General Gaming Article |
- AMD Shares Hit Three-Year Low After Issuing Q3 Sales Warning
- Daily Deals: 256GB OCZ Agility 4 SSD, Dell UltraSharp 24" Monitor, and More
- Vizio Ready to Usher in the Holiday Shopping Season with Bloat-free Windows 8 PCs
- How to Install DayZ
- Windows 8 Now Available for Pre-Order, Are You In?
- This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
- Office 2013 Reaches RTM Milestone
| AMD Shares Hit Three-Year Low After Issuing Q3 Sales Warning Posted: 12 Oct 2012 11:01 AM PDT
"The lower than anticipated preliminary revenue results are primarily due to weaker than expected demand across all product lines caused by the challenging macroeconomic environment," AMD said in a statement. AMD isn't the only one affected by weaker than expected demand. The PC industry as a whole has been sluggish, with IHS iSuppli, Gartner, and International Data Corporation (IDC) all indicating a slowdown in consumer PC shipments this past quarter. "There was great hope through the first half that 2012 would prove to be a rebound year for the PC market," said Craig Stice, senior principal analyst for computer systems at IHS. "Now three quarters through the year, the usual boost from the back-to-school season appears to be a bust, and both AMD and Intel's third-quarter outlooks appear to be flat to down. Optimism has vanished and turned to doubt, and the industry is now training its sights on 2013 to deliver the hoped-for rebound. All this is setting the PC market up for its first annual decline since the dot-com bust year of 2001." PC sales will inevitably jump once Windows 8 ships later this month, but that doesn't mean AMD can get away with ignoring the tablet market completely, nor does it intend to. Earlier this week, AMD unveiled its Z-60 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) designed specifically for Windows 8 tablets. |
| Daily Deals: 256GB OCZ Agility 4 SSD, Dell UltraSharp 24" Monitor, and More Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:34 AM PDT
Top Deal: Today's top deal is the OCZ Agility 4 256GB SSD for $140 with $2 shipping after $20 mail-in rebate (normally $160). The SSD features sequential read and write speeds of 420MB/s and 410MB/s, respectively. Laptops: 17.3" Toshiba Satellite P870-BT2G22 2.3GHz Core i7 Laptop with 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 630M, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, 1TB hard drive for $863 with free shipping at Toshiba Direct (normally $1,360). Desktops: Dell Optiplex 3010 Mini Tower with 3.1GHz Core i5 with free $200 Dell gift card for $569 with free shipping at Dell (normally $669). Hardware & Peripherals: Dell UltraSharp U2410 24" IPS-panel LCD Monitor with HDMI & DisplayPort for $449 with free shipping at Dell (normally $549). ION AIR PRO Full HD Sports Action Camcorder for $179 with free shipping at B&H Photo (normally $230). |
| Vizio Ready to Usher in the Holiday Shopping Season with Bloat-free Windows 8 PCs Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:17 AM PDT
There are nine new systems in all, three of which are variously configured 24-inch AIO touch PCs. The least expensive of those starts at $899 (CA24-A4) and comes with an Intel Core i5 3210M processor, 6GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive (5400 RPM), 802.11n Wi-Fi, two HDMI inputs, eSATA port, four USB 3.0 ports, a pair of 2.5W speakers with 6W external speakers, and Windows 8. For those who need something a little bigger, there are two 27-inch AIO systems. The less expensive of the two runs $1,219 and sports a similar spec sheet, but adds a 32GB mSATA SSD and upgrades the graphics to a discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 640M LE GPU. On the mobile side, the two Ultrabooks and single notebook are all 15.6 inches and feature multi-gesture touchpads. "The new All-in-One Touch PCs with Windows 8 are extremely user friendly, bringing both entertainment and power to the user's fingertips," said Matt McRae, Vizio Chief Technology Officer. "We focused on delivering an enhanced touchscreen and touchpad experience so users can utilize multi-gesture touch options however they're most comfortable. Not only can customers tap, swipe or pinch directly on the all-in-one's screen, but they can also utilize the same gestures on the integrated touchpads of the Thin + Light and Notebook PCs."
