PC World has added to is own-brand Advent range with the launch of a new gaming PC, the Centurion, a desktop space-saving PC, the Firefly, and a lightweight laptop, the Verona.

The 13-inch Advent Verona gets Windows 7, an Intel Celeron ULV 743 processor, 250GB hard drive, 3GB RAM, DVD rewriter, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Weighing in at 1.6kg, and available in three colours with a gloss finish, the Verona is priced at ?349.99.

The Centurion ("a stylish and affordable desktop for the budget-conscious gamer") gets a clear side to view the innards, boasts Windows 7 Premium, an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 processor, 6GB memory, 1TB hard drive, DVD rewriter and Wi-Fi. Complete with a monitor, it will cost ?799.99.

The compact Firefly desktop PC measures in just 95 x 300 x 320mm and features Window 7 Home Premium, an Intel Pentium DC E5 300 processor, a 320GB hard drive, 2GB memory, DVD rewriter and Wi-Fi. It's priced at ?379.99.

Tags: Hardware Desktop PCs Laptops PC World Advent Currys Dixons Windows 7

PC World launches three new Advents originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:08:43 +0000

It appears as if Microsoft's advertising deal with Family Guy is back on again, after the software giant officially announced the plans and then changed its corporate mind deeming the grown-up cartoon not family friendly enough and opting for Warner Bros instead.

A selection of Windows 7 themed Family Guy clips have just showed up on Microsoft's official YouTube channel, but whether they are previews of what American viewers can expect to see soon, or the dumped ads filed for posterity, we don't know.

Tags: Software Windows 7 Video Microsoft Advertising

VIDEO: Family Guy promos Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:27:15 +0000

Microsoft has teamed up with New York department megastore Saks for a big Christmas promotion, that, as well as a special sales area inside, includes Windows 7 powering the store's infamous Christmas windows displays.

As part of the window displays, Microsoft has set up a screen displaying a live Twitter stream, with posts hashtagged HolidayWindows automatically showing up on the display.

What Microsoft perhaps didn't account for though, is Apple-loving Twitter users taking advantage of the stream to promote their own pro-Apple and/or anti-Microsoft messages.

A quick glance at the #HolidayWindows stream sees it chock-full of such pro-Apple pithy missives as the brief "Get a Mac" that appears multiple times.

There's also the likes of "Get a Mac! Just follow the masses down to the Apple store. The one that looks like the Windows store... only way cooler", "Avoid viruses - get a Mac", and "Ignore Microsoft, you're not a PC, you are a human being. Get a Mac and feel human again".

As @mooseblaster says, this cannot end well.

UPDATE: It seems the whole stunt was masterminded by Mac fan site MacDailyNews, but appears to have taken on a life on its own now with pro-Mac tweets coming thick and fast, way outnumbering any Windows fans who have attempted to mobilise with a counter-tweet attack.

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Tags: Software Twitter Windows 7 Video Microsoft shopping Apple Saks

VIDEO: Apple fans heckle Windows-powered Twitter stream in Saks' Christmas window originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:23 +0000

At a recent shareholders meeting Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer told attendees that "Windows 7 is simply the best PC operating system that we or anyone else has ever built".

As part of his opening speech Ballmer stated that the new OS was off to a "fantastic start" revealing that Microsoft has "already sold twice as many units as any OS in a comparable time frame".

At the event, on the defence after a shareholder commented on the popularity of Mac among younger users, Ballmer noted that "96 times out of 100, worldwide, people choose a PC with Windows" before calling Macs "quite a bit more expensive", a theme of a recent Microsoft ad campaign.

Finally, responding to a question about the iPhone's challenge to the Windows Phone market, Ballmer said: "Certainly our objective is to have the leading position. I think we have a lot of opportunity to improve... Undoubtedly we've got our work cut out for us".

"We've got our heads down to do our best", Ballmer said of the smartphone market, revealing the company has a "a lot of smart people" working on the topic.

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Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Steve Ballmer Phones

Ballmer says Windows 7 is "simply the best" originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:30 +0000

Thanks to its Intel Atom 330 dual core processor and Nvidia ION dedicated graphics with full HD media support, Asus is claiming unprecedented netbook performance for its new Eee PC 1201N multimedia netbook.

Said to be "breaking the boundaries of what is possible on the netbook platform", other features for the new Windows 7, 12.1-inch device include a LED-backlit, 1366 x768 WXGA display, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, webcam, HDMI port and a memory card reader.

Asus is claiming up to 5 hours battery life for the 120IN and it offers a 250GB hard drive plus 500GB online Eee storage, 2GB RAM, measures in at 296 x 208 x 27.3-33.3mm and weighs 1.46kg.

The Eee PC 1201N will be available in black or silver in the UK around mid January for ?399.

Tags: Hardware Netbooks Laptops Asus Eee Nvidia Intel Windows 7

Asus Eee PC 1201N multimedia netbook announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:21:39 +0000

Sky Player, Sky's online TV service is now available via the Windows Media Center programme in Windows 7 offering "a new and innovative way for people in the UK to watch live and on demand TV from Sky on a PC". ?

For existing Sky TV customers, Sky Player on Windows 7 offers another way to view their Sky TV, while for non-Sky TV customers, there's the option to view content based on monthly subscription packages.

Sky Player on Windows 7 lets users search for shows using keywords, browse programme galleries or scroll through the on screen guide, works with touchscreen PCs and with any Windows Media Center-enabled remote control.

To promote the launch, Sky and Microsoft are offering non-Sky TV customers 3 months of Sky Player for the price of 2 with any Windows 7 purchase.

Tags: Home Cinema Sky Software Windows 7 Windows Media Center Microsoft Video on demand Sky Player

Sky Player on Windows 7 available now originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:32:01 +0000

MSI has announced the UK launch of the "cutely compact, feature rich and ultra stylish" MSI Wind 12 U200 mini notebook.

Offering Windows 7 and a 12.1-inch, 16.9 ratio, LED backlit frameless screen, the 1.5kg U200 boasts 6.5-hours of battery life.

Measuring in at 297mm by 190mm the mini notebook offers MSI's "Ergonomics De-Stress" keyboard that claims to increase comfort by its 51% larger (than what we're not sure) surface area.

Specs include a 1.4GHz Intel CULV processor, 2GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, webcam, card reader, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, three USB ports, HDMI port and built-in speakers.

Priced at ?399 the U200 is available in piano black and pearl white in shops this month.

Tags: Hardware Netbooks Laptops MSI Windows 7

MSI Wind 12 U200 mini notebook launches originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:58:39 +0000

Windows 7 may be about to get branded themes from advertisers, in an extension of the marketing options that Microsoft currently offers companies across its web properties.

Companies like Coca-Cola, Ducati, Infiniti, 20th Century Fox and Ferrari have appeared in screenshots, as well as the movie Avatar and the video game Gears of War. Microsoft has announced that it's begun to plan test pilots with those companies, with the results being known as the "Windows Theme Experience" and "Windows Personalization Gallery".

Brands will be able to stick their logos on IE8 add-ons, Windows 7 and Vista gadgets, Windows 7 backgrounds and borders, and "audio elements". However, before you get too upset, these will be opt-in for customers, who'll have to download the packs off an external site.

"These new themes are intended for the brand's most passionate fans and allows for a deeper engagement by letting consumers embed their favourite brand into their PC experience", says Microsoft.

The trial is due to take place in October 2010.

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Tags: Software Operating Systems Windows 7 Advertising

Windows 7 to get branded themes originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:23:56 +0000

Packard Bell has announced its oneTwo series of all-in-one touchscreen Windows 7 desktop PCs that offer a digital TV tuner built-in.

The all-in-one devices, with a "space-saving design and a single power-cord" combine a PC and a TV in a 20-inch 1600 x 900 resolution or 23-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution display.

Offering Windows 7 and boasting the new OS's multi-touch touchscreen experience, the PCs get Packard Bell's "TouchPortal" interface for all kinds of touchscreen fun and frolics.

The deskops offer up to six USB ports, a 5-in-1 card reader, an integrated webcam, jacks for audio in and out while graphics options comes in with either integrated graphics from Intel or discrete graphics, both supporting Microsoft DirectX10.

The oneTwo L boasts an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, an e-sata port, a slot in ODD, and 5.1-channel surround sound via the integrated 5 Watt stereo speaker system as well as an optional Blu-ray drive.

The oneTwo M is now available starting from ?599, while the oneTwo L - also available now - gets an estimated street price starting from ?899.

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Tags: Hardware Packard Bell Desktop PCs Freeview Windows 7 All-in-one PCs

Packard Bell announces oneTwo touchscreen all-in-one desktop PCs originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:05:34 +0000

Apple fans have a new salvo to fire at their Windows-loving brethren, as a Microsoft exec has revealed that the Windows 7 operating system enjoyed some fruit-flavoured inspiration.

Microsoft's partner group manager, Simon Aldous, has told PCR-Online, in a candid interview, that Microsoft deliberately tried to "create a Mac look and feel" with the new OS.

The quote from Aldous, who we hope still has a job as we write this, goes as follows:

"One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it's very graphical and easy to use. What we've tried to do with Windows 7 - whether it's traditional format or in a touch format - is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics.

Aldous does then pull it back with a bit of pro-Windows spin: "We've significantly improved the graphical user interface, but it's built on that very stable core Vista technology, which is far more stable than the current Mac platform, for instance".

When asked if Microsoft has "taken the style of the Mac platform and built it on the more solid foundations of Vista", Aldous said: "We've also tried to listen to what customers want in terms of a much slicker user interface and the ability to engage with it far more intuitively. That's the product that we're delivering".

