Computer Technology News

Archive for November, 2009

Ddr memory is an industry standard for memory technology. Dual-ability data rate (ddr) memory in the read / write data speed up to have two times in the cycle of rise and fall istem hours. Ddr memory mostly used in servers and network applications and the phone and desktop computer has the ability as a faster and this is very important. Laptop Memory and the processor can effectively doble data exchange, process information faster and more efficient, allows customers to take. Speed faster memory does not always mean faster system performance, especially when combined with the latest Intel Xeon processor technology. For example, the new Intel Xeon processors require 400MHz memory data transfer speeds, but the transfer rate of 400MHz is actually done by using dual 100MHz double data rate clocks. Technique combination dual 100MHz two hours and 400MHz data transfer rate provides data transfer speeds. Computer servers usually use DDR2 memory that require high-density packaging to optimize rack space. Ddr memory be made to work on the memory operation two days per cycle. This effectively doubles the memory speed older synchronous laptop memory module. This type of memory has been gradually in favor of higher clocked DDR2 standard. Ddr2 memory is a version of the update that provides the speed ddr hour faster than the previous standard ddr memory. Both types of notebook memory are not distinguishable as they interface with the chipset and notebook memory in a different method. To distinguish the two, each has a different type of pin count and layout for the notebook memory modules. DDR3 is the latest version of the memory that will be released and once again provide speed faster than the DDR2. This is still quite rare, but probably will get more from time to time acceptence as processor speeds increase the need faster memory. For more details about this memory, I check. In accordance with the development of the era DDR memory is designed to perform under the most demanding conditions. Help to improve response time, you can work with the processing speed, larger files, email, and surf the internet fine, especially in the running audio and video environment. With prices DDR2 memory is designed with superior performance and stability in mind. Operate in the 400MHz, it is appropriate for all users and increase system integrators seeking the perfect upgrade memory for their system. Ideal for a home built and brand-specific system patriot memory signature is a perfect combination of quality and value in this PC memory module. Stringent testing standards and top of the line components ensure every module is 100% compatible. Affordability has never been previously found in a premium memory line. Memory module is also supported by the patriot life insurance create a signature line memory options.

popdownload. net (http://www. popdownload. net) We live in the revolutionary era of the DVD and that everybody runs like mad for the quality of the videos they watch. But sometimes there are some features on the DVD that you want to separate and the easiest way to do that is to compress them into all kinds of formats with the 11 most popular DVD converter. 1. Ultimate DVD ConverterIt converts DVDs to play on almost any portable device including iPod, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod video nano, Zune, PSP, video capable MP3 players, video capable mobile phones, Pocket P. C. , and so on. Meanwhile, it can also support output almost any audio/video format including Video format(H264, MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, RM, 3GP, flv, SWF, ASF, mpeg-1, mpeg-2, VideoCD, SuperVideoCD, DVD, etc) and Audio format(AC3, AAC, MP2, MP3, MP4, RA, WMA, etc. ). 2. Avex Video & DVD Converter PackIt combines DVD Ripper Platinum, Video Converter Platinum and all DVD to PSP, iPod, 3GP, Zune Video Suite into one. The software features superb video/audio quality, the fastest conversion speed available on the market (Up to 3x faster), vast support for all kinds of devices. Easy to use and features fully loaded. 3. MPEG/AVI to DVD/VCD/SVCD Converter ProIt is easy to use and powerful for experts as well. It can convert and burn any video file directly to VCD, DVD, SVCD, MPEG1 and MPEG2 format. Pro version included all the features of the lite version. In addition, it has embedded ” DVD Author Express” and ” DVD/VCD/SVCD Burner Engine”. So it becomes an all-in-one VCD/SVCD/DVD Creator. 4. DVD AVI MPEG Video ManagerIt converts files into a compliant DVD Video set of files, and burns it on a DVD media. Faster DVD Ripper is so easy to use, just a few clicks to rip DVD with fast speed. It supports all most popular formats such as DVD VOB to AVI, Mpeg, Mpeg4, MP4, VOB, WMV, DV, iPod, Zune, PSP, FLV, Youtube and stream formats to DVD. 5. Aimersoft Mac DVD Converter SuiteIt is the most powerful Mac DVD and video Converter software that include two almighty Mac converters: Aimersoft DVD Ripper for Mac and Aimersoft Mac Video Converter. It can help Mac OS X users not only rip DVD to AVI, MP4, MPEG, MOV, but also finish conversions among all common video format like convert AVI to MP4, convert MPEG to AVI, etc. Although it is very powerful, it is still very easy to use. 6. Avex DVD Ripper PlatinumIt is the fastest DVD ripper available on the market. This all-in-one DVD ripping software which can rip DVD to all popular video formats with ease. Support PC, iPod, PSP, Mobile phone. With Superb video/audio quality and up to 3x faster ripping speed than conventional DVD Rippers, It simply does the job much better. 7. 1CLICK DVD ConverterIt converts DVD movies and episodes quickly and easily to video files for iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Archos, Creative Labs Zen, Generic DivX, Microsoft Zune (MPEG-4) and Sony PSP. It is a shareware. Platform are Win 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista. 8. Easy DVD ConverterIt is powerful, all-in-one DVD ripping software which can rip DVD to various video and audio formats with ease. It includes not only the features of DVD Ripper and DVD Audio Ripper, i. e. , rip DVD to all popular video formats such as AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, FLV, 3GP, etc. , rip DVD to audio formats including WAV, WMA, MP3, but also other features like ripping DVD to MP4 to play on your portable MP4 players. 9. Any DVD Converter ProIt is an All-in-One DVD ripper and video converting tool which can rip DVD movie to all popular video formats and convert video files between all popular video formats with fast converting speed and excellent video quality. 10. Pavtube Video DVD Converter Suite It is a powerful multimedia application that includes two great products: Pavtube Video Converter and Pavtube DVD Ripper. It can perfectly rip DVD, convert all video and audio files. After our test, there is no spyware and adware in these 10 softwares. Source: http://down. popdownload. net/200810/The-10-Most-Popular-DVD-Converter_5. html

Limit of not pursuing the DPI mouse resolution does not advocate is too personal appearance, which is different from the business office type wireless presenter game where the mouse. Indeed, for business, office people, and working or not with the stringent durability is the length of their areas of concern. Recently wireless presenter with laser pointer on the “business elite exclusive” propaganda slogan to market, this wireless mouse while positioned in the notebook computer 2. 4G wireless office area, then this wireless mouse how to win a number of critical vision of the business office who does? The mouse as a whole feel more comfortable, and in addition is equipped with the most basic right mouse button, wheel coupled with DPI switch button, had not built too many fancy features, a bit frumpy character. In addition, the product’s packaging is also done a good job, double-carton packaging to maintain the overall look and feel of the exquisite, but also avoid the many commercially available wireless presenter plastic sealed package difficult to open the embarrassment, but consumers need to pay attention when buying packaged mouse picture color is blue, the actual difference between the purchase of needed attention to the package back label. This presenter wireless mouse though not particularly bright spots of the bright spot, but retained the common use of human functions such as battery capacity alarm, power switch and 500/1000 Turret DPI switch enables the use of the product to adapt to different environments. However, quotes for the 269 from the current point of view, its cost are still considerable room for improvement. 2. 4G wireless presenter with mouse as a standard, state of the sharp wireless mouse in addition accompanied by qualitative like batteries and USB mini-receiver, the added to a mouse pad is very human face. However, there is no relatively easy to carry everyday packaging bag, so you need to bring attention to the cleanliness of the surface of the mouse. As the attached presenter pad is placed in the box, so its size before the box size limit, which leads to an area of little less than the mouse pad? The mouse pad are soft class, smooth surface, with four smooth rubber mouse pad design, to use a lower resistance to the hand felt in high DPI under the detailed and accurate positioning has little impact. Since the state of the sharp office performance of the wireless presenter very well satisfied, so we are actually used in the selection of the mouse CS demanding games as demos. Throughout the trial process, coupled with the included mouse pad, aiming to achieve the basic position, although some high-level operation, such as “rejection gun” becomes very difficult to achieve, and also the transfer of large-scale shooting impossible. In addition, the mouse wheel phase of a sense of obvious, but to use them more smoothly, the design of roller relatively solid, there is no loosening, in the switching of firearms without awkward feeling. As a location for business office applications, 2. 4G wireless presenter, in the state of the sharp trial, we also feel that the product focus for the business applications. Refresh rate of return is not high, but the win in a very stable, so that the user’s use of more handy. Clever design of the receiver, low-battery warning display with a variety of power-saving features to a certain extent slowed down the HTPC platform out to bring home when used with power troubles. Although there are no outstanding characteristics, but the moderation of the overall design is still to win the applause of many users.

iPod’s popularity certainly has a major say in the Car audio industry today, not directly from apple but from the millions of iPod users. Due to the massive amounts of people who regularly use iPod’s on a daily if not hourly basis Car Audio Brands and Vehicle Manufacturers have had to redefine how car audio and entertainment works and what is expected from each component within the system. Vehicle manufacturers are more aware of the demands of the public and use additional add-ons as a selling point in an aid to promote new ranges and vehicles. However the majority of factory iPod car kits are simply an AUX input into the audio system. This allows music to be played through the speaker system, which for some users is enough. However this option does not offer any of the more advanced features that aftermarket kits do. So the big question is do vehicle manufacturers see a future with iPod car kits or are they waiting for the next big invention? The investments from Car Audio Brands suggest that the iPod is going to be here for a minimum of several years. The larger brands such as Dension, Alpine & Kenwood have taken iPod integration to the next level, although in separate directions. Alpine & Kenwood have built fully iPod compatible aftermarket stereos, with new features such as imprint technology & HD screens that allow users to configure the components depending music quality and type. Combined with Made for iPod & iPhone you can get the most out of your iPod by finding and playing music and videos much easier than ever before. Dension however has made larger strides by combining iPod technology with factory fitted equipment. The Dension Gateway range provides an iPod connection into your factory fitted stereo, ensuring that the original look is maintained. The Dension Kits also provide Steering wheel control for the iPod and music, Text display on a lot of vehicles including the new CAN cluster display vehicles within the VW & Audi Group and the retention of your CD Changer via a CD Retention Kit at additional cost. However it’s the new components that Dension are developing that offer the greater indication of where iPod integration may be heading? The soon to be released AVR is designed to work with the gateway 500 fibre optic kit allows different sources of entertainment to be played simultaneously, So for example the adults might want to listen to their favourite music in the front of the vehicle while the kids enjoy their favourite DVD in the back. This step is a major advance in the car entertainment world and will open up several avenues for further development in the future. Another one of Dension’s products nearing completion is the Wi-Drive, this device when complete will allow you to integrate your vehicle into the wireless home network, and this has many advantages at first glance. Such as instant file transfer from computer to vehicle and vice versa. However this device holds many more possibilities than first anticipated. A wireless internet network connection can be made with the use of mobile USB dongle currently available from various mobile networks providing internet access to all of the users in your vehicle. The possibilities of car audio and entertainment & iPod integration in the future are endless, devices such as the AVR and the Wi-Drive will open up many avenues for the next stage of development. For example; Security devices could be invented that provide live streaming from the vehicle to your own computer monitoring your vehicles safety combined with “web cams” installed in your vehicle you could see exactly what happening to your car live. Live streaming or the download of music and videos from iTunes could be played on TV screens installed in the vehicle through the use of the Wi-drive and AVR while you’re on your journey, simply select and go through your iPod to choose all the latest Apple iTunes has to offer. Television channels broadcasting live online could be watch instantly allowing new entertainment channels to be integrated into future vehicles, controllable at various points in the car. Maybe the kids want to watch different TV channels? No Problem now. One thing is clear, the Car audio and entertainment business is moving on. New and improved technology being created continually and the iPod certainly can be at the centre of it all.

If you’re like most consumers today, you’re probably thinking it’s time to upgrade from your standard hard drive to the latest in storage technology—a solid state hard drive. After reading this article, you’ll be more familiar with solid state drives (SSD), including the advantages and disadvantages of this new technology.
What is a Solid State Drive?
The term “solid state” refers to electronic circuitry that is built entirely out of semiconductors rather than magnetic media. This shift in technology is now possible because of the growth in flash chips. Although solid state drives use the same type of memory chips as flash memory drives, SSDs reside inside the computer in place of a more traditional hard drive. These data storage devices utilize non-volatile flash memory for computing applications that traditionally rely on a mechanical hard disk drive.  
Unlike conventional hard drives, SSDs are built with 100% moving-free parts that are housed in a vibration and shock-resistance covering. These components provide a rock solid operating environment even during extreme working conditions, making it a perfect solution for a wide range of applications that require ruggedness, minimal power consumption, cooler temperature, and silent operation.  
Benefits
Solid state drives have several advantages, the majority of which come from the fact that the drive does not have any moving parts. Three distinct advantages include:
·        Less power usage
·        Faster data access
·        Higher reliability
The power usage is a key role for the use of solid state drives in portable computers. Because there is no power draw for the motors, the drive uses far less energy than the regular hard drive, improving battery operating time in notebook PCs and portable electronic devices. When you are on the go, this extra battery life will be extremely handy.
And since the drive doesn’t have to spin up the drive platter or move drive heads, the data can be read from the drive almost instantly. Meaning, you can access your files and data more quickly. You’ll enjoy a boost in performance when starting up your computer and opening applications.
Reliability is also a key factor for portable drives. Because the SSD stores all of its data in memory chips, there are fewer moving parts to be damaged in any sort of impact. These drives also have extreme shock and vibration tolerance, and their operating temperature ranges meet or exceed that of standard hard drives.
When all’s said and done, there are many benefits to this newer technology. Information can be stored permanently in flash chips even when the power is turned off, and the chips can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. Also, they make no noise, give off little heat and consume far less power, while transferring data many times faster than hard disks.
Drawbacks
Of course, not every PC owner can upgrade to a solid state drive. As with most computer technologies, the primary limiting factor of using the SSD in notebook and desktop computers is cost. This is gradually changing as the number of companies producing the drives grows along with the capacity for producing the flash memory chips.
The other problem affecting the adoption of solid state drives is capacity. Not only are the SSDs much more expensive than traditional hard drives, but they only hold a fraction of the data.
Their last major disadvantage involves write speeds, which are far slower than conventional hard drives and therefore vulnerable to write fragmentation. That means that, on average, performance comparisons may depend on a particular manufacturer’s design or running a specific application.
The Bottom Line
So if you want fast data access, less power consumption and higher reliability, then you should consider upgrading your standard hard drive to a solid state drive. You’ll experience nothing but fast, quiet and ultra-reliable solution for your data storage needs. Whether you need it for your enterprise, corporate, or IT infrastructure applications, the solid state hard drives provide the durability and performance quality you need.

Computers are slowly becoming an inevitable part of our life. Personal computers are becoming a source of information and entertainment. When upgrading the system, most of the computer users do some research before upgrading their system so they exactly know about a perfectly matching CPU, motherboard and video card combination that will meet all their needs. But most of them fail when it comes to RAM. Everyone is aware of the size of the RAM i. e. 1GB, 2GB or 4GB, but they don’t know what this DDR1, DDR2 or DDR3 is all about. So, is knowing the DDR variant useful or is it just another name for a RAM. Selecting the proper DDR variant is a very important factor that determines how your overall system will perform, thus every computer user should be well-advised to learn it. DDR stands for Double Data Rate. Let’s look at the difference between DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3. DDR1 is most popularly known as just plain DDR. Double Data Rate interfaces provide two data transfers per differential clock. The data becomes registered when the CK goes high [the + side], and /CK goes low [the - side]. DDR1 utilizes the JEDEC standard for Double Date Rate [DDR I] SDRAM. Like all DDR RAM it is available as registered or un-buffered. Registered DIMMs are generally known as FB-DIMMs and have their address and control lines buffered in order to reduce signal loading. FB-DIMMs are considerably more expensive than un-buffered DIMMs and are generally reserved for server use. There are very few enthusiast/prosumer/gamers utilizing FB-DIMMs in their CPU’s. Un-buffered DIMMs don’t feature address lines and control line buffering, so they cost quite a bit less. However, they may be system-loading limited and are thus generally restricted in the number that can be fitted onto one system. DDR2 memory is the second generation in DDR memory. DDR2 begins with a speed level of 400MHz as the lowest available while the 400MHz speed is actually the highest speed for DDR1. It’s a bit strange but due to different latencies a 400MHz DDR1 will outperform a 400MHz DDR2, but the advantage returns to DDR2 as soon as the speed reaches the next step 532MHz, which DDR1 cannot reach. DDR3 is the third generation in DDR memory. DDR3 begins with a lowest capacity level of 800Mbps and goes up to 1600Mbps with bus speed as high as 2000MHz.   Higher performance with lower power consumption is the major benefit, since operating voltage is only 1. 5V for DDR3 compared to 1. 8V for DDR2.   Lower heat is generated, which means that systems will run cooler. The transfer rates of these RAM also differ a lot. Though it is very hard to ascertain which Kingston DDR RAM would suit which motherboard, you should research your CPU manufacturer’s RAM recommendations and fit that exact type of DDR in it.

