Mobility
The P430 and P530 boast extremely lightweight bodies to maximize mobility. Weighing in at just 1.94kg with a depth of 23.8mm, the P430 is lighter than conventional 13-inch notebooks, while the P530, at 2.2kg, weighs less than traditional 14-inch notebooks. Unlike most notebooks with 14- and 15.6-inch screens, LG’s P430 and P530 are comfortable to carry around in a shoulder bag, making them the ideal companions for work-ing on the road.

- Super Material, Sturdy Exterior
Designed with a metallic case, the P430 and P530 offer a more durable alternative to other slim-style notebooks. The metal casing results in a stronger exterior, ensuring extreme protection despite its ultra-slim depth. With a brushed aluminum finish and diamond cutting, a technology that uses real diamonds to cut the edge of the case, LG’s Blade notebooks have a smooth, high quality cover with a refined and luxurious look. The P430 and P530 are available in two colors: Misty Blue and Titan Black.

Perfect Mix with Unbeatable Performance
Thanks to the second generation Intel Core i7 processor, the P430 and P530 boast outstanding performance. Intel’s new quad-core processor is 20 percent and 50 percent faster than the previous generation Intel Core i7 processor and the second generation Intel Core i5 processor, respectively. The notebooks also include NVIDIA Graphics GeForce GT520M – which boasts 50 percent better performance than integrated graphics cards – to deliver exciting, game-friendly graphics.

The P430 and P530 include an array of multimedia features including a 1.3 HD web-cam, SRS and DLNA technology to easily share and enjoy photos and videos with other DLNA-enabled devices.
LG’s "Style by Blade" campaign will accompany the roll out of the P430 at the end of May and the P530 a month later in markets throughout Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia.

Turn off Aero for safety.

A new Windows 7 graphics flaw has been exposed that could expose users of the 64-bit OS to experience non-responsive systems, restarts and unauthorized code execution.

Microsoft detailed in Security Advisory 2028859 that the vulnerability is to do with the Canonical Display Driver (cdd.dll), which is used by desktop composition to blend the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) and DirectX drawing, and affects Windows 7 x64, Windows Server 2008 R2 x64, and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium systems.

Microsoft says that there isn’t a big worry because code execution would be “very difficult due to memory randomization both in kernel memory and via Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR).” Still, those who are worried about security can simply disable Aero visual effects to keep this security flaw at bay until Microsoft issues a fix.

Via Tomshardware

This is a short video of an Install Of windows ultimate on a Samsung NP 120 Netbook. Showing that it is possible to install Windows 7 Ultimate on a Netbook. The Whole installation took about 55mins on the Samsung NP 120. After Installation I suggest you run Windows update, to search for missing drivers

Adesso is well know for making different input devices. In this review we cover the Bluetooth SlimTouch Mini, Model number WKB-4000Bb. The SlimTouch mini is a Bluetooth wireless keyboard with track pad that is lightweight compact and very easy to setup. It is compatible with PCs that have Windows XP and above. In the video review below I tested the SlimTouch with a Windows 7 laptop.

Setup and connection of the keyboard was smooth and took roughly 10-20 secs for pairing and the device was ready to go. Typing with the keyboard was very responsive and I can see myself laying in bed using this device to navigate my PC in my bedroom. The track pad was also near flawless, very responsive and seemed to be no lag during use. On a side not I did feel the material build did not do the device justice as it felt fisher price plasticy in the hands and the mouse left and right button felt feeble at best.

Overall the Adesso Bluetooth SlimTouch Mini is a solid keyboard, it functions extremely well and showed no noticeable lag with use, besides minor issue with the hardware build. I think the Adesso Bluetooth SlimTouch is a great wireless keyboard.It retails For $129.99.  Enjoy the video Review.

Features:

Bluetooth wireless techology sets no limits in space, distance or angles
Answering the call of customers frustrated with cord clutter, Adesso turned to Bluetooth wireless technology to satisfy this need. This unique keyboard fits perfectly with your Windows Vista and XP systems that has Bluetooth™ Technology. It is compact size and fits in a briefcase or backpack.

Low profile scissor switch key for quiet typing
A special case of the computer keyboard dome-switch is the scissor-switch. The keys are attached to the keyboard via two plastic pieces that interlock in a "scissor"-like fashion, and snap to the keyboard and the key. This design is typical to laptops and notebooks for a noise free typing.

