Cool Tools archive

Apple launches $100 iPod, $500 Macintosh
At today's MacWorld Expo in San Francisco, all the rumors were apparently true. Apple today launched a $100 (and $150) iPod music player, and a $500 Macintosh desktop. The iPod Shuffle is a "pack of gum" sized music player that is based on Apple's shuffle feature. Using the iTunes AutoFill... January 11, 2005

Get Media Center upgrade for $19
Dell today reduced the price of upgrading to the new Windows Media Center Edition 2005 to $19, as long as you buy one of their new Dimension Desktops. Until Monday (November 22), customers can configure a new PC with Windows XP Media Center Edition for as little as $19 more... November 18, 2004

It's a notebook AND a DVD player…
Averatec today launched its 6200 Series of notebook PCs, which includes a stand-alone DVD player so you can watch a movie or listen to a CD or MP3 disc without booting up the computer. The 6.2-pound notebook includes a Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor 2400+ with AMD's PowerNow technology, and... July 28, 2004

HP launches Personal Media Drive
In conjunction with some new Media Center PCs, HP this week launched a new device -- the HP Personal Media Drive -- which lets users add up to 160G bytes of storage space to a Media Center PC without having to open up the PC case or even turn the... June 23, 2004

Toshiba launches new notebooks
Toshiba's Digital Products Division this week launched two new notebooks -- the Satellite M35-S456 Special Edition (a lightweight wireless notebook) and the Tecra A2 series. Aimed at consumers, students and gamers, the 6.2-pound M35 Special Edition ($1,999) includes TruBrite screen technology (brighter images than standard wide-screen LCD screens), and a...

Toshiba ships new notebooks
Toshiba's Digital Products Division today launched two new notebooks aimed at small- and midsize businesses. The Satellite A70 Series and A60 Series are nowe available through Toshiba's distribution channels and VARs, as well as two of it's online Web sites -- Sales Channel and Toshiba Direct. Both models include built-in... June 14, 2004

HP updates widescreen notebook
HP recently upgraded its Pavilion zd7000 widescreen notebook, with an improved graphics card, additional video memory and new bundled software. The zd7000 series (click to view picture) includes a 17-inch BrightView display, a wide viewing angle and 16:10 aspect ratio, as well as support for WSXGA+ resolution. The notebook has... April 05, 2004

HP launches new Presario desktop
Starting Sunday you'll be able to order the new HP Compaq Presario SR1000 desktop PC for about $400 (with a $50 rebate) for the Intel Celeron 2.6GHz SR1010V system. The new series has a black and silver industrial design with an improved front input/output interface, letting users access disks and... March 26, 2004

New notebooks from Toshiba
Toshiba this week launched two new notebooks (click to view) aimed at students and "cost-conscious consumers." The Satellite A45-S151 and A45-S121 include features such as a built-in DVD/CD-RW combination drive and surround sound TruSurround XT technology. The A45-S151 includes a Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor at 2.8GHz, a 60G-byte hard...

Dell launches gaming notebook
Dell this week launched the Inspiron XPS, a gaming notebook that will include an upgradeable graphics option for future graphics engine updates. The notebook starts at $2,849 and is available now through the Dell Web site (www.dell4me.com/xps). Three color kit options (Cipher, at left) are available for users to personalize... February 13, 2004

New notebooks from IBM, Fujitsu
IBM and Fujitsu this week launched new notebooks. The IBM model is geared towards mobile business workers, while the Fujitsu notebook shoots for home notebook users. IBM announced a redesigned version of its x40 ThinkPad notebook, promising up to 7.5 hours of battery life (10 hours with an optional extended... February 11, 2004

HP updates its Media Center PCs
For those people who love having all of their multimedia content on one PC, HP has upgraded its Media Center PC line. Click here for larger view.The company today launched the HP Media Center m400 series Photosmart PC, with processor speeds up to 3.4GHz. The m400 series can burn CDs,... February 06, 2004

