In a simultaneous launch at the CES in Las Vagas and the Opera House, Sydney, Dell has unveiled it’s new Ultrabook: the Dell XPS 13. Weighing in at under 3lbs (1.35 kg) with a carbon fibre base and only 6mm at its thickest, this new addition to the XPS range is aimed squarely at the prosumer market – targeted at professionals but sold through consumer channels.

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“Less Mass, More Appeal” are the catchwords that Dell is touting to describe the new ultra-thin Dell XPS 15z laptop which has just been  announced in Australia. Not only is it thin, but the Dell XPS 15z also boasts gutsy insides with choices of either 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 Dual Core Processors.  Other noteworthy features to grab our attention are the 15.6″ full HD displays and up to eight hours of battery life from the device.
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Many of you would have seen how much I loved the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk  N700 with its inbuilt speakers, cooling fan and comfortable cushioning. Logitech have just announced a smaller sibling to the N700, which is made especially for the  increasingly popular compact laptops and netbooks out there – the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N550.

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I love my Logitech N700 Speaker Lapdesk! (Look how engrossed I am with this gadget above :S )

I’ve had many many laptop cooling devices and lapstands but the Logitech N700 Speaker Lapstand is the best implementation of both because it is just so comfortable to use! With the ample amounts of padding it’s a dream to utilise for prolonged periods on your bed or on your favorite seat in the lounge room. This gadget was clearly designed and tested by a serious couch-potato!

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Today Targus have just announced it’s latest charging gadget – this time it’s the Targus Mobile Laptop Charger. The versatile charger comes with almost every kind of adapter under the sun to allow you to keep your laptop juiced up wherever you are. For example there are boat, plane and car adapters and the Targus Mobile Laptop Charger also has nibs to suit over 95% of laptops on the market.

That ‘s a lot of coverage by this charging gadget!

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Last Friday I was fortunate enough to be in Singapore to experience the Singapore IT Fair as well as visit the LG Electronics Singapore Office. While I was there, Wayne the LG Electronics Singapore PR Manager, was kind enough to show me their newest gadget – the LG X300 Netbook. I took the opportunity to record a video with him to give you readers an even closer insight into this sleek new netbook.

I was impressed by its thinness and weight. The LG X300 Netbook is a perfect traveling companion. Slide it into your hand carry bag / laptop bag and you’ll hardly know it was there, as it weighs less than 1 kilogram.

As long as you’re not doing super power-hungry multimedia tasks such as video-editing or 3D animation, the LG X300 will be more than adequate for your daily PC tasks. It comes with a battery-efficient (up to 5 hours) Intel Menlow 2GHz chip, with up to 2GB RAM and 128GB SSD Hard drive. Perfect for surfing the web, word processing and gaming.

The LG X300 is very stylish – I love the textured cover as well as the integrated (aesthetic and functional) touch pad. It does look that LG have applied similar styling that many of us have become familiar with in terms of the Apple MacBook range, particularly in the design of the keyboard and its keys. Also liked how the headphones jack is position on the back right hand side which will result in the headphone wiring being less obstructive / messy.

I can see why this is set to be LG’s netbook flagship – it’s looks good, performs well and pricing reasonable.

See the LG X300 Review / Demonstration video below:

LG X300 Press Release – LG Electronics

SEOUL, Mar. 7, 2010 –LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, today announced the launch of the LG X300, the ultra-thin premium mobile PC. Its sleek and stylish look wowed the visitors at CES 2010 in Las Vegas.

“Given how demanding and discerning consumers are nowadays, we were delighted to receive such acclaim from the public and media at the CES for our new mobile PC,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “It’s a vindication of LG’s efforts to maintain the very highest standards in design without any sacrifices in high-tech or functionality, and ensure our consumers’ experiences with LG PCs just keep getting better.”

The LG X300, LG’s new flagship mobile computing device for 2010, tips the scales at a mere 970g and is only 17.5mm thick for the ultimate in portability.

What’s more, the LG X300 boasts an array of enticing design features. The sleek but wide 11.6-inch LCD screen maximizes the viewing area by eschewing a bezel. Also, its unique reflective keyboard and borderless touchpad add further elegance to this premium mobile PC. To offer the complete package for the most style-conscious users, the LG X300 comes in two colors, shiny white and light brown.

