AOC has unveiled a new monitor aimed at providing the experience of two monitors in one display. The 29-inch Q2963PM IPS monitor has an aspect ratio of 21:9, providing a cinematic view with its WHFD 2560x1080-resolution screen, and can be used to view two separate inputs on the same screen, as well as from a single source.
Asus has announced a new 24-inch monitor for professionals looking for high levels of color accuracy. The PA249Q ProArt Series LCD monitor has been pre-calibrated the display, which offers native 99 percent Adobe Wide Gamut RGB support for optimal color accuracy. The display also uses Advanced High-Performance In-Plane Switching (AH-IPS) for enhanced brightness and vibrancy along with 178-degree wide viewing angles.
BenQ has extended its catalog of display devices with the introduction of a "professional gaming monitor" with a very fast 1ms response time. Revealed at the same time as a pair of 3D projectors, the RL2455HM offers competitive gamers highly-customizable display with the added ability to switch between seven monitor screen sizes on the fly.
HP brought its latest hardware to Las Vegas this week for CES, where Electronista checked out the company's new xi-series displays. The offerings range from the 20-inch 20xi to the 27-inch 27xi, bringing a modernized appearance and LED-backlit IPS panels.
NEC Display has extended its MultiSync EA range with a 24-inch LED-backlit IPS monitor. The EA244WMI screen has many of the same features, such as the wide 178-degree viewing angles and standard 1920x1080 resolution, as its 22-inch predecessor that was released four months ago, but in a larger screen size.
Sharp has announced it will be releasing its first 4K LCD display that takes advantage of its IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology. The PN-K321 is a 32-inch screen meant for design-related business use that can display images at a resolution of 3840x2160, while having a fairly slimline design measuring just 35mm (1.4 inches) thick.
LG has revealed details of a new monitor with an aspect ratio of 21:9. The LG EA93 is a 29-inch IPS display that has a wider aspect ratio than the 16:9 usually seen in HDTVs, and is claimed to improve productivity by allowing two-page documents to be read side-by-side easily, and by offering a 4-Screen split that can divide the picture up into two to four customizable segments.
NEC has lined up a new monitor for the budget inclined. The AS192WM is a 19-inch AccuSync LED backlit display that offers a 33-percent reduction in power consumption, partly due to removing the Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp backlighting that its predecessor used. The Energy Star 6.0 compliance, EPEAT Silver rating, Eco-mode and carbon footprint meter tools also help it save power and be more environmentally friendly.
Consumer electronics manufacturer ViewSonic announced its latest 27-inch professional grade monitor -- the VP2770-LED. The super IPS display offers professionals in digital photography, architecture, computer engineering and design nearly 80% more pixels than a standard 1080p display.
NEC is has rolled out its latest 22-inch monitor in its MultiSync EA range, the EA224WMi. It incorporates an IPS planer for wider viewing angles and minimal color shift and offers a standard 1920x1080 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The use of LED backlighting helps it achieve its EPEAT Gold eco status, while it also lends itself to a thinner design and a lower weight.
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted monitors, speaker systems, and more. Staples.com has recently lowered the cost of the HP 23-inch LED Monitor, complete with 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 5ms response time, one year warranty, and maximum image resolution of 1920 x 1080. Currently featured at DealNN, the monitor is now available for the discounted price of $159.98 and offers savings of up to $70.
HP is among the many companies embracing 3D technology, and its 2311gt monitor aims to make the technology an affordable upgrade. The 23-inch monitor works as a standard 2D display, or as a 3D panel when combined with passive 3D glasses. In our full review, we will see how the company’s passive 3D technology stacks up against pricier active-shutter tech.
The chairman of Chinese LCD monitor maker Amtran has told industry trade publication Digitimes that his company, one of several OEM suppliers to Apple, will consider getting into the OLED monitor and potentially television business after gauging market conditions following the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The recent introduction by LG of a 55-inch OLED HDTV has fuelled speculation that Apple may use OLED for its rumored HDTV product.
HP has introduced a low-cost 20-inch TN-panel LED-backlit LCD monitor, the HP Compaq LE2002xm that incorporates stereo speakers, integrated cable management, environmental certifications galore, and 1600x900 resolution. The 16:9 ratio monitor offers up to 170 degrees of viewing angles, a fast 5ms response time, 250 nits brightness, 3M:1 dynamic contrast ratio and both VGA and DVI-D input. The unit features and adjustable tilt from -5 to 25 degrees as well.
AT&T has announced that it will provide wireless service for Exmovere's Exmobaby pajamas, which bring a unique twist on baby monitoring. The pajamas integrate a number of sensors, tracking an infant's vital signs, such as heart rate and skin temperature, along with environmental factors including humidity and movement.
LG has announced a new monitor series, labeled IPS5, that is built using in-plane switching (IPS) panels. The technology, which is utilized by smaller products such as the iPad and iPhone, offers a much wider viewing angle when compared to standard LCDs. LG also claims its new monitors provide improved color reproduction, with color-calibration reports provided with each unit when it leaves the factory.
Both PC-oriented website AnandTech and Mac-oriented portal MacWorld have recently reviewed Apple's new 27-inch Thunderbolt Display, and came to many of the same conclusions: if you're a MacBook Air owner who uses it as a primary computer, the Thunderbolt Display is a must-have accessory. For other TB-equipped Mac owners, the display makes a strong -- but not perfect -- case for a convenient dock and high-quality monitor combo for the price of a high-quality monitor alone.
Dell has released a video on YouTube (also featured below) to tease the forthcoming release of its latest 23-inch LED-backlit monitor, the S2330MX. The thin flat-panel monitor's full specifications and price have yet to be released, but it offers full HD resolution (1920x1080) with a 16:9 aspect ratio, W-LED backlighting for strong energy efficiency, and DVI and VGA interfaces with a DVI-to-HDMI adapter included.
Lenovo has unveiled its first mobile monitor, the ThinkVision LT1421 Wide, alongside two new ThinkPad Edge notebooks. The monitor integrates a 14-inch LCD panel, with 16 different brightness levels and tilt adjustment to change the viewing angle. The display is powered via a USB cable, which also carries the display signal.
Dell has quietly introduced a new monitor, the UltraSharp U2412M. The display features a 24-inch IPS panel with 1920x1200 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The use of IPS technology is geared for wide viewing angles and an 82-percent color gamut, while the base provides additional joints to adjust tilt, swivel, height, or pivot to landscape and portrait orientations.
LG has rolled out the DM50D , a 3D-capable monitor with in-built TV tuner. The device is designed to appeal to users wanting a 3D gaming and movie experience, but who were put off by the thought of wearing cumbersome active shutter glasses. The new monitor uses the latest generation of 3D HDTV which use lightweight, polarized glasses making the viewing experience much more comfortable for longer periods.
Mobile Monitor Technologies has unveiled its 15.4-inch Field Monitor Pro. As its name implies, it is designed for use by mobile road warriors who need a second monitor when in the field where additional screen real estate is required. The device has been designed principally with accountants in mind in order to assist with field audit work, although it may find other users as well.
Mino Monitors has unveiled a new iMo eye9 mini-monitor, capable of extending the screen "real estate" of PCs and Macs via USB with both touchscreen capability and an included webcam. It can be used in a variety of ways, from digital picture frame to touch-based second window, where for example palettes or controls where touch could be used could be "stored" off the main screen.
Symantec, who have been offering a free Norton Online Family Basic monitoring service, have developed a premier version of the software that analyzes online surfing and added a longer history (90 days versus the Basic edition's seven days), automatic emailing of activity reports and the monitoring and reporting of videos watched on YouTube and other top video sites, including a snippet of each video.
