If the Radeon 6990 is basically two 6970 in crossfire configuration, embedded into a single chip, then the GeForce GTX 590 is basically two GeForce 580 in SLI.

The GeForce GTX 590 is clocked a bit slower than it’s single core brother the GTX 580 at just 607MHz and memory speed of just 853MHz. However, as with the case is with AMD’s Radeon 6990, lowering the card’s clock speeds help trim down this monster’s TDP to just 365W.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 590 specs are as follows:

Reviews:
AnandTech
Hothardware
Expreview

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These new MBPs sport Intel’s new Sandy Bridge processors on all models and the option of quad-core CPUs and AMD GPUs on their 15″ and 17″.  Surprised at seeing AMD there instead of Nvidia?  So am I but it does seem that the legal wranglings between Intel and Nvidia have cost the green team their partnership with Apple for it’s Macbook Pro line.  If you remember past MBP updates, Apple was using Nvidia’s GPU (and lately Nvidia’s Optimus graphics switching technology) for it’s higher-end line Macbook Pros.

In addition to using Sandy Bridge processors, the new MacBook Pros will also be shipping with Intel’s Light Peak high-speed interface, codenamed Thunderbolt. Apple’s new notebooks are the first products to ever ship with this new, proprietary optical cable interface boasts of a high 10 Gbit/s bi-directional bandwidth. The Thunderbolt port on the new Macs doubles as a DisplayPort connector and will also work with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays.

For the GPU part, the 2011 Macbook Pro line up sees another first, AMD branded GPUs.  Discrete AMD GPUs are available on 15-inch and 17-inch models with switchable graphics, reminiscent of Nvidia’s Optimus technology. The higher-end models will carry 1GB of dedicated graphics memory, while the baseline 15-inch MacBook Pro will use a more modest AMD 6490M 256MB configuration. Sadly, the 13-inch versions seem to have been stuck with the budget line as Apple has axed it’s plain old macbook and will be stuck with Sandy Bridge’s built-in HD 3000 graphics.

Features of MacBook Pro (MBP) 2011 Refresh:

• Next-generation Intel Sandy Bridge quad-core and dual-core CPU processors.
• Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor with switchable graphics to AMD Radeon graphics processor on the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro.
• Thunderbolt port for plug-and-play performance with up to size Thunderbolt peripherals or devices, as well as with the Apple LED Cinema Display and other Mini DisplayPort peripherals. Adapters are available for HDMI, VGA, DVI, and DisplayPort compatible devices.
• FaceTime HD camera for 720p HD video calls from one new MacBook Pro to another, or to other Intel-based Mac computers,4 iPhone 4, or the new iPod touch.
• Multi-Touch trackpad.
• Longer lasting battery.
• 802.11n wireless and Bluetooth support.
• 8x SuperDrive DVD writer.
• New SDXC card slot on the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro models supports up to 64GB cards.
• ExpressCard/34 slot on the 17-inch MacBook Pro for an eSATA adapter or a 3G wireless card.
• Two USB 2.0 ports (three on the 17-inch MacBook Pro) and a FireWire 800 port let you connect your iPad, iPod, iPhone, digital cameras, and external hard drives.

Here’s the base configuration specifications and listed prices for the MacBook Pro 2011 models.

13-inch MacBook Pro

• 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7
• 4GB 1333MHz RAM
• 320GB 5400-rpm or 500GB 5400-rpm hard disk drive
• Intel HD Graphics 3000
• Built-in battery (7 hours)

15-inch MacBook Pro

• 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 or 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
• 4GB 1333MHz RAM
• 500GB 5400-rpm or 750GB 5400-rpm hard disk drive
• Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated graphics card
• AMD Radeon HD 6490M with 256MB GDDR5 or AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1GB GDDR5 dedicated GPU
• Built-in battery (7 hours)

17-inch MacBook Pro

• 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
• 4GB 1333MHz RAM
• 750GB 5400-rpm hard disk drive
• Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated graphics card
• AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1GB GDDR5 dedicated GPU
• Built-in battery (7 hours)

The main configurations and pricing for the new MacBook Pros are as follows:

• 17″ 1920×1200 Display. 2.2Ghz Quad i7. 4GB RAM. 750GB HD. AMD 6750M 1GB — $2499
• 15″ 1440×900 (1680 option) Display. 2.2GHz Quad i7. 750GB HD. AMD 6750M 1GB — $2199
• 15″ 1440×900 (1680 option) Display. 2.0GHz Quad i7. 4GB RAM. 500GB HD. AMD 6490M 256MB — $1799
• 13″ 1280×800 Display. 2.7GHz Dual i7. 4GB RAM. 500GB HD. Intel HD Graphics — $1499
• 13″ 1280×800 Display. 2.3GHz Dual i5. 4GB RAM. 320GB HD. Intel HD Graphics — $1199

Aside from bumped hardware specs, Apple has also equipped the new macbooks with a new FaceTime HD camera capable of 720p video recording and communication along with a new software that will ease calls between FaceTime-equipped Macs and iOS devices

These new MacBooks are available now.

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The Adam will be available in multiple configurations, and unlike most tablets which rely on local carriers to get distributed, the Adam will be available straight from Notion Ink to be shipped wherever you are around the world.  Shipping charges will apply though so be forwarned.

Notion Ink Adam Specifications and faetuers

Display

• 10.1″ WSVGA (1024 x 600)
• Optional Pixel Qi display:
  Transmissive, transflective,
  and reflective modes
• Multi-touch
• Matte finish
• Anti glare coating
• Scratch resistant
• Finger print resistant

Camera

• 3.2 MP Auto Focus Swivel
  Camera

Communication

• WLAN – 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• WWAN – 3G HSPA

Size+Weight

• Thickness: ~14 mm
• Width: 191 mm
• Length: 269 mm
• Weight: ~1.6 pounds

System on Chip

• NVIDIA Tegra 250
• Dual Core Cortex A-9
• ULP GPU

Memory+Storage

• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 1GB SLC
• 8+ GB Flash
• Micro-SD Card support

Power & Battery

• Universal Charger
• 3 cell 24.6Whr battery

Audio

• Stereo loudspeakers
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Built in microphone

Input/Output Ports

• USB 2.0 Host x 2
• Mini USB
• HDMI
• Micro SD slot
• SIM Card slot
• DC connector

Sensors

• 3-Axis accelerometer
• Ambient light sensor
• GPS
• Digital Compass

As for the pricing?  Since multiple configurations of the Adam is available, here’s the price break down:

• LCD screen,WiFi — $375
• LCD screen, WiFi, 3G — $425
• Pixel Qi Screen, WiFi –$499
• Pixel Qi Screen, WiFi, 3G — $549

If you’re planning on getting one, I would suggest investing in the Pixel Qi Screen version.

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Features of Motorola XOOM:

• 10.1-inch widescreen HD display with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
• Dual camera – 5 megapixel rear camera plus 2 megapixel front-facing camera
• Pre-loaded Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction
• 1080p full HD video support plus HDMI output
• Integrated gyroscope, barometer, e-compass and accelerometer
• Mobile Hotspot capability supports up to 5 other Wi-Fi-enabled devices

“Light, powerful and fundamentally different than anything else on the market, Motorola XOOM leverages the very best technology available today to redefine what a tablet experience can be,” commented Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer for Motorola Mobility. “The first device to feature software designed specifically for tablets, Motorola XOOM goes everywhere you do and delivers everything you need.”

Motorola also release a video to introduce the features of the Xoom tablet:

The Motorola XOOM tablet is scheduled to hit Verizon stores a 3G/Wi-Fi-enabled device in this quarter, upgradeable to 4G LTE in Q2 2011.

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The Radeon HD 6850 is equipped with 960 stream processors, a 775MHz core clock and 1GB of GDDR5 memory at 1GHz while the HD 6870 with 1120 stream processors and 900MHz / 1,050 MHz clocks respectively.

If you’re wondering ATI chose this naming scheme, the company says it’s to keep from confusing customers as they will keep the 5700-series, the Cypress chips that will be replaced by the 6800 series, in production.

The HD 6870 is priced at $180 and HD 6850 $240.

As for the reviews, hit these sites:

Read – AnandTech
Read (1), (2) – Guru3D
Read – HardOCP
Read (1), (2) – Bit-tech
Read – PC Perspective
Read – Legit Reviews
Read – Techgage
Read (1), (2) – TweakTown
Read – Hexus
Read (1), (2) – TechPowerUp
Read – HotHardware
Read – TechSpot

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Rumors abound that HP’s first entry into the tablet market would run on WebOS but here we are looking at a tablet with Window 7 on it.  As this is for enterprise use, it’s probably best to expect a WebOS version for regular consumers like us in the works.

HP Slate 500 Specifications

• Processor : Intel Atom Z540 processor 1.86GHz
• Memory : 64GB Flash Memory
• RAM : 2GB DDR2 RAM.
• Operating System : Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium.
• Camera : 3MP Camera on backside and a VGA camera in front.
• Ports : SIM card slot, USB 2.0 port, SD card slot, a dock connector and microphone jocks.
• Screen : 8.9 inch Diagonal, 1024 x 600 pixel,  multi-touch display.
• Graphics : Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 with shared graphics memory, Broadcom Crystal HD Video enhanced accelerator.
• Connectivity : SIM card slot for the optional 3G modem. Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth It also has optional GPS
• Battery life : HP Slate contains 2-cell battery and 5 Hour battery life.
• Adapter : 25W/30W A.C Adapter for U.S and other Countries respectively.
• Weight : 0.67 Kg.

