The Microsoft Office 2010 beta was released Wednesday, and though there aren't many major changes from the Technical Preview from July, there are some new features and enhancements worthy of note. This post will focus on the changes to the beta, but if you want a larger overview of new features across all the applications, check out our rundown of the Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview.
Outlook is the cornerstone of many companies' communications and daily schedules, and as such received a lot of enhancements in Office 2010. In the beta version, Microsoft has added even more ways to connect with coworkers and contacts. The new Outlook Social Connector is an added information pane that gives you more info about everyday contacts. Once set up, you'll be able to view pictures of contacts (even in large cc lists), previous conversations, attachments shared, meetings attended, and much more. Though not complete in the beta, Microsoft says the Outlook Social Connector will soon be able to connect with social Web sites like Facebook and Twitter, so you can follow status updates and more all in one location.
The Office 2010 Technical Preview introduced the Back Stage view, an enhanced File menu (accessed from the Office Icon tab) that lets you manage your documents, set permissions, and share your projects with colleagues. In the beta version Microsoft has decided to return to calling it the File menu, but with all the functionality and flexibility of Back Stage. They also have made it possible to access all the other tabs in the Ribbon, which were previously inaccessible in the Technical Preview, so you can get to the information you want quickly without the added step of exiting Back Stage.
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The new Rocket 622 and Rocket 620 SATA 3.0 controller cards from HighPoint.
(Credit: HighPoint)In September, Seagate made the first 6Gbps SATA hard drive available. The new Seagate Barracuda XT hard drive offers twice the throughput speed of existing popular 3Gbps SATA hard drives. Now you're about to get the chance to take advantage of the new drive's performance with your current PC.
HighPoint, which makes controllers for storage devices, announced Monday the availability of the first SATA 6Gbps (or SATA 3.0) host adapters, the Rocket 600 series, which are based on PCI-Express 2.0 technology.
SATA 3.0 is the next generation of the SATA storage standard. Currently most computers use the second generation of this standard, the 3Gbps SATA (or SATA 2.0). At its full potential, the SATA 3.0 standard could theoretically transfer entire contents of a CD (about 800MB) in just one second. According to HighPoint, its new controller cards, however, offer the sustained speed of up to 500MBps.
HighPoint's new series of controller cards comes in two versions, the Rocket 622 that offers external eSATA connections to 6Gbps hard drives and the Rocket 620 that adds the higher-speed SATA to a computer's internal storage. Both of them, however, require an available PCI-Express slot inside the computer. You need the Rocket 620 if you want to install an operating system on the new and faster SATA 3.0 hard drive.
The two add-in controller cards are fully compliant with the Advanced Host Controller Interface (or AHCI) standard. They can also be installed in PCI-Express 1.0 slots and are backward compatible with previous generations of the SATA standard (the 1.5Gbps SATA 1.0 and the 3Gbps SATA 2.0). This means you can use them with any existing SATA-based hard drives and solid-state drives, other than the new 6Gbps SATA Barracuda XT from Seagate.
The new controllers are available this month. The Rocket 620 is slated to cost $70, while the Rocket 622 costs another $10.
(Credit:
Audio-Technica)
Last year, we reviewed the Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC7 noise-canceling headphones, and editor Jasmine France thought they were a good value, offering decent, but not great, sound for the money. Well, when we heard that Audio-Technica was releasing a new, improved version of these headphones with a "b" tacked on to the model name, we were eager to get our hands on a pair.
What exactly has the company improved? According to the news release, these 'phones are supposed to sound better, offer a more comfortable fit (the earcups have been redesigned), and deliver some additional design tweaks, including an easier-to-access battery bay and two detachable cables of varying lengths: 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) and 1 meter (3.3 feet). Also, according to Audio-Technica's release, the ATH-ANC7b headphones deliver "smoother, richer, and more natural tonal balance...with impactful bass, a detailed midrange, extended treble and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield."
All that sounds good and a lot of people have their eyes on the $200 ATH-ANC7b headphones as good alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort 15s and QuietComfort 3s that cost significantly more ($300 and $350, respectively). So we decided to see if the Audio-Technicas measure up to that hype.
Read the full review of the Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC7 headphones to see if they do.
On Sale Now: $129.00 - $199.99
View the latest prices for Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint
(Credit:
Ricoh)
The Ricoh GRD series of compact cameras have been a popular choice among photographers who want a stealthy point-and-shoot that offers manual focus and exposure control. The Japanese company has updated this line with the GRD III and its optics should appeal to enthusiasts.
