Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the company's first entry into the growing Chromebook market - and the first device of its kind to feature a 13.3-inch diagonal HD display. Sleek, lightweight and always up to date, the Toshiba Chromebook is an ideal choice for students and home users looking for a lightweight, cost-effective PC that's easy to use, easy to manage and convenient for everyday use. Priced at just $279.99 MSRP, the Toshiba Chromebook will be available for purchase from US retailers beginning in February.

"We see great potential in Chrome OS as it offers both consumers and educators a simple and easy-to-use computing experience," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "We believe that bringing a more versatile 13-inch model to market will help drive the entire category forward by giving customers an option that opens new doors for productivity, not only for consumers, but also students and educators."

Acer is extending its touchscreen Chromebook line with a new model in a new color -- the Acer C720P-2600 in Moonstone White.
The new Acer C720P-2600 Chromebook will be shown at Pepcom's Digital Experience! media event on Monday, Jan. 6. The event previews some of the hottest gadgets and technologies at this year's 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The striking Moonstone White chassis complements the sleek design of the Acer C720P-2600 Chromebook. The entire chassis is white, giving the device a consistently stylish look from any angle. In addition, customers will enjoy the benefit of touch on the device's 11.6-inch HD LED back-lit display to do more with Chrome apps, media, games and more.

The last Sunday of 2013 has seen Intel do a little price slashing, taking between 4% and 26% off the price tag of 31 processors, mostly mobile models. The only desktop chips that got a cut (between 9% and 11%) were three low-power Haswell-based chips, namely the Core i7-4770R, i5-4670R and i5-4570R.

On the mobile front we have lower prices for a trio of high-end quad-cores (i7-4960HQ/5% cut, i7-4950HQ/5% cut, i7-4850HQ/7% cut) as well as for a multitude of Celeron CPUs based on the Ivy Bridge, Haswell and Bay Trail architectures. The full list of price cuts is available in the table below.

Gateway today announces its first touch screen notebook models in its popular LT and NV Series of notebook PCs. The two new touchscreen notebook lines -- the Gateway LT41P and Gateway NV570P -- feature HD touch screen displays that are crisp and vibrant, so customers can interact with their notebook in ways that are intuitive, convenient and enjoyable.

The new notebook lines allow customers to do more on the go for school, work and fun, and are available in prices that will fit into any budget. They are especially well-suited for small business users who may want to purchase a new PC by the end of the tax year, students who need it for school, or for families who need a way to stay in-touch and informed.

Intel has yesterday updated its processor offer, adding no less than six new models, all Celerons and all targeting mobile devices. This fresh batch is of ultra-low voltage variety and it includes two chips based on the Haswell architecture, the Celeron 2981U and 2957U, and four on the Silvermont architecture (and part of the Bay Trail-M line-up), the Celeron N2920, N2820, N2815 and N2806.

Frequency-wise, the processors go from 1.40 GHz to 2.13 GHz, but they don't really vary in terms of pricing as five of them cost $132, while only the Celeron 2981U goes for $137. More details in the table below.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) today reveals its latest Mini-ITX motherboard line - BAT-I- featuring the new Intel System-on-a-Chip (SoC) processor family, formerly codenamed "Bay-Trail".

Energy Efficiency
Based on the new low-power consumption microarchitecture "Silvermont", ECS BAT-I is the ideal solution for small-form-factor PCs and AIO systems. With a maximum power consumption of 10W, BAT-I delivers power efficiency and features a fan-less heatsink design. The Bay Trail-D processor line is the first Intel SoC platform and is also the smallest-ever package for desktop processors. Three SKUs are available: Intel Pentium J2850, Intel Celeron J1850 and Intel Celeron J1750. ECS BAT-I also has electrostatic discharge protection (ESD) and 100% solid capacitors around the CPU and memory in order to maximize reliability and longevity.

MeMo Pad maker ASUS has today launched the VivoPC, a mini PC that measures 190 x 190 x 56.2 mm and weighs just 1.2 kg. Set to hit scores at the end of this month, the VivoPC will arrive in two main versions, one with a silver chassis and lower specs (VM40B) and one with a black casing and better hardware (VC60).

The VM40B packs a 1.5 GHz Celeron 1007U processor and 2 GB of RAM while the VC60 comes equipped with either a 2.4 GHz Core i3-3110M or a 3.1 GHz Core i5-3210M CPU and 4 GB of memory. Both models include a 500 GB hard drive, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, a 2-in-1 card reader, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectivity, and a 65 W power supply.

The VivoPC VM40B is set to cost 229 Euro. The VivoPC VC60 starts at 349 Euro and will go up to 519 Euro.

