helix

Windows 8.1 vs. Apple: Twofer or tablet?

Will new Windows 8.1 hybrids finally expose the iPad for what it really is, a mere tablet?

That's what Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer suggested this week.

When speaking at the company's Build Conference on Wednesday, he described in colorful -- and maybe just a tad exaggerated -- terms how tablets don't measure up to laptops (or even pencil and paper).

Enter the "2-in-1," as Microsoft likes to call hybrids. During his keynote presentation, Ballmer brandished the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix as an example of a 2-in-1 he has used.

The Helix can be a pure … Read more

Microsoft's pitch for hybrids: Tablets alone don't cut it

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer pitched upcoming "2-in-1" devices hard Wednesday at the Build Conference. Part of the pitch included mocking the dedicated tablet experience.

Here's what Ballmer said.

How many of us have gone to a meeting with somebody who brought a tablet and then when it comes time to actually take notes, writes them down on pencil and paper. Or can't get at the spreadsheet...or try to use it in terminal emulator mode...or take [a long time] to set up and turn their tablet into something that approximates a PC.

That statement -- … Read more

Lenovo: ThinkPad Helix to ship early March

People looking to buy Lenovo's Helix laptop may not have to wait that long after all.

The convertible Windows 8 laptop will begin shipping in early March, a Lenovo spokesman told CNET today, though he couldn't say exactly when it will hit retail stores. The Helix will be sold worldwide, but availability will vary by country.

This bit of news follows a Facebook post on Monday from a Lenovo representative saying that the Helix would be delayed until March or April. The rep added that more details would be announced soon.

Demoed at CES last month, the Helix … Read more

Lenovo Helix laptop-tablet delayed until March or April

Updated: Lenovo has since told CNET that the Helix will start shipping in early March.

Anyone looking to pick up Lenovo's new Helix convertible laptop-tablet may have to wait another month or two.

Unveiled at CES last month, the ThinkPad Helix was slated to reach consumers late this month. But a post on Lenovo's Facebook page indicates a possible monkey wrench in those plans.

An anxious customer posed the simple question: "It's February. Where is the Helix?" In response, an apparent Lenovo rep with the initials CB broke the news that "unfortunately we received … Read more

Lenovo sees surge in tablet shipments

Lenovo saw tablet shipments spike in its most recent reported quarter, according to comments today from its top executive.

Along with reporting a record profit during its fiscal third quarter (the fourth calendar quarter of 2012), Lenovo said tablet shipments are on a tear.

The Chinese device maker shipped 800,000 tablets in the quarter ended December 31, "almost an 80 percent year-to-year" growth, said Yang Yuanqing, chairman and CEO, during the company's earnings conference call.

"We will continue to have hyper growth in smartphones and tablets," he said. Lenovo shipped 9.4 million phones … Read more

CES postscript: The touch laptop, like it or not

The laptop was reinvented at CES.

Or maybe I should say there was a vigorous attempt to reinvent the laptop. Because we won't know how successful touch has been until next year this time.

Intel's CES booth -- still a large presence in the CES Central Hall -- had one basic unmistakable message: touch has arrived.

Windows 8 convertibles, detachables, touch-screen laptops, and just plain tablets from Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Samsung, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Toshiba, Sony, and others blanketed Intel's booth.

And just to make sure the touch message was crystal clear, Intel issued an edict to PC … Read more

At CES, tablets go full-bore Core, get 'real' Intel processors

LAS VEGAS--With Intel now pushing its mainstream processors into tablets and convertibles, some PC vendors are opting for high-performance designs that offer no-holds-barred performance.

Lenovo is delivering probably the best example. The PC maker announced the ThinkPad Helix at CES (see video below) which is built around Intel's low-power "Ivy Bridge" Core i5 and Core i7 chips.

Surprisingly, Lenovo's Helix doesn't skimp on battery life, offering a total of 10 hours when used in conjunction with its keyboard base.

So, why would Lenovo stick an ultrabook chip in a tablet? Intel's most power efficient … Read more

DNA helix stockings make science sultry

Geek fashion isn't always subtle. There are Boba Fett winter hats, Game Boy dresses, and eye-screaming Marty McFly hats. And then there's this set of Helix Stockings. Subtle, tasteful Helix Stockings.

For the science lady who has everything, these $17.99 stockings are off-black and made from nylon and spandex with a velvet-like DNA helix design running nearly a foot long on the side.… Read more

Gadgettes 187: The 'Carry Protection' Episode (podcast)

Don't find yourself in an awkward situation where you've been bumped and you don't have any sort of protection on your device. Be a responsible citizen of the gadget-carrying world and experience today's important Gadgettes!

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Phoneballs case protects iPhone in hairy situations

First waterproof case for Kindle

iPad posters in SF hijacked by porn… Read more

Making of Shell's Helix Ultra transparent car ad

This video is one of the craziest things seen. Shell, the petroleum company, created a transparent Nissan 370Z to show how its Shell Helix oil works to keep a car's engine clean.

The first 30 seconds of this video is the actual commercial. Then Leila Prati, Shell Helix global brand manager, explains how the transparent car came about. The fabricators that built the car also created a double-the-normal-size, transparent, standalone engine so you can see in detail how the oil works.