Maingear Debuts Powerful All-in-One Alpha 24 Super Stock Gaming PC

The hardest thing about successfully creating an all-in-one gaming PC is that there is a lot of powerful hardware that you have to try to fit into a small space. That is why most all-in-ones have typically been unsuccessful in their attempts to bring semi-portable, space-saving PC gaming to customers. However, that hasn't stopped Maingear from designing the Alpha 24 Super Stock, the first true boutique all-in-one gaming PC.

The highlights for the Alpha are pretty good. The device comes with an Intel Core i3 3240 3.4GHz, upgradeable to an Intel Core i7 3770K, as well as up to 256GB Crucial M4 mSATA SSD and up to 3TB mechanical HDD. In addition to that, the Alpha comes with a full-size Nvidia GeForce GTX 650Graphics, which can be enhanced to a GeForce GTX 680. Expansion slots also include two mini PCIe slots and one PCIe x 16 slot.

Of significance here is definitely the graphics card. You don't usually find full-sized graphics cards and PCIe expansion slots in an all-in-one PC. The display itself is a 24", 1,920 x 1,080 full HD touchscreen LCD monitor.Other features include an HDMI input, Nvidia's Synergy technology, power-saving Optimus tech and an optional CableCard tuner.

Despite all that, it is still hard to look past the graphics card. Some all-in-one vendors might throw in a laptop-quality graphics card, but Maingear is the only provider offering a full-fledged desktop 3D card in an all-in-one PC that is aimed right at the hearts of PC gamers. Adding that to the fact that you can upgrade that card further drastically increases the Alpha's race from extinction.

The Alpha 24 Super Stock from Maingear is currently available for purchase with Maingear estimating a two-week shipping time for special built-to-order units. Base price for the device before any customization options rounds out to $1,399, which isn't too bad for a gaming PC, especially one with 3D capabilities.

Source: CNET - Maingear introduces first boutique gaming all-in-one PC

ViewSonic Debuts New Android Smart Display and 27" LED Monitors

ViewSonic recently celebrated its 25th birthday and did so in good fashion by unveiling a set of three display products in London. The unveil included the VSD220, a 22" Android-based Smart Display, the VP2770-LED, a high resolution 27" monitor targeted towards graphics professionals, and the Pro9000, a full-HD hybrid laser/LED home cinema projector.

Most people may get a bitter taste in their mouth when they hear the term Smart Display thanks to the short-lived 2003-vintage WiFi-linked thin client technology that was released for Windows XP. In fact, CEO of ViewSonic James Chu even referenced the company's less than stellar airpanel V150 in his opening remarks. Thankfully, the VSD220 is a different product entirely.

The display part of the product is a 21.5" LED-backlit touchscreen monitor with a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 full HD while the smart side consists of a dual-core 1GHz TI OMAP 4430 processor with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. In addition to that, the device runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Internet connectivity consists of WiFi 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n or Ethernet with Bluetooth 2.1 and USB 2.0 built-in for attaching keyboards, mice or any other type of peripheral.

This monitor also comes with a micro HDMI port, allowing you to turn this smart display into a more traditional monitor. The kickstand for the device can also be set back pretty far, which allows you to put the touchscreen at a reasonably comfortable angle. The VS220 should be available in Europe in mid to late October for an estimated price of around $578.

ViewSonic also unveiled the VP2770-LED, which, as I mentioned earlier, is targeted towards professional digital design customers. This device is a 27", slim-bexel IPS monitor with a class-leading maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. The monitor offers wide viewing angles in both vertical and horizontal planes and is capable of delivering 10-bit color, which is 10.7 billion colors, in case you were wondering.

This monitor comes with VGA, HDMI, dual-link DVI-D and DisplayPort inputs along with five USB ports. The stand is capable of swiveling and pivoting from landscape to portrait mode, adding extra functionality that you don't get with most monitors. The monitor is said to be shipping in October as well for an estimated price of around $739.

Source: ZDNet - ViewSonic launches 22-inch Android Smart Display