The 28mm fixed lens has a maximum aperture of F1.9, and shutterbugs who snap a lot of pictures at night will find this large lens opening useful. Besides the usual JPEG image format, the 10-megapixel camera is able to take RAW pictures, and the 3-inch screen has been upgraded to a higher-resolution 920K-pixel display. Although this professional-oriented point-and-shoot records video at only 640 x 480 pixels, we're pretty sure its target audience won't mind.
The GRD III is compatible with a wide range of accessories made for the GRD II, save for a few peripherals such as the GH-1 lens hood.
The Ricoh camera is expected to reach shelves in the U.K. first for $877 in mid-August.
The new Fujifilm S200EXR megazoom
(Credit: Fujifilm)Fujifilm and Olympus have separately announced several new cameras. All of the new models are previewed below.
Fujifilm brings EXR sensor to its megazoom line
The replacement for the FinePix S100FS has the same lens but incorporates Fujifilm's latest version of its Super CCD.
(Posted in Crave by Lori Grunin)
July 21, 2009 9:01 PM PDT
Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR: Souped-up pocket megazoom is mode-alicious
The 10x zoom FinePix F70EXR gets new shooting features thanks to its Super CCD EXR sensor.
(Posted in Crave by Joshua Goldman)
July 21, 2009 9:01 PM PDT
Fujifilm rolls out four tiny cameras with tiny prices
While a lot of the exciting new features and designs come to point-and-shoots above $200, most of the buying happens at and below that price points. So while these four new models from Fujifilm aren't exciting, they are inexpensive, look decent, and have the requisite specs and features for their class.
(Posted in Crave by Joshua Goldman)
July 21, 2009 9:01 PM PDT
The Olympus FE-5020 shows off its slim profile
(Credit: Olympus)Latest Olympus FE cameras use microSD
Olympus' trio of Fall FE cameras, the company's budget snapshooters, don't break any new ground but they're shiny and come in bright colors. Most notably, they all offer dual card slots so you're not forced to use Olympus'/Fujifilm's xD-Picture cards.
(Posted in Crave by Lori Grunin)
July 21, 2009 9:00 PM PDT
What's long, wide, and thin and takes xD cards? (Answer: The Olympus Stylus-7010)
In case you haven't been paying attention, the gotta-have-it trend in compact cameras is a wide-angle, long-zoom lens, such as the one in the 1-inch-thick Olympus Stylus-7010. Available in August in a choice of dark gray, silver, or pink, the 7010 has just about every feature we look for in a pocket camera in its class.
(Posted in Crave by Joshua Goldman)
July 21, 2009 9:00 PM PDT
Olympus' trio of Fall FE cameras, the company's budget snapshooters, don't break any new ground but they're shiny and come in bright colors. Most notably, they all offer dual card slots so that your not forced to use Olympus'/Fujifilm's xD-Picture cards. However, instead of using SD, they incorporate microSD; it's fine for phones, where you leave it in, but is really too physically small to be a good media type for devices where you frequently handle it. It's simply too easy to lose.
All three use 12-megapixel sensors and 2.7-inch LCDs, plus incorporate a subset of Olympus' Art Filters--Pop Art, Fish Eye and Wedding (Soft Focus), plus Pin Hole on the FE-5020--here redubbed Magic Filters. There's also a new AF tracking capability.
The cheapest model, the FE-46, runs a mere $99 and has a 36-180mm-equivalent 5X zoom lens. It runs off 2 AA batteries and comes in pink, blue, white and black. The $149.99 FE-4000 sports a 26.3-105mm-equivalent 4x zoom lens and comes in gray, magenta, white and blue. For $10 more, the $159.99 FE-5020 bumps up to a 5x zoom 24-120mm-equivalent lens. You can get that in black or wine red. All will be available in September.
(Credit:
CNET)
The Microsoft Office 2010 technical preview is available today through invite only and--though it's not in its final form--there are plenty of feature enhancements to be excited about, if Microsoft can pull it off. According to Microsoft, the focus of this update was on three things: to make work flows more efficient; to effectively use Web applications to make your work available anywhere; and to make collaboration with others much easier. In this CNET First Take, we'll take a look at some of the notable feature changes across many of the applications. Microsoft says Office 2010 will let you use your PC, phone, and the Web to make your projects come together more efficiently. From what we've seen, they might be right and the Web applications might also give Google Docs a run for their money.
The Ribbon (introduced in Office 2007) continues to keep frequently used features handy at the top of your work space. But in Office 2010, you'll have access to the Ribbon across all of the applications in the suite, with contextual tabs and features to help you get the most out of each program. In Outlook 2010, for example, a Quick Steps section of the Ribbon has options to let you quickly create team meetings, move threads to specific folders, or custom forward messages (with premade subjects) to specific recipients. In Excel, you can flip through the tabs to access formulas, insert diagrams and charts, and quickly import data from connected sources. Having an easy way to access the most-used functions of each of the Office applications is very handy, and it's clear Microsoft did its research to make the most of each application's Ribbon.
