Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A Baker's Dozen Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Mac]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/13-tips-to-speed-up-your-mac/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/13-tips-to-speed-up-your-mac/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/07/13-tips-to-speed-up-your-mac/#comments Whether you're a recent convert, ambivalent veteran or one of those hardened Apple fanboys, let us remind you: a Mac, like any other computer, needs to be maintained. No, you probably don't need anti-virus software (yet), you may never have to fiddle with registry editing, and you'll likely never need to reinstall the operating system. But you may face a kernel panic, a raft of mysterious app crashes or the dreaded spinning beach ball of death. We've put together thirteen tips for keeping our Macs lean, clean computing machines. Spring has sprung, so, while you dust off your shelves and empty your closets, do some Mac maintenance, too.

Continue reading A Baker's Dozen Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Mac

SwitchedA Baker's Dozen Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Mac originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebackupBeachBallcrashdesktopsfeaturesfontsHardDriveSpaceimaclaptopsmacmacbookOsXSpinningBallSpringCleaningtipstopwhatsizewidgetsThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Shuts Student's Laptop in Class, Gets Arrested for Assault]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/professor-frank-rybicki-arrested-for-shutting-students-laptop/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/professor-frank-rybicki-arrested-for-shutting-students-laptop/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/05/professor-frank-rybicki-arrested-for-shutting-students-laptop/#commentsA professor at Georgia's Valdosta State University was arrested on assault charges last week, after shutting a laptop on a student's hand.

Frank J. Rybicki, an assistant professor of media studies, reportedly became angry with a female student who seemed to be surfing the Web on her laptop rather than paying attention to class. Frustrated, he shut the laptop and dismissed the student, who immediately began arguing with him.

Continue reading Professor Shuts Student's Laptop in Class, Gets Arrested for Assault

SwitchedProfessor Shuts Student's Laptop in Class, Gets Arrested for Assault originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestassaultcollegefrank+j.+rybickifrankj.rybickiFrankJRybickigeorgia+professor+laptopgeorgiaprofessorlaptoplaptopsprofessorprofessor+shuts+laptopprofessorshutslaptopschoolstudentstopvaldosta+state+university+professor+arrestedvaldostastateuniversityprofessorarrestedvsu+professor+gets+arrestedvsuprofessorgetsarrestedTue, 05 Apr 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[No, Samsung Isn't Installing Keyloggers on Laptops]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/samsung-keylogger-was-false-positive/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/samsung-keylogger-was-false-positive/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/samsung-keylogger-was-false-positive/#comments You might have heard yesterday that Samsung was installing keyloggers on its laptops, triggering a massive outcry from the blogosphere. Turns out it's not true. The software used to detect the keylogger was fooled by a language-support folder related to Microsoft's Live apps. The detector, VIPRE, was triggered by an empty folder folder called "SL" in the Windows directory. We think the Internet owes Samsung an apology.

SwitchedNo, Samsung Isn't Installing Keyloggers on Laptops originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyloggerlaptopssamsungsecuritytopThu, 31 Mar 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[webOS is Coming to Desktops and Laptops]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/webos-is-coming-to-desktops-and-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/webos-is-coming-to-desktops-and-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/09/webos-is-coming-to-desktops-and-laptops/#commentswebOS on PCs After all the TouchPad, Pre 3 and Veer hoopla passed, HP dropped a bit of a bombshell at today's press event: webOS is coming to PCs. Whether that's as a primary OS or as a quick-boot option, we're not sure, but the company is working on bringing the smartphone and tablet OS to full-sized computers later this year.

SwitchedwebOS is Coming to Desktops and Laptops originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>desktophplaptopstopwebosWed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Giveaway: Speck Netbook/iPad Case Makes Your Social Life Easier]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/24/giveaway-speck-netbook-ipad-case/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/24/giveaway-speck-netbook-ipad-case/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/24/giveaway-speck-netbook-ipad-case/#commentsEvery day that we go to work, we have a dilemma. We must tote our most crucial instrument, our laptop, virtually everywhere, but what happens when the work day ends? Do we accompany associates for a drink, carrying a large bag we've scored from one of countless tech conventions? Do we use a briefcase, a messenger bag, a suitcase? Our laptop bags are not social-call-friendly; they're bulky eyesores that fit our MacBooks perfectly, but send us digging through the slim, restrictive pocket, rifling frantically for our subway pass, which has slid down the back of the bag, squashed between the battery of the 'Book and the ungiving fabric of the bag. Of course, any laptop bag that is actually large enough for our gadget as well as for whatever we need to live our lives as normal people is usually ugly. So, typically, we resort to bulky backpacks; what choice is there?

At CES, we met up with the hip, perfectly designed products of Speck -- stuff to suit our phones and PCs that didn't make us want to claw our eyes out. With their rad prints, such as the trompe l'oeil china pattern, we especially like the Burton-designed iPod cases. (iPod cases? That we like? We were shocked!) And then there was the incredibly rugged PixelSkin. But the A-Line bag, a fabric, over-the-shoulder netbook holder that has all the features of modern living (e.g., iPod holder, myriad pockets, headphone pass-through for easy listening) and doesn't have that nylon, reflector-strip look that serves as a clear give-away you just came from work. The purple contrast interior adds a flash of color, and the single-button flap keeps things clean and minimal. The A-line shape, narrow at top and flared at the bottom, is classic but still elegant, like the skirt that shares its shape.

If you want one this minute, head over to Speck, where they are a reasonable $59.95. The generous return policy lets you try it on, model it for your cat, and, if you don't like it, send it back. We liked the bag so much we begged for one of our own -- but we decided that it'd be way cooler to pass it off to you guys. So, enter to win the cool carry-all here. The next time you are off to have drinks after work, you'll look frustratingly put-together, and your pals with stiff Timbuk2s and Jansports will wonder how you had time to stop home and change satchels. Trust us; your briefcase, hobo bag or messenger from college will never miss you.

Gallery: Speck Giveaway Images

Continue reading Switched Giveaway: Speck Netbook/iPad Case Makes Your Social Life Easier

SwitchedSwitched Giveaway: Speck Netbook/iPad Case Makes Your Social Life Easier originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giveawayLaptopBagNetbookBagspeckSpeckA-linetopMon, 24 Jan 2011 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PC Sales Lower Than Expected in 2010]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/pc-sales-lower-than-expected-in-2010/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/pc-sales-lower-than-expected-in-2010/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/14/pc-sales-lower-than-expected-in-2010/#commentsAccording to market research firms Gartner, Inc. and IDC, 2010 was not a great year for PC sales. Well, perhaps that's an oversimplification. PC sales in the fourth quarter of 2010 rose, but not nearly as much as the research firms had expected. Shipments of PCs have risen steadily over the years, as prices have come down and access to computers has become all but required for everything from schoolwork to paying bills. The exact numbers vary between the two firms, but both put the rise in PC sales during Q4 at about three-percent over the same time frame last year, a significantly smaller increase than expected. In total, the number of PCs shipped in 2010 rose 13.6-percent over 2009, which only highlights how disappointing the fourth quarter sales were.

