ASUS Introduces Gaming Laptop with Intel Quad-core Processor
Asus released its best gaming laptop yet. The G71 that runs on Core 2 Extreme QX9300 and GeForce 9700M GT promises top performance and closest to reality gaming experience possible.
The G71 is the latest member of the G-series of high end laptops by Asus. It sports powerful CPU backed by excellent graphic rendering device. It is the first quad-core gaming laptop. The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300 CPU makes this laptop truly one of a kind. Asus even challenges overclockers to push this laptop as the G71 apparently can’t handle it and it has no overspeed protection unlike most laptops.
This gaming laptop can support of to 4GB DDR3 1066MHz memory module. It has a clear 17” LCD display that is powered by WXGA+/WUXGA screen technology. The 512MB GDDR3 GeForce 9700M GT discrete GPU gives you a realistic rendering of every image. This makes G71 handle games that have high graphics requirement very easily.
It comes with 500GB storage but there is an optional upgrade of its hard drive to 1TB. It has optional Blu-ray burner, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 2MP Swivel WebCam and 2GB Intel Turbo Memory for a more superb performance.
The price and the release date of this laptop is still undisclosed.
Source: LapLogic
Microsoft Extends Windows XP Life By Another Six Months
Microsoft virtually extended the life of the most widely used operating system in the world – Windows XP. The company gave another six months for PC manufacturers and distributors to avail of their “downgrade rights” to change OS from Vista to XP.
According to The Register, Microsoft moved the time frame for downgrade rights from Jan 31, 2009 to July 31, 2009. The decision was solely based on the fact that many still choose XP over Vista.
Moreover, Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that “Downgrade rights do not expire.” Microsoft believes however that this downgrade rights will not be availed of as the number of Vista followers increases.
Microsoft also stated that the same caveat with providing the downgrade media as before applies, which is OEMs and system builders don’t have to do so if they don’t want “it’s their business decision to make.
Nothing has changed with the extension of the Windows XP’s life. Microsoft furthered that it wants to provide the buyers and manufacturers the option to choose XP Professional over Windows Vista Ultimate and Business editions which comes in bundled with some of the latest computer and laptop models.
The downgrade right is a part of Microsoft’s End User’s License Agreement or EULA. Microsoft originally extended the downgrade time last April. According to Microsoft, OEMs can provide downgrade options from Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows XP until January next year.
Source: CRN
Amazon’s Kindle 2 Leaked
Boy Genius leaked one of the most talked about gadgets in the blogosphere – Kindle 2.
Amazon earlier denied rumors that they are offing the upgrade to Kindle, but when photos of the said gadget appeared on the BoyGeniusRepot.com it is almost impossible for Amazon to disprove it.
The original Kindle received a few thumbs down, thanks to its homely design and inappropriate button placement. This apparently is now solved. The Kindle 2 sports a new design including a new shape. The color however apparently did not change, but enthusiasts are hoping for Amazon to release color variants.
Sources indicated that Kindle 2 is almost the same size as the original. One major difference though is in its thickness. The modern version appears to e thinner. It is powered by EV-DO network for downloads.
It is also equipped with new features such as a new miniUSB port, allowing it to charge from laptops and computers. There is also a sliding sleep button and a headphone jack. Speakers are place at the back of the unit.
As of this writing, there is no date as to when the unit will be available in the market.
Source: CNet