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Monday, October 31, 2011
New MacBook Pros (Late 2011) feature updates that boost performance and value Review | Macworld
by James Galbraith, Macworld.com Oct 31, 2011 3:00 pm
Complete Coverage
Last week’s announcement of updates to the MacBook Pro was so low-key you might have missed it. And truth be told, it wasn't the flashiest update Apple has ever made to its portable lineup, with new processors and graphics highlighting the changes. While the improvements in the new MacBook Pros are modest when compared to the models they replace, there's plenty to like about the upgrades—especially if you’re the owner of an older laptop and you’re mulling an upgrade.
What’s new
While MacBook Pro prices stayed the same as the models introduced earlier this year, the components inside received subtle—yet welcome—updates. The $1199 entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro upgrades its 2.3GHz dual-core Core i5 processor to a faster 2.4GHz dual-core Core i5 chip; its 320GB hard drive has been swapped out for a 500GB model. The $1499 13-inch MacBook Pro now has a 2.8GHz dual-core Core i7 processor and a 750GB hard drive; it previously had a 2.7GHz dual-core Core i7 processor and a 500GB hard drive. The 13-inch models continue to use the same Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated graphics as the previous MacBook Pros.
The 15-inch models were updated with 2.2GHz ($1799) and 2.4GHz ($2199) quad-core Core i7 processors, up from 2.0GHz and 2.2GHz, respectively. Graphics in the 15-inch systems also saw an upgrade: The $1799 model now has a 512MB AMD Radeon HD 6750M, while the $2199 model has a 1GB AMD Radeon HD 6770M. The storage capacity hasn’t changed on the 15-inch models, with a 500GB hard drive in the $1799 model, and a 750GB hard drive in the $2199 model.
As with the previous generation of MacBook Pros, the 17-inch $2499 model matches the $2199 15-inch model in all specifications, aside from screen size and the addition of a ExpressCard/34 slot.
What hasn’t changed
Externally, the new MacBook Pros are identical to the early 2011 models. The glossy LED backlit screens each measure 13.3-, 15.4-, and 17-inches diagonally, with 1280-by-800, 1440-by-900, and 1920-by-1200 pixel resolutions, respectively. All systems have a full-sized, backlit keyboard, as well as glass multi-touch trackpads with gesture support.
The FaceTime HD webcam, stereo speakers and built-in microphone remain the same, as do the number of ports on every model: one FireWire 800, one Gigabit Ethernet, a MagSafe power connector, and one audio in and one audio out port. The 13- and 15-inch models have two USB 2.0 ports and a SDXC card slot. The 17-inch model has three USB 2.0 ports and an ExpressCard/34 slot. All of the new MacBook Pros have a Thunderbolt port, which was introduced in the early 2011 models
Benchmarks: 13-inch MacBook Pros
In terms of performance, the differences between the latest MacBook Pros and their immediate predecessors are, for the most part, as subtle as the upgrade announcement. The new $1199 13-inch 2.4GHz Core i5 MacBook Pro is just a little over 4 percent faster than the 2.3GHz system it replaces. The $1499 13-inch 2.8GHz Core i7 model is about 9 percent faster than the system it replaces.
The most interesting results were in our Photoshop and Aperture tests, which are both faster on the older systems. According to Apple's website, the MacBook Pro may adjust processor speed to avoid running into thermal issues. That could be happening in these tests. It's also possible that the hard drives may be affecting the results.
Benchmarks: 13-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Speedmark 7 Duplicate 2GB Folder Zip 4GB Folder Unzip 4GB File Pages '09 Open Word Doc 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i5 (Late 2011) 146 68.6 249.1 146.4 83.7 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.8GHz Core i7, (Late 2011) 164 54.1 208.0 114.8 84.3 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.3GHz Core i5 (Early 2011) 140 69.7 271.1 180.3 89.8 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.7GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 151 66.4 224.9 149.8 103.0 Speedmark 7 results are scores; higher scores are better. All other results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 13-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Import iMovie '11 Archive iMovie '11 Share to iTunes: Mobile iTunes 10 AAC to MP3 Encode HandBrake 0.9.5 Encode 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i5 (Late 2011) 109.3 88.2 88.8 203.8 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.8GHz Core i7, (Late 2011) 95.8 79.0 79.0 174.0 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.3GHz Core i5 (Early 2011) 116.0 87.5 99.7 210.0 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.7GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 107.0 90.8 78.7 186.0 Results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 13-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Cinebench OpenGL Cinebench CPU Parallels WorldBench 6 Multitasking Test on Windows 7 Photoshop CS5 Action Script 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i5 (Late 2011) 12.9 155.2 318.0 145.8 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.8GHz Core i7, (Late 2011) 13.4 132.3 269.7 138.1 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.3GHz Core i5 (Early 2011) 12.5 161.0 328.0 128.0 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.7GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 12.7 140.7 274.0 122.4 Cinebench OpenGL results are scores; higher is better. All other results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 13-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Aperture 3 Import and Process 207 Photos iPhoto '11 Import 500 Photos Mathematica 8 Portal 2 (1280x800) 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i5 (Late 2011) 118.6 178.4 1.09 61.5 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.8GHz Core i7, (Late 2011) 113.7 151.5 1.11 67.1 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.3GHz Core i5 (Early 2011) 121.3 171.7 0.95 61.8 13-inch MacBook Pro/2.7GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 105.4 162.2 1.02 59.5 Mathematica 8 results are scores; higher is better. Portal 2 results are framerates; higher is better. All other results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 15-inch MacBook Pros
The $1799 15-inch 2.2GHz Core i7 MacBook Pro is a little more than 12 percent faster than the 2GHz model it replaces, with graphics performance being the biggest change. With its Radeon HD 6750M graphics, the $1799 model displays 85 percent more frames per second in Cinebench’s Open GL test than last year’s comparable model and its 256MB AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics processor. Our Portal 2 tests also shows great improvement, with the new $1799 model displaying 160 frames per second, as compared to the 68.6 frames that last year’s $1799 model was able to display. The graphics in the new $1799 model are identical to that found in last year’s $2199 model, and the Portal and Cinebench OpenGL test results of those two models are also practically identical.
The new graphics in the $2199 15-inch 2.4GHz Core i7 MacBook Pro perform a little faster than the graphics in the previous $2199 model, a 15-inch 2.2GHz Core i7 MacBook Pro. Overall, the new $2199 model’s graphics run about 7 percent faster overall than its predecessor. The new $2199 model displayed nearly 12 percent more frames per second in the Cinebench OpenGL test, and 8 percent more frames per second in our Portal 2 tests.
The new 17-inch model is a little more than 4 percent faster overall than the early 2011 17-inch MacBook Pro.
Benchmarks: 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Speedmark 7 Duplicate 2GB Folder Zip 4GB Folder Unzip 4GB File Pages '09 Open Word Doc 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 190 74.4 245.5 168.9 88.6 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 219 52.7 217.4 131.6 76.0 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 216 55.8 223.4 123.5 79.0 15-inch MacBook Pro/2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 169 73.7 261.1 153.3 89.4 15-inch Macbook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 205 59.6 234.3 125.5 83.3 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 207 54.2 219.3 119.9 76.1 Speedmark 7 results are scores; higher scores are faster. All other results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Import iMovie '11 Archive iMovie '11 Share to iTunes: Mobile iTunes 10 AAC to MP3 Encode HandBrake 0.9.5 Encode 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 82.2 60.8 80.6 108.2 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 70.2 52.6 71.5 100.5 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 68.3 54.9 72.0 99.1 15-inch MacBook Pro/2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 81.0 85.3 84.9 115.6 15-inch Macbook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 73.7 65.0 75.2 106.9 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 74.2 66.8 81.9 103.2 Results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Cinebench OpenGL Cinebench CPU Parallels WorldBench 6 Multitasking Test on Windows 7 Photoshop CS5 Action Script 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 38.7 81.9 288.3 147.9 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 43.3 76.0 234.0 149.8 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 42.6 76.2 261.3 149.5 15-inch MacBook Pro/2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 20.9 86.9 280.7 144.5 15-inch Macbook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 38.8 81.9 267.7 148.9 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 38.8 82.0 265.3 147.5 Cinebench OpenGL results are scores; higher is better. All other results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
Benchmarks: 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros (Late 2011)
Aperture 3 Import and Process 207 Photos iPhoto '11 Import 500 Photos Mathematica 8 Portal 2 (1280x800) 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 117.2 186.2 1.55 160.0 15-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 103.9 141.2 1.64 174.3 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz Core i7 (Late 2011) 103.0 142.5 1.64 169.6 15-inch MacBook Pro/2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 115.5 170.4 1.46 68.6 15-inch Macbook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 101.5 141.2 1.52 160.9 17-inch MacBook Pro/2.2GHz Core i7 (Early 2011) 106.5 139.7 1.57 156.0 Mathematica 8 results are scores; higher is better. Portal 2 results are framerates; higher is better. All other results above are in seconds; lower is better. References models in italics. Best result in bold.
How we tested. We duplicated a 2GB file, created a Zip archive in the Finder from the two 2GB files and then unzipped it. In iMovie ’11, we imported a camera archive and exported it to iTunes using the Mobile Devices setting. We converted 135 minutes of AAC audio files to MP3 using iTunes’ High Quality setting. We used HandBrake 0.9.5 to encode a single chapter from a DVD previously ripped to the hard drive to H.264 using the application's Normal settings. We recorded how long it took to render a scene with multiprocessors in Cinebench and ran that application's OpenGL, frames per second test. We ran a timedemo in Call of Duty 4 at a resolution of 1024-by-768 with 4X anti-aliasing turned on. We installed Parallels 6 and ran WorldBench 6's Multitask test.—Macworld Lab testing by James Galbraith, Mauricio Grijalva and William Wang
Battery life also seems to be similar to the last set of MacBook Pros, getting between 5.5 and 6 hours of battery life in our fullscreen video playback test at full brightness.
Macworld’s buying advice
The new MacBook Pro lineup won’t cause any buyer’s remorse for those who purchased a member of the early 2011 family, or perhaps even for buyers of a 2010 MacBook Pro. If you have a laptop that's older, however, the late 2011 MacBook Pros feature faster processors, larger capacity hard drives in the 13-inch models, and improved graphics in the 15- and 17-inch models that combine to make already attractive systems an even greater value.
[James Galbraith is Macworld’s lab director.]
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Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Nintendo 3DS To Get Netflix Streaming And Free AT&T WiFi By This Summer
Take a break from all the iPad 2 announcements and check out what’s going on with the Nintendo 3DS, set to release March 27. Some good news has come out about the little gamer: Netflix streaming and free AT&T WiFi coming soon.
After a software update comes out near the end of May, the 3DS will be able to connect to 0ver 10,000 of AT&T’s hotspots. Later, by summertime, the 3DS will also have Netflix streaming. Assuming you pay at least $7.99 for unlimited streaming, you’ll be able to stream movies over WiFi. Also, you’ll be able to pause Netflix playback on the 3DS and resume it on the Wii.
Press Release
NINTENDO PLANS NEW 3D SUPER MARIO GAME, ANNOUNCES AT&T, NETFLIX COLLABORATIONS
Upcoming Nintendo 3DS System Will Expand the World of Nintendo Entertainment
SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2011 – A new 3D game from Nintendo’s iconic Super Mario series is in the works for the Nintendo 3DS™ portable system. Nintendo also announced two upcoming collaborations: Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to connect automatically to the Internet at more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, while Netflix members will instantly stream movies and other content on their Nintendo 3DS systems. These features were announced today at the Game Developers Conference during Nintendo President Satoru Iwata’s keynote address, titled “Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future.”
During his speech, Iwata said Nintendo 3DS gives developers new tools to create games and experiences never before possible while enabling them to reach the public in new ways.
“There is great potential to increase the number of people who enjoy video games by opening up new game-play opportunities that are only available through the use of 3D.” Iwata said. “Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity.”
Nintendo 3DS launches March 27 in the United States at a suggested retail price of $249.99. It lets users view 3D content without the need for special glasses. The announced 3D Super Mario game will feature traditional Mario™ game play and will fulfill the dream of Nintendo video game designer (and Mario creator) Shigeru Miyamoto to bring true depth and distance into the game’s mechanics. The game is being developed by the same Nintendo team that created the Wii™ console hits Super Mario Galaxy™ and Super Mario Galaxy 2.
At the end of May, Nintendo will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with a wireless system update that will activate the Nintendo eShop and give users access to a number of features:
A short-form video service will let people view trailers for Hollywood movies in 3D and access video game trailers, screen shots, background information and links to publishers’ websites. Content will include short video clips, such as comedy shorts or music videos, selected by Nintendo and delivered to Nintendo 3DS users who choose to receive them.
Downloadable classic games via the portable Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console™ service will include Game Boy™ and Game Boy Color games, as well as those from the Game Gear and TurboGrafx-16 systems.
“3D Classics” will introduce select classic video games remastered in 3D.
Games currently offered as Nintendo DSiWare™ and an Internet browser will be available.
The system update will also provide a solution for Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners to transfer their Nintendo DSiWare games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.To help make the wireless features of Nintendo 3DS as smooth as possible, Nintendo has collaborated with AT&T to provide Nintendo 3DS owners with automatic and free access to more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with the May system update. Nintendo’s aim is to make getting connected easy for everyone, so people who opt in to the system’s SpotPass™ service will tell their Nintendo 3DS systems to automatically connect to AT&T Hot Spots at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and airports across the country.
This summer, Nintendo 3DS will incorporate Netflix functionality. Netflix members who have an unlimited plan starting at $7.99 a month can access a broadband wireless Internet connection and instantly stream movies and TV shows directly to their Nintendo 3DS systems, similar to how the service is used on the Wii console. This means people can start watching a movie via Netflix on their Wii systems at home and then pick up the same movie later from a different location using their Nintendo 3DS systems.
For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Drobo Takes Aim At Small Businesses With New 12-Bay Version
Over the years we’ve seen Drobo expand its portfolio of devices from a strictly consumer-oriented lineup to a broader and more business-friendly one. October’s DroboPro FS made a beeline for small businesses by mashing up its networking-centric FS series with the 8-drive Pro series. And now they’re taking that a step further with the 12-bay version of the same.There’s a naming convention change, too, with numbers and everything, something I never thought I’d see Drobo do. The new B1200i denotes the 12 bays it has and the iSCSI interface. What was wrong with “DroboDozen”?
Naming aside, the new Drobo actually does have some new tricks. It’s got three iSCSI ports on the back and a new priority on actual fileserver duty and virtualization. It’s got support for thin provisioning too, and of course all that off-site backup jazz and data optimization magic that makes Drobo Drobo. It’ll be shipping in Q2; you can get one kitted out with 12 2TB drives (24TB total) for under ten thousand, it seems, which definitely isn’t home user territory. Unless you’re rich and addicted to high-definition —entertainment.
The 8-drive Drobos have also gotten a facelift, literally with the new design, but also in the form of new names and capabilities. The 8-drive versions come in the B800i and B800FS varieties, sporting iSCSI and traditional Ethernet ports respectively.
Here’s the full press release, which goes into a little more detail, but if you’re really thinking about using one or two of these for your business, it’s probably best to get specifics from IT before setting your heart on them.
Drobo Means BusinessNew Drobo Business Line Delivers “Big Storage in a Small Box” -
Unprecedented Combination of Technical Sophistication, Ease of Use and
Affordability for Small and Medium BusinessesSANTA CLARA, Calif. – February 8, 2011 – Drobo
, makers of the award-winning data storage products for businesses and
professionals, today introduced a new line of sophisticated yet
easy-to-use and affordable storage solutions for small and medium
businesses (SMBs). Designed specifically for customers who need
critical business storage capacity without the complexity and price of
legacy storage solutions, the new Drobo business systems are optimal
as primary and secondary storage for Microsoft Exchange®, Sharepoint®,
and similar business applications, departmental file-sharing or
offsite backup, and server virtualization deployments including those
using VMware solutions.“VMware recognizes the importance of affordable storage alternatives
for firms implementing virtualization as they continue on the path
toward IT as a service,” explained Parag Patel, vice president, global
strategic alliances, VMware. “Like larger organizations, SMBs are
looking for ways to improve productivity and lower IT costs. Drobo
streamlines VMware-virtualized storage for SMBs by delivering storage
that is simple, scalable, and automated – all with an affordable price
tag.”With over 150,000 customers worldwide, Drobo has already been embraced
by individual professionals and small businesses globally; the new
Drobo business systems up the ante with improved system performance
and redundancy, a new business-oriented dashboard and control panel
and upgraded business support options – all while maintaining Drobo’s
breakthrough ease-of-use and the BeyondRAID™ data protection
capabilities that define the Drobo brand.“A complex quote, full of techno-babble and corporate speak, wouldn’t
represent Drobo fairly,” said Mark Peters, senior analyst at
Enterprise Strategy Group. “Now available for small-to-medium
businesses, Drobo is what it has always been – surprisingly advanced
and scalable storage, packaged and priced for people who don’t need to
have doctorates or second mortgages to have easy, functional,
sophisticated capabilities at their fingertips.”“Our customers aren’t shy; they have tried Drobo for themselves and
are now demanding more Drobos for the rest of their business,” said
Tom Buiocchi, CEO at Drobo. “Our new Drobos for business storage
continue to meld even more ‘big technology’ and ‘Drobo ease-of-use’
for the best storage experience ever.”Today’s announcement covers a new Drobo family of products designed
with business in mind. These products include:· 8-bay file sharing Drobo with remote backup (Available now)
· 8-bay SAN (iSCSI-attached) Drobo (Available now)
· 12-bay SAN (iSCSI-attached) Drobo with expanded redundancy
features, support for thin provisioning and deprovisioning and new
data-aware tiering technology (Reserve now, shipping Q2-11)Drobo’s new business line also includes performance enhancements, new
management software and extended business support and services, in
addition to the existing ease of use, affordable capacity and storage
features that set Drobo apart from any other storage product on the
market. The systems are based on the patented BeyondRAID
™ technology and are
certified for VMware, Citrix, Microsoft Exchange and Symantec backup.Prices start just above $2K. The new line of business products is
available for purchase at http://www.Drobo.com
.Drobo also announced its new Business Premier partner program and
customer milestone of 150,000 sold. Both press releases can be
accessed online at http://www.drobo.com/news/press_releases
.About Drobo
Drobo makes award-winning data storage products for Small and Medium
Businesses and Individual professionals that provide an unprecedented
combination of sophisticated data protection and management features,
affordable capacity, and ease-of-use. Based on the patented and proven
BeyondRAID™ technology, Drobo’s ability to deliver “Big Storage in a
Small Box” creates the best storage experience ever for small and
medium businesses and hundreds of thousands of individual
professionals worldwide, who use it to support their file backup and
media archiving, server virtualization, and email application needs.
To learn more, visit http://www.drobo.com or follow us on Twitter
@drobo.###
Data Robotics, Drobo, DroboPro, DroboElite and BeyondRAID are
trademarks of Data Robotics, Inc., that may be registered in some
jurisdictions. VMware is a registered trademark and/or trademark of
VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All
other trademarks used are owned by their respective owners.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Canon Launches New Powershots, We Write Post About Them by Devin Coldewey via CrunchGear
Have you ever wondered what it looks like when a camera company releases a barrel full of new cameras on the evening following the Super Bowl? You’re about to find out. Because Canon, AKA Sunday night ruiners #1, have done this thing. Because this is when we all shop for cameras — right after returning semi-comatose to our homes and passing out after a day of wings and lite beer.Let us proceed, from most to least expensive, as usual when Canon sacks my Sunday evening.
First, and you may want to sit down for this part, there has been a rebranding of the ELPH models. Calm yourself. As it turns out this branding amounts to “a “HS” suffix to represent the inclusion of the HS SYSTEM in each model.” So when you see an HS on the end, that means it has HS. What is HS? It stands for “high sensitivity,” and is essentially a noise reduction algorithm. “Why can’t they just advertise better low-light performance,” you ask? I’ll pass that on to my PR contact. Presumably their copy writers are paid by the paragraph. Anyway!All these cameras shoot 1080p, but as with any other compact camera, it’s going to be pretty bad. Who are you kidding, you’re going to burn it on a DVD for aunt Sally or put it on Youtube for uncle Wayne anyway. As far as 1080p goes, anyway, compact cameras are the bottom of the barrel. Forget I even mentioned it.
The ELPH 500/300/100 HS (in descending order)
These things are similar to one another — but how? Well, let’s just say that they are different in this way: The 500 ($300) has a f/2.0 lens with a 4.4x zoom and a 3.2″ touchscreen LCD. It’s the nice one, hence the higher number.
The 300 ($250) has a 2.7″ screen and a F/2.7/5x zoom (not that different, but not as good a lens), and the 100 ($200) has a paltry F/2.8/4x zoom and a 3″ screen. Wait, the screen is bigger? Okay, sure, but the lens isn’t quite as wide-angle.
Of this group, honestly, I’d go with the cheapest. F/2.8 is perfectly fine for a point and shoot, the screen is fine, and you’re really not gaining much by upgrading. These aren’t the budget models, they’ve got mostly the same guts, and they’re all 12.1 megapixels, likely the exact same sensor. Save a hundred bucks and buy a case and a little tripod so you don’t have to use the flash.
The ELPH SX230
This thing is the GPS-enabled one. And it’s got an utterly insane (for a point-and-shoot) zoom factor of 14x, plus a nice big 3.0″ LCD. The 12.1 megapixels suggest it’s the same sensor as the previous group, and at $350 it’s far more expensive, so unless you’re really dying for geotagging, I’d still go with the 100 up there.
I hope this has been educational. Pictures are via DP Review, since them and Canon are like this:
I don’t blame you, PR guys. It’s cool. I know how it is.
Canon Increments DSLR Line With New T3i And T3 by Devin Coldewey via CrunchGear
Compact DSLR video has been made slightly more crowd-friendly with Canon’s latest cameras, the T3i and T3. The former is clearly a direct successor to the T2i, which we reviewed here, and the T3 is a somewhat downgraded version of the same. Details, sweet details, follow.The T3i and T3 also have aliases, as per the Canon usual: 600D and 1100D respectively. And as usual, you’d expect the big number to be the superior item, but as usual, no. Details! Inside!
Also, the press release is one space away from “empowering them asses.” It’s the same thing when you think about it.
The 18-megapixel T3i/600D is the next version in the “enthusiast” line of DSLRs, above the budget level but below the more robust and weighty 60D and 7D. The primary enhancement seems to be the addition of a swivel LCD. It’s the same screen as last year’s T2i, which is to say 720×480 and great, but now it can be pulled out and twisted and such, not unlike the 60D. The auto mode now also adjusts “picture style,” which isn’t much of an improvement, since the auto mode already adjusted “exposure, focus, white balance, and Auto Lighting Optimizer,” leaving little to the “style” setting.
Crop lines for square, 16:9, and 4:3 aspect ratios can now also be viewed while shooting video, which is nice, but other than that it doesn’t appear that the video function has sustained any improvements. That’s not a bad thing, since in my opinion the T2i was already the leader in the enthusiast zone, but you’d think in a year they might add a few frames to the FPS. It continues to take 1080p at 24/25/30fps. There’s now a feature called “Movie Digital Zoom,” a tarted-up digital zoom that claims an”extra boost without a loss in video quality,” a claim I don’t believe for a single second.
The T3i will be available at the beginning of March for $799.99. If you don’t need the twisty screen, the T2i will be available for considerably less at the same time, with almost exactly the same capabilities.
The T3/1100D is the budget DSLR, but don’t make that into a bad thing. Its 12-megapixel sensor will do 720p video at 30 or 25fps. Great, but its LCD is only 320×240 and not swivel-able, so you lose quite a bit there. Historically the 1xxxxD models have performed somewhat worse than the x00D/x50D models, but not to the point where it’s a problem. And hey, it’s $599.99, two hundred bucks less, so if you’re looking for a basic DSLR that’ll also do some solid video, this isn’t a bad deal.Personally I’d say you should spring for a T2i, but that’s just my opinion. The new kit lens now includes new IS algorithms, but I’d still spend the extra $100-$150 to get a really basic prime or wide-angle-zoom. Get the body-only, don’t bother with the kit, and buy a lens with the money you save.
Pictures courtesy of DP Review… since who sends pictures of a new product out with the press release?
What, you want the press release? Oh all right, enjoy:
CANON EMPOWERS THE MASSES TO TAKE BETTER PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOWITH THE NEW EOS REBEL T3i AND EOS REBEL T3 DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS
Two New Speedlites and a New EF-S Lens Round Out the Photographic Journey
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the EOS Rebel T3i and EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Cameras, providing numerous intelligent high-end features at attractive price points. Complementing the award-winning EOS Rebel T2i DSLR, the EOS Rebel T3i, Canon’s new flagship Rebel, offers fun and easy-to-use features for beginning photographers, and the EOS Rebel T3 provides a more attractively priced option for those looking to experience the pleasure of shooting with a DSLR camera. For the young enthusiast learning photography or the adult looking to learn more, Canon’s new Feature Guide instruction will walk Rebel T3i users through functions and provide recommendations for various settings, a great hands-on learning tool. Point-and-Shoot users looking to step-up to a DSLR will enjoy the T3i camera’s Scene Intelligent Auto mode, the most intuitive automatic camera mode available in a Canon Rebel camera to date, providing complete scene analysis and optimized settings. One of the most sought-after and requested features for a DSLR camera is now part of the new EOS Rebel T3i, Canon’s three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, ideal for properly composing those difficult overhead shots. Comfortable, lightweight and affordable, Canon’s new EOS Rebel T3 is a great camera to welcome users to the world of DSLR photography.
“Everyone today is a photographer, and for those looking to capture stunning images and do more with photography, Canon has introduced the EOS Rebel T3i and T3, offering the right balance of high-end features and easy-to-use guidance at a great price. So regardless of experience level or budget, there is a Canon Rebel camera suited to a user’s needs and lifestyle,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
Boasting Canon’s EOS HD video capture, 18-megapixel resolution, a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, new Scene Intelligent Auto, new Video Snapshot technology and new Feature Guide instruction, the EOS Rebel T3i DSLR has plenty of reasons for Mom and Dad to step up to a DSLR. Canon’s new EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera offers users a small, lightweight interchangeable lens camera with fun options. The Rebel T3 features HD movie capture, 12-megapixel resolution and Canon’s new informative Feature Guide, to help educate and instruct users as they capture great images, along with the inherent speed and low-light image quality of a Canon DSLR camera. Both new Rebel models are compatible with Canon’s complete line of more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
New EOS Feature Guide
Canon has also included a new EOS Feature Guide on both new Rebel cameras with an enhanced Quick Settings Screen that now includes detailed descriptions of camera settings. The EOS Feature Guide is designed to help first-time users and beginning enthusiasts better understand each camera setting with descriptions and guided recommendations for when to utilize certain settings. Along with an explanation of camera settings and modes, the Feature Guide includes easy-to-understand directions of how to use particular settings such as aperture adjustment in Canon’s Creative Auto mode:
Basic + Function
Canon helps beginners get more creative with photography by letting even the most entry-level novice make camera adjustments with easy to understand setting options. In automatic shooting modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action and Night Scene, Canon users can access a quick menu screen to make adjustments as per the scene’s ambience. When shooting in one of Canon’s “Basic Zones” users can make adjustments as per the scene’s lighting or scene type. An easy-to-read menu lets you select an ambience setting from Vivid, Soft, Warm, Intense, Cool, Brighter, Darker to Monochrome, while a Lighting setting allows users to select from Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light or Sunset.
Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera
An A+ for Automatic Mode
Canon aims to make everyone a better photographer and has enhanced the capabilities of the Rebel T3i’s automatic mode with new Scene Intelligent Auto technology, re-branding the green mode dial setting with a boxed “A+” design. This new camera setting now takes Picture Style into account as part of the camera’s “Auto” setting. By analyzing faces, colors, brightness, movement, and contrast, the camera will dynamically adjust picture-style parameters to match the subject and control vividness. Previously, the automatic setting on a Rebel DSLR adjusted exposure, focus, white balance, and Auto Lighting Optimizer, however on the new Rebel T3i, Picture Style Auto is also taken into account as part of the new Scene Intelligent Auto technology. By incorporating this fifth parameter the camera more intelligently analyzes scenes and adjusts settings based on the subject matter being shot. So when the camera is photographing a face it will reproduce more natural skin tones or blue skies for more vivid landscapes, a flashy red car for more saturated color and evening sunsets for more expressive images.
Fun Rebel Features
For the first time in a Rebel DSLR, the new Rebel T3i features a large Vari-Angle three-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dot/VGA resolution plus anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings for bright clear viewing from any angle. The large Vari-Angle screen helps compose low-angle or overhead shots whether capturing still images or Full HD video clips. Photographers will enjoy the convenience of capturing an overhead shot of a parade or low-angle shots of their children on the Vari-Angle screen.
Canon’s new EOS Rebel T3i DSLR gives creative photographers some fun in-camera tools that enable users to apply Creative Filters to images after they have been shot without altering the original file. Canon’s new Creative Image Filters, familiar to Canon PowerShot and EOS 60D users, help make a great image more dynamic by creating an altered copy of the image through any of Canon’s four artistic filter options:
* The Soft Focus effect filter helps dramatize an image and smooth over shiny reflections.
* The Grainy Black and White filter can give a different nostalgic perspective to any shot.
* Canon’s “Toy Camera” filter deliberately adds vignetting and color shift for a creative option when shooting a colorful scene.
* Users can also make a scene appear like a small-scale model, simulating the look from a tilt-shift lens, with Canon’s Miniature Effect filter, great when shooting any scene from a high vantage point.Each of these filters can be applied to a captured still image in-camera to create a second “filtered” JPEG version, leaving the original JPEG file unaffected.
Another addition to the camera’s Live View function is Canon’s new Aspect Ratio feature whereby the Live View screen can display cropping lines for 1:1, 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios in addition to the standard 3:2 ratio. These cropping lines make it easier to compose images in Live View, and they can help to expedite printing when using Canon’s supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Custom aspect ratios are also applied to JPEG images captured directly in-camera.
EOS HD Video Specs
The EOS Rebel T3i with Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution in selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p will grab the attention of film students and independent filmmakers alike. The Rebel T3i incorporates two Canon proprietary technologies for rendering amazing HD video, a DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and a large APS-C–sized CMOS sensor capturing fine detail and color with an amazing cinematic depth of field. The Rebel T3i DSLR allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates.
EOS HD Video: Ready For A Close-Up
When shooting Full HD video, the Rebel T3i digitally provides additional zoom power without sacrificing quality. The new Movie Digital Zoom feature, a first for Canon DSLRs, allows users to achieve 3x to 10x magnification while shooting Full HD video. Unlike standard digital zoom for still images, Movie Digital Zoom crops the video image directly from the CMOS sensor at Full HD resolution to preserve video quality and still provide amazing additional telephoto power beyond just the lens. The Movie Digital Zoom feature is great for those times when the lens isn’t enough to get you in close, but this feature provides the extra boost without a loss in video quality so a child’s smile on stage is just as clear and bright.
EOS Video Snapshot
Canon’s new EOS Video Snapshot feature borrows some innovation from Canon’s VIXIA line of camcorders for capturing, assembling and playing fun-to-watch video clips. EOS Video Snapshot enables users to capture the video highlights of family vacations, parties or milestone events, with the same ease as taking photos. Consumers can now record a series of two-, four- or eight-second video clips automatically. The scenes are assembled by the camera into continuous Video Snapshot Album files for easy playback and can even be further edited in camera or through Canon’s Video Snapshot Task software on a compatible personal computer for added flexibility and fun.
Valuable Additional Features
Along with the adjustable LCD screen, the new EOS Rebel T3i DSLR features a class-leading 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. Capable of capturing kids at play or wildlife on the move, the Rebel T3i can shoot up to 34 consecutive full resolution JPEG still images or up to 11 consecutive RAW images at speeds up to 3.7-frames-per-second to either SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards.
The Rebel T3i includes an ISO range from 100-6400, allowing it to capture beautiful images without the need for a flash during milestone events such as birthday celebrations, yet it still includes a built-in pop-up flash for those times requiring a little extra light. For the first time on a Rebel camera, the T3i features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter making it even easier to do multi-flash shoots and provide images with greater ambience. The new Integrated Speedlite settings are now even easier for beginners shooting with multiple flashes.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS T3i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in the beginning of March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99. It will also be available in a second kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1099.00.
Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera
Canon is happy to introduce a chic camera for beginners to ease into the exciting world of DSLR photography and videography; the new EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera. The Rebel T3 is designed to be the camera that can be expertly handled by anyone and allows great-looking photos to be taken with ease and style. The Rebel T3 is excellent in low-light shooting situations and simple to handle and operate.
Putting big imaging power in a small body, the new EOS Rebel T3 DSLR features a 12.2-megapixel Canon CMOS image sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. With individual pixels measuring roughly 10x larger than a pixel from a point-and-shoot camera sensor, the Rebel T3 is able to absorb more light with less noise, making it ideal for capturing high-quality images in dimly lit situations. The increased efficiencies in gathering light also make the camera better suited to freeze fast-moving objects such as capturing images of children at play at speeds up to 3-frames per second. Compatible with SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards, the Rebel T3 also shoots 1280×720 HD movies for amazing image quality for both stills and video. The Canon Rebel T3 features an ISO range from 100-6400 for capturing beautiful images in various light settings while also including a built-in pop-up flash. Designed for easy operation through the camera’s mode dial, users can go from taking great still images to great video quickly and easily, with simple to understand icons and buttons.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of March, and will be offered in a kit with Canon’s new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $599.99.
New Kit Lenses
Along with these DSLR cameras, Canon is also introducing a new kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens, the standard kit lens for both the Rebel T3i kit configuration and the Rebel T3 kit configuration.
The new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility with the advantage of Canon’s optical lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The version II of this lens includes new IS algorithms to distinguish between normal photographing and when the camera is panning to automatically provide the optimal level of image-shake correction.
New Canon Speedlite 320EX and Canon Speedlite 270EX II
The new Canon Speedlite 320EX is designed to provide DSLR users with a lightweight and versatile external flash solution. Along with the new Speedlite 320EX regular flash functions, it includes a built-in LED continuous light option that is capable of providing full-time illumination for short distances when shooting video on a DSLR or PowerShot digital camera. Ideally paired with the new EOS Rebel T3i, the new Speedlite 320EX enables bounce flash shooting with six positions including ceiling bounce for vertical shooting, and rear-wall bounce. The Speedlite 320EX also includes a new remote firing function and can remote fire any EOS DSLR camera that has a built-in wireless remote control function or Integrated Speedlite Transmitter such as the new Rebel T3i, EOS 60D, or EOS 7D DSLRs. The new Speedlite 320EX provides photographers with all the great lighting options Speedlites are known for with the added capability to shoot HD video with a full-time LED light option.
The new Canon Speedlite 270EX II, the successor to the popular 270EX Speedlite model, is a compact, lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models. Ideal for use with the new EOS Rebel T3, the new Speedlite 270EX II uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Like Canon’s high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX II allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor. The flash also features a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot for secure and easy attachment and reliable contact. In addition to the features of 270EX model, the Speedlite 270EX II adds a remote firing function similar to that of the Speedlite 320EX. Both new Speedlites can also be used as slave flash units in E-TTL wireless autoflash configurations with other E-TTL compatible EOS and PowerShot cameras. Canon’s Speedlite 270EX II is the new compact and versatile lighting tool for photographers empowering them with multiple light options, compact-size and portability.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon Speedlite 320EX is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in April for an estimated retail price of $249.99. The Canon Speedlite 270EX II is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in the beginning of April for an estimated retail price of $169.99.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with 2009 global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number six in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2010 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei.To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.>
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Toshiba D-BW500: Blu-ray/DVD/VHS recorder And 320GB HDD Rolled Into One
Some companies simply don’t forget about VHS: Toshiba Japan announced [JP] the D-BW500 today, which essentially is a Blu-ray /DVD and VHS recorder plus a 320GB hard disc rolled into one. The Swiss Army knife allows users to copy content from VHS cassettes on Blu-ray discs, DVDs or the HDD.
The D-BW500 also features REGZA link, a double digital TV tuner, an SDHC card slot (to view JPEGs and AVCHD files) and a USB port (even though it’s not possible to use an external HDD connected via USB).
Toshiba plans to start selling the device in the next few days on the Japanese market (price: $860).
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Five Reasons The PSP2 Won’t Succeed by Devin Coldewey via CrunchGear
[Excuse the comment confusion below, guys, we're migrating to Disqus, all will be well soon.]Sony has announced the PSP2 (temporarily named the “Next Generation Portable”), perhaps the final boss of handheld consoles. It’s far more powerful than its destined competitor, Nintendo’s 3DS, and incorporates social and locational data, 3G, a monster 5″ OLED screen, and a number of other features detailed here. It is to be one of the linchpin platforms for the world’s most recognizable entertainment electronics company, a stomping ground for new games, media, and services. And I think it’s going to go down in flames.
Why? It’s got its competitor beat on nearly every spec, it’s got the backing of droves of Sony fanboys, and million-selling franchises just waiting to be put on its crisp 960×544 screen. How can it fail? I’d say by not addressing the fundamental needs of a handheld gaming console and ignoring strong trends in the market.
Before I start, I just want to register my admiration of the Sony team in putting together such an impressive piece of hardware. No one can fault that. Sony is firing on all cylinders — but in my humble opinion, in the wrong direction. Here are the reasons why I feel they’re going to be steamrolled by Nintendo (and Apple) over the next three years.No truly unique gaming features
Don’t misunderstand me: the PSP has plenty of unique features. Its excellent screen, its weird hot-pants touchpad on the back, dual analog sticks, the 3G connection. But it doesn’t have what some might call a gimmick. The DS’s touchscreen and the Wii’s motion control were called gimmicks when they launched, though perhaps that term was misapplied, since now those devices are the two best selling consoles of their generations. The reason is this: when you have a unique gameplay element like two screens, every game for your system is made for that system. With a few exceptions in which the extra functionality is tacked on, DS games are unique among handheld and console games because they have to be fundamentally designed around the gaming hardware, which makes those games both original and closely allied to the system. Nintendo hopes they can pull this trick again with the 3DS.
That isn’t the case with the PSP. They’ve made an insanely powerful and compact sandbox in which developers are free to create… exactly the kind of games they create for every other system. On that note:
Big-screen gaming is big-screen for a reason
The PSP2 promises “PS3-level” graphics and sound. I find it difficult to understand why you would want a big-screen experience packed onto a small screen. That’s not to say that graphics are worthless, and it’s nice having the capability if you’re a developer, but even on that great 5″ screen, you’re going to have trouble appreciating the grand vistas of Monster Hunter or the atmosphere of Resident Evil. Add into this the fact that most of the big-name properties (Call of Duty, God Of War, Metal Gear Solid) will have big-screen counterparts, and your PS3-level graphics and sound start to seem redundant. Wouldn’t you rather have a game truly made for the small screen, designed around portability and accessibility, not a smaller, slightly modified version of a full-fledged console game?
The best-selling games on the PSP were indeed console-style games — because that’s what was on offer. Meanwhile, the top DS games outsold the PSP’s best-seller (Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, 3.1m sold) by an order of magnitude. Pointing a shrink ray at AAA games just isn’t that popular of a proposition.
More than ever before, people are seeing big-budget games for what they are: popcorn entertainment, loud and unoriginal, being released by the same production houses, with the same stars, same set pieces, and same gameplay. Not that they’re all bad or anything — we all like to watch movies like Transformers or Avatar now and again, mainly for the purpose of mindless escapism, which is a perfectly good reason. But would you buy a TV that only showed popcorn flicks?
AAA games are no longer a killer app
Some of the most interesting and best-selling games to come out in the last few years have been out-of-nowhere semi-casual games with mass appeal. Angry Birds has sold 50 million copies. That’s about twice the total sales of the top fifteen PSP games combined. Of course, it costs far less and is on more platforms, so you can say it’s apples and oranges. But that’s the thing: apples are being sold at the same stand as oranges now, and the big Transformers tie-in or the best handheld version of Modern Warfare isn’t where the gaming market is putting its money. The PSP2 doesn’t need to mimic Apple too much, but let’s be honest, they’ve got a touchscreen and a 3G connection, they’re already halfway there.
They’ve got a great thing going with PSN: like XBLA, it’s packed full of smart young developers pushing interesting, unique ideas and bite-sized games for bargain-bin prices. Yet the PSP2 is clearly focused in the other direction, towards satisfying the needs of Rockstar, EA, Infinity Ward, and the like. This maximizes cost per unit and minimizes the audience, since it’s clear that handheld gaming (including iOS and Android, since those really are becoming real competitors) is going towards… it’s not casual, exactly, but it’s certainly different from what the PSP2 was made to do.
The social and locational features will never hit critical mass
The key element in any social application is ubiquity. Facebook works because everyone’s on it. iPhone social apps work because there are a ton of iPhones and Android is on its way. Nintendo’s DS-to-DS functionality is good because in Tokyo, you’re never more than seven or eight feet from another DS. But will the PSP2 ever hit the level of ubiquity necessary for its (admittedly slick-looking) social features to work? Or will thousands of gamers check their “radar” and see nothing but empty space?
My guess is the latter, though to be fair that guess is based on my opinion that sales will be slow. Plus, with the system so plainly aimed at big, single-player experiences, it seems like the social thing is sort of mismatched. Is this thing for gaming, or socializing? What about the Playstation app, where does that fit in? And the new “Playstation Phone”? It seems to me that their initially fragmented social experience will torpedo it from the start.
It could have been something completely different, but it’s more of the same
Sony is going all-in on a pair of jacks. Sure, it’s better than nothing, but they could have folded and picked up a new hand altogether. Bear with me for a second. What if the new PSP had completely eschewed the big game experience, and was focused entirely on PSN downloadables like PixelJunk games and back-catalog stuff? Imagine: the lowered specs (as powerful but more efficient than a PSP) would have enabled a lighter and thinner device that could be sold for peanuts. Can you imagine a brand new PSP with access to all PSN games selling for $150? I can. And with seed money and a little cajoling in the right places, it could have launched with dozens of original and exclusive titles that focused not on aping the PS3, but on setting this unique mobile device apart from the tablets, consoles, and handsets of the world.
I would have bought one, and after some initial concerns about the library and some bucking by the “hardcore” that there won’t be enough Killzone, millions of others would have, too.
The main problem with the PSP2 is simply that it is an inferior version of an existing (though popular) platform: the PS3, or more generally, the home console and media station that the PS3 and 360 are becoming. If Sony could have focused its big-money games on its long-term bet, the PS3, and made the PSP into an original and compelling platform rather than a PS3 Lite. They could have caught a ride on the new-world-of-gaming wave, but instead, they chose to keep on paddling.
Sony Unveils The PSP2
As previously reported, Sony just unveiled a PSP successor, codenamed “Next Generation Portable”, at an event in Tokyo. The biggest bullet point here is that Sony claims the portable system is as powerful as the PS3, which means it will be supposedly able to produce “PS3-like graphics”. Sony did show the hardware up and running.Update:
The first game details and more information here.
The new device will come with the following features:
- 5-inch OLED touchscreen with 960×544 resolution (the current PSP has a 4.3-inch LCD with 480 × 272 resolution)
- ARM Cortex A9 core CPU (4 core)
- SGX543MP4 GPU
- storage: “new type of mini flash memory cards” (definitely no UMDs anymore)
- new form factor (Sony speaks of a “super oval” shape)
- touch pad on the rear that allows users to “touch” or “push” objects in games from the back
- 3G and Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n connectivity (3G for a portable gaming system is a first)
- front and rear cameras
- dual analog sticks
- tilt-sensitive SIXAXIS controls
- GPS
- built-in stereo speakers, mic
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
- size: 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm
Here is Sony Japan’s full press release in English.
This pic shows the back of the device:
Sony says the PSP2 will hit stores by year-end. The price hasn’t been fixed yet.The first colors:
Pic of the new game card:
Pics via AV Watch [JP]
Official pics from Sony Japan:
Update:
The first game details and more information here.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
New MacBook Pro could arrive in April 2011 with SSD, Light Peak, no DVD
Update Put your checkbooks away, folks. Electronista has all but debunked this rumor. By crunching the numbers, they confirmed that (at today's prices at least), such a MacBook Pro could easily be priced out of the market. Read on and dream, but don't expect this machine to appear on your desk any time soon.-----
Three Guys and a Podcast are reporting that the next-generation MacBook Pro will likely arrive in April 2011 with a new design inspired by the latest slim-line MacBook Air. That means that the high-end laptops will probably dispense with spinning drives altogether and come equipped only with solid-state drives of up to 512GB capacity. If you haven't yet finished ripping all of your CDs and DVDs, you'll want to complete that task before migrating to a new MBP because the internal optical drive will probably follow the floppy into the annals of history.With the internal speed bottlenecks reduced by the flash memory drives and new Sandy Bridge CPUs, Apple will also work on speeding up the external communication interfaces. Light Peak may finally debut on the MBP, two years after it was originally announced by Intel. Whether or not Light Peak makes it to the party, we expect that USB 3.0 probably will arrive in an Apple product on these new machines. The fate of Firewire is unknown at this time, but it seems unlikely to make the cut, especially if Light Peak is included. The one exception may be if Apple keeps one of the current generation 15-inch machines in the lineup as an entry model. If the 13-inch MBP also remains in the lineup, the new interfaces, CPUs and perhaps a higher resolution display will be what set it apart from the similarly sized Air.
Users are expected to be able to put this speedy new hardware to work with a new version of Final Cut Pro that should debut around the same time. Not much is known about FCP at this time except that it should be faster.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Video: The Official Dell Inspiron Duo Teaser Video
Dell showed off the wacky Inspiron Duo tablet netbook flippy thing at IFA last month. Wanna see it in action? ‘Course you do. Click through for the official Dell teaser video. Hopefully Dell comes through and this thing actually hits the retail market. It’s no iPad killer and that’s totally fine. It doesn’t have to be. It will certainly make some buyers happy and that’s what matters. [via Blogeee.net]
Monday, November 1, 2010
MacBook Air Benchmarks: Fast Enough For Everyday Use, But The Slow Processor Does Hurt Performance
You know, it’s one thing to use subjective and entirely unscientific terms like “feels” or “seems” when it comes to reviewing computers, but there’s something to be said about actually running benchmarks and comparing the numbers to other comparable computers. Numbers don’t lie. So kudos to MacWorld for actually taking the time to see just how impressive, or not, the new MacBook Air is.
Compared to the previous edition of the MacBook Air, the new version performs better in every way, most of which can be attributed to the elimination of tractional hard disk drives (HDD) and the transition to solid state drives (SSD). SSDs don’t need to spin up to a useable state, and their access and write times run circles around HDDs.
Not surprising, however, is that the MacBook Air doesn’t really compare to MacBook Pros featuring Intel Core i5 processors. You may think your MacBook Air is “faster” than your MacBook Pro if all you’re doing is reading Facebook messages, typing in Microsoft Word, or even doing some basic Photoshop editing. The SSDs will make your browser launch faster, for example, so you could simply say, “Oh, it’s faster.”
Well yeah: you’re comparing two different types of storage, one of which is demonstrably faster than the other.
But, try to render a high-resolution video using the MacBook Air, with its Core 2 Duo, then you’ll see how “fast” it is.
We actually had this argument with John. The MacBook Air is great, and probably will be “faster” for your day-to-day use thanks to the SSD, but to have purchased the computer with the express intention of editing video on it may have been a misstep on his part.
Bottom line: the MacBook Air is a state-of-the-art computer in a lot of ways, particularly when it comes to design. And for your average use, the SSDs will be a huge benefit. But don’t think that you’ll be churning out video in Premiere or Final Cut Pro as effectively as you would using a computer with a modern processor.
Then again, how often are you rendering video in the first place?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Best Buy to sell WiFi-only Galaxy Tab for $499
It looks like you’ll have a plethora of buying options if you want to pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab, as it looks like Best Buy will offer this Android tablet in a variety of options including a WiFi-only model for $499.
According to a leaked document, Best Buy will offer the 7-inch Android tablet with just WiFi and no long-term data contract for $499. That’s comparable with the Apple iPad and the two tablets will be going head to head in the retail store.
Will the Tab be appealing right next to an iPad? It’s tough to tell. The Android tablet will have a 1 GHz processor, multiple cameras and the flexibility of Google’s mobile operating system but the screen-size difference may be difficult to overcome.
I don’t agree with Apple CEO Steve Jobs about there not being a need for 7-inch tablets, as I think that’s the right size for portability. With that said, when an average consumer walks into a store and sees the iPad and Tab side by side for the same price, that extra few inches on the Apple tablet may make a difference.
The leaked document also said Best Buy will be offering the 3G versions of Samsung’s Android tablet for Sprint and Verizon. The Verizon version will land Nov. 11 and it will have 3G data capabilities and it will cost $599 with monthly data options.
Sprint went official with its Tab plans today and it will cost $399 with a two-year data contract. AT&T and T-Mobile will also offer the Samsung tablet but the companies haven’t announced pricing or availability yet.
So, the tablet wars are here and you can be sure the big retailers like Best Buy will help determine who wins and loses. I would have hoped that Samsung would have priced the WiFi-only version of the Galaxy Tab a little bit below the Apple iPad but it is reasonably priced considering that it’s packed full of high-end components.
Are you going to pick up the Samsung tablet? How are you going to buy it?
Check out our hands-on version of the Galaxy Tab below.
[Via pocketables]
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