TomCworld Blog

Dell’s mini notebook, Dell E is on track for an August launch. There will be two models, a 8.9-inch model meant to compete with the Eee 900, and a 12.1-inch (0.8-inches thick) ”E Slim” to take on the MacBook Air and X300, but at a lower-end capacity.  It will come with an instant-on Linux distro running atop Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom processor, a 1,024 x 600 display, 3x USB, a wee SSD, integrated webcam, and WiFi in a 0.82-1.22-inch thick sled weighing about 2.2-pounds. It’s still unclear if the E will come with a full feature Linux disco, but at a USD$299 price point, this looks very appealing.

Engadget is reporting that GPS turn-by-turn directions is possible for the iPhone. This is just another reason for me to upgrade my first gen iPhone to the 3G model. It seems that their is no way to avoid the lust over this magical device.Despite the good news, Apple has stated that cut and paste is a low priority feature for them. Lets just hope someone can address this need with an app. 

Today Apple announced a cheaper and redesigned iMac. The new iMac sports the same materials that the iPhone houses: aluminum and glass. Steve says customers absolutely love the glass and glossy displays, so the new iMac now continues the trend. The new iMac lineup has also been slimmed down to two primary model sizes: a 20-inch now starting at $1199, and a 24-inch at $1799 (the 17-inch will no longer be offered). For their respective sizes, this is a price drop of $200 across the board.

The new models, their features and prices are as follows:

• 20-inch introductory iMac: 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 250 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT video card - $1199
• 20-inch mid-level iMac: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 320 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro video card - $1499
• 24-inch top line iMac: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 320 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro video card - $1799
• 24-inch top line iMac: 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme, 2GB RAM, 500 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro video card - $2299

All new iMacs feature the new 0.33-inch keyboard, and all models are available and shipping immediately.

Source: TUAW

In addition to the re-designed iMac, Steve Jobs has also announced two versions of a slick new anodized aluminum keyboard to go with them or to purchase separately. The new keyboards have been completely redesigned and is like nothing the keyboards on the market today.The new keyboard comes in two different versions, one is USB 2.0 and sports the full complement of keys including document navigation controls, a numeric keypad and special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more. The second keyboard option is smaller, more compact and is wireless via Bluetooth.

It features the same low-profile keys as the wired version as well as the same access to Mac features as its larger sibling. However, it does not have the numeric keypad like the larger version. It also features what Apple calls “intelligent power management” which conserves battery life by powering down the keyboard when not in use and then bringing it back to life the moment you start typing again.

Note: The new Apple keyboard will no longer have the Open Apple on the Command key. That’s the Apple logo that which, until today, appeared on the Command key. It has been replaced with the much more useful label ‘command.’

Source: TUAW

Form time to time, we come across amazing photos that we really wish we could have painted on our wall. Designer Carlo Jorges has thought up a less traditional way to put our photos on the wall. Jorges’ creation, roller called Wallpeppr is capable of coating various surfaces with images downloaded from the flickr online image community. Wallpeppr is connected to the computer via a network cable (a wireless version is suspected to be released soon). The driver-software plugs into the flickr web-interface which holds controls for the output size of the image. A simple click on the GO button sends the image to roller where it is printed with the help of sophisticated inkjet-technology.

Remember that wireless Media streaming device that Steve Jobs spoke of months ago. Well its got a new name and Apple is taking orders for them now. Make note that the Apple TV (formerly known as iTV) requires a ‘widescreen TV‘ in order for it to work properly. Furthermore, Apple says that Apple TV works with ‘widescreen, enhanced-definition, high-definition TVs capable of 1080i, 720p, 576p, or 480p resolutions, and progressive scan DVD player’

Apple has also posted a tour of the Apple TV UI, so if you aren’t at Macworld you can take an Apple TV for a spin.

Rebranding is often a difficult stage in a company’s life cycle when they realize a change in their image is necessary for future successes.

Intel, one of the world’s largest chip makers has recently decided to undergo rebranding after a 37 year run with its well-known “Intel inside” logo/ slogan. They are trying to shift their image of being a PC chip producer to emphasizing the whole company, “leaping Ahead in Consumer Products.”

The Change wont be easy, especially after the enormous success they have had in the past with the the “Intel Inside” tageline. However Intel felt that it was necessary for them to establish themselves in the consumer products market, which they are already penetrating into. The real growth in the next five years are in cell phones and mobile devices so I believe Intel is extremely wise in differentiating themselves from AMD (their major competitor in the chip manufacturing industry) early and focusing on platforms rather then individual chips .

To ease the process of rebranding Intel have said that a marketing program will be produce to retain the the tagline of “Intel inside” to help PC manufactures advertise products that use its chips.”

Expect Chief Executive Paul Otellini and the Intel family to unveil the new campaign during Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week…

For more information Visit Intel on the web

The new Sony VAIO Type U is upgraded to have flash memory. The advantages, speed and reliability but when it comes to capacity it is still lacks behind the traditional hard drive. Sony started selling the Vaio Type U with 16GB Flash memory in mid July but seriously 16GB is far too small. Sony has taken this into consideration and doubled the capacity to 32GB. Along with the Flash memory Sony has also bumped the RAM from 512MB to 1GB. But, price and making this gadget almost certainly out of any body’s price range, $1,800.

Tired of that glowing Apple logo on your notebook (iBooks, PowerBooks, Mac Book/Pro). iColours it up with a custom touch-up. These ‘high quality’ filters come in a wide range of colors, designs, and they’re customizable. Best of all installation is a breeze.

Base price for a solid color is $3.99 CAD, including worldwide shipping. Custom designs may take a while and they ask that you contact them before ordering.

Just a Warning installing iColour will most likely void your warranty with Apple.

“The fastest, most configurable Mac ever” indeed. Apple has just introduced the all-new Mac Pro. It Sports a quad Xeon, 64-bit desktop workstation featuring two new Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors running up to 3.0 GHz and a new system architecture that delivers up to twice the performance of the Power Mac G5 Quad. With advanced performance, greater expansion, higher performance graphics options and unprecedented customization, the newly designed Mac Pro is the ideal system for the most demanding user. The introduction of the Mac Pro marks the completion of a rapid and seamless transition for Apple, with the entire Mac family now using Intel’s latest processors.

Note: Apple is only offering the base configuration, which now starts at $2499, and hopping you click ‘configure’.