Vizio's new PCs will be available to order online later this month, and will also be available to purchase from retailers such as Walmart (online and offline), Sam's Club, Amazon, and MicrosoftStore.com. The Thin + Light (Ultrabook) systems will be available to pre-order starting tomorrow from Amazon. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:03 AM PDT DayZ is widely considered one of the best PC mods of all time. Who wouldn't want to be dropped off into a gigantic post-apocalyptic zombie world where death is permanent? Over one million players are having a blast just trying to survive in the game. While DayZ is amazingly tense and fun, the Arma 2 mod can also be a headache to install. Which version of Arma 2 should you get? Retail? Steam? What patches should you download? Maximum PC's DayZ installation guide will answer all of the questions and address some of the more common issues plaguing the mod. Buy A Copy of Arma II: Combined OperationsIf you own the base version of Arma II, you'll need to purchase a copy of Operation Arrowhead. If you're starting from scratch however, we recommend picking up Arma II: Combined Operations. This includes both the base game, and the expansion which are required for the DayZ mod to work.
While it's possible to buy Combined Operations directly from the developer's website, we can't really recommend this approach considering it currently costs a little more, and is significantly less convenient. If on the other hand you already bought a boxed copy of Arma II, buying Operation Arrowhead from Bohemia will save you $10. Update: It was pointed out to us by a reader that Arma II Free & Operation Arrowhead can be combined into a working platform for DayZ. While this is technically true, the mod creators note specifically that they "do not recommend it". Going this route puts you at risk of running into issues with patches both now, and in the future. Run Arma 2, and Arma 2: Combined Operations Before ModdingThis is by far the most commonly skipped step, and is responsible for a myriad of problems, most of which occur while launching. If you didn't take this advice and are having issues, check the troubleshooting section below for tips. Launching Arma II and Arma II Combined Operations for the first time updates your system's registry, and also helps rule out problems with your base Arma II install. You would be surprised how many people we saw on DayZ forums trying to troubleshoot the mod, when in fact the problem was with the Arma II installation. **IMPORTANT NOTE FOR STEAM USERS** If you purchased the Steam version of Arma II: Combined Operations, many users have reported issues with "Bad CD Key" when launching the game. In order to resolve the issue, simply close Steam, right click the icon on your start menu or desktop, and select Run As Administrator. Install DayZ The Easy Way: Use the DayZ Commander
Installing DayZ used to involve several downloads, manually locating and copying over the mod files, and even adding command lines to the Arma II launcher. For users without a basic understanding of file systems, this is usually where the adventure ends. Luckily, DayZ Commander has taken most of the guess work and frustration out of the process. This 2.4 MB download is not only a top notch server browser, but it also allows you to automate the DayZ installation process as well. Playing DayZ involves not only having the most recent version of the mod files, but also keeping the base Arma II game up to date. This app not only checks to make sure you are current on both fronts, but even allows you to install older versions should you decide you don't like changes made in the most recent update. It's also quite handy to have the ability to easily downgrade for troubleshooting purposes. Running previous versions will severely limit your server choices, but if you hate a new feature, chances are you'll probably find at least a few likeminded folks to roam with who also aren't fans of the change. Here is the step-by-step process: 1.) Download the most recent version of DayZ Commander, double click to install, then launch when ready. 2.) Set your filters so only compatible servers show on the list. We recommend ticking off the boxes for: hide unresponsive, hide empty, hide full, DayZ only, hide locked, hide unofficial, hide wrong Arma2 version, and hide wrong DayZ version. Doing so will make sure that after we finish installing DayZ, you can double click any server shown on the right when you're ready to play without issue. 3.) Click Install/Update located along the top tool bar.
