Logitech Ships 100 Millionth Wireless Mouse
September 8, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
Today Logitech announced the shipment of its 100 millionth wireless mouse. Logitech introduced the world’s first radio-frequency (RF) based mouse for computers in 1991.
Logitech chose RF technology in 1991 to improve on line of sight constraints associated with the infrared (IR) technology found in previous generations of wireless peripherals. Unlike IR, RF technology lets you orient your mouse in any direction without worrying about the position of the receiver – you could place it behind your computer or even under your desk to eliminate clutter. Since that time, Logitech has continued to improve the consumer experience with wireless innovations such as the tiny nano-receiver and Logitech Unifying technology that delivers faster and more reliable 2.4 GHz connectivity.
The Logitech Unifying receiver delivers Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz connectivity in a receiver that is small enough to stay in your laptop when you’re on the go. Plus, you can easily add up to 6 Unifying ready products to one receiver so you don’t fill up your computer’s USB ports. Logitech’s Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity keeps you connected with virtually no delays or dropouts at a range of up to 10 meters. And it includes 128-bit AES keyboard encryption.
While Logitech’s first wireless mouse had an MSRP of $150, the company now offers wireless mice with 2.4 GHz technology in the tiny leave-in nano-receiver, for as little as $24.99. For more information about Logitech wireless mice, please visit www.logitech.com/mice.
NewerTech Announces Seven Port USB 2.0 Compact Powered Hub
September 2, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
NewerTech announced today its new NewerTech Seven Port USB 2.0 Powered Hub for connecting and powering up to seven USB devices simultaneously to a Mac or PC with Plug and Play ease.
A Full Power Hub
As a complete connectivity solution with a UL listed 3.5 Amp power supply, the NewerTech Seven Port USB 2.0 Powered Hub delivers the required 500mA of power to each of the seven industry standard USB ports to eliminate device disconnection commonly experienced by typical underpowered hubs.
Built for rugged mobile use with a durable aluminum enclosure design (3.1″ x 1.8″ x 0.8″) while only weighitng 11.3 ounces with all accessories.
Pricing and Availability
The NewerTech Seven Port USB 2.0 Powered Hub is available immediately for $27.95.
MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update Fixes Startup Freezes
August 26, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware
Apple has released an EFI firmware update for the current generation of 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models. Version 1.9 provides a bug fix for an issue that sometimes caused systems to freeze during startup.
The EFI download also improves compatibility with number of external displays.The update, (dowonload - 2.16MB) is recommended for all 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros releases in the middle of this year.
Samsung Announces LCD/TV Monitor Hybrids
August 26, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Home Electronics, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware, Televisions
SmartFish New ErgoMotion Mouse (W/Video)
August 25, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
Iomega Offering Portable USB 3 Hard Drives at USB 2 Prices
August 24, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware, Storage
Iomega toady announces that it is moving to the new SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface for all Iomega USB 2.0 portable hard drives, beginning with the award-winning line of Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drives. The new all-USB 3.0 eGo Portable Hard Drives will feature hardware encryption and super toughness, too, thanks to a drop spec twice the industry average – all at USB 2.0 product prices of the last generation of drives.
All of the new Iomega USB 3.0 eGo Portable Hard Drives come out of the box with 256-bit hardware encryption built-in (PC only), as well as the cables required to enjoy your drive right away, whether your desktop or laptop has USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports. The Prestige family of portable hard drives will also feature 256-bit hardware encryption built-in (PC only) with the transition to USB 3.0 models in the first quarter of 2011.
USB 3.0 Transition Timeline for Iomega Portable Hard Drives
Iomega plans to move all eGo Portable Hard Drives in 500GB and 1TB capacities to the new USB 3.0 interface by early October. Totally compatible with all USB 2.0 computers, the new USB 3.0 eGo Portable Hard Drives will include Iomega’s industry-leading Drop Guard Xtreme, which provides added protection from drops of nearly seven feet or twice the industry average.
In the first quarter of 2011, Iomega plans to move the Iomega Prestige Compact Portable Hard Drive line to USB 3.0 on all models. Shortly thereafter, Iomega will move the rest of its portable external hard drive models to the USB 3.0 interface.
The Iomega Protection Suite
Included free of charge with all of Iomega’s eGo and Prestige Portable Hard Drives is the Iomega Protection Suite, a portfolio of backup and anti-virus software giving users added protection for their photos, videos, music and other files.
Include Software
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v.Clone software, an Iomega exclusive, captures a complete virtual image of your PC — including the operating system, all applications, your settings, and all your files to your Iomega hard drive. Access the cloned copy and use it seamlessly on another computer, just as if you’re working from your own PC. When you reconnect, automatically sync your data to your primary PC, so that files are always up to date. |
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A complementary 12 month subscription to Trend Micro™ Internet Security for the PC, or Trend Micro Smart Surfing software for Mac. |
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Iomega QuikProtect: backup software for simple scheduled file-level backup of data to hard drives and network-attached storage devices (for Windows and Mac desktops and notebooks). |
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Roxio Retrospect Express software: backup all of your data plus applications and settings (for Windows and Mac desktops and notebooks). |
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MozyHome Online Backup service: Convenient online backup service with 2GB of online capacity for free (unlimited online storage for $4.95/month). MozyHome Online service allows you to restore your most important data from any computer with internet access, at any location in the world. |
Pricing, Availability and Warranty
For more information on Iomega’s complete line of portable hard drives, including current pricing, please go to www.iomega.com. Also be sure to see Iomega’s new USB 3.0 product video at YouTube.