Rugged goes semi-rugged
Rugged notebook maker Rugged Notebooks recently launched a semi-rugged model aimed at traveling business executives and sales professionals who don't need a fully rugged system. The Hawk Notebook includes "ruggedized" features such as a spill-proof keyboard, magnesium case and a hard drive (40G bytes) protected by an impact-absorbing gel to... January 26, 2004

Upgrade your PowerMac
Other World Computing this week launched the Mercury G4/450-533 MHz ZIF upgrade, with 1M bytes of L2 Cache for the Apple PowerMac G3 Beige, G3 Blue and White, and G4 (aka "Yikes") models. The company said the new upgrade replaces OWC's G4/450MHz, G4/500MHz and G4/533MHz models. The new upgrade costs... January 23, 2004

Sony launches new desktop
Sony this month plans on debuting a new desktop PC system, the RS500 series, which includes a dual-format DVD+/- RW drive, and Sony's own Click to DVD creation software that aims to let users take their home movies and instantly convert them to DVD. The system is expected to start... January 21, 2004

ChemUSA offers Centrino notebook
Chem USA this week launched a new notebook that it says it has optimized for "on-the-road" mobility. The ChemBook 2150 Series Notebook uses the Intel Centrino mobile wireless technology, has a Pentium M processor, up to 768M bytes of RAM, optional USB external slim combination drive, and a USB floppy... December 16, 2003

Adjust your notebook level
Contour Design recently announced its NoteRiser device, which lets a notebook user position the computer for "optimal ergonomic integrity." The goal of the device is to minimize (and possibly eliminate) the risk of back and neck pain associated with the positions used when typing on a notebook, the company said.... December 15, 2003

Fujitsu updates LifeBook S2000
Fujitsu Computer Systems this week updated its LifeBook S2000 notebook, which now includes the low-voltage mobile AMD XP-M 2000+ processor, and AMD PowerNow! Technology that aims to improve performance and battery life. The 4-pound notebook includes a 13.3-inch XGA TFT display and a modular bay that can hold a DVD/CD-RW... October 30, 2003

New Sharp notebook includes auto-backup
Sharp has launched a new notebook, the Actius MC22, which includes Sharp's SharpSync technology to automatically back up data from the notebook to a USB-connected desktop (or another notebook). Check out more information from this week's Cool Tools print column. Other product news: HP launches new iPAQ handhelds, and a... October 13, 2003

Apple releases new iPods, faster iMacs
Apple this week announced two new iPod models, a 20G-byte and a 40G-byte version, which Apple says can hold up to 10,000 songs. The company also announced faster iMac models, with PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.25 GHz, faster 333 MHz DDR memory, faster graphics and USB 2.0 interfaces.... September 09, 2003

PC, printer and monitor -- $500
Systemax Inc. today launched a new “Back To School” bundle that includes a desktop PC, a 14-inch LCD flat panel monitor and Lexmark printer for under $500. The Systemax Venture UM22R system includes a PC with an Intel Pentium 4 2.2GHz processor with a 40G-byte hard drive, a 52x-speed CD-ROM,... August 22, 2003

Carry your laptop on your back
If you’re sick of carrying around your laptop in a shoulder-style laptop bag, you might want to look at a new lightweight laptop backpack. Targus this week launched its new T-Lite series of backpacks that are also sturdy enough to hold notebook computers. Each backpack in the series weighs less... August 19, 2003

Cool your notebook
There’s nothing worse than an overheated notebook -- Antec Inc. wants to help. The company today announced its Notebook Cooler, a device that fits directly underneath a notebook and helps cool the system. It has an aluminum surface designed to conduct heat away from the system, and 388 ventilation holes... August 14, 2003

HP aims new desktop at small businesses
HP this week launched a new desktop PC, the HP Business Desktop d325 slim tower, aimed at small and midsize businesses (SMB) as well as public sector users. The d325 includes AMD Athlon XP processors, and NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics cards, and has a compact design aimed at maximizing space... August 05, 2003

eMachines debuts widescreen notebook
eMachines this week launched a new 15.4-inch widescreen notebook that includes integrated 802.11g connectivity. TheM5310 includes a 54g chipset from Broadcom, and includes an AMD Athlon 2400+ processor. The notebook is now available at retail outlets and the eMachines Web site for $1,199. The notebook also includes 512M bytes of... July 29, 2003

Rugged notebook with DVD drive
Panasonic this week launched a rugged, under 3-lb. notebook that includes a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, as well as Intel’s Centrino technology. The new Toughbook CF-W2 notebook runs on an ultra-low-voltage Intel Pentium M processor (900MHz) with 1M bytes of on-die L2 cache, 256M bytes of DDR RAM (expandable to 512M bytes),... July 23, 2003

Business desktops for $350
HP this month launched a new desktop PC aimed at small and midsize business customers with prices that start at $349. The HP Compaq Business Desktop d220 Microtower comes with options for either Intel Celeron or Pentium 4 processors, and up to three PCI expansion slots, two DDR memory slots... July 17, 2003

The incredible folding computer
Sony this week launched a new desktop that offers a 17.5-inch widescreen LCD display, an integrated DVD/CD-RW drive and the Sony Giga Pocket personal video recorder. The VAIO W500GN1 (side view pictured) also has a folding keyboard that when closed, still lets the computer operate as a digital audio player.... July 16, 2003

Buy a PC, printer and monitor for $500
HP recently announced a new package aimed at students, parents and others getting ready for the "back-to-school" season. The company is offering a Compaq Presario desktop PC, a 17-inch CRT monitor and HP Deskjet printer for $499. The "back-to-school" bundle includes the Presario S4000V desktop, the CV7500 17-inch CRT monitor...

New HP desktop features RAID technology
HP this week announced a new Compaq Presario desktop, the 8000T, which includes an Intel 865 chipset with a Pentium 4 3.2GHz processor, and Serial ATA hard drives with RAID technology. The RAID technology lets the PC store the same data on different places on multiple hard disks, HP says.... June 27, 2003

HP launches two new notebooks
At last week’s CeBIT America show, HP unveiled some details on two new notebooks, including a notebook with a 15.4-inch widescreen display, and an ultra-portable notebook that supports the Cisco Compatible Extensions program. The nx7000 includes the widescreen display, which HP says is 20% brighter, 20% wider and has 33%... June 23, 2003

HP launches new business desktop
HP this week launched its HP Business Desktop d325, aimed at small business and public sector markets looking for a value PC. The d325 starts at $499 and includes AMD Athlon processors. HP says they are offering pre-configured models or custom-build systems. The $669 configuration includes an AMD Athlon XP... June 05, 2003

Some more laptop desks
This week’s Cool Tools print column looked at some laptop desks, and we got some links from another reader who sent along his favorite laptop desk items. The EZ Lap The E-Leg Laptop Stand The USB powered Notebook Cooler Pad Thanks to Ken for these!... June 03, 2003

HP goes wide with new notebook
HP today launched its Compaq Presario Widescreen Notebook X1000, which includes a 15.4-inch wide aspect ratio display. HP says its widescreen display is 20% brighter and 33% wider (as well as an improved contrast ratio) than regular notebook displays. The display supports WUXGA (1,920 by 1,200 resolution), WSXGA+ (1,680 by... May 14, 2003

New eMachines notebook includes DVD player
EMachines last week announced a widescreen notebook PC, the M5305, that includes a DVD player with a 15.4-inch LCD widescreen display (16:10 aspect ratio). The notebook is available now and is priced starting at under $1,300, the company says. The 6.5-pound notebook includes three USB 2.0 ports for higher-speed transfer... May 07, 2003

eMachines launches spring lineup
eMachines this week announced three new desktops as part of its Spring 2003 lineup. The desktops start at $399 and offer Intel-based processors, the company said. The company has doubled the memory it provides on its $499 and $599 models (the T2245 and T2385, repsectively), and has also added Ethernet... April 15, 2003