IDC and Gartner blame this downslide on lower-than-expected consumer demand, as well as on the emergence of the iPad and other tablet devices, which have captured the public's attention. The extent to which tablets are cutting into PC sales is unclear, but the iPad alone sold more than seven million units in its first six months. (By contrast 93 million PCs were sold in Q4.) There is concern among PC makers that tablet sales will continue to grow and erode PC sales, but it's entirely possible that devices like the iPad may enjoy a (relatively) brief surge in sales before falling out of favor, as netbooks did.

SwitchedPC Sales Lower Than Expected in 2010 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscellphonesdesktopipadlaptopmoneypctabletTabletPcstopFri, 14 Jan 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung at CES: Smart TVs, Sliding Tablets and Tweeting Fridges]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/05/samsung-at-ces-smart-tvs-sliding-tablets-and-tweeting-fridges/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/05/samsung-at-ces-smart-tvs-sliding-tablets-and-tweeting-fridges/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/05/samsung-at-ces-smart-tvs-sliding-tablets-and-tweeting-fridges/#commentsSamsung Event
 By Terrence O'Brien and Leila Brillson

What Samsung got right is exciting: thin, beautifully designed bodies and bright, vibrant screens. The new Notebook 9 Series weighs in at under three pounds and is a half-inch deep, and the CES audience gasped when Tim Baxter, president of Samsung America, removed the black frame from around his "smart TVs", the D8000 and D7000. The Galaxy player, Samsung's (and Android's) first foray into the world of MP3s, looks exciting, evoking the Epic 4G in its form factor and embracing it's "Androidness" instead of mimicking the iPod. Even the Infuse 4G was lovely and sleek, with a front and rear facing camera and a massive 4.5-inch screen. The audience oohed and photos were snapped. The room was impressed.

Yet, for all of Samsung's attempts at innovation, the tech giant still clung to catch phrases and fads, talking about how connected its TVs were and proudly touting a tweeting, typing refrigerator. It debuted its ultralight 3-D glasses, which look more like something Jack Nicholson would wear in the Academy front row than anything we'd want to don while laying around the house. And, of course, President Baxter came out strongly condemning 3-D naysayers, touting numbers and explaining that 3-D TVs have passed nearly one million in sales (and Samsung has at least 70-percent of that market share). Yet, no one gasped at their 3-D revelations, and journos didn't snap furiously. The 3-D trend, as we've said myriad times, is just that: a trend. High-def is here to stay, but until 3-D is perfected, we're going to need more than Baxter's figures to convince us it's worth mentioning.

A couple of announcements seemed to rock the crowd, and here is what Samsung has to offer in the following year.

Continue reading Samsung at CES: Smart TVs, Sliding Tablets and Tweeting Fridges

SwitchedSamsung at CES: Smart TVs, Sliding Tablets and Tweeting Fridges originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d tv3dTvcesces 2011Ces2011galaxy playergalaxy tabGalaxyPlayerGalaxyTabinfuse 4gInfuse4gsamsungsamsung 8000samsung 9000 seriessamsung infuse 4gsamsung notebook 9Samsung Sliding PC 7 SeriesSamsung8000Samsung9000SeriesSamsungInfuse4gSamsungNotebook9SamsungSlidingPc7SeriestabletsWed, 05 Jan 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Goes Big With Chrome Web Store, Chrome OS, Cr-48 Notebook]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/google-goes-big-chrome-web-store-chrome-os-cr-48/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/google-goes-big-chrome-web-store-chrome-os-cr-48/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/google-goes-big-chrome-web-store-chrome-os-cr-48/#commentsGoogle Chrome Event As if we hadn't already had enough Google news this week -- with Android Gingerbread, eBooks and the Nexus S hitting yesterday -- the Mountain View crew just served up a heaping helping of Chrome news. While updates to the Chrome browser look great, the new Chrome Web Store and Chrome OS led the event. Part of Google's push for an increasingly Web-centric computing experience, these products offer a viable alternative to the desktop-based computing ideas we've grown used to during the past few decades. Read on to get the scoop on today's big news out of San Francisco.

Continue reading Google Goes Big With Chrome Web Store, Chrome OS, Cr-48 Notebook

SwitchedGoogle Goes Big With Chrome Web Store, Chrome OS, Cr-48 Notebook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appschromechrome oschrome web storeChromeOsChromeWebStoregooglelaptopstopwebTue, 07 Dec 2010 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/5-best-laptops-guide-budget-to-big-ticket/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/5-best-laptops-guide-budget-to-big-ticket/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/5-best-laptops-guide-budget-to-big-ticket/#commentsBest Laptop Guide
Share
Despite the fact that most Americans have been doing it for at least a decade, buying a laptop is getting increasingly difficult. A laptop makes a great gift if you don't mind splurging a bit for somebody, but the range of models available and the minuscule differences between them make navigating the crowded notebook scene a daunting task. Before we go any further, let us explain why you won't find this list overrun with Macs. Chances are, if you want a Mac, you know it already; all you have to do is decide how much money you want to spend. Problem solved! This guide is for those that are negotiating the murky but well-stocked PC market. Now that we've got that cleared up, let's move on to our suggestions, broken up by price.

Continue reading 6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket

Switched6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dellDell XPS 14DellXps14featuresGatewaygateway nv seriesGatewayNvSerieshggHP Envyhp envy 17HP PavilionHP Pavilion dm4HpEnvyHpEnvy17HpPavilionHpPavilionDm4laptopsmacbook proMacbookProshoppingthinkpadthinkpad x201ThinkpadX201Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Asus Eee PC 1215N Is Our Laptop Pick for Under $500]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/05/asus-eee-pc-1215n-best-laptop-under-500/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/05/asus-eee-pc-1215n-best-laptop-under-500/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/05/asus-eee-pc-1215n-best-laptop-under-500/#commentsAsus Eee PC 1215NAsus has done well by its line of low-cost Eee PCs, but the 1215N distinguishes itself from the rest of the netbook crowd by being fully-capable and ultraportable, rather than a cheaply made, crippled, underpowered toy like most baby laptops we've experienced. The 1215N has a bright, high-resolution (and widescreen dimension) 12-inch display, a dual-core 1.8GHz Intel Atom processor, 2 gigabytes of RAM, a giganto 250 gigabyte drive and best of all, switchable Nvidia Ion graphics. In real world terms, we can't believe how much muscle this thing packs for the price. HD video and even 3-D gaming function perfectly, and with typical use you'll still get up to 7 hours of battery life. That puts the 1215N firmly in best of breed range for us, and home-run territory for whoever opts to make one a gift.
www.asus.com
Price: $499

Continue reading Gift Guide: Asus Eee PC 1215N Is Our Laptop Pick for Under $500

SwitchedGift Guide: Asus Eee PC 1215N Is Our Laptop Pick for Under $500 originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1215nasusASUS Eee PC 1215NAsusEeePc1215neeepceeepc 1215nEeepc1215nhgglaptopsnetbooktopultraportableSun, 05 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: HP Envy 14, a Sleek Laptop for Under $1000]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/25/hp-envy-14-for-under-1000/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/25/hp-envy-14-for-under-1000/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/25/hp-envy-14-for-under-1000/#commentsSure, all the hubbub these days seems to be over tablet PCs and touchscreens, but let's not forget about the real workhorses, which upon we depend when we really need to get stuff done: laptops. This past summer, we fell for HP's crafty little 13-incher, the Envy 13. It was a lot of laptop to squeeze into such a small, pretty package. Still, we had a few minor misgivings, and apparently (and thankfully) someone at HP was listening. Thus, our feelings have turned into an unabashed techno-crush on the newer, slightly bigger, and way smarter brother, the Envy 14.

