CES 2012: Crucial Launches 8GB Ballistix Sport, Tactical, and Elite Memory

Crucial, a leading global brand of memory and storage upgrades, today announced the immediate availability of 8 GB DDR3 memory modules across the Crucial Ballistix Sport, Tactical, and Elite series. By taking advantage of Micron’s 4 Gb DRAM technology, the new 8 GB modules provide users with the maximum capacity, performance, and density needed to run data-and graphic-intensive applications smoothly and efficiently.
Available in low-latency DDR3-1600 MHz and DDR3-1866 MHz modules, Crucial 8 GB Ballistix modules can be installed in configurations up to 64 GB in some systems, including the new Intel X79 platforms. Additionally, the complete line of Ballistix memory features a new logo treatment and updated heat spreader designs.

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ZOTAC Announces a Trio of New ZBOX Mini-PCs at CES 2012

ZOTAC has consistently proven that is the king of everything small form factor. It will be interesting to see how these new small form factor PCs perform.

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and a channel manufacturer, today kicks off the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show with a trio of versatile 2nd-Generation ZBOX mini-PCs for all your computing needs. The new ZOTAC ZBOX ID81, ID80 and AD04 series deliver outstanding energy-efficiency and stunning high-definition video playback in a compact form factor.
2nd-Generation ZBOX platform enhancements debuting with the ZBOX ID81, ID80 and AD04 series include an external WiFi antenna for superior wireless reception, integrated Bluetooth 3.0 technology and a bundled Media Remote with USB IR receiver for use with Microsoft Windows Media Center, XBMC and other popular media player applications.

“The original ZOTAC ZBOX series mini-PCs have been a major success since we debuted the line up nearly 2 years ago. We take feedback from our users and customers seriously,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. “The new enhancements we’re introducing with the ZOTAC ZBOX ID81, ID80, AD04 series and the 2nd Generation ZBOX platform are the result of the feedback we received.”

ZOTAC ZBOX ID81 series mini-PCs pack the Intel Celeron Processor 857 powered by the Intel Sandy Bridge architecture for dual high-performance processor cores and dual-display capable Intel HD Graphics. The ZOTAC ZBOX ID80 series combine the latest energy-sipping Intel Atom D2700 CedarTrail processor paired with NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M graphics processing to form the ultimate energy-efficient home theater PC combination capable of stunning high-definition video playback.

The ZOTAC ZBOX AD04 series packs the latest AMD E-450 APU that combines dual-core CPU processing and AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics processing that provide snappy system performance and responsiveness for everyday computing needs.

“No matter what your computing needs or platform preferences are – Intel, NVIDIA or AMD, ZOTAC has a versatile ZBOX mini-PC for you,” said Mr. Berger.
The ZOTAC ZBOX ID81, ID80 and AD04 ship as an easily customizable barebones system – simply add memory and hard drive, while the ZBOX ID81 Plus, ID80 Plus and AD04 Plus ship with 2GB of DDR3 memory and a 320GB hard drive preinstalled – add an operating system such as Microsoft Windows 7 or the free OpenELEC media center OS for an unmatched digital media experience.
It’s time to play with the new ZOTAC ZBOX ID81, ID80 and AD04 mini-PC series.

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XFX Shows off their HD 7970 Lineup

Today is the day when most HD 7970 cards will become available but XFX has given us a glimpse at their full top to bottom HD 7970 lineup which includes overclocked, custom cooled products as well.  
Many of the AMD’s board partners will initially only be introducing reference clocked versions of the HD 7970 but XFX is doing things differently.  Soon after official availability at retailers, they will have a full product stack of reference and non reference designs at a variety of different price points.

HD 7970 3GB CORE Edition
Starting from the back of the product stack, we have the “Core Edition” which essentially means that it retains the HD 7970′s reference design and clock speeds.  However, it does receive XFX’s usual Double Lifetime Warranty and excellent customer service.

HD 7970 3GB BLACK EDITION
We will also see a return of XFX’s famous Black Edition which incorporates a higher clocked core (in this case overclocked to 1GHz) which has been through a binning process to ensure good overclocking headroom.  Ironically, even though AMD talked quite a bit about the overclocking capability of the GDDR5 modules on these cards, it looks like XFX will be sticking with the reference frequencies for the time being. While it may look like a reference card from the outside, it sports an upgraded component layout including a PCB with 2oz of copper for additional heat dissipation, an upgraded fan bearing design and solid capacitors.  We’re guessing that XFX will price this card a good $50 more than the reference version but due to current market conditions, the sky’s the limit for HD 7970 cards right after launch.

