Who do Voodoo? HP do.
12 June 2008
HP has announced the latest additions to its Voodoo range of computer systems, catering for those on the go as well as for homebodies.
The organisation has added the Voodoo Envy 133 notebook to its line-up which it claims offers capabilities comparable with larger models.
Ports including USB2.0 and the high-definition multimedia interface cater for some of the more modern peripherals on the market.
An external optical disk drive is also provided with each model, while the integrated keyboard is backlit.
The Voodoo Omen, meanwhile, is a desktop system designed to be opened for upgrades or repair without the need for a screwdriver.
A built-in liquid crystal display provides a seven-inch screen to supplement the attached monitor.
With space for six solid-state internal disk drives, HP suggests that users should be able to establish a total system capacity of up to 384 gigabytes or up to three terabytes using conventional hard drives.
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HP extends notebook line-up
10 June 2008
New notebook models have been launched by HP in the biggest ever extension of its existing range.
Some 16 new models have been added to the organisation's portfolio, including business and personal systems.
Ted Clark, senior vice-president and general manager of HP's notebook global business unit, says: "HP is creating notebook computers that captivate users with striking design and the right features to deliver a great user experience.
"Our new line-up further enhances our brand leadership with notebooks that are tailored for the ever-changing mobile lifestyle."
The models include the Compaq Presario CQ45, CQ40 and CQ50 devices for "those on the go".
HP Pavilion dv4, dv5 and dv7 entertainment notebooks are also part of the new line-up.
Meanwhile, for those looking to brag, the HP EliteBook and its military-standard HP DuraCase protective cover could be ideal.
The organisation has also announced its HP DreamColor Display, an affordable option for design professionals who need to ensure colour is accurately reproduced on-screen.
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New Dominator kit launched by Corsair
06 June 2008
Some people undoubtedly upgrade their computers to support the latest high-specification games.
But for those who are more interested in bragging rights, the Corsair Dominator range is perhaps an appealing brand name.
The 4GB Dominator DDR3 2000 MHz memory kit has just been launched for availability in the third quarter of the year.
Richard Hashim, director of marketing at Corsair, says: "Corsair is focused on building the industry's fastest memory available in the largest densities."
Meanwhile, mobile users could find they are able to play more demanding games with the release of the Asus G70 notebook.
This, the manufacturer says, supplies extreme performance through its "multi dual engine" architecture.
In order to enjoy games at their highest visual quality settings when at home, an external monitor could be an ideal addition to the system.
Asus caters for this need too in the form of its 24-inch LCD screen, the Asus MK241H.
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'Ultra lightweight' notebook launched by 3K
30 May 2008
Computer systems manufacturer 3K has launched a new notebook described as "ultra lightweight".
The compact computer measures in at a fairly diminutive seven-inch diagonal screen size.
But a number of features are incorporated which could see the RazorBook 400 battling with the big boys.
A fanless processor means no annoying whirring sounds - in fact, 3K asserts that the RazorBook 400 is "completely quiet".
Power usage is also cut down by eliminating the need for a fan, ideal when running from a battery.
Despite its compact size, the notebook is equipped with a full-scale keyboard, so there should be no fiddling with intricate key combinations to get to standard functions.
Earlier in the year, 3K announced the release of the racecar-inspired Approxima 500WS workstation.
Mesh side panels, streamlined air vents and genuine automobile paint helped to enhance the car theme of the system, while aerodynamics were used to create an efficient throughflow of cool air in order to carry heat away from components.
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Logitech V450 Nano launched
23 May 2008
Peripherals manufacturer Logitech has announced the release of its latest wireless mouse for notebook users.
The Logitech V450 Nano is aimed at users of either laptop systems or the new MacBook Air.
A release date of late May has been set for the US, while in Europe the mouse should be making an appearance in July.
Logitech explains that the pointing device incorporates a laser sensor designed to work effectively on a wide variety of different surfaces.
With battery life of up to a year, the risk of running out of juice while on the road should not be too great.
The universal serial bus receiver which enables the wireless communication necessary for the mouse is described by Logitech as being so small it can be termed as "plug and forget" technology.
Logitech recently launched its Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile speaker system to allow music to be played back wirelessly from a mobile phone in the owner's pocket.
