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Showing posts from June 23, 2010

Toshiba Satellite C600 and L600 Series budget notebooks outed

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Toshiba’s final batches of note notebooks may lack the 3D magic of the A665 or the glossy ultraportable scale ofthe T200 Series, but the new Satellite C600 Series and Satellite L Series both have affordability to recommend them. The C600 Series kicks off at under $500 with the 14-inch C645 and the 15.6-inch C655, each available with a choice of Intel or AMD processors, while the L Series includes the 13-inch L635, the 14-inch L645, the 15.6-inch L655 and the 17.3-inch L675, all with a choice of Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 CPUs, or AMD Athlon II, Turion II, or Phenom II triple/quad core CPUs. The C600 Series gets between 250GB and 320GB of HDD storage, DDR3 memory, WiFi b/g/n and DVD burners, and the larger machine has a separate numeric keypad too. The C600 Series will go on sale starting at $449.99 from June 20, 2010. As for the L Series machines, they get DVD drives, WiFi b/g/n, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory and between 250GB and 500GB HDDs. The 15.6-inch and 17-inch models have a separat

Toshiba Satellite T215 and T235 ultraportables slip out

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Next up in Toshiba’s new laptop launch is the Satellite T200 series, including the new Satellite T215 and the Satellite T235 . The T215 has an 11.6-inch display and the T235 gets a 13.3-inch panel; the smaller model has a choice of single- or dual-core AMD Athlon II Neo processors paired with integrated ATI graphics, while the larger ultraportable throws in Turion II Neo or Intel Pentium dual-core chips to the mixture. Both versions have the distinctive chiclet keyboards, a choice of three chassis colors – red, white or black – and chrome trim. The T215 has up to 320GB of storage and 2GB of DDR3 RAM, and weighs in at 3.3lbs, while the T235 has up to 320GB of storage and 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and weighs in at 3.9lbs. Each get HDMI outputs, webcams and Toshiba’s sleep-and-charge USB ports. Pricing kicks off at $469.99 when the new T200 Series models go on sale from June 20th 2010.

Toshiba Satellite A665 and M645 debut: Optimus, Core i7 and 3D

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Toshiba have announced a vast bounty of new notebooks, and we’re kicking off with the Toshiba Satellite A665and the Satellite M645 . The 15.6-inch A665 maxes out with an Intel Core i7-740QM processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory and NVIDIA GeForce GTS 350MB Optimus graphics, while 14-inch M645 gets its choice of Core i3, i5 and i7 chips or the new AMD Phenom II quadcore CPUs, optional GeForce 310M and GT330M with Optimus, and DDR3 memory. The A665 3D Edition also gets a 640GB HDD, WiFi b/g/n, gigabit ethernet and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, along with a Blu-ray burner, NVIDIA 3D Vision kit, 12-cell battery and a webcam with face-recognition. Ports include HDMI and a combo eSATA/USB, as well as three regular USB 2.0. The Satellite A665 range starts at $799.99, though you’re looking at $1,599.99 for the maxed-out A665 3D Edition. As for the Satellite M645, that’s slightly more affordable kicking off at $729.99. Options include speedy hard-drives and lashings of DDR3 memory, together with slot-loading D

Apple Store app allows mobile shopping & Genius appointments

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Apple has released a new Apple Store app [iTunes link] into the App Store that allows iOS based devices to browse the Apple Store, check technical details and read reviews of products. If you’re suitably convinced the Apple Store app will also show you where your nearest bricks & mortar Apple Store is, or allow you to purchase via your mobile device. If you’re more interested in a pre-release item, the app will also permit pre-ordering – that should be handy for high-interest products like the iPhone 4. Meanwhile support queries are also catered for, with the ability to make appointments for the Genius Bar, One-to-One and Personal Shopper services. The app is a free download but currently only available for US users.

Belkin Conserve range gets new intelligent plugs, energy meter & charging station

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Belkin has outed a new range of earth-friendly power products that it reckons will help people not only reduce their carbon emissions but – since a little self-interest is always good – cut their electricity bills too. Slotting into Belkin’s Conserve range, the four new products include the Conserve Insight, a plug-in energy meter that shows how much juice your appliance is guzzling, and the Conserve Valet, a home charging station for USB-powered devices like cellphones and PMPs, which automatically shuts down the supply when each is fully charged. There’s also the Conserve Smart AV, an “intelligent” multi-outlet power bar that recognizes when your TV is turned off and automatically does the same to whatever A/V equipment is plugged into its other five A/C ports (there are two more “dumb” ports for, say, DVRs you want to keep powered up). Finally, the Conserve Socket is a simple plug that allows whatever’s plugged into it to be turned on for half an hour, three hours or six hours. M

