Computer Hardware Reviews Daily Tech News

Think Computers have reviewed the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND Wireless N Gigabit Router, which seems be a good value product with excellent performance.

Just when you think you've seen every possible USB key possible, you manage to run across a new marketing gimmick that you didn't know was on the market. Silicon Power announced a new USB drive today called the Blaze 10 that has a color-changing pattern on it that morphs when the temperature increases or decreases. Silicon Power says that color of the pattern will gradually change from Turkish blue to Chinese red according to operating temperature of the drive. The Blaze 10 is a USB 3.0 drive, so you can expect read speeds of up to 70MB/s! The Blaze 10 is available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities and all are backed by a lifetime warranty.

World leading flash memory manufacturer and brand Silicon Power realizes how individuals can’t help to speak for themselves; thus, for those who dare to show their capricious personality, Blaze B10, the market’s first USB 3.0 flash drive with color-changing pattern according to temperature, is born! Blaze B10 is especially designed for expressive individuals who are playful and bold with their portable storage devices. Smooth curves at two ends of its body get B10 a chic look. Its front is designed with futuristic geometric pattern using color-changing ink.

Alienware has launched three new, all-powerful laptops, including the soon to be released M18x, which lays claim to the title of “most powerful 18-inch gaming laptop in the universe;” the M14x, which delivers unprecedented performance and portability; and an enhanced M11x, already a favorite among gaming enthusiasts, and the most-powerful sub-14-inch notebook in the universe. The two new faces in the Alienware laptop family, the upcoming M18x and the M14x, along with the new M11x, deliver unprecedented power to the gamer on the go. All three platforms offer the latest in gaming technology, and feature second-generation Intel Core i processors to deliver the most immersive high-performance gaming experience imaginable.

• The M18x will offer dual-graphics technology and the industry’s only Intel Core i7 Extreme CPU option factory overclocked to 4GHz;
• The M18x and the M14x offer optional wireless HD audio and video for latency-free streaming to larger screens;
• All three laptops also offer HDMI 1.4 for connection to 3D-capable HDTVs for incredible, lifelike 3D gaming and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports for up to 10x the speed of USB 2.0 connections for a new level in data transfer.

“If you’re a gamer, you’re going to love our new family of laptops, which deliver on the features gamers care most about – uncompromised graphics performance, latency-free wireless HD streaming to HDTVs, and lifelike 3D gaming,” said Arthur Lewis, general manager of Alienware. “We are committed to delivering the best gaming systems for enthusiasts everywhere and we take great pride in helping them ‘pwn’, no matter where they are in the world.”

Pictures of ASUS' upcoming P8Z68-V Pro motherboard have surfaced on Chinese websites that show off what the upcoming Intel Z68 chipset powered board looks like. The new board makes use of a 14-phase Digi+ VRM to power the CPU. Highlights include CPU overclocking features driven by the UEFI BIOS, coupled with Intel Flexible Display Interface, letting you make use of the processor's embedded Intel HD 3000 graphics with Intel QuickSync accelerated video encoding. Further, the board is Lucid Virtu certified, letting you use (and switch between, depending on graphics load) both the integrated and discrete graphics simultaneously, and saving power in the process.

Expansion slots include two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x8 with both populated), one PCI-Express x16 (electrical x4), two PCI-Express x1, and two PCI. This wholesome expansion area is backed by a wealth of connectivity options, including four SATA 6 Gb/s ports (two from PCH, two from Marvell controller), four SATA 3 Gb/s internal, and one eSATA 3 Gb/s; display connectivity that includes one each of dual-link DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a; 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output; four USB 3.0 (two internal/by header), a number of USB 2.0 ports, FireWire (by header), Bluetooth, and gigabit Ethernet. A number of overclocking features found on P8P67 series motherboards are present.

