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:: PC Perspective . System
Maingear F131 System Review - 6 CPU Cores, 960 CUDA CoresSystem - Aug 31, 2010 | 12:00 PM System reviews are interesting in that anyone can put some PC components in a case and call it a gaming rig. The real issue is not just the hardware specs but how the company presents itself and how it supports customers before, during and after the purchase process. Having a 6-core processor overclocked to 4.5 GHz and a pair of GTX 480s never hurts though. 
Video Perspective: VIA ARTiGO A1100 Pico-ITX Builder KitSystem - Aug 13, 2010 | 01:00 PM VIA Technologies provided us with a sample of their new V1100 pico-ITX DIY computer and we came away pretty impressed with what the tiny little machine could provide. If you think you could use a Nano-powered SFF device, check out our video review in here! 
Puget Systems Serenity SPCR Edition Ultra Quiet Gaming PC ReviewSystem - Aug 06, 2010 | 04:00 PM Puget Systems is back with a gaming PC that is rated under 20db - and if you don't know how quiet that actually is...your breathing is probably louder. They are able to accomplish this with mostly off-the-shelf parts and careful selection of components. Stop in and learn by example on how quiet computing can be done!
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: VIA Technologies | Subject: System
TAIPEI, TAIWAN-September 7, 2010- VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today announced the VIA EPIA-M850 Mini-ITX board, the first board to feature the latest VIA VX900 media system processor, creating the ideal solution for today's HD-intensive, commercial multimedia-centric devices. 
VIA EPIA M850 features VC1, Full HD, DDR3 8GB, DX9, H.264, WMV9 and more The VIA EPIA-M850 is targeted at OEM and ODM manufacturers of commercial multimedia embedded devices. Featuring a 64-bit, high performance VIA Nano E-Series processor and the VIA VX900 unified all-in-one media system processor, the VIA EPIA-M850 delivers a highly optimized platform that boasts comprehensive HD video performance, HD audio and HDMI support in a compact, power-efficient package. "The VIA EPIA-M850 will enable the creation of a wealth of next generation, HD-ready commercial devices," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "The VIA VX900 MSP offers comprehensive support of today's multimedia technologies, bringing vivid HD content to life without incurring heavy power usage or resorting to dedicated decoding hardware." VIA EPIA-M850: Mini-ITX with Multimedia Muscle
The VIA ChromotionHD 2.0 video engine boasts comprehensive hardware acceleration for the latest VC1, H.264, MPEG-2 and WMV9 HD formats at screen resolutions of up to 1080p without affecting CPU load. Display connectivity support includes onboard HDMI and VGA ports with pin headers for dual channel 24-bit LVDS. The VIA VX900 boasts the VIA Chrome9™ HCM 3D integrated graphics core with full DirectX 9.0 support and a 128-bit 2D engine with hardware rotation capability. The VIA VX900 also features the VIA Vinyl HD audio codec. Storage includes ports for two SATA drives. Rear panel I/O includes a Gigabit LAN ports, PS/2 support, HDMI port, VGA port, four USB 2.0 ports, a serial port connector and three audio jacks. An on board a PCIe x4 slot is accompanied with pin headers providing dual channel 24-bit LVDS support (including backlight control), an additional three COM ports, a further four USB 2.0 ports and one USB device port, LPC support, Digital I/O, SPDIF out and an SMBus header.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Missing Remote | Subject: System
Amulet Devices' Remote Controlis billed as a way to allow you to control your various A/V devices with the power of your voice. As all of us have encountered voice recognition software on the phone at some point, this may make your skin crawl imagining bring that experience to your TV viewing. At an MSRP of $249 the number of people willing to take the plunge will be limited, though Missing Remote did get some good use out of it. Picking up the remote to tell your machine to pause is not terribly useful but telling it to jump 10 minutes and having it do so is a far more useful feature. Unfortunately it still won't come when you call it, you still have to find it yourself. " 'Voice activated.' In the past just the words alone have made many cringe as implementations have been fairly weak and suffered from a myriad of different variables in the environment which made performance lackluster. Amulet Devices looks to change that with their own Remote Control and Media Center (MC) software implementation by embedding a microphone inside the remote as well as designing their own interface for controlling it. The potential for voice has always been there, and it looks like Amulet may be the first to get it right." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: System
In the setup that Ryan tested, the Maingear F131 has a watercooled Core i7-970 6-core overclocked to 4.5 GHz on an ASUS P6X58D X58
with 6GB of DDR-1600 and a pair of GTX 480 along with a Crucial SSD. Those components add up to a seriously powerful system as well as an expensive one at about $4200.
