X-bit labs

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Web-site Investigates PC Power Consumption. Real PC Power Consumption Measured

SilentPCReview.com has conducted an investigation of modern platforms power consumption. In a recently published article the author takes an in-depth look at six different platforms based on central processing units from AMD and Intel in order to determine how much power is required to run different computer parts in modern PCs.

“Looking at the total power draw alone, it would appear that all of our systems could easily be handled by a 300W power supply. But, given that as much as 90% of that power comes from the +12V lines, it is likely that that the ratings for the +12V lines matters more than the total wattage. If these lines are inadequate, the power supply may not provide enough power even if its “wattage rating” exceeds the total power draw of the system. It would be wiser to qualify our statement thus: All of our systems could easily be handled by a 300W power supply that conforms to ATX12V v2.xx.,” the web-site claims.

• SilentPCReview.com: Power Distribution within Six PCs.

Razer to Release Mouse with World’s Highest Resolution. Razer Copperhead Mouse Previewed

Razer is renowned and respected for its pointing devices aimed at gamers and tailored for gaming. Even though the devices the firm makes are somewhat unique, they still face stiff competition from companies like Microsoft, Logitech and some others. That said, the company has to constantly develop something, which would be ahead of the competition. In fact, it manages to: the company’s Copperhead mouse will be the industry’s first mouse with 2000dpi resolution.

Gamespot web-site has had an opportunity to play with the mouse and came to a positive conclusion about the yet-to-be-released device.

“The Copperhead performed flawlessly in our Counter-Strike 1.6 and Serious Sam II testing. We loved the precise movement and excellent responsiveness. Experienced first-person-shooter gamers will be glad to hear that the learning curve is fairly short, as it only took a short while to adjust to the new mouse before headshots and snap 180s became second nature again,” the web-site claims.

• Gamespot: Razer Copperhead.

Drive on a Hummer, Carry a Hummer - Thinks GM. GM to Offer a Hummer Laptop

Starting next week General Motors is set to start offering its own-branded notebook PC. The company wanted its laptops to be styled after its popular Hummer multi-terrain vehicles so to attract attention of those, who drive those cars.

“The carmaker has signed an exclusive three-year licensing agreement with Spokane, Wash.- based Itronix to make a portable computer designed for people who work outdoors: policemen, firemen, claims adjusters and construction workers, for example, as well as people who own a Hummer and are fascinated by anything related to the oversize vehicles,” reports CNET News.com.

Already there are a number of notebook PCs manufactured especially for usage in harsh environments often met by the military and people working outdoors. Available models of Panasonic Toughbook and Twinhead Durabook are designed to be water-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and also come with external body armor and internal shock absorbers.

“Itronix said it is using the same military-grade technology (vibration and temperature standards) in the Hummer laptop to launch its own brand - the GoBook VR-1. That computer, priced at $3,299, has nearly all the same attributes as the Hummer-branded laptop, including a 1.86GHz Intel Centrino Pentium processor, a 12.1-inch color display, 512MB of memory, a DVD/CD-R/W combination drive, 8021.11a/g/b wireless connectivity and Microsoft’s XP Professional operating system,” writes CNET News.com.

• CNET News.com: GM Drives Hummer-Branded Laptop.