The Zone

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.

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

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!

Genuinely funny or wholly inappropriate? To demonstrate just how thin and slim its X-Slim Series notebook really is, MSI released a viral clip online that involves male gymnasts and some butt-clenching action in order to prove that point.

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.

Mac fans please don't weep, Ice-T was just giving his seven-year old Powerbook a good farewell. Then again, he didn't do the right thing; it isn't RoHS certified, especially when it was made seven years ago! Viewer discretion advised.

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.

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)

UK-based DataSlide are introducing a storage technology which could be the next logical step after SSDs. Dubbed the Hard Rectangular Drive, the system makes use of several hundred read/write heads which are stationary, but data is written and read using media which oscillates on a plane. It's a bit sketchy on how they will achieve the final product with data transfer issues now faced, but the technology is capable of 160000 random read/write instructions and a 500MB/s transfer rate - all while consuming 4W of power! More to come soon as we keep an eye out on this technology.

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.

Over the past month, Transcend has released some interesting gadgets for all gadget lovers around the world. Of course, being Transcend, they are all related to storage one way or another :D

More after the jump!

Dell recently launched the world's thinnest laptop, the Adamo. Featuring scalloped keys, a backlit keyboard, solid state drive (SSD) hard disk drive and carved out of a solid block of aluminum with a clear glass screen, these laptops are targeted at the ultra-premium market especially people who place as much importance on how awesome a laptop looks as how good it performs. Check out the event and more details on the Adamo in our latest issue of HWM.

From left to right; Li Chang , Deputy Secretary General of the Taipei Computer Association and Walter Yeh, Executive Vice President of TAITRA answering questions from the media during a press conference about the upcoming COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009

Computex Taipei 2009 is going strong despite the current global economic downturn. Taking place from 2^nd to 6^th June at the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) Nangang Exhibition Halls and Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), the show will host 1700 exhibitors using 4600 booths to showcase their best products and solutions and is expected to attract 35,000 international buyers. Products from wide-ranging categories will be found in such dedicated areas as Components & Parts, Data Storage Devices, Software, Computer Systems, Peripherals and Displays & Digital Entertainment Products. This year’s show will also feature a 700-booth WiMAX & Communication Products area to paint a clearer picture of a more wireless future.

The Computex 2009 show is expected to be an important technology and product launch platform for numerous IT giants such as Intel, AMD, ASUS and Acer. Two “New Product Launch Sites” both located in TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall and Hall 1 will be set up to accommodate the growing needs of exhibitors from home and abroad to stage their new products. Altogether 40 companies are to demonstrate their new products in these dedicated areas. This new service can also help buyers and the media to easily discover the hottest products and latest trends.

Another highlight of this year's event is the dedicated pavilion for China, a driving force in the computing market, thanks to the country's vast resources as well as manufacturing abilities. Computex 2009 will feature a dedicated area where wares and services from 100 Chinese companies will be showcased, in a total area that spans 200 booth spaces. It is definitely a show not to be missed!