Friday, August 26, 2011

Acer unveils TravelMate 8481T laptop for the all-business crowd

Acer America Expands Business PC Lineup With Slim and Stylish TravelMate Timeline Notebook

New TravelMate Timeline 8481T Features Unique 14-Inch Screen in Ultraportable 13-Inch Form Factor, All Day Battery Life and Enterprise-Class Security and Manageability

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - August 24, 2011) - For ultimate road warriors and savvy business professionals seeking a combination of style, mobility and professional-grade security and manageability, Acer America today debuts the new TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebook PC for U.S. and Canadian customers. The lightweight TravelMate Timeline 8481T delivers outstanding performance, all-day battery life(1) and sports a unique 14-inch screen in an ultra-thin 13-inch form factor.

"True road warriors and professionals need a thin and light mobile PC that is capable of running heavy business applications and presentations," said Gregg Prendergast, vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Acer America. "The TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebook is an important addition to our commercial notebook portfolio, as it combines everything a business professional requires on the road or in the office, including exceptional performance, enterprise-level security and manageability and long battery life in a small form factor for a best-in-class mobile experience."

Sleek Mobility in a Mainstream Form Factor

At just 3.7 pounds with a super slim 0.87-inch profile, the TravelMate Timeline 8481T features an innovative new display technology to allow an ultra-compact, frameless 14-inch LCD to fit into a 13.3-inch footprint. The sophisticated industrial design trims the bezel by a third and allows 15 percent more display area so users can conduct business and boost productivity while enjoying the portability of a traditional 13-inch notebook.

The TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebook is housed in a unique dual-tone resilient magnesium-aluminum case that evenly distributes external forces and can withstand extreme pressure. The notebook also features a new metal-alloy hinge design for maximum hold strength when the cover is open, and Autolock to ensure the notebook lid is tightly secured for LCD protection.

Serious Notebook Performance for Serious Business

Ensuring mobile performance required for business users, the new TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebooks are powered by second-generation Intel? Core? i5 processors with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 that encrypts files and folders for critical data security. The TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebooks enable professionals to run business productivity applications 60 percent faster than previous generation processors, with up to two times faster multitasking. Users can create more compelling sales presentations and run power hungry business applications up to 70 percent faster and perform complex financial calculations up to 80 percent quicker, resulting in increased productivity.

The TravelMate Timeline 8481T delivers superb business presentations with rich color and crisp images via the notebook's 14-inch Acer ComfyView LCD LED backlit display with HD (1366x768) resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. With Intel? HD Graphics 3000 with 128MB of dedicated system memory and Wireless Display (WiDi) technology, users can connect the notebook to an HD display with a compatible adaptor, and easily setup and wirelessly share presentations and HD videos with great image clarity and sound.

Long-lasting battery life is another extremely important requirement for professional users. The TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebook's eight-cell lithium ion battery provides up to 13 hours PC performance depending upon usage(2), to ensure users are productive for an entire working day without a power source. Additionally, the notebooks feature Acer PowerSmart long cycle batteries, which provide up to three times longer battery life cycles than traditional batteries (1,000 vs. 300 cycles). These batteries also maintain 80 percent capacity after the 1,000 cycle count, which means the battery will last longer, reducing the need to replace it. (3)

The TravelMate Timeline 8481T packs 4GB of DDR3 memory and is upgradeable to 8GB, providing plenty of space to store and manage important files and folders of any size thanks to a spacious SATA hard disk with up to 320GB of capacity at 7200 rpm. To ensure the physical integrity of the PC's data, the TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebooks feature next-generation DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection) technology that insulates the hard disk, providing added on-the-go protection if the notebook is accidently dropped, knocked or bumped. The hard disk drive is also soft-mounted onto the system to provide extra cushioning. The result is a significant improvement in preventing hard disk drive failure and higher MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure).

The TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebooks offer a full range of advanced connectivity solutions including Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth. The Acer Video Conference solution, including high-def webcam and built-in microphone, enables high-quality video conferences so that users can easily keep in touch with business contacts.

Premium Security & Manageability

When booting up the system, the TravelMate Timeline 8481T utilizes the multi-level Acer ProShield Security with BioProtection Fingerprint solution, preventing unauthorized access while safeguarding the notebooks valuable assets and data integrity with one swipe of a fingerprint.

TravelMate Timeline 8481T users can easily manage and transfer data to and from external devices ten times faster than before with the notebook's USB 3.0 port. The TravelMate Timeline 8481T flaunts the Power-Off USB Charging technology, allowing users to charge a smartphone or other USB device without turning the computer on. The TravelMate Timeline 8481T easily becomes a charging station, allowing road warriors to travel without extra power adapters for mobile phones and other gadgets.

Pricing, Eco-Compliance and Warranty

The Acer TravelMate Timeline 8481T notebooks are available in the U.S. and Canada in early September at authorized Acer resellers. Prices for the TravelMate Timeline 8481T begin at $999.99 US/CAN.

Acer professional notebooks are submitted to a series of reliability tests and are compliant with the most stringent industry criteria. The elimination of hazardous substances throughout the TravelMate Timeline notebook's supply chain results in Acer's greenest notebook to date.(4) These TravelMate Timeline series models are Energy Star? qualified, ensuring energy savings and longer battery life and are registered EPEAT? Silver, having less environmental impact than products that do not meet the EPEAT criteria.(5)

The new Acer TravelMate Timeline Series comes with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service.(6) Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer notebooks and netbooks are backed by toll-free service and support.(7)


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Samsung Galaxy S II not coming to Verizon after all? (update: confirmed)

By Brad Molen posted Aug 25th 2011 2:46PM Many of us were holding out hopes that the Function, Verizon's rumored variant of the Samsung Galaxy S II, would be the latest addition to its LTE lineup, but now we're hearing that it may not be coming to the carrier at all. According to the Wall Street Journal, it appears quite likely that Big Red won't be involved in Samsung's anticipated launch event this coming Monday. The publication cites people familiar with the plans, who also mentioned that we should still expect to see the Galaxy S II make its way to Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T at the very least. Now here's some possible relief to the sting you may have just felt: BGR is now reporting that while this is all true, Verizon has a Samsung phone in the works that will have "nearly identical specs" to that of the GSII. We're still awaiting official confirmation from Verizon on the matter and will update when we receive word.

Update: We just heard from a Verizon spokesperson who confirmed the carrier will not be carrying the device, and offered the following quote: "We have a robust portfolio of devices that offer customers exciting options including the Droid Charge by Samsung which runs on Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network."


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Panasonic Lumix FZ150 builds on FZ47 superzoom, adds CMOS sensor, 1080p video

PANASONIC EXPANDS POPULAR LUMIX FZ SERIES WITH PREMIUM 24X SUPER-ZOOM, 3D SHOOTING COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA

New Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 Digital Camera Packs a Powerful 24x Optical Zoom in High-Quality 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle Leica Lens That Shoots Full HD Video

SECAUCUS, NJ (August 26, 2011) – Panasonic today introduces the newest addition to its super-zoom LUMIX FZ-Series digital cameras. The new LUMIX DMC-FZ150 is fully equipped with a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a powerful 24x Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) available for shooting both stills and videos. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ150 has two of Panasonic's newest features – newly advanced Nano Surface Coating technology which helps minimize light reflection that causes ghost and flare – and the new 3D Photo Mode.

As the top-end model of LUMIX's popular FZ series, the FZ150 combines a new 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the renowned Venus Engine giving the camera high-performance image recording capability in both higher light sensitivity and speed. And as a step-up from the recently announced LUMIX FZ47's 1920 x 1080 60i video feature, the FZ150 realizes 1920 x 1080 60p Full-HD AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. It is also possible to take still images while recording video simultaneously (3.5-megapixel) and the powerful 24x optical zoom is available in video recording. The FZ150 incorporates a stereo zoom microphone with a Wind Cut function, so that videos come with high-quality stereo sound through Dolby? Digital Stereo Creator.

"Panasonic continues to strive to meet the photography demands of its consumers by providing unique features and advanced technology in all our LUMIX digital cameras," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With the 24x Optical Zoom and 3D shooting capabilities the FZ150 is a versatile, powerful camera that gives users endless options to take creative and high-quality images and videos."

The Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 sec never misses fleeting photo opportunities. To encourage step-up users to enjoy shooting even more, full manual control is available with the FZ150. Users can enjoy image shooting while expressing their intention not only in photos but also in video, utilizing a host of options including the new Creative Control and Photo Style with a wide variety of preset options. The effective hand-shake correction system POWER O.I.S. now gains Active mode, which helps to record stable video even if shot while walking.

The LUMIX's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode powerfully assists in any shooting situations to get the best results. Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FZ150 extending the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x, maintaining the picture quality while combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical zoom can virtually extend to a 32x equivalent. Not only drawing near the subject that is far away with its powerful optical zoom, the 25mm ultra wide angle lens captures approx.196% wider angle of view compared with a standard 35mm camera. This is helpful for shooting dynamic landscape or indoor group portrait.

The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is also available in video recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent D-range Control also support shooting beautiful videos with ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation, to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent D-range Control makes images look more natural by preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights to optimize the exposure for each part of an image. It also ensures a beautiful reproduction of gradation and details.