It's also clear that Microsoft has paid attention to patterns across all of the applications to come up with easier ways to get things done. The new Paste Preview lets you easily switch between paste options so you know your work will be formatted correctly in your document before you commit. In Outlook, it's now possible to turn long e-mail threads into conversations, so you can quickly find information from specific participants without having to scroll through long, confusing threads. Another new feature lets you ignore entire threads including future e-mails on a subject so you can eliminate noise and distractions in your workday. Office 2010 includes many new time-saving features like these across the entire suite, but there's more than just tweaks to existing work flow.
Some of the flashier feature additions will be good news to those who work with media in their documents and presentations. PowerPoint now has options for editing video right within the program. You'll be able to trim video so your audience sees only the video content you want them to see. You also can add video effects, fades, and even create video triggers to launch animations during your presentation. When it's a static presentation you're working on--such as a publication, newsletter, or pamphlet--Office 2010 will let you edit and add effects to images so you won't need a third-party image editor. Microsoft has also added easy access to Ligatures and Stylistic Alternates to fonts in Publisher so you can add your own personal touches to your publications. Like most of the new features in Office 2010, you can find most of these added options in the Ribbon for that particular application.
As more of our data moves into the cloud, sharing and collaboration have become a major part of project execution, and Office 2010 will offer several options to help people work together. Though the Web-based components of the Office suite are not available in the technical preview, adding these options will make sharing information easier--whether it's from your home computer, your phone, or when you're traveling for business. Lightweight Web browser versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote have been announced, and, according to Microsoft, they will preserve the look and feel of a document regardless of the device you're working on--even if it's your smartphone.
New coauthoring in Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote and advanced e-mail management and calendaring capabilities in Outlook will make collaboration much easier, reducing the time it takes to finish large projects with several contributors. Businesses will be required to use Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 or Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services to gain access, but private users will be able to access their work using Windows Live. Obviously, we can't predict how well the Web components of each program will be implemented or how they will translate to different hardware, but offering access to shared documents in key business applications from anywhere is something any international business or business traveler can appreciate.
One of our favorite improvements to Office 2010 is what Microsoft calls the Backstage view. Offered as a replacement for the File menu, Backstage gives you a launching point to share documents, print out your work, set permissions, and other program specific options to get your project ready for distribution. You'll find all of the usual document management features, like open and save, here as well, but you'll also get a nice layout of templates for new documents, several different ways to share your work, and print settings and page layouts all in one place. We think people might initially be resistant to a new way of doing things (as is often the case), but once you get used to using the Backstage view for all of your file management, we think you'll find it useful and efficient to have access to everything in one place.
Microsoft Office 2010 will be released early next year and it appears Microsoft has made extensive usability improvements across the entire Office suite. We're told the Web components of Office applications will become available for testing later this year, so check back as more information becomes available.
Documents To Go has finally arrived on the iPhone.
It's been a long time coming, but DataViz's Documents To Go has finally arrived in the App Store.
The software allows you to view, edit, and create Microsoft Word documents, while a companion desktop app (for Windows and Mac) enables two-way synchronization.
Needless to say, this should have business users dancing in the aisles (or at least doing a little Where the Hell is Matt-style jig).
Drawing on years of experience with Palm and Windows Mobile versions of Documents To Go, DataViz crammed in a laundry list of features. For starters, the company's InTact technology guarantees that all document formatting gets preserved between iPhone and PC.
The app also offers predictive text, landscape viewing/editing, character formatting (bold, italics, underline, etc.), bulleting and numbering, tables, embedded graphics, and plenty more. Most importantly, it allows you to cut, copy, and paste text. (Remind me why it took Apple three versions of the OS to add this?)
For the moment, Documents To Go supports only Word files, at least in terms of creating and editing. As with countless other apps, you can view Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, and iWork documents.
Down the road, DataViz will add support for creating and editing Excel spreadsheets, at which point anyone who purchased this version will get a free upgrade.
And right now, Documents To Go is priced at just $4.99-- a"grand opening" special that ends June 30. I'm not sure what the price will be after that, but it's a good bet it'll be closer to competitor Quickword ($12.99). The latter can't yet edit Word 2007 files, nor does it actually synchronize documents.
Also on special: Documents To Go with Exchange Attachments, which includes a built-in e-mail client for downloading, viewing, and sending Word files on the run. (In other words, it syncs with your company's Exchange server.) That version will cost you $9.99 until June 30.