The Iomega USB 3.0 Adapter for USB 2.0 laptops is available for $39.99, and the Iomega USB 3.0 PCI Express Adaptor for PC desktops is $39.99. (Pricing is U.S. suggested retail.)
All Iomega portable hard drives include a 3-year limited warranty (with registration). Iomega-branded portable hard drives are available from online retailers, VARs, resellers and select retailers, as well as at www.iomega.com.
Logitech Ships a Multi-Platform Gaming Keyboard
August 5, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Games, Mac Hardware, PC Games, PC Hardware, Video Games
Logitech today released a multi-platform gaming keyboard, a rarity for that style of keyboard. The G510 will work with both Macs and Windows PCs.
There are 18 programmable macro keys, each of which has three different possible states. A set of audio input and output jacks also turns any traditional two-way headset into a USB audio device for voice chat and sound without having to plug directly into the computer. Like other Logitech gaming keyboards, G510 has an LCD to show game stats or system data depending on the context. All keys are backlit, and the lighting color can be changed.
The G510 is available now and costs around $120.
NEC Unveiles New LED MultiSync E231W Display
August 2, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware, PC Hardware
NEC has unveiled a new mid-range monitor aimed at pros and poer users, the 23-inch MultiSync E231W. NEC claims it to be 40 percent more efficient than CCFL backlit monitors due to its use of LED backlighting. It outputs at a native 1080p and the display has a 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
Owners can track the carbon footprint thanks to a built-in meter. An Eco Mode is integrated, with a light sensor detecting levels of ambient light and changing screen brightness accordingly. An off-timer and five video modes for text, movie, game, photo or standard viewing are also built-in.
The E231W supports full-size DisplayPort, DVI and VGA inputs.
MultiSync E231W Features
- 23-inch 16:9 W-LED backlit panel
- 1920 x 1280 full HD resolution
- 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- 4-way ergonomic stand with 110mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel and pivot
- Full connectivity with DisplayPort, VGA and DVI input
- ECO Mode and ambient light sensor
- Carbon footprint meter
- Intelligent Power Management (IPM) system and off timer
- 5-preset Dynamic Video Mode (standard, text, movie, game, photo)
- Multi-directional OSD NaViKey
- Windows 7, Windows VistaTM Premium and Windows XP certified
- NaViSet Administrator software for centralized control
- EPEAT Gold rating
- ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliance
- TCO 5.0 compliance
Price and Availability
The MultiSync E231W comes with a 3-year parts and labor limited warranty and will be available later this month at an estimated street price of $299.
OWC Upgrade Program for 27-Inch iMacs
August 2, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware
Other World Computing has announced the Turnkey Upgrade Installation Program, a service for Apple’s new 2010 iMacs. The program is restricted to 27-inch models, but allows computer owners to make several improvements. People can for instance add an external eSATA port for a flat $169; this includes return shipping costs, and an eSATA cable.
Other upgrades include SSD drives beyond the speeds or capacities offered by Apple. OWC’s Mercury Extreme Pro read/write speeds are claimed to run as high as 270MBs, with storage options scaling up to 480GB. People can also choose to switch the stock 1TB hard drive out for an SSD, or upgrade capacity to as much as 2TB.
RAM, finally, can be bought and installed in configurations up to 16GB. Memory from OWC may cost as much as 45 percent less than Apple’s own RAM options.
Upgrade orders are set to open on August 3rd. Each one is promised to include a one-year warranty, and an installation turnaround of 48 business hours or less. Return of an upgraded Mac can be done using either ground or air delivery.
Apple Releases New 12 Core Mac Pro Desktop
July 27, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Mac Hardware
We have been waiting for a over a 18 months, but Apple today has finally refreshed the Mac Pro desktop line. Along with the new machines Apple releases a new Magic Trackpad as an option, which is an alternative to the Magic Mouse, and a new display. The new pro workstation uses as many as two six-core, 2.93GHz Xeon 5600 chips for a total of 12 cores, or 50 percent more than the outgoing top-end model. They can Turbo Boost to 3.6GHz and have both lower memory lag and a larger 12MB cache.
The systems now have a second Mini DisplayPort jack in addition to DVI and can output to two modern Cinema Displays without needing a second card. Apple’s new Magic Trackpad is an option as an alternative to the Magic Mouse, and users can now opt for up to a 512GB SSD in each of the four drive bays. Graphics can scale up to a Radeon HD 5870. There is not an option for NVIDA cards at this time from Apple.
Pricing for the systems starts at $2,499 for a system with a single 2.8GHz quad-core Xeon, 3GB of RAM across three sticks, a 1GB Radeon HD 5770, a 1TB hard drive, an 18X Superdrive, built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a wired keyboard to go along with the Magic Mouse. A higher-end $3,499 model uses two 2.4GHz quad-core Xeons, 6GB of memory and specs similar in other areas to the base version. The single-processor system can option up to a 3.33GHz quad-core chip, while the dual-processor version has the option of 2.66GHz and 2.93GHz six-core Xeons.
The systems should be available in August.