UPDATE: This has been debunked in a Microsoft blog post. Brandon LeBlanc says: "I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed", before pointing readers in the direction of other online articles that look at the design of the OS.

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Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Apple Snow Leopard Operating Systems

Windows 7 offers "Mac look and feel" says Microsoft exec originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:10:27 +0000

Retail sales of Windows 7 were well over 200% higher than Vista's in the two operating system's first days of being on sale in the States, the NPD Group has revealed.

But although Windows 7 software unit sales were 234% higher than Vista's, it seems revenue growth wasn't as strong, said to be due primarily to discounts.

"Microsoft's program of early low-cost pre-sales, high visibility marketing, and aggressive deals helped make the Windows 7 software launch successful", said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD.

"In a slow environment for packaged software Windows 7 brought a large number of customers into the software aisles".

Perhaps a result of the different economic climate as Microsoft has launched this latest OS, compared to when Vista was launched, it seems PC hardware sales were down.

Windows PC sales were down 6% compared to PC sales during the Vista launch week.

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Tags: Software Windows 7 Microsoft Vista Statistics NPD Biz

Windows 7 retail sales up 234% on Vista originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:29:50 +0000

It's been a bumper year in 2009 for software, services and apps as the overarching trend of tech creeps glacially away from its hardware focus and more towards what the Internet and its friends can do for us. So, before you shout out in the comments who you think should be nominated for the Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Best Software/Service/App - and we hope you do - here's a little reminder of how the year panned out.

The Big Players

It was something of a solar eclipse moment in 2009 with both Apple and Microsoft releasing completely new versions of their desktop operating systems. Although Snow Leopard only claimed to be a relatively small upgrade there was still plenty to get excited about with the arrival of 64-bit computing and addition of Grand Central Station, as well as all the other speed, efficiency and power boosts under the hood of the new caged cat. Microsoft, on the other hand, was a lot more overt about the scale of Windows 7 - partially because of the disappointment over Vista and also, with good reason, because of the success with which the product has launched. Like Snow Leopard, it boasts speed and efficiency but, more importantly, the coming of age of the new AERO look and feel which its predecessor introduced.

Naturally, a new version of iTunes came with the OS for Apple with more playlists and more album art as well as offering a block to the Palm Pre's compatibility feature. Aside that, it was really just the next release in the hugely popular video editing Final Cut series with the launch of Final Cut Studio. It seems the Cupertino company was keeping itself busy on mobile matters but more on that in a minute.

The 'Soft, though, hasn't been so content to leave things as thin. 2009 has seen Gates, Ballmer & Sons embrace the cloud with their re-offensive on Google. First there was the highly successful revamp of the MSN Live search into the colourful Bing, and later the launch of Office 2010 web apps to try to take something back from Google Docs. Beyond that, the company has had another go at both the MSN music download store and the free offering of Microsoft Security Essentials, plus there's been some mobile movements with Microsoft too but, again, more of that later.

The real powerhouse this year though has undoubtedly been Google. The company has spread its arms even wider round the globe with its fingers now in the telephone industry with Google Voice, social location software with Google Latitude, the encyclopeadia business with Sidewiki, the energy saving push with Power Meter and, of course, the what-the-hell-is-it business with Google Wave. More recently the company has announced the smack down on TomTom and friends with the arrival of Google Maps for Navigation for Android 2.0, which may or may not make it out in time for a nomination.

Of course, Android itself has been a very big deal but leaving its mobile impact alone for now, let's not forget the OS's arrival as desktop software on products like the Archo 9 and more recently the dual booting Acer Aspire One D250. It hasn't had the traction to make any significant in-roads this year but it's certainly a space to watch for 2010.

Desktop Software

As the cloud rolls in there's a storm slowly gathering for desktop software. By no means will it ever disappear, but what we're certainly seeing is a lot less diversity in this sector. 2009 has largely been left to improvements from the old guard. Avid has put a smile on the faces of both video and music editing enthusiasts with the launch just last month of the Pinnacle and ProTools suites, Adobe has done the same for the imaging community with the more basic Photoshop Elements 8 and the photographer's friend in the free beta of Lightroom 3.0, and Roxio has thrown in a bit of everything with the company's annual release. This season's colour is Roxio Creator 10.

Antivirus has been as strong an area as ever with malware, phishing and scareware on the rise and a tonne of Christmas shopping round the corner. Symantec's new Norton 2010 product managed to block 100% of threats in independent testing - making it the first time ever for any such software but, of course, if you'd still rather not pay, then at least AVG are still helping out on that front.

Last, and more certainly not least, a certain Swedish company also happened to a make a certain popular social music streaming application that rather set the world on fire. Technically, Spotify was released in private beta in November last year, just before our 2009 awards cut off limit, but it has since gone public within the required time frame. Just to confuse matters it's in private beta once more, so I'll leave it to the judges to sort that one out.

Web Services

During the current aftermath of the eighth renaissance of the bursting of the dot com bubble, new sites have been thin on the ground - certainly ones worth mentioning anyway. The majority of developers and start ups have moved to mobile apps in search of the gold, but there have still been one or two notables over the year - all heavily on the quirky side. Wolfram Alpha provided an alternative, well-meaning but rather leftfield form of internet search; Hunch added a layer of advice to the conundrum and Invisible Hand has begun in its quest to help us find cheaper prices on the Web automatically. As with most of these things, it'll take a while for them to catch on. Twitter wasn't built in a day.

Finally here, the latest craze could be on its way with FourSquare. Like Twitter it was released at the general and social media liquorice allsort that is SXSW and it's been going great guns in the States. Now on UK shores, has it left it too late to win our coveted award or have we assessed its potential already?

Mobile Sofware

From apps to OSes it's all about mobile phones these days. We know this. Smartphones have become our windows on the world. If there's a great service on the Internet, then we want it as an app, and most of all, we want it to run like clockwork.

We've seen four significant mobile operating systems launched this year with the rebranded, reskinned and user-friendlified Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 now known as Windows Phone. We've also seen the coming of age of Android - or at least its growth into adolescence - and the launch of the superb iPhone 3.0 software with its 100 or so features. Finally, we saw a rather specific piece of software from Palm with webOS at January's Las Vegas annual tech binge, but that didn't stop it making an enormous splash and perhaps inspiring a few ideas in other mobile software developers.

On the next tier down are those that have deemed their handsets too special to run the common-or-garden versions of Android and Windows Phone and have come up with their own Custom UIs. Probably the two of most note, and certainly the ones who qualify for this year's awards would be HTC Sense as seen on the Hero with its social contacts integration and Motoblur on the Dext.

Any phone can of course have its OS customised by the addition of an alternative browser. Opera has been going strong for years and supplying those on the Symbian platform with a very strong option. 2009 has brought Opera Mini 10 and for the first time, Firefox has gone to the small screen too with the currently underused Mozilla Fennec. Still both certainly well worth a shout though.

At the bottom of it all, though, and yet king of the mountain for many consumers are apps. We saw the little devils explode in 2008 with the launch of the iTunes App Store and this year has taken the trend to a sickening extreme. The world and its wife now has some kind of platform where they can pedal often highly novelty and often profitable software along with a good chunk that are seriously useful too.

It's the latter group which we'd rather you considered for this year's award but if the Mr T Soundboard ends up being the most popular, then so be it. The apps of major note in 2009 have been largely for the iPhone with the arrival of Tweetdeck, Google Lattitude and TomTom. Spotify has offered its premium service for music streaming on the move to both the Apple phone and Android and finally Facebook has got round to supporting Google's mobile OS too. But the big question is which is your favourite? Which is the app you simply can't do without? Let us know at the bottom.

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What do you think?

But these are just some of the fantastic choices our readers have had in 2009. What would you like to see held aloft as the winner of Pocket-lint Best Software/Service/App 2009? Who have we missed out? Which are your unsung heroes and of those we've already mentioned, which would get your vote? Let us know in the comments below and you can help our panel decide which make the shortlist of nominees to be announced here on Pocket-lint on 16 November. We'll have all out coverage of the Vodafone Pocket-lint awards 2009 right here. Don't miss a minute of it.

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Related links:

• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - laptops
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - digital cameras
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - car gadgets

Tags: Software Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Features Apple Microsoft Google Android Mobile phone applications Operating Systems Windows 7 Spotify Symantec iPhone 3GS

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - software, services, apps originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:23:29 +0000

If your laptop has just given up the ghost and you're looking for a budget replacement, then Pocket-lint might have the perfect tech deal for you today.

Tesco Direct are currently selling the Acer AS5332 T3000 for ?328, the cheapest in their range of laptops now coming with Windows 7 installed. Other models in the range come from Toshiba, HP and Sony, so you can have a browse when you click through on the link below.

As for the bargain Acer, specs aren't too shabby for the money with Windows 7 Home Premium installed out of the box and a dual core processor. You'll also get 3GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive and? a decent 15.6-inch display with 16:9 aspect ratio.

The supermarket is also pushing its Click and Collect service which means that specific items bought online can then be picked up the following day from a participating store.

You can check out the full details of the service from the Tesco Direct website as well as the other Windows 7 laptops.

Tags: Hardware Laptops Windows 7 Tesco direct Acer 5332 T3000 Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: Windows 7 laptops available at Tesco Direct originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:48:15 +0000

Across the Web, it's becoming common knowledge that it's technically possible to buy an upgrade edition of Windows 7 (which is considerably cheaper) and install a full version of the operating system from it. Microsoft has got wind of the hack, and has issued a stark warning that such practices are illegal.