HD 7970 3GB Double Dissipation (DD) Edition
No we get to the cards that many of you were likely waiting for:  the ones with custom heatsinks, upgraded PCBs and higher clock speeds.  First up we have the Double Dissipation Edition which incorporates XFX’s Ghost Thermal Technology, a technology that is supposed to allow for a quiet acoustical profile, uses a dust blocking fan bearing design, lowers temperatures and increases component live.  This card doesn’t sport the Black Edition core binning process but it does have XFX’s custom rear bracket, upgraded components and a less aggressive fan speed profile than the reference design.

HD 7970 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation (DD) 
Last but not lease is the Black Edition Double Dissipation which as its name suggests has the higher clock speeds of the Black Edition (1GHz core speed up from the reference 925MHz) along with the Double Dissipation heatsink and upgraded components we talked about above.  This one should be one of the most sought-after HD 7970 cards in the days following launch but expect them to be quite rare.

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Gigabyte to Introduce HD 7970 Windforce 3x, Clocked to 1GHz.

The HD 7970 may have first been introduced a few weeks ago but details about board partners’ products has been slim to none.  Gigabyte is actually the first to show us the first images and specifications of their upcoming card.  
Called the HD 7970 Windforce 3x OC, this card uses a custom heatsink and has its core clocked to 1GHz which should result in some reasonable performance increases.  Unfortunately, while the memory was billed by AMD as being highly overclockable, frequencies here have remained in line with the reference specifications.  Other than those two bullet points, it seems like a custom blue PCB is also being used but we’re guessing that any changes to the power distribution will have to wait until Gigabyte officially unveils their upcoming Super Overclock edition.   There is also a substantial reduction in both temperatures and noise due to the use of the Windforce heatsink design.
At this point, pricing is still TBD but availability of this particular card is due in mid to late January.  We’ll have a full review for you in the coming weeks but until then, we’ve posted the Gigabyte slide deck below, it includes a ton of additional info so enjoy!

 

 

 

 

   

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CES 2012: Le Pan Reveals New Le Pan II Tablet

The biggest entrant from manufacturers at Computex was tablets. The most hyped tablet of the show – the HP Touchpad – turned out to be a marked failure when it launched months later.
Tablets are certain to be a large part of the offerings on display at CES 2012. The question is, can any manufacturer create a tablet that puts a sizable dent in the market share of the iPad?

Be captivated by the breathtaking new Le Pan II tablet, redesigned with a sleek and light exterior, an incredibly fast and powerful new 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM, a whole new user interface powered by the latest Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system and an amazingly smooth and responsive 9.7-inch multi-touch display that will be available in North America starting this December 15.
Perfectly sculpted with a sleek curved frame, clean tapered edges, sophisticated chrome trim and smooth brushed aluminum finish, the striking good looks of the Le Pan II tablet is sure to attract attention no matter where you live, work or play. With an elegant yet minimalist design, its irresistible looks will turn heads everywhere it goes.
Beyond the style, Le Pan II also has a practical, edge-to-edge glass design that’s purpose-built to be more resilient, featuring a single panel surface that holds up better to daily use.  Made from nothing but the best, this tablet is crafted out of durable, premium-grade materials that provide added resistance to everyday scratches and scrapes.  It’s designed to keep up with the active, modern lifestyle.
Inside, Le Pan II is updated with a blazing fast and incredibly powerful new 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM.  With up to two times the performance of single-core processor tablets, it is much more powerful than ever and can do more, faster.  Now with dual-core, Le Pan II unlocks the potential to run power hungry applications for work and play, and truly multi-task.  Entertain, connect and work in a whole new way.  Play the newest games, watch the latest TV shows and movies, navigate via GPS with free, turn-by-turn directions, make high-quality video calls and experience full, fast, PC-like Internet – more smoothly, and without hesitation.  And now with the latest Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system, the Le Pan II tablet delivers faster, smoother operation, and features an enhanced user interface that is more intuitive than ever.  With optimized animation and applications for seamless transition, and improved browsers for better website support, the new Le Pan II now ranks among the best when it comes to the overall user experience.
The upcoming Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system update, which will bring an entirely new look and feel with an all-new interface, much faster browser and dozens of brand new features to the Le Pan II, is scheduled to be released in Q1 2012.  The software update will be available, free of charge, to owners of the Le Pan II tablet.