Check out the full video review of the system as well as pictures and charts right here. "Maingear really impressed us during our review process and everything from the custom made packing materials to the free custom etched side panels and the high level of personal service available to customers really shows that Maingear knows what it takes to impress customers and keep them coming back. It doesn't hurt of course that the F131 as we tested it was easily the fastest computer we have ever reviewed." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Ryan Shrout | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: System
We are always interested in those small form factor Atom-based PCs but we are usually let down by their overall performance, even when they are coupled with a discrete graphics solution. Zotac has been making a killing with their line of ZBOX miniature PCs but today they are announcing the release of a new set of options that combine the NVIDIA ION graphics processor not with the Intel Atom CPU, but with Intel Celeron CULV single and dual-core CPUs! Here are the new models and their specs:
I know many of our readers have been looking for a solution to work around the low performance levels of the Atom processors for desktop computing and while the ION graphics solution was definitely part of the answer, upgrading to a Celeron CULV processor looks like it could complete the process.
Update: Looks like our friends at The Tech Report have a review of the HD-ND22 up already!
ZOTAC Revolutionizes ION With World’s First Intel CULV-Powered Mini-PC and Mini-ITX Platforms
New ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22, HD-NS21, ION-ITX N and P series combine Intel CULV processor with NVIDIA ION graphics processor
HONG KONG – Aug. 26, 2010 – ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and the world’s largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards and mini-PCs, today revolutionizes the award-winning ION platform with the processing power of Intel consumer low-voltage, or CULV, processors for new platforms with superior performance capabilities while maintaining class-leading energy-efficiency. The new ZOTAC ION platforms powered by Intel CULV processors include the new ZBOX HD-ND22, HD-NS21 mini-PCs, ION-ITX N series and ION-ITX P series mini-ITX platforms.
An Intel Celeron SU2300 processor powers the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22 and ION-ITX P series with dual-cores clocked at 1.3 GHz for multi-threaded processing power that delivers unprecedented performance levels in an energy-efficient mini-PC for demanding users. A Single-core Intel Celeron 743 processor powers ZOTAC ZBOX HD-NS21 and ION-ITX N series platforms for outstanding single-threaded CPU performance.
“Intel CULV processors have previously been exclusive to ultra-portable notebooks, but not anymore. We’ve taken the award-winning Intel CULV processors and paired them with our award-winning ION platforms to produce the world’s first mini-PCs and mini-ITX platforms that combine the power of Intel CULV processors with NVIDIA ION graphics processing for the perfect combination of CPU and GPU performance with superior energy-efficiency,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.
NVIDIA ION graphics empower the Intel CULV-powered ZOTAC ZBOX and ION-ITX platforms with outstanding 3D capabilities and support for Microsoft DirectX 10, DirectCompute and NVIDIA CUDA-enabled applications for energy-efficient GPU computing. NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology delivers flawless GPU-accelerated high-definition video playback with breathtaking clarity and details.
ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22 and HD-NS21 mini-PCs with Intel CULV processors feature class-leading flexibility with an easily customizable tool-less chassis and room to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 Gb/s HDD or SSD, two DDR3 SO-DIMM memory slots, integrated 802.11n WiFi and four different placement positions – flat, on a stand, on the back of a monitor or on a wall with the included VESA75/100-compatible mount. External expansion options include plenty of USB 2.0 ports, a 6-in-1 memory card reader that supports SD, SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and xD memory card formats, and an eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port for plug ‘n play expansion.
ZOTAC ION-ITX N and P series are world-class platforms that combine the miniature size of mini-ITX with big-system expansion capabilities including a PCI Express x16 slot, two DDR3-1066 DIMM slots, three SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports, up to 10 USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port. Onboard 802.11n WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet port enables lightning-fast network transfers for stutter-free high-definition video streaming.
It’s time to play with the new ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22, HD-NS21 and ION-ITX N and P series.