For starters, the Envy 14 is spec'd out generously for the price, and, when put to the test, performs like a champ. (Read a full review from our friends at Engadget.) And, even though it's solidly built, the new Envy is relatively lightweight and thin. Even better, it's easy on the eyes, making it the PC equivalent to that other darling of laptop land, the MacBook Pro (while still leaving a nice chunk of change to spare).

Gallery: HP Envy 14

SwitchedGift Guide: HP Envy 14, a Sleek Laptop for Under $1000 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hgghphp envy 14HpEnvy14laptoplaptopstopThu, 25 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveling Abroad? Make Sure Your Gadgets Are Ready for Take Off]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/travel-tips-charge-your-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/travel-tips-charge-your-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/travel-tips-charge-your-gadgets/#commentsTravel Tips Your tickets are booked. Your bags are packed. Your passport's been dusted off. It's finally time to take off for that exotic vacation you so sorely deserve, and to totally disconnect from the rest of the world... sort of.

Sure, you probably won't want to spend too much time trolling through e-mails instead of strolling across the Île Saint-Louis. If you're like us, though, you'll still probably toss a couple of gadgets into your suitcase -- if only to flood your friends' feeds with tweets, photos and Facebook posts from the other side of the world. But, before you start haphazardly dumping your smartphone, laptop and e-reader into your Samsonite, you should remember to take care of some very forgettable things.

Continue reading Traveling Abroad? Make Sure Your Gadgets Are Ready for Take Off

SwitchedTraveling Abroad? Make Sure Your Gadgets Are Ready for Take Off originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapterbattery chargerBatteryChargerflyinginternational travelinternational travel tipsInternationalTravelInternationalTravelTipsphone chargerphone chargersPhoneChargerPhoneChargerstechtiptechtipstoptravelMon, 15 Nov 2010 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Recyclable Bloom Laptop Comes Apart in 2 Minutes, Without Tools]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/recyclable-bloom-laptop-comes-apart-in-two-minutes-without-tool/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/recyclable-bloom-laptop-comes-apart-in-two-minutes-without-tool/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/recyclable-bloom-laptop-comes-apart-in-two-minutes-without-tool/#comments Taking your laptop in for repair typically involves long lines, condescending tech support workers and hefty bills. With a new prototype laptop called Bloom, however, conducting open hard-drive surgery is so easy, a 10-year-old could do it.

Created by a group of students from Stanford and Finland's Aalto University, Bloom can be completely disassembled within just two minutes, and with relative ease. As one Stanford student explains in the video after the break, users won't even have to get a screwdriver to dig into the gadget's guts, as everything inside connects with slot mechanisms. According to DVICE, the prototype also features a detachable keyboard and mouse, which can be used on any surface. And, because it's all made from just one material, the device is "highly recyclable," which is always a nice perk.

Continue reading Recyclable Bloom Laptop Comes Apart in 2 Minutes, Without Tools

SwitchedRecyclable Bloom Laptop Comes Apart in 2 Minutes, Without Tools originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodeskbloomgreenkeyboardlaptopmouseprototyperecyclingrepairstanfordtopMon, 08 Nov 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Laptop May Be Toasting Your Testicles]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/laptop-toasting-testicles-dr-yefim-sheynkin/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/laptop-toasting-testicles-dr-yefim-sheynkin/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/laptop-toasting-testicles-dr-yefim-sheynkin/#commentsIt's a tender subject but, really, it's no surprise; dear brothers, our laptops are toasting our testicles. You already knew that the underside of your computing device gets hot enough to sear people's skin like so much Sunday pain perdu, so did you think that your babymakers were free from danger?

Well, they're not. Even with one of those laptop cooling pads between your netbook and your nethers, your boys can quickly rise in temperature without you feeling it, according to new research published this month in Fertility and Sterility. In what must have been one of the more delicate studies undertaken for the annals of urological health, researchers strapped thermometers to the scrota of 29 subjects, each of whom then held a laptop on his knees. Within ten minutes, testicular temperatures began to rise, reaching a 2.5 degree Celsius increase within an hour.

Continue reading Your Laptop May Be Toasting Your Testicles

SwitchedYour Laptop May Be Toasting Your Testicles originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dr.YefimSheynkinfertilityFertilityAndSterilityhealthinfertilitylaptoplaptopsmedicalreproductionsciencestudytesticlestopMon, 08 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptop Case on Legs Marketed to People With Chairs, Without Laps]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/thanko-laptop-table-bag/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/thanko-laptop-table-bag/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/02/thanko-laptop-table-bag/#commentsWe'd like to say we can think of a million uses for this rather strange laptop bag... but we can't. Ostensibly a carrying case for your portable PC, the Thanko Laptop Table Bag hides four telescoping aluminum legs in its undercarriage. At 5,980 yen (roughly $74), it's not too much more expensive than your average case -- but, at a bulky six pounds, it probably weighs more than your laptop itself.

In addition to the legs, the bag features a fold-out mousepad as well as a pair of fans that serve to keep the computer's underside cool. If you often use your laptop out in the field, we could see this being a handy accessory. Maybe you're a seismologist, say, or a photographer who likes to process digital snapshots on site; the Table Bag just might be your perfect assistant. For everyone else, it kinda looks like granny's walker.

Gallery: Thanko Laptop Table Bag

SwitchedLaptop Case on Legs Marketed to People With Chairs, Without Laps originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptopbaglaptopslolzthankoThankoLaptopTableBagtopweirdTue, 02 Nov 2010 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Air Updated, Now in Small (13.3 inch) and Extra Small (11.6-inch)]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/new-macbook-air-announced-now-in-small-13-3-inch-and-extra-sm/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/new-macbook-air-announced-now-in-small-13-3-inch-and-extra-sm/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/new-macbook-air-announced-now-in-small-13-3-inch-and-extra-sm/#commentsmacbook air When Apple said "back to the Mac," it really meant "back to the MacBook Air." The company's tiny, ultra-portable machine got a refresh today that added the buttonless multitouch trackpad already found on the rest of the MacBook line and a second USB port that is a very welcome addition for users who like to plug more than one device into their computer at a time. Otherwise, the internals are largely the same, and perhaps getting a little long in the tooth. The newer Core i3s and i5s apparently wouldn't fit in the Air chassis, and Apple didn't want to downgrade to an Atom. (Why make a netbook when you have the iPad?) So, the Core 2 Duo is sticking around for another generation of MacBook Airs. The hard drive has been replaced with flash storage (still no optical drive, either) to provide not just faster operation, but instant start-up capabilities and significantly longer battery life: seven hours surfing on Wi-Fi, and 30 days of standby.