Inspired by Lifestyle
Designed for modern living, working and playing, Le Pan II is built-in with all the connectivity essentials – and doesn’t get any easier to use.  Simply touch, tap, swipe, pinch and flick to navigate around the ultra-responsive multi-touch screen.  Connect with friends and family, and enjoy crisp, clear, high-quality video calling with the high-resolution front-facing 2-megapixel camera and microphone.  Catch up on work, play and everything else in between with full, fast Adobe Flash Player enabled web browsing made possible by an incredibly powerful new dual-core processor.  With up to 32GB of storage, plus integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it’s ready for almost anything and everything, everywhere.  And, no matter where life takes you, never get lost with free turn-by-turn driving, walking and public transit directions via GPS navigation on the Le Pan II.
Breathtakingly Powerful
With a new dual-core processor and double the memory of its predecessor, Le Pan II is more powerful and capable than ever.  Unleash the possibilities with the surprisingly fast, surprisingly powerful 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM.  Delivering up to twice the performance of single-core processors, this tablet gives you the power to do more, faster and more smoothly than before.  Open complex PDFs, power hungry apps and Adobe Flash based web pages at breathtaking speed.  Le Pan™ II is so fast, so smooth and so breathtakingly powerful that it just works without hesitation.
Crisp, Clear and Captivating
Videos, games and the web never looked better.  Le Pan II features a large, gorgeous 9.7-inch multi-touch interface that is smooth and intuitive, and a display that is sharp and stunning with an unbelievable viewing angle that is easier to see – and share.  With exceptionally vivid colors, the screen delivers an incredible mobile movie watching experience.  And with the whiter-than-usual background, on-screen text is crisper, clearer and just plain easier to see, at virtually any angle.  Plus, the 4:3 aspect ratio combined with the 1024×768 resolution delivers an incredible multi-touch enabled web browsing experience on-the-go that is right at your fingertips.  With multi-touch so smooth and intuitive, and a screen so crisp, clear and captivating, the Le Pan II is designed for an amazing tablet experience.

Solid Build
“Build quality feels solid.”  That’s no understatement.  Le Pan II is wrapped almost entirely in a tough, brushed aluminum finish with an edge-to-edge glass surface that gives the device a solid overall feel.  Manufactured with high-quality materials that are less plastic, less metal and more aluminum, the Le Pan II is designed not only to be more durable than other Android tablets that are on the market today, but it’s also more eco-friendly and green.
Le Pan II will be available pre-installed with the latest Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system starting at $299.99 MSRP, and will be upgradeable to the new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system via a free software update in early 2012.

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CES 2012: Acer’s Aspire Timeline Ultra, A Thin, High Performance Mainstream Notebook

Acer’s newest Ultrabook, the Timeline Ultra combines a 14″  or 15″ screen, all day battery life and high performance components into a slim, compact, mobile design.  
The Timeline series of notebooks have been around for a while now but they’re steadily maturing into well rounded notebooks and according to Acer, the upcoming Timeline Ultra is the series’ pinnacle in terms of design and features.  Not only does this design have the capability for two internal storage devices but it also has up to 8 hours of battery life and comes wrapped in a svelte chassis that measures just 20mm thick.  Much like the previously announced Aspire S5, it also incorporates a battery which should retain up to 80% of its charge after 1000 recharges.
The Timeline Ultra should be available in Q1 2012 in various configurations at affordable price points.  You’ll find the full, official press release and a lot more information below.

Since Acer rolled out the first Ultrabook in September 2011, the company has extended the product’s unique features across its mainstream line of notebooks with 14-inch and 15-inch models. Acer today unveils the Aspire Timeline Ultra featuring 8 hours of battery life, high performance and a 2-spindle design in an Ultrabook. They feature Acer Green Instant On for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect technology, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere —even from sleep.
The new Aspire Timeline Ultra are slimmer and lighter than earlier generations of the Timeline series, which reach a delicate equilibrium between computer lightness and battery life, providing an entire day of computing on a single charge. Aspire Timeline Ultra measure just 20 mm thin, boast more than 8 hours of battery life, The listed battery life is based on MobileMark 2007® productivity mode testing with wireless on. Battery life rating is for comparison purposes only. Actual battery life varies by model, configuration, applications, power management settings, operating conditions, and utilized features. A battery’s maximum capacity decreases with time and use. the latest Intel® Core™ i processor performance, dedicated graphics for intensive 3D gaming, and even a slim DVD-Super Multi optical drive.
Instantly on and always connected
Innovative Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well.
Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks.
Acer Always Connect gets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Timeline Ultra from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available.

Performance and Timeline design heritage 
The Aspire Timeline Ultra feature the latest Intel® Core™ i Series processors, an SSD/HDD storage option, professionally-tuned Dolby® Home Theater® v4 surround sound, as well as HDMI® and USB 3.0 ports. They also retain the Timeline design heritage of more than 8 hours of battery life via the PowerSmart long-life battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle than traditional batteries The battery will hold up to 80% of its original capacity after as many as 1,000 recharges. A full recharge comprises a complete charge-and-discharge cycle, and does not always occur each time the notebook is plugged in to a power source, as several partial charges can add up to a full recharge. Over three years of typical notebook use, the Acer PowerSmart long-life battery does not require replacement; conventional Li-ion battery packs must be replaced three times, assuming one charge per day, 300 charges a year.) and a thermal technology that keep users comfortable even when the Timeline Ultra is placed on their lap.

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