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Legit Reviews | Subject: System
IBUYPOWER is a fairly well known boutique builder and one of their new systems, the Paladin XLC Phantom Series is up for review at Legit Reviews. With an expected retail price just under $1,500 it is a fairly heavy duty system and the white NZXT Phantom case makes it a rather attractive one as well. A liquid cooled Core i7-930
on an ASUS P6T SE with 6GB of DDR3-1600 provides the backbone of the system with a Radeon HD 5830 providing the graphical power. In an nice change from the usual, when Legit Reviews checked out the pricing of the various components the total price on NewEgg was higher than the MSRP of the Paladin XLC without even factoring in the 25% overclock the IBUYPOWER system ships with.
"The iBUYPOWER Paladin XLC Phantom we got to play with is a beast of a system. Coming out of the box, todays system had a 25% overclock in place from the iBP Labs Level 3 Powerdrive Overclock. This gave the iBUYPOWER Palading XLC Phantom power to spare. The base specifications that we looked at on the first page of the article are impressive, once you upgrade the iBUYPOWER Paladin XLC Phantom to the features you want, it will make it even better. The performance of the iBUYPOWER Paladin XLC Phantom as we tested it today was top notch. Throw in the fact that the iBUYPOWER Paladin XLC Phantom can be purchased from iBUYPOWER for less than it would cost you to purchase all of the parts individually, and its a no brainer! " Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Benchmark Reviews | Subject: System
Now it might seem ambitious to call an empty HTPC case the 1080p but realize that most who buy an empty case are planning on filling it with powerful components that can handle 1080p playback. Both Micro ATX and Mini ITX
boards are supported and many will be glad to hear that the case can handle a full sized ATX PSU. At 17" x 4" x 16.3"
it certainly will fit into any home theatre setup and should fit the components you want inside. Read more at Benchmark Reviews.
"As computers become more commonly included in people's home entertainment systems, it is only natural that companies like nMedia try to create custom cases to cater to those consumers' needs. As seen with other cases from nMedia that Benchmark Reviews has tested, such as the 6000B HTPC Case, nMedia is no stranger to multimedia and HTPC case design. nMedia has given Benchmark Review a chance to look at their latest in their HTPC case line, the HTPC 1080p Micro ATX Chassis. Mentioning a low-profile design, dual 80mm silent fans, all-in-one front I/O panel, and an optional LCD Panel would only begin to highlight the features of the HTPC 1080p. Please join Benchmark Reviews and read the full article as we fully explore what nMedia has to offer with the HTPC 1080p." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Inquirer | Subject: System
Samsung's U250 hides a Core 2 Duo T6600, 4GB of DDR3, a 500GB HDD and a DVD-Dual layer drive behind a 23" 1920x1080 touchscreen display. The Inquirer like the look of it much more than the earlier U200 as the display has been improved but unfortunately the multi-touch capabilities have not. The system lacks the power for high end gaming at decent resolutions but there were no issues with DVD playback or with watching YouTube videos. Other all-in-one PCs have better capabilities but Samsung has improved their design from the previous model and given this system a nice look and enough performance for casual usage.
"SAMSUNG'S FIRST FORAYS into touchscreen All-In-One (AIO) PCs have been a mixed blessing. Its low-end touchscreen U200 for the Dixons Saturday buyer masses was mostly a misfired attempt. It was underspecced and overly chunky, featuring a terrible unresponsive display with no centralised management touch software hub. Now in the same portfolio of AIOs, Samsung has let The INQUIRER have a look at its U250, an entirely different machine despite having nearly the same name." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Extremetech | Subject: System
As ExtremeTech is quick to point out, proprietary HTPCs are easy on initial setup but incredibly difficult to customize and most people will find that after a while they would like at least some customization on their HTPC. There is a way to build a box that is completely flexible, it just takes some setting up before you can use it. Do not give up hope as they will take you through the setup of a flavour of Linux specifically customized to be the OS behind an HTPC, Mythbuntu 10.04, as well as the program you will use, MythTV. Drop by for a look and you might find yourself wandering into the wide world of the Linux box.
"Unfortunately, many media center setups are inflexible. The Apple TV is probably the worst example; it's tough to do much with that box unless you're a slave to the iTunes Store. (Or unless you hack it.) But even Windows 7 and the Xbox 360 can be unnecessarily limiting when it comes to your media. That's where Linux comes in. Granted, a lot of the fun is thanks to the hobbyist nature of the OS, at least on the consumer end. There's also a distinct feeling of getting something for nothing—and in many cases, better performance than the paid options from Microsoft or Apple." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AnandTech | Subject: System
At $650 the Acer Aspire M3400 falls between the Budget and Mid-Range systems on the PC Perspective Hardware Leaderboard in price. Both the GPU and CPU are from AMD though the parts differ from the HWLB build, using a Phenom II X4 820 and an HD 5450 on an unspecified motherboard that sports the AMD 800 series chipset and 6GB of DDR3-1333. The performance is about what you would expect, reasonable for general usage after the removal of the crapware that comes pre-installed but not a gaming machine by any means. AnandTech came to the conclusion that building it yourself would be a bit cheaper and even if you did not wish to build it there are cheaper and similarly powered systems for sale from other companies.
