Archive for the ‘Launch’ Category
Thursday, November 15th, 2012
The LTE-capable ASUS PadFone 2 is an Android 4 smartphone with a 4.7” display, with a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor, along with a 13MP camera. Slot it behind the docking Station and the combo becomes a 10.1” tablet.
Pre-orders begin tomorrow with deliveries on 22 November, either from StarHub or retailers. Prices range from S$848 (32GB phone) to S$1,239 (64GB phone + Station).
Update (11 January, 2013):
The Pearl White model will be available in Singapore from 12 January at the prices listed below.
ASUS will also be rolling out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for PadFone 2 on the same day. The update will be made over the air, with users prompted to receive the Jelly Bean update.
The PadFone 2 has also just won the CES Innovations Award 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA during CES 2013.
ASUS PadFone 2 – hybrid smartphone/tablet for the best of both form factors.
In line with its tradition of innovation, the ASUS PadFone 2 offers the portability of a smartphone and the larger screen estate of a tablet when the phone is docked in.
| RRP for Open Channels |
32GB |
64GB |
| PadFone 2 + PadFone 2 Station |
S$1,099 |
S$1,239 |
| PadFone 2 |
S$848 |
S$988 |
| PadFone 2 Station |
S$328 |
The Station only works with the phone docked in and serves to provide a larger screen and additional battery power.
ASUS PadFone 2 Android smartphone will be available in Singapore on 22 November.
The Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich can be upgraded to Jelly Bean.
Pre-order promotion
To pre-order, register your interest at the ASUS Singapore Facebook page or StarHub website.
Registered customers who purchase the device can receive a 2-in-1 Stylus Pen (worth S$28) and PadFone 2 Station Sleeve (worth S$68) for free.
This promotion is only valid from 16 to 20 November, while stocks last.
It runs on a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro Krait (Cortex-A15 class) quad-core processor with Adreno 320 Graphics.
The PadFone 2 comes with either 32GB or 64GB eMMC Flash, 2GB LPDDR2 RAM, and 2years of 50GB ASUS WebStorage.
Available only in black, the phone accepts a Micro SIM and has a 4.7-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) display at 312 ppi resolution, and 500 nits brightness Super IPS+.
| ASUS PadFone 2 |
| OS |
Android 4.0 (ICS) |
| Screen (phone) |
4.7″ Super IPS+ |
| Resolution (phone) |
1280 x 720 |
| Screen (Station) |
10.1″ IPS |
| Resolution (Station) |
1280 x 800 |
| Battery (phone & Station) |
2,140 & 5000 mAh |
| Processor |
1.5 GHz quad-core |
| Features |
LTE, NFC, Micro SIM |
| Camera |
Rear: 13 MP |
| Front: 1.2, 1.3MP |
| Video |
1080p HD |
| Memory |
RAM: 2 GB |
| Int: 32 or 64 GB |
| Ext: Nil |
| Size /mm (phone) |
137.9 x 68.9 x 9 |
| Weight (phone) |
135 g |
| Size /mm (Station) |
263 x 180.8 x 10.4 |
| Weight (Station) |
514 g |
| Price |
see other table |
The docking Station has a 10.1-inch IPS display (1280 x 800 pixels) at 149 ppi resolution.
Both displays use scratch-resistant Corning Fit Glass with anti-fingerprint coating.
Imaging-wise, both share the massive 13-megapixel rear camera on the phone, while the phone and the Station has 1.2MP and 1MP front cameras respectively.
The f/2.4 aperture rear camera can shoot up to 100 shots at 6 fps in burst mode, while simultaneously recording 1080p HD video.
The phone and the Station has 2140mAh and 5000mAh batteries respectively.
At just 649g, the combined weight of both PadFone 2 and PadFone 2 Station is lighter than most tablets in the market.
StarHub is the only Telco offering the PadFone 2, as was the case with the original PadFone.
Authorised retailers will also begin selling the devices (without line) at the time as StarHub, on 22 November.