Apple has moved its 13.3-inch Air to a thinner and lighter unibody construction, but the real excitement is around the Air's so-called "little brother," an 11.6-inch model that packs the same flash storage, NVIDIA graphics and 2GB of RAM as its full-sized sibling. The smaller model tips the scales at a barely-there 2.9-pounds, entering the realm of high-end netbooks. It features a slightly lower-resolution screen, 1.4 GHz processor (compared to the 13-incher's 1.86 GHz), and shorter battery life (only five hours on Wi-Fi) -- but it has a lower price to match.

Gallery: MacBook Air

Continue reading MacBook Air Updated, Now in Small (13.3 inch) and Extra Small (11.6-inch)

SwitchedMacBook Air Updated, Now in Small (13.3 inch) and Extra Small (11.6-inch) originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applelaptopsmacmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirtopWed, 20 Oct 2010 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple (Possibly) Reveals New MacBook Air and iLife in Forums]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/apple-possibly-reveals-new-macbook-air-and-ilife-in-forums/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/apple-possibly-reveals-new-macbook-air-and-ilife-in-forums/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/20/apple-possibly-reveals-new-macbook-air-and-ilife-in-forums/#commentsLeaked MacBook Air update Apple is usually pretty good at keeping new products under wraps. [Ed. Note: Except for that whole iPhone 4 thing.] This morning, though, it looks like someone at the company is due for a talking-to, having jumped the gun on Apple's press event scheduled for later today. Overzealous forum moderators at Apple.com started threads for 'iMovie '11,' 'iPhoto '11,' and 'Garage Band '11,' revealing a few hours early that the company's Android-bashing CEO, Steve Jobs, will be talking up the latest version of its 'iLife' suite. Another discussion, titled "MBA (Need official name)," seems to indicate that a MacBook Air redesign is also in the cards. Apple has since changed the titles of the threads, but not before fast-acting snoops snapped some screen shots.

What else can we expect out of the event today? (We're banking on a glimpse at the new OS 10.7.) Check back in here later to find out all the details about the announcement, and to see if Jobs publicly executes the moderators for breaking Apple's closely guarded ring of secrecy.

SwitchedApple (Possibly) Reveals New MacBook Air and iLife in Forums originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple eventApple Press EventAppleEventApplePressEventappsforumsilifeioslaptopsmacbook airMacbookAirrumortopWed, 20 Oct 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptop Thief Mails Victim His Backed Up Data on a USB Drive]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/18/laptop-thief-mails-victim-his-backed-up-data-on-a-usb-drive/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/18/laptop-thief-mails-victim-his-backed-up-data-on-a-usb-drive/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/18/laptop-thief-mails-victim-his-backed-up-data-on-a-usb-drive/#commentsStolen computer capers frequently culminate with negative consequences and heartbroken owners. Occasionally, instead of the usual stories of compromised personal data and half-witted criminals, the incidents produce heartwarming tales of redemption. A Swedish professor recently experienced such a distressing and eventually gratifying laptop robbery after a repentant thief attempted to atone for his actions.

A week after the professor's laptop disappeared after being left in an apartment stairwell, he reportedly received a welcome and unexpected package in the mail. Apparently, the conscientious perp had painstakingly copied the professor's expansive data onto a USB drive and then mailed it to the "delighted" victim. The only thing missing was a remorseful apology -- and the actual machine, of course.

SwitchedLaptop Thief Mails Victim His Backed Up Data on a USB Drive originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimelaptopstheftusb driveUsbDriveMon, 18 Oct 2010 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptops Can Cause 'Toasted Skin Syndrome' If You're Not Careful]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/04/laptops-can-cause-toasted-skin-syndrome-if-youre-not-careful/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/04/laptops-can-cause-toasted-skin-syndrome-if-youre-not-careful/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/04/laptops-can-cause-toasted-skin-syndrome-if-youre-not-careful/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

erythema ab igne
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Are you a blogger, gamer or incorrigible computer addict? If you're working on a laptop, it could be slowly burning your legs with the heat coming off its bottom, resulting in a mottled inflammation similar to the effects of long-term sun exposure.

In an article recently published in Pediatrics, Dr. Andreas Arnold and Dr. Peter Itin of University Hospital Basel in Switzerland reviewed ten cases of laptop-induced erythema ab igne, which has otherwise been known as "toasted skin syndrome" since the first reported case appeared in medical literature in 2006. The most recent case involved a 12-year-old boy, who played video games on his laptop for a few hours each day over the course of several months; even though he realized that the laptop was hot, he didn't change his position. In another case, a law student's laptop reached up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, and caused the "toasted skin" discoloration on her legs.

Continue reading Laptops Can Cause 'Toasted Skin Syndrome' If You're Not Careful

SwitchedLaptops Can Cause 'Toasted Skin Syndrome' If You're Not Careful originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnDr.AndreasArnoldDr.PeterItinErythemaAbIgnehealthinfraredlaptopspediatricsscienceToastedSkinSyndrometopUniversityHospitalBaselMon, 04 Oct 2010 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Unveils Swivel-Screened Hybrid Tablet/Netbook]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/14/dell-unveils-swivel-screened-hybrid-tablet-netbook/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/14/dell-unveils-swivel-screened-hybrid-tablet-netbook/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/14/dell-unveils-swivel-screened-hybrid-tablet-netbook/#commentsInspiron Duo At today's Intel Developer forum, Dell showed off one of the stranger devices we've ever seen. At first glance, the Inspiron Duo may seem like your standard 10-inch, Atom-powered netbook, but give the screen just the right nudge, and it spins around to turn that clamshell into a tablet. Neat! Check out the video from our friends at Engadget after the break.

Continue reading Dell Unveils Swivel-Screened Hybrid Tablet/Netbook

SwitchedDell Unveils Swivel-Screened Hybrid Tablet/Netbook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DellInspiron DuoInspironDuointel developer forumIntelDeveloperForumtopTue, 14 Sep 2010 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows XP, Abandoned by Dell, Gets One Step Closer to the Grave]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/08/windows-xp-abandoned-by-dell-gets-one-step-closer-to-the-grave/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/08/windows-xp-abandoned-by-dell-gets-one-step-closer-to-the-grave/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/08/windows-xp-abandoned-by-dell-gets-one-step-closer-to-the-grave/#commentsxp logo in hospital bed It's been a slow and painful death for Windows XP, and it's not over yet. (If the operating system were a beloved pet, you'd have put it to sleep ages ago.) Microsoft plans to officially start barring manufacturers from selling computers preloaded with the aging OS on October 22nd, and Dell plans to get a head start on the phase-out by eliminating XP as an option from its direct sales site this month. Dell and others will still offer XP as a downgrade option, but customers will have to specifically request an installation disc, and then perform the OS-ectomy themselves. With XP turning nine-years old on October 25th, we think you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would suggest sticking with the old dog, though.

