Toshiba uses SpursEngine on Qosmio Notebook

The SpursEngine, which runs at 1.5GHz and 10 - 20 watts, is a multimedia co-processor derived from the Cell chip that powers the PlayStation 3. The co-processor does not replace the main processor in the computer, but runs alongside it, using its processing capabilities to boost the computers video-processing ability.

The Qosmio G50 and F40 will contain the chip. The chip will be called upon for process-intensive tasks like processing high-definition video. Toshiba says the new laptops will be able to upscale standard-definition video to high-definition video. On top of it they will be able to encode in ways that cut down file size by one-eighth and DVDs burn in half the time of current machines.

In a demonstration by Toshiba, a laptop with the SpursEngine had facial recognition for users that were in front of the laptop. It then applied makeup and hairstyles to the user. Whichever way the user turned, the makeup and hairstyles stayed and moved with the user. A second demonstration used the SpursEngine to search a video and break it up into scenes based on facial expressions.

These new laptops will be great for people who do video editing and do a lot of intensive video-processing. Toshiba intends to put the laptops on sale overseas but has yet to announce their availability.

Keep a look out for these laptops on our Toshiba Laptop Rentals page.

Voodoo Envy 133 Review

When Voodoo teamed up with HP they set out to make one of the sleekest and most innovative ultra portable notebooks out on the market and that is exactly what they have created. The Voodoo Envy may be more expensive(starting price $2,099) than its only counterpart the Mac Book Air, but what you receive in return is more ports, an amazing instant-on-mode, a replaceable battery and don't forget the Voodoo allows you to customize the laptop to your heart's content. The Voodoo is just a little bit bigger and heavier than the Mac Book Air, but it is not a considerable difference. It weighs only 3.4 pounds and is only .7 inches thick.

Another great feature of the Envy is the tiny power brick. This power brick will give the Voodoo Envy about 3.5 hours of power, but it also allows you to create your own wireless network with a range of around 50 feet. The Voodoo Envy is a top of the line notebook that looks as great as it performs.

Gateway P-172X FX

Gateway P-172X FX is a great buy for anyone looking for a mid-range gaming laptop with high end perks. first of all lets look at the specs for a the laptop. Price-$1,999 / Processor- 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme T8300 / Memory- 4GB 667MHz DDR2 / 160GB 7,200rpm / Graphics- NVIDEA GeoForce 8800M GTS / Screen Size- 17.1 inches / Weight- 9.3/10.1 pounds. The notebook looks great with a black and orange theme that really stands out and has that gamer feel. also this laptop is built specifically for games running unreal tournament at a blazing 91 fps. with the prices of only $2,000 the Gateway P-172X FX is a great buy for any gamer out there.

Gateway T-6828

Gateway's new T-6828 is a sleek new laptop for anyone looking for a budget laptop. The best feature that makes it stand out from other laptops in the price range is the free upgrade to a 2 year warranty. This is a great deal that we hope to see a common trend follow. Laptops are great and all, but they are never reliable enough for you to not have to mess with a warranty. The specs on the Gateway T-6828 notebook include 3GB's of RAM, a 250GB 5400RPM hard drive, 6 cell battery, Vista Premium, 2 year warranty, and an Intel Core 3 Duo T550 processor.(1.83GHz, 667 MHz FSB) These specs look ok, nothing really stands out to much from other laptops in the same price range, but at least you get a sleek new look and a nice shade of red and a price of $800 makes it not that bad.