Eric Ligman, Global Partner Experience Lead at Microsoft, has written a blog post that points out: "Technically possible does not always mean legal". He goes on to explain the differences between the EULA agreements of the two. The upgrade version very clearly states: "To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligible for the upgrade".

He also clarifies the situation when it comes to OEM licenses - copies of Windows that came pre-installed on your machine. While boxed copies of Windows can be transferred between machines, OEM copies can't. That means that you can't pull out an ancient laptop with XP on and say "this is the one I'm upgrading" when you install Windows 7 on your netbook that shipped with Linux.

The beta or RC installs don't count either. Ligman says: "Those who don’t own a full previous version Windows license, and just downloaded the Windows 7 Beta, RC, or RTM code during the trial phases, the Windows 7 Beta, RC, and RTM trials are not qualifying licenses for the upgrade since they are just trial software, not fully licensed software".

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Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Software updates

Microsoft addresses Win 7 upgrade hack legalities originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:44:19 +0000

Microsoft has quietly issued a variant of its brand new Windows 7 operating system that can be copied to a USB stick and used to install the OS on computers that don't have a CD drive, which includes many netbooks available today.

In our review of Windows 7, we found that the software performs admirably well on even relatively low-spec hardware, so putting it on a netbook is being actively encouraged by Microsoft, especially as most of those netbooks are running 2001's Windows XP.

All you've got to do is buy "Windows 7 For Netbooks" from Microsoft's online store, then download an ISO file. Make that drive bootable, then reboot your netbook with it plugged in and you should be away. We'd like to hear your experiences of Windows 7 on your netbook - share it in the comments below.

UPDATE: Seems like the USB stick edition is US-only for the time being. PC Pro quotes a Microsoft spokesperson saying:?"This option is available in the US, but we have nothing to officially announce in the UK at this stage". We'll let you know if the situation changes on that front.

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Tags: Software Windows 7 Microsoft Operating Systems USB drives USB

Windows 7 available in USB stick edition originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:18:20 +0000

While here in the UK, Dell's not-a-netbook the Inspiron 11z has gone on sale direct recently, in the States the company launched the 14z and 15z in September.

For reasons best known to Dell's execs, in the UK it's just been announced that the range is to be expanded with the 15.6-inch 15z, and instead of the 14z, the 13.3-inch 13z.

Measuring in at 26.4mm thin for the 13z and 29.2mm for the 15z, both laptops feature the new Intel CULV ultra-low-voltage processor and come with Windows 7 pre-loaded.

With an HD display as standard both offer Wi-Fi, HDMI, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, hard drive of up to 320GB, up to 6GB RAM and the boast of battery life of over 10 hours. ?

The Inspiron 13z and 15z are available in "Obisidan Black" and "Cherry Red" with the Inspiron 13z priced from ?479 and the 15z available from ?499.

Tags: Hardware Laptops Dell Dell Inspiron 13z Dell Inspiron 15z Intel Windows 7

Dell Inspiron 13z and 15z announced for UK originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:33:31 +0000

So here we are at the end of the week, having covered all the latest and greatest news and launches with the highest profile debut of the week undoubtedly Windows 7.

With the general release of the OS, Pocket-lint has offered a whole host of special Windows 7 related articles.

These features should help you by not only giving you an idea of which version to buy - or for that matter whether to buy it at all - but ease you into its use, allowing you to get the most out of Microsoft's latest OS.

So here in no particular order is the run down of the useful features, articles and guides Pocket-lint has dished out throughout this week.

Find out whether Windows 7 is actually right for you with Pocket-lint's Seven reasons to buy Windows 7. How much faster is it? Are the new multimedia elements any good? Is it any easier to use than previous efforts? It's all here so just click through.

With the new OS being touchscreen-compatible you might find this Five touchscreen Windows 7 PCs useful. Products covered include the HP Touch Smart, Asus Eee Top ET2203 and Dell Studio One 19.

You've decided to make the break with your old OS but which version of Windows 7 should you go for? You'll be like a kid in a sweet shop with our feature Windows 7: Which version should you get.

If you have a little uncertainty as to how to install/upgrade then this next feature is just what you need. Follow the step by step instructions for a stress-free experience in How to upgrade to Windows 7.

If time is of the essence then you need Pocket-lint's Windows 7 Quick Guide, which gives a smart little run down of the OS, telling you all you need to know. What's new? What's not?

Finally, for those of you who need that little bit extra clarification of what the OS is like to use, then our Windows 7 full review is a must, was it really worth the wait after all?

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Tags: Software Windows 7 Operating Systems Microsoft

Pocket-lint's complete coverage of Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:32:47 +0100

We brought you the news that the Japanese arm of Burger King was offering a seven-pattie Whopper - for 777 yen - to celebrate the release of Windows 7, but can now offer 46 seconds of video footage that answers the question of just how you'd go about eating one of those bad boys. The Japanese clip needs no translation as a brave soul tackles the meat-monster - hit play now to see the burger porn play out.

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Burger King Video

VIDEO: Burger King's Windows 7 Whopper - that tricky first bite originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:57:15 +0100

Over in the States Microsoft opened the freshly-painted doors on its first Microsoft store as its new operating system, Windows 7, hit general release.

The very first Microsoft store - designed to showcase both software and hardware from Microsoft and its partners - is in Scottsdale Arizona.

YouTube user gt2697 was on hand to grab some footage of inside the new shop - hit play to see a quick overview of the format - incidentally shot and uploaded on an iPhone.

Tags: Hardware Microsoft shopping Windows 7

VIDEO: Inside the new Microsoft store originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:07:51 +0100

So, you want Windows 7. You've read our guide to Microsoft's latest OS, you've worked out the benefits of making the switch are the right one's for you, in fact you may already have chosen which version you want to install and have your Windows 7 disk in your hands, the question now is how do you actually upgrade your computer to Windows 7? Well, that's why we're here.

Upgrading from anything other than XP, Vista or other versions of Windows 7

Let's get the easy one out of the way quickly. You can't. Whether you've got a blank computer, Linux or you're still running Windows ME for some strange reason, then you'll have to buy the complete version and do a clean install. Back up all your personal files, put them on a DVD/USB stick/external HDD, do a clean install of Windows 7, make several cups of tea and then put your files back on again. Job done.

Upgrading from Windows XP

First of all, bear in mind, you XP users, that if you're planning on using the feature of Windows 7 that allows you to run a virtual version of XP then make sure you've got Windows 7 Professional Edition or Windows 7 Ultimate. The Home version does not have that function. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to run all your Windows XP supported programs but you may have an issue with the odd obscure one. Ok? Right.

Step 1: Buy
Go down the shops - virtual or otherwise - a pick up an upgrade version of Windows 7.

Step 2: Check you system
It's a touch on the anal side but for measures of completeness, download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor software. It'll take a quick look at your machine and tell you if you're going to have any problems with the current software you're running if you intend to transfer it over to Windows 7. Chances are that if it does come up with any issues, they'll probably still run fine but it might be worth doing this process for piece of mind. You can then have a look online for the software developer's site and see if they have any advice on the matter.

Step 3: Back up
From XP you'll need to do a Custom install rather than a straight Upgrade. It'll wipe all the files on your system, so grab yourself an external HDD of some sort or a very large USB stick and prepare to move files. You can do it manually, but an easy way to do it is by downloading and running the free Windows Easy Transfer software. It'll create one massive file with all your docs, sheets, photos, music, vids etc which is great if you have the space for it. What it won't copy is your programs and installers, so you can either pick those up from the Internet once you've finished the upgrade or copy them over manually which is probably a bit unnecessary.

Do bear in mind here that Windows Easy Transfer will not work if you're planning on going from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version. If you're doing that you'll need to back up your files by hand. Secondly, it won't copy your media licenses, so if you have DRM-ed music and videos, you'll have to pick them up elsewhere afterwards. Another reason why DRM can be a total pain in the recharge socket.

Step 4: Run your anti-virus
Again, marginally on the picky side but the last thing you want to do is carry your malware over if you're doing a fresh install, so have a last run of your anti-virus program for good luck and then switch if off.

Step 5: The big install
Ok, let's do this. Connect to the Internet so that the program can pick up any new updates as it goes. Disk in, run the program and select Custom install. Choose the partition that currently has XP on it - usually C: - and hit install.

Step 6: Make tea

Step 7: Replace your files
Run Easy Transfer again which will plop all your personal files back in the equivalent places on your spanking new OS. If you haven't used this program, then you'll have to do it by hand. Make sure you do this before adding the applications back in, so that your programs will know where to look for the files or at least have a go at finding them if you copied them to the wrong place.

Step 8: Update your drivers
Run Windows Update to make sure you're all patched and that you've got all the relevant drivers to keep your system happy.

Step 9: Clean up
A couple of weeks after the install, run Disk Clean, hunt down your previous windows install if it's indeed still there and delete it to remove any last traces of what is now totally redundant. That'll reclaim all those sectors for good. You can even defrag if you fancy it too.

Step 10: Enjoy your new OS.

Upgrading from Windows Vista

Sadly this isn't quite as straight forward as it looks. If you're planning on going from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version then you'll have to a do a Custom install even though you have an Upgrade version of the Windows 7 software. Go to the "Upgrading from Windows XP" section above and follow the steps. Also, if you're planning on moving from a Home or Ultimate version of Vista to a Professional version of Windows 7; if you're trying to go from a Business Vista to an Ultimate or Home version of 7, or in fact if you'd like to go from Vista Ultimate to any non-Ultimate version of Windows 7, then again, you'll need to do a Custom install, so you'll have to follow the XP steps above.