SwitchedWindows XP, Abandoned by Dell, Gets One Step Closer to the Grave originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delldesktopslaptopsmicrosoftoperating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemspctopwindowswindows xpWindowsXpWed, 08 Sep 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Companies Plaster Ugly Stickers All Over Our Immaculate Laptops]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/05/why-companies-plaster-ugly-stickers-all-over-our-immaculate-lapt/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/05/why-companies-plaster-ugly-stickers-all-over-our-immaculate-lapt/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/05/why-companies-plaster-ugly-stickers-all-over-our-immaculate-lapt/#commentsTake a moment to glance down at your laptop. Chances are, you see a bunch of hideous, glittery stickers, with the names or logos of companies like Skype, Intel or Microsoft [Ed. Note: Nope! Just see white. Cult of Mac!]. Don't try and remove them, though. Scratching off these stickers, as with Chicken Pox, will only result in even uglier scars and residue. So, why are they there? The New York Times' David Pogue recently looked into the laptop flair phenomenon, and discovered that there's a very unsurprising explanation for all the annoying stickers most laptops sport: money.

Companies like Intel, Microsoft and Skype often pay serious amounts of cash to have their logos plastered all over consumer PCs. As Pogue points out, it's not even clear why some stickers are there in the first place. Anyone buying a laptop from Microsoft, for example, would likely already know that it's from Microsoft -- with or without an affixed sticker. Industry reps maintain that the stickers help sales reps identify showroom laptops when helping customers, although much of the very same information could just as easily be gleaned from retailer placards or from the laptop box. (The lone outlier, it should be noted, is Apple, which has so far refused lucrative offers to place an Intel sticker on its laptops, even though they come equipped with Intel processors.)

Continue reading Why Companies Plaster Ugly Stickers All Over Our Immaculate Laptops

SwitchedWhy Companies Plaster Ugly Stickers All Over Our Immaculate Laptops originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementadvertisementsamdApplecomputercomputersIntellaptoplaptopsmicrosoftmoneyskypestickerstickerstopSun, 05 Sep 2010 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Help for a Hater: A PC to Blow Away Apple's MacBook Air]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/07/06/help-for-a-hater-a-pc-to-blow-away-apples-macbook-air/http://www.switched.com/2010/07/06/help-for-a-hater-a-pc-to-blow-away-apples-macbook-air/http://www.switched.com/2010/07/06/help-for-a-hater-a-pc-to-blow-away-apples-macbook-air/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Image of HP Envy 13
Dear Switched: Help an Apple-hater out. I've searched everywhere for the PC equivalent of a MacBook Air: super slim, light, with a good-sized display, a full-powered processor and good battery life at a similar price. But amazingly, I haven't found any to equal it. I can't stand the thought of giving Steve Jobs my loyalty, much less my cash, so help a hater out and JTMWTG!

Dear Hater: We don't think it'll surprise you that, as professional know-it-alls, we sometimes find ourselves stifling a chuckle at the naive queries we receive. And yet here we are, coming to you with a tail between our legs, as we admit we've found ourselves as stymied by this dilemma as you are. But that isn't to say we don't have a recommendation.

It is true that, to date, there really is no exact counterpoint to the MacBook Air in terms of profile, power and price, as compared to the slew of PC laptops on the market which are just cookie-cutter clones of each other, minus a spec here and there. But we're thinking that maybe there's a good reason. After all, there's much to recommend about the Air, but we've found it's an especially niche product because of its pronounced shortcomings: the lack of an optical drive, memory card slot, Ethernet port and standard graphics port (it has Mini DisplayPort) and just a single USB port. That might explain why PC makers took a look at the apparently lukewarm sales of the Air and decided an exact knock-off simply wasn't a prudent business decision.

Yet, this doesn't mean that PC makers haven't ventured into the ultra-thin, ultralight laptop market on their own with a different paradigm in mind. We took a long, hard look at the offerings from every reputable PC maker out there and came up with a short list of recommendations. Though none precisely fill every spec on your wish list, we're confident you'll be pleased.

To answer your frustrated queries and have us JUST TELL YOU WHAT TO GET, email Switched at tips@switched.com

Continue reading Help for a Hater: A PC to Blow Away Apple's MacBook Air

SwitchedHelp for a Hater: A PC to Blow Away Apple's MacBook Air originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computersdell adamo xpsDellAdamoXpsfeatureshp envy 13HpEnvy13laptopslenovo x201LenovoX201macbook airMacbookAirsony vaio z11SonyVaioZ11topultraportableultrathinTue, 06 Jul 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Over Half a Million Sony Vaio Laptops Suffer From Overheating Bug]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/06/30/over-half-a-million-sony-vaio-laptops-suffer-from-overheating-bu/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/30/over-half-a-million-sony-vaio-laptops-suffer-from-overheating-bu/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/30/over-half-a-million-sony-vaio-laptops-suffer-from-overheating-bu/#commentsFiled under:

Overheating VAIOs

It may not be as bad as exploding batteries, but it turns out that some 535,000 Sony laptops that started shipping in January may have a fatal flaw, causing them to overheat and potentially deform. The problem lies within the BIOS installed on the Vaio F and Vaio C series machines. The bug affects the computers' basic heat management systems.

Sony has recorded 39 instances of the laptops overheating, but is taking the precaution of issuing a BIOS update for all PCs that are potentially vulnerable. The company is even taking the extraordinary step of encouraging customers to send in their laptops to receive the update, thus negating any excuses of tech illiteracy. Most of the affected models were sold in Japan, but the computers were available globally. You can check with Sony here to see if your PC is in need of a BIOS update and download the fix all in one place. [From: Computer World]

SwitchedOver Half a Million Sony Vaio Laptops Suffer From Overheating Bug originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioscomputerslaptopsoverheatoverheatingrecallsonySonyVaiosonyvaiocsonyvaioftopvaiocvaiofWed, 30 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dual Touch-Screen Libretto W100 Commemorates Toshiba's 25th Anniversary]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/06/21/dual-touch-screen-libretto-w100-commemorates-toshibas-25th-anni/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/21/dual-touch-screen-libretto-w100-commemorates-toshibas-25th-anni/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/21/dual-touch-screen-libretto-w100-commemorates-toshibas-25th-anni/#commentsFiled under:

Libretto W100
The Libretto has a long and distinguished history; it was one of the first and most successful devices in a category that eventually came to be known as UMPCs and netbooks. When it launched in 1996, cramming desktop-quality PC components into a package that weighed five pounds (much less two) was unheard of. So, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its laptop business, Toshiba is reviving this storied chapter in its history with the Libretto W100.

The W100 updates the Libretto line by adding a 1.2GHz ultra-low voltage Pentium processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD. More interestingly, though, the the W100 ditches a physical keyboard for a second seven-inch capacitive touchscreen. We saw a similar device from MSI at CES in January, but the company has taken its sweet time in getting the dual-screened computer to market. Now, it looks like Toshiba will beat MSI to the punch, as it plans to release the W100 to consumers (albeit in a limited edition) in the coming months.

Gallery: Libretto W100

Continue reading Dual Touch-Screen Libretto W100 Commemorates Toshiba's 25th Anniversary

SwitchedDual Touch-Screen Libretto W100 Commemorates Toshiba's 25th Anniversary originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computersdual screenDualScreenlaptopslibrettolibretto w100LibrettoW100toptoshibaumpcw100Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Massachusetts High School Forces Students to Buy MacBooks]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/06/15/massachusetts-high-school-forces-students-to-buy-macbooks/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/15/massachusetts-high-school-forces-students-to-buy-macbooks/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/15/massachusetts-high-school-forces-students-to-buy-macbooks/#commentsFiled under: ,

White MacBookIn theory, it's a noble public initiative to provide every high school student with the latest, high-tech laptops. What's not so noble, though, is to make every kid pay for it themselves.

