Desktops -- Engadget

ASUS Eee Top now available for pre-order at Amazon

by Tim Stevens posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 3:23PM

Been looking for an inexpensive all-in-one to unify your life, something that your zombie slave Fido could use in the kitchen to look up recipes yet would also look equally good perched on a minimalist desk? ASUS's first Eee Top could fit the bill, and it looks to be very close to US availability with the appearance of a pre-order page on Amazon.com. The 15.6-inch touchscreen model has the standard 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of memory, and XP installed on a 160GB drive. Right now it's available in either black or white, and whether you're choosing the presence or absence of all colors you'll be asked to pay $599.99 -- naturally with free shipping available if you're not in too much of a hurry.

[Via Eee PC - Blog]

Hands-on with Gigabyte's new netbooks, all-in-one PC and peripherals

by Darren Murph posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 11:41AM

Just as ASUS did, Gigabyte pulled out all the stops at this year's CeBIT. The outfit had loads of new equipment out for display, including a fresh bunch of netbooks, a few new input peripherals (mice, keyboards, the usual) and an all-in-one PC known as the AIO-1192. Unfortunately, the device we were looking forward to handling most was behind lock and key, but that's probably because of those ingrained Swarovski crystals. Can't tempt those onlookers, we tell ya. Have a peek around in the galleries below.

Gallery: Gigabyte's newest netbooks at CeBIT 2009

Gallery: Gigabyte's AIO-1192 all-in-one PC at CeBIT

Gallery: Gigabyte's new mice and keyboards at CeBIT

Apple refreshes Mac mini lineup with GeForce 9400M graphics

by Paul Miller posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 8:41AM

After all that excitement in the run-up, Apple's done just about the bare minimum that was expected in a Mac mini update -- though we suppose the expected five USB ports will be a boon for homebuilt RAID enthusiasts, and the Mini DisplayPort and DVI plugs make for some nice dual monitor support. The new SKUs both run 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processors and are backed up by the same NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics that've done wonders for the MacBook. For $599 you get 1GB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive, $799 nabs 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive -- both minis have 8x SuperDrives. Configurations after the break.

Gallery: Apple refreshes Mac mini lineup with GeForce 9400M graphics

Continue reading Apple refreshes Mac mini lineup with GeForce 9400M graphics

Apple announces Nehalem-based Mac Pro

by Joshua Topolsky posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 8:38AM

News is just breaking across the wires as we speak, but Apple has announced a new Nehalem based Mac Pro with a starting price of $2,499. The new systems feature either a single core 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 3500, or a dual 2.26 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5500, start with 3GB of memory, a 640GB hard drive, and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB of RAM. The PR claims the new systems will be available next week online and in stores, so warm up the credit cards. Full configurations after the break.

Gallery: Apple announces Nehalem based Mac Pro

Continue reading Apple announces Nehalem-based Mac Pro

Apple debuts new iMacs, including cheaper 24-incher

by Paul Miller posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 8:35AM

Apple just announced new 24-inch and 20-inch iMacs, with some friendlier pricing and Mini DisplayPort video out. Prices start at $1,199 for the 20-inch and $1,499 for the 24-inch. At the base level Apple offers a 20-incher with 2.66Ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB HDD and GeForce 9400M graphics, the rest of the iMacs are 24-inch numbers with 4GB of RAM standard. In the high end Apple has 2.93GHz and 3.06GHz processor for $1,799 and $2,199, respectively, with GeForce GT 120 256MB and GeForce GT 130 512MB graphics. In between there's a 24-incher for $1,199 with 9400M graphics, a 2.66GHz processor and a 640GB HDD. On the outside it's that same iMac candy shell you know and love, though Apple has oddly replaced the standard wired keyboard with a new numeric keypad-free model -- those pesky numbers are available as an option. All models are available now, full configurations are after the break.

Update: Early information across the wires listed the new iMacs with Core i7 processors. Sadly, this is not the case, and we've updated the post to reflect the boring reality of the situation.

Gallery: Apple debuts new iMacs, including cheaper 24-incher

Continue reading Apple debuts new iMacs, including cheaper 24-incher

Apple Store is down worldwide, new iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro inbound?

by Tim Stevens posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 6:38AM

Apple Store is down, new iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro inbound?