A new and improved leaked roadmap for what looks like Intel LGA1155 and LGA1366 processors has been leaked out onto the internet that is worth taking a look at. The roadmap has the chip maker's projected timeline of products for all of 2011 and even the first half of 2012! This roadmap is different than the last one and has more details of the processors on it. The upcoming ~$1,000 Intel Extreme Edition 3.3GHz processors are shown as having unlocked BClk multipliers, 15MB of L3 cache and six cores. The step down from here still have six cores and are unlocked, but have lower clock speeds (3.2GHz) and less cache (12MB). Things are starting to look good for the upcoming LGA 2011 processor series and the Intel X79 Express chipset.

In Q4 2011, Intel will unveil its new Sandy Bridge-E (enthusiast) platform, consisting of new multi-core processors in the 2011-pin LGA package, and Intel X79 Express chipset. A roadmap slide leaked to the Chinese media reveals an interesting way in which Intel will approach the platform to monetize it best. To begin with, it appears like Sandy Bridge-E will keep up with the trend set by LGA1155 processors where only certain models can be overclocked, while others are greatly limited. Among those that can be overclocked (or "unlocked", as Intel puts it,) there will be two classes.

Nokia today announced the Nokia E6 and the Nokia X7, two new smartphones aimed at business people and entertainment enthusiasts respectively. The two devices are the first Nokia smartphones to contain the updated Symbian software, with new icons and usability enhancements such as improved text input, a faster browser and refreshed Ovi Maps. We like the looks of the Nokia X7 as it features a 4-inch AMOLED touch screen at 16:9 nHD (640 x 360 pixels) with a brushed stainless steel finish. You can check out the Nokia X7 in the image below. The Nokia X7 has a 1300 mAh Li-Ion battery that should last 6 hours for video playback or 4.5 hours when talking on a WCDMA connection.

The Nokia X7 is an entertainment-focused smartphone with a large 4" display ideal for gaming, and an 8 Megapixel camera for capturing pictures and HD-quality video. A distinctively designed device, the Nokia X7 is made from a combination of seamless stainless steel and glass - delivering a solid and durable feel in the hand. The Nokia X7 comes preloaded with the popular Galaxy on Fire HD and Asphalt 5 HD games.

Hailed as the most exciting development in graphics for several generations, the original SAPPHIRE HD 5800 series not only included the fastest single GPU available, but was also the first family of video cards in the world to support the advanced graphical features of Microsoft DirectX 11 and multi-monitor displays in Eyefinity mode. Now it’s back – with the exciting new SAPPHIRE HD 5800 series Xtreme Editions! Two models will be available from April 2011 – the SAPPHIRE HD 5850 Xtreme and the SAPPHIRE HD 5830 Xtreme. Both will represent spectacular value for money – and support all the latest games and applications.

With a 150GB/s memory interface to 1GB of the latest GDDR5 memory, and a GPU architecture with a total of 1440 stream processors and 72 texture units, the new SAPPHIRE HD 5850 Xtreme speeds through older DirectX10.1, DirectX 10 and DirectX 9.0 games and applications – as well as delivering stunning levels of performance, detail, transparency and lighting effects in the latest DX11 games and applications. Not far behind is the SAPPHIRE HD 5830 Xtreme Edition with its 1120 stream processors and 56 texture units. With its core clocks of 800MHz and 1GB of DDR5 memory with speeds of 1000MHz (4GHz effective), it represents a breakthrough in value for money for the gamer. Both cards feature new SAPPHIRE original cooler designs, and optimised voltage regulation, which together with clock and memory speeds can be adjusted with the SAPPHIRE TriXX overclocking tool (free for users to download) to enhance performance. Both cards offer support for all the advanced graphical features of Microsoft DirectX 11 and deliver spectacular video clarity, speed and visual effects.

Intel unveiled the highly anticipated Intel Atom Z670 processor and Intel SM35 Express Chipset platform, formerly codenamed “Oak Trail,” with a range of innovative tablets and form factors today at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing, China. The Intel Atom processor Z670 features integrated graphics and memory controller built directly into the processor die, lower TDP for fanless, thin devices, with a package 60 percent smaller than previous generations. The Intel Atom Z670 is a 45nm processor that operates at 1.5Ghz with one core and two threads.