Metakine has announced its new Mac application access monitor, Hands Off! 1.0. Premiering this Monday, Oct. 4, HandsOff! 1.0 will monitor applications and control their access to both networks and disk data. It shows users what information is being passed in activities that would otherwise be invisible, giving users control over what personal information is moving to the web. It can limit applications from storing cookies or sending information back to the software's designers.
CinemaView has begun shipping its 24-inch LCD display, the CV24in, designed for Mini DisplayPort attachment to Macs. The monitor mimics the design of Apple's 24-inch Cinema Display, including an aluminum housing and black bezel, although the CV24's 1920x1080 resolution falls short of the Apple device which integrates a 1920x1200 panel. The LCD also lists a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 300 cd/m2 brightness.
Mimo Monitors on Monday introduced the 720-S, a 7-inch portable touchscreen display geared for netbook users. The monitor provides 800x480 resolution, 350 cd/m˛ brightness and a contrast ratio of 400:1, while utilizing resistive touchscreen technology. The device is powered and connected via a single USB cable, enabling use as a secondary screen for presenting applications, formatting palettes, instant messengers or other interfaces.
Bjango has released iStat 1.0, a network monitoring app that allows users to check up on thier Macs. The app also provides detailed iPhone stats, including available memory, IP addresses, usage and load averages. Included network tools allow users to ping servers and resolve hostnames with traceroute. The Melbourne-based developer says iStat also includes a "Free Memory" tool which works to free up unused space reserved by third-party iPhone applications.
Monitors keep getting bigger and bigger, but it seems that the more display space you have, the more you may want. While Leopard provides Spaces so you can flip through multiple virtual desktops, you may prefer connecting multiple monitors to your Mac instead. For a simple solution to plugging in additional monitors to any Mac, take a look at Tritton’s See2 Xtreme external video card.
The MacBook Air, with its use of an LED-lit display, is supposedly spurring adoption of the technology all throughout the industry, due to its energy conservation and even lighting. According to Macworld, Apple's slender ultraportable – due to its aesthetic appeal – is spurring an almost exponential rise in LED use in devices ranging from laptops and desktop LCD monitors, to LCD televisions.
Hewlett Packard, with some assistance from DreamWorks, is announcing a new technology dubbed "HP DreamColor" that the company says will be a "disruptive" force in the market place. MacNN spoke with Jim Zafarana is Vice President, Worldwide Marketing for Hewlett-Packard Company's Workstation Global Business Unit and Jeff Wood, Director Product Marketing at HP about the new technology, which will purportedly pave the way for displays with accurate, predictable color reproduction at a fraction of the cost of similarly capable monitors and finally offer a transition route to flat-panel displays for graphic design firms (like DreamWorks) that have thus far been stuck with CRT displays.
Onset Computer Corporation today introduced the HOBO U14 LCD Data Logger, an environmental monitoring system that tracks temperature and humidity ratings in indoor environtments. The logger notifies users when environmental conditions exceed those specified, and includes both an audible alarm, as well as an auto phone dialer. Onset says the unit functions quickly over USB 2.0, and is selling the unit starting at $200.
DisplayLink recently announced beta drivers for the Mac for its DisplayLink USB line of monitor extension products, but said the drivers do not yet enable 2D or 3D acceleration on the platform. The USB device allows users to connect up to another four DVI or VGA displays to a computer, ideal for computers that do not have many monitor extension capabilities such as the Mac mini. DisplayLink notes that the devices require Mac OS X 10.4.11 Tiger or Leopard 10.5.2.
Kabateck Brown Kellner, LLP, a law firm out of Los Angeles, California, has filed suit against Apple on behalf of a class of users claiming that the computer maker "deceptively marketed" the 20-inch iMac by purporting improved display performance, though the device's monitor is allegedly of "inferior" quality. The suit claims that the monitors are incapable of displaying “millions of colors,” despite Apple's marketing claims. "Apple is duping its customers into thinking they’re buying 'new and improved' when in fact they're getting stuck with 'new and inferior,'”"said Brian Kabateck, Managing Partner of Kabateck Brown Kellner. "Beneath Apple’s 'good guy' image is a corporation that takes advantage of its customers. Our goal is to help those customers who were deceived and make sure Apple tells the truth in the future."
Crackatonic Projects has released Optimism 1.0, a health-wellness planning application that takes a pro-active approach to dealing with mental health. Optimism works by helping users monitor patterns in their lifestyle such as a person’s mood, exercise, sleep, and other potential triggers, symptoms or activities that may trigger depression. The program requires Mac OS X Version 10.2 or higher and runs as a Universal Binary for both Intel and PowerPC processors. Optimism 1.0 costs $19.95 and is available as a full-featured 7-day trial.
As part of Kaleidoscope's private eco-friendly venture, The Greener Grass, the Ohio-based organization has unveiled Current State, a system designed to help iPhone users monitor power usage in their house. The system consists of a series of pass-through plugs that sit between the power outlet and appliance plugs, taking readings of power usage, and sending them to a software front-end on the iPhone. Pricing and availability for the system were not mentioned.
App4mac today unveiled CheckUp 1.0, a new utility designed to check and monitor the health and behavior of a Mac, even from a remote location. CheckUp monitors processor, memory, disk, and network activity, and allows users to terminate any process that is currently being worked on by the computer. The software functions with PowerPC G4 or G5 processors, and any Intel based Mac. App4mac currently costs $50, and comes with a license that entitles users to install the application on two computers.
Arcosoft recently announced an update for VONaLink ScreenPop, its VoIP service enhancement software, adding outbound dialing restrictions. VONaLink ScreenPop works with any SIP compatible VoIP phone system, including Vonage and Asterisk. By hooking a computer that hosts the software to a hub, users can monitor and manage outgoing calls, preventing undesired charges and fees from unauthorized phone calls. Arcosoft is selling VONaLink ScreenPop on its website for $30, with a free demo version also available.
Samsung today unveiled its new series of 24- and 25.5-inch LCD monitors designed for entertainment and multimedia use. The pair of monitors support resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 with full 1080p HD resolution, HDMI inputs, and built-in multimedia speakers. Built-in multimedia speakers allow users to seamlessly participate in teleconferences or listen to videos and audio presentations without the need to use or purchase separate speakers. Samsung's 2493HM monitor is available for $600, while the 2693HM is priced at $700.
LaCie today announced five new devices at the CES trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company's latest offerings include the newly redesigned d2 Quadra, Little Big Disk Quadra, LaCinema Premier, and the Big Disk Extreme+ eSATA/USB. LaCie also unveiled a new 24-inch monitor designed for creative professionals, which is scheduled to ship later this month starting at $1,050.
A study conducted by the NPD Group today revealed that Apple owners are much more likely than PC users to pay for music downloads. According to NPD's quarterly Digital Music Monitor, in the third quarter of 2007 half of all Mac users had paid to download music tracks from sites like iTunes, but just 16 percent of PC owners had done so. What's more, Mac users were also more likely to purchase CDs.
SpectorSoft today began shipping Spector 3.1, a new version to its internet monitoring and surveillance software. The company says that Spector is the only such software available for Macs, and that it now supports Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. Spector is designed to take periodic screenshots – from seconds to minutes apart – and store them on the hard drive for later viewing. In addition to screen monitoring, Spector can also log keystrokes, allowing parents to view all chats, emails, and websites that were visited. Spector for Mac is available from several retailers, including the Apple store, for $100, with an upgrade for users of previous versions for $50.
Envision has launched a new widescreen monitor in its Professional Series, the E218c1. The 22-inch LCD is unique in that it not only incorporates embedded speakers, but also a 1.3-megapixel webcam, and an internal microphone with echo cancellation. These features are intended for businesses looking low-cost conferencing options; performance of the screen itself remains fairly high however, with a 5ms response time, and an above-average contrast ratio of 700:1.
