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Gadget geekout: Windows 8 and the power of touch [The Manila Times, Philippines]
[December 01, 2012]

Gadget geekout: Windows 8 and the power of touch [The Manila Times, Philippines]


(Manila Times (Phillipines) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dec. 02--If you've been having second thoughts about upgrading your aging PC or laptop, now might be the best time to do it, not only because it's the perfect gift you deserve this Christmas, but to also maximize the PC experience from Microsoft's newest operating system.



Windows 8 introduces many significant changes to the operating system's platform, primarily focusing on improving user experience and taking advantage of new or emerging technologies such as USB 3.0, near field communications, cloud computing, security features, and the ability to synchronize certain apps and settings between multiple devices.

All these enhancements aside, the wonder of Windows 8 really lies on the touch screen experience that many mobile phone owners have grown to love--dearly.


Here are the top gadgets that you should consider to get the most of the Windows 8 system.

Samsung: We are family Proving its claim to be one of the leading tech innovators, Samsung was among the first to launch not just one--but a complete family of Windows 8 devices ready to bring a true unified Windows experience.

"ATIV", the new brand for its Windows-based devices is actually a reverse order of the word VITA, meaning "Life" a pledge by the company to make everyone's life extraordinary with excitement.

Samsung's Business Unit Director Eric Sulit referred to it as a cross-category convergence that puts together Samsung's design and technology with Microsoft's leadership in operating systems to provide users with an advanced, productive and creative experience.

ATIV Smart PC and Smart PC Pro Combining revolutionary design, the power of a notebook PC and the convenience of a tablet PC, the 11.6-inch ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro are Samsung's next set of smart devices. These provide computing power with Windows 8 functionality as well as full Windows 7 compatibility. Each device features a detachable keyboard-docking system that allows users to easily switch between a clamshell notebook PC and a tablet PC form factor. These devices allow for great mobility with maximum productivity.

An advanced 10-finger multi-touch screen provides a technological leap in interactivity, surpassing the traditional two-finger touch features. The two devices are also equipped with the renowned S Pen, delivering real writing and drawing experiences for maximum productivity, both on the desk and on-the-go .

The ATIV Smart PC's is powered by the next generation Intel Atom processor while Pro has an Intel Core i5 All-in-One (AIO) PC Beyond high performance, the new AIO PC Series 7 is driven by a 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM, dedicated AMD Radeon HD graphics and HD display with a resolution of 2560x1440, the new AIO PC Series 7 embodies innovative sense recognition features such as 10-finger multi-touch screen control and hand gesture commands.

For an unlimited premium user experience, the AIO PC Series 7 has been equipped with a 10-finger multi-touch screen and five hand gesture recognition features that conveniently let users control the device with just a flick of the wrist. Swipe right or left to turn the pages of an e-book, or rotate your palm clockwise or counter-clockwise to change the volume while watching a movie. Simply close your hand to click on an option in a program and stop watching a movie by just waving your hands.

ATIV S Smartphone The ATIV S has a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and HSPA+42 connectivity enable great browsing performance and high responsiveness even for the most demanding gaming or work applications.

With its pre-installed Xbox games, users can now enjoy high-quality console gaming on its stunning 4.8" HD Super AMOLED display. The ATIV S also offers an excellent Windows Phone 8 experience through its easy to use MS Office version.

* * * ASUS: In Search of Incredible Following its Happiness 2.0 philosophy to bring brand new experiences to its customers and boasting of its experience in terms of touch technology ASUS also released several impressive Windows 8 enabled tablets, notebooks, ultraportables and all-in-one PCs that offer unprecedented ease of use.

Taichi An incredible fusion of notebook and tablet, the Taichi is an ultra-slim, ultra-stylish ultraportable that features a unique dual-screen design with back-to-back Full HD displays. With the lid open, Taichi is a powerful Ultrabook with a backlit keyboard for dealing with even the most demanding productivity tasks. With the lid closed, it becomes a lightweight multi-touch tablet for easy and intuitive use with Windows 8 when on the move. It features a powerful Intel Core quad-core i7 or dual-core i5 processor with 4GB memory, Intel HD 4000 graphics, a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with 1080p Full HD video recording and second 720p HD video camera, and noise-suppressing array microphone for crystal-clear video chat in challenging environments.

Zenbook The new Zenbook features an award-winning slimline design with a beautiful spun-metal finish, plus impressive specifications that include 3rd generation Intel Core processors and powerful NVIDIA GT graphics. Its 13.3" Full HD IPS display is ideal for working with multiple windows side-by-side and enjoying high-definition movies in crisp detail. ASUS Super Hybrid II technology also gives longer battery life too, and up to two weeks' standby time with two-second resume.

VivoBook Touch is much more than just a feature: it is the very essence of the VivoBook experience. All models employ highly responsive multi-point touch panels, and the larger touchpads likewise encourage smooth haptic input, incorporating ASUS Smart Gesture technology. The compact VivoBook uses a touchpad sized for 14" notebooks, giving customers more input space. Combined, these guarantee fully-satisfying user experiences based on touch.

The ASUS VivoBook X202E will be available in two configurations--an Intel Core i3 Processor and Intel Celeron model.

VivoTab Series ASUS VivoTab RT is one of the first tablets with Windows RT and Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview for the perfect combination of productivity and entertainment. Measuring just 8.3mm thin and weighing a mere 525g, it is one of the thinnest and lightest tablets available, yet it packs a 10.1" multi-touch Super IPS+ display and powerful NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor. VivoTab RT models will be available in Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G and its optional mobile dock provides a keyboard, multi-touch touchpad, USB port and up to 16 hours battery life for all-day use.

* * * Flipping over the Dell XPS 12 Dell is helping customers touch the future with a refreshed portfolio of consumer PCs and a powerful new addition to its industry-leading XPS brand of computers. Joining the award-winning XPS 13 Ultrabook, and the XPS 14 and XPS 15 laptops, is the new XPS 12 Ultrabook convertible that combines two devices in one--a powerful laptop and a full featured tablet.

The XPS 12 represents the culmination of a deep understanding of the 'Bring Your Own Device' movement and insights gained from their consumer and business customers. The innovative flip hinge design can easily transition from laptop to tablet to laptop and features a Full HD screen that provides 97 percent more pixels than a standard HD display. The result is an exceptionally crisp reading and photo and video viewing experience. The XPS 12 is crafted from premium materials such as machined aluminum and carbon fiber, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass for durability.

___ (c)2012 The Manila Times (Manila, Philippines) Visit The Manila Times (Manila, Philippines) at www.manilatimes.net Distributed by MCT Information Services

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