Dell Announces Bamboo Covered Eco-PC

Category: Small Form Factor
Posted: April 22, 2008 09:42PM
Author: Chris Benjamin

Computer giant Dell Inc. appears to feel right at home during this year's Earth Week festivities - and one need look no further than a tiny, bamboo-encased desktop computer that the mammoth manufacturer unveiled today.  While details - such as name and specs - are currently hard to come by, it can be reported that Dell's eco-friendly PC is partially constructed from recycled bottles, detergent containers, and milk jugs.  Also, the bamboo shelled computer is 81% smaller than a standard desktop platform, and uses 70% less energy, as well.  This is the type of market-conscious thinking that made Dell a household name in the first place, and while we must accept that not everything can be made in an environmentally friendly manner, responsible development and use of renewable/recycled materials like this is great to see.

Asus Announces Second Generation Eee PC

Category: Small Form Factor
Posted: April 16, 2008 03:49PM
Author: Chris Benjamin

If the first generation of Asus' ultra-portable Eee PC was good, the second generation Eee will be great - with major upgrades in storage, memory, and screen size.  The next-gen Eee will feature an 8.9" LCD display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, 1 GB DDR2 RAM - double the amount found on the first-gen base model, and the same 900 MHz Intel Celeron-M CPU found on the first-gen machine.  The new ultra-portable will sport a dual solid-state drive design -  the Windows-based Eee will have a 4 GB dedicated OS drive and an 8 GB storage drive, while the Linux flavor will use the same 4 GB OS drive and a larger 16 GB drive for storage.  Additionally, the user interface features an upgraded FingerGlide touch pad capable of recognizing two finger gestures - one for scrolling, and the other for zooming.  Asus also includes a 1.3 mega-pixel webcam, 802.11g wireless capability, and high-definition audio with built-in speakers in a feather light - 0.99 kg! - package available in Pearl White or Black.

Thanks to kingdingeling for the tip on this story.

Asus unveils the smallest PC with a fully embedded graphics solution

Category: Small Form Factor
Posted: April 10, 2008 01:09AM
Author: Andrew Robinson

The Asus Essentio CS5110 is the smallest desktop PC that has embedded discrete graphics. The unit is capable of displaying high definition media better than anything in its size class and fully supports 7.1 surround as well as Blu-ray media through its Blu-ray SuperMulti drive. The CS5110 uses the worlds first two-in-one thermal module which gives the unit the best and most reliable thermal solution for a computer of its size. The CS5110 is 7.8" x 11.4" x 3.1" which isn't all that small compared to other SFF (small for factor) computers but as previously mentioned it is the smallest computer with its current set of features. The unit supports Intel Core2 Duo processors, up to two sticks of DDR2 800 memory with a maximum size of 4GB, and One hard drive from 250GB-1TB. The most important piece of the computer is of course the fully integrated discrete graphics cars which is a MXM MN8600M GT 256M. (MXM isn't the brand by the way, it stands for "Mobile PCI Express Module")

Cybernet to produce computers in a keyboard

Category: Mobile, Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: March 30, 2008 10:56AM
Author: Andrew Robinson

What is it the 80s again? Cybernet Manufacturing Inc is producing computers in a keyboard just like you remember from the late 80s to mid 90s. (Amiga, Atari, Tandy anyone?) This time around things are slightly more advanced, The ZPC-GX31 uses Intel dual/quad core processors, can use up to 4GB of DDR2 and can house a SATA II hard drive up to 750GB. Essentially this thing is just a bulky laptop/notebook without a screen as it has a touchpad and uses mini PCI cards. Intel's G31 Express chipset provides the graphics and a Realtek AC'97 provides the audio. The unit has 4 USB 2.0 ports, 2 serial ports, a parallel port, (1) mini PCI express card slot , PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports and one (1) DVI monitor port. The system is 18.5"x9"x0.5-2.5" and has a 180W power supply making this unit weigh in at 8.5LBS (aprox. 4Kg). The baseline model starts at $699.

