MSI GT60 And GT70 Gaming Laptops Receive Windows 8 Upgrades And More

MSI has today announced that their gaming laptops will be receiving a refresh and an upgrade to Windows 8 operating system launching today,with the first laptops to receive the new refresh being the MSI GT60 And GT70.

The MSI GT60 And GT70 high performance gaming laptops originally launched back in July of this year, and MSI are also looking to now upgrade their budget-conscious GE series and the AMD processor-based GX60 gaming laptop with Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system as well.

MSI released specifications for the upgraded gaming systems, listing the GT70 will feature a Core i7-3630QM 2.4 – 3.4 GHz processor, a 17.3-inch Full HD screen, and a range of Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M, 675M, 670M GPUs supported by 16 GB of DDR3 memory @ 1600 MHz, a Blu-ray Disc burner, Killer N1202 2×2 or Jackson Peak 2×2 wireless connectivity, and more. Andy Tung, vice president of sales for MSI US explained:

“MSI’s combination of superior gaming components and an upgraded operating system allows users to fully immerse in the gaming world without sacrificing affordability and performance,”-”Windows has been a staple in the personal computing world and the new version promises to improve performance and re-engage users through a new interface.”

For more information on all models jump over to the  MSI website.

Source: Toms Hardware

MSI GT60 and GT70 gaming laptops get NVIDIA GTX 680M graphics, available now from $1,899

MSI introduced the GT60 and GT70 notebooks in March, and the latter has already received an upgrade to NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 675M GPU. Now both laptops are taking another step up, this time to the GeForce GTX 680M, NVIDIA’s latest GPU, with 4GB of dedicated memory. The refreshed 16-inch GT60 and 17-inch GT70 are available in the US today for $1,899 and $2,599, respectively. Specs remain the same aside from the revved-up GPU; both models come standard with an Intel Core i7-3610QM CPU, a 1,920 x 1,080 display, HDMI output, a Killer E2200 LAN card and three USB 3.0 ports. For more info, head to the press release below the break.

 MSI (1), MSI (2)

 

Alienware’s Gaming Laptops Get Latest Intel Ivy Bridge Processors

Alienware has announced that its range of gaming notebooks, which include the Alienware M14x, the M17x and M18 will be getting Intel’s new Ivy Bridge processors.

Prices will start at $1100 for the Alienware M14x, $1500 for the M17x and $2,000 for the M18x, and a number of different processor options will be available including a 2.9 GHz Core i7-3920XM for the M17x and 2.9GHz Core i7-3920XM for the new M18x.

“Our customers want the most immersive gaming experience possible, and we’ve taken the all-powerful M14x, M17x, and M18x laptops and made them even better, delivering the latest technologies for almost every need,” said Frank Azor, General Manager, Alienware. “We’ve always offered the latest technology for the best gaming experience possible, and our enhanced line-up will let you pwn any competitor and provide the sensory experience that we know you crave.”

You can find out more information and all the different options available over at Alienware.

Source Engadget

Toshiba intros Qosmio X875 gaming laptop with Kepler GPU, fairly tame digs

In case it wasn’t clear, Toshiba’s overhauling its entire consumer lineup for the back-to-school season, and that includes its lone gaming rig. The 17.3-inch Qosmio X875 replaces last year’s X775, ushering in NVIDIA’s spankin’ new Kepler graphics and that same reined-in design we we’ve seen in recent photos. Though Toshiba’s remaining fairly mum on specs (we bet this has something to do with not wanting to steal Intel’s Ivy Bridge thunder), we can confirm it packs “third-generation” Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GTX 670M graphics with 3GB of video memory, dual hard drive bays, quad Harman Kardon speakers and four memory slots, with up to 16GB of RAM on board out of the box. The resolution can be either 1600 x 900 or 1080p, with that latter pixel count only available on the 3D model. As you can see in the photos, Toshiba’s moved to a subtler aluminum aesthetic it’s calling Black Widow, but what you can’t tell from that vantage point is that this guy is 25 percent thinner than its predecessor. In case you needed more proof this is an Ivy Bridge machine, note the release date: this beastly fellow won’t be available until June 24th. At that point, it’ll start at $1,299, though the highest-end configuration will set you back a cool $2,499. That’s more than two months away, of course, so for now you’ll have to content yourselves with our teaser shots below.

