Computer and Technology

Toshiba late Thursday introduced the Satellite E205 notebook, a next-generation "thin and light" notebook that features distinctive styling as well as performance-based specs and support for Intel's Wireless Display technology. As the second collaboration between Toshiba and Best Buy, the notebook will be marketed under the retailer’s "Blue Label" initiative and includes the recently announced Intel Wireless Display technology, which makes it possible for consumers to wirelessly connect the notebook to a TV (via an adapter).

Offered exclusively at Best Buy stores nationwide, the Satellite E205 notebook features an stylish metallic-blue case that weighs 5.1 pounds and measures only 1.2-inches thick. It features the newly announced Intel Core i5-430M processor with Turbo Boost Technology as well.

The notebook has a 14-inch diagonal widescreen LED-backlit display, an LED-backlit keyboard, TouchPad with Multi-touch Control and a sleek integrated slot-loading DVD drive. The Satellite E205 also features a 500GB hard drive, 4GB of DDR3 RAM4, Windows 7 Home Premium, Wireless-N Wi-Fi, an HDMI port and a battery life of up to six hours. It also comes with a standard two-year Toshiba international limited warranty. The Satellite E205 will be available on January 17 at Best Buy stores nationwide.

Earlier on Thursday, Toshiba announced new Satellite, Tecra- and Qosmio-brand notebooks equipped with a range of processor options from the 2010 Intel Core processor family. Toshiba said it would offer the Intel Core i3-330M processor across six Satellite series consumer notebooks, as well as in select configurations of the Tecra series business offerings at entry-level price points. Notebooks equipped with the Intel Core i5-430M1 processor and Intel Turbo Boost Technology will be available across Toshiba’s Satellite, Qosmio and Tecra series, while three models from its Satellite and Qosmio series, and select configurations of its Tecra series, will get the new Intel Core i7-720QM1 processor.

Samsung confirmed rumors Sunday night by launching the NX10. The camera is its first mirrorless pro body and, like Micro Four Thirds cameras, holds a DSLR-sized sensor (APS-C) and uses swappable lenses but doesn't carry as much bulk. Moving to the 14.6-megapixel CMOS imager also gives it much better sensitivity and lower noise.

The Korean company also claims distinct advantages over the other cameras in the NX10's class: the 3-inch AMOLED preview screen provides much higher color accuracy and contrast, eliminates ghosting and is viewable from a much wider angle. Autofocusing is equally said to be considerably faster than other mirrorless interchangeable systems and has speed closer to a DSLR's normal focusing but the accuracy of a contrast-based system, which is normally found in point-and-shoots and DSLRs' live view modes.

Light sensitivity on the camera ranges between ISO 100 and 3,200, though a Smart Range feature helps improve the dynamic range to restore detail in overly bright or dark scenes. HD is a cornerstone of the NX10 as it can shoot 720p videos in H.264 and has an HDMI output; image stabilization is available through the lens, and the sensor has automatic dust removal.

The cost of the camera hasn't been detailed at this early stage, but Samsung hopes to ship the NX10 in black and silver colors by the spring and will have an 18-55mm lens as one of its options.

Getting used to using your keyboard exclusively and leaving your mouse behind will make you much more efficient at performing any task on any Windows system. I use the following keyboard shortcuts every day: