Verizon iPhone Gets Dinged by Consumer Reports

The reception problem that plagued AT&T’s iPhone 4 last summers is also found on the Verizon version of the iPhone, according to Consumer Reports.


The influential nonprofit organization, which publishes guides on everything from cars to TVs, said that holding the Verizon iPhone “in a specific but quite natural way” can cause the phone to drop calls. Read Full Article>>

iPhone 5 Bezel Leaked More Evidence of Larger Screen

iDealsChina has revealed an image they claim is China's first iPhone 5 photo. The part is wrapped in plastic and looks to have a familiar iPhone screen profile.


The black bezel on the part is noticeably thinner on all sides; Apple is developing a 4-inch screen for the iPhone 5. Read Full Article>

Apple Rumored To Be Redesigning the Macbook Pro

There are rumors that Apple has decided to redesign the already popular case for its MacBook Pro line of laptops. According to a report on MacRumors, these redesigned cases are likely to surface with the upcoming product refresh of the MacBook Pro, replacing the current design that first stores in 2008.


The rumors of an upcoming redesign for the MacBook Pro cases first appeared on iLounge just on the eve of the device’s February update. Read Full Article>

Google Announced Browser-Based Applications, Shiny Chromebook

Everyone wants what Microsoft's got, namely control of the most widely used computing platform.


Or, more accurately, everyone wants the billions and billions of dollars that flow in from the dominance of desktop computing. Read Full Article>

MacBook Pro Is an Expensive Laptop and Now It’s Screaming Fast

MacBook Pro as my primary computer for a number of years and, even though they’re an expensive laptop, they just keep getting better and better with every variant.


The newest version sports a faster processor, faster graphics and faster RAM and Thunderbolt.
Read Full Article>

Air Beware: 2.3-Pound Samsung Laptop Hits Stores

Samsung's aluminum-clad, 11.6-inch ultraportable is shipping from retail stores in the U.S., the second Series 9 laptop that takes precise aim at Apple's MacBook Air line. Samsung seems to be on a mission to let's put this carefully emulate Apple. First Samsung came out with the 13.3-inch Series 9. Like the 13.3-inch MacBook Air, it is carved out of aluminum, is super thin at 0.64 inches (the MacBook Air is 0.68 inches at its thickest point), weighs just less than 3 pounds (2.88 pounds) and has a great display (with 400 nit brightness).
Now, Samsung has come out with a likeness of the 11.6-inch MacBook Air. And just like the Air, it is 2.3 pounds.


The 11.6-inch Series 9 is now listed as "in stock" at stores like Amazon. Previously, it had been listed as pre-order only. Though Samsung is obviously following Apple's lead, there are some important departures from the Apple template. First, the Series 9 uses Intel Core i series processors, not the older Core 2 Duo Intel chips in the MBAs. Second, it has a USB 3.0 port (the Air only has USB 2.0, no Thunderbolt ports-yet). Third, it packs 4G WiMax capability (Air has Wi-Fi only).

A few Samsung Series 9 11.6-inch highlights

  • Weight/height: 2.3 pounds, 0.65 inches
  • Materials: "arching duralumin" enclosure
  • Processor: Intel Core i3-380UM, ultra-power-efficient Core i chip
  • Storage: 64GB solid-state drive
  • Memory: 2GB
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0; WiMax 4G
  • Ports: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, MicroSD
  • Battery life: specified at 7 hours
  • Software: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
  • Price: $1,199 (though this list price is discounted at Amazon) 

That's a pretty impressive spec sheet. Not only matching Apple on design but besting it on hardware in some areas. Not everything comes up roses, though. The $1,199 11.6-inch MacBook Air packs a 128GB solid-state drive, twice that of the Samsung. And despite the high-end design, Samsung still must contend with the formidable Apple brand.

HP Announce New Range of Notebooks

HP have announced their new range of laptops, including the HP ProBook 5330m, the HP EliteBook 2560p, HP Mini 210, HP Pavilion dv4, and HP EliteBook 2760p tablet PC. This range of business and consumer notebooks sport both new designs and new technology, with all models available some time in May or June.


HP ProBook 5330m

This notebook is less than 1 inch thick, with a two tone colour screen and a brushed aluminium chassis. It also features a 13.3 inch anti-glare display with 1366 x 768 pixel resolutions, and a choice in processors from the second generation Intel Core i-series. Intel Core i3 and i5 versions are available, along with memory up to 8GB, a range of hard drives and SSDs, and a battery life that verges on six hours. Cost of the HP ProBook 5330m will be $799, with a release date not yet announced.


HP EliteBook 2560p

This is HP’s smallest and lightest EliteBook at only 3.68 pounds, featuring a 12.5 inch HD display with a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. HP is also advertising this notebook as the only notebook in the industry with an integrated optical drive in this form factor. Battery life is dependent on options, with a 3-cell battery providing up to 4 hours of life, a 6-cell up to 8 hours 30 minutes, and a 9-cell promising over 14 hours wow. The HP EliteBook 2560p will sell for $1099 and start shipping on May 23.

HP EliteBook 2760p tablet PC

The HP EliteBook 2760p tablet PC allows for both pen and finger input, although the design has not changed since the latest incarnation. There are some new goodies inside however, including new Intel processors and graphics. The HP EliteBook 2760p tablet PC will sell for $1499, with a release date not yet available.

HP Mini 210

The redesigned HP Mini 210 features a new set of colors and includes HP Beats Audio, which is a first for the Mini line. You get a choice of Atom processors with this tiny notebook, which comes in at under 3 pounds and less than 1 inch thin. The HP Mini 210 will be available from 15 June and sell for $329.99

HP Pavilion dv4

The HP Pavilion dv4 has been updated with a brand new design, improved “HP CoolSense” technology, and new colors. The dv4 weighs less than 5 pounds and has a starting price of only $599.99. It will be available from May 18.