Built-in Touchpad which eliminates the use of a mouse
GlidePoint touchpad technology provides precision and control. This makes the movement of your cursor accurate and precise. The integrated Glidepoint touchpad eliminates the need for a mouse and saves valuable deskspace, and is centrally positioned for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Power saving switch and an easy connect button
A new feature on Adesso’s wireless keyboards, the ON/OFF switch saves battery life for extended use. The Quick Connect button enables users to synchronize their PC with the click of a button.

Specification:

• Connection: Bluetooth™ 2.0
• Security Encryption: 128 bits
• Keyboard Dimensions: 11.75" x 8.25" x 0.8 "
• Weight: 1.25 lbs
• Number of Keycaps: 87
• Keyboard Technology: Scissor Switch
• Touchpad Dimensions: 3.0" x 1.75"
• Mouse Function: GlidePoint Touchpad with two Buttons
• USB Bluetooth™ Receiver Dimensions: 0.86" x 0.59" x 0.28"
• Bluetooth™ Receiver: Available
• Power Switch: Available
• Auto Connect Button: Available
• Magnetic Receiver Holder: Available
• 2 LED lights for Battery Low and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Switch Life: 5 Million Cycles
• Switch Travel: 3.0+/- 0.3mm
• Includes 2 AAA Battery

System Requirements:

• Hardware: IBM, Pentium II class comaptible or higher
• Operating System: Windows 7, Vista and XP
• Port: USB Port for Bluetooth™ Receiver

The Sony Viao X Series is a ridiculously light 11.1 notebook, that feels like a notepad in your hands, powered by an Intel Atom processor. The “X” comes with either 64GB or 128GB SSD storage, a full complement of USB ports  and VGA out, Verizon 3G card built-in, GPS and a Solid aluminum case build. Retails starts at $1,499 and comes with not one but two batteries. The standard battery runs 4hrs and the extended runs for 10 hrs.

Product Specifications

General

Action Buttons : Wireless / Bluetooth® on / off

Computer Type : Notebook

Pointing Device : Electro-static touch pad

Type of Use : Ultra-portable

Wireless/Networking

Bluetooth® Technology : Integrated Stereo A2DP (2.1 + EDR)¹²

Ethernet Protocol : 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T (Gigabit)

Ethernet Speed : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)

Mobile Broadband : Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in¹⁸

Wi-Fi : 802.11 b/g/n³

GPS : Yes¹⁹

Service and Warranty Information

Telephone Support : 1 year toll-free technical assistance available 24/7¹⁰ at 888-476-6972

Online and Email Support : Available at http://www.esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO

International Service : 1 year international service plan. Registration required. See www.sony.com/IRSP for details.

Limited Warranty Term : 1 year limited warranty⁹. See actual warranty for details.

Display

Back Light Technology : LED

Resolution : 1366×768

Screen Size : 11.1″⁴

Memory

Installed : 2GB (2GBx1)

Type/Speed : DDR2/533MHz

Maximum : 2GB

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : 10.95″(W) x 0.55″(H) x 7.29″(D)⁶

Weight (Approx.) : 1.60 lbs (with standard battery)

Power

Battery Type : Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery and Large Capacity Lithium-ion Battery

Estimated Battery Life : Up to 3.0 hours⁸ with Standard Capacity Battery
Up to 12.0 hours⁸ with Large Capacity Battery

Expansion Slots

Multimedia Card Reader : One Memory Stick Duo™ media slot with MagicGate® functionality
One Secure Digital (SD memory card) media slot

Graphics

Chipset : Mobile Intel® Hub US15W Chipset

Processor : Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 500¹³

Inputs and Outputs

DC-In : 1

Ethernet Connection(s) : 1

Headphone Output(s) : 1

Microphone Input : 1

USB Port(s) : 2 (2.0 compliant)

Environmental Information

ENERGY STAR® : 5.0

EPEAT™ : Gold

ROHS® : Compliant

Hardware

Camera : Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone with face-tracking technology (640×480) VGA

Keyboard : QWERTY, 82 keys with 1.2mm stroke and 17mm pitch

Solid State Drive

Capacity : 128GB

Interface : Serial ATA

Audio

Sound System : Intel® High Definition Audio

Processor

Front Side Bus Speed : 533MHz

L2 Cache : 512kB

Speed : 2.00GHz

Type : Intel® Processor

Software

Operating System : Genuine Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium 32-bit

Anti-Virus Software : Norton Internet Security™ 2009 30-Day Trial Offer¹⁵

Supplied Software : Microsoft® Works SE 9.0 w/ 60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007¹¹
Microsoft® Streets and Trips 2009¹⁹

The VAIO® Software Experience : VAIO Care™ – System diagnostics and maintenance

In the Box

AC Adapter

Standard Lithium-ion battery

Power Cable

Large Capacity Battery

Via Cnet, via Gizmodo

I went ahead and tried setting up god mode on my laptop. Its pretty easy to set up and works like charm

By creating a new folder in Windows 7 and renaming it with a certain text string at the end, users are able to have a single place to do everything from changing the look of the mouse pointer to making a new hard-drive partition.

