Sony Shakes Up Notebook Lines, Adds AIOs

By Doug Olenick On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Sony Electronics will load up on new notebooks and all-in-one PCs at International CES, but has pulled back on the netbook front.

The company will also expand the retail presence of its high-end Signature line of laptops and AIOs by adding several regional retailers and specialty chains in the coming months as it rolls out new products in that line, said Brian Nowlin, product manager for Sony’s networked technology and services division.

 

 

AMD Introduces New Processor Series

By Doug Olenick On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — AMD has introduced the new AMD Radeon HD 6000M processor series, which incorporates a high-end graphics processor on the same chip.

The series, dubbed Fusion, contains four performance levels containing seven separate processor subseries. The processors all contain discrete level graphics capability and DirectX 11 enabling them to play games and show HD quality video, said Leslie Sobon, VP, product and platform marketing.

Dolby Upgrades PC Audio Offering

By Doug Olenick On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Dolby will unveil a new generation of PC-based audio technology at International CES.

These introductions are on top of the company’s traditional sound and audio optimization technologies already found on PCs.

Dolby said the following improvements will be found on PCs in 2011:

• Volume Leveler allows for volume control across content sources

• Volume Maximizer boosts the level of the audio to provide maximum loudness over the power-limited speakers typically found in PCs

Acer Reworks Aspire Desktop Line

By Doug Olenick On Oct 4 2010 - 4:01am

SAN JOSE, CALIF. — Acer revamped its Aspire desktop PC line recently with the introduction of new all-in-one models, more gaming PCs and a new net-top.

The two new all-in-one models are the Aspire AZ5700-U3112 and the AZ3100-U3072.

The first model carries a $1,099 suggested retail, while the latter comes in at $599.

Nero Revamps HD Editing Titles

By Doug Olenick On Oct 4 2010 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — Nero introduced upgrades to two of its HD video-editing solutions.

Nero Video Premium HD and Nero Multimedia Suite 10 Platinum HD will be available at retail on Oc. 14 with respective suggested retails of $69 and $129, said Richard Carriere, Nero’s worldwide marketing senior VP. Customers who own the previous version of Nero Multimedia Suite 10 can upgrade to the generation of the product by paying $29.99 for an electronic download of the software.

ViewSonic ViewPads On Tap For 2011

By Doug Olenick On Nov 8 2010 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — ViewSonic entered the tablet PC market this month, introducing two models that will ship in the next few months for the consumer and business markets.

The company will begin shipping the Android 2.2-based ViewPad 7 for consumers late in the fourth quarter and follow it with the ViewPad 10 early in the first quarter of 2011, said Adam Hanin, ViewSonic’s marketing VP.

“We were hearing from customers a demand in both areas,” Hanin said, adding that going into the tablet segment allowed ViewSonic to leverage its display technology.

Wireless Printing Missing Opportunities: NPD Group Study

By Doug Olenick On Nov 8 2010 - 6:00am

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – More than half of all printers sold in the United States are wireless, but most consumers do not take full advantage of the feature.

This was noted in a recent study conducted by The NPD Group.

The Wireless Printing Study found that almost 75 percent of wireless printer owners are not printing more, despite having more devices connected to their printer. In addition, these consumers’ printing habits are not much different from those who only own a hardwired printer.

2011 Arrival Date Set For Lexmark Genesis

By Doug Olenick On Nov 8 2010 - 6:01am

LEXINGTON, KY. — Lexmark reported it will start shipping its Genesis all-in-one printer in early 2011.

Unlike most printers, the $399 Genesis stands upright on a desk and opens like a manila folder to admit paper. It has a 10-megapixel imaging sensor and a 4.3-inch preview touchscreen LCD along with connections to Facebook and Twitter.

Apple Now Third In Mobile PC Share

By Doug Olenick On Dec 20 2010 - 6:01am

SANTA CLARA, CALIF. — Apple’s iPad has helped the company grab 12.4 percent of the worldwide mobile PC market, according to DisplaySearch.

However, a study by Strategy Analytics indicates the influx of competing, less expensive products next year could curb some of Apple’s growth.

The 12.4 percent pushed Apple passed Dell, which garnered 11 percent of the mobile PC market in the third quarter. Hewlett- Packard retained the top spot, with 17.3 percent of the market, but second-place Acer closed the gap with a 16.5 percent share.

Lenovo Introduces Multimedia Computers

By Doug Olenick On Dec 20 2010 - 6:01am

RESEARCH TRIANGLE, N.C. — Lenovo introduced two new multimedia laptops and a desktop this month.

The IdeaPad Y460p and Y560p are labeled highperformance notebooks by Lenovo. The former features a 14-inch display, while the latter sports a 15.6-inch screen.

Both have a $849 starting price and will ship on Jan. 11.

Each will be powered by a second-generation Intel Core processor, up to the Core i7 level, when they become available.