Sony VAIO VGX-TP20E/B Home Theater Personal Computer

 
 
 
The Bottom Line
Sony's previous TP model home theater model was very distintive with its white round shape. The new black design really does make it look like a hockey puck, but it is a realtively small system that fits well with a home theater systems. Its relatively low price for a home theater PC also makes it attractive, but be aware it has limited drive space for storing much video.
 
Pros
  • Good Pricing
  • Distinctive Styling
  • Low Noise Operating
Cons
  • Lower Performance Because of Mobile Parts
  • Fairly Limited Drive Space For Storing Video
  • Doesn't Support CableCard
Description
  • Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Dual Core Mobile Processor
  • 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2
  • 500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
  • Blu-ray Reader and Dual Layer DVD Burner Combo Drive
  • NVIDIA GeForce 8400M Graphics Processor with 256MB Memory
  • Digital and Ananlog TV Tuner
  • Intel HDA
  • 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless
  • Four USB 2.0, FireWire, HDMI and 3-in-1 Card Reader
  • Windows Vista Home Premium, Sony VAIO Suite
Guide Review - Sony VAIO VGX-TP20E/B Home Theater Personal Computer
6/26/08 - Sony's VAIO TP20E/B offers some strong features for those looking to integrated it into a Sony based home theater setup. The TP20 can connect via a cable to the Bravia to allow for a single remote to control both units. Definitely an excellent feature but limited to just Sony brand products.
In terms of its home theater features, the TP20 is a definite step up from previous versions thanks to the inclusion of a DVD burner that also has the ability to play back Sony's Blu-ray high definition movie format. The only way that could be improved is the ability to also burn to Blu-ray drives, but for this price range, it is still an excellent feature. The digital tuner also allows it to record and playback high definition TV over the air.
There are some issues though with its home theater features. First, the hard drive is on the small side compared to many other HTPC systems. The 500GB will limit the amount of video that can be stored on the system, particularly if it is recorded in high definition. The other problem is that the system does not have any means to support CableCard. This prevents it from being used with cable or satellite systems directly, two of the most common methods for receiving high definition TV.
In terms of computing power, the VAIO TP20 is a bit underpowered compared to other systems. This is because Sony relies on using mobile parts typically found in laptop PCs. This does help the overall power consumption of the system and it greatly reduces the amount of heat and noise generated by the TP20, both of which can benefit a PC in a home theater setup. It just can't power through tasks like transcoding video like a standard desktop based HTPC can.

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NewerTech unveils NuGuard GripStand / GripBase bundle for iPad 2

We’ve provided our readers with details on a number of different iPad 2 accessories since the tablet was first introduced back in March this year, including the ZAGGmate Bluetooth keyboard stand, a collection of Angry Birds cases, and a range of jackets and sleeves from M-Edge. Now we have news on some more iPad 2 accessories.
As Juli over on the padgadget.com website recently reported, NewerTech – the supplier of PC, Mac and mobile accessories – has just unveiled its NuGuard GripStand and GripBase bundle for the iPad 2, which enables users to take and use their Apple tablet almost anywhere they go. What’s more is that the accessories bundle is available in either black or white.
The NuGuard GripStand and GripBase accessories bundle includes a hard plastic shell – which actually works quite well with Apple’s Smart Cover – that surrounds the Apple iPad 2 in shock-absorbent rubber for extra protection and a nylon car strap, which securely mounts the tablet PC to a car headrest (in the back) for browsing the Internet and watching movies whilst travelling.
It also comes with a removable GripStand that can be swivelled 360 degrees and manoeuvred into almost any angle for both typing and viewing, a GripBase Workstation, which turns the iPad 2 into a skid-resistant desktop workstation that’s almost impossible to knock over, and a one-hand grip handle that enables users to hold their iPad 2 like a briefcase.
The handle can also be rotated and used as a hook, so users can hang the iPad 2 on the wall in either portrait or landscape mode. As for the price and availability, the NewerTech NuGuard GripStand and GripBase bundle is available immediately for $39.99, and can be purchased from the company’s exclusive distributor Other World Computing, or through the retail channel.
Are you thinking about buying some new accessories for your iPad 2? If you were, would you buy the NewerTech NuGuard GripStand and GripBase accessories bundle?

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iPad 3 release date not in time for Christmas

There has been a lot of speculation over the last few months that Apple could be release another iPad during the fall of this year. Now we have news that the iPad 3 release date will not be in time for Christmas as first thought.
Now there are claims that because of production constraints for the higher-resolution display panels for the new device, Apple has stopped its supply schedule for the iPad 3 during the second half of 2011. According to DigiTimes Apple schedule accounted for up to two million units during the third quarter, with five to six million during the fourth quarter.
The sources are claiming that Apple’s partners couldn’t supply the yield rate of the 9.7-inch panel that has a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536, and were unable to provide high enough production levels of the display.
Since the iPad 2 first became available there have been numerous rumors that there will be a new version arriving this year but with a Retina display. Whether any of these reports were true remains to be seen, and many consumers who had just laid out for the iPad 2 would have quite angry if a new version was to come out so soon.
The iPad 2 remains to sell strongly despite the continuing rumors of a new model this year, with the company selling almost ten million units during the June quarter. Back in June LG Display had supplied Apple with three million iPad 2 displays, and Samsung provided around 1.5 million units. But the following month LG’s supply dropped with Samsung providing around the same amount.
Apple may be already working on the iPad 3 but have planned all along to release it next year. Even though the original iPad was replaced in under a year, it was longer than the six months that some predicted for the iPad 3. With any tech product these day’s from any manufacturer you can expect a new better version to become available in a short time.
Will you be looking to get an iPad 3 when it becomes available or are you thinking of getting an iPad 2?

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