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News & Opinion
Rumor Roundup
Tech Trends
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News & Opinion
Anticipating Life After the Personal Computer
Robert Cringely contends that nearly all of us are on our
next-to-last PC, a hardware category he reckons will be dead in about
five years - or 1.5 PC hardware replacement cycles. He makes some
interesting observations on the history of technology life cycles,
noting that more often than not a particular technology will find its
greatest success being used in ways other than were originally
expected.
He also qualifies that fifteen years from now we won't be able to
function without some sort of machine that has a microprocessor and
memory inside, and while we probably won't call it a personal computer,
that's essentially what it will still be.
Cringely says a trend toward more mobile devices has been clear for
years, with notebooks having long since caught and passed desktops in
the market share stakes, and a significant compromise they imposed us
was smaller screen size. He notes that he writes today mainly on a 13"
notebook, which replaced a 21" desktop, but he doesn't miss the desktop
because the total value proposition is so much better with the
notebook, and he wouldn't go back to a bigger screen, because it would
mean scrapping his mobility.
That dynamic is now entering another phase with the ascendency of
smartphones and tablets, with desktops and even notebooks on
life-support attributable to corporate buying policies, hardware
replacement cycles, and inertia.
Link: Life After the
Personal Computer
Retina MacBook Pro: Better Color Calibration and
Display for Better Photography
CDTobie's Photo Blog, asked to put together an overview of
observations on the Retina Display MacBook
Pro as related to photography - and specifically to display
calibration - has done so, the report drawing on previous analysis plus
further information about calibration of the Retina Display.
The report notes that the Retina resolution of the new display is
certainly its top feature and is the first thing you notice about the
display, while video is certainly the second area where the Retina
Display will excel. The Retina Display now offers a very close
replication of sRGB on
screen, increasing the gamut from earlier devices. The high resolution
reduces eyestrain and calibration is decent for a laptop but there's
room for improvement.
Link: Retina Display
MacBook Pro for Calibration and Photography
Rumor Roundup
Retina Display Coming to 13" MacBook Pro
AllVoices' itobin53 says that if you were impressed with the 2012
MacBook Pro Retina Display on Apple's new 15" model but didn't want the
extra size or price tag, your wait will be over in a few months, with
Apple planning to launch a Retina Display upgrade to the 13" MacBook
Pro in October.
The report predicts that the next-generation 13" Retina display
MacBook Pro is expected to lack an optical disc drive and to rely
solely on solid-state flash memory storage, with pricing projected to
range between $1,100 and $1,500, depending on configuration.
Link: MacBook Pro Retina
Display Coming to 13-inch MBP 2012 Redesign
Tech Trends
Ultrabooks Propel Growth in Higher Price Point
Notebooks as Overall Market Struggles
PR: The NPD Group Blog notes that Ultrabook sales are off to
a fast start, capturing nearly 11% of all $700+ Windows notebooks sales
at US retail through the first five months of 2012, according to the
market research company's Retail Tracking Service. While the overall
Windows market for notebook PC sales fell by 17%, Ultrabooks helped
propel the premium market with Windows notebooks priced over $700
falling by just 3%, and those priced over $900 increasing 39% versus
the prior year.
"Ultrabooks have helped establish a market for more premium-priced
Windows notebooks at retail," says The NPD Group vice president of
industry analysis Stephen Baker. "The share of sales that the $700+
notebook segment represents jumped from about 12% in 2011 to nearly 14%
in 2012 as a result of the solid market acceptance Ultrabooks have
gained. Consumers continue to respond positively to finally being
offered stylish, thinner, and more premium device offerings than ever
before within the Windows ecosystem."
This strong performance comes as Ultrabook ASPs remain considerably
more expensive than the general laptop market, with selling prices that
averaged $927 over the first five months of 2012 and only dipping below
$900, to $885, for the first time in May. While this is considerably
above the Windows market price of $510, average pricing has risen by
$13 since the same period in 2011, in part due to the growth in
Ultrabook sales.
"As we head into the crucial back-to-school selling season,
lower-cost Ultrabooks, some as low as $699, will be the hot form
factor," says Baker. "As we look towards the fourth quarter, the
expected launch of Windows 8, a wide variety of Ultrabooks with touch
screens, and convertible form factors should continue top of mind with
the consumer as well as provide a much needed revenue boost to the
entire PC ecosystem."
Publisher's note: Nice to see the PC industry finally catching on to
something Apple has known all along. Give your customers a better
quality computer, and they will be willing to pay more for it.
dk
Link: Ultrabook
Propels Growth in Higher Price Point Notebooks as Overall Market
Struggles
Products & Services
$42 Portable Blu-ray Reader & DVD Burner
PR: This portable External Toshiba Blu-ray reader and DVD
burner with LightScribe Technology is available in either black or
white livery. Tested to work with all computers that meet Blu-ray
minimum requirements, including Macs as well as PCs - notebook or
desktop.
Installation is claimed to be a breeze; simply plug the device into
your USB port, and it will ready to use in a few seconds. No driver
installation is required.
With this drive you can:
- Watch Blu-ray movies on your laptop or desktop computers ( Blu-ray
playback software required)
- Rip your Blu-ray or DVD movies for personal backups
- Replace an existing optical drive without having to spend hours
removing and installing an internal drive
- Use one drive for multiple computers. The light compact form factor
combined with the plug and play installation makes this simple.
- Install any new operating system or software from both CD, DVD, and
Blu-ray disk
- With a low power consumption chip watch hours of DVD, Blu-ray
movies on any trip from your laptop
- Burn CD or DVD music audio and data disk to hear in your car or
home stereo
- Create CD or DVD computer recovery disk with a few click of your
mouse (PC)
- Burn data onto a CD or DVD disk
- With LightScribe software create designs for your disk (LightScribe
disk required)
This product contains a 30 Day warranty with Centrix International
direct.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: TSST (Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Corporation)
(internal optical drive)
- Type: Tray Loading (internal optical drive)
- Color: Black or White
- Warranty: 30 days warranty with Centrix, no manufacturer
warranty.
- Interface: USB 2.0
- Read Speed:
- 4x BD-ROM (Blu-ray Read)
- 24x CD
- 8x DVD
- 5x DVD-RAM
- Write Speed:
- 24x CD-R
- 24x CD-RW
- 8x DVD-R
- 8x DVD+R
- 6x DVD-RW
- 6x DVD+RW
- 4x DL-R
- 4x DL+R
- 5x DVD-RAM
- BD-R (Blu-ray Write) & BD-RE (Blu-ray Rewrite) - none, does not
write to Blu-ray
Are You Ready to Play Blu-ray Discs? Find out at http://www.cyberlink.com/stat/bd-support/enu/index.jsp
Enclosure made in China, internal drive is a 12.7mm TS-LB23L from
TSST. Both parts assembled together into an external in the USA.
System Requirements: Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7,
and Mac OS X. (contact seller for Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 Drivers. XP,
Vista, and Windows 7 do not need driver disk.)
Package Includes: External optical drive with USB cables. No
external AC adapter is required; external is powered by USB.
Price: $42 with free economy shipping
Link: Portable External
Blu-ray Reader & DVD Burner for Laptop Desktop w/
LightScribe
Lounge-Book: Digital Life Concept for Saving Space;
Laidback Computing
PR: Thanks to WiFi
technologies, now you can redefine the Laptop Desk in house, with
architectural and social dynamic altered and products like
Lounge-Book making comfort a central focus of attention with house
technology systems.
Strategic factors in this home
computing vision are the great diffusion of laptop wireless
features, standard now in most of devices available.
For this reasons Cisco Linksys considered Lounge-Book a furniture
complement interesting for a new Digital Life in their Digital House in
Milano, an extraordinary showroom where products and ideas become a
daily reality for business and leisure.
Good-bye to computer desks, computer tables, laptop support that
people usually put on the table in living room, kitchen, or that
awful solution . . . on the lap - a mode not endorsed by
posturology experts and which also may cause computer troubles.
With Lounge-Book you can enjoy your
laptop on a comfortable chair, sofa, lounge chair, Deck chair, on the
bed, and you can save space because you can leave tables for other uses
and save money because you don't need expensive ergonomic chairs.
Lounge-Book is useful for home office workers, who can be no longer
deskbound strangers to the family, or contrarily able to achieve better
privacy at home thanks to greater location flexibility.
Link:
Lounge-Tek
MacBook Pro Lock Security Bundle for MacBook Pro
with Retina Display
PR: In most cases MacBook Pro users, use a covers/skins to
protect their computers from dirt and external damage.
Maclock's security cover (patent pending) is a simple solution that
incorporates a security slot into the actual MacBook Pro cover (Only
adds 0.35 lb. when using the lower skin and 0.7 lb. when using it as a
shell). A similar solution is offered for the MacBook Air.
This smart skin mechanism, slightly elevates
the MBP above the surface thus enhancing current venting system. The
polymer security cover is engineered to support the MBP cooling
process.
That way you can lock the security cable to the MacBook Pro case,
and loop the cable's other end around a fixed object such as a table
leg (or an anchor point which is available at Maclocks.com).
Once the case and cable are locked together,
it's hard to detach the case without damaging the MacBook Pro.
This makes the MacBook Pro with Retina display Lock, flexible and
light, as well as stylish
Regular price: $79.95
Pre Order Special Price: $69.95
Link: New MacBook Pro
Lock (Retina) Security case Bundle
Pelican Launches Pelican ProGear Consumer
Brand
PR: Pelican Products, Inc., an acknowledged leader in design
and manufacture of advanced lighting systems and high-performance
protective case solutions, has announced its first consumer-focused
product line - Pelican ProGear, comprised of a wide range of new cases
and lighting built especially for the digital protection and extreme
performance needs of adventurous people.
Pelican ProGear is being presented to consumers via a national
television, online and print media campaign. In addition to the
national campaign, a comprehensive website has been developed where
customers can go to learn more about, and purchase, all products in the
Pelican ProGear line. The site incorporates a variety of informative
features that include access to comprehensive product specs and
pricing, as well as the ability to purchase product via a shopping
cart/checkout process.
"Pelican Products is a trusted brand in the most demanding
markets first responders, military, aerospace and industrial because
our products excel in the harshest conditions known to man," says
Lyndon Faulkner, President and CEO of Pelican. "We've used the same
tough Pelican DNA found in our commercial products to create a wide
range of extremely tough products for consumers to use as protection
for tablets, laptops, smart phones and cameras for these products its
all about digital survival. But, we didn't stop there; consumers will
now have access to our world renowned lighting and the tough-as-nails
performance of our all-new Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers, which feature
an industry-first, lifetime guarantee."
The initial Pelican ProGear product lines - the Pelican ProGear
Urban Backpacks, select cases in the Micro Case Series and Hardback
Series, the Pelican ProGear LED Work Light, and select Pelican ProGear
lighting - are now available for purchase. Throughout 2012 and 2013,
Pelican plans to roll out additional Pelican ProGear products.
Pelican ProGear Urban Backpacks
- Leading the Pelican ProGear collection is the Urban Backpack line.
The backpacks seamlessly incorporate Pelican cases or rigid
compartments to fit and protect personal electronics and belongings.
The integrated Pelican case designed to safeguard laptops, MacBook
computers, netbooks, e-readers, tablets, keyboard and accessories
features the same professional-grade durability and protective
qualities as Pelicans legacy case products. Urban Backpacks are
designed to be comfortably lightweight and made of ballistic nylon for
long-lasting durability. Additional features in the line include
over-molded handle, padded lumbar storage area, ventilated back panel
and cool color contrasted highlights. The U100 Elite Laptop Backpack,
U140 Elite Tablet Backpack, U105 Laptop Backpack and U145 Tablet
Backpack are available at an MSRP of $299.95, $259.95, $139.95 and
$109.95, respectively.
Pelican ProGear Digital Protection (Micro Case Series and Hardback
Series)
- The watertight, crushproof and impact resistant i1010 and i1015
Micro Cases offer ultimate protection for small electronics and other
vital gear. The Hardback Series offers travel protection for portable
electronics such as e-readers and tablets from 7 and 10 tablets to 14
and 15 laptops. Also, coming soon is the P1075 Weapon and Accessory
Case. They're crush resistant, watertight and incorporate an automatic
pressure equalization valve that prevents vacuum lock to make them
easier to open at any altitude. In addition, all cases in the series
offer anti-scratch foam inserts to add another layer of protection for
delicate electronics. The cases also feature stainless steel hardware
and easy-snap latches. The i1010 and i1015 are available at an MSRP of
$38.95 and $39.95, respectively. The HardBack Cases range from an MSRP
of $42.95 to $124.95.
Pelican ProGear LED Work Light / 9420 RALS
- A new remote area lighting system, the 9420 RALS, is a portable LED
work light that will deploy up to 62 inches in height. It features a
removable, rechargeable lithium battery to give users round-the-clock
light when and where its needed most. Additional features include twin
LED swiveling head, high and low power, water-resistant switch and a
carrying strap for easy transport. Perfect for rugged remote
applications from camping to construction work sites, the Pelican
ProGear 9420 RALS is now available at PelicanProGear.com for an MSRP of
$299.95. The 9420XL Kit with additional accessories included is also
available for MSRP $399.95.
Pelican ProGear Sport Wallet (Coming soon)
- Built to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, the Sport
Wallet is crushproof and water-resistant and will hold keys,
identification cards, credit cards, cash and more. It features an
easy-open latch and dual mesh pocket organization. The Sport Wallet,
catalog #0955, is available for an MSRP of $29.95.
Pelican ProGear Lighting:
- Pelican's 1910, 1920, 2360, 2370, 2710 and 2720 lighting are small
in weight, yet big on performance. They offer the brightness,
efficiency and durability required for outdoor activities after
sundown. MSRP ranges from $23.95 to $59.95.
Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers (Available in August)
- Utilizing world-class manufacturing technologies along with the
highest-quality standards and construction materials, each Pelican
ProGear Elite Cooler is built to last a lifetime with the same tested
durability of all Pelican products. These coolers are designed to
perform to professional outfitter and offshore fishermen standards with
extreme ice retention and easy handling features like press-and-pull
latches and dual handle system. These rotationally molded coolers offer
extra thick corners to withstand multiple drops and have high-density
polyurethane insulation and freezer quality gaskets. The first Elite
Coolers will be available in three sizes, holding 35, 45 or 65 US
liquid quarts, and will be priced at an MSRP of $249.95, $299.95 and
$359.95, respectively. Additional sizes will follow in the future.
Visibility of the Pelican ProGear brand will be driven through
endorsements from top athletes, explorers and adventurers (Pelican
Pros) who use the products and exemplify Pelicans core values. All
Pelican Pro profiles, videos and gear preferences will be featured on
www.pelicanprogear.com as well. Heading up the first Pelican Pros
are:
- Jeb Corliss, one of the worlds foremost BASE-jumpers and wingsuit
pilots
- Craig Sawyer, retired Navy SEAL, tactical trainer and advisor
- Alexandra Cousteau, leading conservationist, Cousteau family legacy
and founder of Blue Legacy
- Mark Davis, renowned salt water fisherman and host of Big Water
Adventures on the Outdoor Channel
Link: PelicanProGear.com
Bargain 'Books
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
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