| PAX East 2014: EVGA Showcases Torq X10 [Video] Posted: 11 Apr 2014 07:53 PM PDT  Gaming mouse features a magnetic top
Hardware manufacturer EVGA is showcasing the Torq X10 gaming mouse at PAX East. Maximum PC's Jimmy Thang was able to see the mouse, which sports a carbon fiber surface, up close. The Torq X10 has a high quality laser sensor that can provide up to 8200 DPI with 1000Hz polling rate. It also features nine programmable buttons, customizable RGB LED, a 6ft USB cable with silver coated wires, adjustable weight system, ambidextrous grip, and built-in 512KB memory for storing profiles. Jimmy was shown how easy it was to adjust the weights, which involves simply removing the top of the mouse and taking out the weights. The Torq X10's top is magnetic, making it very easy for a consumer to take it off as the rep shows in the video. The Torq X10 is expected to ship sometime in May although no price was provided. A standard version of the mouse will be made available but no details were provided during the interview. However, EVGA isn't stopping here when it comes to hardware. The rep told Jimmy that the company plans to spread out even further into the hardware market and is currently working on a keyboard. Follow Sean on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| MSI Z97 XPower AC Motherboard Comes with Delid Die Guard for Naked Haswell Chips Posted: 11 Apr 2014 09:40 AM PDT  This board is prepped and primed to break world records
MSI is throwing extreme overclockers a mighty big bone in the form of a motherboard. The company's upcoming Z97 XPower AC mobo will feature a "Delid Die Guard" that's measured to specification and designed to protect the CPU core on processors that no longer have an integrated heat spreader (IHS). In case you're unfamiliar, the IHS is that giant metal slab that covers the top of your processor. It's there to pull heat off of the CPU core, which is then transferred to a heatsink with a bit of thermal goo in between to fill in the microscopic nooks and crannies. Removing the IHS is tricky business and certainly not for the faint of heart. Extreme overclockers are typically about the only ones who ever attempt the procedure, as it gives them direct access to the CPU core for exotic cooling solutions. This in turn allows them to chase world records. MSI teased the feature on its Facebook page for MSI Europe. If you scroll through the mobo maker's Facebook feed, you'll run into several other related posts regarding its upcoming board. It and other boards like it will feature V-Check Point 2 with two additional ground connectors so that you can use up to three multimeters at the same time. Next generation boards from MSI will also have an OC engine to boost the baseclock of upcoming Haswell chips by 30 percent. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Sony Recalls Vaio Fit 11A Laptop Due to Potential Burn Hazard Posted: 11 Apr 2014 09:11 AM PDT  Sony isn't taking any chances with potentially defective battery packs found in Vaio Fit 11A laptops
Sony is warning owners of Vaio Fit 11A laptops that the non-removable battery packs provided by a third party supplier could potentially present a burn hazard. In certain model Vaio Fit 11A notebooks released in February 2014, the built-in battery could malfunction and overheat, resulting in partial burns to the chassis and the PC. Since it's a non-removable battery, your only option is to stop using the PC and disconnect it from the AC adapter. A news alert on Sony's U.K. portal identifies a dozen serial numbers of affected models in Europe, however this doesn't appear to limited to just one region. On a separate website, Sony today said it's stil identifying affected PCs by serial numbers and developing a program to repair or replace potentially defective units. "We expect to post a program announcement with details within two weeks," Sony said. "In the meantime, as safety is our primary concern, we ask again that you please refrain from using the below-listed model until you further hear from us in the program announcement." The model number Sony references in its statement is SVF11N13CXS. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Sony said it received three reports of batteries overheating and causing partial burns to Vaio PCs. The first happened in Japan on March 19, followed by another incident in Hong Kong on March 30 and in China on April 8. The recall comes just two months after Sony agreed to sell its Vaio PC business to Japan Industrial Partners. Sony decided to sell its Vaio division so that it could focus on mobile devices. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| All U.S. Mortals Can Buy Google Glass on April 15 Posted: 11 Apr 2014 08:35 AM PDT  Your chance to become a Glass Explorer
Intrigued by Google's Glass Explorer program? If so, you'll soon have your chance at owning a pair of Google's wearable device next week. Google is giving anyone and everyone living in the U.S. (and at least 18 years old) a limited time opportunity to join the Explorer Program on a first come, first served basis starting at 9 a.m. ET on April 15. It will be the first time Google has opened up the program to the general public. "To discover new places, sometimes we need to leave the map behind. And that's what Glass Explorers do. They are the first to make, to tinker, to create, to shape, and to share through Glass. We're expanding little by little, and experimenting with different ways of bringing new Explorers into the program," Google says. If you don't feel like tying a string to your finger, you can sign up for a reminder on Google's website. Bear in mind that Glass runs $1,500 and that supplies are limited. Despite the high cost, they're likely to sell out, given the amount of interest there is in Google's wearable device. This not to be confused with an actual consumer release. Google's just trying to expand the number of Explorers, which is a nice way of saying early adopters. An official launch to the general public is still expected for later this year. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Acer Makes Upgrading Sub-$800 Veriton Z2660G All-in-One PC an Easy Affair Posted: 11 Apr 2014 07:47 AM PDT  An all-in-one with a screw-less chassis and modular components
In the old days, you weren't getting inside an all-in-one system without a hammer, stick of dynamite, and the full blessing of the AIO gods. Ah, but times have changed, and upgradeable AIO systems are now much more common. Acer's new Veriton Z2660G AIO falls into the upgradeable category by sporting a screw-less chassis that's easy to pop off and modular components inside. The Z2660G features a 19.5-inch LED-backlit touchscreen LCD with a 1600x900 resolution. It also has a 4th Generation Intel Core i3 4130T processor (3MB cache, 2.9GHz), up to 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory, 500GB hard drive (7200 RPM), two USB 2.0 ports, VGA and DisplayPort output, 2MP Full HD webcam, and VESA wall mount support. "Sleek, ergonomic and aesthetically appealing, our new Veriton AiO desktops offer a host of benefits and are ideal for high visibility areas," said Frank Chang, Acer America director, stationary product management. "The 10-point touch panel combined with an adjustable frame and webcam further collaboration and comfort. Plus, the screw-less chassis, modular components and time-saving remote management features make this platform easy to upgrade and maintain." The Acer Veriton Z2660G AIO Series is available now starting at $779. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Newegg Daily Deals: Seagate Expansion 4TB External HDD, Acer 24-inch LED Monitor, and More! Posted: 11 Apr 2014 06:51 AM PDT |
