Panasonic Lumix GF5 Ultra Compact Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera, Overhauls Touch Interface With Swappable-Lens Review

Panasonic Lumix GF5 looks identical to its predecessor, offers similar specs for $100 more, an interchangeable-lens camera built for casual users, the mirrorless Lumix GF5 will have a dramatically redesigned touchscreen interface. With the Lumix GF5, Panasonic reaffirms its commitment to a small, consumer-focused compact system camera with limited controls and a touchscreen interface. After the introduction of last year's GF3, there was quite a bit of foment among enthusiasts who thought it was too small, and too consumer-focused and this resulted in a quick about-face, as Panasonic seemed to hastily prepare the GX1 from the 2009 blueprints of the GF1, with only a few minor tweaks to set it apart. The same might be said of the Panasonic GF5, as major new features are few. The GF5 is clearly designed with beginners in mind, more advanced photogs should consider the GX1, but with a $599 sticker price (with 14-42mm lens), it's sure to be a hit.




Panasonic announced a new digital interchangeable lens system camera, the LUMIX DMC-GF5, which joins Panasonic's award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses. The LUMIX GF5 features a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and redesigned Venus Engine, helping to ensure true-to-life images through exceptional resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at a maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GF5 produces stunning photos and videos. The noise reduction system includes a combination 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR (Multi-process Noise Reduction) allowing for both bright areas and dark areas to be faithfully reproduced with minimal noise in high sensitivity image recording. Sporting a sophisticated and stylish design, the LUMIX GF5 features a compact, lightweight body with built-in flash. A rubberized grip makes it easier for users to comfortably hold the camera in one hand. Complying with Micro Four Thirds standard, a wide range of interchangeable lenses is offered to expand photographic experience even more broadly at higher level of photo quality. "Panasonic expects the LUMIX GF5 to please photo enthusiasts and budding photographers that are looking for the next step from the traditional point-and-shoot camera," said Christopher Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "The camera's host of shooting options makes photography even more artistic, yet easy for users of any experience level. The powerful Venus Engine and sensor allows the camera to achieve exceptional photo quality in a range of shooting environments."





The LUMIX GF5, like all cameras in the LUMIX G Series, adopts Contrast AF (Auto Focus), so focusing is controlled by the image sensor. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. To further advance the Contrast AF, the GF5 incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. Featuring an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF, the LUMIX GF5 can focus in approximately 0.09 seconds making it possible to capture even fast moving subjects clearly. Combined with Touch AF control and high-speed burst shooting at four frames per second in full resolution, it has never been easier to capture fast-moving objects clearly. Additionally, Pinpoint AF allows for even more precise focus by further enlarging the focus area, assisting, for example, to set focus directly on the pupil of an eye. The LUMIX GF5's large, 3.0-inch 920,000-dot high-precision touch display and Graphic User Interface (GUI) provide users with ease of use and simple operation. The touch-control system immediately allows users to set focus on a subject just by touching the screen and users can even release the shutter to snap a photo directly from the touch screen. Once a user locks onto a subject by a touch, the camera will track the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves. Touch Zoom is also available when the LUMIX Power Zoom Lens H-PS14042 lens or H-PS45175 is mounted. Creative Control Mode has been upgraded from the LUMIX DMC-GF3 by increasing filter options available on the LUMIX GF5 from six options to 14, adding Soft Focus*2, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process and Star Filter, in addition to the conventional Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, Hi Dynamic, Miniature Effect and recently introduced Low Key and Toy Effect modes. With the new GUI menu tab, switching filter effects is seamless. A preview of filter effects can be seen on the large LCD screen via Live View mode and the camera intuitively recommends filters depending on the scene that the camera detects in iA (Intelligent Auto) or iA Plus mode.




For beginner users of interchangeable lens system cameras, the GF5 features a new Scene Guide offering 23 sample pictures shot by professional photographers. Users can choose the photo closest to the situation that they are shooting and optimal parameters for shooting the scene will be set automatically. Additionally, procedures, technical advice and recommended interchangeable lens options for the scene can be shown to allow users to better understand and learn photography. In addition to shooting still photography, the LUMIX GF5 can also record 1920x1080 60i* full-High Definition videos in AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback. In addition to practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets the user enjoy professional-like selective focusing which allows the focus to be changed while shooting video. The LUMIX GF5 features a dedicated video record button on the top of the body so users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without having to make setting adjustments. Along with full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GF5 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files. Additional features of the LUMIX GF5 include:

• iA mode to automatically activate a range of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change, including AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control.
• iA Plus mode allows users to adjust defocusing area in the background, exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.
• A dedicated sensor that automatically determines shooting angle, making it possible to tell whether a photo was taken horizontally or vertically no matter what lens was used.
• The GUI interface allows users to choose an image and set it as wallpaper for the menu screen.