S3 releases their latest video card

Category: Video Cards, Small Form Factor
Posted: March 21, 2008 12:05AM
Author: Andrew Robinson

S3's new video card the Chrome 430 GT 256MB is their latest venture into the video card market. The GPU is designed to run against the Nvidia 8400GS and the Radeon HD 3450. This low power design card is DX10.1 compatible and HDCP compliant, the card has a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 and is built on a 65nm manufacturing process. The card will retail at $59 which keeps it on par with its competitors.

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Cases, Cooling, Power Supplies, Monitors, Small Form Factor, General News, CPU Cooling
Posted: February 5, 2008 05:56AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our Tuesday wanderings turned up several sightings of the breaking news about NVIDIA and AGEIA.  NVIDIA Is Really Buying AGEIA! from Tech ARP and NVIDIA Moves In On PhysX IP. Ageia Acqusition Announced from HotHardware are just of few of the sites with the news item this morning.  The Vizo Ninja 2 Laptop Cooler from RBMods provides a way to keep your notebook (and other vital body parts) cool and has been updated to fit larger laptops than its predecessor.   Also in the cooling department is the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme Heatsink over at FrostyTech.  Thermalright's Ultra line of coolers has long been at the top of the cooling  performance charts so check out how well the next in the lineup performs.  For that growing collection of high-def media Viper Lair shows us nothing beats having something like the Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000340AS 1TB Hard Drive  (you can also find OCC's review HERE).  As drive capacities increase, storage systems have also evolved and TweakTown evaluates the Promise SuperTrak EX STEX8650 8-port SAS.  Now that's a way to build a serious storage array.  If LAN parties are your thing then you know the value of having a well-designed small form factor case and the NZXT Rogue at MetkuMods could be just what you've been looking for.  The name Zalman means cooling and the Zalman ZM500-HP 500W Modular Power Supply reviewed at ThinkComputers shows how they apply that expertise to PSUs.  Neoseeker has a look at the Asus EAH3870X2 TOP today.  It seems as if the trend is towrd bigger monitors these days with 22" inch widescreen model becoming more and more common.  So where does that leave models like the Samsung 743B 17-inch Monitor?  Head on over to Techgage to see if there is still a place for smaller displays.  Tech ARP is back with  an article on Upcoming Intel Processor & Memory Technologies along with an update to their earlier Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Out Next Week! item.

Hardware Roundup: Friday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, Cases, Cooling, Operating Systems, Gaming, Storage / Hard Drives, Small Form Factor, CPU Cooling
Posted: January 18, 2008 06:06AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our roundup kicks off with a look at the Noctua NF-P12 120mm Fan at Overclockers Online.  Noctua is known for its low-noise fans and the NF-P12 is designed for high-impedance applications such as CPU coolers.  Foxconn has been introducing more boards aimed at the enthusiasts market over the past year and today Legit Reviews has a look at the Foxconn X38A Motherboard.  With support for both DDR2 and DDR3 memory and tweaker friendly options such as onboard CMOS clear, power and reset switches can it make the grade for overclockers?  Next up are a pair of external hard drives and who doesn't need more storage these days?  The Tagan ICY BOX IB-3220 at GideonTech supports two 3.5" drives via a USB cable.  Just as Tagan is best known for its power supplies, the name Plextor probably makes you think of CD and DVD burners.  However, the Plextor PX-PH160US is an external 2.5" drive and Bjorn3D gives us the low down.  3dGameMan has a video review of the factory-overclocked HIS HD 3870 IceQ 3 Turbo 512MB GDDR4 Video Card.  If you're looking for a Vista performance tweak then Just Say No to SuperFetch and OCModShop shows us how.  Techgage has a double offering today looking at two cases on opposite ends of the size spectrum with the SilverStone TJ10 Full Tower and the NZXT Rogue SFF Gaming Chassis.  Finally, try saying Wii Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 three times real fast then head on over to RBmods to read the review. While we're in the gaming mode Tech ARP has updated their Crysis Benchmarking Guide.

Hardware Roundup: Thursday Edition

Category: Motherboards, Cases, Power Supplies, Operating Systems, Storage / Hard Drives, Small Form Factor, CPU Cooling, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: January 10, 2008 06:29AM
Author: Dale Shuck

As CES 2008 enters its final day, OCC has ongoing coverage available of some of the more interesting products on display this year.  Let's begin our tour of the web today by visiting the cooling department and looking at two heatsink reviews.  First up is the Scythe Andy Samurai Master Heatsink at FrostyTech which proved to be an effective, yet quiet, product.  Thermalright are known for their cooling products.  Today Overclockers Online evaluates the Thermalright Ultima-90 to see how it performs.  Many users, especially companies, have been putting off upgrading to Vista until after the first service pack is released. Tech ARP has a look under the hood in their What's New In Windows Vista Service Pack 1?  If size and portability matter when deciding what to use when assembling your rig or LAN party box, then you should have a look at the Antec NSK1380 SFF Case from 3dGameMan.  TweakTown has the GIGABYTE’s Dynamic Energy Saver Detailed if you've been wondering what all the fuss is about.  The Corsair TX750W Power Supply is reviewed by Bjorn3D.  Additional CES coverage is available starting with Pinnacle Shows Off Home Video Solutions at CES 08 at OCModShop and ThinkComputers' look at CES 2008: Buffalo Technology.

Scythe Andy Samurai Master Heatsink @ FrostyTech
What's New In Windows Vista Service Pack 1? @ Tech ARP
Antec NSK1380 SFF Case @ 3dGameMan
Pinnacle Shows Off Home Video Solutions at CES 08 @ OCModShop
Thermalright Ultima-90 @ Overclockers Online
GIGABYTE’s Dynamic Energy Saver Detailed @ TweakTown
Corsair TX750W Power Supply @ Bjorn3D
CES 2008: Buffalo Technology @ ThinkComputers

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: Cases, Cooling, Operating Systems, Mobile, Storage / Hard Drives, Small Form Factor, CPU Cooling
Posted: December 4, 2007 05:44AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our week continues and gets a little busier today.  Leading off is an article from Madshrimps looking at the challenges of resetting the CMOS on a laptop - some disassembly required!  Next it's time for some computer case reviews starting with a SFF offering from Shuttle at PCSTATS.  PC Apex has the Nexus Catepillar and Tweak News takes a look at the Apevia X-Jupiter G-Type case.  Then we make another visit to Madshrimps for their review of the Gigabyte 3D Mercury water-cooled case.  Today we also get a chance to look at a couple of phones over at TweakTown - the Topcom Webt@lker 6000 cordless Skype phone and the HTC Touch Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone.  Last week, ThinkComputers reviewed a Lowepro laptop bag and today they look at the Lowepro Factor Tote bag.  FrostyTech has the Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM heatsink up for review.  Finishing the roundup are two flash drives from ATP brought to us courtesy of Virtual-Hideout.

Gateway MT3705 Laptop CMOS reset, OS & CPU “Upgrade” @ Madshrimps
Shuttle XPC SG33G50 Intel G33 Express SFF PC @ PCSTATS
Glacialtech Igloo 5610 PWM Heatsink @ Frostytech
Lowero Factor Tote Laptop Bag Review @ ThinkComputers.org
ATP Petito & Tough Drive USB Flash Drives Review @ Virtual-Hideout
Nexus Caterpillar Case @ PC Apex
Topcom Webt@lker 6000 DECT Skype Phone @ TweakTown
Gigabyte 3D Mercury Water-Cooled Case @ Madshrimps
HTC Touch Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone @ TweakTown
Apevia X-Jupiter G-Type Black Computer Case @ Tweaknews.net

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: CPU's, Cases, Memory, Gaming, Monitors, Small Form Factor, CPU Cooling
Posted: November 20, 2007 02:35PM
Author: kingdingeling

A lot of items are on the review benches around the web today, lets dive right in. The [OC]Mod Shop review the Zalman CNPS-8700 LED Heatsink today, a relatively recent addition to Zalman's cooling lineup. Madshrimps is taking a look at the Coolermaster COSMOS Case, notable for it's spacey design. Bjorn3D takes a look at the AMD Spider Platform, a platform based entirely on the AMD/ATI gaming lineup. Your computer is too slow? Why not try the Uniblue RegistryBooster 2 Tweaking Software reviewed by TweakNews, maybe that can speed your computer up a little bit. If you're looking for a nice screen to use with that new computer you just built, check out the Samsung SyncMaster 2232GW Wide-Screen tested by TechGage. HTPC's are becoming more and more common among the computer world, and with that comes a variety of cases. The Virtual-Hideout checks out the GlacialTech Altair A380 HTPC Enclosure for you. Continuing with computer cases, Bonafidereviews has the Antec Sonata III Midsize Tower Computer Case on the test bench. Neoseeker has got a sample of the new Intel Penryn QX9770 in the test system, which will be Intel's top processor for the time being. PCStats is looking at some DDR3 today, being the Patriot Memory 2GB DDR3-1600 Memory Kit.

- Zalman CNPS-8700 LED Heatsink Review @ [OC]ModShop
- Coolermaster COSMOS Case Review @ Madshrimps
- Bjorn3D takes a look at the AMD Spider Platform @ Bjorn3D
- Uniblue RegistryBooster 2 Tweaking Software Review @ TweakNews
- Samsung SyncMaster 2232GW Wide-Screen Review @ TechGage
- GlacialTech Altair A380 HTPC Enclosure Review @ Virtual-Hideout
- Antec Sonata III Midsize Tower Computer Case Review @ Bonafidereviews
- Intel Penryn QX9770 Review @ Neoseeker
- Patriot Memory PDC32G1600LLK 2GB DDR3-1600 Memory Kit Review @ PCStats

Hardware Roundup: Thursday Morning Edition

Category: Motherboards, Cases, Power Supplies, Mobile, Gaming, Storage / Hard Drives, Small Form Factor
Posted: November 1, 2007 11:20AM
Author: kingdingeling

It's the time of day again for the hardware roundup. Starting over at TechARP, we have an update of the results for their x264 video encoding benchmark, but also an editorial about whether 64-bit Crysis is faster than it's 32-bit variant. The [OC]ModShop has posted an article about how media center PCs never have enough storage, a 'problem' known to many PC users these days. Going with storage, in case you are a laptop user and can't get enough of it, check out Western Digital's Scorpio 250GB being reviewed over at TweakTown. Moving onto cases, TweakTown also has the Thermaltake SopranoRS 101 and WingRS 100 on the review bench. Techgage also has the SilverStone Kublai KL01 Mid-Tower Case in testing. If you need a smaller HTPC case, the Virtual-Hideout might have the right case for you with it's review of the Antec Veris Fusion Black 430 Media Case. [H]ardOCP has a only-DDR3 motherboard in the testing system, the Asus P5E3 Deluxe, which is another addition to Asus' popular P5-series. As a PSU to go with that board, you could consider the Coolmax CUQ-1200B 1200W Power Supply, reviewed by PCStats.

- Coolmax CUQ-1200B 1200W Power Supply @ PCStats
- Never Enough Storage for a Media Center @ [OC]ModShop
- SilverStone Kublai KL01 Mid-Tower Case Review @ Techgage
- Western Digital Scorpio 250GB 2.5" HDD Review @ TweakTown
- Thermaltake SopranoRS 101 & WingRS 100 Review @ TweakTown
- Antec Veris Fusion Black 430 Media Case Review @ Virtual-Hideout
- ASUS P5E3 Deluxe Motherboard Review @ [H]ardOCP
- ED#66 : Is 64-Bit Crysis Really Faster Than 32-Bit Crysis? @ TechARP
- x264 Benchmark Results Updated @ TechARP

Hardware Roundup: Wednesday Evening Edition

Category: Cases, Cooling, Power Supplies, Mobile, Gaming, Speakers/Headphones, Small Form Factor, CPU Cooling
Posted: October 31, 2007 11:14AM
Author: kingdingeling

Looking around the web today, we find a variety of reviews. The OCModShop has posted some coverage of "The Simpsons Game" launch in London by Keeley Hazell. TweakTown has taken Asus' Eee PC and taken it apart to see what components are hidden by the cover. Staying with smaller computers, Tweaknews has got the Antec Veris Fusion Black Case on the review bench, which is designed for the use in HTPCs or other forms of small form factor computers. To go along with this case, you might choose the SoundGraph iMON Ultra Bay LCD Display reviewed by the Virtual-Hideout. ThinkComputers has the ZEROtherm BTF92 OC Edition CPU Cooler up for reviewing, which might be a good and quiet cooling solution for your HTPC. If you need a good sound system to go with that, try the Logitech G51 Gaming Surround 5.1 Speakers being reviewed at TechGage. Also, after reviewing the CrossFire Edition, Bjorn3D has now reviewed the normal PC Power & Cooling 750 Watt Quad Silencer Power Supply.

PC Power & Cooling 750 Watt Quad Silencer Power Supply Review @ Bjorn3D
Antec Veris Fusion Black HTPC Case Review @ Tweaknews
SoundGraph iMON Ultra Bay LCD Display Review @ Virtual-Hideout
Logitech G51 Gaming Surround Speakers Review @ Techgage
ZEROtherm BTF92 OC Edition CPU Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
ASUS Eee PC: Exclusive Inside Look! @ TweakTown
Keeley Hazell Launches 'The Simpsons' @ [OC]ModShop

News: DataWind set to show off PocketSurfer 2

Category: Internet, Mobile, Small Form Factor
Posted: July 3, 2007 02:14PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - It's been a while since we last heard anything about DataWind's PocketSurfer 2 handheld, but it looks like the company might finally have something new to say about it, with a preview of the Internet-browsing device now slated for later this month. As you can see above, the invite to the event also included some fresh new pics of the device (such as they are), which could possibly suggest that it's actually nearing a release (or not).

News: Bookeen set to release new Cybook E-Ink reader

Category: Small Form Factor, Gadgets
Posted: June 16, 2007 09:21AM
Author: Ben Grantham

engadget - Bookeen's Cybook has already been around longer than most e-book readers, and it looks like it'll soon be taking on yet another incarnation, one that finds it looking not unlike eREAD's STAReBOOK reader. Like the STAReBOOK, the new Cybook boast a 6-inch E Ink display with an 800x600 resolution and four shades of gray, and weighs in at a relatively lightweight 6.5 ounces. According to MobileRead, the latest rumor is that the Cybook will also support Open eBook, PDF, HTML, RTF, and Mobipocket document formats, along with MP3 audio, among other possible formats.

OCC News: New Home Entertainment PCs from MSI

Category: OCC News, Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: June 7, 2007 11:47AM
Author: Ben Grantham

OverclockersClub - With Computex 2007 still in full swing, the product announcements are coming thick and fast. MSI released a couple of press releases today detailing two of its new SFF (small form factor) creations. First up is the Hetis 965, a barebone system based on either the Intel G965/ICH chipset or Intel Q965/ICH8DO chipset. These come with graphics provided by the GMA X3000/3000, featuring Intel Clear Video Technology. If the Hetis is still a bit too "office client PC" for your liking then MSI has also announced its new Media Center PC.

News: VIA intros NanoBook Ultra Mobile Device - $600 ultraportable laptop

Category: Mobile, Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: June 5, 2007 07:04AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - Uh, Palm, the Foleo just got shown up. VIA just announced the NanoBook Ultra Mobile Device, a reference design for a new ultraportable laptop which just happens to be lighter and smaller than the Foleo -- and which will supposedly retail for just $600. The NanoBook runs on either Windows XP or Vista, weighs less than 850g (1.87 pounds), and sports a 1.2GHz VIA C7-M processor, up to 1GB of RAM, a 30GB hard drive, a 7-inch WVGA display, 802.11g WiFi, Bluetooth (they don't specify which kind), DVI-out, a slot next to the screen where you can pop in a GPS, VoIP, or WWAN module (the module in the pic above is some world clock thing), and up to five hours of battery life.

News: Bono Helps Bail Out Palm

Category: Mobile, Small Form Factor, General News
Posted: June 4, 2007 09:14AM
Author: Ben Grantham

PCWorld - Palm Inc.'s financial future looked a little more secure Monday as private-equity firm Elevation Partners said it will pump US$325 million into the mobile device manufacturer. In recent months, rumors have swirled that Palm would be acquired by either Motorola Inc. or Nokia Corp. as the company faces increasingly aggressive competition in the smartphone market. The recapitalization plan will see Elevation take a 25 percent equity stake in Palm, valuing the company at $8.50 per share, a premium of around 16 percent compared with the stock's performance over the last 10 trading days.

News: Palm Foleo hands-on

Category: Mobile, Small Form Factor
Posted: May 30, 2007 04:11PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - We just got our grubby little paws on that new Palm Foleo. We'll give you one guess about what we think. Ok, ok, look, it's an interesting device and an interesting concept, and we're long-time Palm fans. We like the scroll wheel, the keyboard and screen were very nice, and the browser works excellently (and with Flash! see the gallery). It's wonderful that it works so well with your phone and all of that business, but we just can't get behind this one.

News: NextComputing Redefines the "Luggable"

Category: Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: May 22, 2007 04:25PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Gearlog - Serious computing power on the go often means lugging a heavy load. Many desktop replacement notebooks are packed with features and hardware that provide portable horsepower, but also make them exceptionally heavy. NextComputing has an alternative--though I wouldn't really call it a solution. Tapping into the "I need 8-cores on the go" market, the NextComputing NextDimension Pro and Evo sport 8-cores, made up of Intel Xeon 5300 processors. Additionally, the machines can support up to 24GB of RAM, 12 160GB 7200 RPM hard drives, Firewire, and Gigabit Ethernet.

Review: Evolution case brings compact size to enthusiasts: Silverstone SG01S-Evolution

Category: Cases, Gaming, Small Form Factor
Posted: May 19, 2007 09:36AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

Inquirer - Silverstone contacted us a while ago and asked whether we'd consider to review a case that does not fit into the conventional mould, but is able to fit Radeon HD 2900XT or Geforce 8800GTS without any modifications, while supporting 8800GTX if some modifications are made. Given that we were promised a small form factor case, we immediately were interested in seeing what this high end company has in store...All in all, this case can handle a powerful gaming machine, regardless of the CPU used.

News: Sony kicks out VAIO N30 laptop, sleek LA3 desktop

Category: Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: May 15, 2007 04:24AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - While details surrounding Sony's SZ series leaked long ago, the firm is now busting out two new machines in its VAIO lineup that we've yet to witness. On the laptop side, the N30 (pictured after the break) sports a carbon fiber frame, 15.4-inch WXGA display, Intel's GMA 950 graphics set, an Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 or T7400 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 120GB shock-mounted hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11b/g, a bevy of bundled software including Office 2007 and Vista Premium, an integrated webcam, fingerprint scanner, and optional HSDPA via ExpressCard.

Preview: Samsung Q1 Ultra

Category: Mobile, Small Form Factor
Posted: May 8, 2007 10:51AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

XYZComputing - Compared to the original Q1s the Ultra models will have a better battery life, due to LED backlighting on the display, as well as a smaller overall size and 1024x600 resolution. The new model also has 3.5G wireless due to the HSDPA radio on the upgraded model, as well as high resolution video conferencing, a fingerprint reader with improved data security.

News: Linux-based Zonbox offers up subscription based computing

Category: Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: May 7, 2007 03:15PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - While subscription based music services have their fair share of proponents and critics, an interesting new Linux-based computer is looking to become the poster child of month-to-month computing. Zonbu's Zonbox is a SFF PC with a Linux OS and a minuscule pricetag that requires users to simply fork over $12.95 per month in order to keep their operating system and "$2,000 worth of applications" fully patched and up to date. The wee system features an elusive Intel-compatible ultra-low power CPU, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of flash-based storage, a fairly uninspiring graphics set, VGA out, audio in / out, WiFi, a CF reader, a pair of PS/2 ports, six additional USB ports for peripherals, and built-in Ethernet to boot.

Review: Moneual MonCaso 932P Platinum HTPC Enclosure

Category: Cases, Small Form Factor
Posted: April 27, 2007 04:24PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Virtual-Hideout - Moneaul was very gracious in sending us what appears to be the most impressive looking HTPC enclosure currently available. The Moncaso 932P Platinum Enclosure is aimed at replacing and changing the image of your current entertainment center with something that proprietary audio-video companies only hope to emulate. Of course, this is just the enclosure and it's up to you to decide what goes in it. Allow me to show you why Moneual has succeeded in taking the home theater market to the next level.

Review: Apevia X-QPACK2 SFF Case

Category: Cases, Small Form Factor
Posted: April 25, 2007 03:26PM
Author: Ben Grantham

3DGameMan - If you attend a lot of LAN parties and you are carrying around your heavy and cumbersome tower case, it might be time for a Small Form Factor Case (SFF). The Aspire X-QPACK2 SFF Case comes in a variety of different colors, has 3 windows, excellent air circulation, comes with a removable motherboard tray and even includes a 500W PSU. This case is also all aluminum, which makes it very lightweight. Watch the video to find out more and check out the bloopers at the end.

News: Samsung announces 1.8-inch 120GB disk for UMPCs and perhaps, iPods

Category: Storage / Hard Drives, Small Form Factor
Posted: April 25, 2007 06:53AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - Oh Samsung, you and your obsession with the "world's biggest" puts even Jersey girls to shame. Chalk-up two more this morning with the world's highest capacity 1.8- and 2.5-inch hard disk drives. We already knew they were working a 250GB version of their 2.5-inch, SATA 1.5Gbps (and PATA) SpinPoint M5 spinning at 5,400rpm. It'll bring an 8MB cache, 24dB whine when idle, 2W power consumption, and 12-ms average seek time when it hits later in the month. According to Samsung, that makes this the largest 2.5-inch disk in a 9.5-mm profile -- whatever. The newly announced 1.8-inch SpinPoint N2 however, brings a world's first 120GB capacity to portable handheld devices like UMPCs (pictured) and perhaps -- if Sammy is real lucky -- future iPods.

Guide: A DIY Dashtop Computer

Category: Mobile, Small Form Factor
Posted: April 18, 2007 09:04PM
Author: Dale Shuck

Popular Science - For all the time you spend in your car, you ought to get something done along the way. With an Internet-connected car PC stuffed out of sight and a touchscreen on the dash, you can e-mail a pal to get a restaurant recommendation, read reviews online, plug the address into the GPS software, and watch last night’s Colbert Report while you’re waiting for your date. There are several ways to configure and install a system, and it’s easier than you think. We designed a system-in-a-box that easily moves from car to car and runs entirely from one cigarette-lighter socket. See our guide to the parts below and the steps on the facing page, and you’ll be a mobile info hub in practically no time.

News: Intel's MID UMPCs: So long XP/Vista, hello Linux

Category: Mobile, Small Form Factor, Gadgets
Posted: April 16, 2007 05:43AM
Author: Ben Grantham

engadget - Big news on the UMPC front this morning folks. Looks like Intel is shedding the Origami gorilla (read: Microsoft) as they prep a Linux-based platform to compete with Vista and XP-based UMPCs. Intel will unveil their new MID (Mobile Internet Device) platform at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing later this week. Unfortunately for their marketing department, they've already posted the slides. Unlike UMPCs which target mobile professionals, MIDs will target "consumers and prosumers" and feature a range of screen sizes from 4.5 to 6-inches with resolutions from 800 x 480 to 1024 x 600.

Review: Shuttle's XPC SD39P2 small form factor barebones system

Category: Video Cards, Manufacturers, Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: April 14, 2007 06:27AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

TechReport - Fortunately, we're still treated to a new barebones XPC every so often. The latest such box is the SD39P2, which supports Intel's latest quad-core processors, up to 8GB of memory, two hard drives, and both PCI Express and PCI expansion cards—in a form factor the size of a toaster. The question, of course, is whether this latest toaster has the performance, features, and attention to detail that made Shuttle king of the small form factor. Read on to see what we found.

Review: GTR Tech GT3 SFF PC

Category: Prebuilts, Small Form Factor
Posted: April 10, 2007 04:17PM
Author: Dale Shuck

HotHardware - Over the last couple of weeks, we have exclusively had the chance to preview a new small form factor PC called the GT3, from the GTR Tech Corporation.  Unlike the boxy little designs that we have become accustomed to in the SFF arena, the GT3 is sleeker and more versatile; looking more like a slimmer, shorter version of an upright mid-tower.  And best of all, it can accommodate standard ATX motherboards and full sized expansion cards.  Head on over to the site and check it out…