Lenovo's Thinkpad Edge e530
http://bit.ly/intel-ivy-bridge
As the dominant computer chip maker, when Intel launches a new range of processors it’s big news. The latest is Intel’s third-generation Core chips – codenamed Ivy Bridge – which promise big improvements to laptops, PCs and Macs of all budgets.
The first Ivy Bridge-equipped models are likely to be pitched at the mid- to high-end market and the first shipments restricted to quad-core Core i5 and i7 chips. However, dual-core Ivy Bridge chips for ultrabooks and budget systems will arrive in the coming months, according to Intel. The new processors offer several technical improvements, notably 3D transistors derived from a 22 nanometre (nm) manufacturing process. The result, Intel claims, is significantly better performance and power efficiency than its existing 32nm chips with 2D transistors.
Intel is sticking with its Core i3, i5 and i7 branding, which means you’ll need to check the processor’s model number to be sure of getting a PC or laptop with one of the latest processors (see http://bit.ly/wikipedia-ivy-bridge).
On the other hand, as the new computers come to market, you’re likely to find bargains among current models with second-generation Core chips.
This digital voice recorder may be used with speech-recognition software
Olympus DS-2500, DS-3500 and DS-7000
http://bit.ly/olympus-dictation
Price: from $379
The new Olympus voice recorders for business start at the budget end ($379) with the DS-2500. It takes a 2GB SD memory card and has handy editing features, USB connectivity and dictation management software for Windows and Mac. Going up in price ($549 and $699 respectively), the DS-3500 and DS-7000 offer a two-inch colour LCD screen and integration with Dragon Naturally Speaking speech-recognition software (not included).
Garmin Approach S3
Price: $399
Want an edge on the golf course? How about a GPS watch with details of more than 27,000 courses around the world. Rugged and waterproof, the Garmin Approach S3 provides precise distances to the front, back and middle of greens on a one-inch touchscreen display. It also offers a Green View with manual pin positioning, distances to doglegs and lay-ups and printable digital scorecards for Stroke Play and Stableford.