4.) The slide in menu will let you know if Arma II is up to date, and if the most current version of DayZ is installed. The drop down menu will allow you to pick from previous versions of both, but keep in mind the server needs to be running the same version of both Arma II and DayZ for you to be able to join properly. We recommend using only the most current version of both if you want the greatest number of server options. At press time more than 70% of the servers were running the most current version.
Here is what the installation should look like after clicking Install.
Once the files are download it will decompress automatically.
Here is what you should see when all is said a done. The version numbers may change over time, but the green Reinstall button is an indication that DayZ commander has properly verified both requirements are up to date.
5.) The final step is to close and open DayZ Commander, and allow the server browser to refresh. You may want to initially start out on an empty server just to learn the ropes, but the categories along the top will allow you to sort by settings, time of day, number of players, and ping. From here, just double click your ideal server and prepare yourself for the zombie apocalypse. Click page 2 to learn how to install DayZ the manual way. Install DayZ the Hard Way: Use Nothing But Your Bare HandsYou really should use the DayZ Commander because it makes the process so drop-dead simple, but incase you can't get it working for whatever reason or just like doing it the old-fashioned way, here is a quick step-by-step rundown of how to install the mod manually. Steam Version of Arma II: Combined Operations1.) Install the latest Arma II beta patch. Going forward you'll need to manually keep an eye out for new versions or expect to run into issues finding servers. 2.) Download the DayZ Mod files, and decompress the .zip file into your C:\Program Files (x86)\steamapps\common\arma 2 operation arrowhead\@DayZ\Addons . If you aren't using the default directory for Steam you will need to modify the path accordingly. 3.) Open your Steam games list, Right Click Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead, and select Properties. 4.) Under the General tab, click Set Launch Options, and paste the following string into the box without the quotes. "-mod=@dayz"
5.) Open File Explorer and navigate to "C:\Program Files (x86)\steamapps\common\arma 2 operation arrowhead\". Find the file named _runA2CO.cmd, Right Click and select Open With then Notepad. Depending on your version of Windows, you might also see an Edit option when you Right Click the file. This works just as well. 6.) Click Edit along the top, followed by Find. Search for ":run" , and add ";@dayz" to the part of the line where you see "mod=%_ARMA2PATH%;EXPANSION;ca". Remember to ignore the quotation marks above. Close and save the file. 7.) Double click runA2CO_beta.cmd to run DayZ. You'll only need to use this approach the first time. From now on you can launch via Steam by double clicking on Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead. Make sure you see the DayZ icon in the upper right.
8.) Click Multiplayer, and find a server that matches your version number. The filter options are much weaker than those found in DayZ Commander, so you might need to hunt around a bit to find a compatible host.
Non Steam Versions of Arma II: Combined Operations1.) Download the latest beta patch and double click to install. 2.) Download the DayZ Mod files, and decompress the .zip file into your C:\Program Files (x86)\steamapps\common\arma 2 operation arrowhead\@DayZ\Addons . If you aren't using the default directory for Arma II you will need to modify the path accordingly. 3.) Open File Explorer and navigate C:\Program Files (x86)\Bohemia Interactive\ArmA 2 Operation Arrowhead. \". Find the file named _runA2CO_beta.cmd , Right Click and select Open With then Notepad. Depending on your version of Windows, you might also see an Edit option when you Right Click the file. This works just as well. 4.) Click Edit along the top, followed by Find. Search for ":run" , and add ";@dayz" to the part of the line where you see "mod=%_ARMA2PATH%;EXPANSION;ca". Remember to ignore the quotation marks above. Close and save the file. 5.) Right Click runA2CO_beta.cmd , and select Create Shortcut. Move and rename your new shortcut to whatever works best for you, and go ahead and launch the game. Click the next page for the troubleshooting section TroubleshootingHaving non-Zombie related problems? Given that this free mod is still highly experimental, its possible you could run into countless issues even if you follow our step-by-step guide faithfully. Here is an assortment of common fixes to cover off the dozens of errors we've read about online. Steam Version- Under the games tab Right Click the Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead entry, then select Properties. Navigate using the top tabs to "Verify Integrity of Game Cache" and let steam check the integrity of the game files. In general this is a great way to fix problems with just about any game you own on steam, so keep this tip handy if you run into problems with other titles.