Lenovo IdeaPad Y460 Review

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It’s not enough for a 14-inch notebook to deliver decent runtimes, a little processor grunt and pleasing looks any more; now we expect graphical excellence too. In response, Lenovo have outfitted their Lenovo IdeaPad Y460 with a dedicated ATI Radeon GPU, and they’ve even thought to put a switch on the front which allows you to turn it off when you’re feeling more spreadsheet than gaming minded. Two birds with one stone, or just a lame duck? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut. While the IdeaPad Y460 range kicks off at $799, you’ll need to step up to the $999 version if you want the dedicated ATI Radeon HD 5650 1GB graphics. That GPU is paired with Intel HD integrated graphics and a Core i5-520M 2.40GHz processor, along with 4GB of memory and a 500GB 5,400rpm hard-drive. The 14-inch LCD runs at 1,366 x 768 resolution, and its LED backlighting is even and surprisingly bright. Colors are richly saturated, and if you’re looking for Full HD there’s an HDMI port on the side wh

Turtle Beach Ear Force PBT Bluetooth communicator for PS3 unveiled

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Turtle Beach makes a full range of audio devices from sound cards to headsets and more. The latest offering from the company is called the Ear Force PBT. The Ear Force PBT is a Bluetooth communicator for the PS3 game system that can wirelessly connect to the PS3 for chatting and VoIP during games. The device can pair with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. That means you can pair with the PS3 console and pair with your mobile phone at once. That way you don’t have to stop gaming to answer a call that comes in. The PBT also has a 2.5mm mic port that turns the Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 or X41 headsets into wireless headsets on the PS3. Those headsets are designed for the Xbox 360, but when used with the PBT they are fully compatible with the PSN chat function. The PBT headset will sell for $49.99 and will ship in July.

France vs S.Africa Player Ratings

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Abhay Puri zooms in on the player performances in South Africa's 2-1 win over Les Bleus. FRANCE Describing this French performance as pathetic would be an understatement. Other than their goalkeeper, most of the side looked out of sorts, resigned to going home early, and clearly affected by the chaos in the camp that had spilled over before the game. Domenech's reign is over, and I'm sure a majority of the French population will have harsh words for him (as did a certain Nicolas Anelka). Hugo Lloris - 8 The only French player who seemed to care about the result of this game, Lloris was tentative in coming out to deal with the cross that led to the first South African goal, but after that was resolute at the back, and made a fair number of excellent saves to somehow keep his side in the game. Bacary Sagna - 4.5 Was poor at the back, and looked out of sorts, beaten easily by Tshabalala and Masilela on a number of occasions. William Gallas - 3.5 The less said about his perform

Group A: Uruguay 1-0 Mexico

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A first-half goal from Luis Suarez was enough to help Uruguay secure top spot in Group A and progress into the last 16 with Mexico. A first-half goal from Luis Suarez was enough to help Uruguay secure top spot in Group A and progress into the last 16 of the World Cup after a close victory over Mexico, who also qualified. The only goal came two minutes before half-time when Edinson Cavani's superbly floated cross allowed the Ajax striker to head in at the back post. With hosts South Africa unable to alter the goal difference too much in their 2-1 win over France, the result in Rustenburg also put the nervous Mexicans through. Their coach Javier Aguirre made two changes to his line-up, bringing in veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco for his first start in place of the injured Carlos Vela up front, while Andres Guardado was in for the suspended Efrain Juarez. Uruguay also made one surprise change, with Diego Godin dropping to bench in place of Mauricio Victorino. There was a buzz in the Royal B

Group A: South Africa 2-1 France

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France bowed out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in ignominy after losing their final Group A game 2-1 to hosts South Africa. Les Bleus capped a desperate campaign by finishing bottom of the group with just one point. Under-fire head coach Raymond Domenech launched another bombshell before the kick-off by dropping the national team captain Patrice Evra. But he was rewarded with another disjointed from the 20th minute when Bongani Khumalo headed Bafana Bafana in front. Minutes later France were down to 10 men when Yohan Gourcuff saw red for leading with the elbow on an aerial challenge. Striker Katlego Mphela gave the hosts a slim chance of making the last 16 with the second goal just before the break. With Mexico losing in the other group game, another goal woul have put Bafana Bafana on the brink of an amazing escape. But another international misft Florent Malouda came off the bench to pull one back for France 20 minutes from time. And with Mexico holding firm after going, South Africa w

France vs S. Africa - As It Happened

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Join Abhay Puri as he brings you the latest news,analysis and commentary, LIVE as France take on Bafana Bafana. Good evening all, and welcome to our exclusive coverage of today's final round of Group A matches. The question on everyone's minds is, of course - will France be knocked out? We will be taking a look at France vs. South Africa, as it happens, but also bring you periodic updates from what is happening between Uruguay and Mexico. Remember, even if France pull of an unlikely victory, a draw in the other will see them being knocked out. Here are the starting lineups for the game - France : 1-Hugo Lloris; 2-Bacary Sagna, 5-William Gallas, 17-Sebastien Squillaci, 22-Gael Clichy; 18-Alou Diarra, 19-Abou Diaby, 8-Yoann Gourcuff, 7-Franck Ribery; 11-Andre-Pierre Gignac, 9-Djibril Cisse. South Africa: 1-Moeneeb Josephs; 5-Anele Ngcongoa, 20-Bongani Khumalo, 4-Aaron Mokoena, 3-Tsepo Masilela, 6-MacBeth Sibaya, 23-Thanduyise Khuboni, 10-Steven Pienaar, 8-Siphiwe Tshabalala, 9-Ka

2010 FIFA World Cup™ Day 12 LIVE

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It's the final showdown of Group B next! Nigeria vs South Korea & Greece vs Argentina. Who will join Argentina in the knock-out stage? With Group A done and dusted, it's the Group B showdowns of Nigeria vs South Korea and Greece vs Argentina coming up next! With Diego Maradona's men all but through, who will join them into the round of 16? To get the latest updates, commentary and analysis, LIVE, click here. France are the first major casualty of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Which other big nations will most likely follow them in the Hall of shame? Will it be England, Spain or Brazil? Read all about it! Get your starting line-ups, live commentary and live scores here on our fantastic Football Matchcast NIGERIA VS SOUTH KOREA Match Preview Nigeria Starting XIs: Vincent Enyeama, Danny Shittu, Joseph Yobo, Rabiu Afolabi, Chidi Odiah, Yussuf Ayila, Dickson Etuhu, Kalu Uche, Chinedu Ogbuke, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nwankwo Kanu South Korea Starting XIs: Jung Sung-Ryong, Cho Yong-Hyun

Adebayor: I'm staying with Manchester

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Emmanuel Adebayor insists he is staying with Manchester City and looking forward to the new season. The former Arsenal star moved to Eastlands for a fee close to £25million last summer. He scored 14 Premier League goals in his maiden campaign, but despite this - he has been linked with a possible move, as City themselves look to invest heavily once again during this close-season. However, Adebayor insists he is staying put and said: "I'm looking forward to next season. "It's going to be very difficult. But that's football."

Park: We have high expectations

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Park Ji-sung hopes to replicate his heroics of 2002 when South Korea face Nigeria in their Group B showdown in Durban. Eight years ago, the Manchester United midfielder scored the winner in a 1-0 triumph over Portugal in their final group game to progress to the last 16 of the World Cup. South Korea are looking to again make it to that stage, but for the first time on foreign soil and will need the inspiration of captain Park if they are to get there. "We have high expectations," Park said. "I believe we are more than capable of overcoming the pressure. "We have the ability to show our full potential on the pitch. We want to win and we don't want to miss any opportunities. "We are all going to do our best, just as we did back in 2002." South Korean are second in Group B alongside Greece, with both sides on three points. They know that victory over Nigeria would secure a place in the next round, provided Greece fail to beat group leaders Argentina in th

Fergie to Rooney: Just relax & enjoy!

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Wayne Rooney's form has concerned Sir Alex Ferguson so much he has taken time out from his holiday to call the England forward. Ferguson claims the "debilitating" atmosphere in the England camp is affecting Rooney, but also added that a long campaign has taken its toll on the 24-year-old, who has looked a shadow of the player that scored 34 goals for United last season. "I had that feeling," Ferguson said. "I spoke to Wayne last week and I just said: 'Relax and enjoy it.' I just sensed there was a tension in and around the camp from what I was hearing. I didn't watch the Algeria game but I just get a feeling that the expectation is affecting the England team. "Sometimes the expectation can be debilitating in terms of getting the players to perform to the levels required to get through their group." The pressure appeared to get to Rooney after the 0-0 draw with Algeria, when he angrily criticised England fans as he walked off the pitch.

Sports Minister: Disaster for France!

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Sports minister Roselyne Bachelot rounded on France's players and told them they had tarnished the image of the nation. The squad returned to training today after boycotting yesterday's session in protest at Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka being banished by the French Football Federation after his row with coach Raymond Domenech. Acting on the instructions of France president Nicolas Sarkozy, Bachelot confronted the players and then held an impromptu media briefing at the Free Stadium. She said: "I told the players they had tarnished the image of France. It is a morale disaster for French football. "I told them they could no longer be heroes for our children. They have destroyed the dreams of their countrymen, their friends and supporters." Bachelot confirmed an official investigation would be conducted after the tournament and added: "The government has to intervene as the reputation at France is at stake in this case." France are in danger of making an