thegadgetsite

HTC confirms multitasking tweaks for One X

Jason Yip — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:08:37 +0000

There’s been a lot of noise at xda-developers about the changes HTC made to the multitasking behaviour on the One X compared to the stock ICS rom. Other than the obvious tweaks like the horizontal, card-like arrangement, there’s also memory and task management differences. Users have noticed that their background apps have been terminated too aggressively, and many complained about it. HTC responds saying that the multitasking is operating as intended by HTC and confirms that it is part of the Sense UI. This may be why battery life is extremely impressive on AT&T’s One X. If you don’t like your apps being killed suddenly, you can install custom ROMs after rooting your phone.

Expected refresh date for MacBook Pro: June 11

Jason Yip — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:08:20 +0000

Been waiting for the new MacBook Pro refresh? Well, many are speculating that it will be released on June 11 at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Along with the date, there has been many rumours on what the refresh will bring, like Ivy Bridge processors, a 2048 x 1536 Retina Display, and a thinner profile along with SSD for quick bootups. It’s been a while since the MacBook Pro has received a significant update on form factor and functions, and since most of Apple’s other products have undergone some changes, it should be the MacBook Pro’s turn this year. Stay tuned as we bring you the most updated news and rumours of the MacBook Pro refresh!

MacBook Pro and iMac with Ivy Bridge benchmarked

Jason Yip — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:44:15 +0000

After the official release of the Ivy Bridge processors from Intel, we’ve received a slew of updated laptops. However, Apple has yet to announce theirs, but it should be soon. Today, two devices appeared on the Geekbench site that shed some light on how the Ivy Bridge performs on MacBook Pros and the iMac. An unknown “MacBookPro9,1″ powered by an Ivy Bridge Core i7-3820QM running at 2.7GHz achieved a benchmark of 12252, which is around 17 percent better than the current equivalent Core i7. The second one, from an “iMac13,2″ running the i7-3770 desktop chip clocked at 3.4GHz only scored 12183, but that’s because it was restricted by the 4GB of RAM. Overall, these are pretty good results, but take it with a grain of salt as these could be fake, or from non-finalized hardware.

Also, 9to5Mac has dug around and pulled from the Mountain Lion beta that indicates upcoming Ivy Bridge machines will have USB 3.0 and a new GPU in the NVIDIA GeForce GT650M, along with a slimmer profile.

Want more space for Dropbox? Dropquest 2012 begins

Jason Yip — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:22:37 +0000

Use Dropbox a lot and don’t like how SkyDrive users have 25GB of space but you only have 5? Well, this won’t bump you up to 25, but it’ll get you a bit closer. Dropquest 2012 begins now and it’s the company’s internet scavenger hunt involving a lot of puzzles, challenges and origami! By completing the game, you’ll get 1GB of extra storage. If you came in first place, you’ll get 100GB free for your entire life, while 10 second-placers will get 20GB. There won’t be any support in the forums, and you’re competing with at least half a million other people. Ready? Hit the source link and start your quest!

Lumia and iPhone gets along well, very well

Jason Yip — Sun, 13 May 2012 06:22:53 +0000

Remember two days ago when Siri announced its love for the Nokia Lumia 900? Well, today the Lumia 800 also announced its love, but it’s for Siri. Surprise surprise! Actually, the reason for different result is because Siri bases its answer on Wolfram Alpha for the most part, which means it is only drawing from certain and limited sources, while Microsoft’s TellMe service uses Bing’s search service, and the first link will be the Business Insider article with this headline: “Yes, The iPhone Is Still The Best Smartphone You Can Buy”, which is really coincidental as it somehow does answer Siri’s response.

808 Pureview headed to US, release date unknown yet

Jason Yip — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:17:11 +0000

Remember the Nokia Pureview 808? Yes, the 41-megapixel imaging flagship. It seems like the Lumia 900 and its siblings will be joined by this device soon in the US market. Nokia executive Chris Weber explained to PC Mag that the company is aiming to release the Pureview 808 in the US market in the next couple of months. It’s not exactly surprising, as it did pass the FCC testing. Interestingly, this phone will only be sold unlocked, and Weber confirms that the phone will definitely support AT&T, without saying anything else for other bands. Keep your hopes up though, as the international edition is likely to hit the stateside.

