For some folks an ordinary notebook computer simply isn’t an option: they work out in the boonies, in dangerous workplaces or environments, or regularly traipse off into hard environments where conventional notebook computers would wither and die. With these folks in mind, Getac has announced an upgraded version of its V100 convertible tablet notebook computer: the new version is still protected by a magnesium alloy casing, shock-mounted hard drive, sealed I/O ports, and meets MIL-STD-810G and IP65 specs…but it also sports an Intel Core i7 processor, giving it a 47 percent performance boost over its predecessor.
“The V100 fully rugged convertible has always been very popular because of its advanced feature set and super bright 1200 NITS screen,” said Getac president Jim Rimay, in a statement. “With better performance, memory, storage, and wireless capabilities, the new Getac V100 is more advanced and flexible as ever and even better suited for mobile field workers and users of rugged notebook PCs.”
The V100 features a 1,200-nit 10.4-inch multitouch display that’s readable in direct sunlight thanks to Getac’s exclusive QuadraClear technology. The system’s multitouch capabilities can be used with gloves, and the whole system can convert to a tablet by spinning the display and laying it flat on the unit. The V100 includes a full size waterproof keyboard, a reversible 2 megapixel webcam, PCMCIA expansion, an SD media slot, Bluetooth, and Windows 7 (downgradeable to Windows XP). The V100 sports a short-mounted 320 GB hard drive, but options include an 80 GB SSD, MIL-STD 461F certification, fingerprint scanner, Gobi 3G wireless, and GPS. Not to be discounted: the system’s five-pound weight and five year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty.
“Since 1989, Getac has manufactured rugged computers for the most demanding users in the harshest environments. Our rugged computers are designed to solve the challenges our customers face daily. We pride ourselves on having the absolute best customer service in the industry, with the only bumper-to-bumper warranty standard on every fully rugged device that we sell,” the company’s website says.
Getac hasn’t said a word about suggested pricing for the new V100, but rugged PCs like this don’t come cheap. Previous versions of the V100 with Intel Core 2 Duo processors carried typical prices between $2,700 and $3,000.
Mozilla is giving Firefox’s Smart Window two new tricks. If you haven’t tried it yet, Smart Window is an optional AI mode in Firefox with a built-in chat that helps you get things done while you browse. With this update, it can fill out online forms using details from your tabs and keep an eye on websites for you.
Tired of typing the same details into every form?
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.