Toshiba Qosmio X875 hands-on

Toshiba outs Qosmio X870 gaming laptop with 3D display, not-too-tacky design

What’s this, then? Why, it’s what appears to be a brand new, redesigned gaming laptop, courtesy of ‘ol Toshiba. Though it hasn’t been announced here in the US, UK-based site TechDigest is showing us the first photo of the Qosmio X870, which seems to have a rather reined-in design compared to previous Toshiba gaming machines we’ve seen (to the extent that a PC with red accents can ever be called staid). According to the site, its specs include a 17.3-inch, 1080p, 3D-capable display; the “latest” Intel processors; unspecified, next-gen NVIDIA GPUs with 3GB of video memory; and up to either 2TB in HDD storage or a (presumably smaller) hybrid SSD. Rounding out the list, the laptop is said to rock Bluetooth 4.0, four USB 3.0 sockets (including two with Toshiba’s Sleep-and-Charge technology), HDMI, Harman Kardon speakers, an optional Blu-ray player and that all-important LAN port. Sounds good to us, though as of this writing we’ve yet to see a press release posted on any of Toshiba’s regional or global sites. If TechDigest‘s report is on the money, though, this thing should land sometime in Q2, which means Tosh has a few months yet to clarify that minor pricing question.

TechDigest

Sony VAIO F Series review (late 2011)

Sony barreled into CES earlier this year flaunting a 3D monster laptop boasting a 16-inch 1080p display, a built-in 3D transmitter and a fancy button that promised to instantly add an extra dimension to your boring “regular” 2D movies. It was the latest in the outfit’s VAIO F Series, and it was ready to snatch $2,000 straight out of your wallet — but not all of us can throw down that kind of scratch. Still looking for a suitably powerful desktop-replacement that won’t decimate your bank account? That same 2011 VAIO F Series rig just might be your ticket, sans 3D trickery — and knocked down to a base price of $980. Does this somewhat more budget-friendly variant still pack enough punch to knockout your hefty desktop PC? Let’s find out.

AMD announces the Radeon HD 6990M, has some pointed words for NVIDIA

Here are five words you’ve heard before: “the world’s fastest notebook GPU.” Why, NVIDIA made just that claim two weeks ago, when it touted the GeForce GTX 580M as the nimblest card this side of Pluto. Not so fast, says AMD. The outfit just unveiled the Radeon HD 6990M with DirectX11 and HD3D support, and it insists this is the speediest GPU on the block — specifically, up to 25 percent faster than any other GPU that’s been announced to the public. And yes, AMD’s well aware of that 580M. Just like NVIDIA came out swinging, making pointed comparisons to the Radeon HD 6970M, AMD’s got some fighting words of its own: the outfit says the 6990M can whip the 580M in the benchmark AvP and games such as Batman Arkham Asylum, Dragon Age 2, Shogun 2, BattleForge, Left 4 Dead, Metro2033, Wolfenstein MP, The Chronicles of Riddick, and E.T.: Quake Wars. We don’t need to remind you that these numbers merely represent the story each company wants to tell. Still, you get the idea: these are the top-of-the-line cards each has to offer at the moment, and they’ll likely be competing for space in your next gaming rig.

As you can imagine, the 6990M joins other Radeon HD cards in supporting the company’s Eyefinity technology, as well as GPU app acceleration. Let it be known, too, that while the 6990M supplants the popular 6970M as far as performance claims go, AMD tells us the 6970M will still be available for the foreseeable future. Speaking of availability, the 6990M will be offered in the Alienware M18x — right alongside NVIDIA’s 580M. Additionally, you’ll find it packed inside Clevo’s P170HM and P150HM. And you didn’t think we forgot about specs, did you? Head on past the break to find the full PR, along with a handful of technical details straight from the horse’s mouth.

ASUS refreshes Lamborghini VX7 with Sandy Bridge, mercifully offers a black option

Just in time for Spring, ASUS has refreshed its Lamborghini VX7, a staple in the company’s line of premium notebooks (and fugly smartphones) inspired by the storied Italian car maker. Available in orange and a more staid black, this 8.4-pound beast packs a quad-core Sandy Bridge Intel Core i7 processor, Full HD 15.6-inch display, discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics with 3GB of video memory, up to 16GB of RAM, an 8-cell battery, one USB 3.0 port (along with three USB 2.0 ones), HDMI output, a 2 megapixel webcam, and hard drive space ranging from 500GB to 750GB with speeds of either 5,400RPM or 7,200RPM. Or, you can opt for an SSD as large as 1.25TB. (ASUS likens the speeds to a 10,000 RPM drive.) No word yet on pricing or availability, though we’re pretty sure Valentino Balboni won’t be ponying up to type on one of these either way.