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Intel to kill off desktop as we know it, reports claim

The end of the desktop is near, according to reports trickling out over the last few days.

Changes in the way Intel connects its processors to the circuit board may signal broad changes to the desktop PC as we know it today.

Desktop processors are attached to the PC's main circuit board (aka motherboard) via a socket. Intel processors compatible with that socket are then inserted by the end user, be it an enthusiast or PC supplier.

This is the design that is in danger of disappearing, reports claim.

Mobile processors, on the other hand, are soldered directly to … Read more

Create Windows Installers with Exe to Msi Converter Free

QwertyLab's Exe to Msi Converter Free is a simple tool that converts a setup executable file (EXE) into a Windows Installer Package (MSI) that can be distributed and installed on other PCs. It automatically detects the type of installer and lets users add command-line arguments. It's a simple tool that does a simple thing that is very useful to those who need it.

Exe to Msi Converter Free's interface is a small dialog offering two entry fields, one for browsing to or entering the Setup Executable and another for adding arguments. Aside from a Web link to … Read more

Nvidia GTX 580M top-end laptop graphics unveiled; already showing up in Origin and Alienware systems

Today Nvidia unveiled its latest high-end laptop GPUs, the GTX 570M and 580M. That's not a huge surprise: the new GTX cards round out the "500 series" of GT and GTX graphics that have been available throughout the year. One feature Nvidia's particularly touting is the GTX 580's Optimus automatic switching, which should offer up "5 hours of battery life in Facebook," in case you measure your juice through social networking.

Nvidia promises that the GTX 580M is the fastest laptop graphics card anywhere, ever--the benchmark comparisons were leveled against the AMD Radeon … Read more

CES: MSI shows WinPad 100A

LAS VEGAS--MSI was fairly coy about sending out pics of its Android-based tablet, the WinPad 100A. Luckily, the device was on display at the company's CES booth.

The WinPad 100A has a 10.1-inch capacitive touch screen and runs on Android 2.3. It wasn't clear whether the device will be upgradable to Honeycomb when the new OS launches, however.

Other specs and details include an ARM processor, a USB port, Mini-USB, HDMI, an SD card reader, a front-facing camera on the upper-left side, and a headphone jack.

Additionally, the device includes a G-Sensor gravity-detecting device, a GPS … Read more

Will Sandy Bridge-based MSI WindTop AE2210 outperform non-SB midtowers?

LAS VEGAS--Here's a question we're interested in seeing answered over the next few months: will the 21-inch, $799.99 MSI WindTop AE2210 and its 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 2500s outperform one of the many similarly priced mainstream PCs from HP that have stuck with multicore AMD CPUs?

In truth, we suspect HP is savvy enough to manage its pricing accordingly, and while it is offering some AMD-based Pavilion Elite midtower PCs, it also has a few Sandy Bridge models of its own in that product line.

Still, we're curious to see what happens across the mainstream … Read more

23-inch MSI WindTop AE2410 features Sandy Bridge, fast device charging over USB 3.0

We can't say we like the busy design of MSI's new 23.6-inch WindTop AE2410 all-in-one, but it has some intriguing features, and starts at a reasonable price.

For $899 when it comes out later this quarter, the AE2410 will offer Intel's new Core i7 2630QM mobile Sandy Bridge CPU. You can opt for a discrete graphics card upgrade with this system, but its integrated Intel HD graphics core on the CPU may provide enough basic gaming and home entertainment capability for casual consumers. We'll know more once we can test a few of these mainstream … Read more

Get a Windows 7 Netbook for $199.99

It's been ages since I posted a Netbook deal, in part because the entire product category seems to have stagnated, and in part because prices haven't budged in months.

In honor of Cyber Monday, Office Depot is budging a little: you can get the MSI Wind L1350-436US 10-inch Netbook (blue) for $199.99 shipped (plus sales tax in some states).

Update: Ack! This is already sold out (though try checking back later, as Office Depot may add more stock). Newegg has a similarly equipped Asus Eee PC 1001PX-EU17-BK for $199.99 shipped (no sales tax in most states!), … Read more