Computers-Plus

(Credit: Dan Ackerman )

As someone who moves into a new laptop a couple of time per week on average, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about getting a PC optimally set up. For more than a year now, I’ve carried a USB key on my keychain (most recently the excellent LaCie iamakey), containing a folder of install files for apps I know I’m going to want to have on whatever laptop I’m reviewing at the moment.

While you’re probably only setting up one new desktop or laptop this holiday season (or maybe more if you’re the unofficial family IT guy), it makes sense to have a checklist of apps, especially free ones, that should be installed on any new PC.

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Joining rival Acer in the 3D notebook market, ASUS has released two new 3D-capable models: the 15.6″ G51J3D and the 17.3″ G72GX. The technology used differs from Acer, in a way ASUS says is better suited to showing true 1080p.

Both laptops will feature the new Core-i7 CPUs, NVidia GPUs, and ample RAM/storage. Exact specs for the larger model were unavailable, but the G51J3D is expected to feature a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX160M GPU along with 4GB RAM and twin 320GB HDDs. It is likely that the G72GX will have at least the same basic specs.

Acer’s technology utilized polarizing glasses – by contrast, Asus uses active-shutter specs. Read more…

This week has seen both AMD and Intel make big strides with their processors, with Intel teasing information about its new 32nm processors, and AMD announcing an inexpensive quad core chip.

Earlier this week, Intel started posting videos about its upcoming line of 32nm processors, which are slated to be unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) next week. These chips, which use the “Westmere” cores are expected to be very small dual-core processor dies, which will be paired with 45nm integrated graphics to create the “Arrandale” mobile chip and the “Clarkdale” desktop one.

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Thought about staying up until the wee hours of the morning (Australia time) to get the information on the new iPod? No need–the new iPods apparently have been leaked.

Thanks to an unceremonious cat out of the bag from third-party case manufacturer Cygnett, we now have pictures of what Apple’s new iPods apparently look like.

Both the iPod Touch 3G and iPod Nano G5 sport a camera on the back (according to the Cygnett blog post which leaked the cases), and the Nano continues the trend of the elongated screen that we’ve seen on previous models.

It’s been rumored for some time that Apple would unveil new iPods at a rock ‘n’ roll-themed event that kicks off Wednesday in San Francisco at 10 a.m.

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