These days you will find a huge variety of wireless usb adapter and Bluetooth headset of different shapes and designs to showcase one of the most futuristic styles which will end your search for portable accessories. These gadgets and headsets are now a day sent to required addresses within a short time. Simply pick the best chosen device and let the website know. Bluetooth essentials and laptop hardware are available with supreme function quality. The new age future accessories to help your laptop, iPod or iPhones are symbols of next generation dream designs. They have lowest inputs in order to give you the best kind of performance you ever wanted. These accessories are essential to provide you the best portable experience. These futuristic gadgets are responsible to ensure you better quality and provide you with experience of an edge on technological inventions. On online stores, you can find the best iPhones 3g accessories such as iPhones 3g cases and iPhones 3g accessories. Besides iPod necessary gadgets are also available such as ipod charger, ipod nano accessories such as ipod nano cases and there is no limit to have access to better quality listening devices such as cheap ipod speakers, ipod speakers, ipod earphones, Bluetooth earphones and ipod headphones. Whereas for your laptop you would find laptop cases, wireless usb adapter and Bluetooth headset are few added advantages which make your music experience unforgettable and more interesting. IPods are almost useless without using it with the correct kind of hardware support that makes them stand out in the competition of music players in the market. To right way to improve their performance is to be of primary use which requires accessories of various kinds such as ipod speakers, ipod charger and ipod headphones are reasonably necessary for the perfection of these devices. IPod gadgets with today’s technological advancements are competing to meet everyone’s growing thirst to find more out of the perfections. Online gadgets and accessories are easily accessible. A huge variety of skullcandy headphones and sennheiser headphones are also one of the best sound advancements and are known to have techno soft sound maintenance quality to provide you best speakers and help you become mobile and take them anywhere you go. However accessories like laptop cases, wireless usb adapter and Bluetooth headset are few additional desired items which make the your music feel like heaven. Hence the availability of iPhones 3g cases and iPhones 3g accessories is online with ipod charger, ipod nano accessories and ipod nano cases will help you nurture your love of music. All the accessories and gadgets mentioned above are very advance in design and are manufactured to help serve you best and give you an unforgettable experience. The portability and proper usage of these compact devices is useless without these accessories. Skullcandy headphones and sennheiser headphones are one of those two new products in the market which will make experience unforgettable with a better performance than any other gadget of the similar kind available anywhere.

Apple computers are known for their robust performance and tight security. These computers are exclusively designed to run only on Apple’s own platform including several versions of Mac operating systems. Innovative, portable, secure, elegant, durable, and powerful are among the impressive characteristics of Apple computers that enticed millions of computer user world wide. From basic functionality such as document processing to hard end network servers, these machines are proven to outpace others. These machines are capable of connecting to other machines running on a different platform through simple configuration on the software side. Its optional Airport devices allow apple computers to connect to a network wirelessly, but securely. During the first release of the first Apple computer in 1976, users were doubtful about its features. As more and more designs and features were added on every release, people are getting more and more interested with these computers. The release of Lisa in 1983 gave the world a different view in computing.   The prototype was designed with a GUI which created a user friendly environment. Further releases including the Macintosh and other advanced computers were among those that gave Apple the pride in the industry. As a company, Apple experienced some downfalls in terms of sales and management.   However, with good people and loyal members around the company was able to recover and made it to the road again. And today, the company does not only focus in manufacturing computers. They have several lined up gadgets including the famous iPod and iPhones which hit the market with phenomenal sales. Modern Apple computers are now running with Apple’s latest operating system, the Mac OS X or simply referred to as Leopard. The operating system offers portability, security, connectivity, entertainment, and other features that enhanced the capacity of Apple computers. MacBook Pro and iMac, released in 2006, were among the first Apple computers to use the Core Duo CPU manufactured by Intel Corporation. This was after the partnership between Apple and Intel Corp. The later partnership resulted to some succeeding generation of Apple computers including Mac Pro and Macbook. Because of the popularity and security offered by Apple computers, many avid Windows users were encouraged to try these computers. Shifting from Windows to Mac environment was difficult due to the differences in commands and interface. To address the issue, Apple introduced Boot Camp – utility software shipped with Mac OS X v10. 5- to aid users wanting to use Apple computers while maintaining Windows XP’s interface. The software allows a user to install Windows XP or Windows Vista on an Intel-based Mac computer. At present Apple manufactured computers are among the most sought after computers all over the world. Surpassing well known computers manufactured by other companies such as Dell. Though a little bit expensive compared to other brands, these computers are known to last longer because of the refined engineering applied.

When you’re driving, the last thing that you want to do is have to look at your cell phone to dial in a number. Even if you memorize the keypad, you’ll still need to hold the phone to your ear with a hand or hold it against your shoulder with your neck, which quickly becomes uncomfortable. There is a much easier way to talk to people in your car. By purchasing a Bluetooth phone and installing a compatible bluetooth system in your car, you can get a number of features like hands free talking and GPS integration.
The Technology
Bluetooth phones use one of the most secure wireless standards on the market. Its power conservation, security, and connectivity are unmatched, although it’s useful primarily across short distances only (which won’t be a problem in a car). You can have your phone placed anywhere in a car, and with a Bluetooth phone, you don’t even have to dial the number. All you have to do is say the number or the name of the person who you wish to contact, and the phone will automatically dial the number for you. With a Bluetooth-enabled headset, you can talk without having to hold the phone while retaining some measure of privacy that wouldn’t be possible by using speaker phone.
If you’re thinking of buying a Bluetooth cell phone, then you need to make sure to pick up a kit for your car for unprecedented integration. Bluetooth will allow all of your devices to communicate with one another. If you have a Bluetooth-enabled GPS device, then a Bluetooth phone will let you read your GPS profile from your phone. Unfortunately, Bluetooth signals are only good up to a short distance, so you won’t be able to stay connected to all of your devices. Chances are that you won’t even be able to stay connected if you enter your workplace and leave your car in the parking lot.
For hands free dialing and talking, a Bluetooth phone will help you increase your productivity on the road while keeping you a safer driver. With so many different devices that use Bluetooth, all of your gadgets can communicate with one another to give you the greatest amount of access and integration possible across otherwise incompatible devices. While you will have to pay a little more for this integration, you will find the increased productivity to be well worth the lighter wallet. In fact, the power savings that you’ll accumulate by using Bluetooth phones will add up over time, making it an even better investment.

Nvidia, the #1 graphics chip maker in the computer industry, has finally decided to enter the netbook race. They have recently announced their newest platform, the ION. While it is not a revolutionary new chip (it has in fact been around a while), it’s pairing with the Intel Atom processor is what really makes it important to netbook owners and addicts. About Ion Ion is a combination of the current Intel Atom processors, used in most netbooks, with Nvidias 9400M mobile GPU. The 9400M is currently used in many budget laptops and is also the GPU you will find in Apple’s Macbook Pro line. The new chips will offer up 5x faster graphics as well as up to 10x faster video transcoding. So what does this mean to you? The Ion will allow you to run video much, much faster. For those of you that have a first generation netbook (like my HP mini), you have probably noticed that the video can cause serious hiccups. With the 9400M, you can now run HD Video in full 1080p and Nvidia even went as far as to say that the platform will be capable of Blu-Ray playback. Not only that, but Nvidia has been quoted as saying that the new platform can run Call of Duty 4 with 25-30 fps consistently. That is quite a feat considering my current netbook can barely run the simple games on Yahoo. What that also means is that this new line of netbooks should also be able to run World of Warcraft on decent quality settings. I must be honest when I tell you that this has me VERY excited. Are there any downsides? The only documented downside at this point has been power consumption. The new mock systems that have been tested have been exhibiting double the power consumption of previous netbooks and would cut your battery time down to about 4-5 hours for most systems. Nvidia has stated however that the Ion based netbooks will have special power saving techniques to extend the battery life, so no accurate measurement can be made until the first systems start showing up. So when will they be out and what new models have been announced? So far, the only time line given has been mid 2009, but we should start seeing a major crop of big name netbooks using the Ion platform soon. The leaders out of the gate will be the Lenovo S12, a new Acer, and more than likely a new Asus laptop as well, to complement their new thinner line of netbooks. I would suspect that all of the major players in the netbook race will have Ion based systems available by Christmas. In Conclusion The new Ion platform by Nvidia and Intel is going to be a huge step for netbooks. 5x the graphic power, 10x the video speeds, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and 1080p all sounds great. If you already have first generation netbook, this Christmas looks like it may be a good time to upgrade.