At IFA 2013 in Berlin Acer showcased an updated C710 Chromebook, a model that swaps the old, 32 nm-manufactured 1.1 GHz Celeron 847 processor for the fresher, 22 nm 1.5 GHz Celeron 1007U. Other specs remain unchanged so you still get a 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display 2 or 4 GB of RAM, either a 16 GB SSD or a 320 GB HDD, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, and a 4- or 6-cell battery.

Acer's upgraded Chrome OS-running machine has a price tag of 249 Euro and is expected to hit stores soon.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced a new value-driven laptop, the Satellite NB15t. Featuring a compact design for greater portability, the Satellite NB15t offers families, students and frequent travelers a fully-powered, stylish touch-enabled PC for a starting price of $379.99 MSRP.

"The Satellite NB15t is a compact 11.6-inch touchscreen PC that covers all the basics without breaking the bank," said Carl Pinto, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Our customers are always looking for more ways to be mobile without sacrificing the performance and features of a bigger-sized laptop, so we built the Satellite NB15t with that in mind. Clean design, solid performance, with a slim and lightweight style is what this device is all about."

In addition to releasing 17 desktop chips, Intel also made available a dozen new (Haswell) mobile CPUs - one quad-core and eleven dual-cores. This fresh batch includes four Core i7 models, five Core i5s, and three Celerons. More details can be seen in the table below.

x86 heavyweight Intel Corp. has just updated its desktop processor offer with a bunch of new Haswell and Ivy Bridge models. Detailed below, this latest release wave includes the 3.5 GHz Core i7-4771, four Core i5 chips priced at $182 (two Haswell and two Ivy Bridge CPUs), Core i3s going from 2.9 GHz to 3.6 GHz, five Pentiums, plus a couple of Ivy Bridge-based Celerons. The processors cover a price range that starts at $42 (for the low-power Celeron G1620T) and tops $314 (for the Core i7-4771).

Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH, the European subsidiary of Shuttle Inc., one of the leading developers and manufacturers of compact PC solutions such as the world-renowned XPC Mini-PC Barebones, today announces the Europe-wide delivery of a Slim PC with Intel Celeron 847 processor. The machine, marketed under the name DS47, is approximately 39 mm thin. Due to its robust exterior, it is also suitable for use in harsh environments.

Despite its compact size of 20 x 16.5 x 3.95 cm (DWH), the DS47 has remarkable features. Its motherboard comes with an energy-efficient Intel Celeron 847 processor (2 MB cache, dual-core 1.10 GHz) soldered onto the board. The steel casing has room for a 2.5" drive (HDD/SSD with SATA 6 Gbit), up to 16 GB DDR3 SO-DIMM and a full size mini PCI card. To ensure particularly easy installation, each component is accessible via separate cover plates. A convenient SD card reader is located on the front of the machine.

CPU World has reported that while Intel already has an army of Haswell based dual-core processors in the pipeline, unofficial specifications for two new models, one belonging to the entry-level Celeron family and the other a part of the Core i5 lineup, have surfaced.

The Celeron 2955U, a U-series Haswell dual-core SKU will pack a core frequency of 1.4 GHz (no Turbo), no Hyper Threading (two cores and two threads), 2MB of last level L3 cache, 15W TDP, "Haswell HD Graphics" (which doesn't give us any clue whether it's the HD4400 or HD4600 or even something slower than that, but most definitely not the HD5000). The socket type for the Celeron part is BGA1168.

Acer America today announced that its new 20-inch class Veriton Z2640G all-in-one (AIO) commercial desktop is now available for users in business, education and government. The new all-in-one desktops feature a screw-less chassis design and modular components for easy maintenance and upgrades. Removable feet and VESA wall-mount support enable these systems to be hung on the wall to save space, while a flexible frame that tilts from 6 to 60 degrees can be adjusted for maximum viewing comfort. These systems also come with an integrated 2.0 MP Full HD webcam that can be adjusted up to 180 degrees, which is particularly useful when collaborating via web chats with others in the same room.

The Veriton Z2640G series includes two models offering a choice of either Windows 8 Pro or Windows 7 Professional. The Acer Veriton Z2640G-UC1007X comes with an Intel Celeron processor 1007U (2M cache, 1.50 GHz, Dual Core) and 2GB SDRAM DDR3 (expandable to 16GB) and is available for an estimated selling price (ESP) of $539. The Veriton Z2640G-UP2117X with an Intel Pentium Processor 2117U (2M cache, 1.80 GHz, Dual Core) and 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (expandable to 16GB) is available for an ESP for $599.

Intel's first processors in the BGA (ball-grid array) package, arrive by the end of 2013, according to a leaked roadmap slide. Some of the first of these processors will span across entry-level market segments, covering the Celeron and Pentium brands. The term system-on-chip (SoC) better defines these chips than processors, as they completely integrate the processor as we know it, with the motherboard chipset. Motherboards with BGA processors come with the processors non-replaceable, and hard-wired to the board, with a stock fan-heatsink.

Intel's first SoCs for the desktop are based on the "BayTrail-D" silicon. These include the Celeron J1750, Celeron J1850, and Pentium J2850. Celeron J1750 is a dual-core part, with the CPU cores clocked at 2.41 GHz, GPU at 792 MHz, and a TDP rated at just 10W. Celeron J1850, on the other hand, is a quad-core part, with its CPU cores clocked at 2.00 GHz, and the same 792 MHz GPU. Pentium J2850 tops the series, being a quad-core part with CPU cores running at 2.41 GHz, and GPU at 792 MHz. Both these quad-core parts stick to 10W TDP. Being SoCs, these chips integrate connectivity otherwise handled by a PCH, into the processor package. According to an Intel roadmap slide, the three parts will spearhead Intel's BGA CPU lineup deep into 2014, at least as far as late-June.

Given that Intel's 4th generation Core "Haswell" family is based on existing 22 nm manufacturing processes, a market-scale transition between 3rd generation Core "Ivy Bridge" and it, is not as cumbersome as transition between two generations spanning across different processes. Intel plans to retire some of its best selling Core and Pentium LGA1155 parts by the end of September, to make room for Core and Pentium "Ivy Bridge" and "Haswell" parts in their place.

To begin with, a large number of Pentium and Celeron parts, namely G860, G645, G645T, G550T, G555, G645, G630, G620, G622, G870, G860T, G640, G630T, G640T, G550, G540T, G460, G530, and G530T, will be marked "EOL" (end of life), and will no longer be available to distributors and OEMs. From its Core i3 "Sandy Bridge" lineup, Core i3-2100, i3-2125, i3-2130, i3-2120T, and i3-2102 get the axe. From its Core i5 "Sandy Bridge" series, the i5-2390T gets marked EOL.

Acer America today announced that a new model in its Acer C7 Chromebook line, the Acer C710-2856, is now available at 2,800 Walmart stores for the low price of only $199. The new Acer C710-2856 Chromebook has a 16GB Solid State Drive (SSD) that provides fast boot times and quick access to apps and media for speedier all-around performance.

The affordable price and wide range of capabilities make the new Acer C7 Chromebook the ideal additional laptop for families, students and professionals who need a fast, easy and secure way to get online to do their computing in the cloud, such as using Gmail, keeping up on social networks, shopping and paying bills. The new model is available at an ideal time, since many consumers are looking for a portable computer for summer travel, or are already planning ahead for back-to-college.

Just in time to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises and home users to store large amounts of data, the Giada technology company has launched the GIADA N70E-DR motherboard, perfect for building entry-level NAS servers. With a NAS server built upon the Giada N70E-DR, customers can achieve a low-cost implementation for file sharing, data backup and media server functionality all while enjoying professional server functions, high-capacity, high-reliability, and high performance data security. The compact and powerful Mini ITX board design, takes up only 17x17cm in space and sports a Rich component interface.

With the powerful integrated architecture of Intel's Ivy Bridge, the Celeron C1007U processors feature performance with power consumption at only 17W. The motherboard's chipset supports native RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, with data security protection. Dual high-performance Intel 82583V Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure efficient network channel operations. Intelligent hardware monitoring and management capabilities allow customers to keep abreast of the health of the system. With a TPM module one can effectively prevent various scenarios of illegal data access.

MSI has announced the launch of its new-generation Wind Box DC110. The only 35 mm thin Wind Box DC110 shines not only visually, but also offers a low power consumption. With Intel Celeron 847, powerful graphics and liquid HD playback, it also offers computational power, one would expect at this small size in any way.

The mini-PC is the space-saving solution for all computing tasks such as internet, email and office applications as well as TV, music, video and photo playback. The DC110 will be generally available in Europe before end of March.

GIGABYTE rolled out the C1007UN-D mini-ITX motherboard, for entry-level desktops. It ships with an Intel Celeron 1007U BGA processor hard-wired to the board, with a compatible fan-heatsink pre-installed. Based on the 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" micro-architecture, the 1007U is a dual-core chip, clocked at 1.50 GHz, with 2 MB of L3 cache, and 17W TDP. Backing the chip on this motherboard is Intel's NM70 chipset.

The C1007UN-D from GIGABYTE features two DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 16 GB of dual-channel memory. Storage interfaces consist of one SATA 6 Gb/s and two SATA 3 Gb/s internal ports, and an eSATA 3 Gb/s port. Legacy PCI makes for the lone expansion slot. Connectivity includes two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, 6-channel HD audio, six USB 2.0 ports, an RS232 COM port, LPT (by header), and PS/2. Display outputs include D-Sub (VGA) and HDMI. GIGABYTE did not release pricing information, but considering the CPU itself is priced around $90, we expect this board to be priced around $150.

Building on the success of its EDGE HD series, hailed as the smallest fully featured PC in the world, SAPPHIRE Technology, a world leading manufacturer and supplier of PC graphics cards, mainboards and professional graphics solutions has just introduced a new model, the SAPPHIRE EDGE HD4 mini-PC, based on the latest mobile processor technology from Intel.

The SAPPHIRE EDGE HD4 shares the same slim, stylish outline as the earlier models but delivers increased performance as a result of incorporating the latest Celeron 847 processor from Intel. Like the earlier models, it is slimmer and smaller than most wireless access points, in fact around the size of a paperback book! Its stylish design and simple pedestal mount make it equally at home next to a TV or a business monitor whilst occupying the minimum of desk or shelf space.

Keeping up with an updated launch roadmap for Q1 2013 posted last November, Intel rolled out entry-level Celeron and Pentium dual-core processors based on its 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" silicon. All of the seven desktop and four mobile chips announced occupy price-points under $100. The desktop lineup begins with the Celeron G1610 (2.60 GHz, dual-core, 55W TDP), priced at US $42; Celeron G1610T (2.30 GHz, dual-core, 35W TDP) at $42; followed by Celeron G1620 (2.70 GHz), priced significantly higher at $52; Pentium G2010 (2.80 GHz, dual-core, 55W TDP) and G2020 (2.90 GHz), and G2020T (2.50 GHz, 35W TDP) at $64; and Pentium G2130 (3.20 GHz, dual-core, 55W TDP) at $86.

Intel has two kinds of Celeron mobile processors, targeting the mainstream and Ultrabook-like notebook form-factors. Among the mainstream notebook processors are the Celeron 1000M (1.80 GHz, dual-core, 35W TDP) and Celeron 1020M (2.10 GHz, dual-core, 35W TDP). Among the Ultrabook-like form-factor models are the Celeron 1007U (1.50 GHz, dual-core, 17W TDP), and Celeron 1037U (1.80 GHz, dual-core, 17W TDP). Interestingly, all four mobile Celeron "Ivy Bridge" CPU models are priced at $86, in 1000-unit tray quantities.

Axiomtek's MANO861 industrial-grade Mini ITX motherboard based on the Intel H61 Express chipset is designed for the 3rd Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processors in LGA1155 socket. The high performance MANO861 comes with two DDR3 1333/1600 MHz SO-DIMM slots with up to 16 GB memory capacity. This cost-effective motherboard supports dual-view capability through DVI-D, VGA, and LVDS interface. It also reserved one PCI Express Mini Card slot and one PCIe x4 slot to provide for flexible applications. With a small footprint of only 170 x 170 mm, the embedded board offers a full feature set of I/O which allows system integrators to deploy their solution with this platform easily. The MANO861 is designed for customers in the industrial automation, gaming, kiosk, POS and signage markets, who are looking for advanced performance in both computing and graphics and cost optimized solution.

With its 4th generation Core "Haswell" processor lineup not too far away, Intel is making efforts to clear inventories of its 2nd generation Core "Sandy Bridge" one. Usually, OEMs on the receiving end of such a move stand to score truckloads of chips at discounted prices. Samsung is one such OEM, which may have bagged a ton of "Sandy Bridge" Core i5-2450M dual-core chips clocked at 2.50 GHz, to deploy in its new premium Chromeboxes, which normally use entry-level Celeron B840 chips, because you can't exactly use Chrome OS to play Crysis, and so you don't need a faster CPU. The new, faster Chromebox is listed on Amazon for $423, bearing the SKU "Samsung Chromebox XE300M22-A01US."

Intel's spring cleaning began early, with the company discontinuing twelve processor models spanning across the Core and Celeron lines, based on the 32 nm "Sandy Bridge" silicon. The company issued a PDN (product discontinuation notice) to that effect. A majority of these are mobile parts, whose market lifetime is stretched to keep up with OEM orders. Among the chips are the Core i7-2960XM, i7-2860QM, i5-2557M, i7-2637M, and Celeron B710, and 857. According to the PDN, Intel will stop accepting orders for the chips from July 11, 2013, and the last orders will have shipped out by January 14, 2014.