If you’re looking for the latest in a gaming notebook at this weekend’s PC Show in Singapore, then Aftershock PC’s newest models sporting Intel’s new CPUs are surely worth checking out.

The homegrown company is showing off its X17S and X15S machines, which it says are the first in Singapore to have the faster, yet cooler-running processors. And they look slim and sleek – unlike most gaming notebooks. …

Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai (left) at Intel executive vice-president Tom Kilroy’s Computex keynote.

As if you did not get the message last year, PC makers are coming up with even more hybrid designs this year that promise to deliver the best from both a tablet and laptop.

Expect more of the detachable, convertible, flip, slider, rotatable designs that have characterised the most dramatic rethink in PCs in years, going by the new devices unveiled at this year’s Computex show in Taipei this week.

This year, though, these “two-in-one” gadgets can run even faster and longer while being thinner and lighter, thanks to Intel’s new “Haswell” or fourth-gen Core processors made specially for users on the move. …

The Surface Pro tablet cum PC from Microsoft will cost S$1,198 for a basic 64GB model when it ships in Singapore from June 3, weeks ahead of the original end-June date. A 128GB model will go for S$1,328.

The full-fledged machine featuring an Intel Core i5 chip and running Windows 8 Pro will attract users who have been holding out for a tablet that can double up as a laptop on the go. …

One of the things that has been said about the new Xbox One’s launch earlier this week was that it wasn’t “next gen” enough, that it was just more of the same.

Another charge was that Microsoft was slapping a PC into a nice box and branding it a game console. Both the Xbox One and the rival Sony PS4 unveiled earlier will use AMD x86-based chips similar to PC processors.

All this begs the question, why not get a PC in the living room instead?

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In these tough times, PC makers are still grappling with how much processing power and features to place in their Windows 8 tablets, just to compete with low-cost, low-power iPads and Android tablets.

The Dell Latitude 10 is one example of an either “half empty” or “half full” experience, depending on how you see things.  …

At the start of each new year, you inevitably hear about the end of the PC, if not the laptop, then surely, the desktop PC. After all, with all the focus on touch-based portable machines, who has time for that less sexy DIY PC you build with your own bare hands?

Well, fortunately, the desktop PC or the DIY PC isn’t going away. True, it’s not grabbing headlines like before, but for PC buffs, 2013 should bring interesting designs and more flexible uses of their much-loved machines.

CPUs are more powerful yet cooler and quieter, making a full-fledged living room PC truly possible now. Plus, with so many different designs, you’ll be glad you are building your own PC rather than buying a cookie-cutter design.

Here’s why 2013 looks interesting to the PC buff.
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Businesses have typically been slow to adopt any new version of Windows, and the newly-minted Windows 8 is no exception.

To boost demand for Windows 8 tablets among corporations, Microsoft has put together a quick guide to help businesses decide on the kind of Windows 8 tablet to buy. …

Local custom notebook maker Aftershock PC has been making waves lately with models that pack in the goodies while keeping prices competitive compared to big-name rivals like Dell Alienware and Toshiba.

The XM17, which I had a chance to test out in the past couple of weeks, proves it is well-worth considering if you are looking for a gaming machine that takes up less space than a desktop and can be easily moved to a friend’s place for an overnight session. …

Asus laid open its Windows 8 cards on Wednesday, as it joined the mad rush to push out as many new tablets, laptops and hybrids as possible with the new operating system’s launch.

Among the many touch-screen laptops, slide-out tablets and even a dual-screen laptop cum tablet, we’ve managed to pick out three that warrant a closer look. If you are looking for a new tablet or laptop, then the VivoTab Smart, Zenbook Touch and Taichi should definitely be on your radar.

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With Windows 8 just days from launch, one word is increasingly on the lips of folks in the industry – confusion.

While Windows 8 brings with it loads of innovation, including a touch-friendly interface, the various software versions and sheer variety of devices appearing on shelves everywhere could well have some consumers scratching their heads. Apparently, even some folks in Microsoft can’t tell the difference.

How do you choose between Windows 8 and Windows RT? Do you buy Microsoft’s Surface tablet or an iPad, or well, a laptop? What’s with these hybrid devices that promise the best of both worlds?

Here’s a quick guide to pick the right software and device.

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