HP unveils New Laptops: HP Mini 210, HP Envy 14, HP Pavilion dv4

HP releases three new laptops into the computers market, NetBook-size Mini, and even a few professional-level ProBooks and Elitebooks.

One of These new laptops have been named as HP Envy 14 part of HP’s premium Envy line, this device is built in with Intel’s Sandy Bridge CPU’s which gives more efficiency to battery life rather than the last year models, and its view is similar to the previous editions and HP promises that the large clickpad is more user-friendly (with multitouch gestures were a little wonky on the current versions), and USB version 3.0 fits in good, and it will be coming out with a reasonable price tag of $999.

Second one is called HP Mini 210 is a NetBook built in with Intel Atom processor same as the earlier edition, but the new model has added some new lid colors like sweet purple, charcoal, crimson red, luminous rose, and ocean drive and the best part is Mini 210 has got NetBook version of the same Beats Audio technology found in the high-end Envy laptops and this NetBook will be costing around $300 to $330 available in June.

Third one is HP Pavilion dv4 is equipped with the latest version of HP’s Cool Sense technology which is generally a user control panel for the cooling fans, and the HP Pavilion will come out for $599 starting May 18th.

It is not the end but for Corporate and business users series of new ProBook and EliteBook models, the ProBook 5330m is slim 13-inch with Intel’s newest Sandy Bridge CPUs and a backlit keyboard, as well as TPM and Intel vPro technology and this really helpful in Corporate IT departments.

The EliteBook 2560p and 2760p is graphed over the high end business users with its stylish metallic finishes and thin designs, with a price tag of $1,100 12.5-inch 2560p is a traditional clamshell, and $1,500 12-inch 2760p has a swiveling convertible touchscreen all these models should be available in May.

All these devices are equipped with 3G antennas and Hewlett-Packard is offering 3G Mobile Broadband Service for Laptops.

Panasonic Upgrades Toughbook 52, Releases New 53 Rugged Laptop

The Toughbook line is fairly self-explanatory given its name, however, the beauty of achieving a reliable and ruggedized laptop is all in the details. Unveiled today, but not rolling out until June, the Toughbook 53 utilizes Intel's 2nd generation Core i5 and i3 CPU technology for a more modern and battery-efficient laptop (up to 10 hours, according to Panasonic).

Its chassis is made of magnesium alloy—a material that is more difficult to manipulate than plastic or aluminum. The 14-inch screen has a 1,366-by-768 resolution (720p) and Panasonic's technology has enabled the screen to be viewable in the great outdoors. The 2-800 nitt adjustable screen brightness undoubtedly also helps, however, this option is only available if you've selected to configure your model to have a touch screen. For the business-end users that use their car as their office, an optional 1.3-megapixel webcam can be installed above the screen along with a digital mic for video conferencing. Wireless connectivity options include 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi. Optional integrated 4G LTE, Bluetooth 2.1, Gobi2000 (3G broadband from Qualcomm), and dual-antenna pass-through are available for road warriors.

Security features include a fingerprint reader and a more advanced Smartcard reader for those with more sensitive material. An ExpressCard, SDXC, PC Card, HDMI, VGA, audio jacks, FireWire (optional), Ethernet, one USB 3.0, and 3 USB 2.0 are included to connect you to your media or peripherals. The hard drive spins at a slower 5,400rpm than the faster 7,200rpm to prevent damage during travel and accidental drops. If you're looking for that extra edge in performance, Panasonic also has a 128GB solid state drive (SSD) as an option.

The Toughbook 53's rugged features are the main contributors to its 5.6-pound weight. Panasonic has put the laptop through its own torture tests, dropping it on six sides from 30 inches. The keyboard is spill resistant and I was told you could use it in the shower, but not in the bath. So, if you're looking to test the Kramer shower lifestyle depicted in that Seinfeld episode, this computer will likely oblige.

The Toughbook 53 has a shock-mounted feature that allows it to be a more passenger-friendly carpooler; the vibrations across highway and "rugged terrain" will be less likely to damage your internal hardware. Covert operation users will appreciate the MIL-STD-810 tests Panasonic has put the Toughbook 53 through, including altitude (up to 15,000 ft), humidity, and dust.

The three-year warranty adds to its reliability (as this is the usual lifespan of laptops nowadays). The Intel Core i5-2520M goes on sale first in June, with a starting price of $1,899; the Intel Core i3-2310M model will be sold in August with a starting price of $1,599; and the touch version will be sold starting in July at the base price of $2,449 (only with Core i5 processor and 4-8GB of RAM). For those who want a larger screen, however, the 15.4-inch Toughbook 52 will still be sold with the upgraded to the current 2nd gen Intel Core i CPUs and discrete GPUs.