- Find the Steam icon on your system tray and select Exit. Next find the launch icon on your Start Menu, Right Click, then select Run as Administrator. This fix has been known solve the pesky CD Key error that seems to be plaguing countless frustrated DayZ players, along with a myriad of other pop-up warnings. - Make sure you are launching Arma 2: Combined Operations, and not Arma II: Operation Arrowhead.
Both Steam & Retail Versions"'You cannot play/edit this mission, it is dependent on downloadable content that has been deleted.dayz_code, dayz_weapons, dayz_equip". 99% of the time it's because you missed one of the steps we listed above. Go give it another try, I'll hold off the zombies until you get here. "Waiting for Server Response" or "Waiting for Character To Create". Most of the time this means the servers are overloaded, however from time to time the BattlEye anti-cheat engine is the source of your woes. Download the latest version and reinstall. Keep in mind it also takes much longer to join servers with larger populations, so move to a smaller server if this continues to be an issue. Server administrators also need to regularly restart servers in order to help combat this issue, so it could be completely out of your control. Looking For More Information on DayZ?The DayZ Wiki is simply excellent, and will provide you with the answers to just about any question you might come up with on your journey. We included suggestions for the most common problems here, but it's almost impossible to anticipate everything. Feel free to post issues you've seen in the comments below, or check out these great forums. DayZMod (Official) The forums are also a great place to make new friends, a commodity that is in short supply thanks to the Zombie apocalypse. |
| Windows 8 Now Available for Pre-Order, Are You In? Posted: 12 Oct 2012 08:25 AM PDT
Newegg, for example, is selling four different versions, including a Pro Pack (product key card with no media):
The Windows 8 Pro Upgrade and Pro Pack may end up costing more after an undetermined promotional period. If you click on either entry, Newegg lists the full price as $200 for the former and $100 for the latter. As for the Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, both are available in either 32-bit or 64-bit form, and priced the same regardless of which one you purchase.
Finally, Microsoft is quick to remind customers that if you purchase an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013, you'll be eligible an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $15, redeemable on October 26. Anyone planning to pre-order Windows 8? Before you decide one way or the other, be sure to check our Windows 8 review. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:10 AM PDT This week it's all about TV - we've got a tremendous new plasma from Panasonic and a stunning new 46-inch from Toshiba. Then there's a full assessment of Samsung's new Series 7 Gamer - a powerful new gaming laptop from the Korean manufacturer. And we're also hands on with Amazon's new Kindle Paperwhite; a stunning new model in the Kindle ereader range that has a higher definition screen. Plus there's plenty more besides: read on for a full rundown of the entire week's reviews on TechRadar. Among home cinema aficionados the talk is always of the importance of a TV's ability to produce pure black. And while there can be too much emphasis on this, there's no doubting how much more nuanced, detailed and believable a well-made film appears when viewed on a top spec plasma. And this 50-inch Panasonic VT50 Series plasma is exactly that. Plasma, for now, is king among AV perfectionists who want as near to total accuracy as possible. The traditional downsides to plasma technology are largely aesthetic and to do with wider bezels and fatter chassis, but on the Panasonic TX-P50VT50 we're struggling to see where the problem is. Although Toshiba isn't afraid to dabble with seriously fancy stuff at the very top of its TV range - including the remarkably cutting-edge Toshiba 55ZL2, with its 4K resolution and glasses-free 3D - it knows better than to muck about when it comes to the mainstream heart of its business. Take this Toshiba 46TL963, for example. On paper, at least, this new 46-inch TV looks as if someone has taken all of the most important points on our TV wish list and assembled them together into a single, potentially irresistible product. With its blue backlit keyboard and i7 processor, Samsung's Series 7 Gamer laptop is a big shiny box of power. At 17 inches wide, it's more