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Intel's next-gen chips finalized, ramping up for 2008

Intel already has a significant advantage over AMD in CPU efficiency. As expected, today Intel announced that starting in 2008, that gap could become even wider. The specs for its new processors, code-named Penryn, have been finalized, and new desktop, laptop, and server CPUs should go into production in the latter half of 2007, with a street date planned in the first half of 2008. The Penryn chips will use a 45-nanometer manufacturing process, which should let Intel dial up clock speeds while maintaining relatively stable levels of power consumption.

In chipspeak, the fewer the nanometers the better. Intel uses … Read more

When projects hang over your head, literally

We appreciated the "Easy Desk Aluminum" laptop stand because it suited our hopelessly slothful lifestyle, but we're not so sure about the "Ergopod 500" by Office Organix that's featured on Neatorama. It's not that we doubt its usefulness--as the company indicates, the setup can be used by bedridden individuals or others who can't use computers in any other position. What would concern us is the precarious-looking configuration of the equipment, as shown in this accompanying picture with the large monitor hanging over the guy's head. We wouldn't want to be … Read more

What happens the day after Vista's Launch?

So what happens the day after Windows Vista is available to consumers? Will you still be able to buy a laptop or desktop with Windows XP, or are you going to be forced to upgrade with a new computer purchase? We polled system vendors, including Gateway, HP, Toshiba, Fujitsu, and Lenovo, and the answer is unanimous across the board.

According to every system builder we talked to, starting with Vista's January 30 launch, systems aimed at consumers will include only the new operating system, with no option for sticking with XP.

On the other hand, business users (or consumers … Read more

AMD has big plans for small computers

At CES 2007, AMD announced a plan to standardize the motherboard, chassis and basic components for those popular "small-form-factor" PCs. The goal of its new DTX standard is to help component and system makers focus on common layouts for motherboard inputs, mounting holes and other design elements to encourage more companies to carry Shuttle-style and even smaller PCs. Motherboard manufacturers Asus and MSI have already committed to producing DTX hardware, and AMD expects to send a reference design to system builders some time this quarter.

If you recall Intel's BTX initiative, you'll remember that it was … Read more

Zune-inspired WinBooks on the way

Putting Ohio State's poor showing last night in the BCS Championship game behind them, Ohio-based Micro Center had a few Vista desktop and laptop prototypes on display at CES. The big news on its PowerSpec desktop line is the addition of a Lian Li chassis for its high-end gaming PCs. The Lian Li chassis is an all-aluminum, tool-free unit that will be used on two highest-end models, the G450 and the G430. Lian Li makes some of the best PC enclosures around, and it should help the PowerSpec name garner some respect among gamers.

Likewise, Micro Center's WinBook … Read more

HP MediaSmart TV marketeer nimble on his flacking toes

I met with HP this morning to hear how its new MediaSmart TVs work with your Media Center PC ecosystem. (Takeaway: the TVs will play your PC-stored digital media, but you have to use Windows Media Player 11, and FairPlay-protected media from the iTunes Store won't work. Also, the built-in 802.11n wireless networking is a much-needed high-bandwidth touch.) The highlight of the meeting, though, was when a member of HP's PR team stepped in to hand the PR manager giving the presentation a write-up of the just-announced Apple TV device.

In a heretofore-unseen display of marketing agility, … Read more

Gateway goes Vista, hones its desktops' already sharp looks

Gateway is holding back most of the details on its new, Vistafied eMachines and Gateway DX430 desktops, but we did get to take a look at two engineering samples today. Highlights include tweaks to both brands' already strong visual appeal, as well as removable faceplates on the bottom half of each desktop, which could open the door for some customizable image options in the future.

You can expect that Gateway will continue to offer AMD and Intel dual-core chips in both systems, as well as Celeron on the lower-end eMachines. Gateway has also added a USB 2.0 media card … Read more