Through more personal, mobile and connected experiences, companion computing devices are transforming the world we live in. Enabling this transformation is Intel's newly-announced Intel Atom processor Z670 series, formerly codenamed "Oak Trail." Purposefully built for tablets, the platform offers up-to all day battery life, enhanced performance and new features for amazing user experiences in an ultra-small package. The series is also suited for a range of portable embedded designs such as mobile clinical assistants, ruggedized industrial tablets and portable point-of-sale systems.

Microsoft today released the first developer preview of Internet Explorer (IE) 10! IE 10 will build on the HTML5 and accelerated hardware graphics capabilities that Microsoft built into IE 9. It also will include support for additional standards, like CSS3 Gradients on background images and CSS3 Flexible Box Layout, officials said. If this build appears to have come out rather quickly to you, then you are correct. Microsoft is working on a faster browser development pace, so expect to see more updates from Microsoft! You can download the IE10 preview here.

Just four weeks after the release of Internet Explorer 9, Microsoft Corp. unveiled the first platform preview of Internet Explorer 10 at MIX11. In his keynote, Dean Hachamovitch, corporate vice president of Internet Explorer, outlined how the next version of Microsoft’s industry-leading Web browser builds on the performance breakthroughs and the deep native HTML5 support delivered in Internet Explorer 9. With this investment, Microsoft is leading the adoption of HTML5 with a long-term commitment to the standards process. “The only native experience of HTML5 on the Web today is on Windows 7 with Internet Explorer 9,” Hachamovitch said. “With Internet Explorer 9, websites can take advantage of the power of modern hardware and a modern operating system and deliver experiences that were not possible a year ago. Internet Explorer 10 will push the boundaries of what developers can do on the Web even further.”

Verizon and Samsung today announced that the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is available for order today in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a 4G Mobile Broadband plan. The 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot will be available in stores on March 31.

Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Key features:

• Share 4G LTE internet connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time
• 4G LTE – customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage areas
• Backward compatible with the Verizon Wireless 3G network
• Dimensions: 2.32”(H) x 3.54”(W) x 0.45”(D)

Raptr, a popular game tracking and social platform for gamers, has released one of its most significant client updates to date. Specifically redesigned to improve performance, the latest client update slashes the CPU usage and the memory footprint by 66% on average.

“Optimizing the performance of the Raptr client has been one of the top user requests for a while and we’re excited to introduce such a massive improvement,” said Dennis Fong, CEO of Raptr. “Our goal is to constantly iterate on our service with the feedback of our six million users as a guide. These improvements pave the way for significant new features we plan to launch in the next few months.”

Corsair today announced the availability of 2000MHz versions of the award-winning Vengeance family of DDR3 memory. The new 2000MHz kits are equipped with aluminum heat spreaders anodized in Jet Black. They join the 1600MHz Vengeance DDR3 memory kits, which are available in either Jet Black or Cerulean Blue, and the 1866MHz Vengeance DDR3 kit, available in Jet Black. The new 2000MHz kits have SPD timings of 9-9-9-24 and operate at just 1.5V.

"Our new 2000MHz Vengeance memory is perfect for PC gamers and enthusiasts, as well as systems integrators who value the outstanding overclockability of the Vengeance family, and are looking for even more speed." said Thi La, Vice President of Memory Products at Corsair. "They're a great choice for anyone looking to make the most of their high-performance system."

In a continuous effort to provide a wide array of power supplies that integrate high-grade features into a value-aware package, Cooler Master’s GX Series unveils its GX450W power supply. Casual users and budget gamers alike will enjoy the quality construction and extensive features that make the GX Power Supply Series reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. The GX Series carries a MSRP of $49.99 and will be available on March 29th.

An included double-layer EMI filter, intelligent 120mm controllable fan, and an active PFC/PWM combo controller all contribute to the overall efficiency of the power supply. All of the many features found within the GX Series contribute to its 80 Plus Certification. This efficiency allows the power supply to utilize most of the power it takes in with minimal waste, saving your electric bill. It makes the GX450W a perfect addition to a home theater PC or mid-range computer setup.

Lenovo announced a couple of heavy-duty machines this morning: the ThinkStation E30 workstation and ThinkCentre M81 desktop. Both machines are powered by 2nd generation Intel Core processors that are better known as 'Sandy Bridge' CPUS. The ThinkStation E30 workstation will be available starting in May and late April for the ThinkCentre M81 desktop. Pricing for models starts at approximately $629 and $599, respectively.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M81 desktop Features:

• SATA III, optional USB 3.0
• Genuine Windows 7 Professional
• Toolless expansion
• Available as tower (25L) or small form factor (11L)
• 2nd generation Intel Core processor family
• Integrated Intel HD graphics (VGA + DP), discrete ATI Radeon HD5450 (DVI + DP) graphics
• Boot in as few as 23.43 seconds with Lenovo EE 2.0 with RapidDrive
• Up to 2TB HDD space (Tower with two 1TB drives via special bid), 160GB Flash SSD
• Up to 16GB DDR3

Lexar Media recently introduced the Crucial Ballistix Sport memory series designed to provide mainstream users, gamers, and general PC enthusiasts with a reliable, no-hassle gaming experience. The new Crucial Ballistix Sport memory supports today’s latest AMD and Intel platforms, including 2nd Generation Intel Core processor (formerly codenamed Sandy Bridge) technology. It also features a stylish new heat spreader design, along with standard timings and voltages, providing maximum memory stability and system compatibility. The Ballistix Sport line is available in both DDR2 & DDR3 standards and come back with a lifetime warranty. Memory timings range between CL9 to CL10 for DDR3 with 1.5V and CL5 to CL7 for DDR2 with 1.8V.

“Over the years, Crucial Ballistix memory has earned a reputation amongst gamers and enthusiasts as high-quality, high-performance, reliable memory,” said Jeremy Mortenson, senior product manager. “The Crucial Ballistix Sport series offers casual gamers an accessible, easy-to-use Ballistix memory product at an affordable price. This new Ballistix offering is part of our broader product strategy and a commitment to satisfy the needs of our customers.”

Netbook Navigator today announced the launch of the NAV7 Slate PC. Powered by Windows 7 and loaded with innovative best-in-class features, this cutting-edge new tablet redefines the concept of wireless PC mobility. Weighing just 1.25 lbs and equipped with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, up to 2GB RAM, 1.8" Solid State hard drive with up to 64GB of storage, 2 USB ports, front-side webcam, WIFI, Bluetooth and optional embedded 3G broadband. Battery life is so-so, as the device has a swappable battery good for roughly 4 hours of use per charge. The NAV7 is now available for pre-order in limited quantities on first come, first serve basis with over 30 different configuration options starting from $649. Orders placed in March are expected to ship in May 2011.

"We are really excited about the launch of our NAV7 tablet," said Matthew Gross, CEO and Founder of Netbook Navigator. "Unlike most other tablets on the market, the NAV7 offers the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously on a single screen without any limitations whatsoever. With millions of PC applications to choose from, the possibilities are endless."

Synology America has announced the release of the RS2211RP+ Rack-Mount NAS and its companion RX1211RP. The RS2211RP+ offers affordable performance, scalability, and redundancy in a 2U configuration. The native 10-bay server pairs seamlessly with the RX1211RP, for on-the-fly expansion up to 22 drives. That makes for up to 66TB storage. The RS2211RP+ boasts write speeds of up to 166MB/s and up to 198MB/s read speeds, which is respectable for a device like this. The RS2211RP+ is scheduled to be released in mid to late April for under $3000.

"This new RackStation makes for a very affordable addition to the server room," said Doug Self, Product Marketing Manager at Synology America Corp. "The performance and scalable capacity can't be beat in this price range."