“The Expressionist PLUS (FX3021) subwoofer packs tremendous punch for its tiny size,“ says Don Milks, Altec Lansing’s Senior Manager, Product Management for PC Audio. “By doing away with the enclosure and making the satellites angle-adjustable, we’ve made it easy for the listener to enjoy a remarkably deep, precise soundstage, no matter what distance or angle they listen from. We think this is the best performing $99 PC speaker on the market.“
The new Expressionist PLUS is a 2.1 channel subwoofer-satellite system featuring a dramatic cone-shaped, bottom loaded subwoofer that at its base is about the size of a small Frisbee disc. This sleek, modern looking sub utilizes a 5.25-inch, long-throw driver for authoritative bass that extends down to 50 Hz, even when placed on a desktop. The bass output is conveniently controlled within fingertip reach, letting the user tailor the optimum balance between sub and satellites. The entire system is driven by an impressive 24 watts of power.
The dual 2-inch full range satellites of the Expressionist PLUS complete the system, and are remarkable achievements of design and simplicity. Their innovative form utilizes Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment™ craftsmanship that precisely aligns the drivers, enclosure and electronics for natural-sounding audio performance, the way the artist intended. The satellites can be aimed in any direction to focus the soundstage for the ideal listening position, distance and height. The end result is a deep and realistic stereo image that’s exactly proportioned to the listening area.
The diminutive size of the Expressionist PLUS makes it a perfect accompaniment for desktop and laptop computers and other 3.5mm-connected entertainment such as an iPod®. Power and volume controls are conveniently located for easy access.
Altec Lansing’s Expressionist PLUS FX3021 PC Speaker System will be available in June of 2009 at consumer electronics retailers and at www.alteclansing.com.
The impressive list of hardware for the Axess HD includes a powerful Core i7 processor combined with dual 9800 GT video cards in SLI to deliver a stunningly visual1080p experience. MAINGEAR also teamed up with NVIDIA to integrate GeForce 3D Vision so that gamers with Mitsubishi DLP’s or Samsung desktop LCDs can experience an unparalleled 3D gaming experience. MAINGEAR further enhances the luxurious home theater gaming experience by being the first company to offer the Phantom Lapboard, a unique keyboard that liberates users from desktop settings through an innovative 360-degree rotating design. The Axess HD Gamer also offers cutting edge media center capabilities including 7 channel pre amplified audio, Blu Ray and DVD Movies, Music, Home Videos, HD TV, Internet TV, based on Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home Premium which also provides access to Netflix’s online streaming through the Media Center interface.
”The Axess HD Gamer was conceived to deliver unsurpassed gaming performance fused with advanced media center capabilities all contained within a low profile case, making it the perfect cornerstone for any home theater environment” said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of MAINGEAR. “A lot of the media centers currently on the market don’t specifically address the PC Gamer and we want to give our customers a solution to game from the comfort of the living room without sacrificing quality or performance.”
“We’re thrilled that MAINGEAR is providing a Games for Windows solution that complements the wide range of media functionality that Windows Vista Media Center already provides,” said Megan Both, Snr. Director of OEM Sales at Microsoft. “This high performance 3D gaming system combined with the advanced functionality of Windows Media Center make the Axess HD Gamer a phenomenal option for the home theater enthusiast as well as the avid gamer.”
Gamers can purchase the Axess HD Gamer at MAINGEAR’s Web site www.maingear.com or order by phone at (888-MAINGEAR). The base price is $1,799. Axess HD Gamer comes with MAINGEAR’s standard 14 month warranty and is backed by the best in-house support team in the country.
NZXT, a company built on realizing the dreams of gamers worldwide, is proud to announce the Zero 2 Full Tower Steel Chassis the integrates a fully customizable cooling system. The structural integrity of the Zero 2 can not be doubted featuring a sturdy 1.0mm steel construction and weighing in at 10.2kg. Adopting a similar extreme cooling approach to that of the original Zero chassis, Zero 2 offers a fully customizable cooling system with space for seven 120mm fans and one 80mm fan making it a phenomenal option for users that run Multi GPU systems. This aggressive cooling system combined with other great features like screwless installation for HDD devices, top mounted USB, and Intel HD Audio and AC’97 Audio capability make Zero 2 one of the most compelling case options on the market for the PC Enthusiast and Gamer.
“The original Zero was a tremendous success for NZXT due to its unique, customizable cooling setup,” said Johnny Hou, Chief Designer at NZXT. “The Zero 2 builds off of its predecessor’s success and provides truly phenomenal value for gamers everywhere priced under $100.”
Retailing for $99.99 the new Zero 2 is available now. For more information on the NZXT Zero2, visit http://www.nzxt.com/products/zero_2/
For more information on NZXT and to view the company’s complete catalog, visit www.nzxt.com.
Callpod, Inc., an emerging leader in the mobile electronics industry introduces the Drone™, a plug and play VOIP and Bluetooth stereo USB adapter for PC’s and Mac computers. In the past year, Callpod, introduced several innovative award-winning products including the Chargepod®, a well-received 6-in-1 portable gadget charging solution, the Dragon V2 Class 1 Bluetooth headset and Phoenix Mobile Conferencing System, a Class 1 Bluetooth mobile conferencing system. The Drone, which was created from die-cast zinc and high impact polycarbonate for strength and durability, seamlessly switches between Bluetooth headsets and headphones and can connect to any PC or Mac computer via USB port. It has an operating range of 100 meters. Its combined features surpass any other Bluetooth USB adapter ever created.
Skype™ and VoIP Calling
The Drone is perfect for use with Skype and other VoIP users using a Bluetooth headset that don’t like to be tethered to their laptop, Mac or PC. The Drone allows users to roam around at home or at the office freely up to 100 meters away.
Listening to Music on Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
In addition the Drone allows music lovers the luxury of listening to their favorite songs without being attached to a wire. It allows multi-taskers to take on chores, play video games or just sit and relax. The drone can Cleary and efficiently stream and control music via iTunes, CD, Windows Media Player or any other computer based audio sources using the same 100 meter range.
High-Speed Data Transfer & Printing to Bluetooth Printers
The Drone also has advanced features to support data transfer for use with Bluetooth printers and other peripheral devices. For example users can transfer data to and from their computer via the iPhone, Palm Treo or any other Bluetooth cell phone or PDA. It can be used with Bluetooth photo printers and cameras, enabling the user to transfer and print and transfer photos. In addition users can transfer data from PC to PC or Mac to Mac etc. Again, the Drone™ transmits this data up to a range of 100 meters allowing the user to have their Bluetooth peripheral devices in a separate room.
“The Drone was designed to surpass anything in this category ever created. We wanted the Drone to be strong, elegant and easy to use. We did not want to put the burden on the consumer of dealing with complicated CD ROMs and computer settings. You simply plug in the Drone and it’s ready to go.” said Darren Guccione, Callpod CEO and co-founder. “Whether you listen to music, make phone calls via Skye or want to print utilizing a range of 100 meters, the Drone is the simple answer.”
Drone to Dragon V2 Power
The Dragon V2 can be used with the Drone, which allows users to freely roam around the home or office up to 100 meters or 328 feet. Dragon V2 headset was designed for Bluetooth mobile phones, PDAs VOIP products and computers. It gives users the powerful combination of unparalleled range and superior sound quality. Dragon V2 can connect to a PC for Skype® calls and allows users to switch between the PC and mobile phone with a press of a button.
Pricing
The Drone is currently available for $49.95. For more information please visit www.callpod.com.
iBUYPOWER ensured the Paladin would run long and cool by including their brand new IBP-Z001 liquid cooling system, which was just named one of the 5 best Intel Heatsinks by Frosty Tech. The 998 also comes fully loaded with a Sony 20x DL DVD+/-RW optical drive and Blu-ray player, built-in 8 channel surround sound, and an 800W power supply. Best of all, the Paladin 998 ships with a free copy of Halo 2 so users can start gaming out of the box.
“iBUYPOWER machines are built by hand with only the best components; for gamers by gamers,” said Darren Su, Vice President of iBUYPOWER. “The Paladin 998 carries on that tradition, and at $1,999 is an amazing value considering all that it is packing like the quad core processor from Intel.”
The iBUYPOWER Paladin 998 also ships with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Edition, a Logitech keyboard and mouse, and comes with a 3-Yr Limited Warranty and Lifetime Support Service (full specs below after the jump).
For additional information about iBUYPOWER visit www.iBUYPOWER.com
Available in June 2008, Cricket™ is extremely portable to go anywhere with a laptop—folding to fit in a pocket or computer bag.
Features:
• Adjustable height – simply press button to adjust height of screen.
• Enhances airflow – air circulates beneath and around computer, keeping it cool.
• Extremely portable – easily fits in a pocket or computer bag.
• Ergonomic computing – elevates screen to comfortable viewing height, enabling use of full-size keyboard for more efficient computing.
• For tablet PCs – raises screen at angle for greater readability and more comfortable writing angle.
Specifications:
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Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices (SHC) is expanding its portfolio of WiMAX subscriber devices with an Express Card. The Gigaset SE68 WiMAX Express Card makes it easy for users to get broadband access via computer even on the road. The card is based on the IEEE 802.16-2005 standard, complies with the Wave 2 specifications, including MIMO (Multiple Input / Multiple Output) A and B, and supports beamforming. SHC demonstrates the card live at the WiMAX Forum Congress Asia in Singapore.
The Express Card Gigaset SE68 WiMAX permits mobile broadband access at up to 20 Mbps and thus enables the use of very rich media and data applications on the road. As a result, it increases mobility and flexibility for professional and private users alike.
Gigaset SE68 WiMAX complies with the Wave 2 specifications and therefore offers optimal capacity, throughput and network coverage. The card will be available in the summer of 2008 supporting the 2.5 and 3.5 GHz frequency bands. It supports the computer’s idle mode, thus reducing battery consumption. The Express Card can also be operated via a USB 2.0 port or a PC Card port with the aid of an adapter. The enclosed CD ensures simple installation of the software and guides users in a few easy steps through the set-up process.
“The Gigaset SE68 WiMAX Express Card is a perfect fit for our existing WiMAX portfolio, which comprises a data modem, a VoIP modem and two gateways with an extensive range of data and voice functionalities. With this extended portfolio we can better address our customers’ needs for flexibility and freedom of choice,” said Dr. Marc Achhammer, Senior Vice President and Head of WiMAX at Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices.
Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices GmbH & Co KG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. The company, with its headquarters in Munich, focuses on the design, development, manufacturing and distribution of a range of high-quality products under the brand Siemens Gigaset, including classic cordless and fixed-network phones, Voice over IP devices, routers, gateways and software solutions. The portfolio also includes WIMAX devices as well as home media products such as set-top boxes. The company operates worldwide. Its primary production site is in Bocholt, Germany, where the Gigaset products are developed and manufactured under the most stringent quality and environmental standards.
LapWorks has announced its newest laptop stands for notebook computers – the sleek Attaché Laptop Stand and Envoy Laptop Stand.
Both portable Laptop Stands elevate PC and Mac notebooks to:
1) improve screen viewing ergonomics
2) Enhance typing ergonomics
3) Cool a laptop to extend its life.
Each sturdy Laptop Stand includes two silent built-in cooling fans, a 4-port USB 2.0 hub, and 4 push-button elevation settings. The lowest elevation allows for cooling and improved ergonomics while using the laptop’s own keyboard. In addition to cooling, the 3 steeper inclines raise the screen closer to eye level to create an ergonomically-sound desktop workstation when using a separate keyboard and mouse. With the exception of the Attaché’s heat-absorbing aluminum face plate, both units are identical.
The $69.95 Attaché Laptop Stand and the $49.95 Envoy Laptop Stand are available directly from LapWorks.
Both Laptop Stands are constructed of high-impact ABS plastic and measure 12-7/8 inches wide by 11 ¾ inches long and 1-5/8 inches thick when folded closed. The Envoy weighs 1 pound, 10.5 ounces while the Attaché weighs 2 pounds, 7.5 ounces with its aluminum face plate. Each is easily transportable and carries a one year warranty.
One of the biggest gripes with most for all the other iTunes wannabe types is the lack of Mac software. Universal yanked its content from Apple’s popular video downloading service for its own little venture with the likes of Fox called hulu. As you may have guessed, hulu is Windows only and at this point, is a private beta. Sources have indicated to SvenOnTech that only a few episodes are available for viewing of each show and it is using Adobe’s Flash technology. Your stuck to your PC screen.
SyncTV wants to change all that. It wants to share the video love with Windows, Mac, and Linux users. Giving each of them a client, now everyone can enjoy their favorite shows, now or later. Unlike hulu, all shows will be downloadable and will eventually even support portable media devices. What ever you choose to download, you can go a la carte or get every episode of every year. No restrictions. While this all sounds like iTunes, sans the Linux version, Apple won’t give you any of its content in HD. SyncTV does. To prove how good it looks, SyncTV is showing off its service on a 1080p HDTV at CES this week.
As for content, this seems to be the limited aspect of SyncTV. Only recognizing one show, Dexter, SyncTV has a long way to go before it can take on Apple or even hulu. Fortunately though, the Internet has removed the boundaries of “popular” and with “networks” such as Revision3 and ZiffDavis, featuring DL.TV, the old school TV networks may find itself lost in the shuffle just a few short years from now.
VMWare has just issued the release canidate for Workstation 6.0 for the Mac Vista. Many bug fixes have been made and now you can run Workstation without debug logging to speed up the virtual machine.
Workstation contains the following new features:
- Support for Windows Vista – Use Windows Vista as host operating system
- Multiple monitor display –You can configure a VM to span multiple monitors, or multiple VMs to each display on separate monitors.
- Support for USB 2.0 devices – You can now use peripherals that require high-speed performance in your VMs, such as MP3 Players and fast storage devices
- VM Record/Replay – Use this feature to record VM activities and be guaranteed to reproduce the exact VM state 100% of the time.
- Integrated Virtual Debugger – Workstation integrates with Visual Studio and Eclipse so you can deploy, run, and debug programs in a VM directly from your preferred IDE
- Automation APIs (VIX API 1.1) – You can write scripts and programs to automate VM testing.
You can find detailed information on new features, answers to frequently asked questions, links to download the product, release notes, etc. at as well how to obtain a free license key at http://www.vmware.com/wsbeta.