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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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AMD FX-8350 review roundup: enthusiasts still won't be totally enthused

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 03:03 PM PDT

AMD FX-8350 review roundup: enthusiasts still won't be totally enthused


AMD FX-8350 review roundup: enthusiasts still won't be totally enthused
Now that AMD's fresh new FX processors based on the Piledriver architecture are out in the wild, the specialist hardware sites have seen fit to benchmark the top-lining FX-8350. Overall, the group feels that AMD has at least closed the gap a bit on Intel's Core juggernaut with a much better FX offering this time around, but overall the desktop CPU landscape remains unchanged -- with Intel still firmly at the top of the heap. Compared to its last-gen Bulldozer chips, "in every way, today's FX-8350 is better," according to Tom's Hardware: cheaper, up to 15 percent faster and more energy efficient. Still, while the new CPUs represent AMD's desktop high-end, they only stack up against Intel's mid-range Core i5 family, and even against that line-up they only edge ahead in heavily threaded testing. But if you "look beyond those specific (multithreaded) applications, Intel can pull away with a significant lead" due to its superior design, says Anantech. As for power consumption, unfortunately "the FX-8350 isn't even the same class of product as the Ivy Bridge Core i5 processors on this front," claims The Tech Report. Despite all that, Hot Hardware still sees several niches that AMD could fill with the new chips, as they'll provide "an easy upgrade path for existing AMD owners and more flexibility for overclocking, due to its unlocked multipliers." That means if you already have a Socket-AM3+ motherboard, you'll be able to do a cheap upgrade by swapping in the new CPU, and punching up the clock cycles might close the performance gap enjoyed by the Core i5. Finally, AMD also saw fit to bring the new chip in at a "very attractive" $195 by Hexus' reckoning, a much lower price than an earlier leak suggested. Despite that, however, the site says that AMD's flagship FX processor still "cannot tick as many desirable checkboxes as the competing Intel Core i5 chips." Feel free to scope all the sources below to make your own conclusions. Read - Tom's Hardware Read - Hot Hardware Read - AnandTech Read - Hexus Read - The Tech ReportFiled under: Desktops, Gaming, AMDAMD FX-8350 review roundup: enthusiasts still won't be totally enthused originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Tom's Hardware | Email this | Comments

8GB Nexus 7 no longer in available at Google Play store

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 03:03 PM PDT

8GB Nexus 7 no longer in available at Google Play store


8GB Nexus 7 no longer in available at Google Play store
Google seems to have run out of the 8GB version of its Nexus 7 tablet. Sometime today, the $200 slate went from "In Stock" to "Coming Soon", with the Play store giving would-be purchasers the option to sign up for an email notification when it becomes available once again. Might this be a case of demand exceeding supply, or could the least capacious Nexus 7 be on the outs -- making way for a forthcoming 32GB version? No one outside of Mountain View can say for sure, but odds are favorable we'll find out at next week's Android event. Stay tuned.Filed under: Tablets, Google8GB Nexus 7 no longer in available at Google Play store originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Play Store | Email this | Comments

Engadget's post-iPad mini event live broadcast from San Jose

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 03:03 PM PDT

Engadget's post-iPad mini event live broadcast from San Jose


Engadget's post-iPad mini event live broadcast from San Jose
Wowza. Can you believe Tim Cook did that thing with the unicycle and the polar bear to close out the show? Just kidding! If you were following along with the liveblog you'd know we're just pull in' your leg, but in case you missed any of the fun today we've got a little recap for you after the break. Click through to enjoy a special live stream with Tim Stevens and Darren Murph as they break down the events of the day.Continue reading Engadget's post-iPad mini event live broadcast from San JoseFiled under: AppleEngadget's post-iPad mini event live broadcast from San Jose originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