The LUMIX DMC-GF5 will be available in black, white and red later this year in the following kit options: Body with 14-42mm standard zoom lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599; body with 14-42mm power zoom lens will have an SRP of $749. The competitive market in the GF5's class:

	Nikon 1 J1	Olympus PEN E-PM1	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5	Pentax Q	Sony Alpha NEX-C3
Sensor (effective resolution)	10-megapixel CMOS	12.3- megapixel Live MOS	12.1- megapixel Live MOS	12.1- megapixel Live MOS	12.4- megapixel BSI CMOS	16.2- megapixel Exmor HD CMOS
	13.2mm x 8.8mm	17.3mm x 13mm	17.3mm x 13mm	17.3mm x 13mm	1/2.3-inch	23.5mm x 15.6mm
Focal-length multiplier	2.7x	2.0x	2.0x	2.0x	5.5x	1.5x
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 - ISO 3200 / 6400 (expanded)	ISO 200 - ISO 12800	ISO 100 - ISO 6400	ISO 100 - ISO 6400 / 12800 (expanded)	ISO 125 - ISO 6400	ISO 200 - ISO 12800
Continuous shooting	5fps n/a (60fps with fixed AF and electronic shutter)	4.1fps n/a (5.5fps without image stabilization)	3.8fps unlimited JPEG/7 raw	4fps unlimited JPEG/4 raw	5fps 5 JPEG/n/a (1.5fps raw)	2.5fps 18 JPEG/ 6 raw (5.5fps with fixed exposure)
Viewfinder magnification/ effective magnification	None	None	None	None	Optional optical for prime lens	None
Autofocus	73-point phase detection, 135-area contrast AF	35-area contrast AF	23-area contrast AF	23-area contrast AF	25-point contrast AF	25-point contrast AF
Shutter speed	30-1/16,000 sec; bulb; 1/60 sec x-sync	60-1/2,000 sec; bulb to 30 minutes	60-1/4,000 sec; 1/160 x-sync	60-1/4,000 sec; 1/160 x-sync	30-1/2,000 sec; bulb; 1/125 sec flash sync	30-1/4,000 sec; bulb; 1/160 flash sync
Metering	n/a	324 area	144 zone	144 zone	n/a	49 zone
Flash	Yes	Included optional	Yes	Yes	Yes	Included optional
Image stabilization	Optical	Sensor shift	Optical	Optical	Sensor shift	Optical
Video	1080/60i/30p, 720/60p H.264 MPEG-4 QuickTime MOV	1080/60i AVCHD @ 20, 17Mbps; 720/60p @ 13Mbps/29 minutes	1080/60i/50i @ 17Mbps 720/60p @17Mbps AVCHD or Motion JPEG QuickTime MOV	1080/60i/50i @ 17Mbps 720/60p @17Mbps AVCHD or MPEG-4 QuickTime MOV	1080/30p H.264 MPEG-4	720/30p H.264 MPEG-4
Audio	Stereo	Stereo	Mono	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo; mic input
LCD size	3-inch fixed 460,000 dots	3-inch fixed 460,000 dots	3-inch fixed touch screen 460,000 dots	3-inch fixed touch screen 920,000 dots	3-inch fixed touch screen 460,000 dots	3-inch tilting 921,600 dots
Battery life (CIPA rating)	230 shots	n/a	320 shots	330 shots	230 shots	400 shots
Dimensions (inches, WHD)	4.2 x 2.4 x 1.2	4.3 x 2.5 x 1.3	4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3	4.2 x 2.6 x 1.5	3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2	4.4 x 2.4 x 0.9
Body operating weight (ounces)	9.7	9.3	9.3	9.3	7.1 (est)	10.7
Mfr. price	n/a	n/a	$499.95 (body only, est)	n/a	n/a	n/a
	$649.95 (with 10-30mm lens)	$499.99 (with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens)	$599.95 (with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens)	$599 (with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens)	$649.95 (with 47mm- equivalent f1.9 lens)	$649.99 (with 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens)
	$899.95 (with 10-30mm and 30-110mm lenses)	n/a	$699.95 (with 14mm f2.5 lens)	$749 (with 14-42mm power zoom lens)	n/a	$599.99 (with 16mm f2.8 lens)
Ship date	October 2011	September 2011	July 2011	Q2 2012	November 2011	August 2011

Panasonic GF5 versus Olympus E-PM1

Going up against the small Olympus E-PM1, the Panasonic GF5 is a little taller, but the E-PM1 is wider. The X-Vario lens is noticeably shorter than Olympus's redesigned mechanically retractable lens, both retracted and extended. The E-PM1 achieves a shorter stature, yet includes a full hot shoe and accessory port, while the GF5 supports neither. That's partly due to the wider-aspect LCD screen on the E-PM1.