Two new laptops from Dell
Dell today announced two new thin and light notebooks that include the Intel Pentium M processor, and start at prices under $1,200. The Inspiron 500m supports the Intel Centrino Mobile Technology capability, giving users the choice of how they want to connect wirelessly. The notebook supports the Intel Pro/Wireless 2100... April 10, 2003

HP launches more desktops, laptops
HP today announced four new Pavilion desktops that include rewritable CD or DVD drives, and a new series of notebooks that include DVD+R/+RW drives. HP says that one of the desktop models is the first desktop PC with a DVD+RW drive for under $900. The line includes the HP Pavilion... April 03, 2003

HP launches new desktops and notebooks
HP today launched a new line of Compaq Presario PCs, including a newly designed Presario S3000 desktop series and 2500 and 2100 notebook series. The notebooks include 802.11g (pre-g) wireless LAN capabilities, HP said. The S3000 desktop series include high-capacity hard drives, and DVD or rewritable CD drives, the company... March 31, 2003

Toshiba adds DVD writers to notebooks
Toshiba's Computer Systems Group this week launched its Satellite 2455-S305 and Satellite 1955-S805 notebooks, which now include DVD-R/RW capabilities. The notebooks start at $2,099. The Satellite 1955-S805 includes a 2.53GHz processor and optional wireless.Features of the 2455-S305 include an Intel Pentium 4 processor at 2.4GHz, 512M bytes of SDRAM, a... February 14, 2003

Fujitsu updates LifeBook notebooks
Fujitsu PC Corp. today released a new version of its LifeBook C Series, a multimedia "all-in-one" desktop replacement series of notebooks. The notebooks are aimed at students and business professionals, and start at $1,399, the company said. The LifeBook C Series include an optional integrated DVD-RW drive to let users... February 06, 2003

Toshiba ships entry-level notebook
Toshiba this week announced the Satellite 1415-S105, aimed at students and first-time notebook users, starting at $1,099 The system includes an Intel Celeron 1.6GHz processor, 256M bytes of SDRAM, a built-in DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, NVIDIA GeForce4 420 Go graphics card with 16M bytes of video memory, and a 15-inch diagonal TFT... February 05, 2003

Apple launches new Power Macs
Apple this week announced new Power Mac G4 computers that include a single 1Ghz, dual 1.25GHz or dual 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 processors. Prices on the computers range from $1,499 up to $2,699. Apple says the computers include FireWire 800 and internal support for 54M bit/sec. AirPort Extreme (802.11g pre-standard) and... January 29, 2003

eMachines upgrades its desktops
eMachines recently launched its lineup of PCs for the first part of 2003, which includes desktops that start at $399. The computers now include separate CD-RW and DVD drives for all of its models $499 and above, the company said. The $599 and $649 systems now include an Office Multimedia...

Carry your PC around in style
Antec Inc. recently launched its LANBOY case, a lightweight aluminum case designed for PC users who want to carry around their systems. The case includes a custom-fitted carrying strap and includes front-mounted USB ports, eight drive bays for expandability and two fan mounts for optimum cooling, Antec says. The LANBOY... January 15, 2003

Apple pitches two new notebooks
Apple today launched its 17-inch PowerBook G4, which Apple claims is the "world's first notebook with a 17-inch color display." The PowerBook measures 1-inch thick, weighs about 6.8 lbs., and also includes built-in AirPort Extreme 54M bit/sec. 802.11g wireless networking (pre-standard). Apple also announced a 12-inch PowerBook G4, which it... January 07, 2003

Toshiba ships new notebooks
Toshiba's Computer Systems Group today announced two new notebook models, the Satellite 2430/2435 and 2410/2415 series. The notebooks, which provide multimedia features and desktop performance, start at prices under $1,500, the company said. Toshiba Satellite 2435The Satellite 2430/2435 Series features an Intel Pentium 4 processor at 2.4GHz, 512M bytes of...

HP readies 3 new desktops
HP recently added three new consumer PCs to its line of Pavilion desktop PCs. The desktop models start at $519 and are designed for consumers to use PCs for applications such as sharing photos, music, videos and editing graphics. The three models are the Pavilion 504n, the 514n and the... January 06, 2003