AltCar: AltCar: ZeroTruck a big electric vehicle with bigger dreams

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT

AltCar: AltCar: ZeroTruck a big electric vehicle with bigger dreams


AltCar: AltCar: ZeroTruck a big electric vehicle with bigger dreams
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Santa Monica Alt Car Expo Richard Serio, CEO of ZeroTruck recently told AutoblogGreen his all-electric work truck company is "on the cusp." That's because the California Energy Commission (CEC) program has approved a $2.2 million grant to get around a dozen vehicles into work fleets around the state. The grant pays for a portion of the truck and each participant in the program will get to keep the trucks after the two-year program is done. Each truck is being purpose-built, and Serio said that movie studios and catering companies would be ideal customers for the electric vehicles (EVs). The idea, Serio said, is to get data on how the trucks are charged and driven and then be able to show possible future buyers that there are companies that have been using the trucks for 24 months. ZeroTruck has been around for a while. After being unveiled at AFVI in 2008, the first one was delivered to the City of Santa Monica in 2009. The truck's technology continues to evolve, with ZeroTruck now working with two unnamed wireless charging companies to add that option to the powertrain package. Right now, you can order a Zerotruck with 30-, 60- or 90-kWh battery packs (which offer, roughly, 60, 80 or 110 miles, respectively). The prices range between $115,000 to $180,000. A comparable ICE truck costs between $65,000 and $85,000. Right now, ZeroTrucks come with a base, three-gear, electronically controlled transmission. ZeroTruck has received a $120,000 grant from the state of Pennsylvania and Ben Franklin Technology Partners to develop a continuous variable transmission (CVT) that should increase the efficiency of these big EVs. Serio said that low gear is useful to move the heavy trucks (with around a 14,500-pound gross vehicle weight) around a parking lot, but since the truck might then need to go 60 or 70 miles per hour on the highway for a few dozen miles, higher gears will pump up the miles per pack. It should take around two years to get the CVT ready, Serio said. AltCar: ZeroTruck a big electric vehicle with bigger dreams originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Visualized: A look inside Moog's analog synthesizer factory

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT

Visualized: A look inside Moog's analog synthesizer factory


Visualized: A look inside Moog's analog synthesizer factory
While we're waiting for Moogfest to officially kick off this weekend, we stopped by the headquarters of Moog Music in Asheville, North Carolina to catch a glimpse of the analog action. The entire company is housed in one building that includes design, assembly, testing, engineering, service and a warehouse for all of the handmade electronics. Despite having all of its departmental bases covered, the outfit is still only comprised of about 50 folks total. However, the workshop-esque facility is poised to crank out 10,000 instruments over the course of the year that cover synths, stomp boxes, guitars and more. We took a stroll around the factory floor (and we were lucky enough to spot the screen-printed, Moogfest-exclusive Theremins), so dive in to the gallery below for a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process. Gallery: Visualized: Moog Factory TourFiled under: MiscVisualized: A look inside Moog's analog synthesizer factory originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google Drive apps reach the Chrome Web Store and Chrome OS for quicker web work

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT

Google Drive apps reach the Chrome Web Store and Chrome OS for quicker web work


Google Drive apps reach the Chrome Web Store and Chrome OS for quicker web work
It's a long overdue match, really -- if the Google Drive productivity suite is considered the centerpiece of Google's web app catalog, and the Chrome Web Store is the catalog, why weren't the two combined? Google has seen the light by turning Docs (text), Sheets (spreadsheets) and Slides (presentations) into neatly packaged web apps that can be installed through the Chrome browser. New Chromebook owners won't even have to go that far, as the trio will surface automatically in the Chrome OS app list over the next few weeks. The web app bundles might be simple, but they could be tremendous helps for anyone who wants to punch out a few quick edits while on the road.Filed under: Internet, Software, GoogleGoogle Drive apps reach the Chrome Web Store and Chrome OS for quicker web work originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Drive Blog | Email this | Comments

Facebook posts $59 million net loss in fiscal Q3, touts 1.01 billion active users

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT

Facebook posts $59 million net loss in fiscal Q3, touts 1.01 billion active users


Facebook posts $59 million net loss in fiscal Q3, touts 1.01 billion active users
The bloom is slightly off the rose for Facebook. After a banner first post-IPO quarter, it's recording a net loss in its fiscal third quarter of $59 million despite its revenue climbing to $1.26 billion -- a big swing that the company is blaming on payroll tax tweaks and income taxes, which becomes clearer when you learn that the company posted a $311 million profit before factoring in standard accounting practices. Facebook hasn't said exactly what had the biggest impact, although its closing the Instagram deal wouldn't have helped matters. Still, the company isn't glum about its prospects: following an earlier mention of the milestone by founder Mark Zuckerberg, the earnings report touts that there are over 1.01 billion active Facebook users who check in at least once a month, over 604 million of which were mobile. Between a reworked iOS app, a freshened Facebook Messenger and new ad-friendly SDKs, the social network is bracing for a potential bonanza ahead.Continue reading Facebook posts $59 million net loss in fiscal Q3, touts 1.01 billion active usersFiled under: Internet, FacebookFacebook posts $59 million net loss in fiscal Q3, touts 1.01 billion active users originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Netflix Q3 2012 earnings: two million more streaming subscribers worldwide, $8 m...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 01:33 PM PDT

