| CyberPowerPC Announces Multi-Purpose Zeus HTPC Line Posted: 09 Jul 2013 07:40 AM PDT  Record TV and get your game on, too!
One of the reasons traditional PCs will be around for a long while to come is because they're capable of doing so many different things, and doing them well. Just take a look at CyberPowerPC's new Zeus HTPC line, a "sleek new series of Windows-based home theater PCs that can double as your primary desktop." According to CyberPowerPC, you can game, record television, watch Blu-rays, and more all from a thin micro-ATX chassis that fits neatly into your AV rack. There are a couple of starting configurations to choose from. The first is the Zeus TV Pro A100 powered by an AMD A8 6400K quad-core processor. It also has 8GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive (7200 RPM), slot-loaing DVD burner, 802.11n Wi-Fi, media center remote, and Logitech K400 wireless keyboard with built in touchpad. It starts at $699, and for an additional $97, you can upgrade to a Radeon HD 7750 graphics card. The other starting configuration is the Zeus TV Pro i100 powered by an Intel Core i5 4430 quad-core processor. The specs are similar to the AMD setup, though it comes standard with a 2TB HDD instead of 1TB. Starting price is $895, and like the other setup, several of the components are upgradeable. Either way, the system measures just 17.12 inches (L) by 15.35 inches (W) by 2.75 inches (H). The Zeus HTPC line is available to configure and order now. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Lenovo's ThinkCentre M93p "Tiny" Desktop is the Width of a Golf Ball Posted: 09 Jul 2013 07:13 AM PDT  Big things come in small packages
Lenovo on Tuesday announced the latest generation of its "Tiny" ThinkCentre desktop PCs. One of those new desktops is the ThinkCentre M93p, a small form factor (SFF) system that measures no wider than a golf ball (34.5mm), Lenovo claims. Don't let its small size fool you, the M93p can be configured with up to a 4th generation Intel Core i7 processor (Haswell) with Intel vPro technology. Another option is that of a solid state hybrid drive (SSHD) to boost performance without sacrificing capacity. And though it's no wider than a golf ball, you can cram up to 16GB of RAM into the system. Alternately, Lenovo offers a bigger Small Form Factor Pro version with dual graphics and dual HDD support (M93), featuring the expandability and functionality of a mini-tower at half the size. Lenovo also unveiled a ThinkCentre M93z all-in-one (AIO) desktop with a 23-inch Full HD 1080p multi-touch display and a ThinkCentre M83 enterprise desktop. "While the world believed that desktop PCs would become extinct, Lenovo believed in the desktop's evolution. This is how the original Tiny came into being," said Victor Rios, vice president and general manager of Think desktop, workstation, visuals. "The new Tiny takes this evolution to the next level. We are leading the industry trend of desktop miniaturization, offering new and innovative form factors, like Tiny and the new M93z all-in-one, that are still among the most powerful and energy efficient in the commercial space." The ThinkCentre M92p/M93 is available now starting at $749. Lenovo's M93z desktop, with touch and non-touch options, will sell later this month for $1,269 and $1,029, respectively. And finally, the M83 will also be available later this month, starting at $699. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Nokia Lumia 1020 Smartphone Should Frighten Digital Camera Makers Posted: 09 Jul 2013 06:30 AM PDT  A 41MP sensor? Yes, please!
Let's be clear about something right off the bat. Highfalutin digital SLR cameras are very much relevant and will be for a long, long time to come. DSLRs have nothing to worry about from smartphones, not now, not tomorrow, and maybe not ever. But compact cameras and consumer point-n-shoots in general? Well, they're already feeling the squeeze from increasingly capable smartphones, and if Nokia's Lumia 1020 lives up to the hype, it could be the beginning of the end for budget digicams. Here's the deal -- the Lumia 1020 is said to wield a 41-megapixel sensor. Granted, there's more to photography than pixel count alone, but even hardcore skeptics are forced to do a double-take when spying the phone's rumored spec sheet. Plus, there's more to look forward to than the ability to take ginormous photos. It has a Xenon and LED flash, shoots 32MP and 5MP at the same time in 16:9, shoots 38MP in 4:3, and has built in optical image stabilization (OIS). According to WPCentral, which has the skinny on all these specs, it's the same OIS found on the Lumia 920, 925, and 928. Other features include an f2.2 aperture, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, NFC support, and the inclusion of a Pro Camera app with settings for ISO, white balance, manual focus, shutter speed, and flash. The Lumia 1020 should land at AT&T by the end of the month. Digital camera makers, you've been put on notice. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Microsoft to Put Finishing Touches on Windows 8.1 in August Posted: 09 Jul 2013 06:00 AM PDT  Windows 8.1 inches closer to release
There's no use twiddling your thumbs, biting your fingernails, or engaging in other habits you might have while anxiously waiting for a product release. Yes, Windows 8.1 is coming, but you probably won't see the final version before the end of summer, so go ahead and venture outside to catch some sunshine. According to Windows Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tami Reller, Microsoft will finalize Windows 8.1 in August, at which time it will be made available to PC makers. Reller revealed the time frame while speaking at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC), The Verge reports. It's not clear when end users will be able to download the Windows 8.1 update, though with PC makers getting first dibs by the end of August, machines running the newest version of Windows will likely be available to purchase in time for the holiday shopping season. One of the big features being introduced in Windows 8.1 is the return of the Start button, though the Start menu won't be tagging along. It will also bring about more tile sizes, better multitasking support, Internet Explorer 11, tethering support, and more. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Club Nintendo Hack Compromised 24,000 User Accounts Posted: 09 Jul 2013 05:30 AM PDT  Nintendo, we have a problem
Over the past month, hackers apparently bombarded a Nintendo fan site with over 15 million fraudulent login attempts, nearly 24,000 of which were successful. As spelled out in The Japan Times, Nintendo is warning customers in Japan that the massive breach resulted in sensitive user data being compromised, including real names, home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of Club Nintendo members. Nintendo first became aware of the problem on Tuesday evening, though the login attempts have been occurring since June 9, 2013. As far as Nintendo is aware, none of the information obtained has been misused so far. While Nintendo sorts things out, it went ahead and suspended the stolen accounts and passwords. Only Club Nintendo members in Japan are affected. Through Club Nintendo, gamers can earn points by purchasing games or hardware, and then redeem those points for various rewards. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Newegg Daily Deals: GX-Gaming Gila 12-Button Mouse, AMD FX-4300, and More! Posted: 09 Jul 2013 05:00 AM PDT |
