Clevo X7200

The Clevo X7200 is a 17.3" laptop computer manufactured by Clevo, released in September 2010. Unlike other laptops of the time, the X7200 is designed to run a desktop Intel Core i7 processor for LGA 1366 socket. The X7200 may be configured to use dual link video cards using either nVIDIA GeForce GTX (Fermi architecture) in SLI or AMD (ATI) Mobility Radeon 6970 in Crossfire configuration. The X7200 has capacity for three hard drives, allowing various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and also RAID 10 if the optical drive is replaced by a fourth HDD.

The X7200 was superseded by Clevo models of updated but broadly similar desktop-computer-like characteristics, such as the P570WM3.

Performance and price

When configured with an Intel i7 980X/990X processor and NVIDIA SLI or AMD Crossfire GPUs, the performance of the X7200 is comparable to a desktop machine, faster than laptop computers with more restricted processors and graphics cards. This makes the machine suitable for processor- and graphics-intensive use, such as for playing games requiring high performance, LAN parties, software development, and video editing. The price, according to a review when the computer was launched, is commensurate with performance, starting at US$2,680, and rising to $5,781 for the configuration reviewed.

Unusual features

• Supports Intel Core i7 CPU, including the i7-980X and i7-990X, more powerful than mobile CPUs usually used by laptops.
• Four internal drive bays (including one that may hold an optical drive), more than other laptop computers.
• Supports dual video cards. The Clevo x7200 can be configured with two fast nVidia SLI or ATI CrossFire adapters, giving graphics performance better than other laptops.

Branding

Clevo laptops are not sold directly to customers, but are own-branded by resellers. Some reseller model names are:

• AVADirect X7200
• Eurocom Panther 2.0
• Maingear Titan 17
• MALIBAL Nine X7200
• Origin PC EON17
• Sager NP7280
• Falcon Northwest DRX.X
• cybertronPC

Reviews

At the time of its release in September 2010 the X7200 was favourably reviewed by AnandTech, and described as "King of the Desktop Replacement". It was also described as "an absolute tank", due to its weight of 5.5 kg in a basic configuration, compared to around 3 kg for other 17" "laptop" computers, and heavy power consumption of around 300W.

Known issues

Soon after its release, it was reported certain X7200/NP7280 configurations under heavy use would cause the power supply unit (PSU) to cut out, switching the power to the laptop's battery. In order to prevent the problem, Clevo developed a power connecting bridge so two PSUs could be used in tandem to provide the necessary power to the system, thus preventing the PSU from a fault.

Last updated on 1 August 2016 at 12:57.


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The Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon on display in Hong Kong

The Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon is a table PC released at the 2013 International CES. The Horizon has a 27-inch screen and is designed for multiple simultaneous users. It was designed specifically with tabletop gaming in mind but can also serve as a desktop computer.

Launch

The Horizon is Lenovo's first table computer. Peter Hortensius, a senior Lenovo executive said, "We've seen technology shifts across the four screens, from the desktop to the laptop, tablet and smartphone, and yet … there is still room for technologies like Horizon that bring people together." The Horizon was announced at the International CES in Las Vegas. Lenovo started selling the Horizon early in the summer of 2013 at a starting price of US$1,699.

Design and features

The Horizon runs Windows 8 and has a 27-inch ten-point multitouch display with Aura, a software interface designed to support multiple simultaneous users. Touch based apps that can be launched with Aura include a photo browser, media players, games, and educational titles. The multitouch display, along with included detachable controllers in the form of joysticks, electronic dice, and air-hockey paddles, will facilitate game play, especially digital board games such as Monopoly. When the Horizon is placed flat a specialized user interface called a moon dial appears that allows interaction with the device from any direction. The unit can also be set upright via its rear kickstand to be used as conventional desktop computer paired with a keyboard and mouse.

The Horizon has an internal battery to enable unplugged use but its size, weight of 17 pounds, and two-hour battery life it is clearly not intended to be a mobile device. The Horizon uses Intel Core i3 and Core i7 processors, can hold up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, can be ordered with hard drives up to 1TB in size, and includes Nvidia's GeForce graphics chips.