Step 1: Buy Windows 7 Upgrade
Go down to the shops or online and buy yourself the relevant edition of the Windows 7 Upgrade that you wish to install. You can go from any edition of Windows Vista to any edition of Windows 7 but do bear in mind that if you're crossing from one type to another, you'll probably have to do a Custom install as mentioned and laid out above rather than a straight Upgrade.

Step 2: Install Windows 7
The advantage of doing the Upgrade option is that you don't need to muck around with saving any files or anything like that at all. Just put in the disk, hit the Upgrade option and it'll keep all your settings just the way they are. The only thing you will want to note is if you use a finger print reader, then make sure you've got a copy of the system password before you install as it won't remember your finger print patterns.

Step 3: Make tea

Step 4: Update your drivers
Run Windows Update to make sure you're all patched and that you've got all the relevant drivers to keep your system happy.

Step 5:? Enjoy your new OS

Upgrading from Windows 7 RC

For one reason or another, Microsoft didn't want people using beta and RC versions of Windows 7 to be able to use the simpler Upgrade option. You can still buy the Windows 7 upgrade software, but you'll have to do a Custom install option as in the Windows XP example at the top. However, if you'd like to, there's a little hack-aroo to get around that nonsense. It goes a little something like this...

Step 1: But Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade
All RC versions of Windows 7 are Windows 7 Ultimate, so this is the version you'll have to buy if you intend on using the hack.

Step 2: Find the file
Insert you Windows disk into your machine and copy all the files to your computer rather than actually running the install. If you have no disk drive and you're using an ISO image, then use the Windows 7 extractor to get hold of the files. Once extracted go to the sources folder and find the cversion.ini file. Open it up and change the MinClient line value of 7233.0 to 7100. Save it. Close it and run the setup.exe file from the same folder and run the installer as normal.

Step 3: Install Windows 7
Select the Upgrade option as the wizard starts, make tea and enjoy your new OS.

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Related links:

• Review - Microsoft Windows 7 - First Look review
• Feature - Windows 7: Which version should you get?
• Feature - Quick guide to Microsoft Windows 7
• Feature - Seven reasons to buy Windows 7

Tags: Software PC software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems How to Features

How to upgrade to Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:41:05 +0100

Apple has said that it will offer?Windows 7?support for users who want to dual install the new Microsoft operating system on a Mac by the end of the year.

"Apple will support Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate) with Boot Camp in Mac OS X?Snow Leopard?before the end of the year. This support will require a software update to Boot Camp", the company posted on its support pages.

However, while most Mac users will consider the move the equivalent of sleeping with the devil, some users won't be able to install Windows 7 even if they wanted to.

"The following models will not be supported for use with Windows 7 using Boot Camp".

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• iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
• iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)? ? ??
• iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)? ? ? ?
• iMac (20-inch, Late 2006)? ? ? ?
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2006) ?
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2006)?
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2006)?
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2006)? ?
• Mac Pro (Mid 2006, Intel Xeon Dual-core 2.66GHz or 3GHz)?

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Users of course will need to own an "authentic copy of Microsoft Windows 7 or Microsoft Windows 7 upgrade"

Users wishing to run the new Microsoft OS under a virtual system like Parallels Desktop 4 or the new VMWare Fusion 3 will be able to do so without waiting for the new drivers from Apple.

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Read

Related links:

• Via - macrumors.com
• image via - krunker.com

Tags: Software Mac software Apple Microsoft Windows 7 Snow Leopard

Apple says Windows 7 support by year end originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:50:09 +0100

Apple?just couldn't resist taking a swipe at the launch of?Windows 7?with its latest advert that many say are getting tired.

This time Apple play the "broken promises" card with PC claiming that it's the best yet, before Mac claims a spot of d?j? vu.

There then ensues a series of PCs stating the same thing with different Windows operating systems in getups from the ages.

Has this series finally run out of steam? Let us know in the comments below.

Read

Tags: Software Advertising Apple Microsoft Windows 7 Video

VIDEO: Apple "Broken Promises" ad attacks Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:59:33 +0100

How do you celebrate the launch of Microsoft's Windows 7 in Japan? Team up with Burger King of course to offer the Windows 7 Whopper.

The burger of burgers, features not one burger, but of course seven burgers in a bun in what is no doubt a gut busting experience.

On sale for the magic price of 777 yen (to the first 30 customers) the price soon hikes to 1500 yen suggesting the hamburger chain has taken a leaf out of Microsoft's book with regards to pricing.

Bloatware any one?

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Read

Related links:

• Via - Electronista

Tags: Software PC software Microsoft Burger King Windows 7 Operating Systems

Windows 7 Whopper celebrates bloatware originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:40:30 +0100

With multiple versions of?Windows 7?available to buy depending on your needs, which version should you be opting for when it comes to upgrading or starting afresh? Do you really need to opt for the Ultimate edition or will the Starter version do you? Let's try and navigate you through the minefield matrix of the editions likely to be most relevant to you.

Starter Edition

As the name suggests this is the starter option for the OS. It's also the edition that is likely to come pre-installed on a netbook if you buy one with Windows 7. You can't actually buy this on its own.?

While many have already proved that you can in fact run the full Ultimate package on netbooks, this is the recommended choice as it's not as feature rich and therefore power heavy.

While you will get most of the core functions (it's not just a browser in a box) you will also miss out as well. Annoyingly you don't get multiple monitor support, something that given the small size of netbook screens we would have thought would be a must, and you won't be able to jazz up your wallpaper either. There is no Aero support, or multi-touch, while Media Center isn't included either. There is no XP mode, no Desktop Windows Manager or Remote Desktop support.

That doesn't mean you are buying a crippled system. You still get most of the new interface features like the improved taskbar and Snap features. You've just got to remember, Starter really does mean starter.

Only available pre-installed

Home Premium

Home Premium is the version you will most likely end up with if you are planning on using Windows 7 in the home rather than in the office. Forgetting Windows 7 Starter edition for a moment and Home Basic (which isn't available in the UK), it is the entry-level option to the OS. Here you do get multiple monitor support, you do get user switching, you do get customisation options, you do get Desktop Windows Manager and Windows Media Center Support.

You also get Aero, Remote Media streaming via Media Player and 32-bit and 64-bit versions if that's what you're interested in.

You won't get an encrypting file system, you won't get Remote Desktop support, you won't get Windows XP mode and a bunch of boring enterprise features that the average home user won't use anyway.

UK: ?89.99 US: $119.99

Windows 7 Professional

Aimed at the "Professional" whoever that might be, Windows 7 Professional features all the above but includes Windows XP mode and Remote Desktop functionality. It's still not got everything, but for most will be enough to enjoy a full Windows 7 experience. Key bonuses here are Domain Join, a system that lets you connect to a business domain so you can share files, access data and Backup and Restore. While you can run Backup and Restore on the Home Premium options, here you can opt to backup to a network rather than just a hard drive plugged into the computer.

UK: ?148.00 US: $199.99

Windows 7 Ultimate

Yep, as the name suggests this comes with everything that you can think of, ticking all the boxes in Microsoft's comparison chart. XP Mode, Virtual hard disk booting, Multilingual support for when you fancy operating your computer in French and Windows Server support - yippee.

Key reasons to get this edition over everything else are three-fold. The first is because you feel the need to own the "I've got it all" package, the other two, which are probably more valid reasons are BitLocker and Virtual hard disk booting. BitLocker allows you to put a virtual lock on your data in case it gets lost or stolen. You've probably already seen software like this on external hard drives from people like HP, Seagate and Buffalo, and now you can do it here on your main drive. Virtual hard disk booting is a bit like Boot Camp on the Mac allowing you to boot different operating systems if you fancy loading up Windows Vista, Linux or something random.

UK: ?159.99 US: $219.99

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Related links:

• LInk - Microsoft.com UK Store
• Link - Microsoft US store

Tags: Software PC software Operating Systems Windows 7 Features

Windows 7: Which version should you get? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:32:30 +0100

Windows 7 has launched, but it's already in the hands of many people across the UK thanks to a postal strike sparking Microsoft to begin deliveries early. If you've already installed your brand new operating system then you might be interested to hear about a few features that haven't been well-documented, but could prove useful.

If, on the other hand, you haven't had a chance to get everything backed up for the install process yet, you might want to bookmark this page so you can have a butchers at it over the weekend once everything is up and running again. But without further ado, let's take a look at the top 5 secret Windows 7 features.

Shakin' Windows

One handy little user interface improvement that Microsoft has added to the mix allows you to drag windows to the edges of your screen to anchor them there, or to the top to maximise something. However, there's another neat little trick in a similar vein that you can use.

If you grab a title bar of a window and shake it around with the mouse, you'll find that everything flies out of the way and leaves you with a pristine desktop and the window you were holding. Much more Zen, no?

Problem Steps Recorder

Once you've convinced your parents that they need to upgrade to Windows 7, and they've bought it and you popped round to install it for them, they'll invariably find something that doesn't work - something that you can't fix over the phone and have to actually be there to sort out.

Well, instead of trying to talk them through installing a remote desktop viewer like VNC, you can now just ask them to press the Windows key, tap in "PSR", hit enter, and then hit record before trying to do whatever it is they're trying to do. Once they're done, the recording is saved as a zipped MHTML file that they can email to you so you can see exactly where they're going wrong.

Resource Monitor

Seasoned Windows fans will know that when the system locks up, the first thing you want to check is the Task Manager. You can still do that, but there's now a better option instead, called the Resource Monitor. This lets you take a look in considerably more detail about exactly what's going on with your CPU, RAM, disk and network.

To access it, just hit the Windows key and type "resmon" before hitting enter. It'll bring up an overview of all the processes that are currently active on your computer, and exactly what they're doing. You can then do something about that irritating program that won't stop crashing.

So what do you do? Well, you can force quit something like you would in Task Manager, but you can also right-click a process and hit "Analyze Wait Chain" to see more info about why it isn't doing anything - it could be waiting for a response from another process, for example. With Resource Monitor you'll hopefully be able to track down the issue more quickly.

Desktop slideshows

So you've seen that most of the default themes that comes with Windows have auto-changing backgrounds, and you'd like to get in on that action. How do you do it? Well, it's actually pretty simple. All you have to do is right-click an empty part of the desktop and hit "personalize". From there, hit "desktop background" near the bottom and pick a folder full of pictures that you'd like to rotate through, and select how often you'd like to rotate.

How would you like a desktop wallpaper that automatically updates from an RSS feed? That functionality appeared in the beta, though it was buggy and seemed to have been removed from the final version. However - there's a way round the limitation.

Visit the feed you want to get pictures from in Internet Explorer, and then subscribe to it. On the right-hand-side you should have a "View feed properties..." option. Hit that and then enable the "Automatically download attached files" option. Close the window, and re-open it, then hit "View files" and use that folder as your rotating background folder as above. Voila!

Colour and ClearType Calibration

Lastly, if you view a lot of images, movies or play games a lot on your computer - and doesn't everyone? - then you might want to make sure that your monitor is calibrated to display colours correctly. You can do this very easily with a wizard included in Windows 7 called the Display Colour Calibration Wizard.

To access it, all you have to do is hit the Windows key, type DCCW and hit enter, and the wizard will appear and take you through all the steps necessary to make sure your display has its gamma, brightness and contrast set correctly. After that, you'll have the option to view the ClearType calibration wizard.

Conclusions

So there you go. Five features that Microsoft hadn't told you about, but are still incredibly useful. Have you discovered anything else that's noteworthy and relatively undocumented in Windows 7? Be sure to share it with us in the comments, just down below.

Tags: Software Operating Systems Windows 7 Microsoft Features

Five secret features in Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:47:26 +0100

What is Windows 7?

Er, ok. You really need this one answered? Well, Windows 7 is Microsoft's eighth consumer focused operating systems for personal computers. Don't ask us why the company chose 7 - possibly because it's a suggestion that we forget about either Windows ME or Vista or perhaps because someone miscounted. Either way Windows 7 it is and after quite a long run up it's finally been released for purchase by both consumers and businesses.

Why do I want it?

There's plenty of reasons to want the latest version of any OS, not least of which is that it's most often more secure than the last version meaning that your system is less likely to become compromised and your data and ID should stay exactly where you want them - with you. The slightly sexier reasons for wanting to upgrade are because it has a more modern look and feel, it runs smoother and quicker and it gives you a whole bunch of new bits and pieces to play with. In fact, the only real downside is having to part with some money for the privilege.

So, what's new?

At its core, Windows 7 has improvements to the kernel, which is at the heart of all operations, better performance with multi-core processors to get the most out of new CPU technologies and a more efficient boot too. What that translates to is a faster start up and shut down, a faster resume from sleep mode, a more responsive performance and more better use of processing power. That's the theory, anyway. To make it happen, Microsoft used a set of tracing tools to identity all the slack code and dysfunctional pathways of previous versions of the OS to work out exactly where the majority of the tweaks needed to be. There's also been special attention paid to laptops specifically by fitting a series of power saving functions like auto-screen dimmers and such. So, two reasons to make the switch is to get your battery to last a little longer and your PC running like the hot rod it promised it was when you bought it.

And what about the differences I can actually see?

Windows 7 continues the shell design first implemented in Vista - Windows Aero. Much of it will appear similar to many users. A lot of focus has been given to the taskbar with the addition of Jump Lists, bigger icons and even just the ability to move them about at will in the knowledge that they'll stay in whatever order you left them. If you hover the mouse over the icon of an open application in the taskbar, then mini full screen previews will pop up for each window that that program has running. So, if you have three Word documents open, then you'll see three small versions of each one when the curser is over the Word icon in the taskbar. From there, you can click on the one you want to go straight to it or just move the mouse away from the taskbar and go back to whatever it was you were doing on the desktop.

If instead, you right click on icons on the taskbar, then a Jump List will pop up. These lists contain all the recent files that you might have been accessing for that specific app. It doesn't remember all your browser pages but if, say, you right click on your media player icon, it'll come up with a list of all your recently played video and music files for you to shortcut straight to and in the case of media, you'll also be offered a degree of playback control straight from the taskbar too, but the level of access will vary from app to app. You can also choose to pin files to these lists for good or even pin them to the taskbar itself which might be handy if it's something you use all the time or at least repeatedly over a small period.

The windows themselves have also had a bit of a functionality twist too in a feature called Aero Snap. If you drag any open window up to the top of the screen it automatically maximises it. Likewise, if you throw them to the sides of your display, they'll take up exactly half the desktop. Drag one to the opposite edge and now you can compare two open windows in a split screen view. Very useful if you're taking notes from information online, for example. Finally, if all your open windows are beginning to take over your desktop, you can press the small button at the bottom right hand corner of the screen on the taskbar called Aero Peek which makes them all translucent, and if you actually click on the button, it minimises everything on the screen and shows you your desktop and any gadgets you might be running.

Any new applications?

Naturally, there's new versions of Windows Media Centre, which now comes with its own gadget, and Internet Explorer, if you really must. IE8 features a revamped address bar which can be used for search, there's new tabs and a make-over for the favourites bar as well. Web Slice allows users to be updated of any changes to sites they're monitoring without actually having to switch back to the tab in question. For example it would display updates to an eBay auction or a web mail inbox up on the favourites bar at the top of the browser. The final addition is the IE Accelerator which offers contextual menus for selected pieces of copy within a web page. So, you might be able to right click on the name of a shop and the options could include links to reviews, its online retail site or a map with its location.

One of the more impressive improvements is to the desktop search function which has now gone truly universal. Located at the foot of the Start menu, the search starts working as soon as you start typing and will bring up a string of results immediately from all corners of your machine including external devices and any shared PCs on the same network. It groups the suggestions by file type - be they docs, images, e-mails, applications etc - and highlights the part of the titles that responds the letters of your query. The whole process is also given a slight extra speed kick by suggesting frequently selected results from familiar search enquiries too. If you want to get deeper into it, you can open out the panel further and use the dynamic options with graphics to help you sort by date, size, name and other criteria in a much more simple way that was often quite painful in Windows packages of days gone by.

Windows 7 also sees some consolidation of functions too. The old Windows Security Centre has been renamed the Action Centre and works as an issues and problem solver to do list including requests from Windows Defender as well as any other tasks as recommended by your machine for you to deal with when you have a moment. Each is listed with a warning of how important it is. Finding an anti-virus program, for example, qualifies for the top of the list.

The other area of consolidation is of device management. Printers, phones, MP3 players and pretty much anything you can plug into your PC are all now dealt with in one specific area. Of course, each offers slightly different options of action but the place to find them has been homogenised and should be far easier for viewing and transferring the content off and onto them. One neat feature particular to printers is an auto-detect default which will recognise where you are based on the network connection and automatically select the appropriate default printer from your list without you having to chop and change manually.

And what about multi-touch?

Yes, probably the most high profile addition to the Windows OS is the added support for touchscreen PCs and more specifically multi-touch as well. There is a slew of computers set to arrive that take advantage of this. There's also some added fun with the trainable handwriting recognition software built-in, as well as smaller apps like post it notes and graphical add ons too. At its most basic though, the touchscreen allows you to scroll, zoom and navigate your way around the operating system using your fingers. You will, of course, require a touch enabled computer or PC tablet for this to work.

Anything else?

Naturally, there's a bunch of new desktop themes, there's better support for SSDs and virtual hard disks, there's a redesigned calculator with a statistics mode and the return of internet connected versions of the games Spades, Checkers and Backgammon, all of which had been apparently mistakenly dropped for Vista. Networking has been made easier with WindowsHome and DirectAccess which allow an automation of the set up of sharing content across Windows 7 machines in the home and intranet set up for businesses. A particularly useful feature called Play To lets users choose which machine in their network they'd like to stream any particular media onto.

Is it any good?

Well, early reports indicate that Windows 7 will be a winner. It's essentially a refined version of the unpopular Vista which should give the new OS a head start in a lot of departments, not least of which is general public feeling. It has a greater user-centric experience with performance improvements for far smoother day to day running. There's even a a few bits of fun left for the future with an upcoming patch for USB 3.0 support expected very soon and all the high speed data transfer that should allow – fingers crossed.

Can my PC handle it?

A 32-bit version of Windows 7 will require a machine with a minimum of a 1GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of disk space. If you want to go 64-bit, then obviously you'll need a 64-bit CPU, a minimum of 2GB RAM and 20GB of space to put it.

How much is it?

That all depends which version you go for. There are a slightly confusing six different variants but actually only three different names to take care of. The standard consumer version is Windows 7 Home Premium for ?149.99, then comes Windows 7 Professional for ?219.99 intended more for businesses and finally Windows 7 Ultimate at ?229.99 for those in need of serious data protection and computing in 35 languages. You can also buy upgrade packages of each version for ?79.99, ?189.99 and ?199.99 respectively but they'll only work if you already have Windows Vista installed. Officially speaking you can't even upgrade from the Windows 7 release candidate but there's a way around that one for the more adventurous.