The trick is also said to work in Windows Vista, although some are warning that although it works fine in 32-bit versions of Vista, it can cause 64-bit versions of that operating system to crash.

To enter “GodMode,” one need only create a new folder and then rename the folder to the following:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Once that is done, the folder’s icon will change to resemble a control panel and will contain dozens of control options. I’m not sure it’s my idea of playing God, but it is a handy way to get to all kinds of controls.

Over the years we have seen MS attempts to promote the next big thing, from the tablet PC running on windows xp with non-captive touch screens. To the ill-fated umpc that didn’t have the right OS or processor to boot. Through this process Apple has been acknowledged as the true innovator in the tech world, with the heralding of the Ipod, Iphone and stylish Mac books. This assumption might continue with its rumored Apple tablet (iSlate), speculated to debut in Jan 25th at Apple’s event.

The question is, what’s the big deal with a touch screen computer? Aren’t traditional laptops good enough. What about netbooks, aren’t they small and portable enough for the size conscious consumer?

The answer here is not about practicality or portability. But it rests with the assumption that consumers want their technology to evolve with their expectation. We want star trek tech today! Ease of use with our fingers, gesture controls that not only look cool but are practically cool. We are tired of the physical keyboard, the mouse was a great input tool, but its old. We want to feel in control, like we created the technology when showing off to friends.

So how does Microsoft have it right with Courier and Apple by all rumored indication  is moving on a more traditional path with the iSlate.

Design

The courier, doesn’t look like a laptop or netbook, heck it looks like a book. Which is its best design feature. Why pretend to be something, when you can actually be it. The fact that its design context breathes familiarity, show a direct reaction to today’s consumers need. The courier reminds me of something I need and something that can blend or fit into a user personality. The fact that it looks like a books, also attracts consumers who fear technology or see computers as being complex and foreign.

Technical functionality

From the concept videos, posted by Gizmodo. We can see that the courier is sticking close to its design roots of being a book. The use of pages as a way to save documents and information. Reminds me of the Nintendo Wii’s home screen, which uses channels as a way to save files and other information. This makes each page in the case of the courier unique and its self-containing will being part of the whole concept.

Dual touchscreen

No its not a 7″ Nintendo DS, though the gaming possibilities are numerous. The dual screens actually allow for a greater degree of multitasking. where an individual can surf the web on the left screen to get information to use on a project on the right. Playing a video on one screen while editing it on the fly on the other. Like with the DS, the limitations are only restricted by a developer/users imagination.

Interface

Granted we know nothing of what the iSlate’s interface will be like, I am betting it will follow previous Apple conventions and evolve from that. Which isn’t a bad thing, just not as fresh and new as e would like. The courier on the other hand has a user interface that looks fresh and practical at the same time. with a simple scrap book mentality Microsoft looks to make the Courier experience a unique one. Just as it did with the Zune HD

Pricing & Service

At the end of the day, this is what may determine if Microsoft’s design philosophy with the courier is the right one. We don’t have to guess how much the iSlate will cost. Apple is pretty consistent with their pricing. Microsoft has to price the device right, to cot less than the iSlate and be perceived to be of more value. I believe a range between $400-$600 will be the most effective in capturing consumers to buy into the Courier.  As the product comes off as being cost efficient yet not cheap.

Rumors have begun to swirl of Apple tying the iSlate with a subscription service that akin to iTunes but for TV shows. A very nice idea and way of providing constant functionality for a device that maybe more traditional that practical.  The questions here is does the Courier need some sort of service or have Netflix built in with HULU or HULU type service. Or will the Couriers innovative design be good enough to show case the product.

If Microsoft does go ahead and announce the courier in the form and fashion we have seen from leaked document, the the industry should be ready for an interesting change. Let us know what you think

Microsoft Club house has posted up easy steps in adding voice recognition to your windows 7 pc.

Did you know that Windows 7 comes with voice recognition built right into the operating system? If you have a microphone and want to give it a try here is how you do it: