| HP Envy Recline All-in-One PC Invites You to Kick Back Posted: 05 Sep 2013 11:55 AM PDT  A different take on the all-in-one form factor
Don't accuse HP of putting innovation on the back burner. Quite the opposite, the HP Envy Recline all-in-one (AIO) PC series is like no other AIO you've ever seen before. True to its name, the Envy Recline allows the user to pivot the touchscreen display lower and closer, encouraging interaction that HP claims is more accessible and comfortable. We'll reserve judgement until we've had a chance to test one for ourselves, though looking at the pictures, it sure seems like HP is onto something here. "Customers have told us that they want touch on their PCs, and at HP we're always looking for ways to improve the experience," said Mike Nash, vice president, Product Management, Consumer PCs and Consumer Solutions, HP. "HP's family of reclining all-in-one PCs offer new ways to stay productive and enjoy immersive experiences such as movies and games with the most natural touch experience available." According to HP, an internal study revealed that an "overwhelming majority" of computer users prefer a screen in a low and close position for 100 percent of touch-related tasks. The HP Envy Recline obliges with a 10-point multi-touch display that sits low and at an angle. There are a few different models to choose from starting at $999. HP didn't offer specifics on the entry-level SKU, though it did say there will be a 23-inch model starting at $1,099, a 27-inch model starting at $1,399, and a red and black Beats Edition of the 23-inch model for $1,249. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Surface 2 is Coming and Here's What We Know Posted: 05 Sep 2013 08:20 AM PDT  Taking another stab at Surface
Go ahead and forget all about the original Surface RT and Surface Pro. They came, they flopped, and Microsoft ate its fair share of crow prepared long ago by Acer. It was also a learning experience for Microsoft -- albeit an expensive one -- and hopefully the lessons learned will result in a smoother Surface 2 launch and warmer reception than its predecessor. Yes, there will be a Surface 2, and this is what we know about it so far. The folks at Neowin posted a handful of details about Surface 2, which Paul Thurrot then confirmed and elaborated on over at his Supersite for Windows. According to the two sites, Surface 2 will be called just that -- Surface 2. Both it and Surface Pro 2 will sport a refined, two-position kickstand, though the devices will look identical to the original models. Previous reports pegged Nvidia's Tegra 4 platform powering Surface 2, though Surface Pro 2 will run a 4th Generation Intel Core i5 processor (Haswell). Microsoft's also planning to double the amount of RAM from 4GB to 8GB. There was no mention of software, though it's a safe bet they'll come pre-loaded with Windows 8.1 (and RT, of course). Pricing details are a little more elusive, though Surface Pro 2 is said to run around the same as the original. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Toshiba's Windows 8.1 Encore Tablet Will Tussle with iPad Mini in 8-inch Tablet Space Posted: 05 Sep 2013 07:17 AM PDT  A smaller, less expensive Surface
Piles of unsold Surface inventory are sitting in Redmond, and part of the reason for that is because it's extremely tough to sell a $499+ non-iPad tablet to the masses, a lesson Google's hardware partners found out early on. That doesn't mean Windows 8 tablets are a bust, they just need to come down in price and have more apps available. Toshiba is taking care of the first part by launching the appropriately named Encore. The new Encore is an 8-inch multi-touch tablet running Windows 8.1 and powered by an Intel Atom processor. Toshiba's marketing the slate as delivering the "Windows 8.1 experience in a pocket-sized form factor," though that point of emphasis might be a tad misplaced -- not everyone can cram an 8-inch tablet into their pocket. "Encore is poised to re-energize the opportunity for Windows tablets in the market," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Our fundamental approach to designing Encore was to create a better convergence of hardware and software so the overall app experience and capabilities on a Windows-based device is better than ever. Windows has a lot to offer for a tablet user, and with the new features that Windows 8.1 brings, we believe that Encore will deliver more choice against a range of competitive tablets." 
The 8-inch slate features a 1280x800 resolution with a Start screen that's viewable in both portrait and landscape orientations. It has 32GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage space, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, micro USB 2.0 port, micro HDMI port, 2MP front-facing camera, and an 8MP rear-facing camera. Toshiba's Encore will be available to purchase in November for $330 MSRP. Included with the tablet is a full version of Office Home and Student 2013, Xbox SmartGlass app, and a free streaming pass to Xbox Music. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| SolidRun's $45 CuBox-i Runs Android or Linux Posted: 05 Sep 2013 06:30 AM PDT  Tiny PC supports a variety of open source platforms
Teeny tiny PCs like the Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone are finding fans among the modding community, which in turn is leading to some interesting and unique projects. It's also fostering competition in the fun-size PC market. One of the newest entries to the field of mini computing is SolidRun and its CuBox-i line of open source systems starting at $45. That gets you the CuBox-i1 with a 1GHz single-core ARM processor. It also includes 512MB of DDR3 memory, GC880 GPU, HDMI 1.4 output, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, and microSD interface. Add $8 for a power adapter (if you don't have one of your own) and you still end up with an affordable PC with lots of potential upside. If you need more power or features, three other configurations are available culminating in the CuBox-i4Pro ($120) with a 1GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, GC2000 GPU, GbE LAN, microSD slot, eSATA 3Gbps port, optical S/PDIF audio output, and a few other features. One of the neat things about these systems is you can install Android or Linux (yes, Android is based on Linux, but it will run Ubuntu and such), as well as Python, Perl, compilers, IDEs, and media players. And if you purchase a microSD card with the unit, it will come with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean pre-installed (BuBox-i boots from microSD). SolidRun is taking pre-orders for all models now. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Newegg Daily Deals: BioShock Infinite for Just $16! Posted: 05 Sep 2013 06:00 AM PDT |