Siri betrays her creator

Jason Yip — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:31:37 +0000

With the iPhone 4S, Siri was released. Siri is your friendly assistant on your iPhone and we know that she definitely has her own personality. However, it seems like Siri doesn’t exactly like her creator, as she answered truthfully that the best cellphone is the Cyan Nokia Lumia 900. Yup, not the iPhone, and not an Android, but a Windows Phone. If Steve Jobs saw this, we’re sure he won’t be pleased, but at least it’s not Android, which Steve Jobs believes is the ultimate evil.

Microsoft gives Windows 8 developers a head start on app submissions

Jason Yip — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:20:21 +0000

Are you a developer? Are you preparing an app for the Windows Store for Windows 8? Is your app a “great” app? If you answered yes to all those questions, then Microsoft will be able to help you get your apps in before everyone else. Developer Evangelist Matt Harrington is offering developers who develop a “great” app a fast track to get the app submitted into the Store first. Furthermore, these acknowledged few will get help from a Microsoft engineer to make it truly a great app. Although we don’t exactly know when everyone will be able to submit the app, it should be rather soon as the OS is slated for release Q4 of 2012 or Q1 of 2013.

More EliteBooks from HP? Yup, the EliteBook Folio

Jason Yip — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:44:48 +0000

One more EliteBook? Yup. This time it’s an Ultrabook that HP calls the EliteBook Folio 9470m. This 14-inch lappy is thin and light, starting at 3.6 pounds, but it is well-equipped with ports, including USB 3.0, Ethernet, DisplayPort and VGA. There’s also an embedded TPM security chip, smartcard reader, security lock slot, full volume encryption and a security screw since this is a business laptop. Pricing starts at $1,149 and this will land at businesses’ door in October.

SHANGHAI, May 9, 2012 – HP today expanded its industry-leading computing portfolio with more than 30 new products engineered to address the design, reliability, security and performance demands of end users and IT departments across businesses of all sizes.

Among the products announced are:

New Ultrabook systems for business-including the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m, HP’s first no-compromise Ultrabook for business users-which deliver the style and simplicity users demand, combined with security and manageability to help businesses keep control of their IT.

HP EliteBook p-series notebooks that are designed to MIL-STD810G testing for vibration, dust, altitude, temperature and drops. The new series features the HP EliteBook 2170p, the smallest, lightest HP business notebook, as well as new additions to the highly configurable HP ProBook b-series and the redesigned HP ProBook s- series.

Four desktop PC series-the HP Compaq Pro 4300 Business Desktop and All-in-One PC, the HP Compaq Pro 6300 and the HP Compaq Elite 8300- balancing secure manageability, flexibility and trusted reliability.

New commercial displays, including the HP Compaq L2206tm multitouch-enabled monitor and the HP Compaq LA2405x LED backlit monitor.

New software solutions, including HP Premier Image for a cleaner, faster user experience with streamlined deployment and HP BIOS Protection, which offers hardware-level protection against virus attacks and other security threats to meet National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines.

“Our business customers today are challenged not only with competitive and economic pressures, but also an onslaught of IT-based issues such as the consumerization of IT and the management of exponential data growth,” said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Commercial Client Segment, HP. “With innovative, reliable hardware designs and predictive software technologies, these additions to HP’s award-winning commercial product portfolio make it easier for customers to keep their businesses running securely and efficiently.”

On-the-go productivity, durability and reliability

Designed from the ground up for business users, the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m Ultrabook combines the sleek, lightweight design users crave with the business features and reliability IT demands. Measuring 19 millimeters thin and weighing in at just over 3.5 pounds, this 14-inch diagonal Ultrabook offers enterprise-class docking capabilities and security features, and boots quickly from sleep.

In addition to a full array of ports and connectivity options for built-in 4G wireless WAN, Ethernet, VGA, DisplayPort and USB 3.0, the Ultrabook offers the option for a secondary battery that provides extended run time. The HP EliteBook Folio features long life cycles and stable, consistent images, making it easy to buy and deploy. The Ultrabook is also available in consistent global configurations that allow for product standardization in up to 151 countries as a part of the HP Global Series Program.

The sleek HP SpectreXT Pro Ultrabook and HP ENVY Pro Ultrabook also deliver Windows 7 Professional for business productivity, providing an answer to the “consumerization of IT” trend. The HP SpectreXT Pro offers an embedded TPM security chip that protects data in email as well as information on the solid state drive for security-conscious users. All three Ultrabooks also feature optional a-band wireless capabilities and optional three- year limited warranties.