Panasonic GF5 versus Panasonic G3

Even though the Panasonic G3 is pretty darn small, it's clear why Panasonic still makes the GF5: to really show how small they can make a compact system camera for those who want such a creature. The G3 is larger thanks to its electronic viewfinder hump on top, its full hot shoe, and is most cumbersome because of the rear protrusion for the viewfinder. Enthusiasts will appreciate its greater number of controls, though, including a mode dial, rear control dial, and its articulating screen. A model for everyone.

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Garmin Approach S3 Touchscreen GPS Golf Watch Review

Garmin does not only roll out navigation devices for those who have a poor sense of direction, but they also have an interest in the realm of sports and their latest device to be introduced is the Garmin Approach S3 Touchscreen GPS Golf Watch, where it aims to provide you with an edge over your opponents, showing you the true shape as well as layout of the greens, so much so that obstructed views are not an issue when it comes to placing your aim the next time you step up to the green. The Approach S3 functions as a perfectly ordinary timepiece when you’re off the green, featuring a modern and rugged design, but you really want it for the golfing features and it has data on over 27,000 golf courses, Garmin promise regular updates to fine tune the accuracy of the course data, as well as adding new courses along the way. The Approach S3 will be available this month and will retail for $349.99 and that price includes all of the map data, there's no additional subscription or purchase required.



Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., the global leader in satellite navigation announced the Approach S3 touchscreen GPS golf watch – a stylish, rugged and waterproof, high-resolution glove-friendly touchcreen device that comes preloaded with 27,000 worldwide courses and counting, without subscriptions or fees. The Approach S3 is sleek enough to wear as a day to day timepiece and with features like Green View with manual pin positioning, distances to doglegs and layup points, customizable yardage points and digital scorecards golfers will have a virtual caddie with them during every stroke. "With its new features, like the innovative Green View, digital scoring and design of the glove-friendly touchscreen, the Approach S3 creates a new advantage for golfers all over the world," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "It's light-weight, it includes a round timer to keep track of time played and the color options will make it a talking point on and off the course." With the Approach S3, Garmin continues to make good on its promise toward free golf course information availability by offering 27,000 worldwide courses and counting. Golfers who find themselves travelling to unfamiliar courses throughout the world will have many of these courses available right out of the box. Garmin offers free course updates throughout the year that add new courses and make enhancements to the current lineup to help ensure accuracy.




Just as courses change, so do the pin placements with the new Green View feature golfers can see a true image of the current green and the flag can be adjusted for the current day's pin placement with the simple touch of the screen. As adjusted, it displays the distance to the pin, front and back of the green. To see the S3 in action, go to www.garmin.com/golf. Weighing a mere two ounces, the Approach S3's high-resolution sunlight readable touchscreen display provides large, bright numbering so that it does not slow down the game. The Approach S3 even offers layup distances. Golfers can add custom points on the watch that they want to measure or zero in on hazards or obstacles that may affect their shot, and zoom in for a closer look at the green. With eight hours of playing time on one charge and lasting up to four weeks as a day to day timepiece the S3 makes it easy to charge its internal battery. Its custom charging cradle is a small magnetic clip that fastens to the S3 with ease and can be set down with the peace of mind that it will be ready, with a full charge, to take to the course the following morning. Keeping track of a player's score throughout the round is made simple with the Approach S3. Golfers can review their scores right on the device, or download and access a printable version of their own round on their computer. Scoring options include Stroke Play and Stableford. The new Approach S3 is expected to be available in April 2012 and will have a suggested retail price of $349.99. The S3 will be available in both golf white with red trim and black with gray trim options and gives users the power to select between white or black background colors. Approach S3 is the latest solution from Garmin's growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users' outdoor experiences. Whether it's Golfing, Hiking, Hunting or Geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiast of all levels.