"But we're not talking about a twelve-hundred-dollar mean machine here. We're talking about a $649 budget build, and in this author's opinion those waters are substantially more fraught than the consumer market for machines north of a large. A reliable budget build is the kind of thing a good enthusiast can specialize in, so the question for Acer becomes...is the M3400 worth the trade-offs? We lose name brand components and the individual warranties that go along with them, but we gain something that's been built and tested from the factory and at least guaranteed to work as is, and we potentially gain more computer than we could've gotten for the price had we built it ourselves." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AnandTech | Subject: System
It is not quite an HTPC as it does not seem to have recording capabilities, the WD TV Live Plus HD media playercan stream from your Netflix account, YouTube and various other online media sources making it a little more useful than many media streamers. It is rather small, about the size of an external HDD case and it consumes about 4W which makes it great for people short on space and free electricity. Part of the reason it is so small is the lack of internal storage, though it has USB connectivity for those wanting to show movies stored locally. AnandTech had some mixed feelings about comparing it to an HTPC but do recommend it for those looking for a convenient way to stream online content to a TV.
"Western Digital was one of the first storage manufacturers to enter the world of media streamers. Their latest play in the market is the WD TV Live Plus HD media player. This model attempts to provide users with all their local media, as well as thousands of videos from across the web. We have seen several similar players from Western Digital, including the WD TV HD, WD TV Mini, and the WD TV Live." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Bjorn3D | Subject: System
At $200 the Hauppauge HD PVR High Definition Personal Video Recorder is a small box that connects to any video source and records it. To test that claim Bjorn3D tried recording from their cable set top box, an Xbox 360 game, a Xbox game, satellite television, Blu-Ray movies in 1080i, a SD DVD movie, and even a movie off of a VCR. All were completely sucessful, the HD PVR did not have a problem recording from any of those sources. The only qualm that Bjorn3D had was the lack of HDMI input.
"For years, I have been trying to find a HD recorder that can not only record any Cable/Satellite show, but also one that would allow me to record my dad's old VCR movies onto the computer so that we can optimize them to today's standards. I am always on the lookout to try new things, to review the unique or unusual devices that can or will make our lives a whole lot easier.The Hauppauge HD-PVR is such a device that can make our daily movie/show watching lives a lot easier." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Tech Spot | Subject: System
Lenovo's C315 is an all in one desktop PC, what looks like a large touchscreen monitor is in reality a full PC with every bit of the functionality of a more common looking box. It might even be more capable than some as the list of components even includes a TV Tuner. Inside is an Athlon II X2 250U @ 1.6GHz, ATI HD 4530 M92-M+ integrated graphics, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB spindle based HDD. The configured system that Tech Spot tried was $849, more expensive than many other all in one PCs, but then again you do get a better IGP for that money. "The Lenovo C315 AIO is powered by an AMD Athlon II X2 250U CPU operating at 1.6GHz and 4GB RAM running Windows 7 64-bit. Among its main features we have ATI HD 4530 M92-M+ graphics, integrated Wi-Fi, TV tuner and speakers, a webcam, optical drive and a 20- inch Lenovo NaturalTouch multi-touch panel. The C315 also gets Lenovo's suite of touch friendly multimedia apps like PowerCinema and AutoCollage, so you can start taking advantage of this feature out of the box." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Benchmark Reviews | Subject: System
The ASRock Core 100HT represents a big upgrade in performance for this series, moving off of the ION platform and instead using an Intel i3-330M 2.13GHz as a processor really gives a bump in performance capabilities. The entire system is 7.68" x 2.76" x 7.32" and its black finish will allow you to place this unobtrusively in a living room and the wireless connectivity will help you if you stream content from another machine. Something new to think about is 3D TV and gaming, something you would assume was limited to machines with a high end video card or two; Benchmark Reviews tried it out and it seems your assumptions are correct, IGPs simply cannot handle the load. "When we last tested an ASRock HTPC, it was the ION 330 AMCP7A HTPC armed with the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M GPU. Now equipped with Intel's Core i3-330M 2.13GHz dual-core mobile processor and Intel GMA HD integrated graphics on an ASRock HM55-HT mini-ITX HM55-Express motherboard with 4GB of DDR3, Benchmark Reviews tests high-definition video playback and gaming performance for the ASRock Core 100HT HTPC system. The latest updates add SuperSpeed USB-3.0 functionality for attached storage devices, and THX TruStudio PRO technology to deliver a realistic audio experience. Other additions come in the shape of a wireless media center remote control, and uncompressed digital HDMI audio/video output. " Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Tech Report | Subject: System
The Tech Report has updated their system guide for the summer, featuring everything from a new Econobox to an improved double stuff system. They also go beyond just internal hardware recommendations to look at the choices you have in operating systems and even a bit on the most important peripherals such as monitors. Drop by and see what they recommend for you and don;t forget that we have our own PC Perspective Hardware Leaderboard, freshly crafted each month.