Yes, it's that most exciting time of the week for all the Mac fanboys and fangirls, when the Apple Store goes down and nobody knows why. Okay, so we're pretty sure we know why, but that doesn't mean there couldn't be some other surprises afoot, and everybody loves a surprise -- except those with weak bladders or congenital heat defects, generally. Lovers of stylish desktops should be in for a treat today, but you just never know for sure until the site re-appears. We'll be watching closely for that to happen.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Puget Systems' $16K Windows 2008 server

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Mar 3rd 2009 at 5:32AM

In this world of netbooks, "mini" this and "pico" that, it's nice to see someone taking things to the opposite extreme. When folks at Puget Systems mentioned that they were working on a "high-end" custom build, Tom's Hardware asked the logical follow-up question: "how high-end are we talkin'?" Let's just say that we'd be hard-pressed find someone who wouldn't be content with this beast: four quad-core 2GHz Opteron processors (that's a lot of cores!), 32GB of memory, two VelociRaptor hard drives in RAID1, and six 1TB hard drives in RAID 5. Of course, this guy generates a lot of heat: the system boasts both liquid cooling and a ginormous side-mounted radiator -- with so much surface area, the fans can be run at a low speed to keep things nice and quiet. Additionally, a Koolance pump and reservoir unit was installed in one of the CD-ROM bays, allowing the user to adjust the pump speed based on desired performance and noise levels. Including Windows Server 2008 Standard, a one-year parts warranty, and a lifetime labor warranty, the machine went for a mere $16,338.89. Go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve nice things too.

[Via Slashgear]

Apple rumor Monday, late edition: leaked specs, model numbers, announcement tomorrow?

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 2nd 2009 at 6:52PM

The flood of Apple hardware rumors just won't let up -- not only did commenters dig through those Airport Extreme and Time Capsule FCC filings and find evidence that the new models will indeed support simultaneous 5GHz and 2.4GHz operation, we've got iMac model numbers and leaked specs for Mac mini and Mac Pro, all of which are said to be arriving as soon as tomorrow. Of course, given the conservative / obvious nature of these updates, all of this information could be coming from some fanboy lair deep in a parents' basement somewhere and still sound plausible, but hey -- we'll find out soon enough, right? Here's what we know so far:

The iMac will apparently come in an entry level MB147 20-inch model, as well as three 24-inch SKUs: MB148 "mass-market," MB149 "high-end," and MB420 "ultimate." All models will go to mini DisplayPort and feature Core 2 Duos up to 3.06GHz.
The Mac mini will indeed feature five USB ports and that funky dual mini-DVI / mini DisplayPort configuration, but it's also apparently going to an NVIDIA chipset like the MacBooks and iMac. The base MB463 model will start with a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo, and there's also a "high-end" MB464 configuration.
The Mac Pro will come in eight-core configurations from 3.0GHz to 3.6GHz and 16-core configurations in 3.6GHz and 4.0GHz flavors, and it sounds like it's going to be even funkier on the video tip -- our tipster says it has two regular DVI ports and a mini DisplayPort. Sure, okay. It's also apparently a bit lighter than the current model, at 35 pounds instead of 42.
Tipster Tom noted that the Airport Extreme and Time Capsule FCC filings contain direct references to simultaneous 5GHz and 2.4GHz operation, so that's looking even more probable.

Obviously we'll let you know if all this stuff slips out with no fanfare tomorrow, but with PMA and CeBIT both going on right now, we think that March 24 date is more likely -- Apple does like to hog the attention, after all. Anyone else have any secrets to share? We're all ears.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Apple rumor Monday: Nehalem Mac Pro, new Airport Extreme and Time Capsule in FCC, Mac mini box

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 2nd 2009 at 2:17PM

Lots of Apple rumors today following the weekend whispers of a March 24 desktop hardware event, and they fall neatly along the plausibility spectrum:

First up, we'd say a bump of the Mac Pro to Intel's upcoming Nehalem-EP Xeon processors is looking quite likely -- famed OS X hacker netkas was poking around in a test build of OS X 10.5.7 and found support files for i7 chips lurking about, as well as drivers for ATI's Radeon 4000-series GPUs. If you're making a chart, this one's right up there with an NVIDIA-powered iMac refresh -- it's a pretty obvious move.
Second, new entries for the Airport Extreme and Time Capsule have popped up in the FCC, and while the listed dimensions are exactly the same as the current editions, there are no model numbers and something internal has to have changed enough to raise ol' Sammy's brows. That could be as simple as a new radio hardware supplier or bigger drives, but if we were placing bets, we'd say both units are getting updated for simultaneous 5GHz and 2.4GHz operation -- Apple's really high on 5GHz for laptops and Apple TV, but the iPhone and iPod touch are 2.4GHz-only. Let's call this one even odds, shall we?
Lastly, a new picture of that improbable five USB port Mac mini has surfaced, this time purporting to show the outside of the box. Considering the Photoshop wars the last image of this thing set off, we'd say this is the least likely candidate for a Philly Schills reveal, but then again, Apple's been pretty leaky lately.

That's everything we know -- anyone else have something to share with the group?

Read - Ars Technica on the Mac Pro
Read - New Airport Extreme FCC listing
Read - New Time Capsule FCC listing
Read - One More Thing Mac mini image [Via TUAW]

Microsoft shows a glimpse at the future of computing and the people who can afford it

by Tim Stevens posted Mar 2nd 2009 at 9:44AM

Hey, want to know what the future looks like? Okay, how about what Microsoft thinks the future will look like? If you're still reading, Stephen Elop, Microsoft's Business Division President, recently presented that vision as part of this year's TechFest. In an embedded video below you can get a glimpse, which includes plenty of augmented reality, a personal identification device that could (finally) replace your wallet, and naturally lots and lots of Surface action -- extending from tables to walls and beyond. Some of these conceptual clips are old, but overall it looks like something of a computing utopia to us, and according to Elop these are all representative of currently active projects. But, with the company shedding employees and surely focusing on tangible revenue right now, we're wondering how long they'll stay that way.