This will allow existing subscribers of other Telcos to purchase the PadFone 2 at the same time as StarHub subscribers.
Both StarHub and ASUS are accepting pre-orders from tomorrow.
Tags:Android, Android 4, Asus, Central, ICE, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, launch, PadFone, Singapore, smartphone, StarHub, tablet
Posted in Asus, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Phones, Prices, Specifications, Tablets | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
Clarity AV has launched the RS20i, Datasat’s newest entry into Singapore’s luxury home cinema market, offering to bridge the gap with the professional cinema sphere. Available from today for S$32,250.
Clarity has just launched the Datasat RS20i Digital Audio Processor in Singapore.
The RS20i is engineered according to the same architecture as Datasat’s AP20 professional processor, the ‘brains’ that processed audio content for James Bond’s Skyfall, Men in Black 3, Jurassic Park and more than 14,000 other Hollywood blockbusters.
Datasat AP20
The AP20 is an industry staple and a favorite of Hollywood’s creative minds.
It boasts 16 channels of digital and analog inputs and outputs, and is one of the few audio processors capable of 3D audio today.
Unlike currently available surround sound boxes and premium processors, the RS20i conforms to the full 16-channel Digital Cinema Package (the collection of files that complete a digital movie) specification mandated by the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).
With 16 channels of digital audio available, the RS20i supports up to 85 digital and analog inputs as well as 34 audio outputs.
The rear of the Dataset RS20i. Note the many digital/analog input/output sockets and three expansion slots.
This amount of outputs allows the audio processor to accommodate all surround sound formats currently available – including true 3D sound.
Clarity AV
Clarity is the sole distributor of the RS20i in Singapore and Malaysia.
It is a subsidiary of Clarity Group.
The company not only provides and installs sophisticated, high end entertainment systems for new homeowners but also works with owners of existing home theatres to enhance both audio and video quality.
In addition, three expansion slots allow for the easy addition of extra channels in the future.
The RS20i also allows audiophiles to fine tune audio exactly how they want and save the setting.
Once configured, it is easy to manage the setting with all the power of the RS20i available at the users’ fingertips through their smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The RS20i is the only home cinema solution to feature the market-leading Dirac Live room optimization technology.
Clarity AV 在新加坡开始发售 Dataset 的 RS20i Digital Audio Processor。这个售价$32,250新元的数码音频处理器是针对新加坡豪华住宅的私人影视市场。听过其影响效果真觉得“不同凡响”! – 科技点心（微薄）
Audio output is optimized from each speaker in a sound system so that it is perfectly balanced for the acoustic behavior of the listening environment where the speaker is situated, creating the most natural and immersive listening experience.
With sleek, elegant looks designed by Neal Feay Company, an award-winning designer of consumer electronics, the Datasat RS20i also makes an attractive component of any luxury home entertainment system.
Tags:Cinema, Clarity, Datasat, Hollywood, Jurassic Park, launch, luxury, Men in Black, Singapore, Skyfall, theatre
Posted in Audio, Events, Launch, Lifestyle, Shopping | 1 Comment »
Monday, November 5th, 2012
“LiveLabs Urban Lifestyle Innovation Platform“ (LiveLabs) and “SmartHub“ are two complementary innovation platforms in consumer and social analytics that will strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Research & Development (R&D).
LiveLabs director, SMU Associate Professor Archan Misra (3rd from right) explaining to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean (2nd from left) how location and context data would be collected from consumers’ mobile devices. Looking on were SMU President, Professor Arnoud De Meyer (1st from left); StarHub CEO Neil Montefiore (2nd from right); and LiveLabs director, SMU Assistant Professor Rajesh Balan (1st from right).
These two National Research Foundation (NRF)-supported innovation platforms will provide city-scale test-beds where home-grown and global players can jointly develop, test and launch their IDM-based products and services, not just for Singapore, but for the region.
“Through the launch of LiveLabs, SMU hopes to help businesses, particularly those in the retail, tourism and hospitality sectors, gather useful, context-based consumer and social insights based on the behavioural patterns of real-world users. This will enable participating companies in Singapore to tap high-value opportunities,” said SMU President, Professor Arnoud De Meyer.
With an investment of some $50 million, the two innovation platforms are expected to help speed up the commercialisation process of R&D, increase the quality and quantity of IDM innovations, help businesses gain useful insights into consumer behaviours, as well as catalyse more collaborations between the academia, industry and public-sector organisations in developing IDM innovation.
Together, the launch of SMU’s “LiveLabs“ and StarHub’s “SmartHub“ will help to sharpen the competitive edge of Singapore companies and position Singapore strongly and favourably as a regional hub for consumer and social analytics.
Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister for Home Affairs and Chairman of National Research Foundation (NRF), Mr Teo Chee Hean graced the “LiveAnalytics@SG: Launch of LiveLabs & SmartHub” event held at SMU as the Guest-of-Honour.
(more…)
Tags:MDA, R&D, Singapore, SMU, StarHub
Posted in Enterprise IT, Launch, StarHub | No Comments »
Thursday, November 1st, 2012
The “A-Drive” is one of the world’s thinnest 5mm hybrid hard drive in a 2.5-inch form factor. Increased storage capacity, reduced power consumption, and at a lower cost of manufacture.
A*STAR’s Data Storage Institute (DSI) launches next generation 5mm hybrid hard disk drive.
S. Iswaran launched the drive to commemorate 20 years of R&D by the Data Storage Institute (DSI) into data storage capabilities.
“We have managed to fit an amazing amount of innovation and advanced technology into a thinner, cheaper, and faster design, and we think the consumer and enterprise impact will be significant,” said Dr. Pantelis Alexopoulos, Executive Director of DSI.
Iswaran is a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry.
The “A-Drive” has capacities of up to 1TB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with 32 GB Solid State Drive (SSD), allowing it to store over 250,000 songs.
The “A-Drive” addresses limitations of the popular and fast but expensive flash-based SSD, as well as the conventional HDD for the consumer and business industry.
DSI’s “A-Drive” is targeted at tablets, ultrabooks, and future data centres.
With its slim form factor, the “A-Drive” could fit into tablet devices, greatly expanding its storage space while extending battery life by up to 30%.
The innovations for the HDD portion of this A-Drive should be applicable to the manufacture of conventional hard disk drives as low-hanging fruits for monetising the research investments.
The “A-Drive” will be a cheaper alternative to the SSDs currently used in ultrabooks, offering the same instant-on capability but with larger storage capacity.
How much will it cost?
Dr. Alexopoulos reckons that a 500GB A-Drive with 32GB Flash memory could have a sale price of US$60 (S$73).
From here, it could take from six to eight months for the A-Drive to hit the market.
For enterprise storage applications, the “A-Drive” reduces power consumption by up to 50%, resulting in greener and more efficient data centres with better optimisation of the already limited rack space.
One of the main challenges in reducing the thickness of current 7mm hard disk drives by almost 30% without compromising on its performance and stability is its spindle motor design.
“Our capabilities today have been the result of two decades of collaboration with industry partners around the world …We look forward to future partnerships as we continue our drive towards new innovations that will shape the data storage landscape,” said Dr. Alexopoulos.
To achieve a reduction in size, DSI researchers developed a proprietary axial field motor which runs smoother, quieter, and more efficiently – lowering power consumption by up to 70% – but costing only a fraction of the cost of SSDs.
The motor’s design has been patented, along with 30 other unique designs for the “A-Drive”.
In addition, DSI has collaborated with multinational corporations and local companies, such as Seiko Instruments, Miyoshi, and Unisteel, to develop key components for the “A-Drive”.
Why is DSI developing this technology?
Data storage manufacturing is an important sector for Singapore’s economy.