Netflix Q3 2012 earnings: two million more streaming subscribers worldwide, $8 million net income


Netflix Q3 2012 earnings: two million more streaming subscribers worldwide, $8 million net income
Netflix saw a return to profitability and more than half a million new US subscribers in the second quarter of this year, and it's now announced that it's added a full two million more users worldwide for the third quarter. That brings the company's global base of streaming subscribers to 29 million, 25.1 million of which are in the US. It's also announced another bump in profits to $8 million in net income, with global revenue of $905 million. It's a different story when it comes to DVD subscriptions in the US, however, with the company reporting a drop from 9.24 million total subscriptions in Q2 to 8.61 million in Q3. It terms of usage, Netflix says that its streaming members have now consumed over three billion hours of content, and that TV shows now account for about two thirds of that viewing activity. The company has also reiterated its commitment to original programming in its letter to shareholders, although it notes that commitment comes with some front-loaded expenses that will result in negative free cash flow for the next "several quarters" beginning with Q4. The company further adds that it believes "investment in originals is wise, and we will evaluate the performance of the slate next year to determine at what level we should fund additional original."Filed under: Internet, HDNetflix Q3 2012 earnings: two million more streaming subscribers worldwide, $8 million net income originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Netflix | Email this | Comments

Vegetable-powered Chevy Corvette?

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 01:32 PM PDT

Vegetable-powered Chevy Corvette?


Vegetable-powered Chevy Corvette?
Very green and incredibly weird.

Apple's iPad mini event video now available for replay

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 01:32 PM PDT

Apple's iPad mini event video now available for replay


Apple's iPad mini event video now available for replay
Apple decided to broadcast its event live this time around (provided you had an appropriate Apple device), but those that missed it as it happened expectedly aren't out of luck. The company has made the video of the event available for replay at your leisure, although you'll once again need to view it in either the new Events channel on your Apple TV or in Safari on OS X 10.6 or later (at the source link below). Of course, you can also catch up with the event courtesy of our liveblog for our own running commentary on the proceedings.Filed under: Desktops, TabletsApple's iPad mini event video now available for replay originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Apple | Email this | Comments

ASUS expands its Zenbook line of Ultrabooks to include 14- and 15-inch models

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:47 PM PDT

ASUS expands its Zenbook line of Ultrabooks to include 14- and 15-inch models


ASUS expands its Zenbook line of Ultrabooks to include 14- and 15-inch models
About a year ago, when Ultrabooks were first starting to go on sale, ASUS was one of the first out of the gate with some lightweight, Intel-approved ultraportables. Since then, it's released a handful of iterations, including redesigned models with improved keyboards and sharper screens. That's a lot for a 12-month period, but there's one area where it fell behind: it tended to ignore larger-screened ultraportables, even as its competitors started selling models with 14- and 15-inch screens. That changed today, as the company announced three new Zenbooks, the 14-inch UX42VS and the 15-inch UX52VS and U500VZ, all of which will go on sale next month. Though the company hasn't issued granular pricing for each possible configuration, we know that prices in the US will range from $699 at the low end all the way up to $2,000. So what do these have to offer, aside from a larger footprint? For starters, the UX42VS weighs 1.9kg (4.19 pounds) and has a chassis that whittles down to 6mm. It makes room for an optical drive, unlike ASUS' smaller Zenbooks, and features NVIDIA GT645M graphics with 1GB of dedicated video memory. Like any other ultaportable worth its salt, it will be offered with Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, though this guys steps up to 6GB of RAM and up to 1TB of hybrid hard drive storage. Moving on, the 15-inch UX525VS (pictured) has a Core i5 or i7 Ultrabook-grade CPU, up to 10GB of memory (!) and up to 1TB in hybrid hard drive storage. The graphics card is the same 645M as on the 14-inch model. As for the U500VZ, it isn't an Ultrabook at all, as it has a standard-voltage, quad-core Core i7 processor. Other specs include 8GB of memory, a 1080p display and a beefier GT650M GPU, this time with 2GB of video memory. Despite the horsepower, though, it weighs in at a relatively light 2kg (4.4 pounds) and measures 6mm thick. Finally, wrapping things up, ASUS still plans to sell touchscreen versions of its 11- and 13-inch Zenbook Prime Ultrabooks. No word on availability for any of these, but we'll follow up with more details as they come in.Filed under: Laptops, ASUSASUS expands its Zenbook line of Ultrabooks to include 14- and 15-inch models originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

