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Windows 7 officially named Windows 7

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,

So, you know that follow-up to Windows Vista that Microsoft has been working on for the past couple of years? They’ve been calling it Windows 7 for a while now, but we just thought that was going to be its codename. As it turns out, Microsoft just announced a few hours ago that Windows 7 is the official name of the next version of their operating system. Why not go with another cutesy name like Windows ME, XP, or Vista? Well, they say this is the seventh release of Windows, and that it “just makes sense.” Well, we guess it does. If you’ll be at WinHEC or PDC, you can plan on getting Windows 7 pre-beta code from Microsoft to play with.

USB Retro Microphone

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB,

Play late night talk show host with the USB Retro Microphone. It has a built-in audio decode chipset and will work with Skype or any other chatting application. The mic has a mute button, a volume switch, and supports Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Don’t forget the nifty “on the air” sign, even if you are not. At a size of 88 x 88 x 210mm and a weight of 151g, pre-order now for $32.00 for delivery later this month.

PC Remote Control II

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi, USB,

The PC Remote II is similar to one made for TVs, except it won’t work on your TV and it acts as a wireless mouse. With a USB interface, no driver is needed and it works up to an 18m distance. It features four hot keys and runs on 2 AAA batteries (not included.) The remote supports Windows 2000/XP/VISTA and WMP, RealPlayer, KMPlayer, TTPlay, WinDVD, PowerDVD software. At a price of $21.00, it gives you one more thing to lose in your sofa.

Seinfeld-Gates Campaign Nixed

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Comedy, Commercials, Gossip, Video,

Those somewhat odd and not-so-funny Microsoft ads featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld are being pulled from the air. You might think it’s because they’ve received such a negative reaction (the entertainment media has had a jolly time poking fun at them), but Microsoft says differently.

This company never admits failure or defeat of any kind. “This was the plan all along,” said spokesperson Frank Shaw. “All along we said we were having a teaser campaign,” he explained. “We’re getting ready to start the second phase.” Betcha it doesn’t involve putting founder Bill Gates in the ads, this “second phase.”

Click to continue reading Seinfeld-Gates Campaign Nixed

VMware Fusion hits 2.0

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,

Running Windows in OS X is still cool, even if software like Parallels, VMware Fusion, and Boot Camp have been around for a while. Now though, Fusion has hit 2.0, which is a nice milestone. Performance improvements, better multi-monitor support, and more robust Unity features (that’s the feature that lets you “erase” the Windows desktop, so that your Windows programs appear right next to your OS X ones) make this a worthy upgrade. Here are the details:

More Seamless with Unity 2.0: Application Sharing, Link Handling, Mirrored Folders, Driverless Printing, True Multiple Display Support, and Custom Keyboard Mapping
Safer Windows on Mac experience with AutoProtect automated snapshots and a 12-month complimentary subscription to McAfee VirusScan Plus security software for Windows XP and Vista
More Power with DirectX 9.0c with Shader Model 2 3D graphics, 1080p HD video playback, Multiple Snapshots, 4-way vSMP, and Better Linux Support (Unity & Easy Install)
More Mac-like, More Mac-friendly with all new Welcome Screen, Virtual Machine Library and Virtual Machine Settings, Cover Flow and Quick Look integration, and Apple Help
Mac OS X Leopard Server now is supported in a virtual machine on Mac hardware

If you already have a copy of Fusion 1.x running, you’ll be happy to know that this is a free upgrade. Otherwise, you can pick up Fusion 2.0 for $79.

Microsoft Sidewinder X6 Keyboard With Switchable Keypad

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Microsoft, Peripherals, Video Games,

For those of us who are southpaws, Microsoft is releasing the SideWinder X6 Keyboard with a first, a switchable key pad. Unveiled at the recent Games Convention in Leipzig, you can use it as a regular pad for computing or as a programmable macro pad and store up to 90 macros per game. It also has two-color back lighting for nighttime players and Cruise Control on up to 4 keys at a time. The X6 is compatible with XP/Vista and will be out next month with a MSRP of $79.95.

Aceeca Meazura MEZ1500 Handheld

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Handhelds, PC / Laptop,

MEZ1500 PC New Zealand’s Aceeca has unveiled their Meazura MEZ1500 that runs Windows CE 5.0 or 6.0. Similar to their MEZ1000 with the same case design and 7-button keyboard, it features a 2.8 x 2.1-inch touchscreen with a 320 x 240p resolution, a Marvell PXA270 processor, and a memory of 64MB of RAM and 32MB of flash. The company claims that it can handle temperatures of 10 to 60º C and can withstand 30 minutes of water 3 ft. deep. At a size of 6.8 x 3.7 x 1.6-inches and a weight of 16.9 oz., you can also order the MEZ1500 with Linux. Contact Aceeca for availability of the rugged handheld that comes at a starting price of $549.00.

Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Videos, USB,

For those who want more color in their lives, Luxeed’s Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard should do the trick. With 430 LEDs, each key can light up when you press it or you can get a wide variety of lighting settings that can be saved on four preset buttons. The keyboard comes in black or white at a size of 15 x 7.5 x 1-inch and has a standard USB connection. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista, Mac or Linux users can get the keyboard but will have no effects. The Luxeed peripheral will set you back $199.99 and if you want a matching keypad that doesn’t light up, it is an additional $34.99. Frankly, they make us a bit dizzy.

Shuttle KPC 4800

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Music, PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi,

Dell isn’t the only one with a mini-desktop. Shuttle’s KPC 4800 has an optical drive and runs Foresight Linux, with an option for Windows Vista. It features dual-monitor support and you can sync your cellie, play tunes from your MP3 Player, organize your photos, use included office application, or go Bluetooth. You can also expand from the standard 512MB of memory to 2GB or add another hard drive. Note that with the inexpensive price starting at ~$99.99, you are on your own when it comes to peripherals.

USB 4-in-1 Webcam

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Cameras,

4-in1 Webcam Here’s a 4-in-1 for those with crowded desk tops and only one USB port. The gadget is a Webcam, microphone, fan, and LED light. The USB 2.0 device works with any chatting software, including Skype, has a dimmer switch, an on/off button, and attaches with a suction cup. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista, it is 75 x 75 x 228mm high and weighs 211g. Get yours for $23.00, which makes it less than $6.00 per item if purchased separately.

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