DSI’s research into data storage innovation enables Singapore to shift from assembly of hard disk drive components towards higher value-added activities such as hard disk drive design and hard media research.
In the 20 years since its founding, DSI has enabled data storage companies in Singapore to move up the value chain, creating high-value jobs and refining job skills in the process.
Tags:A*STAR, DSI, hard drive, HDD, hybrid, Singapore, SSD, storage
Posted in Enterprise IT, Events, Gadgets, Launch, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications, storage drive, Tablets, Tech news, Technology | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
Lenovo has announced four new convertible tablet/notebook hybrids designed for Windows 8 and Windows RT: the IdeaPad Yoga 13 Ultrabook (S$1,899, mid-Nov), Yoga 11 (S$1,199, early-Dec), ThinkPad Twist S230u (S$1,699, available today), and Tablet 2 (S$899, mid-Dec).
Both IdeaPads can be pre-ordered now.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 (left) and ThinkPad Twist S230u (right) in “Tent” mode, with the Twist and its swivel screen in the centre.
The theme of the launch event at the National Library Building in Singapore was “Flip, Flex, Bend, Twist”, which describes the various ways in which you can manipulate the new convertible tablets.
Bend it like … Beckham Yoga.
I played with the devices on display and found them responsive to the touch of the fingers.
I like the hinge design of the Yoga which allows the screen to be flipped 360 degrees onto itself to convert the Ultrabook into a flat tablet (and as a free-standing display enroute).
The 16.9mm thin Yoga 13 also felt light at only 1.54kg.
When the screen is flipped more than 180 degrees, the keyboard and trackpad is disabled to prevent accidental activation of these while holding the Yoga.
Below is a summary of the four new devices. All are Wi-Fi capable but only the Tablet 2 has an option for 3G.
| Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 – S$1,899 |
| This convertible Ultrabook can be flipped 360 degree to become a flat tablet.
 Boasting more than eight hours of battery life, its Motion Control technology enables users to use gestures to flip through photos, or use fingers on the ten-point multi-touch screen.
Specs: Windows 8, Intel Core i7 CPU, 13.3″ HD+ (1600×900) IPS display, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 1.54kg, 16.9mm thick.
Lenovo is partnering with SingTel to offer an special edition of the IdeaPad Yoga 13 (priced at $1,799 with Intel Core i5 CPU ) with every sign up of SingTel 150Mbps Fibre BroadBand at $98 per month or 15Mbps Home BroadBand at $79.90 per month.
Available in mid-November. Can pre-order now. |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 – S$1,199 |
| The Yoga 11 claims to be the world’s slimmest multi-mode PC, measuring just 15.6 mm thin.
 Its slim design, 11.6-in screen and long 13 hour battery life make it a great convertible for mobility.
Specs: Windows RT, NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU, 11.6″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, 1.27kg, 15.6mm thick.
Available in early December. Can pre-order now. |
| ThinkPad Twist S230u – S$1,699 |
| Another Ultrabook convertible with a twist.
 This 12.5-inch powerhouse features up to Intel Core i7 CPU and is suitable for both business and personal use.
Specs: Windows 8 Pro, Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, 12.5″ HD IPS display, up to 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1.58kg, 20mm thick, 7 hours battery life.
The ThinkPad Twist S230u is available now. |
| ThinkPad Tablet 2 – S$899 |
 This tablet is designed for Windows 8 and powered by an Intel Atom processor.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 supports 5-finger multi-finger touch, pen input or connection to the ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock for a PC-like computing experience.
Both the Pen/Digitizer and keyboard are optional.
 The ThinkPad Tablet 2 includes a host of IT manageability, security and corporate-level service and support to help IT managers easily deploy in their business environments.
Specs: Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, Intel Atom CPU, 10.1″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, up to 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, up to 600g, 9.8mm thick.
Available in mid-December. |
Tags:convertibles, hybrids, launch, Lenovo, notebooks, Singapore, tablets, Twist, Windows, Windows 8, Yoga
Posted in Events, Gadgets, Hybrid, Launch, Lenovo, Microsoft, Notebooks, Operating Systems, Prices, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
Japanese printer and sewing machine manufacturer has launched the compact A3 inkjet multi-function printer in Singapore.
Available from 1 November 2012, the Multi-Function Centre MFC-J2510 (S$398 incl. GST) is sleek, small and fast; and is targeted towards SMBs and SOHOs.
Brother inkjet Multi-Function Centre MFC-J2510 (S$398 incl. 7% GST).
The Brother MFC-J2510 is tailored for personal use, small or home offices (SOHOs) and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Six cloud-based services that the Brother MFC-J2510 can print from and scan to:
- Facebook
- Dropbox
- Picasa
- Flickr
- Google Docs
- Evernote
It sports bold, curved edges and has a black and white design with a gloss finish.
The multi-function printer is able to copy, fax, scan and print; and has a 3.7-inch touchscreen interface.
The MFC-J2510 supports wired and wireless networking, prints on both sides, and features Internet connectivity to support printing from and scanning to six cloud-based services.
The Brother MFC-J2510 InkBenefit and its touchscreen interface.
You can use Brother iPrint&Scan app, Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print to print from and scan straight to your iPhone, iPad, Android device or Windows Phone.
Landscape A4 printing.
It also supports direct printing from USB flash memory and media memory cards.
Even though it can print up to A3 sizes, the MFC-J2510 is compact and similar in size to the typical A4 multi-function printer.
This is Brother’s first device that uses landscape-printing, featuring a larger horizontal 1,680-nozzle print head.
It is Brother’s fastest inkjet model with a print speed of up to 20 monochrome and 18 colour pages per minute (ppm).
The MFC-J2510 also conserves both ink (see print yield in the table below) and off-mode power consumption.
(more…)
Tags:Brother, Cineleisure, Dropbox, Evernote, Facebook, Flickr, Google Docs, inkjet, launch, multi-function, Picasa, printer, Singapore
Posted in Brother, Cloud, Events, Facebook, Gadgets, Inkjet, Launch, Multi-function printer, Prices, Printers, Specifications | 1 Comment »
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Microsoft launched Windows 8 worldwide today and held launches in 15 cities around the world. From tomorrow – Friday, 26 October – the new operating system will be available to consumers and businesses in 140 countries and 37 languages.
Windows 8 has been launched today and will be available from tomorrow onwards.
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Tracey Fellows, President of Microsoft Asia Pacific.
For business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers mobile productivity features such as Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache; as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.
Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets – Windows RT – which will only be available pre-installed on new devices and comes preinstalled with Microsoft Office.
The Start screen is the launch pad for Windows 8.
All the different versions feature a new fast and fluid Start screen that gives users one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the new Internet Explorer 10 that is tuned for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
How to get Windows 8 and the prices
In addition to getting the new operating systems pre-installed on new devices, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs.
Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of US$39.99 from here (for a limited time).
Eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June, 2012, and 31 January, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of US$14.99 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.
In Singapore, new Windows 8 licenses can be bought at all leading IT retail stores for S$89.99 with free PIXMA printer while stocks last.
Windows 8 comes pre-installed with apps that include Mail, People, Calendar, Photos, Weather, Xbox Music and SkyDrive.
“Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise computing experience to individuals, families and businesses, where they no longer need to choose between the fun and convenience of a tablet and the power and productivity of a PC,” said Helene Auriol, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.
Additional apps can be downloaded from the cloud-connected Windows Store.
The online store can be accessed via the Windows Store App on the Windows 8 Start Screen and is a central place for users to manage their downloaded apps across multiple Windows 8 devices.
Microsoft has officially opened its Windows Store for Singapore as part of Windows 8 launch today.
Singapore and Asia Pacific launch
For Singapore and the Asia Pacific, the launch was held at the roof terrace at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, with a showcase of new Windows 8 PCs, notebooks and tablets from the main computer makers.
More than 600 Windows enthusiasts, partners and enterprise customers attended this Windows 8 Singapore launch event.
At launch, Windows 8 users can immediately download apps from the Windows Store.
Local apps available include iProperty, SingTel, StarHub, The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, SG Cab from Singapore; and The New Zealand Herald (New Zealand), Fruit Ninja (Australia), SM Cinema (Philippines), My Baby Piano (Korea), Bangkok Bank (Thailand), and iProperty (Malaysia) from the Asia Pacific.
Windows 8 devices
There are more than 1,000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.
In Singapore, there are more than 50 Windows 8 devices from a wide range of manufacturers including Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.
These will be available at more than 120 IT retail stores across Singapore, including Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman and Newstead.
Tags:Acer, DELL, Esplanade, Fujitsu, HP, launch, Lenovo, LG, Microsoft, Samsung, Singapore, Sony, Toshiba, upgrades Asus, Windows, Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Store
Posted in Acer, All-in-One, App, ARM, Asus, Dell, Desktops, Events, Fujitsu, Gadgets, HP, Internet Explorer, Launch, Lenovo, LG, Notebooks, Office, Operating Systems, Prices, Samsung, Software, Sony, Specifications, Tablets, Tech news, Toshiba, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 3 Comments »
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Nubox, an arm of Newstead Technologies, will be re-launching Nubox@Funan DigitaLife Mall at Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Road, #03-21/22 on October 26, 2012, 11 am.
In conjunction with the store opening, there will be a series of promotions from 26 – 28 October. Click on image to see enlarged view of the discount flyer.
The Nubox store at Funan DigitaLife Mall first started as an Apple Authorised Reseller in 2008.
“We are very pleased to be the largest chain of Apple Premium Reseller (APR) with 11 stores islandwide. All Nubox stores have attained the APR status,” said Ms Evelyn Chua, Chief Marketing Officer, Newstead Technologies.
To achieve the Apple Premium Reseller (APR) status, the store met stringent criteria from Apple – from store location and size to quality service and certified staff.
Similar to other Nubox stores, customers will be able to get the full range of Apple products as well as an extensive range of third-party accessories and software.
The friendly Nubox staff will also provide professional advice on products, complete with training and service support.
Nubox Super Size Challenge
Nubox Super Size Challenge
To celebrate the opening of Nubox@Funan DigitaLife Mall, Nubox will be holding the grand finals of Nubox Super Size Challenge at 10am at the store on 27 October.
The competition was first held last year. The preliminary rounds for this year’s challenge was held online from 10 – 17 October.
The top 10 participants with the most number of correct answers completed within the shortest time will face-off “live” at the finals.
The champion will walk away with S$1,200 worth of Nubox vouchers. The other nine finalists will receive a-JAYS One+ earphones worth $88.
Tags:Apple, DigitaLife, Funan, Newstead, Nubox, promotions, Singapore
Posted in Apple, Contest, Event forecast, Gadgets, Launch, Prices, Promotions | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
Two days before General Availability of Microsoft Windows 8, ASUS unveils its lineup of new Windows 8 touch-enabled devices, which includes full gaming desktops, All-in-Ones, notebooks, tablets – as well as notebook/tablet convertibles/transformers. Prices within.
Update (17 January, 2013):
The ASUS VivoTab Smart detachable tablet will be available in Singapore from 18 January onwards at S$699 for the WiFi model.
Update (9 January, 2013):
The ASUS VivoTab RT 3G is now available in Singapore from 9 January for S$1,049.
ASUS has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of Windows 8 computers ranging from powerful gaming desktops, All-in-One desktops, notebooks, tablets, as well as convertible and transformer notebook/tablethybrids.
Among the major computer manufacturers, I consider Asus as one of the most innovative.
Innovative pioneers
The Taiwanese company created the Netbook genre with its Eee PCs back in 2007.