Continue reading Microsoft shows a glimpse at the future of computing and the people who can afford it

ASUS to showcase Marine Cool concept motherboard at CeBIT

by Darren Murph posted Mar 2nd 2009 at 2:11AM

Check it, OC'ing freaks -- ASUS is apparently planning to debut a new concept motherboard at CeBIT, the aptly titled Marine Cool. The high-end mobo is said to be "unlike any other motherboard on the market," with the all new backplate being the showstopping feature. It's said that the backplate features a "micro-porous ceramic" technology, which delivers quicker heat dissipation than existing alternatives. If you're still scratching your head in a seemingly futile attempt to figure out why this matters, the new cooling tech should allow for components to handle even more extreme overclocking without having to hook up some sort of liquid nitrogen rig. One curious aspect was the decision to include dual SO-DIMM slots in place of traditional desktop-grade DIMM slots, though we don't suspect that'll be a deal breaker for those willing to accept sacrifices for maximum cooling. As is always the case with ASUS, there's no indication of a price or eventual commercialization date, but hopefully we'll get more from the show floor in Hannover.

[Via HotHardware, thanks JC]

Gallery: ASUS to showcase Marine Cool concept motherboard at CeBIT

Fujitsu Siemens introduces "zero-watt" Esprimo 7935 PC

by Donald Melanson posted Mar 1st 2009 at 10:02PM

Calling it a "zero-watt" PC may be a bit of a stretch, but Fujitsu Siemens is nonetheless breaking a bit of new ground with its new Esprimo 7935 PC, which supposedly consumes no energy at all when it's powered off, as opposed to the one to four watts an average PC consumes unless it's actually unplugged. As you may recall, Fujitsu has already gotten in a bit of practice with its zero-watt monitor, although the PC takes things a bit farther by switching into in a low-power mode for a predetermined time period each day to get its necessary business done, after which it cuts the power off completely. According to Fujitsu, the PC also comes with a power adapter that's 89 percent efficient and, to add a bit more eco-friendly cred, it also conforms to the EPA's new Energy Star 5.0 standard. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any word of the PC's specs just yet, but we're assuming it's yet another variation on Fujitsu's current Esprimo 7935 PC (pictured above), which itself is available in a seemingly endless variety of configurations. Look for the zero-watt model to set you back between €600 and €700 (or $760 to $890) when it launches sometime around the middle of this year.

Apple planning a March 24 event?

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 1st 2009 at 9:34PM

We're not exactly making plans yet, but word on the street is that Apple's planning a March 24 desktop hardware event. Both World of Apple (which has a decent track record) and a site called My Apple Guide (which we've never heard of but apparently has a "rough" prediction history) say the event's on the books, and considering the age of the iMac and Mac mini and the uptick in rumors lately, it's certainly plausible. We'll wait until we get an official invite before we start making bold predictions, but we're definitely hoping for a mini with at least 25 USB ports housed inside an old Disk ][.

[Thanks, iB3nji]

Read - World of Apple
Read - My Apple Guide

Cooler Master's 5-CPU monstrosity has your craptop cowering in a corner

by Paul Miller posted Feb 28th 2009 at 5:08PM

Yeah, your PC sucks. That video card you "borrowed" from your brother two years ago makes an exasperated sigh every time you fire up The Sims 2, and you're pretty sure your power supply is one Cheeto crumb away from giving up the ghost. Not this thing, however. Cooler Master has built an utterly ridiculous setup, with five separate quad-core computers running simultaneously under one roof, off of one power supply. The whole thing, which Cooler Master dubbs the 53GHz, is basically a showcase for various Cooler Master components, and will be displayed at CeBIT in Germany next week. Personal grid computing here we come? Video is after the break.

[Via Make]

Continue reading Cooler Master's 5-CPU monstrosity has your craptop cowering in a corner

AMD looking to ship 32nm chips in 2010

by Darren Murph posted Feb 28th 2009 at 11:57AM

Or, you know, maybe the headline should read: "AMD looking to ship 32nm chips behind Intel. Rather than staying one step ahead of its fiercest rival, it sounds like Advanced Micro Devices is perfectly content with being a few months behind. Based on words from CEO Dirk Meyer, the company is hoping to "ramp up" production of 32 nanometer processors -- which Intel has already demonstrated -- in the middle of next year, with volume production hopefully starting in Q4. Of course, these chips will be among the first not actually built by AMD; instead, they'll be fabricated by the newly spun Foundry Company, so we suppose the lag is little easier to understand. Oh, and there's also the fact that "AMD isn't in a race with Intel on all technologies," though the business bone inside of us thinks it should be.