Related links:

• Feature - Five touchscreen Windows 7 PCs to look out for
• Review - Microsoft Windows 7 - First Look review
• Read - All things Windows 7
• Feature - A brief history of Windows

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems Quick Guide Features

Quick guide to Microsoft Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:13:31 +0100

The launch of Microsoft Windows 7 sees the first raft of touchscreen PCs come to market and the place they're coming fastest of all is in the all-in-one desktop space. It's easy to spend a lot on what are sometimes items of design and luxury rather than machines of multi-touch multimedia, so to help sort the sheep from the goats, here's five Windows 7-toting winners to look out for.

HP Touch Smart

Price

?900

Screen size

20"

CPU

AMD processor

RAM

4GB

Graphics

ATI Radeon

Storage

500GB

HP has announced two new models of its HP TouchSmart all-in-one PC but while the higher end 600 comes with a 23-inch screen, it's the more modest 300 unit where you'll find the value. Both variants run version 3.0 of HP's TouchSmart software. Its highlights include the TouchSmart Canvas, which will let you organise and edit photos by touch, and TouchSmart Live TV which gives you the sort of functions you'd expect from a PVR, with the ability to pause live TV and record from the EPG. There's no Blu-ray drive with the 300 but there's still Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Naturally, it's HDMI port happy for all the Xboxes, PS3s and whatever other kinds of AV devices you want to add in. At ?900 it's well within the range of a normal person having a bit of a splurge.

Asus Eee Top ET2203

Price

?820

Screen size

21.6"

CPU

2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

RAM

4GB

Graphics

ATI Radeon 4570

Storage

500GB

The ET2203 is not the first time Asus has gone touchscreen with plenty of experience already in the stylish Eee Top range. This time, the company has launched a unit to go with Windows 7 and while cheaper than the HP model, it still manages to have a bigger screen and BD player to boot. It has HDMI-in ports, b/g/n wireless and an SRS sound card with two 3W speakers. There's also a webcam and wireless keyboard and mouse. What's missing here is the TV tuner functionality which might well be central to the positioning of machines like this but, if that's not a function you're after, then the Asus is a very good choice.

Dell Studio One 19

Price

?799

Screen size

19"

CPU

2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

RAM

3GB

Graphics

NVIDIA GeForce 9400

Storage

500GB

Aimed at the family's living room, or even kitchen, the Studio One 19 is made of aluminium, glass and fabric and comes in white, blue and grey. It's the cheapest of the lot, but only just, and it's actually been on the scene for a little while now. It does well in the graphics department and has a pacey CPU but there's no optional extras at that price in the shape of a Blu-ray drive and webcam. It also has the smallest screen and someone seems to have run off with a gig of memory too. It's hard to see why someone would opt for it ahead of either the HP or the Asus but expect to see a more competitive price to make you think a little longer in the weeks to come.

Sony Touch Vaio L Series PC/TV

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Price

?1,399

Screen size

24-inch

CPU

2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Quad

RAM

4GB

Graphics

GeForce G210M 512MB

Storage

1TB

So, that's the affordable ones out of the way. If you really want to treat yourself, then the recently announced 24-inch Sony Vaio L all-in-one would certainly be a most enjoyable way to go. It has a Full HD, WUXGA 1920 x 1080 widescreen panel with a built-in TV tuner a huge bank of storage and, of course, Sony's Blu-ray support as well. The quad core processor is a very welcome step up in performance and power and, being a Vaio, it also looks damn good too. It comes with Sony's media gallery software and despite all the luxury features, is still relatively good value.

Medion Touch

Price

?2,000

Screen size

24"

CPU

Intel CoreTM2 Quad Q9000

RAM

4GB

Graphics

NVIDIA GeForce GT240M graphics card

Storage

1TB

Surprisingly, it's Medion that has taken a slight leave of its senses by coming up with the most expensive of these Windows 7 all-in-ones. The 24-inch Touch X9613 is designed as a wall mounted unit to be used as an always connected secondary screen for the family home. On the surface it has a similar spec to the Vaio but it's packed with features including twin DVB-T/DVB-S tuners, a full Dolby Surround sound bar and HDMI-in and outputs. It's a technological statement from the company normally associated with budget PCs but it'd certainly be a fun statement to be a part of. It? features voice control, has a wireless mouse and keyboard and an RF remote. It also happens to look pretty swish too.

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Related links:

• News - HP TouchSmart PC
• PHOTOS - Getting the touch on the Medion X9613 all-in-one
• News - Dell Studio One 19 launches in UK
• News - PHOTOS: Asus Eee Top ET2203

Tags: Hardware All-in-one PCs HP HP TouchSmart PC Sony Vaio Windows 7 Dell Studio One 19 Dell Sony Asus Asus Eee Top ET2203 Medion Medion Touch X9613 Features

Five touchscreen Windows 7 PCs to look out for originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:40:18 +0100

Archos has announced the availability of its new Archos 9 PC tablet. Powered by an Intel Atom processor and running Windows 7, the tablet is said to offer the performance of a high-end netbook with a multimedia twist.

With a full touch-sensitive 9-inch resistive screen, virtual keyboard, optical trackpoint and left/right mouse buttons, the 9 is 1.7cm thick and weighs in at 800 grams.

The adjustable leg stand means the device can be positioned upright for videos and there's support for 1080p files, with a 60GB hard drive plus 25GB online storage.

As far as movie content goes, Archos says the 9 comes with ?80 worth of free movies to download from the Archos Media Club.

The Archos 9 will be offered alongside a Bluetooth keyboard and a port replicator that adds more connectivity with an Ethernet port, two additional USB ports, a VGA output and 2 audio jacks.

Shipping now, the Archos 9 retails direct from Archos, as well as from other retailers for ?449.99.

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Tags: Hardware Tablet PCs Archos Windows 7 PMPs

Archos 9 tablet PC now shipping with Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:07:58 +0100

"Nearly a billion people use Windows. Their ideas added up to Windows 7", says Microsoft of the above advert, as Windows 7 sees its official general release.

While some UK consumers have received their copy of the new OS in the last couple of days due to early shipping because of the postal strikes, hundreds queued up last night for a midnight launch at PC World's flagship store.

Amazon has reported record pre-orders, so it will be interesting to see how long before Microsoft reveals official figures.

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems Video Advertising

VIDEO: Windows 7 launches with new ad originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:38 +0100

After all the hullabaloo, Windows 7, Microsoft's new operating system, is now here. Finally you can now officially ditch Windows Vista or Windows XP once and for all. But why should you spend ?79.99 on getting it? Here are seven reasons why you should and one reason you shouldn't.

Faster

Windows Vista is, was, and always will be, a dog to run. It needs plenty of RAM, needs plenty of processor power and isn't netbook friendly. One of the biggest reasons the software was hated so much was people tried to run it on machines that just weren't powerful enough. The good news is Windows 7 doesn't suffer from the same afflictions. It's a lean mean operating system and that means it's netbook and old computer friendly. Huzzzah.

Cleaner

While the Mac boys will tell you that you should still feel dirty for using Microsoft, the Windows 7 interface has had a massive overhaul making it a lot cleaner on the eye. The task bar has been improved, the graphics are now tidier, and the overall look and feel much more "Mac". Microsoft has come a long way since the days of?Windows 3.11?and this iteration of the company's OS shows it.

Easier to use

Never thought you would hear us say that did you? But it's right, Windows 7 is easier to use. The company now tries to explain what it's doing rather than expecting you to have a degree in computing from Cambridge. The search has been vastly improved, the taskbar now makes sense, the device manager lets you know what's going on and where, and even the networking isn't the dog it once was.

Touch enabled

Those who like to get more touchy feely with their computers will love the fact that Windows 7 comes with touch support out of the box. Why should you care? Well if you've got a touch-enabled PC or laptop you can get involved with your fingers rather than just use your keyboard and mouse.

Media, media, media

The multimedia elements to Window 7 have also been enhanced. There is the Remote Media Streaming feature than lets you stream your music and video around the home or over the Internet as well as new services like Sky Player?that means Sky subscribers can stream Sky via the Media Center without the need for a TV or even a Sky box.

64-bit support

64-bit computing means you should, all being well, get things done faster as a 64-bit PC can handle larger amounts of information than a 32-bit system. Bring on the speed.

Windows XP mode

It's like you never installed Windows 7. While Microsoft says that you can run virtually all applications on the new OS, you just know that there is going to be one app you've got, most likely your favourite one, that won't. In steps Windows XP mode that allows you to run XP as a virtual machine so that one old programme can still work.

And finally why you shouldn't...

It's made by Microsoft - just kidding.

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Related links:

• link - Microsoft.com

Tags: Software PC software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems Features

Seven reasons to buy Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:47:55 +0100

Sky today showed off their Sky Player integrated to Windows 7 which will appear as a tile in the TV section of Media Centre.

The aim is to provide a seamless experience as a value-added benefit for existing Sky subscribers, but also as a subscription package for non-subscribers. Prices were not confirmed at the event, but we'd guess it will follow the "from" ?15 a month or ?0.98 on-demand offering in the existing service.?

Sky also confirmed you won't have to commit to long-term contracts and that you'll be able to dip in for pay-per-view events as you wish.?

You'll be able to watch live Sky content, with the channels reflecting your subscription package, or access content on demand.

All content is streamed, however, and unlike the BBC iPlayer content is not stored locally, so you can't download films to watch on your travels and you won't be able to access the service outside the UK.

High-definition content will not be available on the service, with Sky saying that they were concentrating on offering a good standard-definition experience before looking at HD.

The date has not yet been confirmed, but we know that the Sky Player service is launching on the Xbox 360 on 27 October, so we'd expect it to appear in Windows 7 soon after.

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Tags: Home Cinema Software Sky Microsoft Windows 7 Sky Player Video

VIDEO: Sky Player in Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0100

To celebrate the forthcoming Windows 7 release, PC World has announced that it will be discounting some of its hardware as well as Window 7 itself.

Perhaps one for the more enthusiastic among you this deal begins at the PC World Tottenham Court Road shop from midnight on 21 October.

Toshiba and Dell laptops are included in the discounts as well as the Packard Bell iXtreme quad core PC, which will be available with up to ?150 off the RRP.

PC World is also doing a trade-in offer for all UK customers which will mean an entitlement to ?100 off any laptop when you hand in your old one.

In terms of the Windows 7 discount, it'll possibly mean queuing up outside the shop, as it's only the first 200 who are entitled to the half price offer.

Cameron McMillan, manager of the PC World Tottenham Court Road store comments: "This is well worth staying up late for. By opening the doors at midnight our customers will not only be the first in the country to get hold of this fantastic new operating system but will also be able to advantage of some amazing deals in-store".

So if you're not a student (who've already had their opportunity to pick the new OS at a discount) you live in London and don't have work in the morning, this could be for you...

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Operating Systems PC World Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: Windows 7 half price originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Amazon.co.uk has revealed that Windows 7 is now the biggest grossing pre-order product of all-time, having eclipsed? pre-orders of both "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and the Nintendo Wii.

"The launch of Windows 7 has superseded everyone's expectations, storming ahead of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' as the biggest-grossing pre-order product of all-time at Amazon.co.uk, and demand is still going strong", says Brian McBride, MD of Amazon.co.uk.??? ?

"Over the past three months, only Dan Brown's 'The Lost Symbol' has sold more copies than Windows 7 which is an incredible achievement for a Software product".

Amazon says it sold more pre-order copies of Windows 7 in the first 8 hours of its release than Windows Vista managed in its entire pre-order period, stats echoed by the DSGi group.

Tags: Software Windows 7 Amazon Statistics shopping Microsoft

Windows 7 beats pre-order records at Amazon.co.uk originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:37:06 +0100

Those that pre-ordered Windows 7 are already seeing their copies drop through their letter box as the US software giant has been forced to ship early due to the threat of postal strikes here in the UK.

Microsoft has authorised retailer PC World to send out copies of the OS ahead of its general release date of 22 October, with customers receiving their discs days ahead of the due date.

"October 22nd sees both the launch of Windows 7 and a planned postal strike in the UK. ?In order to minimise the impact on customers, Microsoft has authorised those partners who participated in the pre-order programme to ship Windows 7 to those customers who pre-ordered it." A Microsoft spokesperson told Pocket-lint.

Other retailers have apparently been given the go ahead to do similar with Microsoft stating it is "aware of the planned postal strike and has taken action to minimise impact on those customers who pre-ordered their copies of Windows 7".

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Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 PC World Operating Systems

Windows 7 ships early to avoid postal strike originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:56:33 +0100

If a rose by any other name would have smelled as sweet then we'd all be looking forward to the launch of Interlace Manager 7 this week. That was how it all began for Microsoft's projected in 1981 when Windows was first under development. Fortunately, by the time Windows 1.0 was released in 1985 someone clever soul had thought a slightly more consumer focused name might be better. They were right. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Windows 1.0 (1985)

Initially, Windows was little more than operating environment add-on for DOS. MS DOS Executive was another of its names that fell by the wayside but it more accurately described the user friendly GUI addition to computing. Microsoft had worked on the early Apple computers - prior to the Macs - on their desktop accessories and much of the Windows look was licensed from Apple. There could be no overlapping of windows, so tiling was used to put them side by side instead, and there was no trash can either, as implemented in the Apple OS. Despite the addition of some familiar faces in the shape of Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard Viewer, Clock, Control Panel, Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal and the Word predecessor, Write, there was no great popularity for the system.

Windows 2.0 (1987)

Two years on, the second iteration was fundamentally about improvements to the memory management and the interface itself; two of the most important areas of any OS. Windows 2.0 opened up the expanded memory for programs to use which was normally saved for running peripherals. It meant greater ability to multi-task and it began to look more like the real picture with Microsoft sneaking overlapping windows into the design. The system introduced new keyboard shortcuts and the now famous Excel and Word applications. The real boost to the OS though was that the hugely popular desktop publishing software AldusPagemaker was released in a Windows variant. It was the first major piece of third party software to come in both Windows and Mac and is the moment many historians herald as the turning point for Microsoft. The system was now, on one level, an equal to Apple's.

Windows 3.0, 3.1 & 3.11 (1990)

Windows 3.0 was the first success for Microsoft in the commercial sense. The company had re-written critical operations in Assembly rather than C making them lighter and faster and the introduction of virtual memory and VGA cards meant a more efficient, more powerful and more graphic capable platform. Virtual memory was able to trick applications into thinking that they were using large blocks of address space when it was actually fragmented and often spilled into the storage disk rather than just using the RAM. It meant Windows could successfully run more programs at once. The system was also flexible at the same time, meaning that if you would rather offer applications the protection of running in one block them you could automatically assign specific space for that too. Windows 3.0 sold 2 million copies in its first six months rising to 10 million over the next 18.

3.1 was released in reaction to IBM's OS/2 2.0 operating system software that had initially been a joint venture with Microsoft. It contained the same bug fixes and multimedia support. By the time 3.11 came out Microsoft had made sure they'd seen off the threat from IBM and Windows had gone 32-bit.

Over the same period Microsoft had been added more and more Appley features to their OS until the former employer sued the company under 189 charges relating to the Apple "look and feel" of Windows. Of those, 179 were dismissed and the last 10 were deemed ideas that were simply non-copyrightable.

Windows 95 (1995)

10 years down the line and it was time for a serious facelift. Windows 95, originally codenamed Chicago, saw a significant step in the GUI as well as offering impressive under the hood improvements too. It introduced pre-emptive multi-tasking into the operating system which was a way to ensure that each application gets a fair chunk of the CPU while it's trying to run. It's possible because of an interrupt mechanism which can suspend apps already in execution and order their power resource demands. Every 32-bit program was now also given a separate address space meaning that one bad program wouldn't bring the whole system crashing down. Through these two advances Windows was now much more stable than before.

The great addition from the user end was Plug and Play which made the previous driver hunts a lot less important along with a lot of CD-ROMs that came with various bits of peripheral kit. The system allowed for automatic detection and installation of hardware with considerably less faff than ever before on PCs. File names could now be as ling as 250 characters and the supported RAM on Windows 95 was up to 512MB with a virtual effect of 2GB. DOS was pretty much altogether bypassed and now just used as a boot loading device.

Windows 98 (1998)

Despite better support fir the FAT-32 file system, new hardware drivers and allowances for disk partitions larger than 2GB, Windows 98 was heavily criticised for its slowness and unreliability compared to the previous release. Most of the problems were cleaned up by the second edition one year later but there was further controversy in the GUI with Internet Explorer's integration into the design and into Windows Explorer. It eventually lead to the accusation that Microsoft was abusing its position as the OS at the expense of the waning browser competition that was Netscape Navigator. Ultimately, the case has had little effect on the success of either company and eventually Windows 98 was appreciated by consumers the world over.

Windows ME (2000)

The Millennium Edition, on the other hand, never received a lot of love. Much like Windows Phone today, the turn of time OS was more of a stop gap than anything else while plans were afoot to merge the Windows business line, Windows NT, with the consumer stream. Essentially, it had the same core as Windows 98 but had adopted many of the features of the latest in the NT range - the very popular Windows 2000. It had enhanced multimedia and internet capabilities with the introduction of Windows Movie Maker as well as Universal Plug and Play which allowed for a far more seamless, automatic approach for connecting network devices. You could no longer boot the OS into DOS and it was the last version not to include the online Product Activation system. ME was lambasted for its instability and often referred to with alternative acronyms like Mistake Edition but perhaps its one moment in the sun was the introduction of System Restore which still exists today and works very well so long as you remember to use it.

Windows XP (2001)

Codenamed Whistler, XP was the Microsoft's messiah in the unification of their business and consumer OS products. Until now, Windows NT had been running very successfully alongside since 1994 and had been the company's answer when the OS/2 project with IBM had fallen apart. The problem was that NT's increasingly complex structure became harder and harder for developers to write for and eventually they stopped bothering as it was for a relatively small percentage of the market. Seeing as operating systems with no drivers aren't of much use, the new approach of one OS with several variants was added which is why we got Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. XP even inherited the NT5.2 kernel at its core and, after several service pack updates, became not only secure and stable but also the longest lasting Windows OS, selling from 2001-2007.

Windows Vista (2006)

Releasing the software to the commercial sector first was never going to be much of a hearts and minds campaign for what has become one of Microsoft's most contentious operating systems. When codename Longhorn was finally given to the public at the beginning of 2007 with a brand new GUI just to upset more people, it got on the end of some very harsh reviews indeed. As well as introducing the Windows AERO look with its more powerful, more efficient and aesthetic designs, Vista also had a strong focus on security. The administrator had always been the default user on a PC and that was now switched to a rather irritating system of passwords and user management that, although certainly safe, didn't really help matters.

There was a new version of IE, Windows Media Player, a new generation of games like Mahjong and despite all the troubles, it still outsold XP in its equivalent first month with 20 million copies leaving the shelves. However, in a survey of businesses, only 8% were satisfied with the product compared to the 41% that had been happy with XP. There were reports of many users downgrading back to Windows XP but the one group who were pleased with the new system was the gamers. Vista was the first to include DirectX 10 which offered them even better graphic fun than ever before.

Windows 7 (2009)

Curiously, the 8th consumer release of the Microsoft OS, Windows 7 is in fact very similar to its predecessor but with just enough refinements and some time to get used to the AERO GUI. It was codenamed both Blackcomb and Vienna, has none of the user account issues of Vista and predominantly comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It has a significantly faster boot time, better power management options for notebook users and has also gone multi-touch. So far, throughout all the beta tests, and RC versions, there have been no real complaints. The only issue is perhaps the ever-growing number of variants, now standing at six.

Windows 8 (?)

Barely have we tasted 7 and already there is a smattering of rumours about Windows 8. There's only two things to go on but both should raise an eyebrow each - 128-bit computing and cloud-optimised operating system. Certainly should keep us talking.

Related links:

• News - Windows 8 and 9 could go 128-bit
• Feature - Quick guide to Windows Mobile 6.5 - Windows Phone
• Review - Microsoft Windows 7 - First Look review

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 8 Windows 98 Operating Systems Features Windows 7 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows ME

A brief history of Microsoft Windows originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:41:25 +0100

Toshiba has introduced two new consumer-aimed Satellite laptops, the L450 and L555 for those "looking for affordability without compromising on style and performance".

Hoping to cash in on the sales bump that Microsoft's new operating system will create, both models will come pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium.

The 15.6-inch Satellite L450 comes with either an Intel Celeron or AMD processor, Intel graphics, up to 4GB RAM, up to 500GB hard drive, DVD rewriter, three USB ports, HDMI, a four-in-one memory card slot, Wi-Fi and webcam.

The 17.3-inch Satellite L555 is offered with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and gets a 1600 x 900 widescreen, LED backlit display, 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive, DVD rewriter, three USB ports, HDMI, four-in-one card reader, Wi-Fi and webcam.

Both models will be available in late October after the general release of Windows 7. Pricing will start at ?329 for L450 model, while the Satellite L555 will be available from ?699.?

Tags: Hardware Laptops Toshiba Windows 7

Toshiba announces Satellite L450, L555 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:49:00 +0100

Belkin is offering an "easy transfer cable for Windows 7" for those worried about getting their digital media, email, files, folders and settings from their old Windows PCs to their shiny new Windows 7 efforts.

Belkin claims its $40 cable offers a faster solution than burning CDs or setting up a network for file transfers or "any other" means of copying data.

The cable is said to offer a quick setup in three "easy" steps - install the software, connect the cable, and follow on-screen prompts.

The 8-foot cable will go on sale in the States on 23 October, a day after the general release of the new OS, but won't hit Europe (or Asia) until Q1 of 2010, by which time we'd imagine most folk will have worked it out via another method.

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Tags: Hardware Cables Belkin Windows 7

Belkin offers easy transfer cable for Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:42:48 +0100

Sony has announced the launch of the new Vaio CW Series notebooks that will offer Microsoft's new Windows 7 operating system pre-loaded.

With a 14-inch widescreen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio in a thin-and-light chassis available in five colours (four in the UK - blue, red, pink and white), Sony is angling the new range as a "perfect mix of performance and style".

Specs include an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB hard drive, DVD drive, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and webcam.

An option available to those that want to pay more than the $780 base price includes a Blu-ray disc drive as the laptop also offers HDMI output and Nvidia GeForce graphics.

The CW Series will go on sale in the UK on 22 October.

Tags: Hardware Laptops Sony Vaio Windows 7 Blu-ray Sony Vaio CW

Sony Vaio CW Series due 22 October originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:06:03 +0100

In the States Sony has take the wraps off what it says is the world's lightest notebook - the Vaio X Series.

With a lightweight carbon-fibre chassis, the 11.1-inch X Series weighs in at 1.6 pounds - about 0.72kg - and is just over half an inch thick, although it loses both an optical drive and USB - both functionalities are taken care of with an external option.

The 16:9 display is LED backlit, the touchpad gets multi-touch capabilities, there's GPS and an SSD drive instead of hard disk.

Running Windows 7, power-wise, the standard battery is good for 3.5 hours, while the super-extended capacity battery claims 14.

In the US the X Series will come with 3G from Verizon Wireless, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Available in black and gold, pricing for the X Series starts at about $1300 with retail availability due in November. It will be available in the UK from November as well.

Related links:

• Feature - Five more ultra thin, ultra light and ultra portable notebooks

Tags: Hardware Sony Laptops Vaio Netbooks Windows 7

Sony Vaio X Series announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:48:20 +0100

Sony has unveiled what it calls a new "touch-enabled, multi-media machine" the Windows 7 Vaio L Touch HD PC/TV.

With a 24-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1080 widescreen panel, the unit displays Full HD with some models offering a Blu-ray disc drive.

Some models will also come with a built-in TV tuner while HDMI input is an optional extra to expand the HD entertainment capabilities.

Specs-wise, there's up to 1TB of storage, Intel Core 2 Quad processor, b/g/n Wi-Fi, Nvidia GeForce graphics, "loads" of RAM and a dedicated Vaio button to access Sony's Media Gallery software.

"The L Series is the ultimate multi-media hub - it's your PC, HDTV and DVR in one compact, stylish device", says a Sony bod.

Complete with a wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control, the VAIO L Touch HD PC/TV will start at about $1300 in the US.

Tags: Hardware Sony Desktop PCs Windows 7 Vaio

Sony Touch Vaio L Series PC/TV announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:27:09 +0100

VMware, the company behind the software package that allows you to run Windows on a Mac, has announced it will be launching its latest version, VMware Fusion 3, at the end of October.

According to the company, the package that launches on the 27 October will add over 50 new features and is "the best way to run Windows on a Mac", including a strong focus on letting you run games on the ungame friendly Mac OS.

Key highlights will be Snow Leopard support and the ability to run all versions of the new Windows 7 OS from Microsoft.

However, the company is also promising easier switching options and the ability to support OpenGL 2.1 and DirectX 9.0c to run games without rebooting the machine.

The new software package will cost $79.99 or $39.99 for users wishing to upgrade.

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Tags: Gaming Software Apple VMware VMware Fusion 3 Windows Windows 7 Microsoft

VMware Fusion 3 brings gaming to Mac, proper originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:46:12 +0100

Microsoft might not have the cool factor that Apple has, but today they are every student's best buddy.

The reason for this is that Microsoft is selling its soon-to-be-released (22 October) Windows 7 OS on pre-order for just ?30 to all students sporting an academic email address. Be warned though, the deal is only available until 3 January 2010.

Microsoft says: "Students will benefit from many of Windows 7's unique functions and applications which make PCs easier, simpler and more fun to use. For those students who have the latest laptops with touch screen technology, Windows 7 comes with enhanced capabilities for an enriched touch experience".

"Other features include remote media streaming, improved gaming experience, enhanced security and integration of Windows Media Centre for more central and convenient management of music, movies and photos".

There's a link below that'll take you through to the Microsoft Education site and we'll have another tech deal for you tomorrow.

Related links:

• Link - Microsoft

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: Windows 7 student discount available now originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Following the fiasco that was the Windows Vista logo programme, Microsoft has revealed plans for its "Compatible with Windows 7" logo programme.

The company says it has made "a number of changes" to both the logo criteria and the process of being granted a logo and the process for manufacturers, which has been made cheaper.

Designed to help customers "make better purchase decisions by identifying products that have passed Microsoft designed tests for compatibility and reliability with Windows 7", some 6000 products are already stickered up and ready to go.

Microsoft says logo-ed products should experience minimal crashes, hangs, and reboots, and now testing includes all versions of Windows 7 including 64-bit.

Windows 7 is due for general release on 22 October. We will keep you posted with all the news as we head towards that date.

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Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Hardware

Microsoft announces Windows 7 logo programme originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:34:38 +0100

Lenovo has begun the Windows 7 battle with a shot across the bows of other hardware manufacturers. The company is claiming that it has the fastest boot and shutdown times out there - it says that its ThinkPad notebooks and ThinkCentre desktop PCs will boot Windows 7 56% faster than XP or Vista.

Fran O'Sullivan, Lenovo's SVP for the Think product group, said: "To achieve Windows 7 Lenovo Enhanced Experience certification, Lenovo's technical team and developers have worked with Microsoft
during the making of Windows 7 to create an exceptionally-engineered hardware and software experience".

Lenovo took several steps to pump up the boot times. It contacted the driver for a "popular wireless device" that was causing trouble and demanded that they fix it. It hid certain devices from the BIOS so that the OS only loaded them when the boot had finished.

It did a similar thing with programs that autoload on Windows startup - relegating them until after Windows has booted up. Finally it stuffed an extra chip into its notebooks to more precisely measure how much battery was left than Windows does and help make it last as long as possible.

Lenovo's got a pretty sticker that says "Lenovo Enhanced Experience" on it, which it'll be putting on the PCs that contain these upgrades. If you're shopping for a Lenovo computer, that could be worth looking out for.

Read

Related links:

• News - Lenovo ThinkPad X200 and T400s announced

Tags: Software Lenovo Operating Systems Windows 7 Microsoft

Lenovo promises ultra-speedy Windows 7 boot times originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:33:46 +0100