There are so many PC users all around the world and to satisfy every single one of them is near impossible, so what do manufacturers do? Provide a larger range of options. AMD today launched 8 new AMD Athlon II processors available in dual-, triple- and even quad-core to meet a wide range of computing needs. Known for their outstanding low power consumption, the Athlon II processors allows for slimmer desktop PC designs packed with affordable prices.

Hit the jump for more information on the AMD Athlon II processor family.

[Source: AMD]

Microsoft Corp launched Windows 7 today in its most important release for more than a decade, aiming to win back customers after the disappointing Vista and strengthen its grip on the PC market. The world’s largest software company, which powers more than 90 percent of personal computers, has received good reviews for the new operating system, which it hopes will grab back the impetus in new technology from rivals Apple Inc and Google Inc.

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Professional

Windows 7 Ultimate

The new system, which is faster, less cluttered and has newtouch-screen features comes almost three years after the launch of Vista, whose complexity frustrated many home users and turned off business customers. The success of Windows, which accounts for more than half of Microsoft’s profit is crucial for Chief Executive Steve Ballmer to revive the company’s image as the world’s most important software firm.

[Source: Microsoft]

What is so thin and light it actually feels like a thin children storybook with hard covers? The new slim Sony VAIO X Series. With a weight of only 655grams, you’ll barely notice you’re holding on to a piece of gadget, especially when it is only 13.9mm thin. It may look like a very average business notebook that would be better off if it was more stylish, but you’ll almost change your mind instantly when you hold it – it’s so light and convenient to carry around, even without a bag.

[Source: Sony]

The THX sound standard is arguably the most well known acoustic standard in the world. The THX certification is usually reserved for cinema theaters, premium computer speakers and home theater systems. However, this is the first time ever that a THX certification is given to an audio input device which went to Blue Microphone’s Yeti.

So, what made the world’s first THX microphone ticks? The Yeti’s secret lies on its triple capsule array of premium condensers that enable the mic to record in four different polar pattern modes: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional. The mic also features a headphone jack which would enable users to directly monitor their recording without any latency. Not only that, the mic is also pretty easy to install on a PC or a Mac, since it didn’t require any driver installation.

As expected, any product that carries a THX logo usually also has a premium price tag. The Yeti microphone cost RM 507 (USD 149.99) which understandably, a little bit expensive for a USB microphone. But keep in mind that the Yeti is designed as prosumer audio recording device, so it might be more attractive to serious podcasters, musicians and audio engineers, rather than occasional Skpe users.

The seriousness aside, we can’t help but wonder if the mic would play the signature THX “Deep Note” tune whenever it’s turned on. *snicker*

[Source: Blue Mic]

“We expect Windows 7, coupled with NVIDIA’s graphics technologies, to deliver the fundamental performance our mutual customers have come to expect. NVIDIA’s graphics technologies enable applications to take advantage of the visual capabilities in Windows 7 such as manipulating photos, video, and 3D graphics. With the expertise NVIDIA has in visual computing, they have been a key contributor to the development of Windows 7.”

Mike Nash
Corporate Vice President of Windows Product Management
Microsoft Corporation

Souce: NVIDIA

When it comes to graphics solutions, notebook users aren’t really blessed with much of a choice. Most of the time, we’re only get to choose from either a watered down desktop variant or (*gasp*) an integrated graphics solution.

Hopefully though, all that will change thanks to the release of two spanking new notebook GPUs from NVIDIA. Named the GeForce GTX 280M and the GeForce GTS 160M, this duo promisses to push the gaming experience on your notebook to the next level.

NVIDIA claim the GeForce GTX 280M to be up to 50% more powerful than what’s on the market now, and by utilizing NVIDIA’s SLI technology, two GeForce GTX 280M chips can be paired up on a single notebook.

No word on the pricing or availability yet, but then again, these are notebook GPUs and are rarely available for puchase on their own. However, it seems that ASUS and MSI are already showcasing notebooks that feature these new GPUs at CeBit, so it’s just a matter of time.

Souce: NVIDIA

Anyone who knows me well enough, knows how good I am with gadgets. In fact, I’m so good with them that I have had to ban myself from splurging on them, because next to none of the gadgets in my possession (that I have purchased and used over the span of the past two years) is actually still in good working condition now.

I admit. I’m one of those careless / clumsy oafs that holds nothing sacred, but that doesn’t mean that all gadget hope is lost? Well, not if this awkward contraption from Canon – called the PowerShot D10 – manages to pull off what it supposedly can.

Apart from surviving the odd four-foot free fall, the D10 is also supposedly able to take pictures underwater without the use of an external diving case and withstand depths up-to-33-feet deep, and is also freeze proof from 14 degrees Fahrenheit (about -10 degrees Celsius).

It retails in the USA for US$330 and will be released sometime in May. No word on the local release date / price / if it’s even going to be available locally though.

Microsoft Malaysia launches the first wireless SideWinder X8 mouse featuring Microsoft’s latest BlueTrack Technology.

The X8 uses Microsoft’s new, proprietary BlueTrack Technology that gives it very high frame rate, speed and acceleration and a tracking range from 250 to 4,000 dots per inch (dpi).

It utilizes a 2.4GHz wireless connection that is built for lag-free play and also features an innovative play-and-charge system to ensure a nonstop gaming experience. You could get up to 30 hours on a simgle charge of about 3 hours. It also offers custom tuning at several levels, including the ability to program seven buttons, change sensitivity on the fly, record macros while playing a game and three sets of custom Teflon feet for the needs of different gaming styles.

Also announced was the new white Arc Mouse, targeted at Mac users. Previously only available in Japan, the white Arc Mouse comes with a unique foldable design, which reduces it size by almost half for portability when it is snapped shut, but provides complete comfort when opened to its full size. Coming in February 2009, it will be bundle Office For Mac, Home and Student Edition.

The SideWinder X8 Mouse will be widely available from 23 February 2009 for an estimated retail price of RM299 while the white Arc mouse will be available in an Office For Mac 2008 Home and Student edition bundle from ECS ASTAR Sdn Bhd for RM599.

Nokia today introduced the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte, a new premium mobile phone that marries the timeless design of the Nokia 8800 Arte range with materials that reflect a new exclusivity based on refinement and authenticity. Engineered from carbon fibre, titanium, polished glass and stainless steel, the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte is for individuals who appreciate uncompromised high performance.

Carbon fibre is an ultra light and strong material that expresses a woven pattern that is both high-tech and sensuous. Custom built to ensure the precision engineering that these materials require, the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte features 3D patterns that express the inherent performance and lustre of carbon fibre.

Inspired by the use of these materials in a range of areas, including architecture, sports cars and aerospace, the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte reflects a modern feel through the unique tones, textures and sculpted shapes that carbon fibre and titanium deliver.

[Source: GSMARENA]

Lenovo announced the ThinkPad X301 notebook PC, taking the thinnest and lightest full-function notebook in its class, to new heights in performance. Like its predecessor, the industry-acclaimed ThinkPad X300 notebook, the ThinkPad X301 notebook offers cutting-edge features and technologies in a thin and light form starting at less than three pounds and one-inch thin. The notebook offers even greater storage capacity with choices of either 64 GB or new 128 GB solid state drive storage available in September. The ThinkPad X301 notebook provides on average nearly 20 percent better performance over the ThinkPad X300 notebook due to the latest DDR3 memory and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low volt processor.

[Source: engadget]