The HP EliteBook 2170p is the company’s smallest and lightest-weight business notebook. Ideal for road warriors, the new 11.6-inch diagonal notebook weighs in under 2.9 pounds, yet still supports enterprise-class connectivity, security and management features. With up to nine hours of battery life, the HP EliteBook 2170p is also compatible with the common docking stations used across the HP business notebook portfolio for maximum efficiency.

The new HP EliteBook 2570p steps up to a 12.5-inch-diagonal high-definition (HD) display and also packs an optical drive and extensive connectivity options, including 4G wireless WAN for LTE for no-compromise ultraportable productivity. Also new today, the HP 2570p Docking Station and a long-life battery support the HP EliteBook 2570p with advanced features for maximum productivity.

The HP EliteBook 8470p and 8570p premier business notebooks offer business-critical durability, manageability and security features as well as expanded battery options, including an HP EliteBook 8470p configuration that delivers the best industry battery life-up to 36 hours of run time on a single charge when combined with the optional HP Ultra Extended Life Notebook Battery. The notebooks respectively tout 14- or 15.6- inch diagonal displays and deliver smooth audio quality from SRS Premium Sound PRO, which is available across the HP EliteBook p-series for crisp, powerful sound directly from the notebook.

All of the new HP EliteBooks also employ HP’s design framework, which embodies a timeless construction. Precision-engineered durability features are designed with the environment in mind, and the four systems also sport third-generation Intel® CoreTM processors for great performance and long battery life.

The new, highly configurable HP ProBook b-series mainstream notebook PCs offer 14- or 15.6-inch diagonal displays with UMA or discrete graphics. Protected by a durable case with a wear-resistant tungsten-colored finish, the HP ProBook b-series also helps keeps data safe with the HP 3D DriveGuard, which helps the notebooks withstand the bumps common with mobile use. Intel vPro Technology provides enhanced IT manageability capabilities on the HP ProBook 6470b and 6570b, and the HP ProBook 6475b delivers the latest AMD technology for affordable business productivity.

Sporting a new industrial design, the HP ProBook s-series notebook PCs provide easy-to- use security for small and medium businesses, combined with an aluminum casing that strengthens the exterior. Measuring 13.3 to 17.3 inches diagonally, the notebooks offer multimedia capabilities for videoconferencing in the office and entertainment consumption after hours in both Intel and AMD-based configurations.

Designed to enhance HP notebook platforms and business productivity, HP is debuting a range of new business notebook accessories. HP Docking Stations and HP Advanced Docking Stations offer expansive connectivity for a true desktop experience, with convenient port replication, USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatibility, battery charging, and an upgrade bay for additional storage.

HP Port Replicators enable quick access to USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices and expand productivity with a connection to one or two external displays-all through a single USB cable.(14) New wireless and USB keyboards and mice also stylishly complement HP notebook platforms and help create a total workspace solution at the desk.

Flexible desktop solutions for increased business productivity

The latest all-in-one desktop solution for businesses, the HP Compaq Pro 4300 All-in- One is HP’s most space-efficient commercial all-in-one built for business-class performance with the latest PC technologies. The versatile design is equipped to collaborate with multimedia-rich features and impressive graphics, as well as smart connectivity enhancements like a serial port and expandable storage, including solid state and self-encrypting hard drives. It features a 20-inch diagonal, LED backlit display and is powered by third-generation Intel Core processors and Intel HD Graphics.

Ideal for small businesses, the space-saving HP Compaq Pro 4300 Small Form Factor Desktop PC offers the latest Intel processors backed by affordable, business-class quality and reliability.

The HP Compaq Pro 6300 Series offers proven technologies combined with the right blend of expansion capabilities and deployment options. The latest Intel processors and integrated Intel HD Graphics in two chassis options also provide optimal performance. All of the new HP business desktops also feature a choice of optional discrete graphics solutions from AMD and NVIDIA.

HP’s top-of-the-line commercial tower PCs, the HP Compaq Elite 8300 Series, incorporates the latest management, security and expansion with a premium support experience through the unique HP Elite service program. A broad portfolio of available chassis options and the latest Intel processors are designed to match the needs and deployment scenarios of businesses.

Designed for high-traffic, customer-facing areas and users who benefit from multi-touch capabilities, the new HP Compaq L2206tm 21.5-inch diagonal LED backlit monitor features optical touch performance with three sensors for on-the-spot touch recognition. The display supports finger input or passive stylus input for improved precision in drawing and handwriting applications, plus height, tilt and pivot adjustments.

The HP Compaq LA2405x monitor delivers 24-inch-diagonal high-quality viewing and comfort-focused height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments. Smart connectivity and brushed-aluminum design accents complement the design of HP’s business desktops, and the widescreen display offers full HD 1,920 x 1,200 resolution screen with LED technology that enables a thinner profile and solid-state reliability.

Professional Innovations for a simplified, secure computing experience

HP business PCs incorporate an array of hardware features and software solutions designed to enhance security, improve ease of use, and help ensure reliability while keeping the environment in mind. The new HP Premier Image includes the full suite of HP EliteBook business software and anti-virus protection, while eliminating trial-ware and other distractions. The cleaner image eases business PC IT deployment, management and support.

HP also includes multilayered client security features that safeguard data, devices and user identities. The latest addition to the HP Client Security portfolio is HP BIOS Protection,(3) which offers hardware-level protection against virus attacks and other security threats. An advanced set of security policies alert IT to unauthorized changes to the system BIOS, detects possible corruption or attack, and then automatically reverts to a functional state to help prevent data loss, reduce downtime and lower IT support costs.

Pricing and availability

The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m is expected to be available in October.

The HP Spectre XT Pro Ultrabook and HP ENVY Pro Ultrabook start at $1,049 and $849, respectively, and are expected to be available in June.

The HP EliteBook 2170p and HP EliteBook 2570p start at $999 and $1,099, respectively, and are expected to be available on June 22. The HP EliteBook 8470p and 8570p start at $899 and are expected to be available on June 4.

The HP ProBook 6470b and 6570b start at $769, the HP ProBook6475b starts at $669 and the HP ProBook s-series starts at $589. All three HP ProBook series are expected to be available on June 4.

The HP Compaq Pro 4300 All-in-One is expected to be available in Asia on June22, and in the Americas this fall. The HP Compaq Elite 8300 and HP Compaq Pro 6300 start at $679 and $579, respectively, and are expected to be available on June 4. The HP Compaq Pro 4300 SFF starts at $499 and is expected to be available on July 9.

The HP Compaq LA2405x starts at $269 and is expected to be available on May 9.The HP Compaq L2206tm starts at $279 and is expected to be available on June 4.

The company also unveiled new Ultrabooks, consumer PCs and business computing and printing solutions, demonstrating its commitment to providing the latest personal computing technology to its customers.

HP refreshes EliteBook line with 5 new models, new processors

Jason Yip — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:39:07 +0000

Today, HP released a whole batch of laptops and refreshes. It almost feels like HP went on a laptop rampage. Among those releases and refreshes, HP’s business line receives 5 new models, including an 11-incher. These include Ivy Bridge, along with SRS Premium Sounds PRO and optional LTE and 720p webcam. Want to find out about the models? Check it out after the break.

The 2170p is the first 11-inch in the EliteBook line, and it weights in at 2.9 pounds. We know that it includes an ultra low voltage Ivy Bridge CPU and probably Intel integrated graphics. These will begin at $999.

The 2570p is an update to the 2560p, and it houses the same 12.5-inch display and weighs in at 3.6 pounds. These will start at $1,099 and will be available for purchases on June 22nd.

The 8740p is a 14-inch business-rugged laptop and weighs in at 4.56 pounds. It also promises 36 hours of runtime with the extended battery and SSD.

The 8570p is the 15-inch version of the 8740p and basically includes the same specs: available with dual or quad-core Ivy Bridge CPUs, integrated graphics or an AMD Radeon 7570M with 1GB of dedicated memory and the option for SSDs. Both this and the 8740p will begin at $899 starting on June 4th.

Finally, the last one is the 8470w model, with options for 14, 15, or 17 inch screen. The 14-inch has AMD graphics, while the 15 and 17 inch versions have an NVIDIA GPU with 4GB of video memory. Also, HP added a 50-percent brightness option to the blacklit keyboard, but only for the 15 and 17 inch models.

Now, which one will you get?