Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, today announced that Alienware will be the first to launch the Killer Wireless-N 1202 high-performance Wi-Fi module with Bluetooth on the Alienware line of high-performance gaming laptop computers. The high-performance 2x2 802.11n MIMO Wi-Fi module with Bluetooth is designed to provide improved performance and advanced control by automatically classifying and prioritizing gaming, video and audio network data to provide a superior, uninterrupted online entertainment experience.

"Alienware continues to be the leader in performance laptops and we appreciate that its customers are used to getting the best gaming experience possible," said Mike Cubbage, director of business development, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "The Killer Wireless-N 1202 will continue the tradition of delivering a superior gaming and real-time communication experience for Alienware laptop users by providing the best in online application performance, intelligence and control to ensure that critical online applications get the bandwidth and priority they need, when they need it."

Seeing as how some of the newest socket LGA1155 processors, such as the Core i7-3770K, competes with Sandy Bridge-E HEDT platform, and how today's GPUs are beginning to benefit from PCI-Express 3.0 in x8 and x4 configurations, ASRock decided to go beyond its Z77 Fatal1ty Professional, and launched a new Extreme series model, with a focus on features and connectivity. The Z77 Extreme9 from ASRock crams has every square inch of its standard ATX size PCB with features.

To begin with, the Z77 Extreme9 uses a fairly strong 8+4 phase VRM, which is similar to that of the Z77 Extreme6. The CPU VRM MOSFETs are cooled by a fairly big heatsink, which shares its head with a neighbouring heatsink, which cools a PLX PEX8747 PCI-Express 3.0 bridge chip, which takes in the lone PCI-Express 3.0 x16 link from the processor, and drives four of the board's six PCI-Express 3.0 x16 long slots, enabling 3-way and 4-way SLI/CrossFireX capability. The other slots are electrical PCI-Express 2.0, and wired to the Z77 PCH.

MSI is working on a Wind U270 11.6-inch netbook variant that's driven by AMD E2-1800 "Brazos 2.0" dual-core APU. The E2-1800 packs two x86-64 cores clocked at 1.70 GHz, 1 MB of total cache, Radeon HD 7340 integrated graphics, and TDP of 17W. The APU is backed by AMD A68M FCH, which provides up to four SATA 6 Gb/s ports. 2 GB of single-channel DDR3 memory is included, so is a 320 GB 5400 RPM HDD. Connectivity options include 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and gigabit Ethernet. Other features include a 1.3 MP webcam, and a 6-in-1 flash card reader supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC/XD/MMC/Memory Stick. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit comes pre-installed. The 11.6-inch screen packs a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Slated for May 18, the Wind U270-412 is priced at 46,800 JPY (US $587), in Japan.

Intel unveiled its third socket LGA2011 Desktop Board driven by its X79 Express chipset, the DX79SR. This model is positioned a notch above the DX79SI, and a couple of notches above the DX79TO. It was first unsuspectingly revealed to the world not by Intel, but NVIDIA, in its GeForce GTX 690 press-shots. The DX79SR covers up a few design shortfalls of the DX79SI. It adds two additional SATA 6 Gb/s ports, driven by a Marvell SE9128 2-port controller, and two additional USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel. The total of four USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel are driven by an unknown 4-port USB 3.0 controller.

Apart from the two onboard connectivity additions, Intel will also include a USB add-on module which packs 802.11 b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth 3.0 interfaces. The package of the board itself will be beefed up a little, with the inclusion of a stylish mouse pad and a thermal probe. To accommodate these features, Intel made a few subtle changes to the board layout, the first and second PCI-Express x16 slots no longer have switches between them, and some capacitors appear changed. With all these, Intel believes it has a shot at capturing the US $299 price-point, which gives it a nice spread from the $249 DX79SI and the $199 DX79TO.

Today Logitech announced the expansion of both its solar and tablet accessories lineups with the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio. Made for the new, third-generation iPad as well as the iPad 2, the ultra-slim, book-style case and keyboard offer stylish design with protection, featuring a built-in keyboard that's powered by light.

Similar to Logitech's solar keyboards for Mac and PC, the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio includes onboard solar cells that charge the built-in Bluetooth keyboard in any light, whether indoors or outdoors. When fully charged, the battery lasts for up to two years, even in complete darkness (based on a average use of two hours per day).

Jawbone, a leader and innovator in smart audio devices and wearable technology for the mobile lifestyle, today introduced BIG JAMBOX, a new addition to its portable wireless speaker line-‐up designed to deliver powerful, rich sound experiences in large indoor and outdoor spaces.

Similar to Jawbone's #1 best-selling JAMBOX speaker, BIG JAMBOX wirelessly connects to any Bluetooth enabled device - smartphones, tablets and computers - to stream high-‐quality music, movies, games and phone calls in any environment.

ORIGIN PC announces the availability of their smallest laptop yet, the powerful, lightweight, new EON11-S and Intel's new 3rd Generation "Ivy Bridge" Core Processors. The new compact high performance laptop debuts with ORIGIN PC's exclusive new laptop design, Intel's 3rd generation mobile processors, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics, and NVIDIA Optimus Technology. Origin PC is also offering Intel's 3rd generation "Ivy Bridge" processors to their full line of award winning desktops and laptops for gamers, artists, enthusiasts and professionals.

The versatile new MI-HM65T Mini ITX motherboard from Giada is at home in all environments, including the factory floor, tough monitoring and control applications, embedded computing, office desks, and the home. Built around Intel's HM65 chipset and the Sandy Bridge platform, this motherboard brings users high performance and almost unlimited connectivity, with economical power consumption. It offers all the industry-standard features of a desktop PC in a tiny package, to support a wide range of applications.

Powered by Intel's fast Core i7, i5, i3 or Celeron 867 CPUs, supported by up to 4GB of memory, with onboard integrated graphics and video support, the Giada MI-HM65T can easily take care of almost any task you throw at it. This tough but tiny powerhouse handles industrial control, monitoring and automation applications as well as office and productivity, or home entertainment.

To an interview with Anandtech, ASUSTek USA representative JJ carried with him a sackful of new Z77 Express-based motherboards. One of these caught keen eyes at VR-Zone, which attempted to describe what it saw. Called the P8Z77-V Premium, this motherboard is poised to go a notch above the already launched P8Z77-V Deluxe, in terms of features. The new P8Z77-V Premium is a crossover between the Deluxe and WS (Workstation) models, in that it features no less than four PCI-Express x16 slots in its all-PCIe slot loadout. The electrical configuration of these four slots is hard to guess, but there is a tiny PLX bridge chip that adds a few PCIe 2.0 lanes to the board's PCIe budget, to wire out onboard controllers.

Speaking of onboard connectivity, apart from eight angled internal SATA ports, there clearly is an mSATA slot, which is populated by an SSD. Perhaps an SSD that's fit for Rapid Storage and Rapid Start technologies is a standard accessory with the P8Z77-V Premium. Just below the WLAN b/g/n + Bluetooth add-on card, one could spy a mini-DisplayPort. It's highly likely that the port is wired to a Thunderbolt controller apart from Intel Flexible Display Interface. The rest of the rear panel could be similar to that of the P8Z77-V Deluxe. The P8Z77-V Premium could command a price-point over US $300, the source postulates.

ASUS is working on an AMD-powered notebook under the K53TK line. The K53TK-SX0A8 from ASUS is a 15.6-inch notebook that incorporates AMD A8-3520M "Llano", which is a quad-core APU clocked at 1.60 GHz, with Radeon HD 6620G graphics. The APU's integrated graphics works in tandem with a discrete Radeon HD 7670M GPU, that has 2 GB of dedicated memory. Other vital components include 8 GB of dual-channel DDR3-1333 MHz memory, and AMD A70M FCH chipset.

The 15.6-inch display packs 1366x768 pixels resolution. Display outputs include D-sub and HDMI. Storage is care of a 750 GB HDD and DVD SuperMulti drive. Connectivity includes 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, gigabit Ethernet, SD/SDHC/MMC card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, 1.3 MP webcam, and FireWire. The battery powering the beast can run it for 4 hours before needing a recharge. Measuring 391 x 266 x 30.5 ~ 40.5 mm (WxDxH), the notebook weighs 2.7 kg. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system comes pre-loaded. It will be priced around 79,800 JPY (US $970).

Satechi, a leading mobile accessories manufacturer, is excited to announce the availability of the new Audio Cube Bluetooth Speaker. Featuring a unique and portable design, the Satechi Audio Cube Bluetooth Speaker delivers 2 x 2 watts of exceptional audio performance compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device including iPhone 4S, Android phones, new iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, MacBook Pro and more.

The new Audio Cube Bluetooth Speaker weighs only 9.6 oz. and has a built-in rechargeable battery for 6 hours of playtime, making it the perfect audio solution when on the go. The new Bluetooth speaker boasts a dual-channel speaker system with each channel output providing two watts of power for optimum sound quality. Additionally, the compact enclosure contains large speakers that significantly enhance low-end bass frequencies.

Fujitsu today introduced the LIFEBOOK AH532 desktop alternative notebook and the LIFEBOOK LH532 thin and light notebook, which are among the first systems to incorporate the new mobile Intel platform.

Powered by the next-generation mobile Intel HM76 Express chipsets and the Intel Core i3-2350M Processor, the 15.6" LIFEBOOK AH532 and the 14" LIFEBOOK LH532 notebooks with Microsoft Windows 7 are enhanced with a performance boost, improved multitasking, stunning visuals, the latest Intel WiDi (Wireless Display), and better energy efficiency.

Killer Technology (formerly Bigfoot Networks, before its Qualcomm buyout), launched two new network interface solutions aimed at gaming and enthusiast PCs, these include the Killer Wireless-N 1202, and Killer E2200 gigabit Ethernet, which are successors of Killer Wireless-N 1102/1103 and Killer E2100, respectively. Built in the mPCIe card form-factor, the Killer Wireless-N E1202 has quite a bit of Atheros DNA loaded into it (another subsidiary of Qualcomm), apart from Wireless-N, the E1202 also includes a Bluetooth controller. The Killer E2200 high-performance gigabit Ethernet controller will be available as both PCIe add-on card and embedded form (for motherboard manufacturers), it could be a refined, performance-optimized successor of the Killer E2100. Killer's USP is high performance using advanced offload of the network stack to a native application processor, resulting in lower pings that could help in multiplayer gaming. Both solutions will be available soon.

VIA is out with its latest addition to the Artigo family of compact barebones PCs, the Artigo A1200, the company's latest addition after Artigo A1150. The A1200 is powered by VIA Nano X2 E dual-core processor clocked at 1.20 GHz, and VIA VX900 chipset that packs integrated graphics with enough compute power for smooth 1080p video playback, with hardware-accelerated decoding of MPEG-2, WMV9 and H.264 HD video formats. The system packs one DDR3 DIMM slot, supporting up to 4 GB of memory. There is room for one SATA HDD. Display outputs include D-Sub and HDMI. Other connectivity includes two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, one USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, optional 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, and one CFAST interface. The system is fan-less, and passively cooled by heatsinks. Pricing and availability information is not known.

Logitech today extends its tablet lineup with its latest keyboard accessory - the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover - made for the new, third-generation iPad as well as the iPad 2. Leveraging Logitech's extensive heritage of high quality, reliability and design, this all-in-one solution provides an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard so you can type easily and travel without worry.

"The third-generation iPad and its apps are designed to give you more control and creativity, whether you are editing photos and movies, making music or writing a novel," said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech. "The new Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover - with its ultra-sleek, smart design and extended keyboard battery life - provides a convenient way for you to make the most of your iPad no matter what activity you are using it for."

BRAVEN, formerly SPAR, today launches a new website and begins pre-orders for the world's first multi-tasking high-definition Bluetooth speakers with integrated smartphone charger and speakerphone. The three innovative speakers provide room-filling high-fidelity audio in a stunning, sleek design that delivers unprecedented battery life. The line includes a rugged speaker built for durability in sporting and outdoor settings, as well as two striking aircraft-grade aluminum models. Each device offers the unparalleled ability to charge USB devices and daisy chain multiple speakers together.