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GeForce Next-Generation Kepler Graphics Architecture Most Efficient GPU Ever Built Review

Nvidia is launching the first graphics chips based on the company’s new Kepler architecture, the next-generation offering after the company’s successful Fermi, which hit the market two years ago, GeForce GTX 680 for PC Gamers is Fastest, Most Efficient GPU Ever Built; GeForce GT 640M for Notebooks Puts the Ultra in Ultrabooks. NVIDIA has been working with OEMs to design the most thermally efficient laptop chassis designs possible to best take advantage of Kepler's GPU boost capabilities and Nvidia’s GeForce 600M family includes the vendor’s Optimus technology, which offers longer battery life by powering the GPU only when it’s needed, and Verde notebook drivers to improve performance and stability.



NVIDIA launched the first GPUs based on its next-generation Kepler graphics architecture, which deliver dramatic gaming performance and exceptional levels of power efficiency. The result of some 1.8 million man-hours of work over five years, the Kepler architecture's first offerings bring unprecedented technical capabilities to both gaming desktops and Ultrabooks. For desktop gaming, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 GPU provides a faster, smoother and richer experience. For notebooks, the new lineup of GeForce 600M GPUs puts the ultra in Ultrabooks, enabling smaller, more powerful designs than were previously possible. Both are available immediately. "The Kepler architecture stands as NVIDIA's greatest technical achievement to date," said Brian Kelleher, senior vice president of GPU engineering at NVIDIA. "It brings enormous performance and exceptional efficiency. Gamers will love the GTX 680's performance, as well as the fact that it doesn't require loud fans or exotic power supplies. Ultrabook users will love the GT 600M family for its performance and power efficiency." Kepler is based on 28-nanometer (nm) process technology and succeeds the 40-nm NVIDIA Fermi architecture, which was first introduced into the market in March 2010. A Marriage of Speed and Extreme Efficiency The GeForce GTX 680 GPU brings impressive performance and extreme efficiency to the desktop gaming market, delivering a quiet, smooth, extremely fast experience.



Compared with the closest competitive product, the GeForce GTX 680 GPU is more than 300 percent faster in DirectX 11 tessellation performance and up to 43 percent faster in cutting-edge games such as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, yet consumes 28 percent less power. It also provides twice the performance per watt of the GeForce GTX 580, the flagship Fermi-based processor that it replaces. Setting the standard for future enthusiast-class GPUs, the GeForce GTX 680 is built on an array of new technologies, including:

• A new streaming multiprocessor block, known as SMX, that delivers twice the performance per watt of previous-generation products
• Special board components, including acoustic dampeners, high-efficiency heat pipes and custom fins, that create a quiet gaming experience
• NVIDIA GPU Boost technology, which dynamically adjusts GPU speeds to maximize gaming performance
• New FXAA and TXAA antialiasing and Adaptive VSync technologies to enrich visual quality without compromising gaming performance
• Support for up to four separate displays three of them in 3D off a single card for a massive 3D gaming experience
• Manufactured on TSMC's new 28-nm process, with support for PCI-E Gen 3 and DX11.1

Kelt Reeves, president of Falcon Northwest, a leading producer of high-end gaming systems, said: "The GTX 680 lays down what should be whiplash-inducing speed at the sound of a whisper. Even at full throttle, it doesn't heat up. In the immortal words of Obi-Wan describing a lightsaber, it's 'an elegant weapon for a more civilized age." Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, creators of the award-winning Unreal Engine and billion-dollar Gears of War franchise, said: "The GTX 680 is amazing and completely redefines what an enthusiast-class GPU is. We have already shown outstanding success with the GTX 680, recently presenting our real-time Samaritan demonstration running on it along with a special preview of Unreal Engine 4 for select developers." GeForce 600M GPU Family: Putting the Ultra In Ultrabooks The NVIDIA GeForce 600M family of GPUs, when paired with the latest processor technology from Intel, enables Ultrabook and notebook PC designs that are thin, light and fast. Technological advances that set them apart from the competition include:

• NVIDIA Optimus technology enables extra-long battery life by automatically switching the GPU on and off so it runs only when needed
• NVIDIA Verde notebook drivers provide frequent performance improvements and rock-solid stability
• NVIDIA PhysX engine support brings games to life with realistic physics
• Optional NVIDIA 3D Vision technology automatically converts more than 650 titles into immersive 3D
• Optional NVIDIA 3DTV Play software connects 3D Vision-based notebooks to 3D TVs
• NVIDIA SLI technology links two NVIDIA GTX GPUs up to double gaming performance

"The Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3 brings a superior level of performance to the Ultrabook category," said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product marketing at Acer America. "With a GeForce GPU onboard, our thin and light Ultrabook does everything our customers want it to do, with no compromises." Rene Haas, general manager of notebook products at NVIDIA, said: "Customers are about to see notebook manufacturers unveil a host of Ultrabooks that are truly worthy of the 'ultra' moniker. The more efficient and powerful GeForce 600M GPUs will raise performance from the Ultrabook segment all the way up to gaming notebooks. And they will be the most popular discrete GPUs used with Intel's upcoming Ivy Bridge processor." Availability The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 GPU is available now from the world's leading add-in card suppliers, including ASUS, Colorful, EVGA, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision 3D, MSI, Palit, Point of View, PNY and Zotac. Expected pricing is $499. The following manufacturers will be shipping Ultrabooks and notebooks based on the GeForce 600M family of GPUs: Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba. For more information about the new GeForce GTX 680, please visit http://www.geforce.com/News/articles/introducing-the-geforce-gtx-680-gpu . For more information about GeForce 600M-Series GPUs, please visit: http://www.geforce.com/News/articles/geforce-600m-notebooks-efficient-and-powerful .

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Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich To HTC Vivid For AT&T Users Review

AT&T announced on Thursday that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has begun to roll out to the HTC Vivid, which includes Sense 3.6 and it brings the company’s Beats Audio technology to the 4G LTE handset as well. The Ice Cream Sandwich update will deliver advanced voice and text input to the device, along with Face Unlock, UI improvements and improved email and HTC Vivid is equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, microSDHC support to add an additional 32GB of storage and a 1,620 mAh battery. AT&T also announced plans to bring Android 4.0 to ten additional devices in the coming months and the update for the HTC Vivid is currently available to download via Wi-Fi.



AT&T announced the availability of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) for HTC Vivid customers. After installing the software update, customers can now enjoy the optimized audio experience of Beats by Dr. Dre Audio and new and improved HTC Sense experience. Information about these features and more can be found at http://www.att.com/vividupdate. HTC Vivid will be the first U.S. smartphone to receive Ice Cream Sandwich as an update and the first to be issued by a wireless carrier. Focused on bringing the power of Android to the surface, Android 4.0 makes common actions more visible and lets you navigate with simple, intuitive gestures. Refined animations and feedback throughout the system make interactions engaging and interesting. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improves readability and brings a polished, modern feel to the user interface. Beginning today, customers can download the update via Wi-Fi by visiting http://www.att.com/vividupdate. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can download the software upgrade to a PC and install it via sideload. On March 23, HTC Vivid customers who have not downloaded the upgrade will begin receiving an SMS notification of upgrade availability. It will be followed by several other AT&T devices in the coming months:

• LG Nitro
• Motorola ATRIX 2
• Motorola ATRIX 4G
• Pantech Burst
• Pantech Element
• Samsung Captivate Glide
• Samsung Galaxy Note
• Samsung Galaxy S II
• Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

• Beats By Dr. Dre Audio: Enhance your music and video experience with Beats By Dr. Dre Audio. Whenever a media file is played using the media players or most third party applications, customers will experience richer, more authentic sound. AT&T recently debuted the Beats by Dr. Dre Beatbox Portable high performance wireless audio system. The superior portable system and Beats accessories are available at AT&T company-owned stores or online.
• Face Unlock: Android 4.0 introduces a completely new approach to securing a device, making each person's device even more personal, Face Unlock is a new screen-lock option that lets you unlock your device using facial recognition. It takes advantage of the device’s front-facing camera and state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to register a face during setup and then to recognize it again when unlocking the device. Just hold your device in front of your face to unlock, or use a backup PIN or pattern.

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Commodore Amiga Mini PC With 3.5GHz Core i7-2700k CPU Review

Commodore’s a household name a few decades ago when it comes to computers and plenty of things have changed since then, the company unveiled the Commodore Amiga mini PC as well as a new C64X Supreme, a new VIC mini, and an upgraded VIC-Slim keyboard computer now with HDMI output. The Commodore Amiga mini takes on minimalist styling with a square aluminum housing with rounded corners and it packs a powerful Intel Core i7 3.5GHz (3.9GHz with Turbo Boost) quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 GPU with its own 1GB of RAM, and a 1TB SATA hard drive. It also sports two WiFi antennae, Bluetooth, a slot-loading Blu-ray drive, and a slew of ports, including four USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort, the C64x continues the retro styling that Commodore fans celebrate, but now features Intel’s D2700 dual-core 2.13GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, NVIDIA’s GeForce GT520 GPU and comes with a 1 or 3TB hard drive, among other upgraded specs.



Commodore USA, LLC announced the historic re-unification of the legendary Commodore and AMIGA brands with the launch of the new Commodore AMIGA mini, as well as other new models such as the new C64x Supreme, the new VIC mini and a more powerful VIC-Slim keyboard computer (now with HDMI output). These new products are now in production and available for purchase at www.CommodoreUSA.net. The new Commodore AMIGA mini is a trail blazing power-house featuring Intel's i7-2700k 3.5 Ghz Quad-Core (3.9Ghz Turboboost) processor, 16Gb RAM DDR3 1333MHz and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 GPU with 1GB DDR3. This machine is fully loaded with a 1 TB SATA drive (optional 300 GB or 600 GB SSD), two WiFi antennae and bluetooth. The new Commodore AMIGA mini case is ultra small and features a solid, all aluminum seamless housing, micro-sandblasted with an anodic oxidation finish. It also includes a slot load Blu-Ray drive and internal space for two 2.5-inch hard drives. It measures 7.5 inches square with a height of only 3 inches. The AMIGA mini's appearance is enhanced with the inclusion of the classic embedded AMIGA logo engraved in the front. The C64x, highly regarded by Commodore fans for its retro styling, now features Intel's new D2700 dual core 2.13 Ghz CPU and nVidia GeForce GT 520 (512Mb) graphics for enhanced gaming capability over previous models. It also features 4Gb Memory (DDR3 1066), a 1 or 3 GB SATA drive (300 or 600 Gb SSD optional), a mechanical keyboard, a built in multi-card reader, WiFI, Bluetooth, VGA, DVI and HDMI output, 7.1 channel high definition sound, 2 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports for exceptional external data access, a slot loading Blu-ray drive that can also write DVDs and 2 WiFi antennae for outstanding signal reception.




The VIC mini has specifications identical to the C64x Supreme, wrapped in the elegant aluminum enclosure of the AMIGA mini. The VIC-Slim is an upgraded unit replacing the previous 1.8 Ghz dual core Atom with the new Intel 2.13Ghz Dual Core D2700 processor and includes 2Gb RAM (DDR3 1066MHz), a 1Tb SATA Hard Disk Drive and HDMI output. Mr. Barry Altman, CEO, states "This is an historic day. The team here has been working around the clock to fulfill the vision of a reunited Commodore and AMIGA branded computer with the launch of our new Commodore AMIGA mini." Mr. Leo Nigro, CTO, states "We built Commodore USA to take advantage of the rapid rate of technological change in the computer hardware market. The introduction of Intel's new Atom processor for compact devices such as the C64x Supreme, VIC-Slim and VIC mini proves that Commodore USA is setting the pace for the computer industry. The Commodore AMIGA mini with its 16 GB of RAM, powerful i7-2700k 3.5 Ghz Quad-Core processor and built-in nVidia graphics chipset is truly worthy of the AMIGA name. Also, with the inclusion of Commodore OS Vision, our own Linux distribution showcasing our product's advanced hardware features, we can also provide a unique and compelling experience for customers seeking an alternative to Apple and Microsoft products. First and foremost I'm a Commodore and AMIGA fan, and like millions of other fans around the world, I am excited by the return of the famous Commodore and AMIGA brands we grew up with and loved." Barry Altman adds, "Leo and I and the entire team, started on this journey to prove that we could take these historic computer brands and produce products that are relevant to both the historical consumer base and new customers. These computers are breathtaking in appearance, incredibly powerful and exciting to use."

Features:

• A massive 16 Gigs of fast DD3 memory.
• Integrated nVidia Geforce GT 430 Graphics with 1 Gig of DD3 memory.
• The ability to drive 3 monitors displays.
• HDMI, 2-Dual DVI and DisplayPort output. (includes VGA adaptor).
• 7.1 channel high definition sound.
• 6 Gb/s SATA for incredibly fast HD reads.
• 4 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports for exceptional external data access.
• A slot loading Blu-ray drive that can also write DVDs.
• 2 WiFi antennae for outstanding signal reception.
• A 1 Tb Hard Disk to store video and personal data.
• Optional 300 or 600 Gb SSD drive for lightning quick load times.

Technology:

MODEL	Commodore AMIGA mini
CPU SUPPORT	Intel i7-2700k 3.5 Ghz Quad-Core (3.9Ghz Turboboost).
MOTHERBOARD CORE LOGIC	Intel Z68 Express.
MEMORY	16Gb RAM DDR3 1333MHz.
HDD SUPPORT	1 Tb SATA Hard Disk Drive. (or optional 300 or 600 Gig SSD).
VIDEO & GRAPHICS	NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 GPU with 1GB DDR3.
NETWORKING	10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet port.
WIRELESS	802.11n (300 Mb/s) WiFi. 2 Antennae.

Specifications:

MODEL	Commodore AMIGA mini
FORM FACTOR	Desktop
MOTHERBOARD FORM FACTOR	Mini-ITX
EXPANSION SLOTS	1 x PCI Express x4 (open-end) 1 x Mini PCI Express (occupied by WiFi module)
COOLING	2 x 40x40x10mm fans
EXTERNAL DRIVE BAYS	Slim slot-loading optical drive
INTERNAL DRIVE BAYS	Two 2.5″ standard hard drive mounts.
DISPLAY	2 x Dual-link DVI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI
REMOTE CONTROL	IR and remote kit (optional), 100% Windows MCE compatible
DIMENSIONS	197mm×197mm×75mm (L× W× H) [7.75"x7.75"x3"]
PSU SUPPORT	120W PSU board and external AC/DC adapter.
AUDIO INPUT	YES
AUDIO OUTPUT	YES
COLOR	Silver or Black

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NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband Review

NetZero that's been famous for offering free dial-up Internet access has just taken a big leap by offering up to one year of free mobile Internet and a free data plan, announced two mobile wireless data solutions including a mobile hot-spot router and a USB modem, called NetZero 4G Hotspot and NetZero 4G Stick, respectively. Both of these devices are 4G-only and will access the Internet via Clear's 4G wireless coverage, which actually a rebranded version of the Clear Spot Apollo 4G and offers exactly the same feature set. Customers can chose between two levels of service Lightspeed (up to 1Mbps down / 384Kbps up) to conserve data and Warpspeed (up to 10Mbps down / 1.5Mbps up) for maximum performance and can switch back and forth by simply logging into NetZero's website, the NetZero 4G Stick ($49.95 + shipping) is a Windows and OS X-compatible USB modem and the NetZero 4G Hotspot ($99.95 + shipping) is an eight device-capable WiFi hotspot with an LCD and a 2,200mAh battery.The sweet spot of NetZero's offerings is the free data plan that includes 200MB per month and you can actually burn through 200MB in just less than 20 seconds.



NetZero Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of United Online Inc. announced the launch of NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, a fast, affordable and protected Internet service for laptops, iPads and other tablets, and netbooks. This new service, which launches today in over 80 cities nationwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Miami, lets consumers create their own personal Internet connections without being tied to unsecure public hotspots at places like coffee shops, airports and hotels. And unlike public Wi-Fi networks, where credit card numbers and other personal information may be exposed to hackers and data thieves, the NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband service delivers a protected, private Internet connection anytime, anywhere within its coverage area. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband data plans start at just $9.95 per month. Customers are not required to sign a contract, and can upgrade their data plan at any time. Each plan delivers 4G service with download speeds of up to 10Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.5Mbps. "NetZero is bridging the digital divide by letting consumers purchase a secure, quality, mobile broadband service at very affordable prices with plans designed to meet the consumers' data needs," said Mark R. Goldston, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Online. "Our service gives customers the freedom to take the Internet anywhere in our coverage area, without being tied to public Wi-Fi service or having to purchase higher-cost, sometimes multi-year plans offered by other mobile broadband providers. With NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, there are no contracts or commitments, and our customers can even try our service for up to one year for free."



All data plans, including the free plan, require the purchase of one of two affordable access devices: the NetZero 4G HotSpot and the NetZero 4G Stick. The NetZero 4G HotSpot simultaneously supports up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including iPads and other tablets, within a 150-foot range. The NetZero 4G Stick supports a single laptop or netbook via a USB port. The NetZero 4G HotSpot costs $99.95 and the NetZero 4G Stick costs $49.95, much less than the cost of most comparable contract-free devices available. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband includes an innovative feature that lets customers switch the speed of their service to meet their data needs. NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband subscribers can set their service at either LightSpeed, which delivers download speeds of up to 1Mbps, or WarpSpeed, which provides download speeds of up to 10Mbps. Customers in any of the service plans can toggle their speed setting to LightSpeed (to conserve data) or WarpSpeed (to maximize speed) at any time, allowing them to match the speed of their service to their current activity and maximize their data consumption. With NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, there are no overage charges. Customers cannot accidently exceed monthly data allotments. An alert lets customers know when they reach their monthly data limit, at which point, they have three options:

• Option 1: If customers are on a pay plan, they can buy extra data Top Ups that they can use through the end of their current billing cycle.
  
• Option 2: Customers can upgrade to a higher capacity data plan.
  
• Option 3: Customers can wait until the next month to utilize the service with a fresh allotment of data according to their existing plan.