As of September 2011, every student attending Beverly High School in Massachusetts will be required to have their own MacBook as part of a district-wide campaign to modernize classroom technology. According to the Salem News, though, parents will be forced to fork out the money from their own wallets. Even if a student already has her own laptop, she'll have to get a new one unless she already has a Mac. As superintendent James Hayes says, "We have one platform. And that's going to be the Mac."

Continue reading Massachusetts High School Forces Students to Buy MacBooks

SwitchedMassachusetts High School Forces Students to Buy MacBooks originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple macbookAppleMacbookBeverlyHighSchoolcomputerseducationfinanceHighSchoollaptopsmacbookmoneypolicyschoolschoolsSchoolSuppliestechnologytopTue, 15 Jun 2010 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Pros Get Better Battery Life and Processors, Not Much Magic]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/13/macbook-pros-get-better-battery-life-and-processors-not-much-ma/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/13/macbook-pros-get-better-battery-life-and-processors-not-much-ma/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/13/macbook-pros-get-better-battery-life-and-processors-not-much-ma/#commentsFiled under:

macbook pro apple
We said they were coming yesterday and here they are, brand new MacBook Pros. The entire line has been given at least a slight boost, but the 15-inch and 17-inch models are where the real fun is. Both the of the larger models have been given shiny new Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs, as well as NVIDIA GeForce 330M graphics chips equipped with the battery-saving Optimus switching feature. The RAM has been upgraded across the board to 4GB and Apple claims to be able to squeeze eight to nine hours out of the larger members of the MacBook Pro family.

The more portable end of the spectrum, the 13-inchers, also received an update, though a significantly less drastic one. The 13-inch MacBook Pros are sticking with the old-school Core 2 Duo processors, but going with slightly faster chips. The new models are also packing NVIDIA's 320M integrated graphics, which should provide a noticeable improvement over the last generation's performance. Most impressive is the claimed battery life of 10 hours, though it remains to be seen just how accurate that is.

Continue reading MacBook Pros Get Better Battery Life and Processors, Not Much Magic

SwitchedMacBook Pros Get Better Battery Life and Processors, Not Much Magic originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecomputerslaptopsmacbook proMacbookProtopTue, 13 Apr 2010 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nutty Professor Destroys 'Student's Laptop' to Prove Point]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/22/nutty-professor-destroys-students-laptop-to-prove-point/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/22/nutty-professor-destroys-students-laptop-to-prove-point/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/22/nutty-professor-destroys-students-laptop-to-prove-point/#commentsFiled under:

No one ever said college professors weren't a bit crazy, but few would go so far as to call them vandals. After a recent physics lecture at the Unviersity of Oklahoma, though, some students were ready to do just that after a professor went all Office Space on a kid's laptop.

Fed up with his students paying more attention to their laptops than to the finer points of his general physics lectures, professor Kieran Mullen decided to send a message they surely wouldn't forget. During a lecture last Monday, Mullen suddenly grabbed what appeared to be a regular student's laptop, and submerged it in liquid nitrogen. As the school's paper reports, he told his bewildered audience, "This is just liquid nitrogen, so it alone won't hurt the computer. But this will." He then proceeded to smash the laptop on the ground, as you can see in this video.

Continue reading Nutty Professor Destroys 'Student's Laptop' to Prove Point

SwitchedNutty Professor Destroys 'Student's Laptop' to Prove Point originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collegefunnylaptopslecturesliquid nitrogenLiquidNitrogenoklahomaprofessorstopuniversity of oklahomaUniversityOfOklahomavideoMon, 22 Feb 2010 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[NVIDIA Optimus Switches Between High Performance and Battery Savings]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/10/nvidia-optimus-switches-between-high-performance-and-battery-sav/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/10/nvidia-optimus-switches-between-high-performance-and-battery-sav/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/10/nvidia-optimus-switches-between-high-performance-and-battery-sav/#commentsFiled under:

NVIDIA Optimus Makes Switchable Graphics Easy
There's nothing new about a laptop that can switch between a low-power, integrated graphics processor (IGP), which extends battery life, and a high-end discreet chip, which gives a little extra graphics "oomph." That process is often a little problematic, however, frequently requiring a user to manually switch over, or even forcing a reboot.

Today, NVIDIA unveiled Optimus, which aims to make switching between the two modes completely seamless. Optimus uses software profiles to detect whether or not an application requires extra graphic muscle, and then automatically switches between the two different video processors. So, if you're just browsing the Web or working in Excel, Optimus sticks with the low-key IGP. Play an HD video or launch 'Crysis,' however, and it will automatically switch to the high-powered chip.

Continue reading NVIDIA Optimus Switches Between High Performance and Battery Savings

SwitchedNVIDIA Optimus Switches Between High Performance and Battery Savings originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While 3-D TVs and slate PCs stole most of the attention at CES, there were plenty of interesting developments afoot in the normally mundane world of laptops and netbooks. (Yes, we're lumping them together. What is a netbook but a laptop for people with nothing to do but check Facebook?) There were laptops made out of recycled plastics, new connectivity technologies, surprising Linux demos, and a little bit of next-gen screen technology for good measure. Click through to see what wonders CES 2010 bestowed upon the portable PC world.

Continue reading CES Has More Laptops Than Vegas Does Broken Dreams

SwitchedCES Has More Laptops Than Vegas Does Broken Dreams originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusdellfeaturesintellaptopsLinuxmoblinNetBookoledsamsungsonytoptoshibausb 3.0Usb3.0widiwireless displayWirelessDisplayTue, 12 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Sony's Clutch-Purse-Like Sony P Notebook for You?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/14/is-sonys-clutch-purse-like-sony-p-notebook-for-you/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/14/is-sonys-clutch-purse-like-sony-p-notebook-for-you/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/14/is-sonys-clutch-purse-like-sony-p-notebook-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Snap Judgment: VAIO P Series
Other than the Palm Pre, the biggest darling of CES has clearly been the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC. There has been plenty of coverage of the clutch-purse-like device, but we wanted to boil it down to just what you really need to know.

We spent some time with the tiny "don't call it a netbook" from Sony and came away quite impressed with it on the whole. We couldn't truly test any streaming media because the network connection was clogged with a million and one devices, but otherwise the speed of it was truly impressive. Despite having an Atom processor (and not even the top of the line model), the VAIO P in our brief tests ran Vista faster than most other netbooks with faster processors and can run Windows XP (which makes us wonder if Sony is cheating somehow).

The screen is bright and crisp, but probably too small for anyone who requires reading glasses, and the pointer nub requires tiny, nimble hands.

Starting at $899 the VAIO P isn't cheap, but it's as close to a full-featured ultra-portable notebook as you're going to get in that price range (though we haven't had time to really manhandle MSI's X-Slim 320 yet). Add in the instant-on, though surprisingly slow, cross-bar menu that anyone who has used a PSP or PS3 would be familiar with, and Sony has a real winner on its hands.

So who exactly is the VAIO P for? Well, if you want the smallest possible notebook and style and speed are important, but price is not, then you should seriously consider it when it becomes available in February.

