DverCITY Magazine
Directories
Diversity by Region
by Alan LeStourgeon
Among computer hardware enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, and early adopters, there is perhaps no computer manufacturer who stands as tall as Alienware. Barely ten years old, and recently purchased by Dell, Alienware rode to the forefront of high technology by concentrating on every facet of design, while incorporating only the latest circuitry inside its machines.
A recent trend known as "case modding", in which computer owners customize the cases of their PC's, can be attributed to Alienware's rich history of unique case designs. Their most popular case design is also one of their earliest - a case that looks like the face of an alien from your favorite science-fiction movie.
But some of the more fresher case designs are based on comic books or movies, including their best-selling Star Wars and Superman case designs. Using air-brushed figures on the side of the case, cool lighting from within the case's fans, and even a matching included Windows Theme to boot, Alienware took the case mod movement by storm.
When they released their Star Wars versions to coincide with the release of Episode III, they created "Dark Side" and "Light Side" versions to correlate to the different sides of the Force. Even the individual screen savers for each computer were loaded to match their respective cases.
While Alienware's machines have traditionally been considered pricey, it is only because Alienware spares no expense. Buyers of Alienware machines know they are getting only the hottest technology on the market: screaming video cards from NVIDIA, their choice of the latest AMD or Intel processors, liquid cooling systems, plenty of memory, and only the largest and fastest hard drives on the market. Many of Alienware's desktops come equipped with Dual SLI video, a feature that allows two video cards to act as one for nearly twice the processing speed. This feature is rarely found on standard PC's and typically requires a motherboard upgrade.
Prior to the release of Windows Vista, nearly every Alienware computer was already more than adequately configured to handle Vista's demanding hardware requirements. If you just need to surf the web or check email, then the only reason to purchase an Alienware machine is for mere status. But if you want to play the latest games without your computer choking, you'll want to check out Alienware's offerings. Even a one or two-year old Alienware computer will often be more powerful than similarly-priced brand new systems.
Of course, the absolute status symbol has to be an Alienware laptop. The heartfelt pride of an Alienware laptop owner is unmatched. Other major laptop manufacturers like IBM and Toshiba have laptops that come close to an Alienware laptop - at the high end of their model lines. But that is where Alienware's model line begins.
Many graphic artists, web design specialists, and even information technology students will find an Alienware computer to be a welcome addition to their lifestyle. Alienware's slogan, "The World's Most Powerful PC's" is without dispute, and they prove their reign in the technology market each month anew.
Several years ago, Alienware also began selling workstations. In a market heavily crowded by IBM, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard, Alienware did something unique: offer workstations for individuals and small businesses that were affordable, but with more raw power than their competitors. Of course, they also offered workstations with features that allowed them to easily double as gaming machines - something not found by their competition.
The only way to purchase an Alienware computer is either second-hand at places like eBay or through their own website. Not everyone can afford a new Alienware machine, but finding a quality used Alienware machine is a treasure to many. Some designs from years past are even considered collectibles.
Alan LeStourgeon runs the Discount Computers and Deals web site where you can find eBay auctions on name brand systems such as Alienware Computers and external hard drives. Alan LeStourgeon may be contacted at http://www.i-work-at-home-based-business-opportunity.com
The word ‘computer’ originally implied a person, who, under instructions from a mathematician, performed mechanical calculations. Mechanical calculating devices such as the abacus were often put to use to aid this process. [continue article]
CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today unveiled an all new all-in-one iMac(R) line featuring gorgeous 20- and 24-inch widescreen displays encased in elegant and professional aluminum and glass enclosures. The entire new iMac line features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and a new, ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard, built-in iSight(R) video camera for video conferencing and iLife(R) '08, making it the ultimate digital lifestyle desktop computer for both consumers and professionals. The 20-inch iMac now starts at just $1,199, $300 less than the previous 20-inch model, and the 24-inch iMac starts at just $1,799, $200 less than the previous 24-inch model.
"This new iMac is the most incredible desktop computer we've ever made," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Our new design features the innovative use of materials, including professional-grade aluminum and glass, that are highly recyclable."
Redefining Apple's signature all-in-one design, the new iMac integrates the entire computer system into a sleek, professional aluminum enclosure for a striking, clutter-free desktop. An elegant glass cover joins precisely to the aluminum enclosure creating a virtually seamless front surface. The new iMac's 20- and 24-inch glossy widescreen displays provide incredibly crisp images, ideal for photos and movies using the all new iLife '08 suite of digital lifestyle applications that are included. The new ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard is just 0.33 inches thin at its front edge. A new optional Apple Wireless Keyboard is a compact design that, with Apple's wireless Mighty Mouse, offers a cable-free desktop.
Packing professional performance into the convenience of an all-in-one design, the new iMac includes the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors running up to 2.8 GHz with 4MB of shared L2 cache and up to 4GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory. The iMac line features ATI's next generation of graphics with the ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB of GDDR3 memory and the ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB of GDDR3 memory. The new iMac now offers up to 1TB of internal storage to accommodate a user's growing library of digital photos, movies and music.
Providing the latest in high-performance connectivity options to quickly and conveniently transfer digital photos, music and video, the iMac includes built-in AirPort Extreme(R) 802.11n Wi-Fi networking, delivering up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g;* Gigabit Ethernet; a total of five USB 2.0 ports (including two on the new Apple Keyboard); and one FireWire(R) 400 and one FireWire 800 port.
The new iMac, with its stunning design, features highly recyclable and durable materials including scratch-resistant glass and professional grade aluminum. The power-efficient iMac also meets the stringent new Energy Star 4.0 requirements.