Sony: PSP Update Version 4.05 "Coming Soon"

From the official PlayStation blog comes word this evening that the PlayStation Portable is set to receive a firmware update to version 4.05 very soon. E3, which started unofficially today and begins in earnest on Monday, is probably a safe bet for a more official Sony announcement. The folks at the PlayStation blog hinted the update is music-focused, and would feature new visualizers for music playback, among other unannounced features.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5024751/sony-psp-update-version-405-coming-soon

Gaming accessories

Caterpillar Watch Crawls 'Round Your Wrist to Tell Time

With timepieces embedded into every electronic gizmo nowadays, the humble wristwatch is on its way out, you might think. That's until you see this bizarrely cool prototype watch from designer Nicolas Lehotzky. Driven by a caterpillar-tread-alike drive, it turns the time-telling process inside out, from a virtual display into a sedate physical crawl around your wrist once every 12 hours. Brilliant! Forget the fact it looks slightly uncomfy... it's such a neat design I'd practically chop my arm off to own one, though that'd then complicate wearing it.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5024770/caterpillar-watch-crawls-round-your-wrist-to-tell-time

Xbox 360 goes 60GB, 20 gigger going for $299 while supplies last

Word on the street was that the $299 price slash we've been hearing about wasn't about carving out a new pricepoint but instead making room for a new 60GB Xbox 360 in its place. Turns out the Mr. Word on the Street nailed this one, with Microsoft finally fessing up to the price drop, and announcing a new fancy 60GB Xbox 360 to fill in at that $349 pricepoint, which will be available in "early August." You can pick up a 20GB "while supplies last," but the $279 Arcade and $449 Elite aren't budging price wise. Oh, and can we just say that this couldn't come at any better a time? We just had to delete August Rush to make room for National Treasure 2, which we'll probably have to drop tomorrow for Fool's Gold. Such is life when you've only got 20GB to work with.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/xbox-360-goes-60gb-20-gigger-going-for-299-while-supplies-last/

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series interior

We’ve seen plenty of spy shots for the new BMW 5-series, including a number of possible renderings for the final design, but this is the first time we get a good look at the new car’s interior. As the images reveal, the cabin of the 2010 5-series closely resembles the design of the current model although there are a few key differences.

BMW’s engineers managed to cover up most of the details but we can still pick up a few vital clues about the new 5-series cabin. Designers have moved the i-drive controller to the side of the gear selector, the same set-up as in the X5 SUV, and shots of the steering wheel show a lot more buttons than the current car. Engineers also seemed concerned about hiding the car’s command screen, leading to speculation that it could feature a new ‘Dual View’ display system.

The new 5-series is set to arrive in late 2009 for the 2010 model year and will have to compete with the next-gen E-Class from Mercedes-Benz, which is also tipped to arrive about the same time. In the meantime, check out our previous story for details about the engine lineup and to view several renderings of the new car.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/spy-shots-2010-bmw-5-series-interior/

Ferrari reportedly considering V6 turbo to save fuel

It won’t power a Dino - the car is completely off the table - but a turbocharged V6 might power one of the next-generation cars from Ferrari. A company spokesman has said that Ferrari has ruled out nothing in terms of technology as it works to keep high-performance a priority while accommodating strict emissions rules.

Already the company has begun to employ some small technological tools to keep power up while reducing fuel consumption. The recently released California uses the company’s first direct-injection engine, for example. As the company moves forward with the next generation of engines, focusing on the development period from 2013 to 2016, it is open to the possibility of using a turbocharger or other forced-induction methods to yield the power it wants and the economy it must, reports AutoTelegraaf.

If the Prancing Horse marque does end up with a smaller-displacement forced-induction engine, it won’t be powering anything that might be considered ‘entry level’, however. Nor will the company bend to the pressure to become a full-line manufacturer with the addition of an SUV or four-door car - Davide Kluzer, Ferrari spokesman, has said those two types of car “we will never do.”

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/ferrari/ferrari-reportedly-considering-v6-turbo-to-save-fuel/

Bentley Continental GTS Black Edition by Project Kahn

Late last year Project Kahn rolled out their take on Bentley’s ultra-luxury GTS coupe, and now they’ve one-upped themselves with a Black Edition. Building on the same basic appearance modifications, the dominant theme is the brooding color of the car.

The basic Project Kahn Continental GTS treatment consists of an eight-panel bodykit that treats the rear with a new three-piece diffuser and bumper, side skirts down each sill, a set of new front spoilers and a bootlid spoiler. Inside the car gets high-quality leather just about everywhere, with the choice of either leather of carbon fiber cladding for the steering wheel.

A performance exhaust enhances the twin-turbo W12’s already throaty sound, while a set of ‘Silver Mist’ 22in wheels add the most dramatic exterior feature to the Black Edition. Despite the giant wheels, the car also gets a 20mm drop to complete the transformation.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/bentley-continental-gts-black-edition-by-project-kahn/

BlackBerry Kickstart Flip Phone Only $49

The BlackBerry Kickstart is by far not RIM's best looking phone. But it is a real live BlackBerry and it will run a mere 50 bucks when it launches on T-Mobile in September. The Centro has proven that a cheap smartphone can sell like hotcakes. Granted the Centro is cute, the Kickstart is not. But $50 (with a two-year contract, natch) puts it in the same mass market as the crappier LGs and Sammys. It's a crazy way to hook the kids, but it might just work. (It'd work better if the phone wasn't so ugly.)


Source: http://gizmodo.com/5022221/blackberry-kickstart-flip-phone-only-49

Engadget HD goes hands-on with JVC's Everio HD40 camcorder

Engadget HD managed to acquire one of JVC's Everio HD40 camcorders -- you know, that HD shooter with 120GB of onboard storage. If you're interested in seeing it get unboxed and manhandled (along with comparison shots with Samsung's delightful SC-HMX20C), click on over and enjoy. For those wanting some serious impressions, keep a check on this space -- we'll be forming some opinions and penning a review here shortly.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/04/engadget-hd-goes-hands-on-with-jvcs-everio-hd40-camcorder/