For a quick overview of the Sony P's basics, check out our video below.

If you crave some of the finer, geekier details, check out Engadget's extensive coverage here.

Continue reading Is Sony's Clutch-Purse-Like Sony P Notebook for You?

SwitchedIs Sony's Clutch-Purse-Like Sony P Notebook for You? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2009-topces-2009-videosces-2009-videos-topceslaptopsfashionlaptopsnetbooknetbookssonystyletravelvaiovaio pVaioPWed, 14 Jan 2009 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Could Your iPhone or BlackBerry Ever Replace Your Laptop?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/28/will-smart-phones-replace-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/28/will-smart-phones-replace-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/28/will-smart-phones-replace-laptops/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Will Smart Phones Replace Laptops?Will Smart Phones Replace Laptops?Will Smart Phones Replace Laptops?
Computers are progressively getting smaller -- at this point it's a good chance that your cell phone is more powerful than the machines used to send the Apollo missions to the moon. The move from desktops to laptops occurred first in the workplace, and the shift towards smaller and lighter laptops has been primarily driven by business users.

The Wall Street Journal is now reporting that some business users (though a relatively small portion) are even starting to phase out the laptop entirely. As smart phones have gotten more powerful and loaded with more features (full QWERTY keyboards and large touch screens), mobile professionals are beginning to leave the laptop at the office (or hotel) and rely on these souped-up handsets while on the move.

While the iPhone, BlackBerrys, Android, and Windows Mobile handsets have given cell phones surprising amounts of power and versatility, they're still fairly limited when compared to a full sized laptops. Professional tools like Salesforce and Office have made their way to handsets, but with limited feature sets. The tiny keyboards (or touch screen keyboard, in the case of the iPhone) are fine for text messages and quick e-mails, but really aren't ideal for lengthy editing of text or spreadsheets.

Could smart phones one day replace laptops? Perhaps, but the limitations of the form factor pose a major roadblock. Viewing large spreadsheets on even the relatively large screen of the iPhone requires far too much scrolling to be practical and writing even brief blog posts on a BlackBerry is just asking for thumb cramps. [From: Wall Street Journal]

SwitchedCould Your iPhone or BlackBerry Ever Replace Your Laptop? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidlaptoplaptopsmidsmart phoneSmartPhonetrendsumpcwindows mobileWindowsMobileTue, 28 Oct 2008 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 3 Travel Laptops (Video)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/20/top-3-travel-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/20/top-3-travel-laptops/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/20/top-3-travel-laptops/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Traveling isn't what it used to be, particularly now that you have to whip out your laptop at security checks. (We also can't stand the tight spaces in economy class that make opening a laptop fully on a tray table to work all but impossible.) Luckily, nearly all computer manufacturers are pulling out the stops and creating super-compact, ultra-thin laptops that are aimed specifically at travelers, yet don't necessarily skimp on some high-tech specs. Take a look at the above video for three of our favorites.....

SwitchedTop 3 Travel Laptops (Video) originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshggfeatureslaptopsswitchedvideotravelMon, 20 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Introduces Laptops for the US Market]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/14/samsung-introduces-laptops-for-the-us-market/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/14/samsung-introduces-laptops-for-the-us-market/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/14/samsung-introduces-laptops-for-the-us-market/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Over the last decade, you've probably lusted after some sleekly designed Samsung cell phone, MP3 player, or flat-screen TV, but unfortunately you've never had the chance to lust after a Samsung laptop. That's because, unlike the rest of the world, Samsung's laptops have never been available in the U.S. - until now. Today, Samsung unveiled a new line of high-end portable computers, which will be available online at sites such as Amazon.com, NewEgg.com, Buy.com, and TigerDirect.com later this month.

We got an early hands-on with the laptops when Samsung stopped for a visit a couple of weeks ago, and were impressed with the look and feel of the new models. The snazziest of the new models are the 13.3- and 14.1-inch ultra thin X360 and X460, which are designed to go head-to-head with the MacBook Air and the Lenovo X300. These two-toned beauties are just under three pounds and are said to have a superlative 10 hours of battery life, despite having SuperBright LED backlit displays. We're curious to try out the battery life for ourselves, but 10 hours is about as good as it gets. All in all are slick-looking laptops that won't take up much space in your backpack, but we wish they had built-in mobile broadband capability, as the Lenovo X300 and even smaller Sony TZ series do.

Samsung also announced the R610 ($1,049) desktop replacement, which has a feels a bit less bulky than the typical desktop replacement, but still offers a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, HD resolution and Windows Vista Home Premium for recording and managing all your favorite TV shows and movies. Again, it has a two-toned look that'll look nice on a table or desk and most of the bleeding-edge features you'd want (Bluetooth 2.0, HDMI output, Wi-Fi, 3 USB 2.0 ports), but lacks, for example, a Blu-ray drive, which means it's fine to replace a desktop computer, but maybe not your entire home entertainment system (as many other desktop replacements can).

The new laptop we were most impressed with was the NC10 ($899, pictured, above). Like the Asus eeePC and the Everex Cloudbook, this clutch-sized mini-laptop falls into the growing affordable and small netbook category, which means it's perfect for checking your e-mail and basic Web-surfing, but don't depend on it for editing videos. Still, we liked the keyboard on the NC10 more than on any other netbook we've had the chance to try out so far - slightly bigger and spaced out keys made for typing at a fast clip not too far off from a standard-sized laptop keyboard. We also like the chrome border around the NC10's edge, which gives this netbook a stylistic edge over some of its brethren (the eeePC, Dell 910 mini, etc).

For a closer look at these laptops, take a look at the gallery below.



Gallery: Samsung

R610R610r610

SwitchedSamsung Introduces Laptops for the US Market originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewslaptopsnetbooknew productsNewProductssamsungtravelwindowsTue, 14 Oct 2008 17:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptop Shock Sensors Could Help Predict Earthquakes]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/08/09/laptop-shock-sensors-could-help-predict-earthquakes/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/09/laptop-shock-sensors-could-help-predict-earthquakes/http://www.switched.com/2008/08/09/laptop-shock-sensors-could-help-predict-earthquakes/#commentsFiled under:

Laptops Acting As Earthquake SensorsEarthquakes strike dozens of times every day around the world, usually doing no more than rattling a few dishes, but occasionally causing some real damage. There's a worldwide network of sensors able to track and locate the center of earthquakes after they've struck, but a new network is being built up in the hopes of detecting quakes as they happen, communicating that information to those likely to be impacted, and even possibly beating the quake itself. At the center of this is not some fancy, expensive worldwide sensor array -- instead, it's a bunch of laptops.

So how on earth is the everyday laptop helping solve one of the natural disaster prediction riddles of the ages? You see, hard disk drives, the spinning things where most people store data on laptop or desktop computers, are fairly fragile things. They contain platters of information spinning at high RPM, with the heads that read from them skimming the surface a few fractions of a millimeter away. Give it a hard knock and the head whacks the disk, resulting in data loss. For this reason, many laptops contain accelerometers, which can detect when the laptop is about to hit the ground after a fall (the hard disk is then automatically stopped temporarily for protection).