Good stuff. Now all we need is a decent portable Bluetooth keyboard for word processing on the run. Come on, accessory makers! Get with the program.
Panasonic's FX150 is nearly a year old, but it's currently an amazing deal.
There are so many snapshot cameras available that it can actually be a fairly miserable experience shopping for one. Add in concerns about pricing and you're likely going to continue using your camera phone as your primary point-and-shoot for digital photos.
Finding the right camera at the right price is easier if you start by asking yourself two questions: how will I use the camera and how will I use the photos? These are important for determining what type of user you are and how little you can expect to spend without being disappointed with your choice.
Check out our full digital camera buying guide to help determine what specs will meet your needs. Then, use the tips below for finding the best deal on your new camera. Happy hunting.
Eliminate features
There are three key components most people look for when picking a camera: megapixels, LCD size, and zoom range. Current entry-level models start at 10 megapixels for the most part, which is plenty of resolution for snapshot prints of 8x10 or smaller. The common LCD size on these models is 2.5 inches, and they typically have a 3x or 4x zoom. Features on these cameras usually include basic face detection, a dozen scene modes, a low-resolution movie mode, a full automatic mode, and a program auto mode giving you controls for ISO, white balance, light metering, and focus. (Here are some good examples.)
Any additional features start to drive the price up--in other words, they are things used to upsell you to another model. So if you don't think you'll ever want to control shutter speed or aperture settings, don't need a 3.5-inch touch-screen display, you won't be using the movie mode for anything except YouTube clips, or a 10x zoom will get you way closer to your subject than you want to get, feel free to skip them.
... Read moreIt's probably unlikely that any of you reading this don't already have a wireless network at home. But hey, if you don't, it's not too late: I have some quick tips for you on how to get one up with the least amount of money.
The high-performance, low-budge Trendnet TEW 633GR router.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)Go free
This is not always the case but a lot of Internet providers, such as AT&T, offer a free gateway (most likely after rebate). Take it. I have also learned that if you have been a long-time customer who originally got only the modem, you can call in and ask to exchange the modem for a gateway, which is a combination of modem plus wireless router. Obviously this only works on a case-by-case basis but a slight "threat" to switch the service sometimes can be a sufficient push.
Most free routers are Wireless-G. They are generally rather simple and without great performance or range, but for regular casual Internet and networking needs they are good enough.
Upgrade the current router
If your current router is not wireless-capable or a Wireless-G one, you can very easily upgrade it to Wireless-N by adding an access point. Some access points are very affordable, the Trendnet TEW-637AP Easy-N-Upgrader, for example, only costs around $30 and offers great Wireless-N speed and a good range.
Also about add-ons, if you buy a desktop and intend to use wireless networking with it, don't get a wireless card from the computer vendor. You can easily find an add-on wireless card from an online store, like NewEgg for much less than what the computer vendor would charge you for this upgrade.
The Belkin N+ router offers great performance at an affordable price.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)Buy off-brand names
There are three major wireless networking vendors on the market including Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link. Routers made by these vendors tend to be more expensive than those made by Belkin or Trendnet. It varies by model, but some off-brand-name routers can be very good, too. Both the Belkin N+ and the Trendnet TEW 633GR got excellent ratings and cost less than $100.
Avoid fancy features
Generally, I like routers that offer everything including dual-band (both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz), USB port for printers and external storage, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, and so on. However, most of the time you just need a 2.4Ghz Wireless-N functionality. A simple Wireless-N router can be had for just a bit more than $50. Example of these are the Trendnet Wireless N-Draft Router, TP-LINK TL-WR941ND, or any router on this list.
Buy used
Craiglist and eBay are good venues to find used routers that can cost just $20 or even less. Garage sales are good spots too. Just make sure you check CNET Reviews before you decide to make a purchase. Generally, routers are designed to work 24-7 so if you buy a router that have been released for a year or less, chances are it's as good as brand new. Make sure you upgrade the router to the latest firmware, which, along with the instructions, can be found at the vendor's Web site.
Share your hot spot
The best thing about wireless networking is the ability to easily share your Internet connection with your roommates or even neighbors, especially if you live in a condo. If your building is secluded and everybody agrees to pay their part, you can just leave the wireless network open. Otherwise, make sure you encrypt and only give the encryption key to those who agree to chip in with the monthly payment. Most routers can support more than 200 users at a time. Of course, this doesn't mean the bandwidth to the Internet is always enough for 200 heavy downloaders. So, pick carefully those you want to share it with.
That's it. Now you have no excuse not to tuck those wires away and make your computer corner a bit less cluttered. Happy (wireless) networking!