Every iMac also includes iLife '08, the most significant update ever to Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, featuring a major new version of iPhoto(R) and a completely reinvented iMovie(R), both seamlessly integrated with the new .Mac Web Gallery for online photo and video sharing. The new iMac also comes with the world's most advanced operating system, Mac OS(R) X version 10.4.10 Tiger, including Safari(TM), Mail, iCal(R), iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.
Pricing & Availability
The new iMac line is available immediately through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The new Apple Wireless Keyboard will ship by the end of August and will be available as a build-to-order option with the new iMac through the Apple Store (www.apple.com) for a suggested retail price of $30 (US), or $50 (US) when purchased along with the wireless Mighty Mouse, and as a standalone purchase for a suggested retail price of $79 (US) through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The new 20-inch 2.0 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes:
-- 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
-- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
-- 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;
-- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive(R) with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW);
-- ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB GDDR3 memory;
-- built-in iSight video camera;
-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.0+EDR;
-- 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
-- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold
separately);
-- built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
-- the new Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
The new 20-inch 2.4 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:
-- 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
-- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
-- 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;
-- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW);
-- ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
-- built-in iSight video camera;
-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.0+EDR;
-- 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
-- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold
separately);
-- built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
-- the new Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
The new 24-inch 2.4 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:
-- 24-inch widescreen LCD display;
-- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
-- 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;
-- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R
DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW);
-- ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
-- built-in iSight video camera;
-- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.0+EDR;
-- 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
-- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold
separately);
-- built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
-- the new Apple Keyboard, Mighty Mouse and infrared Apple Remote.
Build-to-order options and accessories include: a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM and up to a 1TB Serial ATA hard drive on the 24-inch iMac; up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM and up to 750GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 2.4 GHz 20-inch iMac; and up to 4GB of DDR2 SDRAM and up to 500GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 2.0 GHz 20-inch iMac. Additional options include: new Apple Wireless Keyboard and wireless Mighty Mouse; AirPort Express(R) and AirPort Extreme Base Station (now with Gigabit Ethernet); the AppleCare Protection Plan; and pre-installed copies of iWork(TM) '08, Logic(R) Express 7, Final Cut(R) Express HD 3.5 and Aperture 1.5.
*AirPort Extreme is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network and other factors. iChat AV and video-conferencing require broadband Internet connection; fees may apply.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market this year with its revolutionary iPhone.
(C) 2007 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iMac, iSight, iLife, AirPort Extreme, FireWire, iPhoto, iMovie, Safari, iCal, Apple Store, SuperDrive, Airport Express, iWork, Logic, Final Cut and Aperture are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Mighty Mouse(TM) and (C) 2007 CBS Operations Inc. All rights reserved.
Source: Apple
Web site: http://www.apple.com/
by Linda Ford, PhD
Hip and edgy Apple has decided to dance with Cingular (as in, stodgy old AT&T). The revolutionary meets the regulated monopoly. Will this be like "Bambi meets Godzilla?" Not likely, but there are some significant challenges in the alliance.
If you want a visual image of the difference, check out the story on Inside Bay Area (http://origin.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_5012753). In the accompanying photo, you can just feel the difference between Jobs and Sigman (Cingular CEO).
Here are a few elements of culture that could trouble this alliance.
Decision making. Apple has demonstrated its willingness to move quickly to be the market leader, sometimes at the cost of putting the wrong product out in the market. (Anyone remember the Apple II?) AT&T (Cingular's parent) is more known for the slow, lumbering moves appropriate to a giant.
Customer care. Early customers may very well get caught in the middle as the Cingular service reps declare the problem to be an iPhone technical issue while Apple declares it a Cingular phone service issue. Which set of policies and systems will prevail as the inevitable early glitches occur? Will the customers survive the battle?
Innovation. AT&T's enthusiasm for investments in technology may not keep pace with Apple's. Steve Jobs built Apple on his willingness to invest in leading edge (and sometimes bleeding edge) technology. With product life cycles measured in months in the cell phone industry, that mismatch could spell trouble for the collaboration.
Brand identity. Apple rarely co-brands its products. Cingular is returning to the AT&T brand. What does all of this mean to the iPhone? (To say nothing of the Cisco lawsuit over the iPhone name!) Trouble ahead on this front for sure. How will these two very different cultures tackle this tricky tangle?
Communication. I know - this is a communication device. But can the executives who have to hold the deal together make it work? The possibilities for miscommunication and misunderstood expectations are boundless. All of the things that are left unsaid in the course of normal business communication are possible sources for misunderstanding. Executives on each side of the deal will make their own assumptions about what was and wasn't said, likely without even realizing they are making assumptions.
This whole affair calls to mind cartoons from the 1950s showing a flustered telephone switchboard operator with wires all tangled and crossed. Can't you just picture the iPhone caught in that tangle of wires? However, all of that said, this is an exciting step in the media and communications world and it could be the start of some interesting developments.
Take charge of your organization - free resources at http://fordbusinessconsulting.com/gorillagoods.html . Dr. Linda Ford helps leaders create organizations that achieve superior performance. She has consulted to companies ranging from small start-ups to Fortune 100 companies as well as non-profit organizations To learn more about Dr. Ford, visit http://www.FordBusinessConsulting.com . Linda Ford, PhD may be contacted at http://FordBusinessConsulting.com or linda@fordbusinessconsulting.com
| About Us | News and Articles | Shopping | DVC Business Network | Communities | FAQs | Yellow Pages | Advertising | Site Map | Home |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
