Back in the day, it was somewhat unusual for a company to issue revamped versions of popular machines. Instead, they’d simply pop out another model so it was quite clear that an update had taken place. These days, consumers seem to “get” that technology changes frequently, and that models are updated from time to time with new hardware.Such is the case with MSI’s drop-dead gorgeous X-Slim X340. The ultraportable’s name hasn’t changed, its design is the same and even that attitude is still in place, but a newer

It’s hard to say at this point if nettops will ever become as popular as netbooks, but if Acer has anything to say about it, they’ll come close. The planet’s third largest PC vendor has today introduced its new Veriton N260G-U2802CP, a product that sounds like it’s straight out of a Transformers movie. The ultra-compact nettop is aimed specifically at the US professional market, but it should mount just fine on any LCD that’s hungry for some attention. The device is housed in a one-liter chassis and can be placed

Although paid music downloads are certainly popular these days, CDs comprised 65% of all tracks sold in the first half of 2009 according to the NPD Group’s MusicWatch survey. Paid digital music downloads increased from 30% market share in all of 2008 to 35% of tracks purchased by U.S. consumers in the first half of 2009. For the purposes of the survey, digital sales included downloads to the PC and over-the-air full-track downloads to cell phones, but they did not include cell phone ringtone downloads. The survey

As if Sony’s week couldn’t get any better, the company responsible for issuing a new, slimmer PlayStation 3 is also announcing a new audio product line that’ll soon be gracing the shelves of Best Buy locations. The ALTUS range will initially consist of just a handful of kits, all of which are tied to the company’s S-AIR wireless protocol in some form or another. Up first is the ALT-SA31iR multi-room iPod package, which features three separate components: a docking station for iPod/iPhone and two high-output

Canon announced six new PowerShot cameras today, including the new flagship PowerShot G11 and Canon’s first ever touchscreen PowerShot. All of the new cameras feature Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization and use the DIGIC 4 Image Processor. The cameras also have an upgraded version of Canon’s Smart AUTO technology that can track moving faces and detect 22 different shooting situations. Some of the new models also have the ability to capture 720p High-Definition video. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key

Razer today announced the Razer Naga and the Razer Megasoma at Gamescom 2009 in Cologne, Germany. The Razer Naga is supposed to be the next level in gaming mice for MMO players. It is designed to give MMO gamers a competitive edge. Also showcased at Gamescom is the Razer Megasoma, a hybrid gaming mouse mat that combines all the best features of a hard and soft mouse mat into one. Watch the introduction video of the Razer Naga below:

The Razer Naga MMO gaming mouse provides uniquely innovative gameplay features. The Razer Nagas customizable interface allows gamers to program and command the mouse in-game to fit their specific needs. Razer understands the critical features of the keyboard commands in MMO interfaces; the slightest delay or mistake that occurs in raids and arenas can result in a fatal outcome. The Razer Nagas distinctive 12 button thumb grid is designed to aid gamers by eliminating excessive clicking on the keyboard spell keys (1 through 12) while freeing up the hands to focus on movement and modifier keys.

According to a new report at DigiTimes, Microsoft’s plans for Windows Mobile in the coming year will be anything but straightforward.  The piece predicts that Windows Mobile 6.5 – as we’ve seen it up to now – will launch on October 1, but be followed by an upgraded, more touch-friendly version (6.5SE?) slated for release in February 2010.  Windows Mobile 7 would arrive in Q4 (between October and December) of 2010, months later than expected.

But the story doesn’t end there.  Digitimes goes on to state that when Microsoft does finally release Windows Mobile 7, WinMo 6.5 will remain. Rather than replacing 6.5 or 6.5SE, Windows Mobile 7 would be the premium version of Microsoft’s mobile OS, while 6.5 licenses would be reduced in price and become a budget option.

We’re not sold on every aspect of this theory, but it likely contains nuggets of truth.  The “dual-platform strategy,” as the story labels it, makes sense in some respects, but as told it doesn’t seem entirely likely.  Microsoft does need a low-cost OS to compete with the free Android OS and the all-but free Apple iPhone OS (free in that only Apple uses it and doesn’t have to pay itself for the license).  But wouldn’t it be better to lower the cost of the Windows Mobile 7 license across the board, while still providing top-tier features? 

If Microsoft wants to reboot its mobile OS over the next 16 months, it must eliminate or greatly reduce the impact of its licensing fees since its primary competitors’ handsets’ final price isn’t impacted by an operating system fee. 

With all the talk of music piracy clouding the airwaves these days, it’s rather refreshing to hear some positive news about music in the digital age. And despite what the RIAA or anyone else may have you believe, music sales are still happening. Just not in the same way that they were when your mother was buying records. According to a new report, compact discs only accounted for 65% of US music sales in the first half of 2009, while digital downloads are expected to “nearly equal CD sales” by the close of 2010.

StarTech.com First to Market with DisplayPort KVM Switch — New DisplayPort KVM Switch supports next generation display resolutions and audio capability, ideal for high definition imaging, graphic design, CAD and other demanding display environments — Groveport, OH – StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity and technology parts has announced the upcoming release of a DisplayPort KVM Switch (SV231DPU) – the first KVM Switch available with support for direct connections to DisplayPort

Logitech today announced two new mice that can be used almost anywhere, even on clear glass.The glass must be at least 4 millimeters thick, but I’d imagine it would be a little stressful to be computing on a table where the glass top was thinner, wondering if you’re going to press too hard and bring the entire tabletop crashing to the ground in a pile of glass shards.The Logitech Performance Mouse MX and the Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX use Darkfield Laser Tracking to achieve their goals and are supposed to be