This program uses those same accelerometers in a network of laptops to detect quakes. Right now, there are only three laptops connected (enough to successfully detect last month's quake in southern California), but the hope is to eventually deploy a much larger collection and, ultimately, warn those in harm's way. We're just hoping they put in some safeguards to make sure the information is valid; we wouldn't want a bunch of jokers jumping up and down with their laptops to set off early warning sirens across the state. [Source: BBC News]

SwitchedLaptop Shock Sensors Could Help Predict Earthquakes originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerearthquakelaptopsresearchthinkpadSat, 09 Aug 2008 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[The Water-Proof PC -- for Computing Poolside?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/06/23/concept-waterproof-pc/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/23/concept-waterproof-pc/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/23/concept-waterproof-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The only problem with summer (other than mosquitoes, droughts, and bad hair days) is the difficulty of computing. Sit inside at your desk, missing out on the beautiful days? Or perhaps fry your genitalia as you sit poolside with a laptop on your lap?

While it's only a concept at this point, the Swim-Rings PC looks like it has some real potential (for the absurdly rich Hollywood agents among you, at least). The concept is, essentially, to build a PC that incorporates itself into your innertube. The fully-functioning PC will purportedly have a GPRS receiver, Bluetooth connectivity, and magnetic charging interface -- all encased in a fully waterproof design. Let's just hope they figure out how to minimize the glare on their 7-inch LCD display.

Oh, and there's a built-in webcam to remind your friends know just how rich you are. Sign Ari Gold up right now. [Source: ShinyShiny]

SwitchedThe Water-Proof PC -- for Computing Poolside? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptopnewslaptopswaterproofMon, 23 Jun 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[$30,000 Laptop Has Ivory Keys, Violin-Wood Casing, and Diamond 'Mouse']]>http://www.switched.com/2008/06/11/30-000-laptop-has-ivory-keys-violin-wood-casing-and-diamond/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/11/30-000-laptop-has-ivory-keys-violin-wood-casing-and-diamond/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/11/30-000-laptop-has-ivory-keys-violin-wood-casing-and-diamond/#commentsFiled under: ,



Are you bored already with your MacBook Air? Some really really rich people are -- well, it's okay for running around with, but not so much for the personal library.

What's a tragically wealthy laptop user to do? Singulum has come up with a great way to relieve such unfortunates of at least $30,000 dollars, the approximate starting price for the brand's newest luxury laptops.

The laptops are one of a kind "works of art," and are hand made from fine woods selected for crafting violins. The basic price buys a ThinkPad with a 2 GHz Intel dual core processor, plus your preferred fancy wood casing.

Of course, you can spend more on extra features like ivory keys and diamond track point tips, but we're afraid the rocks might clash a little with the wood. Singulum can also put in different hardware as per your specifications -- gosh, they'll do whatever you want if you put down enough money.

Or, you could invest your pocket change in something more practical, like a car or butt implants. [Source: Singulum, via dvice.com]

Switched$30,000 Laptop Has Ivory Keys, Violin-Wood Casing, and Diamond 'Mouse' originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newslaptopnewslaptopsluxuryWed, 11 Jun 2008 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Voodoo PC's Super-Thin Envy Laptop Could Be a MacBook Air Killer]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/06/10/voodoo-pcs-super-thin-envy-laptop-could-be-a-macbook-air-killer/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/10/voodoo-pcs-super-thin-envy-laptop-could-be-a-macbook-air-killer/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/10/voodoo-pcs-super-thin-envy-laptop-could-be-a-macbook-air-killer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Oh my. First you're slicing cake with the MacBook Air, then you're looking to steal its market share. Lenovo, you can't afford to be too smug either. Voodoo's $2,099, carbon fiber Envy 133 -- out July 20 -- isn't a gaming rig. It is, however, a 13.3-inch ultra-portable with LED-backlit display, 1,280 x 800 resolution, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SP7700 processor, HDMI, 2x USB (1 doubles as eSATA) and hard disk or SSD option. Size-wise, it's a rival to Apple's super-thin MacBook Air, but like the similarly slim Lenovo X300, the Envy has solid graphics power, HDMI out (for HD video connection to a TV, and two USB ports. Starting at $2,099, though, it's a bit more pricey than the $1,800 MacBook Air.

It also features an instant-on Voodoo IOS mode that lets you surf the Web, chat, look at photos, and make Skype calls without booting into Windows. Impressed yet? Well, what if we told you that the power brick (and it's definitely a brick!) doubles as a Wi-Fi access point? Check the preview just beyond the read link, or full video explanation after the break. [Source: VoodooPC]

SwitchedVoodoo PC's Super-Thin Envy Laptop Could Be a MacBook Air Killer originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewslaptopnewslaptopsnew productsNewProductssummernewssuper-thin laptopsSuper-thinLaptopsultraportableTue, 10 Jun 2008 08:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Buying a Laptop? Read This.]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/10/switched-laptop-buying-guide/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/10/switched-laptop-buying-guide/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/10/switched-laptop-buying-guide/#commentsFiled under:



Looking for a new laptop? We've got you covered. From essential tips on what to look for in a new computer and round-ups of the handiest laptop accessories to hands-on-reviews of the latest high-end MacBook Pros and even sub-$500 Asus eeePCs, the 2008 Switched Laptop Guide will help you make the right purchases.

Check back here every day for the latest laptop news and reviews, as well as a boatload of how-tos to make sure you make the most of your brand-spanking new notebook. Happy hunting!



SwitchedBuying a Laptop? Read This. originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptoplaptopsnotebooksThu, 10 Apr 2008 02:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel Launches New 'Atom' Processor For Low-Cost Laptops]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/03/intel-new-lost-cost-processor-called-atom/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/03/intel-new-lost-cost-processor-called-atom/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/03/intel-new-lost-cost-processor-called-atom/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Intel Give Low Cost, Low Power Processor a Name, AtomIntel Give Low Cost, Low Power Processor a Name, Atom

Intel is prepping to take over the low cost laptop and PC market with its newly unveiled Atom line of processors, which joins Core 2, Pentium, and Celeron in the chipmaker's lineup. Formerly codenamed Diamondville and Silverthorne, Atom is an ultra-low power, low cost chip that is aimed at machines like the ASUS Eee, UMPC's, MID's, and may have had a spot in the next version of the OLPC had Intel and OLPC-creator Nicholas Negroponte not had a falling out.

The processor is built on the same 45nm manufacturing process that powers Intels new Penryn family of processors, but is otherwise a completely different chip from it's Core 2 branded brethren. Atom was designed from the ground up to use as little power as possible and provide the highest possible yields of functional chips from a piece of silicon, keeping costs incredibly low. It will also come in a Wi-Fi-and-graphics-optimized version that will be called Centrino Atom. In other words, even sub-$500 computers will be able to see speeds and processing power typical of much pricier computers.

Intel is still mum on price points, all we know is the low end single core version is targeted at laptops in the $250-$300 range that will be out later this year.

From PC World

Related links:

SwitchedIntel Launches New 'Atom' Processor For Low-Cost Laptops originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomcentrino atomCentrinoAtomcloudbookdiamondvilleeeeintelLaptop NewsLaptopNewslaptopsmenlownotebooksolpcpoulsboprocessorprocessorssilverthorneMon, 03 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST