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HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews,
HP decided that it was time to build a business notebook that sports the best features of the top consumer laptops, and the result is the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1. Ridiculously long name aside, the thin and light body construction is the right first-impression, and is a stark change from the typical squared-off black boxes that you typically find in a business notebook.
That said, you should never judge a laptop by its cover, and we've been using the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 for the past month to put it through the proper paces in anticipation of this review. Does this PC succeed at accomplishing all the things a business power user needs while maintaining the sexy appearance of a consumer laptop? Join us for our full HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review to find out.
Click to continue reading HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review
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Unboxing Live 144: HP Elitebook Folio 1040 G1
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Features, Handhelds, Videocasts,
The HP Elitebook Folio 1040 G1 aims to change the face of the business laptop. As you'll see in this episode of Unboxing Live, the Elitebook Folio 1040 G1 looks much more like a premium consumer-grade notebook as opposed to the typically more boring business models. It's super-thin and light at 3.3 pounds, and even has an SSD for quick read and write data. Check out the video for the full rundown. You can pick up your own HP EliteBook 1040 G1 here.
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Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 144: HP Elitebook Folio 1040 G1
Windows 7 users can now download Internet Explorer 10
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Internet, Microsoft, Software,
If you're a Windows 7 user, you'll be glad to hear that Internet Explorer 10 is now available for you. IE 10 launched alongside the release of Windows 8, so all other users have been left out in the cold until now. Why upgrade? Well, according to Microsoft, Windows 7 users can expect much-improved JavaScript performance, integrated spell-check with auto-correct, more stability, and better battery life on laptops and notebooks. Go ahead and give it a download.
Read More 
| Microsoft
Kno Me launches for iPad, coming soon to Windows 8 and Android
Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Software,
Kno's smart textbook metrics system for students and parents, titled "Kno Me," is now launching for the iPad, Windows 8, and other browser platforms. Kno Me works by providing detailed sets of data on the way you (or your child) studies by observing patterns and durations of interaction with subject matter, pages, annotations and more. By learning how you, or your child, learns, you will have a better chance of perfecting habits which allow for improved knowledge retention.
Kno Me is currently available for the firm's interactive text books, and will be coming to Android and Windows 7 by the end of the month.
Read More | Engadget
Consumer Report Picks Windows 7 over Windows 8
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews, Software,
Consumer Reports thinks that, for the time being, you're better off sticking with Windows 7 and waiting on Windows 8. The consumer ratings publication provides pros and (mostly) cons of Windows operating systems, and ultimately comes to the conclusion that updating to Windows 8 is not worth the upgrade at its current state. Windows 8 has received mostly lackluster reviews from technology internet sites. Most of them being flummoxed as to what went into the decision-making at Microsoft. Still, according to Microsoft, Windows 8 is selling faster than when Windows 7 launched; but there's a question as to where these numbers came from. Here's an excerpt:
"A quick look at our newest computer Ratings tells an interesting story: Despite the release of the new Windows 8 OS, many Windows 7 computers are still available from a variety of retailers, and several top our Ratings. If you're shopping for a new computer right now, there are some good reasons to opt for Windows 7." - Consumer Reports
Read More | Consumer Reports
Windows 8 upgrades will cost $40 for XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,
The launch of Windows 8 is just around the corner, and Microsoft has finally confirmed upgrade pricing. Users runing Windows XP, Windows Vista, and/or Windows 7 will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99. That's a big change for Microsoft, as upgrade pricing was previously $99 for Pro OS upgrades, and is a welcome change for consumers. Apple has been releasing major OS updates for under $30 for years now, with Mountain Lion launching later this month for $19.99, and we'd been hoping Microsoft would follow suit and drop the price.
The $40 upgrade fee applies to the digital download. If you prefer a DVD, that'ss run you $69.99 in stores. Also, both of those prices are just for a limited time, running through January 31, 2013. After that, we expect Windows 8 upgrade pricing to double.
Read More | Windows Blog
Windows 8 picks up new UI, waves goodbye to Aero Glass
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Microsoft, Software,
Microsoft has just revealed some major changes as it pertains to the user interface of Windows 8. Gone is the popular Aero Glass theme that shipped with Windows Vista and Windows 7. It's being replaced with a flatter design that seems to match the boxy shapes that we've been seeing on the Xbox 360, Windows Phone, and the Windows RT Metro UI. It does seem to make sense, although we always thought that Aero Glass was certainly visually appealing. Microsoft says it's confident that users will find the new UI less distracting.
Within the same announcement, the company takes you back in time with a tour through various Windows interfaces, starting with the original Windows 1. Good stuff.
Read More | Building Windows 8
Microsoft brings back ‘buy a PC, get free Xbox 360’ deal for students
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Hot Deals, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Video Games,
Once again, Microsoft is going to be offering a free Xbox 360 for students who buy a qualifying PC. The computers start at $699, and when purchased at certain retailers, a 4 GB Xbox 360 will be thrown in gratis beginning on May 18. Up in Canada, students are welcome to the same deal, and the PCs start at $599. Participating retailers include Dell, Best Buy, Newegg (see our Newegg promo code thread,) Fry's Electronics, Staples, Future Shop, the Microsoft Store, and more.
Wanna save even more cash? Wait to make the purchase until June 2, when the Windows 8 upgrade program is set to launch, allowing PC buyers to upgrade to Windows 8 for just $15.
Read More | Windows Team Blog
Intel working on StudyBook, a tablet for students
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Handhelds, Toys,
Intel has been working on designing a tablet, dubbed the Studybook, that focuses and built primarily on educational needs. The tablet would run on Windows 7 or Android 3.0, powered by the Atom Z650 processor, feature a front and rear-facing camera, 1 GB of RAM, and all the versatile ports such as USB 2.0, HDMI, and a microSD slot. It would fall into Intel’s line of educational computers, such as the Classmate Convertible, which is used by 7 million students over the whole world.
Now, you might be cringing thinking about how quickly students will destroy the tablets, but Intel has designed the Studybook to withstand abuse. It’s made of durable plastic and can withstand a drop from about 2 feet or so.
The StudyBook is to come with preinstalled educational software, such as the Kno e-reader and LabCam suite for science. It’s reported that the tablet should sell around $200, but no word of when its official release and availability date will be.
Read More | Intel via The Verge
2011 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway: Microsoft Touch Mouse
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Features, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Women, Men, Techies, Teens, Under $100, Under $250, Under $50, Under $500,
This 2011 Holiday Gift Guide entry is targeted at making computing a little more fun and futuristic - and we're even giving this one away! The Microsoft Touch Mouse is made exclusively for use with Windows 7. It's got a multitouch surface, allowing you to use natural touch gestures to perform common tasks. Basically, think of it as the Apple Magic Mouse, but for your Windows PC. It's got support for one-, two-, and three-findered gestures, and runs on 2 AA batteries. They sell for $79, but you can get one on Amazon now for $41, which is a whopping 48% discount.
Or, you can win one here! We are giving one of these Microsoft Touch Mouse prizes away as we continue our holiday giveaway series. Simply use the widget below to enter to win. We've got a lot of ways for you to enter, but don't check off any that you don't actually perform. If you do, you'll be eliminated:
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