Archive for category: Computers

I’m a Sony Software fan.
I’ve been using Sound Forge, Acid, and Vegas since before they were acquired by Sony, and were still Sonic Foundry products.
These products were largely responsible for putting a more pleasing look on top of normally austere, “functional” software, and introducing tools to make editing a little easier.
The release of Vegas Movie Studio HD 11, brings some very pleasnt UI tweaks, but underneath is a suprisingly capable consumer video editor.

To say that the capabilities of laptops, notebooks and tablets have come a long way over the last several years is an understatement on the order of noting that the Grand Canyon “sure is big.”  But while the advances made in sheer power, storage capacity, screen size/resolution and portability have completely changed our expectations, there is one element of the mobile computing experience that has not enjoyed a similar degree of improvement… and that is sound.

And though there are a number of very good reasons for that seeming deficiency, including; consumer demand (most people require even more mobility of their music devices) privacy and consideration (sad though it may be, not everyone wants to hear your favorite Beastie Boys track or episode of the Simpsons), and the very physics of sound, it is safe to say that most users would welcome a solution that provided improved sound quality in the conference room, home or on the go.

Not long ago I was forced to confront what you might call an ‘inconvenient truth…’ something had gone terribly wrong in my home network.  Performance was down and drop-outs and “failure – device not found” warnings were becoming more and more frequent.  To make matters worse, I just wasn’t sure just where the real problem was.

You see, like so many of you, I’ve spent much of the last several years incrementally adding more and more to my home network while at the same time adding more and more networkable devices… everything from laptops and netbooks to the now ubiquitous iPod Touches, iPhones and iPads–not to mention various tablets, gaming systems, smart-phones and even network enabled TV’s. While I’ve tried to be to be sure that everything added was compatible, after a good deal of trouble shooting it turned out there was one area I’d neglected… my router.

MSI has announced two new ultra-slim and powerful 14″ notebooks. The X460 and X460DX shrink power and performance into a really sleek package, boasting WiDi (wireless Display), extended battery power, USB 3.0, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and THX TruStudio PRO to name just a few. With prices starting at just $799, the X series seems to be a great option for gamers and power users on the go. For more info and all of the specs, check the full release after the jump…

No matter how good your mobile headphones are, in the end, it always comes down to the quality of your audio source–and for the discerning audiophile, laptop-quality sound simply won’t do. That’s where the NuForce uDAC-2 Signature Gold Edition USB digital audio converter comes in. In layman’s terms, this small USB interface connects between your laptop and desired audio source (headphones, receiver, desktop sound system), and converts the digital signal into an analog one, greatly enhancing the quality and power of your laptop’s digital audio. As far as the look of the uDAC-2, it’s anything but “layman.” Featuring a chassis that sports both 24K gold plating and stainless steel, you’ll even find a Swarovski crystal on the volume knob–making it part utilitarian, part just plain sexy. The uDAC-2 SGE will set you back around $400; but with the Swarovski crystal on board, you now have the perfect excuse to add an audio product to your wedding registry. Check out the full PR after the jump…

After reading my piece on the Mamba Catch, you may get the idea that we’re pretty big fans of what Booq has been doing with their laptop and gadget bags; to put it simply, if you’re looking for the best combination of quality, design and price, no other bag manufacturer even comes close. But as I mentioned in that earlier article, when it comes to a gear or laptop bag, how one feels about it is incredibly subjective–what works for me, may not necessarily work for you. So after reading your emails asking us to share a bigger bag, we went right back to the fine folks at Booq and asked them if they had something that could accommodate a larger laptop, as well as more gear–and guess what? They had one. And guess what? It’s brilliant. Read on, and find out what makes the Booq Boa Flow the full-size gadget bag you’ll never take a trip without…

It has finally landed. After weeks and weeks of rumors and speculation, Apple has released its next great operating system: Mac OS X Lion. Available now via the Mac App Store, Lion will set you back a mere $29.99. As expected, Installation is a breeze; no need to order discs or pick them up on your way home – all you need is the latest version of Snow Leopard–then, simply click the “Buy” button in the Mac App Store and let your computer do the rest.

Mac OS X Lion brings some great new features to an operating system that most have truly grown to love. Multi-Touch gestures makes interacting with your applications and your computer more intuitive…and much quicker. Full Screen Apps let you take advantage of all your screen real-estate. Mission Control brings everything to your fingertips, including old favorites like Dashboard, Expose and Spaces–plus much more, including upgrades to Mail and new applications that will save time and frustration, such as Versions, Auto Save, Resume and AirDrop.There are over 250 new features in this operating system, which has taken many cues from its mobile sibling, iOS. So let us know what you think.

As much as I’ve enjoyed reading Mitchell’s “My Daily Kit” column, after a while, I started getting a bit jealous; after all, I have a daily kit as well and I thought it might be fun to share my go-to gadgets. So where did I start? With one of my staples–and probably the staple of everyone out there that carries a laptop with them with any frequency: A portable mouse. As you might imagine, there is a lot of product to choose from in this segment, but we wanted to share a product that comes from a company that you might not associate with wireless mice–Verbatim. Mostly known for their digital storage solutions, Verbatim is expanding their product line…and their Wireless Mini Travel Mouse was one of the new products we were anxious to try. What did we think of it? Well, since it’s now a part of my daily kit, I think you can guess the answer…

Obviously Brilliant

Ok, I admit it.  Getting the chance to test the latest ultra-fast and powerful dual-core and 4G phones is fun. Putting the latest incredibly capable tablets through their paces is just plain cool.  And I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed the chance to review all the amazing games and hot new gadgets that pass through our doors each week here at YourTechReport.com. But if you want to know what products really make me smile – which products I have the hardest time returning at the end of the test period – I think my answer will surprise you. Why?  Because, while I love all the high-end, cooler-than-cool stuff that we usually report on, the truth is, the gear that really grabs my attention are the simple, utilitarian products that we all need and use–but almost never think about (unless, of course, something goes wrong).  Put plainly, I think that turning the unremarkable into the extraordinary is the very definition of cool.

So first off, let me say this: Whoever had the idea to make a rechargeable Bluetooth keyboard the size of a slim video game controller should definitely be given a medal–or at least be widely praised by his or her peers. Originally designed for AHX Global’s itablet, the Thumb Keyboard will work with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device. With most mobile devices having only “virtual” keyboards, having a small rechargeable keyboard that fits in your bag is incredibly helpfully–however, this is a PORTABLE keyboard. It’s made to be taken from your bag and used to type on your laptop, iPad, or even iPhone, or placed on a table in a coffee shop or food court to do some quick emailing or web browsing. If you’re planning on purchasing this as you main keyboard for your work desktop, stop reading this right now–there are plenty of great options, but the Thumb Keyboard isn’t one of them. However, if you’re scrolling back and forth with your joystick on your PS3 trying to write a hate message to the noob who just pwned you in Call Of Duty, then I highly advise that you read on, and learn about the wonders of the Thumb Keyboard.