New Apple iPad mini, 4th-generation iPad reach the FCC

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:47 PM PDT

New Apple iPad mini, 4th-generation iPad reach the FCC


New Apple iPad mini, 4th-generation iPad reach the FCC
Apple's iPad mini and 4th-generation iPad didn't arrive alone. In the company's time-honored tradition, it has timed the FCC filings for both devices to show up alongside the products themselves. Each iOS tablet has been approved in both singular WiFi and dual cellular editions: the iPad mini has appeared as the WiFi-only A1432 as well as the A1454 and A1455 for worldwide HSPA+, EV-DO and LTE coverage, while the full-size iPad has been cleared in directly paralleled A1458, A1459 and A1460 versions. Not surprisingly, the frequency range matches that of the iPhone 5 and suggests that we're dealing with the same Qualcomm MDM9615 chip. We'll know more once the two iPads are in our hands and those of teardown artists, but for now you can explore Apple's regulatory gymnastics in full at the source links.Filed under: Tablets, AppleNew Apple iPad mini, 4th-generation iPad reach the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC (A1432), (A1454), (A1455), (A1458), (A1459), (A1460) | Email this | Comments

Report: Zynga shutters Boston, Austin, and Chicago studios, lays off over 100 em...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:47 PM PDT

Report: Zynga shutters Boston, Austin, and Chicago studios, lays off over 100 employees


Report: Zynga shutters Boston, Austin, and Chicago studios, lays off over 100 employees
While Apple was busy introducing new devices and updating its existing ones this morning, Facebook game creator Zynga was apparently relieving itself of several studios worth of employees. Several reports on Twitter indicate that Zynga is cutting its Boston, Austin, and Chicago studios; our colleagues at Joystiq spoke with a Zynga Austin employee who confirmed at least two of his location's teams were let go (The Ville and Zynga Bingo teams). Further reports on The Verge indicate that "more than 100" employees were let go as a result of the Austin layoffs. TechCrunch is reporting the full shut down of Zynga's Boston studio, which was apparently working on an unannounced title before being closed. The company's San Francisco location -- its headquarters -- has yet to be affected, nor have employees heard anything from upper management. Notoriously, Austin-developed The Ville is the root of an ongoing lawsuit between game publishing giant Electronic Arts, wherein EA alleges The Ville too closely resembles its own Facebook game, The Sims Social. Beyond the lawsuit, Zynga's faced declining stock value since its IPO, and the $200 million purchase of Draw Something developer OMGPOP remains a sticking point for investors. The company is slated to release its quarterly earnings tomorrow, which are expected to be down for another quarter. We reached out to the company for comment, but have yet to hear back as of publishing.Filed under: Gaming, Internet, SoftwareReport: Zynga shutters Boston, Austin, and Chicago studios, lays off over 100 employees originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Justin Maxwell | Email this | Comments

iPad Mini vs. the new (and newer) iPad: what's different?

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:47 PM PDT

iPad Mini vs. the new (and newer) iPad: what's different?


iPad Mini vs. the new (and newer) iPad: what's different?
We've all known that iPad prototypes of every shape and size reside inside Apple's design lab, but few of us believed we'd ever see one on store shelves. Of course, when the rumor machine leapt into top gear, it seemed that Apple had relaxed its legendary stance on "tweener tablets." Now Tim Cook and chums have whipped the covers from the iPad Mini, it's time to delve inside. Given that this is an entirely new product from the company, we thought we'd stack it up against the third and fourth generation iPads -- the latter coming out just seven months after we threw down cash on the former. That way, we can identify what compromises and concessions have been made to squeeze the iPad experience into a smaller body. Join us after the break to to take part in the stats extravaganza, but excuse us if we're a little distracted -- we're still suffering from concussion where Apple kicked all of us third-generation iPad owners in the teeth. For more from this event, follow along in our liveblog!Continue reading iPad Mini vs. the new (and newer) iPad: what's different?Filed under: Tablets, AppleiPad Mini vs. the new (and newer) iPad: what's different? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

