One step closer to Minority Report? Well, that’s what I’m guessing with the introduction of Logitech’s new gesture-based navigation for notebook PCs. The new Logitech MX Air Mouse (could the name be any more straight-forward?) works either on a desk or on the air, allowing you to control media playback or other mouse functions through hand gestures.

Changing the volume is as easy as holding the volume button on the mouse and gesturing to the right to increase volume or to the left to decrease it. A circular gesture to the left will skip a track, while one to the rigth repeats it.

The Logitech MX Air Mouse offers convenience, so you don’t have to get off your couch (yes, that same revered spot) to increase volume when Brahms is playing in the background or when showing off photos from your trip to Australia.

Instead of a click wheel which is common on most pointing devices, the air mouse features a touch sensitive scroll panel. It has a rechargeable battery and works on 2.4GHz radio with a range of up to 30 feet. Expect the Logitech MX Air Mouse this August retailing in at US $149.

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Gateway has presented new notebooks today, they are in different series and are codenamed Gateway M-6816 and Gateway T-6815. It seems that Gateway is tying to hide the exact specifications of each laptop because there isn’t much information available, but basic features include a 15.4-inch display on the M series, and a 14.1-inch screen on the T series. They are available in 3 colors ? Crimson Red, Pacific Blue, and Slate Grey.

Other features include wireless connectivity thanks to 802.11a/b/g, optional bluetooth and a built-in web camera with 1.3 megapixels.

Several standard and optional features available on notebooks purchased through Gateway?s direct channel build on the notebooks? vast capabilities, such as 1080p-capable display, an integrated fingerprint reader and a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) for digital video and audio out.

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The Japanese HP corporation has launched a new notebook codenamed dv6500/CT, it is a special (and looks like limited) edition on the HP Pavilion series.

The new notebook features a 15.4-inch widescreen display, and there is the option to pick the processors from an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100, or T7300. The RAM memory can be as high as 2GB, the hard-disk has 160GB of capacity, and NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS is the graphic card. Other features include a built-in web camera, HDMI port, a memory card-reader.

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The GETAC V100 Rugged Tablet PC, a convertible PC that we saw recently on the Whack, is being showcased at the Enforcement Expo 2007 currently taking place at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

As reported, the V100 complies to MIL-STD 810F and IP54 standards for ruggedness. It comes with 512MB of memory expandable up to 2GB. Quick specs:

Targeted at the ladies, Targus announced two new stylish additions to its women’s line of notebook computer carrying cases. The new Fandango and Bolero Tote executive carrying cases allow you to carry a laptop or files.

The Fandango Tote (model TLT051US) is designed to look and feel like a traditional purse, fitting in an impressive 15.4″ laptop. It provides a removable pouch to store mobile accessories, as well as a handy removable wallet. Measuring 15.4″ X 5.25″ X 14.75″, the Fandango Tote weighs 2.87 lbs.

The Bolero Tote (model TLT05701US) features a short handle strap or longer strap for carrying over the shoulder. Like Fandango, it fits 15.4″ laptops comfortably and includes pockets to store PDA or other essential accessories. Measuring 16.2″ x 4″ x 13″, it weighs 2.1 lbs.

The Fandango Tote is available now for US $89.99, while the Bolero will hit the stores in August for $59.99.

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Toshiba unveiled today new laptops for professionals, they are named SS M40 and J63.

The Toshiba SS M40 has two options for the processor: either a Celeron 450 or a Core 2 Duo 7100. The monitor is on the WXGA category and measures 13.3-inches, other features on the specs list include a DVD burner, a 80GB hard-drive, and a default 512MB of RAM memory that can be upgraded to a maximum of 4GB. Wi-Fi is obviously included and the operative system can be Windows XP or Vista.

On the Toshiba J63, the processor choices of Celeron or Core 2 Duo are the same, the hard-drive can go from 80GB to 120GB, and the graphics card is a Radeon Xpress 200M. Lastly, it has a 15-inch monitor.

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Laptop Desk Futura is the new notebook stand presented by LapWorks. It is a 2-in-1 gadget that offers an ergonomic way to work while the laptop is on your lap, and at the same time it can fold into a ?wedge-shaped stand? for when you want to use it on top of a desk.

The ergonomic functionality is made due to the big (21×11x3/8-inch) workspace that is created and spans across the whole lap. This way the knees can be relaxed, no need to force them into a strange position to keep the laptop in balance.

While using it on a desk, the Laptop Desk Futura is able to offer 5 typing angles depending on the person, and it also raises the screen 3-inches which is almost eye-level, therefore you don’t need to force your neck into a strange position for continuous amounts of time.

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Dell has presented new notebooks in a new brand called Vostro, there are 4 different models with considerable differences. The lowest model is the Vostro 1000 that comes wih dual core AMD processors, 2GB of RAM memory and a hard-drive with 120GB. It includes a media card reader and a 15.4-inch display. The good part is the choice between Windows Vista or XP.

The other Vostro notebooks ? 1400, 1500 and 1700 ? feature different display screen sizes, that go from the lowest 14.1-inch, to the highest 17-inch anti-glare display. Besides different graphics card for each laptop, the following specifications are equal for all the models: Wi-Fi, optional bluetooth, 8 hours of battery life, up to 4GB of RAM memory, 8-in-1 media card reader, and an optional web camera. On top of all this, the laptops come with Media Direct + Instant Office which is a one-button quick function to view Office documents, the calendar, and contacts.

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Fujitsu showcased its latest LifeBook A Series notebook, targeted at home office users/students. The LifeBook A3130 is a neat laptop to replace your desktop, featuring a 15.4″ SuperFine wide XGA display.

The screen offers 300 nits of brightness and high 350:1 contrast rating. The LifeBook A3130 is powered by a 64-bit AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core processor (a lower end version will have the AMD Sempron 3400+ processor). For data security, there’s Fujitsu’s 3D shock sensor.

The laptop also has a spill-resistant keyboard and provides 5 USB 2.0 ports plus an SD/Memory Stick Pro/xD card reader. Other goodies include S-Video out and IEEE 1394.

No word on the pricing yet, but the LifeBook A3130 will hit the markets soon.

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AMD and ATi are both in peace, therefore the two companies decided to combine their efforts to come up with an interesting product named ATI TV Wonder 600 USB. Basically it is a ?dongle-like? device which is very easy to install and offers HDTV (with DVR features) directly on your computer.

The TV Wonder is using software made by AMD - Catalyst Media Center - that will ?amplify? the functionality on both Media Center versions of Windows Vista and XP. On top of the Wonder 600, the whole package also includes a small infrared remote control, and a way to grab video from other devices (camcorder or VCR) thanks to the A/V input adapter.

While the ATI TV Wonder 600 USB is targeting the notebooks, there is no problem using it on desktop computers, but if you are really interested in using it on the desktop just wait for the 600 PCIe version that is specifically made for the big computers.

via mobilemag

Travelmate 6492 is one of the latest notebooks presented by Acer, just like many of the laptops currently on the market, this one also makes use of the Intel ?Centrino Pro? platform and the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The display measures 14-inches and the graphics card is also powered by Intel ? Graphic Media Accelerator X3100 chip.

As for the storage capacity, the Acer Travelmate 6492 has a S-ATA hard-disk with 160GB, for some people this is more than enough and can last forever, while for others it can be easy to fill up in just a couple of weeks or one month. If you ever need to expand the usability of the Travelmate 6492, there is an Acer ezDock II/II+ docking system that is able to integrate new peripherals and make them work properly.

On the connectivity areas there is the obvious WiFi and bluetooth in the wireless section, and LAN + gigabit ethernet card for the wired part.

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ASUS has recently announced their new notebook line using the Intel Centrino Pro/Duo Processor Technology, and among the recent laptops we can find the ASUS F3E/S which is on the gamers choice category.

There are 3 options for the processor, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500/T7300/T7100; while graphics card has the NVIDIA stamp, more specifically the GeForce Go8400MG. In terms of dimensions and weight, the laptop measures 36.5x 26.95x 2.8-4.05 cm and has a considerable weight of 2.95Kg with a 6 cell battery pack. The monitor is on the medium category, it is a 15.4-inch WXGA display. Of course it has Wi-Fi and an optional 1.3Megapixel camera, as for the operative system it comes with Windows Vista (Home Premium or Basic) as we’ve been used to see recently.

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Evesham has presented their new Zieo NX600-HD laptop for the world to view and appreciate its beauty and how robust it is. The notebook has HD on its name but it doesn’t come with a HD DVD drive, nor a Blu-ray drive, on the other hand it features a 17-inch WUXGA HD screen that can offer a 1920×1200 resolution.

Besides the big resolution, the monitor also comes with X-Bright technology that can be applied to high definition movies and games. In the graphic card it presents the NVIDIA GeForce 8700M GT and the usual DirectX10 support.

On the audio part there is space for Intel High Definition Audio + 2.1speakers, while other internal specifications include 2GB of RAM, a hard-drive with 120GB, a built-in 1.3megapixel camera, and a media card reader.

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Mitac’s new laptop, the P470, got the nod from the FCC recently. Featuring Intel Pentium M (Yonah)/Celeron and front side bus from 400/533/667MHz, the laptop supports up to 2GB DDR II memory.

Featuring a 14.1″ wide TFT LCD, the display offers a 1280×800 WXGA or 1440×900 WXGA resolution. Display options include a touchscreen and sunlight-readable one. Video memory (GDDR II) options range from 64/128/256 MB. A shock-mounted 2.5″, 5400rpm SATA hard drive is provided for storage.

The Mitac P4709 weighs in at 2.8 kg (6.17 lb) - a tad heavy, and options include Bluetooth, GPS and 3G. For security, a Kensington lock and TPM 1.2 are available.

No word on the pricing yet.

Source: FCC

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Neuro Logic Systems recently unveiled RFT2-19-L2 world’s first vertical “over-under” Dual 19-inch Flat Panel display and keyboard drawer (KVM) unit that mounts into a 2U (3.50″) space. The product was originally made for the U.S. Navy but is also used by military personnel to fly UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in both a fixed rack and transport case. The product features a sealed, backlit, full-travel keyboard and sealed 38mm 3-button trackball for use in harsh war-like environments. Anti-reflective glass filters protect two high quality wide view angle 19-inch LCDs. The RFT2-19-L2 is a perfect solution for applications requiring two LCDs in single enclosure.

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Fujitsu Siemens announced the new ESPRIMO Mobile Series of professional notebook computers targeted at the entry and midrange levels in Europe. The line-up includes three models, the U9200, U9400 and D9500.

Esprimo Mobile U9200
Featuring a 12.1″ display, the U9200 weighs in at 1.8 kg (3.96 lbs) and is ultra-portable. Ideal for those on the move, it is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Battery life is claimed to be up to 10 hours.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and WLAN.

Esprimo Mobile U9400
The U9400 has a bigger 14.1″ display and weighs 2.1 kg (4.63 lb). Like the U9200, it is based on the Intel 965GM chipset and offers embedded UMTS for connectivity.

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Check out the new Joybook from BenQ. The Joybook S32 (and S32W - the white version) is made of aluminum and painted using an exclusive process. Equipped with a 13.3″ widescreen display, it comes with a ripple-textured touchpad.

The Joybook S32 also features a 1.3 megapixel QEye webcam - great for video conferencing. There’s even a QShot hotkey for quick access to the camera. With SRS TruSurround XT technology, enjoy a mini home theater right in your room.

At the heart is a Core 2 Duo processor and GM965 Express Chipset, and Windows Vista comes bundled with the S32. Other standards include a 56kbps modem, 10/100/1000 Ethernet and WLAN. Certain models also come with integrated Bluetooth 2.0+EDR.

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Toshiba has announced 3 new laptops on the Qosmio F45 AV line, the codenames are F45-AV410, F45-AV411 and F45-AV413. All the new devices have use some technology in common, such as the Dolby Home Theater, the Intel Turbo Memory, and a SuperMulti DVD drive with Labelflash. Additionally, they have two Harman Kardon Bass Reflex stereo speakers and a built-in subwoofer by Dolby.

Other features on the new Toshiba laptops include an Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T5450 running at 1.66Ghz, 2GB of RAM with a maximum capacity for 4GB, and a nice hard-drive with 200GB. Like it happened with the previously described technologies, the monitors of each laptop are also the same for all: a 15.4-inch widescreen display using TruBrite technology.

The graphics card is powered by a Mobile Intel GMA X3100 and on the connectivity options there is the usual Wi-Fi. Some models have a built-in webcam and microphone, while others feature a fingerprint reader.

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Dell has launched two new notebooks on the Inspiron series, more exactly a 14.1-inch laptop named Inspiron 1420, and a 17-inch notebook entitled Inspiron 1720.

The first and smallest uses ?Dell Wireless-N? technology that provides a better range and speed (claims to be twice as good) on a wireless experience when comparing to normal Wi-Fi. It has a weight of 2.45Kg and comes with a 9-cell battery, bluetooth, and an option Blu-ray disc.

The second and biggest one pictured above - Inspiron 1720 - makes use of ?Wi-fi Catcher? that is also suppose to offer an easier scanning for wireless signals such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and broadband. Additionally it features an Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 processor, and it can hold 4GB of RAM memory plus a dual hard-drive.

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Toshiba has launched new laptops on the Satellite series, more exactly some brand new U305 models. All laptops on the U305 series have some features in common, such as a 13.3-inch wide screen with a normal 1280×800 resolution, a web camera with 1.3megapixels, a DVD burner and support for 4GB of RAM memory.

The first Satellite notebook model is codenamed U305-S5127 and uses the Santa Rosa platform (Intel GM965 chipset), it has 200GB of storage capacity and 2GB or RAM memory. Other specifications include a Core 2 Duo T7100 processor @ 1.8Ghz and the graphics card is provided by Media Accelerator X3100. Price for this model is $1,400.

The other models are named U305-S5097 and U305-S5107 - both have the ?Napa? Intel chipset and a Graphic Media Accelerator 950. The main differences on these two systems is the processor and the RAM memory, while the first one makes use of a Pentium dual-core T2130 @ 1.83Mhz, the second uses an Intel Core 2 Duo T5300 processor @ 1.73Ghz. As for the memory, the less powerful has 1GB of RAM while the other ha 2GB.

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