"Taking advantage of a short lull in component launches, we've refreshed our system guide with the very latest processors, graphics cards, and solid-state drives in mind." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: AnandTech | Subject: System
The term media streamer can be attached to many devices, from a high powered NAS device to an Xbox by way of custom built HTPCs, but in this review AnandTech has classified a media streamer as a device capable of streaming media but is on a diet of 50W or less. That does reduce the lineup quite a bit as very few HTPCs or servers are able to survive on 50W of power. From Atoms and IONs to ARM based processors and into gaming consoles, they cover almost all of the bases of boxtop streamers and they also venture into online providers in an attempt to show all of your choices. An article definitely worth your time as sooner or later you will venture into media streaming if you have not already.
"The advent of digital downloads and music / movie streaming have made the HTPC scene quite popular. While pundits keep on debating the reasons as to why the HTPC remains a niche market, companies have recognized that a new market has opened up, namely, that of the media streamer. While streaming conventionally refers to communication of the IP variety, it is customary to include playback of media from local sources while discussing this market. The selling point of the media streamers lie in the fact that, unlike HTPCs, they do not consume a lot of power and they are supposed to work right out of the box. For the purpose of this article, we will not cover media streamer platforms which consume more than 50W in detail." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: PC Perspective | Subject: System
If you have been shopping for a high end prebuilt boutique computer then there is a good chance you've run into Puget Systems. Their systems have been reviewed before at several sites such as [H]ard|OCP but this time Ryan got a chance to test one of their systems and it was impressive. The Puget Systems Deluge that he received had an i7-980X, 12GB Kingston DDR3-1800 and a pair of GTX 480's in SLI on an ASUS P6X58D Premium. Sure the system will run you $6000 but take a look at the benchmarks this PC can spit out as well as the high level of customer service Ryan received from Puget Systems.
"Puget Systems, a builder based in Washington state, attempts to combine the experience of customizing your own rig with having it built for you and supported by a certified team of engineers. They focus on not just providing their customers with quality hardware, which they do, but in providing a custom experience from purchasing to delivery. We'll explain how as we explore one such system that was ordered and built for us at PC Perspective." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Legit Reviews | Subject: System
If you are a big fan of TV and movies then there is a good chance you would rather spend your free time watching the aforementioned entertainment as opposed to building the machine that will provide the entertainment. The ASRock ION 330HT-BDis an inexpensive and very quick way to get yourself a fully functional HTPC without too much effort on your part. In box smaller than an Xbox is housed an Intel Atom 330 1.6GHz CPU on an ION board with a 320GB 5400rpm hard drive, 2GB of RAM and a Blu-ray ROM. The backplate features an impressive array of inputs and outputs which should satisfy the needs of just about anyone. Drop by Legit Reviews for the full list of specs and a look at performance.
"Packed with some impressive technology, the ION 330HT-BD could be just the HTPC you’ve been looking for. At its heart, it has an Intel Atom 330 1.6GHz CPU. The Atom 330 is a dual core, hyper threaded CPU. While it isn’t a monster performer, it has very low power use and is right at home for use in an HTPC. The other important part of an HTPC is the graphics processor. As the name suggests this an NVIDIA ION chip, which means it capable of DX10 graphics, and full 1080p hardware accelerated video playback. Priced at $509.99 + $6.99 shipping , this is a good solution for someone not familiar with putting a system together but looking to get into a HTPC..." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: Computing On Demand | Subject: System
A question very easily answered by the first image in CoD's article, as you can see that little network channel that has been added makes wiring in web enabled HTPC equipment much easier. No longer do you need to run HDMI and CAT5/6 cabling from each component as HDMI 1.4 can do double duty. That's isn't the only added benefit, as with the audio return channel you can drop some RCA jacks as well. Those are two of the highlights but there are more benefits to be had.
"HDMI has been touted as one of the best things to happen to the digital entertainment center. The ability to carry video and audio over a high bandwidth cable means less clutter and higher quality. The pace at which these things develop though can be a dizzying prospect, and with the addition of the HDMI 1.4 spec... it seems we add one more bit of confusion... or clarity, depending on if you read far enough through this article to get to the 4K section!" Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
Jonathan Hung | Source: Lenovo | Subject: System
Lenovo has announced brand new products to their consumer line-up, letting out a fresh batch of notebooks, all-in-one systems, and a lone nettop.
New Notebooks First up is the new Z series of notebooks which brings together media rich capabilities will keeping a competitive price. The notebooks will feature 16:9 screens on 13" and 15" models, optional Blu-Ray, and Dolby Advanced Audio for decent listening experience. The new IdeaPad Z360 (likely 13.3") and Z560 (likely 15.4") will feature Intel Core processors and NVIDIA graphics. My speculation is that the Z360 and Z560 will not feature Optimus as the press release did not mention anything to extended battery life on the Z series (Optimus would be worth highlighting if it were a product feature). The IdeaPad Z565 will feature AMD Phenom II CPUs with ATI Mobility Radeon graphics. 
The IdeaPad Z560 Also introduced are the Z460 and Z465 models, but there are no details on those SKUs just yet, but will likely be a 14.1" model if Lenovo's product naming is consistent with their other products. Ultra-portables are also on the menu with new U160, U460, and U460s. The U460 and U460s are 14.1" units that are less than 1 inch thick and 3.8 lbs, and come with Intel Core i7 CPUs. The U460s and U160 are ultra-low voltage models for better battery life. The U160 is an update to the U150 11.6" notebook and is a scant 2.9 lbs and 0.9 inches at its tapered end. 
IdeaPad U160 and U460. Getting Touchy - New A700 and B305 All-in-Ones For the first time, Lenovo is adding touch-based screens to an All-in-One. The A700 and B305 will feature NaturalTouch technology and an associated suite of applications that support it. The A700 will use Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology which is a touch technology used in industrial interfaces, but has not seen much usage in the consumer space. Lenovo claims it is more accurate than current touch options. The IdeaCentre A700 is a 23" 1920x1080 unit with support for Intel Core i7, JBL speakers, HDMI input and output, and an optional 3-in-1 mouse that can be used on a surface, in the air, and as a motion controller. The A700 can also be upgraded to 8GB DDR3 and 2 TB of HDD. The IdeaCentre B305 is an AMD alternative with a 21.5" screen, Athlon II X4 Quad-Core CPU, 1920x1080 resolution, and features an enhanced LED panel. It comes with a wireless mouse and keyboard. (Note: the Lenovo Press Release specs the B305 at 21.5" while the Lenovo product page states 23"). 
The Invisible Nettop The IdeaCentre Q150 is a small nettop PC featuring optional NVIDIA ION for superior HD handling capability, and HDMI output. There is also a VESA bracket that allows the Q150 to be mounted behind a display, but this will only work if your display isn't already using the VESA mount for hanging on a wall. 
Availability and Pricing
Jeremy Hellstrom | Source: The Tech Report | Subject: System
In this case it is The Tech Report who have updated their recommended system builds, just ahead of the arrival of AMD's 6 core 1090T CPU so the only 6 core processor in these systems is the ultra fast Core i7 980X. That 980X sits in the the Double Stuff workstation along with the ever popular Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R
and 12GB of DDR3-1600. Other big changes include moving the Utility Player to a microATX motherboard and enclosure to make it even more handy as an HTPC.
You can also catch our recommended builds on the Hardware Leaderboard, which will be updating over the next few weeks. "In this edition of the guide, we've fine-tuned our four main builds, added a hexa-core processor to our fastest config, and whipped up an all-new, quick and quiet microATX system." Here are some more Systems articles from around the web:
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