ASUS Transformer Book
Asus also the pioneered the tablet/notebook hybrid with the Asus Transformer TF101 – offering a hardware keyboard that the Android tablet could be docked into for serious work that involves typing – plus added battery life and connectors.
Now every other major computer maker offers notebook/tablet hybrids in their lineup.
Either as a “Transformer” hybrid where the keyboard can be totally detached.
Or in a “Convertible” format where the keyboard cannot be detached but can be manipulated such that the machine can be held as a tablet or used like a traditional laptop.
Asus has continued its innovation with products such as the Transformer Padfone and now the Taichi – a convertible with dual screens.
Below is a summary of the new Windows 8 lineup unveiled by ASUS.
(more…)
Tags:AIO, Asus, Clarke Quay, convertibles, desktops, launch, Microsoft, notebooks, Singapore, tablets, TAICHI, transformers, VivoBook, VivoTab, Windows, Windows 8, Zenbook
Posted in All-in-One, Asus, Desktops, Eee Pad Transformer Prime, Eee Pad Transformer TF101, Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Gaming, Launch, Microsoft, Notebooks, Prices, Software, Specifications, Tablets, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
Apple introduces iPad mini (S$448 – S$878), Fourth Generation iPad (S$658 – S$1,088), iMac and Mac mini (S$1,088 – S$2,788), as well as 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display (S$2,388 – S$2,788) at San Jose, California. All prices include GST.
Philip Schiller introduces the iPad mini in San Jose, California. Schiller is Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing.
As rumoured, Apple has introduced the iPad mini, with a 7.9-inch (1024 x 768 pixels) non-Retina display and 7.2mm thick.
The new iPad mini with its bigger brother, the Fourth Generation iPad.
It is a quarter thinner than the Fourth Generation iPad and thinner than a pencil, according to Apple CEO, Tim Cook.
The Fourth Generation iPad is an update that includes a new A6X CPU, a 720p FaceTime HD camera, additional LTE carrier support and faster Wi-Fi.
Externally, the only difference is the 9-pin Lightning connector which replaces the old 30-pin jack.
The Wi-Fi only version of the two tablets will be available in 34 countries from 2 November and can be pre-ordered in 26 countries from 26 October. Singapore is in both lists.
The Wi-Fi + Cellular versions will only start shipping “a couple of weeks after the Wi-Fi models”, according to Apple.
Many expected the iPad mini to be priced to compete with 7-inch tablets such as Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD and Google’s Nexus 7, both of which start at US$199.
Apple’s new iMac is super thin at the edges – only 5mm on all edges.
However, the iPad mini will start at US$329 instead.
Apple has also updated its Mac mini and iMacs (21.5 and 27-inch).
The later is particularly stunning with its razor-thin all-in-one form factor that has excited the tech community.
It comes with a new storage option called Fusion Drive – which combines 128GB of flash with a standard 1TB or 3TB hard drive.
The Mac mini is available today, while the 21.5-inch iMac and 27-inch iMac will be available in November and December respectively through the Apple Online Store.
Philip Schiller – Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing – also unveiled a new 13-inch MacBook Pro that is 20 percent thinner than its predecessor and weighs nearly half a kilogram lighter.
New 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
Starting at S$2,388, the new notebook has a 2.5GHz Intel processor, a high-resolution Retina display with more than 4 million pixels, and a solid-state flash drive instead of a spinning hard disk.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available from today through the Apple Online Store.
In the other big tech event for this week, Microsoft is releasing its Windows 8 cross-platform operating system for General Availability this Friday on 26 October.
Tags:Apple, iMac, iMac mini, iPad, iPad Mini, MacBook Pro, Philip Schiller, prices, Retina, Singapore, Tim Cook
Posted in All-in-One, Apple, Desktops, Gadgets, iOS, iPad, Launch, Mac, Notebooks, Prices, Specifications, Tablets, Tech news, Tickers | 1 Comment »