ASUS VivoTab RT tablet arrives October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:46 PM PDT

ASUS VivoTab RT tablet arrives October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model; keyboard dock included


ASUS VivoTab RT tablet arrives October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model; keyboard dock included
In case you haven't heard, a lot -- and we mean a lot -- of Windows devices are going on sale this week. Today it's ASUS' turn to give its lineup a formal coming-out party: the company is hosting a press event here in New York City, where it just announced the dockable VivoTab RT will be available on October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model, keyboard included. Alternatively, you can buy the 64GB tablet and docking station for $699. As we previously reported, an LTE version is coming to AT&T. Finally, ASUS says it will also sell the tablet and dock individually, but we haven't yet learned final pricing for those items. We'll update this post when we do. If this is your first introduction to the VivoTab RT, here's a quick recap: it basically offers everything people loved about ASUS' Android-based Transformer tablets, except it runs Windows RT instead. Like the Infinity and other recent ASUS tablets, it has a 600-nit Super IPS+ display, offering 178 viewing angles and Gorilla Glass protection. Other specs include a quad-core Tegra 3 chip (the new T30, to be exact), 2GB of RAM, NFC and an 8-megapixel rear camera with an auto-focusing f/2.2 lens. Then there's that keyboard dock, which has a USB 2.0 port and built-in battery rated for seven hours. (The tablet itself is said to last up to nine hours.) Finally, of course, as a Windows RT device it comes loaded with all of the same stock applications you'll find in full Windows 8 (Mail, IE 10, etc.), along with Office 2013 Home & Student. The main difference: you won't be able to install legacy Windows programs. The VivoTab RT arrives the same day as the Surface for Windows RT and indeed, we'll be eager to compare the two, especially since pricing for the keyboard-tablet bundles is identical. In fact, ASUS sent us one to test, and you can expect a review any day now. Until then, we've embedded some press photos below, in case you're just getting your first look.Continue reading ASUS VivoTab RT tablet arrives October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model; keyboard dock includedFiled under: Tablets, ASUSASUS VivoTab RT tablet arrives October 26th, starting at $599 for the 32GB model; keyboard dock included originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple iMac (2012) hands-on!

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:46 PM PDT

Apple iMac (2012) hands-on!


Apple iMac (2012) hands-on!
Look out, world -- Apple just unleashed its latest iMac, and we agree that it might just be the biggest leap in the platform since we left Bondi Blue. It's hard to overstate just how phenomenal this machine looks in the flesh. It's also unbelievably thin -- we'd be impressed if it were simply a new Cinema Display, but the fact that a computer is in there really takes it over the top. At $1,299, you'll be hard-pressed to find a sexier all-in-one (assuming you don't need an inbuilt optical drive, of course). Have a look at the eye candy below; we'll be spending a fair amount of time with this guy in the weeks ahead. Gallery: Apple iMac (2012) hands-on!Filed under: Desktops, AppleApple iMac (2012) hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Acura NSX production car headed for Detroit debut?

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:02 PM PDT

Rumormill: Acura NSX production car headed for Detroit debut?


Rumormill: Acura NSX production car headed for Detroit debut?
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Acura, LuxuryAuto Express is reporting that Honda is set to unveil the production version of its upcoming Acura NSX at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The news comes courtesy of an unnamed "top exec" for Honda Brazil speaking at the Sao Paulo Motor Show. The concept version of the Japanese supercar is currently on display there. Interestingly enough, the same unnamed source claims the production iteration will remain aesthetically identical to the show car. You won't hear any qualms from us on that front. Of course, the timing of the production debut is a little confusing. For starters, when Acura unveiled the concept last year, the company told the world it would be at least three years before production began. That would give the street-worthy model a 2014 or 2015 designation, the latter being cited more often in media accounts. Thus, we'll keep an eye out for the hybrid supercar in Motown, but we're going to stop short of holding our breath... it might be a while.Acura NSX production car headed for Detroit debut? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

ASUS outs ET2300 all-in-one desktop with articulating, 23-inch touchscreen, opti...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:02 PM PDT

ASUS outs ET2300 all-in-one desktop with articulating, 23-inch touchscreen, optional Thunderbolt


ASUS outs ET2300 all-in-one desktop with articulating, 23-inch touchscreen, optional Thunderbolt
If you're a PC maker launching a new lineup of Windows 8 devices, you're going to look awfully square if you don't have at least one touch-enabled all-in-one to show off. Clearly, ASUS got the memo. Here at a press event in New York City, the company announced the ET2300, a 23-inch desktop whose display can be pushed down to lie basically flat -- a pretty ubiquitous form factor these days. Starting with that IPS screen, it has 1080p resolution and promises horizontal viewing angles of 178 degrees. Under the hood, it runs your choice of Core i3, i5 or i7 processor, with either integrated Intel graphics or NVIDIA's GT 630M GPU. (Even then, you can choose between one and two gigs of dedicated video memory.) Other specs include up to 8GB of RAM, up to 2TB in HDD storage, a slot-loading DVD drive, Intel Wireless Display and optional Thunderbolt connectivity. Additionally, like ASUS' other products (even its tablets and phones), it makes use of SonicMaster's audio technology. We haven't heard anything regarding pricing or availability just yet, but we'll update this post if we do.Filed under: Desktops, ASUSASUS outs ET2300 all-in-one desktop with articulating, 23-inch touchscreen, optional Thunderbolt originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

ASUS announces three budget-friendly laptops with touchscreens, the VivoBook Q20...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:02 PM PDT

ASUS announces three budget-friendly laptops with touchscreens, the VivoBook Q200, S400 and S500


ASUS announces three budget-friendly laptops with touchscreens, the VivoBook Q200, S400 and S500
Remember when Ultrabook prices dropped to around $700 and everyone cheered? Well, get ready for some one-upping: here at a New York City press event, ASUS just announced a line of lightweight, touchscreen laptops, and let's just say the prices are pretty aggressive. The new family, which will carry the name VivoBook, includes 11-, 14- and 15-inch models, with the 11.6-inch Q200 (aka the X202) starting at $499 with a Core i3 processor. The 14-inch S400, meanwhile, will start at $599, while the 15-inch S500 will go for $649 and up. Across the board, there will be configurations with Core i5 and i7 processors, but again, i3 is the starting spec here. As you can see in the photo above, the design isn't all that different from the current-gen Zenbook Prime family, though they lack some of that line's higher-end features -- namely, 1080p screens and solid-state storage. ASUS so far hasn't said when these laptops will ship here in the US, but we'll be sure to follow up with more specifics as we learn them.Filed under: Laptops, ASUSASUS announces three budget-friendly laptops with touchscreens, the VivoBook Q200, S400 and S500 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

ASUS TAICHI dual-screen Ultrabook coming in November for $1,300 and up, 13-inch...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:02 PM PDT

ASUS TAICHI dual-screen Ultrabook coming in November for $1,300 and up, 13-inch version to follow a month later


ASUS TAICHI dual-screen Ultrabook coming in November for $1,300 and up, 13-inch version to follow a month later
Although we've now seen many dozens of Windows 8 devices, the ASUS TAICHI remains one of the most memorable -- it's unusual, after all, for a PC maker to make a laptop with displays on both sides of the lid. Even when it was announced, ASUS shared some high-level specs, but now we also know how much it'll cost, and when it will be available. As leaked the 11-inch version (aka the TAICHI 21) will go on sale next month, starting at $1,299. A lofty price, to be sure, but no one ever said dual 1080p IPS displays would come cheap. At the entry level, you get a Core i5-3317U processor, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. For $1,499, it comes with 256GB of storage. Finally, there will be a $1,599 configuration with a 256GB drive and a Core i7 processor. And what of the 13-inch version ASUS showed off earlier this year? An ASUS rep says the TAICHI 31 won't ship until December. Across the board, the TAICHI comes with Intel HD 4000 graphics, two USB 3.0 ports, a 5-megapixel rear camera, a 720p webcam up front, Bluetooth 4.0 and Intel's Wireless Display technology. Again, the smaller, 11-inch version will ship in November with the 13-inch model following a month later. In the meantime, we'll direct you to our hands-on from June if you're hankering for some hands-on photos and video.Filed under: Laptops, ASUSASUS TAICHI dual-screen Ultrabook coming in November for $1,300 and up, 13-inch version to follow a month later originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

iPad mini coming to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint in mid-November starting at $459