The BRAVEN SIX Series speakers have two custom extended-range drivers and 3 watt speaker output providing high-fidelity stereo audio with left- and right-channel passive sub woofers. Along with extraordinary battery life ranging from 12 to 20 hours and device charging, the speakers allow continuous wireless play up to 33 feet away. The internal duplex microphone allows for hands-free speakerphone calls with most any Bluetooth cell phone as well as compatibility with FaceTime, iChat, Skype and other applications. The SIX Series also has the ability to connect with other speakers and devices through 3.5mm audio in and out jacks.

Looking for the biggest bang for your buck in terms of multimedia performance and style? MSI's new CX70 and CR70 17.3-inch multimedia laptops pack Intel's new generation Core i processor for the ultimate in computing power. What's more, to meet the needs of increasing high resolution of today's HD multimedia, the CX70 and CR70 come equipped with cinema-level SRS PC Sound and faster transfer ports, including USB 3.0, which is ten times faster than USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4, which can handle the latest HD resolution, and the new generation Bluetooth 4.0, which connects more quickly and covers a wider area.

Eric Kuo, associate vice president for global sales, MSI Notebook, notes that the CX70 and CR70 laptops are designed to handle the latest digital multimedia entertainment, featuring powerful transfer technologies to meet the needs of high resolution and large files as well as 17.3-inch anti-glare full HD screens. If you want something bigger than a high definition computer screen for viewing films, the MSI CX70 and CR70 laptops also come with an HDMI 1.4 port, so any type of high-fidelity, high-definition video can be played on your NB, but viewed via a cable on a large-screen LCD television.

Everyone can express their personal style this spring with VAIO E Series 14P - the 35.5cm (14") notebook from Sony that's made for smarter, easier everyday computing.

At home, on campus or carried easily to the nearest café, new VAIO E Series stands out from the crowd with its soft, discreetly reassuring 'wrap-around' design. Three fresh colours - white, black or pink - are accented by complementary colour flourishes around the notebook's edge, lid, touchpad and keyboard. Chic, individual credentials are emphasized further by the aluminium speaker bezel.

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics cards, mainboards and mini-PCs, today debuts the ZOTAC Intel 7-series powered mainboards for the latest 3rd Generation Intel Core family processors. The new ZOTAC Z77-ITX WiFi and H77-ITX WiFi mainboards pack support for Intel LGA1155 processors into a mini-ITX form factor without sacrificing expansion capabilities.

"ZOTAC is the global innovator when it comes to mini-ITX mainboards. We continue to push the performance envelope with mini-ITX to rival much larger systems," says Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. "The latest Intel Ivy Bridge processors paired with our ZOTAC Intel 7-series mini-ITX mainboards make an unbeatable performance combination without sacrificing energy-efficiency."

ZOTAC unveiled a monster LGA1155 motherboard aimed at professional overclockers, and based on the new Intel Z77 Express chipset, the ZT-Z77-U1D. Pictured below, the designers' focus was evidently on giving the motherboard a very strong VRM, apart from just enough expansion and connectivity features for 2-way multi-GPU setups. To begin with, the LGA1155 socket is powered by a 27-phase VRM, which consists of AIO ferrite-core solid-state chokes, DrMOS, tantalum capacitors, and a super-ML multiphase capacitor to condition power. The VRM is controlled by a VRD12-compliant controller.

The LGA1155 socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting dual-channel DDR3-2133+ MHz memory, and two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x8/x8, when both are populated). Other expansion slots include four PCI-Express 2.0 x1, wired to the Z77 PCH. All six SATA ports from the PCH are assigned as internal ports, that's two SATA 6 Gb/s, and four SATA 3 Gb/s. Display connectivity includes DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. Other connectivity includes 8+2 channel HD audio, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, gigabit Ethernet, six USB 3.0 ports (two on the rear panel, four via headers), and a number of USB 2.0 ports.