A new 12-Megapixel High Sensibility MOS sensor pursuing Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed has been incorporated along with the renowned Venus Engine enabling the FZ150 to excel in image processing power. The combination of these powerful components results in the S/N ratio improvement by 3.9dB (ISO 100) to 4.7dB (ISO1600) compared with the predecessor – the FZ100. Newly developed Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the picture. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark part and low frequency noise in the light part are suppressed even in a picture. As a result, Images recorded in low-lit situations are now dramatically clear.

The Venus Engine has a quad-circuit system for processing large amount of progressive Full HD data at high speed. Not only 1920 x 1080 60p smooth Full-HD video recording, but also super fast consecutive shots at 12 fps (without auto focusing) and 5.5 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. It is also compatible with recording high-speed video at 220fps in QVGA. At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine, realizes a super-fast response time. The auto focus gains approx. 50% faster speed compared with the FZ100, achieving Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second. The speed in AF Tracking also becomes faster, thanks to the improved tracking performance which doubles its sampling frequency.

The FZ150 provides the new Creative Control mode with a selection of artistic effect modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. In addition, Photo Style is newly added to the FZ150 for the expression of finer nuance. It has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets, while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each.

As a further step-up from the FZ47, the FZ150 is equipped with a hot shoe allowing attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220 / FL360 / FL500). The FZ150 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

The newly-added 3D Photo mode takes 20 panning shots and then the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can then be viewed on any VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 include:

? Motion Deblur Mode, which helps to prevent blur.
? Intelligent Handheld Nightshot Mode, which generates beautiful night scenery with illumination by layering multiple images shot consecutively.
? PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.5 BD Edition Software makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored on the PC with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. Recorded videos can be edited with the Short Movie Story function and written into MPEG2 to burn onto a Blu-ray or DVD disc.

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 will be available in black for a suggested retail price of $499.99, starting in late-September 2011. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.


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Samsung's IFA app unveils Galaxy Tab 7.7, Wave 3 and Galaxy Note

By Joseph Volpe posted Aug 25th 2011 4:12PM We're about a week away from this year's IFA, but that's no reason for the tech teases to dry up. According to a report on This Is My Next, a bevy of product logos from Sammy's Android trade show app were unearthed by a tipster searching for clues in the APK. Among the soon-to-be unveiled products are the new Galaxy Tab 7.7, Wave 3 and Galaxy Note. While we've haven't heard much about the Note, we aren't really surprised to see a 7.7-inch (we assume) iteration of the OEM's popular Honeycomb tablet and an update to its Bada OS-running Wave smartphone line. Not to worry folks, you won't have to live with the suspense for long -- we'll be reporting live from Berlin before you know it.

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LG and GM team up to build next generation of electric cars

By Daniel Cooper posted Aug 26th 2011 7:29AM Acronym loving multinationals Lucky Goldstar and General Motors have entered into an "Electric Vehicle Cooperation" agreement to build the next generation of EVs. The partnership follows a successful dating phase where LG supplied the batteries for the Chevy Volt. Now, teams from both companies will collaborate on key components, vehicle structures and architectures -- which we take to mean that it's a more substantial proposition than just battery sharing. The plan is to meet the new US fuel economy targets by 2025, so the design phase for the new autos will kick off soon. Let's hope this new venture bears some fruit that's faster than a flying banana.

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HTC Sense 3.5 beta screenshots leak, bring tears of joy to weather widget lovers

By Brad Molen posted Aug 25th 2011 4:44PM Now that you've seen high-quality images of the HTC Bliss with the screen turned off, are you curious to see what it looks like when it's on? The same folks at XDA.cn who got hands-on time with the Bliss have now come forth with possible screenshots showing the phone is indeed running on a beta version of Sense UI 3.5. What's new here? Even though the lock screen uses the same ring-style unlocking feature as its predecessor, it appears that the new UI will feature two dedicated buttons at the bottom of the home panel -- for the app tray on the left and phone on the right -- and refreshed widgets (including a larger weather panel), among other minor changes. Word also has it that HTC is removing hardware requirements that restricted version 3.0 to the company's highest-end devices, which gives hope to millions of Sense users still on an older, more streamlined UI. More screenshots can be found at the source link.

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Samsung Galaxy W to launch on Three network in the UK next month

By Lydia Leavitt posted Aug 26th 2011 6:21AM Samsung-thusiasts in the UK will be happy to know that the brand spanking new Galaxy W is coming to the British Three network in September. Just yesterday, we caught a glimpse of this beaut running Gingerbread with a 3.7-inch WVGA touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera, 4GB of internal memory, a 1.4GHz processor and HDSPA connectivity. Those on Three can also expect the new line of BlackBerrys -- the Curve 9360, the Torch 9810 and the Bold 9900 -- soon, as well as the white Samsung Galaxy S II and the Sony Ericsson Xperia ray sometime in September. We hope to get some hands-on time with the W at IFA in Berlin next week -- roadtrip anyone?

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