ces 2010

The coolest laptops of 2010's show

LAS VEGAS--We saw dozens of new laptop models at CES this year, and though the vast majority of them were next-step upgrades of existing models, there were a handful that really grabbed our attention, either because they brought something new to the game, or because they were excellent examples of their category.

We've already rounded up the various slate/tablet devices, so we'll concentrate on traditional laptop-shaped systems (although we'll make an exception for the Lenovo U1 Hybrid, which docks its tablet screen to become a standard Windows 7 machine).

Check out the gallery below for shots and details … Read more

Is MSI dual-screen mini-laptop the way to go for future ultraportables?

LAS VEGAS--Amid the tablet, smartbook, and smartphone wars, a new conceptual spin on the old screen-and-keyboard-connected-by-a-hinge way of doing things has us wondering if the idea is so crazy, it just might work.

MSI showed off a concept 7-inch mini-laptop/e-reader at CES, and its most notable feature was the swapping out of the keyboard with a second screen. The device could generate a virtual keyboard in the lower space, or another sort of interface--and, of course, the device could be turned on its side like a book, allowing two-page reading in a more book-like format than single-screen e-readers. It'… Read more

What, exactly, is a smartbook? Highlights from the show floor

LAS VEGAS--Before CES, one of our predictions as to what would be a big story on the show floor was the emergence of smartbooks, or mini-notebooks as they're sometimes called. The term was coined by Qualcomm in referring to tiny laptop-like devices using processors that are derived from smartphone-level CPUs, but are in many cases even more powerful. The two most common CPUs seem to be the Snapdragon from Qualcomm and the Tegra/Tegra 2 from Nvidia, both using ARM-based processors.

Consider the concept, ideally, as a device somewhere between a smartphone and a Netbook--hence "smartbook." Unfortunately, … Read more

ViewSonic says new PCs are smarter, greener

LAS VEGAS--ViewSonic says its new PCs are smarter and greener. Let's just see about this.

First, the 13.3-inch VNB131 ViewBook Pro, a notebook featuring a ULV SU7300 Intel Core 2 Duo processor that comes with Windows 7 Home Premium OS installed. With a purported 1-inch thickness, the system also includes a 320GB hard drive, 2GB internal memory, and a removable DVD RW Super Multi ODD into an aluminum alloy chassis.

Other features include:

Integrated 802.11b/g/n wireless Two USB 2.0 ports HDMI and VGA connections A 7-in-1 card reader Six-cell battery and extra three-cell

The … Read more

ViewSonic's HDTV lineup

LAS VEGAS--You can't swing a CES badge around without knocking over a LED TV this week, it seems. ViewSonic isn't doing much to help the situation as the debuted four new LED HDTVs during the show.

First up are the 18.5-inch VT1900LED and 32-inch VT3200LED. Both are 720p, Energy Star 5.0 compliant and offer a response time of 5ms.

The 42-inch VT4200LED and 23-inch VT2300LED feature full HD 1080p panel resolution, delivering the ultimate visual experience for HD movies and Internet content. In addition, the VT4200LED delivers 120Hz operation, fast 4ms response time, and a 100,… Read more

ViewSonic's sleek, new projector

LAS VEGAS--Can't have a corporate presentation or a movie-in-the-driveway night without a projector, right? Well, I guess you could, but it would probably not be worth the trouble. Luckily for us, companies continue to push projector technology forward.

Case in point, the ViewSonic PJD6531. A wide-screen 120Hz and 3D-ready DLP projector that uses BrilliantColor tech?nology to purportedly produce more vibrant colors.

According to the specs, the projector delivers 3,000 lumens with a 1,280x800 WXGA, 16:9 native wide resolution. So, given that resolution, no quite ideal for projecting Avatar on Blu-ray several months from now, which … Read more

LG's shows new (to the U.S.) S-IPS monitor

LAS VEGAS--I'm kind of a sucker for a good viewing angle. There's just something about being able to lay back in my chair, with my eyeline below the middle of the screen, and still be able to see image details without the slightest bit of color or gamma distortion.

This is why I love in-plane switching (IPS) panels. They usually deliver on viewing angle and despite what some say, I still find many of them great for games. Perhaps I'm just weird like that.

Anyway, at CES this week, LG showed off the 24-inch Super (S)-IPS … Read more

Xbox Live Game Room brings back the classic 25-cent arcade

LAS VEGAS--While it was great to get some solid hands-on time playing PS3 in 3D, Microsoft debuted something for the Xbox 360 that we'll actually be able to play in late March; not to mention it's much more practical, too.

Xbox Live Game Room essentially allows you to create your own arcade, offering titles from many classic developers such as Atari, Intellivison, and Konami. When the service goes live in late March, 30 titles will be immediately available, with five to seven new games being released each week.

There's no dashboard update required for Game Room; you'… Read more

Now hear this: Audio at CES 2010

I didn't go to CES, but a lot of my friends did. I call them all the time, and they don't seem to be all that jazzed about what they're seeing. "Nothing new" is what I keep hearing, but there were a few juicy tidbits to be found.

The new 3D TVs and Blu-ray players may or may not render the AV receiver you bought way back in 2009 obsolete. I can't get a consistent answer to the question: do you need a receiver with HDMI 1.4 to pass 3D program material to your 3D TV? You may not care about 3D, but if you do please direct your anger at the consumer electronics industry that regularly leaves its client base high and dry. We'll have to see how 1.4 works out.

Ultimate AV magazine was impressed with the Manley Stingray iTube stereo integrated amplifier. Sure, we've seen vacuum tube iPod dock/amps before, but this is the first one with real audiophile appeal. The blue LED displays surrounding the input and volume knobs can be dimmed down or turned off entirely. Manley makes truly stellar tube electronics for audiophiles and the pro market. … Read more