The Zone

After someone else's rather feeble attempt at blue laser mice that they said could track on glass, we were pleasantly surprised by Logitech's new Darkfield line of high-performance mice. The Darkfield mice utilize a new dual laser technology that allows it to track on thick glass and other reflective surfaces with ease. For those who still don't know about Logitech's Unifying Micro USB receiver check out the teeny tiny USB receiver in the picture. Check out the full report in our latest issue of HWM (December 2009).

We just got our hands on Apolco's Powerline Networking kit. Featuring two plug and play plugs in a single kit, these PLC bridge/adapters let you connect two computers in a network via your power line. Offering 85Mbps speeds (better than wireless G at 54Mbps) the device is very easy to use. For a full review on the kit check out our latest issue of HWM.

We've tested quite a few Apolco micro projectors to date, however the Apolco Mobile Media Projector is so far the best one to date. From what we've seen so far, the tiny LED powered micro projector can handle 60" displays, has pretty good built-in sound and now even has a rechargable and removable battery. For a full review on the projector check out our latest issue of HWM. 

After its official launch a few days back we're finally clear to release some info on the Lynnfield Core i7, Core i5 and Intel P55. We've done a full indepth analysis of the boards that should answer the questions:

Is it worth the move?

Is it good for gaming?

Is it really targeted at the mainstream?

Check out some initial tests we got in the link below and be sure to read the full analysis in the Hot off the Labs section of the latest issue of HWM.

Intel was generous enough to get us their own P55 board, a Core i5 750 processor and a Core i7 870 processor for HWM October's Hot Off the Lab section. Catch our in-depth tests and scores in the full analysis.

Intel's Core i7 870 processor

An interesting video just popped up today showing how USB flash drives are made. Thanks to some lucky journalists who managed to gain permission to record the plant's workings, we get to see how these drives can be affordable, and its all thanks to volume! Even if its eight minutes long, one should check it out to see the huge production scale, its truly awe-inspiring.

Recently we were able to get our hands on the AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition. Running it through its paces the processor is almost like getting an X4 at a much cheaper price. As an AM3 socket processor it also makes the jump towards getting an AM3 board all the more performance (read OC!) oriented rather than the more conventional AM3 Phenom II X3. Check out the full review in our latest issue of HWM!

In the HWM Malaysia August 2009 issue, on page 250, you’ll find a 4-page Intel Advertorial on how the Dell’s Inspiron 1545, powered by a Pentium Dual-Core 2GHz processor with 800MHz bus and 1MB cache, as well as integrated graphics - fares against the Dell Studio 1555 notebook, powered by the Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology, with a 2.4GHz processor and 1GHz bus and 3MB cache, as well as discrete graphics.

You can see how the Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology, even with discrete graphics, enables you to do more in less time. Here we reproduce the screen capture of the MobileMark 2007 1.05 industry-standard notebook benchmark results.

AMD's 785GM chipset is the successor to AMD's previous 780G chipset which was quite good in itself. We managed to get our hands on one board featuring the 785GM chipset which also bears the new onboard GPU; the HD 4200. The board itself scores quite well (Check the link to see the PCMark05 score) using the board's HD 4200 update. While initial performance for the new onboard GPU is encouraging what makes the board surprising is its hybrid graphics. When tested in tandem with a HD 4890 we got even more surprising results in PCMark05 (check the link for the results). Check out the board's full review in our latest issue of HWM.

We wish we could participate and try our luck in this simple survey, but we are employees and are barred from it! A lucky person can win a trip to Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, have a holiday on us! Hurry, only three more weeks remaining till the end of the survey!

http://sites.hardwarezone.com/sea/readerssurvey/my/

Hot on the heels of its 14" screen cousin, the Samsung NP-X360 flew into our arms for a little hands-on this month. With a 13.3" screen and doing its best to beat the Macbook Air with its ultra slim design, the X360 revealed a startling statistic in comparison to a normal 13.3" notebook of the same class. Read all about it in our latest issue of HWM. (HWM July 2009)

We managed to get some hands-on time with the apolco P3, another teeny tiny LED projector. After having seen the early adaptors (and been forlornly disappointed by them) we were quite happy to see one that finally seems to work. More or less about the same size as a thick cigarette pack, the LED projector seems to be the perfect companion for today's netbook toting presenter on the go. Check out the full review in our latest issue of HWM.

JVC recently launched two new ProHD video camcorders aimed at the professional cameraman. With the ability to record direct into full HD Quicktime or MP4 file formats these SDHC based camcorders offer top-of-the-line video performance at a fraction of the size and weight of current full HD video cameras. With the smaller model weighing in at a scant 1.4kg and featuring some awesome performance using built-in lens, these ProHD video cameras should have the pros and fanatics drooling. For a full report on what went down at the product launch check out our latest issue of HWM.

In a move to bring touchscreen smartphones to the masses, Samsung recently launched their new Star S5233 touchscreen smartphone. Featuring everything that a full fledged smartphone can do complete with fingertouch user interface, the Star is retailing below RM1K. Trying to boost awareness, Samsung have also launched an idol type contest in conjunction with the launch called the Be a Samsung Star and Shine challenge. For more info on the Samsung Star smartphone and the contest, check out  the full report in our latest issue of HWM.

Acer unveils classy product portfolio at sign.of.the.time event in Beijing

HWM was recently invited along with other media from APAC to attend a special presentation by Acer in Beijing as part of the final phase of the company’s multibrand initiative. Themed as sign.of.the.time, the multibrand initiative tied-in with the company’s recent acquisition of leading brands – Gateway, Packard Bell and eMachines.