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Children's toys Review
22 May 2008
Children's toys manufacturer Playmobil has added to its robust range of plastic characters over the course of 2008, with extensions made to a number of its product lines. The Playmobil Dinosaur range brings to life a world which went extinct 65 million years ago with characters such as Triceratops, Brachiosaurus and the intriguing partnership of T-Rex with Velociraptors. Unlike the real-world beasts, however, the Playmobil range comes with human characters to play with too - equipped with their own four-wheel drive exploring car and an amphibious vehicle for discovering underwater dinosaurs.
For some vehicles more up to date, Playmobil Racing Cars are fairly self-explanatory, presenting aspiring speedsters with four different racers to choose from in different colours. Green, red, yellow and blue cars contribute to the range of vehicles available, while racing really is possible thanks to the inclusion of a pull-back motor. Ensuring the packaging does not go to waste, Playmobil has designed the boxes so that they can be converted into ramps, which might be perfect for performing jumps or just to help drivers get off the line a little faster. Should a single-colour car not be snazzy enough, budding mechanics can dismantle the vehicles and swap parts around to make multicoloured machines.
Bandai, meanwhile, has launched Puchi Puchi to cater for anyone who ever found there was no bubble wrap around when they wanted some. The device is named for the Japanese words which describe the sounds made by bubbles when they burst and represents an eight-bubble section of the packaging material recreated in durable blue, pink or clear plastic. However, the bubbles cannot actually be popped - instead, the battery-operated device plays a popping sound when each is pressed. This is complemented by extra sounds which are played back every now and then, such as a barking dog.
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Eurocom launches 'server on the go'
13 May 2008
Servers may come in useful for many applications, but they are traditionally not the most mobile of computer systems.
However, electronics firm Eurocom is now looking to put that right with the launch of its D901C Phantom-X mobile server.
This is truly mobile thanks to the inclusion of a one-hour uninterruptible power supply, meaning the system may be used for up to 60 minutes without a mains connection.
Multiple hard drives mean the security of a Raid configuration can be put in place, backing up data or increasing hard drive access speeds depending on whether a Raid 0 or 1 setup is used.
The three disks, at 500 GB each, mean a total of 1.5 TB is available on the system as a whole.
With quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs providing the processing capacity and 8 GB of memory, there should be little problem in managing large quantities of data.
For a more static alternative, the recently released Titan 700 from MSI offers a compact system with integrated 2.5-inch hard drive and a slimline DVD burner.
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MSI unveils 'graphics card of the year'
09 May 2008
The product of the year awards could be heading the way of MSI if its new graphics card lives up to the hype.
Extra control is given to users to allow them to adjust the ventilation system onboard the N9600GT Hybrid Freezer.
In this way, MSI suggests that a quieter overall operation should be achievable without compromising on heat dissipation.
Heat pipes and fins help to carry away thermal energy during 2D graphics processing.
Once more intensive 3D graphics are used, the integrated fan kicks in, dispersing heat that the fins alone could not cope with.
Vincent Lai, MSI global marketing director, says: "With Hybrid Freezer technology, users can still enjoy a powerful system without harming the environment."
Meanwhile, MSI recently announced the launch of its K9A2GM/VM series of mainboards.
An integrated graphics processor on the motherboards provides support for dual displays and Microsoft's DirectX 10, the software on which an increasing number of games are based.
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Sharp 'keeps it fresh' with microwave oven
08 May 2008
The new R86STM microwave oven from Sharp could help eliminate nasty niffs from kitchens across the nation, the company reveals.
As well as a selection of different cooking programmes, the device incorporates a special "oven fresh" setting.
In order to use this, a bowl of water and lemon must be placed on the cooking plate of the microwave, Sharp explains.
Once activated, the oven takes over, using the natural purifying abilities of the citrus fruit to help remove odours from the interior.
Among the other functions are short-cuts to some of the most common tasks for which microwave ovens are used.
Melting butter has its own programme, as does - perhaps the most common application of microwaves - reheating leftover takeaway.
Sharp recently looked to raise awareness of the amount of electricity consumed by different models of television.
The firm called for an energy rating scheme to be established to identify particularly well performing sets.
© Adfero Ltd |  |
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