We’ve seen the operating system appear on Amazon.com and we’ve even seen it reportedly shipped with a Mac mini, but what we haven’t seem is an official Mac OS X Snow Leopard page on Apple’s website, until now, that is.

Apple has recently been kind enough to launch Snow Leopard’s official webpage showing off all of the features to be included with the update. Furthermore, Apple has put the operating system up for pre-order at $29.99 with a delivery date of August 28th.

While you might as well go ahead and pre-order the software if you already plan on buying it, I don’t see Apple running out of copies so there is really no rush.

Tags: Desktop PCs, Laptops, mac os x, Mobile News, Mobile Software, operating system, pre-order, Snow Leopard

It seems that one of Engadget’s anonymous tipsters recently notified them that they have recieved a retail version of Mac OS X 1.6 with the purchase of a Mac mini. If you don’t recognize that model number, perhaps Snow Leopard will ring a bell?

That’s right, if the above image is to be believed this buyer got their hands on Mac OS X Snow Leopard before anyone else was able to. Now assuming the image is real, we’ll have to also assume that Apple accidentally bundled the software with the Mac mini.

Tags: Apple, Desktop PCs, Mac Mini, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Snow Leopard

The Asus Eee Keyboard should have been available by now but this hot netbook is not coming anytime soon. Asus has delayed the launch and we might see it arrive in stores only sometime in October. There’s no official announcement just yet, but people say that the Eee Keyboard will cost somewhere in the $400-$500 range and that Asus will launch it after the Eee Top All-in-One PC that’s coming in September. So what do you think? Is it worth waiting for it?

via DigiTimes

Tags: all-in-one, ASUS, ASUS, Desktop PCs, Eee, keyboard, Laptops, Mobile News, netbook, Portable Devices, Top

If recent reports are to be believed we may be seeing Apple’s latest update for their Mac OS X operating system, Snow Leopard, hitting store shelves as early as August 28th.

News comes to us from Macenstein who have gotten their hands on support training documents for Snow Leopard which gives us a hint that the update will be dropping soon. In fact, their sources were quoted to have said that an August 28th launch seems “extremely likely”.

View a copy of the support training document after the break.

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Tags: Desktop PCs, Document, Laptops, leak, mac os x, release date, Snow Leopard, software, training

RIM has today announced that users can now browse the BlackBerry App World from virtually any internet connected computer. While this doesn’t really serve any purpose other than to give people a look at what’s featured in the BlackBerry App World, it’s a welcome addition.

However, RIM does throw in the ability to email an app’s download link to your BlackBerry where you can then download the software, but that’s about as deep as integration goes.

Check out the BlackBerry App World here.

Tags: App World, BlackBerry, Cell Phones, Desktop PCs, Laptops, Mobile News, Mobile Software, netbooks, online, Research In Motion, Research In Motion, RIM, software

With the rise of YouTube (and the like) comes the need for advancements in webcam technology. What you see above is Microsoft’s latest webcam offering, the LifeCam Cinema HD.

This USB 2.0 capable device is capable of 720p video capture at 30 fps in addition to auto focus, 4x digital zoom and a noise canceling microphone. There’s also a bundled technology which Microsoft calls ClearFrame which is supposedly meant to provide users with a ’smooth, detailed video’ whatever that means.

As for a price and release date, the LifeCam Cinema HD is slated for a September 9th release at $79.99.

via pocket-lint

Tags: 720p, cinema hd, Desktop PCs, Digital Cameras, Laptops, lifecam, microsoft, webcam

ASUS has a new router offering that is ready for the world entitled the RT-N13U. While this particular wireless router doesn’t have many shocking hardware features, namely 801.11b/g/n compatibility, a USB 2.0 port and 4 LAN ports, the real gem is in the software ASUS will bundle in.

ASUS says that their EZ UI management software along with their EZ QoS bandwith prioritizing software and EZ All-in-One Printer sharing software is what really sets the RT-N13U router apart from the rest. If you couldn’t tell by their names, all of this software is extremely EZ to use.

Newegg currently has ASUS’ RT-N13U router for sale at a modest $59.99.

Tags: Accessories, ASUS, Desktop PCs, ez qos, ez ui, lan, Laptops, Mobile News, netbooks, printer sharing, Printers, router, rt-n13u, usb, wireless

Back in July we saw the first set of leaked Chrome OS screen shots, or so we thought. Turns out, those were fake (who could have guessed?) but today, we bring you more screen shots of the operating system. The verdict? Still most likely fake.

While the UI looks like something Google could possibly have backed, why are the images taken on a CRT monitor? Considering Google’s massive size, one would think they would be able to provide their developers with a screen that isn’t dated as the one pictured above.

Either way, we’re going to just assume these are fake until Google comes forward and gives us an actual glimpse of the OS in action.

via mashable

Tags: Chrome OS, Desktop PCs, Fake, Google, Laptops, leak, Mobile News, Mobile Software, netbooks, screen shot

Not confused enough about Windows 7 and its various versions? Good, because Microsoft has recently released the above chart adding even more fuss to the confusion.

As you can see, Microsoft has detailed just about every kind of upgrade you could encouter on October 22nd from Windows XP all the way up to Windows Vista Ultimate. While some versions will allow for a painless upgrade, others will require you to completely wipe your harddrive clean and then install Windows 7.

Annoying? Yes. Confusing? Of course.

via AllThingsDigital

Tags: chart, Desktop PCs, Laptops, microsoft, Mobile Software, software, upgrade, Windows 7

What you see above is a tech demo of a pressure sensitive keyboard. This technology is still a ways off but the video demonstrators give us a few examples of how such a keyboard could make our typing lives easier.

For you gamers out there, they show an example where your movement speed and jumping height is determined by the force of key presses. For everyone else, there is example where font sized is determined key press force along with being able to delete whole words or single characters by pressing the delete key harder of softer.

via CNET

Tags: Desktop PCs, keyboard, microsoft, pressure sensitive, tech demo

If you’re a TechNet or MSDN subscriber, there’s some news for you — Microsoft has recently announced that the Windows 7 RTM has been made avaiable for download to subscribers of such services. For TechNet subscribers head here to get the download, and MSDN subscribers, here.

As for the rest of us, we’ll have to wait until October 22nd to get our hands on the 10,000 6 different versions of Windows 7.

via GeekSmack

Tags: Desktop PCs, Laptops, microsoft, Mobile News, msdn, operating system, RTM, technet, Windows 7

Last weekend we were notified that Amazon had put Apple’s OS X version 10.6 (aka Snow Leopard) up for pre-order. Well, it looks like Snow Leopard’s release is even closer than before as Apple has just issued a software update for OS X which will bring the operating system up to version 10.5.8.

Below is the change log for 10.5.8:

• Upgrades Safari to version 4.0.2.
• Improves the accuracy of full history search in Safari 4.
• Resolves an issue in which certain resolutions might not appear in the Display pane in System Preferences.
• Dragging an Aperture image into Automator now invokes an Aperture action instead of incorrectly invoking an iPhoto action.
• Resolves an issue that could prevent importing of large photo and movie files from digital cameras.
• Improves overall Bluetooth reliability with external devices, USB webcams and printers.
• Addresses an issue that could cause extended startup times.
• Improves iCal reliability with MobileMe Sync and CalDav.
• Addresses data reliability issues with iDisk and MobileMe.
• Improves overall reliability with AFP.
• Improves overall reliability with Managed Client.
• Improves compatibility and reliability for joining AirPort networks.
• Improves Sync Service reliability.
• Includes additional RAW image support for several third-party cameras.
• Improves compatibility with some external USB hard drives.
• Includes latest security fixes.

Tags: 10.5.8, Apple, Apple, Desktop PCs, Laptops, Mobile Software, OS X, software, software, Update

Microsoft has recently issued a press release detailing the forthcoming release of their Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000.

As you can see by the keyboard’s curve it’s all about ergonomics and comfort with this one, hell it it even has a soft touch palm press and low-profile quiet type keys. Additionally, the set will include the Wireless Mouse 500 which also features an ergonomic design, Microsoft’s BlueTrack Technology and a mini 2.4GHz dongle.

A major selling point that Microsoft is touting about the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 is that it features dedicated buttons for some of Windows 7’s most prominent features such as Device Stage and Windows Flip.

The Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 will be made available later this month for $79.95.

Tags: bluetrack, Desktop PCs, ergonomics, microsoft, wireless comfort desktop 5000, wireless mouse 5000

If you’re looking to secure your copy of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Amazon.com is now giving you that chance. The online retailer has recently updated their Snow Leopard listing making the operating system available for pre-order.

The listing includes the stand alone upgrade, a family pack, and Mac OS X Server edition priced at $29, $49 and $499, respectively.

Check it out, here.

Tags: amazon.com, Apple, Desktop PCs, mac os x, operating system, Snow Leopard

Microsoft has today announced that they will be offering a free version of Windows 7 Ultimate to those who participated in the Windows 7 Beta Program.

This announcement comes from a letter Microsoft sent to said participants:

Thank you for doing your part in making Windows 7 great! As a member of the technical beta program you took the time to download, install and give us your feedback on Windows 7 during development. Over the last 7 months you have participated in chats, live meetings and newsgroups as well as reported bugs to help us find and fix many issues. To recognize your outstanding contribution to the product we are pleased to offer you a complimentary copy of Windows 7 for your personal use.

Details:

• All current members of our English technical and international mini-beta programs are eligible.
• We are offering you a full (non-upgrade) copy of Windows 7 Ultimate Edition for your own personal use, not to be resold.
• You will be able to get access to your copy one of two ways:

A) To get up and running quickly you will be able to download your copy and get your product key via Microsoft Connect. English downloads will be available August 6th and other languages will follow as they become available.

B) Members of our English beta program have an alternative. We have reserved a limited amount of boxed retail copies that you can choose to receive instead. These are ‘first come, first served’. If you opt to have us ship you the boxed copy you should be aware that it will take much longer until you will be up and running on the final version. We will need time to manufacture and ship the copies to you. This means that you may not receive them until they are available on shelves October 22nd or later. Also, for people outside the United States you may be required to pay duties or other local taxes upon receipt.

Instructions and forms for choosing one of the above options will be available on Microsoft Connect on Monday August 3rd.

On behalf of the entire Windows product team, THANK YOU!

Paul

via Arstechnica

Tags: beta program, Desktop PCs, free copy, Laptops, microsoft, Mobile Software, testers, Windows 7

It seems that Apple has felt its time to give the Time Capsule a storage upgrade as they have recently updated their website with a 2TB model.

This new 2TB model will take the place of the old 1TB model with the 500GB will no longer be sold. This means that the 2TB model will sell for $499 while the 1TB model will sell for $299.

If you don’t know what Apple’s Time Capsule is, it is a wireless backup device that doubles as a wireless router. In other words, painless backup of all of your files while keeping you connected.

Tags: 1TB, 2tb, Apple, backup, Desktop PCs, Laptops, router, storage, time capsule, wireless

Sure, Barnes & Noble may not have a deal with Sprint that allows their eBook reader to access the internet anywhere, a la the Kindle, but they have the next best thing. Reports are coming out that Barnes & Noble has signed a deal with AT&T that will allow customers to access free WiFi in store across the nation.

This is apparantly to give customers the access to Barnes & Nobles eBook store which currently has +700,000 titles. Below is a quote from CEO of Barnes & Noble, Steve Riggio, regarding the matter:

Barnes & Noble pioneered the concept of retail stores as community centers. By providing no-fee Wi-Fi access, we are not only meeting our customers’ needs, but extending the sense of community that has always been in our stores. This is a natural progression of our digital strategy to provide customers with more choices in how, when and where they want to read.

Now let’s just see what that Plastic Logic/Barnes & Noble eBook reader looks like.

via Press

Tags: At&T, At&T, barnes noble, Crazy Mobile, customers, Desktop PCs, free wifi, Laptops, Mobile News, Portable Devices, retail stores

Here’s an interesting concept — What you see above is the Split Stick, a double-sided flash drive that features 2GB of storage on each end.

You may be wondering, why would anyone ever need this? But the makers say its the perfect solution for those who need both business and personal storage and don’t want to carry around 2 flash drives. Load up some pictures of your family, flip the switch, and get started on some business documents

Aesthetically you’ll be able to choose fro a wide array of colors along with the ability to get pretty much whatever you want laser etched on it. Best of all, the Split Stick will sell for just $20.

Read (quirky) via Gizmodo

Tags: 2GB, 4GB, Business, Desktop PCs, flash drive, Laptops, Mobile News, split stick, storage, thumb drive, usb

Microsoft has officially announced that their latest operating system, Windows 7, has been shipped to manufacturing.

This means, Windows 7 is done and closer than ever to hitting store shelves. In fact, Gizmodo reports that the finished product is so similar to the RC1 currently out that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

Here’s to hoping Microsoft can return Windows to greatness with Windows 7 after the brand had been tarnished with bad Vista publicity.

Tags: Desktop PCs, Laptops, manufacturing, microsoft, netbooks, operating system, rc1, software, windows, Windows 7

Intel has recently issued a press release detailing their recently launched 34nm SSDs. Despite featuring so called “advanced” technology buzz circulating suggests that the average user won’t notice any notable performance gains, but then what’s so special about them?

Well, Intel is hoping that the price tag will set them apart from the rest with the 80GB version being priced at $225 and the 160GB version at $440. Intel also lets us know that 1 year ago these two drives were priced at $595 and $945 respectively.

Will you be picking up one of Intel’s new 34nm SSDs or do they need to release them in higher capacities to win you over?

Press release after the break.

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Tags: 160gb, 34nm, 80gb, Desktop PCs, Intel, Laptops, solid state drive, SSD