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iHome iW2 AirPlay Speaker System, Whole Home Audio Solution Using Wi-Fi Instead Of Wires Review

iHome will begin shipping its iW2 Wireless Speaker System with AirPlay starting April 1, a follow up to the iW1 speaker, which was the company’s first to support Apple’s proprietary AirPlay wireless streaming technology and this allows you to easily stream your iTunes music library to the speaker from anywhere in your home. With a simple connection to the network, the speaker can connect to and control your entire iTunes library, to provide music anywhere in the house, it comes equipped with a USB port for charging and the system allows you to use your iPad, iPod Touch, iPod, or iPhone to play music with any USB sync cable and dock.




Making it a snap to have music in every room of the house without tearing through walls to run wire, iHome announced that on April 1, 2012 their AirPlay speaker line will expand with the release of the iW2 Wireless Speaker System with AirPlay. When placed within a Wi-Fi network, iHome's latest Wi-Fi enabled speaker system seamlessly connects to offer an affordable option for achieving premium whole home audio with simple turn-key set up. "Many whole home audio systems require a significant investment from consumers and, until recently, a certain level of technical skill as well," said Evan Stein, Director of Marketing, iHome. "Easy to set up, the iW2 offers a cost-effective entry into the world of wireless home entertainment without sacrificing quality or functionality." The iW2 is an app-enhanced AirPlay wireless speaker system that uses your Wi-Fi network to connect and control your iTunes library, and provide wireless audio anywhere in the home. The iW2 has a USB port for charging and music playback from your iPad, iPod and iPhone with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. SRS Trubass sound processing custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers delivers exceptional audio. Music fans can embrace a wireless music system today as the iW2 will be available for purchase April 1 at Best Buy, Crutchfield and select Target stores, and at iHomeAudio.com for $199.99. For detailed product information, please visit http://www.ihomeaudio.com/iW2BC/.

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NeoGeo X Handheld Games Console Review

The Neo Geo is making a comeback in Q2, the device will be distributed by game wholesaler Tommo in the U.S. and will come with 20 Neo Geo classics, including Metal Slug and Fatal Fury. Blaze say the device will arrive in time for the Neo Geo’s 20th anniversary and will be priced in a more affordable manner. The Neo Geo X will feature a 3.5-inch LCD display of unknown resolution, an A/V output if you want to throw some classics up on the big screen and have an SD card slot too, you’ll be able to load more games in the future using SD cards. If you do decide to pick one up, you’ll find 20 games preloaded on the device, including titles like Metal Slug, Fatal Fury, and The King of Fighters ‘94 and there were also 158 games released in total for the Neo Geo, so it still remains to be seem how Blaze plan to handle offering more than the initial 20 in the future.



Tommo Inc and BLAZE set to release Limited Edition NEOGEO Handheld for Worldwide sale Q2 2O12 and the NEOGEO X will be released in Q2 2012 following the 20th anniversary of the ground breaking NEOGEO AES console. This Limited Edition handheld console will feature 20 officially licensed NEOGEO games including retro classics such METALSLUG, THE KING OF FIGHTERS and FATAL FURY. Along with these 20 built in NEOGEO classic titles, the NEOGEO X will also feature, SD card expansion, a 3.5-inch LCD screen, A/V output, internal stereo speakers and a headphone socket. Jonathan Wan of Tommo commented: "I am very proud to be working with SNK PLAYMORE, as NEOGEO is a strong brand with an excellent gaming pedigree". Jason Cooper of BLAZE commented: "The NEOGEO console has always been a personal favorite of mine and I am delighted to be involved with the development of this new handheld console. We hope to re-ignite the excitement many of us felt twenty one years ago, in a more affordable manner, to a much wider audience." The Limited Edition NEOGEO X will be distributed by Tommo Inc in the United States and retro gaming specialists BLAZE throughout Europe, Middle East and Australia. A distributor for Japan and the Far East will be confirmed shortly. The full game list is as follows:

• ART OF FIGHTING
• BASEBALL STARS
• CYBER LIP
• FATAL FURY
• FATAL FURY SPECIAL
• FOOTBALL FRENZY
• KING OF THE MONSTERS
• LAST RESORT
• LEAGUE BOWLING
• MAGICIAN LORD
• METAL SLUG
• MUTATION NATION
• NAM 1975
• SAMURAI SHODOWN
• SENGOKU
• SUPER SIDEKICKS
• THE KING OF FIGHTERS'94
• THE ULTIMATE 11
• TOP PLAYERS GOLF
• WORLD HEROES

You can register your NeoGeo X by clicking given link : Here

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