Fitted with a 2.0 GHz Intel Menlow platform with up to 2GB memory and 128GB SSD, the LG X300 runs Windows 7 Home Premium OS and ships with a spare 2-cell battery to provide up to seven hours of use. Thanks to its fan-less, silent operation, the portable PC is also extremely quiet to run, while the LG Smart Pack – LG’s smartest software suite for PC users – ensures the LG X300 is easy to use, even for novices.

The LG X300 packs multimedia features including a 1.3-megapixel webcam with a You-Cam viewer, and SRS TruSurround HD sound. And thanks to an embedded 3G modem chipset, users can easily get online via GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA networks.

The LG X300 will be available in Asia starting in March, followed by the Middle East and South America. Prices will vary country-to-country and will be announced separately in each market.

YouTube – LG X300 Netbook Review – mrgadget.com.au

Late last month, Logitech Australia announced the release of their latest laptop accessory – the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700. With this gadget, they address the ever increasing demand for quality laptop coolers as more and more people use them on their laps for either work or entertainment.

I like how the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 comes with an anti-sweat material covered cushioned base which means extra comfort. The integrated speakers and laptop stops are also great ideas.

My only gripe is that although it only takes one USB to power both cooling and speakers built in, it doesn’t provide its own USB ports which is important if you are charging your mobile phone as well as using some other USB device such as a 3G USB dongle. Mac users in particular will feel some level of annoyance given most MAC laptops, like my MacBookPro 13″ only comes with 2 USB ports as is.

Besides this, overall I love the smooth and comfortable design of the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700.

Availability in Australia will be later this month and only through Officeworks

Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 Video:

Press Release for Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700:

SYDNEY, Australia – February 23rd, 2010 – You’re already using your laptop to listen to music, play games, watch movies, TV and videos. You’re already using it on the lounge and on the bed. But you’re looking for a way to be comfortable, and you know what a difference high-quality audio can make when you’re enjoying good entertainment. For a theatre-like experience on your laptop, Logitech Australia today introduced the Logitech® Speaker Lapdesk N700 — the company’s first all-in-one laptop accessory with integrated stereo speakers, a built-in fan and a wide padded base.

“More and more people around the world are enjoying fantastic entertainment on their laptops — but with mediocre sound and comfort,” said Denis Pavillard, Logitech vice president of product marketing for laptop accessories. “In fact, according to our research nearly 50 percent of laptop users report being dissatisfied with the sound quality of the built-in speakers. The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 helps transform your laptop into a private theatre in the cozy confines of your lap.”

Unlike most laptop speakers, the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 offers two built-in high-definition speakers with 2-inch high-performance speakers. Specially designed for notebook computers, the stereo speakers are precisely positioned on either side of your laptop to give you rich sound and powerful bass. And, because they connect through a single USB cable, there’s no cable clutter or the hassle of moving and setting up external speakers.

While you’re enjoying entertainment on your laptop, the Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 helps keep you comfortable. Whether you’re on the lounge or in bed, the viewing angle of your screen and the padded base help you sit in a more comfortable position. Meanwhile, a quiet, efficient fan circulates air under your notebook, and the heat-shielding design helps keep laptop heat off your legs and lap. Plus, a grill protects the fan from dust and damage, and rear and bottom air intakes ensure steady, unobstructed airflow.

The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 is easy to set up and use, just plug in the single USB cable and play movies, music, online videos, and more in rich, full stereo sound – there’s no software to install and no need for batteries. And to put convenient, independent control at your fingertips, the Speaker Lapdesk N700 offers volume controls for the speakers and an On/Off switch for the fan.

The Logitech N700 is the latest addition to Logitech’s recently introduced range of Lapdesks. The range includes the Logitech Comfort Lapdesk for Notebooks (SRP $99.95 AUD), Logitech Cooling Pad N100 (SRP $59.95 AUD) and Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 (SRP $49.95 AUD). These are currently available in retail stores nationally.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 will be available in Australia from late March for a suggested retail price of $149.95 AUD inc. GST. It will be sold exclusively through Office Works nationwide.

YouTube – Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700.

Targus should be very happy – they’ve just scooped up a CES Innovation 2010 Design and Engineering Award for their very cool (pardon the pun) Targus Lap Chill Mat.

As the name suggests, the Targus Lap Chill Mat, keeps both your lap and laptop cool by optimising ventillation between the two.  It’s powered by two USB-powered fans which facilitates continuous airflow ensuring a comfortable notebook experience whether you’re relaxing on the couch or in your bed. The highly ergonomic design of the Targus Lap Chill Mat also aides in effective typing and navigation on your laptop while preventing common computer related injuries such as RSI.

If you’re on using your laptop away from your desk for prolonged periods of time, I highly recommend a Targus Lap Chill Mat!

Grats to the Targus team gain!

Press Release for Targus Lap Chill Mat

Sydney, 24 February 2010 – The Targus Lap Chill Mat has been honoured in the
CES Innovation 2010 Design and Engineering Awards for its aesthetic design,
functionality and unique features. Targus’ innovative cooling device offers
a convenient, comfortable and ergonomic work surface that regulates the
temperature of laptops, when used on the lap as well as the work desk.

The Awards, which are endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of
America, are judged by a panel of independent industry designers, engineers
and media. Targus won its award in the Computer Accessories category, one of
36 categories overall. The judging criteria not only examined design and
engineering innovation, but also how the product compares to others in the
market.

Resting on users’ laps, the Targus Lap Chill Mat disperses heat with dual
USB powered fans that provide ventilation, and features an open design
allowing the fans to run quietly. The ergonomic tilt makes typing easy,
whilst the soft neoprene base provides cushioned comfort on your lap. Four
rubber stops on the face of the Chill Mat prevent the laptop from slipping.

“The Targus Lap Chill Mat meets a growing trend that is seeing laptop users
leaving traditional office environments and enjoying the flexibility and
freedom of working from home, in shared workspaces or on-the-go,” said
Targus Australia’s Accessories Product Manager, Aaron Shooter. “The
introduction of cooling devices to our everyday laptop use not only helps to
extend the laptop’s lifespan, but encourages faster performance, fewer
crashes and provides heat protection for work surfaces.”

Targus Lap Chill Mat Product Page

For those of you with a Dell XPS M1330 we have some good news – our first shipment of the Dell XPS M1330 Battery. I own one personally and I’ve seen the battery life dwindle away to now only lasting for around 1 hour max compared to the 4 hours worth of battery life I have been enjoying for the last 2 years or so – time to get back to those good times.

Get your Dell XPS M1330 Laptop Battery Here – Product Page

Product Description of the Dell XPS M1330 Laptop Battery

The Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery was made to fit the following Dell Laptop / Notebook models:

• Dell XPS M1330 Series, Dell XPS 1330 Series

Specifications of the Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery:

• Color: Black
• 11.1 Volts
• 6600mAh

Battery Tips for Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery:

1. Your new Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery comes in a discharged condition and must be charged before use (refer to your computer manual for charging instructions). Upon initial use (or after a prolonged storage period) the battery may require two to three charge/discharge cycles before achieving maximum capacity.
2. When charging Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery for the first time your computer may indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15 minutes. This is a normal phenomenon with rechargeable batteries. Simply remove the battery from the computer and repeat the charging procedure.
3. It is important to condition (fully discharge and then fully charge) Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery every two to three weeks. Failure to do so may significantly shorten the battery’s life (this does not apply to Li-ion batteries, which do not require conditioning). To discharge, simply run your device under the battery’s power until it shuts down or until you get a low battery warning. Then recharge the battery as instructed in your user’s manual.
4. If Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery will not be in use for a month or longer, it is recommended that it be removed from the device and stored in a cool, dry, clean place.
5. It is normal for Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery to become warm during charging and discharging.
6. A charged Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery will eventually lose its charge if unused. It may therefore be necessary to recharge the battery after a storage period.

Warranty for Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery:

• The Dell XPS 1330H Laptop Battery has a return-to-base warranty period of 1 year

Get your Dell XPS M1330 Laptop Battery Here – Product Page

I was in Sydney last Thursday for the Dell / Alienware Gaming Laptop Launch Party. As mentioned a couple of days ago, it was hosted at the Shangri La where we were treated to an array of tasty treats of course equally delicious beverages

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