The HP Slate 500 supports multiple input devices aside from the touchscreen like an optional keyboard and optical mouse, as well as the HP Slate Digital Pen. To  complement this, the tablet also comes with Evernote, Adobe Reader, and Adobe Acrobat built in (eeew lol), along with some HP-branded software.

The HP Slate 500 will be sold as a kit, including the HP Slate Digital Pen, HP Slate Dock, and HP Slate Portfolio for just $799.  Availability is currently limited to the US market and HP has yet to announce plans for worldwide distribution.

source HP Slate specification page

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So why is the 11″ Macbook Air a viable netbook replacement?  Check out the specifications.

11-inch Macbook Air specifications
11.6″ display @ 1366×768 pixels
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.4GHz
NVidia GeForce 320M
2GB DDR3 RAM
64GB and 128GB SSD storage
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
webcam
2 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x mini display port
64GB or 128 GB SSD

This slim little notebook runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo CLUV which is even better than most netbook processors (Atom hah!).  Battery-wise, while using SSD for the Air saves up on power consumption, the small confines of the unibody can only allow for a meager battery size.  Apple rates the 11 inch Macbook Air’s battery for 5 hours.

The new 11.6 Macbook Air is available in 64GB and 128 GB SSD configuration.  As for price:

64GB – Php51,990 ($999 in the US) inclusive of 12% VAT
128GB – Php61,990 ($1,199 in the US) inclusive of 12% VAT

The 11.6″ Macbook Air is available now.

photos courtesy of Ars Technica

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It sports all the cool features of the iPhone 4 like the retina display and dual cameras without the signal attenuation problems

iPod Touch 4th Generation Specifications
3.5-inch multi-touch display @ 960×640 pixel resolution
1GHz A4 chip w/ 512 MB RAM
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n (802.11n is 2.4GHz only)
Bluetooth 2.1 w/ EDR
Three-axis Gyro
Accelerometer
Ambient light sensor
HD 720p camera @ 30fps w/ audio
VGA front-facing camera for Face Time

As noted in the specifications, the iPod Touch 4G can do FaceTime which means you can make a call to other iPod Touch 4G users or iPhone 4 users via WiFi for free.  Kinda makes Steve Jobs’ point when he said that said the iPod touch is “an iPhone without a phone. It’s also an iPhone without a contract.”   By giving the new touch access to free video calls via facetime, then it’s safe to consider the iPod Touch 4G an iPhone without the ongoing cost.

Apple claims the new iPod Touch can do 7 hours of video playback and 40 hours of audio.  The CPU and RAM upgrades will certainly be a welcome addition to anyone looking at the touch as a PSP or DS replacement.  That plus access to Apple’s new Game Center, a part of the iOS 4.1.

Apple iPod Touch 4G official Philippine Price list:

iPod Touch 8GB – Php12,490
iPod Touch 32GB – Php15,990
iPod Touch 64GB – Php21,990

For international orders: 8GB for $229, 32GB for $299, and 64GB for $399.

The iPod Touch 4G are up for pre-order and will be available next week.

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Apple adds a bit more features to the latest Nano via a clip at the back,  dedicated volume controls and lock button at the top of the device, multi-touch controls, FM radio, pedometer functions and voice over.

Makes you wonder why you’ve bought the 5th Generation Nano now don’t you?

iPod Nano 6th-generation features:
1.54-inch TFT display @ 240×240 pixel resolution
Multi-touch screen
Accelerometer
FM Radio
Pedometer

The 6th generation Nano can now last up to 24 hours of music playback now you can’t play video with it.  Not a real loss considering it’s small screen can cause more strain that fulfillment when you’re watching a video.  Don’t believe it? Try watching something with subtitles

iPod Nano 6G Philippine Price List:

iPod Nano 8GB – Php7,990
iPod Nano 16GB – Php9,790
The iPod Nano 6G is available now.

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The Samsung Galaxy S is available from all four major U.S. wireless carriers and yet despite being currently only only on T-Mobile (Vibrant) and AT&T (Captivate), the phone has already reached the one millionth sales mark.

Sprint’s version, the Epic 4G, will launch on August 31st, with Verizon’s (the Fascinate) seeing pre-orders, but no official date as yet.  U.S. Cellular will also have a Galaxy S in its roster of devices later this year, as well.

For those still wondering about the appeal of Android Smartphones, this achievement should settle a few things on your mind like the platform’s marketability, enterprise appeal and overall performance.  For those already loving the Android Platform, there’s no doubt that the Galaxy S device is a hit.

Here’s the full press release from Samsung:

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