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:02 PM PDT

iPad mini coming to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint in mid-November starting at $459


iPad mini coming to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint in mid-November starting at $459
Today, Apple finally announced its highly anticipated iPad mini. This 7.9-inch "little tablet that could" will be available from Verizon, AT&T and Sprint with shipping starting "a couple of weeks after" WiFi models go on sale on November 2nd. Available in black and white for $459 (16GB), $559 (32GB) and $659 (64GB), the company will begin accepting pre-orders on October 26th. So, if you plan on calling dibs on one of these little guys, we suggest that you plan accordingly.Continue reading iPad mini coming to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint in mid-November starting at $459Filed under: Misc, Apple, Verizon, Sprint, AT&TiPad mini coming to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint in mid-November starting at $459 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Apple | Email this | Comments

Apple Made No Mention Of iOS 6 Maps Today. Now That’s Boring.

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:02 PM PDT

Apple Made No Mention Of iOS 6 Maps Today. Now That's Boring.


Apple Made No Mention Of iOS 6 Maps Today. Now That's Boring.
So now that we have our magical iPad Mini, which I must admit is pretty damn sexy, we listened to Tim Cook and Phil Schiller talk about all of the success that iOS 6 and the latest iPhone has had. But there was no mention of one of its core products, iOS Maps. Hmmm, I wonder why? Now, don't get me wrong, Cook responded in a great way to criticism of what I feel to be a half-baked attempt at making its Maps offering a better experience than what was available before iOS 6 with Google's embedded maps. In his statement about Maps last month, Cook said that Apple was hard at work:

Apple iPad mini hands-on!

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Apple iPad mini hands-on!


Apple iPad mini hands-on!
At long last, it's the iPad mini. Unveiled today at a special event in San Jose, the slightly more portable iPad most certainly looks like its 9.7-inch elder, but it's equipped with the same Lightning port that was ushered in on the iPhone 5 and is entirely more eager to slip inside some of the world's largest cargo shorts. If you'll recall, rumors of this thing actually hit a fever pitch back in 2010, with the stateside Apple v. Samsung patent trial revealing that SVP Eddy Cue was longing for a more book-friendly iPad in 2011. Naturally, Apple's pushing the smaller form factor as a boon for those who adore ingesting text on digital screens, further advancing its iBook and education initiative that took center stage at its January keynote in New York City. The device itself is precisely what you'd expect it to be: a slightly shrunken iPad, with a rear that resembles the new iPod touch. It's aluminum-clad, finely polished and equipped with a 7.9-inch LCD (1024 x 768). The volume rocker, orientation / mute switch and bottom-mounted speakers are graciously borrowed from the conventional iPad, while the rest of the exterior maintains a pretty familiar look. No, there's no touch sensitive bezel (à la PlayBook), wireless charging or USB 3.0 support -- if you were looking for breakthrough hardware additions, you'll be sorely disappointed. That said, the smaller iPad is clearly aimed at classrooms and readers -- two sectors where frills aren't exactly necessary. Where it excels, predictably, is the overall fit and finish. Just as the bigger iPad, this one feels delightful in the hand. If you've held an iPad, you know where we're coming from. Yes, it's lighter and more nimble, making it feel as if Apple concocted its own version of the 7-inch tablet. And indeed, that's precisely what has happened here. It's still not "small," though. While a fully outstretched adult hand can generally grasp it without help from the other, you'll still want both for typing and using apps. It's still too big for your average pocket, and it's not going to save you a heck of a lot of room in your knapsack compared to the 9.7-incher. Gallery: iPad mini hands-on!Continue reading Apple iPad mini hands-on!Filed under: Tablets, AppleApple iPad mini hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro hands-on!

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro hands-on!


Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro hands-on!
Apple just introduced its second Retina display MacBook: the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,699 and is shipping today. Just months after the 15-incher was gifted with a display that packs more pixels than your existing HDTV, the 13-inch sibling is receiving similar treatment. Unveiled today in San Jose alongside the iPad mini, the intensely dense 13-inch MBP is true to the rumors -- there's a 2,560 x 1,600 panel, a pair of Thunderbolt ports, a full-size HDMI socket and a MagSafe 2 power connector. Unfortunately, those yearning for a Retina-equipped MacBook Air won't find their dreams fulfilled just yet, but you can bet that holdouts will most certainly give this guy a look. For starters, it's wildly thin. No, not manilla envelope thin, but thin enough to slip into most briefcases and backpacks without the consumer even noticing. Outside of that, it's mostly a shrunken version of the 15-incher let loose over the summer. The unibody design is as tight as ever, with the fit and finish continuing to impress. In my estimation, this is Apple's most deliberate move yet to differentiate the 13-inch MacBook Pro from the 13-inch MacBook Air. On one hand, power users longing for a highly portable laptop can rejoice; on the other, this could be seen as reason for Apple to restrict the use of Retina displays to its Pro range for the foreseeable future. Compared to the 1,280 x 800 resolution of the non-Retina 13-inch MBP, the new display is particularly stunning. Text has never looked more crisp, and colors are stupendously vibrant. Of course, apps, websites and graphics that haven't been optimized for Retina still look like utter rubbish, and as more Apple machines transition to these panels, the outcry is going to get even louder. But, hopefully, it'll light a fire under developers to get with the program. Gallery: 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display hands-on!Continue reading Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro hands-on!Filed under: Laptops, AppleApple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Chevy goes small for SEMA

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Chevy goes small for SEMA


Chevy goes small for SEMA
The Bow Tie will show 39 cars, focusing on its hot-selling small cars.

The iPad mini vs. the competition: fight!

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

The iPad mini vs. the competition: fight!


The iPad mini vs. the competition: fight!
The traditional trail of inventory listings, leaked casings and internal components have teased us enough: it's finally time to get down to the nitty gritty specs, and see how Apple's latest (and daintiest) iPad shapes up to the competition. We've collected a trio of like-sized slabs to pit the device against, just for the fun of it. Read on to see how it stacks up against its peers. For more from this event, follow along in our liveblog!Continue reading The iPad mini vs. the competition: fight!Filed under: Tablets, AppleThe iPad mini vs. the competition: fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera


Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera
It's not quite what we expected, but Apple has just introduced us to a new, 4th generation iPad at its event in San Jose, California today. It's essentially a hardware refresh for Apple's 3rd gen slate, as it packs new A6X silicon with quad-core graphics that the company claims provides double the performance of the old A5X chip. The new iPad also gets dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, expanded LTE compatibility (including Sprint and KDDI), a 720p FaceTime camera on the front and the new image processor first seen in the iPhone 5. Of course, it also gets the reversible Lightning port that debuted on on the iPhone, and will be available in both black and white. Pricing stays the same as its predecessor, with a 16GB WiFi version for $499 and a 16GB model with cellular data on board costs $629. Interested? You'll be able to pick one up through Apple's online and brick and mortar stores or Apple Authorized Resellers in a host of countries -- listed in the PR after the break -- on November 2nd.Gallery: iPad (4th Generation) For more from this event, follow along in our liveblog!Continue reading Apple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD cameraFiled under: Tablets, AppleApple announces 4th generation iPad packing an A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

10 healthy foods under $1

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

10 healthy foods under $1


10 healthy foods under $1
Eating healthy doesn't have to be a luxury.

Apple unveils new version of iBooks with continuous scrolling, iBooks Author als...

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 12:01 PM PDT

Apple unveils new version of iBooks with continuous scrolling, iBooks Author also updated


Apple unveils new version of iBooks with continuous scrolling, iBooks Author also updated
Apple CEO Tim Cook took to a San Jose theater stage today to unveil a new version of the company's literature-based digital storefront, iBooks. Cook says it integrates better with iCloud, allows for quote sharing on Facebook and Twitter, and has support for "over 40 languages." Beyond the app update info, Cook touted iBook's sales exceeding 400 million books worldwide -- not too shabby! The updated iBooks app should be available today on the iOS App Store, though it's not there just yet. Update: It looks like iBooks Author is also getting an update today, as Cook says new templates, fonts, and user-created fonts are now supported. Additionally, mathematical equations can now be inserted directly, and multitouch widgets will also work. For more from this event, follow along in our liveblog!Filed under: AppleApple unveils new version of iBooks with continuous scrolling, iBooks Author also updated originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple introduces new Smart Cover for iPad mini

Posted: 23 Oct 2012 11:17 AM PDT

Apple introduces new Smart Cover for iPad mini


Apple introduces new Smart Cover for iPad mini
Not a huge surprise here, but Apple has also introduced a new Smart Cover for the iPad mini. The new smaller version does away with the metal hinge found on its larger counterpart, and again comes in a variety colors -- six, to be specific, including a Product RED model. For more from this event, follow along in our liveblog!Apple introduces new Smart Cover for iPad mini originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments