Thursday, October 11, 2012

New Vizio E-Series 60" LED HDTV Available Now

Vizio recently announced a new line of sleek and slim HDTVs. This collection, which is highlighted by the E-Series 60" Class Razor LED Smart TV, also includes the E-Series 70" Class unit and the M-Series 55" and 65" Class units. The newly designed E-Series 60" model gives customers an ultra-thin, slim-frame design along with full 1080p LED HD and Vizio Internet Apps. What's even better is that the E-Series 60" is already available.

According to Chief Technology Officer for Vizio Matt McRae, "The new E-Series units, which are the first of many large-size Vizio models, give consumers access to great technology on an even bigger scale. The larger units provide more screen space with a narrower border around the picture, allowing consumers to get the most out of the crystal-clear Razor LED picture for a more immersive, WiFi enabled experience."

The E-Series 60" is loaded with all the latest technology that Vizio has to offer including Vizio Internet Apps with WiFi. The Vizio Internet Apps give you access to things like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU, YouTube, Pandora, Facebook and Twitter without the need for an external piece of hardware, like a computer or video game console.

Tamaryn Pratt, Principal for Quizel Research, added, "'Vizio's 60' is a Smart TV with the thin LED design that consumers prefer, at a price that would have only bought you a 42" CCFL TV in October 2009. Vizio has been able to drive the price down for consumers, allowing them to enjoy the latest features and a slim design on a larger screen, at a great value. With a 60" TV offering more than twice the screen viewing area of 42" TV, now is the perfect time for consumers to trade up."

Source: The Sacramento Bee - Vizio Unveils New Large Screen, LED HDTV Models Available Now
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

LG Debuts Extremely Wide EA93 Monitor at IFA 2012

LG recently debuted a rather strange looking monitor before displaying it at this year's IFA 2012 conference. The monitor itself is designed with those who like to multitask in mind as well as people who really enjoy watching movies on their computers. Known as the EA93, this 29" monitor comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is also the same ratio used in movie theaters, as well as a native WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,080, which makes it perfect for watching Blu-ray movies or gaming without having to deal with distracting screen bezels that typically come with multi-monitor setups.

In addition to movie buffs and multitaskers, the EA93 is also targeting photographers, multimedia professionals and others. The large frame and the ability for the screen to be split are some of the more appealing features for these users. The screen-splitting feature allows you to break up the display into four different segments and also allows for a variety of customizing options. What's more is that the Dual Link-up function also allows two devices to be connected to the monitor simultaneously, like your computer and a video game console, for example.

The EA93 also comes with a response time of 5ms and a 178-degree viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically. As far as connectivity options are concerned, the EA93 comes with one DVI-D Dual port, two HDMI ports, four USB 3.0 ports, one DisplayPort, PC audio in and headphone out. There is also support for Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), allowing you to mirror the contents of your smartphone or tablet while simultaneously charging it as well.

Unfortunately, LG has yet to announce an exact release date, nor have they given out exact pricing information either. However, the EA93 wasn't the only thing that LG debuted at IFA 2012. In addition to this monitor, LG debuted the EA83, a 27" IPS monitor with a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution that will sell for €800, or a little over $1,000 USD. This monitor comes with a 16:9 aspect ratio and features a plethora of ports, including one DVI-D Dual, HDMI and USB 3.0.

Source: TechSpot - LG shows off extra-wide 29-inch, 21:9 monitor at IFA
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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

AOC Launches New 27" LED Backlit Monitor

AOC, which is probably not as well known among casual PC monitor customers, has been around for quite some time and controls the market of lower priced computer monitors that still have most of the features people want and need. Well, the company recently announced the launch of a new computer display known as the e2752Vh. This device comes with a 27" screen and utilizes LED backlighting which targets PC gamers and home theater enthusiasts who are looking for great image quality at a more affordable price.

The e2752Vh will sell for $249.99, including a $50 discount, from August 11 through August 17 at select retailers. The discounted price can be acquired from TigerDirect along with BestBuy.com. The normal price of the display is $299.99 while AOC promises that the device is able to handle the grind of computer gaming with a gray-to-gray response time of 2ms. In addition to that, the quick response time should create crisp, clean graphics during fast action sequences in movies and video games.

The screen itself can display 16.7 million colors and can also be wall mounted using a standard VESA 100mm mount. Connectivity ports face outwards instead of downwards, which makes thing much easier to connect and disconnect when you need to. The e2752Vh also includes an Off Timer that sets an alarm clock to turn the screen off automatically whenever you want it to. AOC also ships the screen with Screen+ software, allowing it to be divided into four separate work areas.

Overall resolution for the monitor is full 1,920 x 1,080 HD at 60Hz with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The Dynamic contrast ratio for the screen is 20,000,000:1 with brightness rated at 300 cd/m². Connectivity options include DVI-D as well as HDMI out, both of which support HDCP for protected Blu-ray content, and a pair of internal 2.5-watt speakers are integrated into the design, allowing for sound without the need of external speakers.

If you are looking for a nice-sized LED backlit monitor that isn't extremely expensive, especially one that can double as an HDTV, then the e2752Vh from AOC is definitely something you should look into. If you are also looking for any kind of lower-priced monitor for your PC, AOC is the brand for you. Low-price monitors are this company's specialty and sometimes more expensive doesn't always mean better.

Source: Slash Gear - AOC launches new 27-inch widescreen e2752Vh LED backlit monitor
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

ViewSonic Debuts New VA12 Eco-Friendly Series

ViewSonic has just announced the latest products that the company will be offering as part of the brand new eco-friendly and affordable VA12 Series, which includes the all new VA1912m-LED and VA2212m-LED monitors. According to ViewSonic's LCD Monitor and PC Product Marketing Director, "Selecting a value series display doesn't mean having to settle for less. Our VA12 Series is a feature-rich line that delivers impressive contrast ratios, video connectivity and leading product and pixel warranties perfect for both consumers and businesses because we are confident in the quality of our displays, no matter their price point."

The VA2212m-LED is perfect for SMBs, government, education and consumer markets, as well as users that are looking for a stylish monitor at a cost-effective price. The monitor itself is a 22" full 1,920 x 1,080 HD widescreen LED monitor that goes all out on the features. This monitor offers a 10,000,000:1 MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio, OptiSync digital (DVI with HDCP) and analog (VGA) inputs in addition to two integrated 2-watt speakers.

In addition to that, this monitor offers ViewSonic's Eco-mode feature for extended display life, is mercury-free, has energy savings of up to 40% when compared to regular, equally-sized monitors and is perfect for anybody who is concerned with maintaining a low total cost of ownership. The VA12 Series also comes with a lot of useful features, like automatic aspect ratio adjustment to ensure content is optimally positioned and sized for screen viewing, standard. If you are looking for a smaller 19" model that is still eco-friendly then the VA1912m-LED 1,366 x 768 monitor is perfect for you.

Both the VA2212m-LED and VA1912m-LED come with a 3-year limited warranty standard along with the industry's best pixel performance policy. The VA2212m-LED should be available in North America now for $149 with the VA1912m-LED available in the middle of August for $125.

Source: TechPowerUp - ViewSonic's New VA12 Value Series Displays Deliver Style and Substance
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Gunnar Glasses: The Technology Eyewear for Habitual Computer Users

If you are like most office workers or tech junkies then you probably spend at least eight hours a day in front of a computer screen. Your eyes can only take so much artificial light and between the lights in your cubicle and the shine from your computer screen, things can get pretty tiring. However, you can now decide to give your eyes a break by opting for a pair of Gunnar glasses, "stylish" glasses that tout themselves as being "technology eyewear".

These glasses, with yellow-tinted curved lenses, are supposed to reduce the fatigue your eyes face when you spend immense amounts of time at your computer. But how well do they work? Most things like this barely seem to work and are more like a cheap gimmick. However, reports from multiple tech outlets are saying positive things about the Gunnar glasses. Many reports state that the glasses allow you to see your computer screen better, reduce squinting and keep your eyes feeling less tired than they usually would.

One of the best things about these glasses is their price. In a world where a pair of prescription glasses can cost as much as $300 or more, the Gunnar glasses can cost as little as $79 or as much as $189, depending on which kind you get. If you are really into these things then you can even pay a little more and have your glasses made with your prescription so you don't have to wear your own eyeglasses in addition to the Gunnar glasses.

According to Gunnar, the glasses help computer users in a variety of ways. The yellow tint of the lenses softens the high-intensity energy that monitors and fluorescent lights emit, making your overall environment seem warmer and less harsh. The one drawback here would be that the yellow tint affects how you see color. If you have a job that requires you to distinguish colors that are very similar then these glasses may make that difficult. However, Gunnar has stated that it makes lenses with a Crystalline tint that doesn't interfere with color perception.

The curved shape of the lenses also serves a two-fold purpose according to Gunnar. The first thing is that the lens focuses specifically on the distance at which most people view their computer screens. In addition to that, the curve helps trap humidity near the eye, which is useful because most offices have chronically dry air that tends to dehydrate peoples' eyes.

Gunnar glasses seem to work pretty well, especially if you are a habitual computer user and spend hours and hours on your computer everyday like I do. If you are finding your eyes becoming tired or stressed while working at your computer, I'd consider giving a pair of Gunnar glasses a try, if anything, they will make you the most stylish looking employee in the office.

Source: PC World - Gunnar Optiks Computer Eyewear