The Horizon comes with nine games pre-installed, each chosen in order to exploit the large screen and its multitouch capabilities. Major game and app developers such as Electronic Arts, FableVision, Open Labs, Ubisoft, and FilmOn TV have cooperated Lenovo to release software for the Horizon. Lenovo has launched an app store dedicated to the Horizon. Lenovo allows anyone to download the Horizon's software development kit.

The Horizon was displayed with a four-wheel stand that is probably best suited for institutional environments. Lenovo also displayed the Horizon mounted flat in a coffee table with motorized sliding leaves that conceal the electronics entirely, making the table look like a normal piece of furniture. A set of motors in the table allows the screen to be raised and titled like a conventional desktop computer. Lenovo sells an optional rolling table for US$300.

Reviews and awards

The Horizon was named by CNET's editors "Best of CES PCs and Tablets" for 2013. CNET stated, "Lenovo's Horizon Table PC received the award in the PCs and tablets category because it offers multiple new ways to use a computer, including a new way to integrate a PC into your home. It inspires conversation and some new thinking, and for that the Horizon deserves recognition."

In a review, Alex Roth of TechRader wrote, "When you like at it as an all-in-one, the Lenovo Horizon Table PC isn't so niche. Packing everything inside that 27-inch touch display for the sort of simple, elegant presentation we usually see from Apple. While the reclined mode is the most fun, it's also the least practical. If you've got the space, it would be a great way to share vacation photos or play a board game or two. The fact that Lenovo has garnered support from EA Games and Ubisoft, giants of the gaming space, has us hopeful that more apps will be designed for this unique device. Finally, it's not terribly expensive either, at least for the lower end version. i3 configurations start at only $999, so even if you're not running your own graphic design firm, the Horizon Table PC isn't out of your reach."

In a review for the New York Times David Pogue wrote, "One thing the Horizon certainly is, though, is novel. The concept really is fresh. And it neatly dispenses with the common refrain that electronic entertainment encourages isolation and represents a step down from the olden days, when families gathered around the coffee table for game nights." Pogue also stated, "Sadly, game nights around the Horizon may not become as much of a tradition as the old board games made of wood or cardboard. First, because as clever as the Aura world is, the games are a little laggy. You can get a little frustrated playing the air hockey game. It’s just not as responsive as you’d like. Often, that sluggishness really saps some of the joy."

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Last updated on 5 April 2016 at 15:41.


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Nokia N810 Internet Tablet

The Nokia N810 Internet tablet was an Internet appliance from Nokia, announced on 17 October 2007 at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco. Despite Nokia's strong association with cellular products, the N810, like preceding tablets produced by Nokia, was not a phone, but instead allowed the user to browse the Internet and communicate using Wi-Fi networks or with a mobile phone via Bluetooth. It built on the hardware and software of the Nokia N800 with some features added and some removed.

The Nokia N810 featured the Maemo Linux distribution operating system based on Maemo 4.0, which featured MicroB (a Mozilla-based mobile browser), a GPS navigation application, new media player, and a refreshed interface.

Nokia N810 Internet Tablet
Manufacturer	Nokia
Type	Internet appliance
Media	One miniSD slot, compatible with miniSD or microSD (with adapter) cards up to 8 GB
Operating system	Maemo 4.1 (codename Diablo)
CPU	400 MHz TI OMAP 2420
Memory	128 MB Random access memory
Storage	256 MB + 2 GB Flash
Display	800 × 480 resolution, 105 mm (4.13 in) diagonal, 88 pixels/cm, 225 ppi, 65536 colors (16-bit)
Input	Keyboard/Resistive Touchscreen
Camera	640 × 480 VGA Camera (currently supports photos and video)
Connectivity	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0
Power	1500 mAh BP-4L Battery
Dimensions	72 * 128 * 14 mm
Weight	226 g
Predecessor	Nokia N800
Successor	Nokia N900

Major changes from the N800

The Nokia N810 had much in common with the N800 and Internet Tablet OS 2008 operated on both, but there were some significant differences between the two. Here are the new features in the Nokia N810:

• Sliding, backlit keyboard
• Front-facing webcam (replacing pop-out rotating device)
• Ambient Light Sensor
• Integrated GPS
• 2 GB integrated internal storage
• MiniSDHC card slot (replacing two full-size SDHC slots, one internal, one external) | Maximum: 32GB
• Sunlight readable transflective display
• USB Micro-AB receptacle (replacing a USB Mini-B receptacle)
• No longer has an FM tuner

Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition

On 1 April 2008, Nokia announced a WiMAX equipped version of the N810 called the "N810 WiMAX Edition". This device was to be identical in specifications to the original N810 but included a WiMAX radio for use initially on Sprint's Xohm network, and featured a color change from Light Gray or dark blue to Black, as well as a larger case-back bulge to accommodate an antenna that was more efficient at the required bands.

The production of the Wimax Edition of the Nokia N810 ended in January 2009.

Maemo

The N810, like all Nokia Internet Tablets, ran Maemo, which was similar to many handheld operating systems, and provided a "Home" screen — the central point from which all applications and settings were accessed. The Home screen was divided into areas for launching applications, a menu bar, and a large customisable area that could display information such as an RSS reader, Internet radio player, and Google search box for example. Maemo was a modified version of Debian GNU/Linux.

The N810 was bundled with several applications including the Mozilla-based MicroB browser, Adobe Flash, Gizmo, and Skype.

Mobile Firefox "Fennec" was also made available for N810, and promised to make users "forget about the clunky, stripped-down mobile Web you're used to". Installation added the Mozilla repository to the Application Manager, allowing automatic notification of updates.

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Last updated on 14 July 2016 at 00:34.

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Surface Pro 3 with red Type Cover

The Surface Pro 3 is the third-generation Surface-series 2-in-1 detachable, designed, developed, marketed, and produced by Microsoft, which runs the Windows 10 Pro operating system (OS).
Best price Microsoft Pro 3 in Amazon US

Surface Pro 3
Developer	Microsoft
Manufacturer	Pegatron
Product family	Surface
Type	2-in-1 detachable
Generation	3rd
Released date	June 20, 2014
Introduction price	US$799–1949
Operating system	Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit Windows 10 Pro
CPU	Intel Haswell low-voltage dual-core: i3-4020Y 1.5 GHz, 3 MB cache, 11.5 W i5-4300U 1.9 up to 2.9 GHz, 3 MB cache, 15 W i7-4650U 1.7 up to 3.3 GHz, 4 MB cache, 15 W
Memory	4 or 8 GB LPDDR3 1600 MHz RAM
Storage	64, 128, 256 or 512 GB[6] (37, 97, 212 or 451 GB respectively are user-available)
Removable storage	microSD slot, up to 200 GB
Display	12.0 inches (30 cm) 2160x1440 (216 ppi) eDP ClearType HD screen with 3:2 aspect ratio, Support up to three external displays
Graphics	Intel integrated HD Graphics HD 4200 in i3 CPU HD 4400 in i5 CPU HD 5000 in i7 CPU
Sound	Front-facing stereo speakers
Input	Multi-touch touchscreen Bluetooth active pen, with underlying N-trig DuoSense technology, with 256 levels of pressure sensitivity (included) Surface Pro Type Cover detachable keyboard with touchpad (sold separately) Sensors: Dual microphones Ambient light sensor 3-axis accelerometer 3-axis gyroscope Digital compass
Camera	Front: 5 MP, 1080p HD Rear: 5 MP, 1080p HD
Touchpad	On the Surface Pro Type Cover (sold separately)
Connectivity	Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Bluetooth 4.0 LE Ports: Full size USB 3.0 Mini DisplayPort 3.5 mm audio socket Cover port (proprietary) Charging/Docking port (proprietary)
Power	Built-in rechargeable 42 W·h (150 kJ) lithium-ion battery 36 W proprietary external power supply with integrated USB charging port
Online services	Windows Store, OneDrive, Xbox Music, Xbox Games, Xbox Video
Dimensions	11.5 inches (29 cm) (width) 7.93 inches (20.1 cm) (height) 0.36 inches (9.1 mm) (depth)
Weight	800 g (1.76 pounds)
Predecessor	Surface Pro 2
Successor	Surface Pro 4
Related articles	Surface
Website	www.microsoft.com/surface

History

The older, original Surface and Surface 2, with their ARM-based processors and Windows RT operating system, are pitched against the iPad and other tablets. The Surface Pro 3 (like the preceding Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2), with its Intel CPUand Windows 8 OS, is a full-fledged PC that competes against Ultrabooks (particularly those convertible laptops with touchscreens for a tablet functionality, flexible hinges, detachable keyboards, or sliders) and other high-end subnotebooks (that don't compromise performance or battery life) such as the MacBook Air.

The Surface Pro 3 was announced on May 20, 2014, at a New York City event, pre-orders were opened on May 21, 2014, and the first models were released on June 20, 2014 in the U.S. and Canada, with the Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i7 models released on August 1, 2014. The Surface Pro 3 was launched in 25 additional markets on August 28.

On October 6, 2015, Microsoft released its successor, the Surface Pro 4 with a bigger screen with a higher resolution and reduced bezels, faster CPU options, a thinner body and improved cooling system.

Features

Hardware

The Surface Pro 3 has a body made of magnesium alloy giving a gray matted finish to the back of the device. The charging port is magnetized and connects securely to the charger.

It comes with an improved continuous kickstand, allowing the device to be set at any angle between 22 and 150 degrees. The kickstand has a high resistance which provides firmness and prevents accidental sliding.

The Surface Pro 3 features a larger 12 inches (30 cm) display over its predecessor. The screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio which Microsoft claims allow the device to be used more comfortably in the portrait orientation. Because the touch screen digitizer and the pen digitizer are combined into a single layer, the screen is physically thinner than one of earlier models, which improves viewing angle.

Although the Surface Pro 3 has a larger screen than its predecessor, it is both thinner and lighter, weighing 100 grams (0.22 lb) less. Microsoft claims the Surface Pro 3 is capable of up to 9 hours of web browsing.

The Surface Pro 3 is built on the 4th generation Intel Core processor with TPM chip for enterprise security. It includes a USB 3.0 port and a Mini DisplayPort on the right, an audio jack on the left, and a hot swap microSD slot on the back of the device. The microSD slot supports memory cards up to 200 GB. The internal solid-state drive and system memory are not user upgradeable.

Surface Pro 3 configuration options
Price tier (USD)	CPU	Integrated GPU	RAM	Internal storage
799	Intel Core i3-4020Y (1.5 GHz)	HD 4200	4 GB	64 GB
999	Intel Core i5-4300U (1.9 to 2.9 GHz)	HD 4400		128 GB
1299			8 GB	256 GB
1299	Intel Core i7-4650U (1.7 to 3.3 GHz)	HD 5000		128 GB
1549				256 GB
1949				512 GB

External display connectivity

Like its predecessor, the Surface Pro 3 is capable of connecting up to three external displays. To connect a third display the 2-in-1's own screen should be turned off.

The device itself has a single Mini DisplayPort output and in order to connect two external displays one can additionally use a secondary Mini DisplayPort on a docking station accessory (sold separately). To attach three (or fewer) displays, an aftermarket DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport hub can be used or a daisy chaining feature of compatible displays. One of external displays can be attached over-the-air utilizing Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology.

Surface Pro 3 external display connectivity
CPU model	Display 1	Display 2	Display 3
i3	eDP/DisplayPort (2560x1600, 60 Hz)	DisplayPort (2560x1600, 60 Hz)	DisplayPort (2560x1600, 60 Hz)
		DVI (2560x1600, 60 Hz)	DVI (2560x1600, 60 Hz)
		VGA (1920x1200, 60 Hz)	VGA (1920x1200, 60 Hz)
		HDMI (4096x2304, 24 Hz)	WiDi (1920x1080, 60 Hz)
i5/i7	eDP/DisplayPort (3200x2000, 60 Hz)	DisplayPort (3200x2000, 60 Hz)	DisplayPort (3200x2000, 60 Hz)
		DVI (2560x1600, 60 Hz)	DVI (2560x1600, 60 Hz)
		VGA (1920x1200, 60 Hz)	VGA (1920x1200, 60 Hz)
		HDMI (4096x2304, 24 Hz)	WiDi (1920x1080, 60 Hz)
(maximum resolution and refresh rate shown in parentheses)

In a single external display mode over DisplayPort, the i5 and i7-based models also support a resolution of 3840x2160 at 60 Hz, known as 4K Ultra HD.

Software

The Surface Pro 3 initially shipped with Windows 8.1 Pro, but since the Windows 10 release on July 29, 2015, new devices come with the updated OS pre-installed, eliminating the need to upgrade as is the case on existing devices. The Windows 10 upgrade, among other features, brings a Tablet mode, which can be useful when device is used as a tablet, that is without a keyboard attached.

Instant Go

The Surface Pro 3 is one of the first 64-bit Windows devices that features InstantGo (formerly Connected Standby), allowing for smartphone-type power management capabilities. This allows for Windows Store apps to update info (such as email) while the device appears off, and for the operating system to run automatic maintenance when connected to AC. The Surface will enter hibernation state after four hours of no activity, to further conserve battery power.

With InstantGo active there is only one power plan available with a limited options. InstantGo is currently not supported when Hyper-V is enabled, instead the device will enter hibernation each time it is put into sleep mode.

Accessories

The Surface-series devices feature a Type Cover accessory, an attachable protective keyboard, which is sold separately, yet has continually appeared in every Surface ad since the launch of the original Surface. The Type Cover for Surface Pro 3 features backlit keys, is thinner and has an improved touchpad over its predecessors. It also has a magnetic strip which binds to the front bezel of the display for additional stability. The magnetic strip can also be used to elevate the position of the keyboard, which can help to comfortably use a Type Cover on a lap.

The Surface Pro 3 is the first Surface device to feature an improved version of the Surface Pen, which is included with each device. In contrast to that from the earlier devices of the Pro line, which was based on Wacom technology, the Surface Pen of the Surface Pro 3 features N-trig DuoSense technology with 256 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Microsoft also offers a docking station, which adds five USB ports (including three USB 3.0), a Gigabit Ethernet port, an additional Mini DisplayPort (which can be used simultaneously with the port on the Surface Pro 3) and a 3.5 mm audio socket for audio input/output.

Some of Microsoft's wireless touch mice were restyled to match the Surface-series devices design, added where applicable a Bluetooth connectivity and relaunched as Surface Edition series mice: Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition and Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition.

Reception

The Surface Pro 3 has received positive reviewers. David Pogue suggested "The upshot is that, with hardly any thickness or weight penalty, the kickstand and the Type Cover let you transform your 1.8-pound tablet into an actual, fast, luxury laptop". Pogue said that the Surface Pro 3's form factor works well as a tablet, in contrast to the Surface Pro 2, whose bulk and weight limited its appeal as a tablet. Pogue also stated that the new multi-stage kickstand, 3:2 screen aspect ratio, and new Type Cover 3 detachable keyboard made it a competent laptop. Another advantage of the Surface Pro 3 is that it is considered a tablet by the FAA and TSA, despite its hardware which makes it capable of running all x86 Windows programs. This is advantageous in air travel, since a tablet can be used during takeoff or landing, and a tablet can be left in a bag when going through a TSA scanner machine, neither of which apply to a laptop.

It has been suggested that the Surface Pro 3 comes closest to the Microsoft Tablet PC concept that company founder Bill Gates announced in 2001, being the first Surface to become a credible laptop replacement. Time magazine included Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in the list of the 25 best inventions of 2014.

The Surface Pro 3 received a reparability score of 1/10 from iFixit because of the use of a strong adhesive material throughout and the difficulty in removing the display.

Timeline

Source: Microsoft Devices Blog


Last updated on 30 May 2016 at 14:18.


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