of a semi-portable desktop replacement than a truly portable laptop. Still, this is a gaming computer, and with great power generally comes some serious bulk and a hefty down payment. The first thing you'll notice about the Series 7 Gamer are all the blue lights, and a silver dial on the right side, near the monitor. This lets you cycle the computer into one of four modes: Gaming, Balanced, Library and Green Mode. The Series 7 Gamer isn't cheap, but it's also not the priciest mobile gaming solution on the market. A little under two grand is pretty much par for the course with any machine that's (partially) portable and capable of running Skyrim at a respectable resolution. Hands on: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review Amazon's media-friendly Kindle Fire took off like nobody's business when it was introduced in 2011, but the bookseller isn't abandoning the traditional, books-only Kindle by any stretch of the imagination. The 6-inch Kindle Paperwhite represents the next iteration of the company's iconic brand of e-readers. The most important factor of any device that you're going to be staring at for hours on end is the screen, and the Kindle Paperwhite sports a new display with the highest contrast and resolution and least glare of any Kindle screen yet. Amazon's new patented light guide tech directs light down toward the screen, reducing ambient light emitted by the Kindle Paperwhite – it worked well in environments. Fuji created quite a stir when it released its FinePix X100 in March 2011. The combination of a retro-styled metal body, APS-C sized sensor, fixed 23mm f/2 lens and a unique hybrid viewfinder caused plenty of interest among enthusiast and professional photographers alike. Now Fuji's X10 sits below the X100 in the range, sporting similar retro styling, but sacrificing the large APS-C sensor and fixed lens in favour of a 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor and a 4x zoom lens providing an angle of view equivalent to a 28-112mm lens on a 35mm camera. A positive point to glean from this specification is that the price is much more modest. It is much more reasonably priced than its bigger brother, so it will be interesting to see how it fares when it comes to image quality. Fuji's EXR CMOS technology uses a different pixel arrangement to conventional image sensors. This enables the camera to either take pictures at the full 12MP resolution, or to combine neighbouring pixels to increase image quality in low light conditions. Other reviews this week:Cameras Hands on: Panasonic GH3 review Graphics Cards Mobile phones Hands on: Nokia Lumia 810 review Motherboards Processors Routers Software Tablets Televisions |
| Office 2013 Reaches RTM Milestone Posted: 11 Oct 2012 10:51 PM PDT
"Moments ago, the Office engineering team signed off on the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) build," wrote Koenigsbauer, a corporate vice president at Microsoft's Office Division. "This milestone means the coding and testing phase of the project is complete and we are now focused on releasing the new Office via multiple distribution channels to our consumer and business customers." While general availability is scheduled for the first quarter of 2013, the final version of the touch-friendly productivity suite will soon begin trickling out through other distribution channels. MSDN and Technet subscribers will be able to access it as early as the middle of next month, as will Voluming Licensing customers. "Starting October 19, customers purchasing Office 2010 from local retailers or resellers will receive the new Office for free upon availability," Koenigsbauer further wrote. "Customers will also see a preview version of the new Office on Windows RT devices, beginning with the Windows 8 launch on October 26." In the meanwhile, you can put the preview version of Office 2013 through its paces. |
Chip designer 
Vizio probably isn't the first company that comes to mind when you think about pre-built PCs, and it might not even be on your PC shopping radar at all. Well, if you aren't aware, 
How will consumers react to the radical design changes Microsoft made to Windows in Windows 8? We're about to get our first glimpse. Starting today, you can pre-order the upgrade version Windows 8 Pro, as well as order Windows 8-based PCs, which will ship when the OS launches on October 26, 2012. You can also find OEM copies of Windows 8 being sold on a pre-order basis.
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Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's 