Japanese company Princeton took the concepts of Bluetooth input devices for tablets and smartphones, and turned it around. Its newest creation, the PSC Bluetooth KVM, is a combination of a USB Bluetooth 3.0 dongle, Bluetooth input device driver model, and its own software, that lets you use the input devices that are connected to your PC/laptop (your wired keyboard and mouse), with your Android, iOS, or Windows Mobile smartphone or tablet. This could come particularly handy to those who have their iPads on a stand, next to their PCs on their desks, as you could instantly give input to the iPad, and get things done faster. The PSC Bluetooth virtual KVM, from Princeton, is priced at 4,980 JPY (US $61).

Now in its fifth generation, ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) has launched its Maximus V Series motherboards with the Maximus V GENE. This micro-ATX powerhouse is built using the latest Intel Z77 chipset, which supports Intel's latest LGA1155 processors. Featuring full PCI-Express Gen-3 capabilities with Intel's 3rd Generation processor the Republic of Gamers team equips the Maximus V GENE with exclusive features such as the Extreme Engine DIGI+ II power control design, SupremeFX III gaming audio, Intel Ethernet with ROG GameFirst software and the newly added mPCIe Combo card.

Give Your PC A Power Up With The ROG Exclusive mPCIe Combo Card

The mPCIe Combo card is a new innovation by the ROG team, combining the twin functions of mPCIe with mSATA into a single, extensible add-in card that still allows full use of the PCI-Express slots for multi-GPU graphics. With the addition of an mSATA SSD for use with Intel Smart Response Technology or simply installing the entire OS, this frees up standard SATA ports for other uses. The combination of a standard mPCIe socket on the other side allows unique upgrades such as WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G, GPS and other connectivity.

When you are on the go, you want to listen to your tunes without being tangled or tied to your Smartphone or music player. Plantronics today announced its smallest, lightest, wireless earbuds available, the BackBeat GO. Now music lovers, mobile gamers, and podcast and video fans can listen to their Bluetooth enabled device, in stereo, all without the hassle of cords.

The BackBeat Go boasts the ideal combination of style, premium sound, comfort and convenience all with the simplicity of wireless earbuds. Made for use with smartphones, tablets and MP3 players, the extremely compact and lightweight BackBeat GO includes deep, rich, stereo sound, noise reduction technology for improved call clarity and inline controls that allow you to take calls, skip tracks, and adjust volume all at your fingertips.

A-Tech Fabrication, a company that specializes in hand-crafted HTPCs, unveiled the HeatSync 1200 fanless HTPC. The part that makes it fanless is the chassis itself, which is made of aluminum, with fins on the sides, that dissipate heat. Copper heat pipes transfer heat from key components such as the CPU and chipset to the sides of the chassis, which takes care of the rest. Although most of the chassis is anodized black, with its front-panel, you can choose between silver and black options.

The HeatSync 1200 internally packs an Intel DH61AG thin mini-ITX motherboard, which seats an Intel Core i3-2100T dual-core 35W processor, clocked at 2.50 GHz. 4 GB Corsair Vengeance SO-DIMM memory comes standard. Also standard is the Intel SSD 310 40 GB mSATA SSD. Considering there are no mechanical hard drives, or a PSU with active-cooling (a 160W power-brick does the job), the HeatSync 1200 is literally silent. A consumer IR (CIR) receiver with Windows Media Center remote, and Windows 7 Home Premium make for the rest of it.

Sapphire is ready with a high-end socket LGA1155 motherboard based on Intel Z77 chipset, the Pure Platinum Z77. This is Sapphire's second Z77 motherboard disclosed so far, after the Pure Black Z77 it showed us, at CES. Sapphire is offering 3-way multi-GPU support in a very unique way. Three of its four PCI-Express x16 (long) slots are wired to the CPU, all three of them PCI-Express Gen 3.0. The topmost slot is x16 and x8 capable (x8, if any of the other two slots are populated); the middle slot is x8 and x4 capable (x4, if the bottommost blue slot is populated); while the bottommost slot is x4 capable. PCI-Express 3.0 x4 offers bandwidth comparable to PCI-Express 2.0 x8 (or PCI-Express 1.1 x16), which doesn't heavily bottleneck today's graphics cards. An ingenious slot layout, made possible by inexpensive PCIe lane switches, instead of expensive bridges.