http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//samsungs-rf-notebook-its-a-range-rover-damn-it.htm http://apcmag.com//samsungs-rf-notebook-its-a-range-rover-damn-it.htm

If Samsung's QX notebook is the MacBook Pro and the SF is a shark, we're calling this one the Range Rover. It's a notebook with grunt. ]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:51:32 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-telstra-wildfire.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-telstra-wildfire.htm

Telstra adds another Android to its Next G family this month with HTC's Wildfire, which goes on sale from August 24 at $349 outright for pre-paid customers.]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:34:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//android-takes-the-smartphone-lead.htm http://apcmag.com//android-takes-the-smartphone-lead.htm

Handsets running Google's Android OS have surged past the BlackBerry and iPhone to become the best-selling smartphones in the US.]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-toughens-up-just-a-bit-with-r-series-notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-toughens-up-just-a-bit-with-r-series-notebooks.htm

Starting from $999, Samsung’s two new mid-size laptops sport a scratch-resistant finish, Core i3 and Core i5 engines and very un-Samsung colours.]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:57:48 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-opens-bada-developer-days-in-sydney-and-brisbane.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-opens-bada-developer-days-in-sydney-and-brisbane.htm

Free ‘developer days’ held in Sydney and Brisbane next week provide an introduction to Samsung’s new Linux-based smartphone OS.]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-debuts-q-series-thin-and-light-notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-debuts-q-series-thin-and-light-notebooks.htm

The 13.3 inch Q330 packs a Core i3 processor, switchable Intel HD and nVidia GeForce graphics into a tapered sub-2kg chassis for $1,199.]]> Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:32:48 +1000 http://apcmag.com//review-samsung-galaxy-s-android-21-on-optus.htm http://apcmag.com//review-samsung-galaxy-s-android-21-on-optus.htm

There's a vast array of Android handsets out there ranging from rubbish to serious iPhone 4 competitors. This curvaceous Samsung is more towards the iPhone end.]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:12:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//review-samsung-n220-netbook-on-optus-3g.htm http://apcmag.com//review-samsung-n220-netbook-on-optus-3g.htm

Samsung's N220 is a new netbook being launched into Australia through Optus, with 3G broadband built-in. We tested its battery life and also played with Jolicloud Linux on it.]]> Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vha-cuts-prices-boosts-talk-and-data-on-new-smarthone-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vha-cuts-prices-boosts-talk-and-data-on-new-smarthone-plans.htm

It’s game on for smartphone carriers: Vodafone and 3 boost the value their smartphone cap plans, plus Telstra drops the price of the HTC Desire.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:01:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//2010-the-year-of-android-in-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//2010-the-year-of-android-in-australia.htm

The iPhone 4's retina display and other evolutionary features will not be able to save it from Android domination within the year. ]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:02:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//galaxy-s-pro-probably-not-for-australia-says-samsung.htm http://apcmag.com//galaxy-s-pro-probably-not-for-australia-says-samsung.htm

Samsung exec downplays chances of an Aussie release for QWERTY slider version of the just-launched Galaxy S Android smartphone...]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:04:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-galaxy-s-australia-optus-release.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-galaxy-s-australia-optus-release.htm

Optus will launch Samsung’s second-gen Android Galaxy S smartphone on Thursday July 1st, ‘free’ at $59/month and selling outright for $849; a Telstra Next G model is set to follow.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-rolls-out-three-new-android-handsets-plus-wave-2-duo-for-bada.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-rolls-out-three-new-android-handsets-plus-wave-2-duo-for-bada.htm

While yet to release the latest Android and Bada smartphones in Australia, Samsung already has a fleet of new Android ‘Galaxy’ and Bada ‘Wave’ handsets on the launchpad.]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-readies-android-powered-7-inch-galaxy-tab-slate-for-august-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-readies-android-powered-7-inch-galaxy-tab-slate-for-august-launch.htm

Samsung’s tablet triple-play begins with the 7 inch Galaxy Tab, to be followed by 8 inch and 10 inch models, all running Android.]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:57:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-first-bada-os-phone-and-android-galaxy-s-for-local-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-first-bada-os-phone-and-android-galaxy-s-for-local-launch.htm

This month sees the Aussie launch of Samsung’s Android-powered Galaxy S as well as the Wave, which runs Samsung’s own Bada smartphone OS.]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:32:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-n220-3g-netbook-bundles-with-optus-from-50month.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-n220-3g-netbook-bundles-with-optus-from-50month.htm

Samsung’s Atom ‘Pinetrail’-based netbook packs 12 hour battery life with Optus dual-band 2100MHz and 900MHz 3G.]]> Wed, 19 May 2010 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-s-pad-android-slate-tablet.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-s-pad-android-slate-tablet.htm

Apple's got the iPad, Asus has the Eee Pad and Google is planning a gPad – so when Korean colossus Samsung put a slate on its plate, the name was almost a given!]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 13:27:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//your-next-tv-will-it-run-android-or-windows.htm http://apcmag.com//your-next-tv-will-it-run-android-or-windows.htm

Microsoft releases its stripped-down Windows 7 Embedded edition to run TV sets and set-top boxes, while Samsung talks up ‘Google TVs’ powered by Android. Get ready for the TV OS...]]> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:49:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-warns-on-health-risks-for-watching-3d-tv.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-warns-on-health-risks-for-watching-3d-tv.htm

Samsung warns against watching its new 3D TV sets if you’ve had a drink or two, are prone to strokes or epileptic seizures, are pregnant, unfit or just plain tired... ]]> Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:21:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//toshiba-working-on-windows-and-android-slates.htm http://apcmag.com//toshiba-working-on-windows-and-android-slates.htm

Toshiba’s tablet strategy puts a bet each way, with a low-price 10 inch slate running Android and a premium dual-screen (!) slate for Windows.]]> Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nokia-dials-up-new-social-networking-phones.htm http://apcmag.com//nokia-dials-up-new-social-networking-phones.htm

The trend towards enhanced ‘feature phones’ built around messaging and social networking continues with Nokia’s new C-series handsets.]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-pushes-warp-speed-wireless-broadband-with-wimax-2.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-pushes-warp-speed-wireless-broadband-with-wimax-2.htm

Second-gen WiMAX standard will be built for peak throughput of over 300Mbps, with lower latency and increased VoIP capability for the ‘landline replacement’ market.]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//up-next-for-apple-the-ipad-mini.htm http://apcmag.com//up-next-for-apple-the-ipad-mini.htm

The iPad is barely one week old and already rumours are swirling about a next-gen Apple touchscreen tablet with a 5-7 inch display.]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:30:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-to-release-slate-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-to-release-slate-pc.htm

Samsung is working on a slate-based device with desktop docking, which it says will have enough processing muscle to become the “primary device” for many people.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-the-ipad-is-a-glorified-mid.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-the-ipad-is-a-glorified-mid.htm

Samsung exec says the iPad is just a jumped-up mobile Internet device, with lack of processing power and connectivity being key drawbacks.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:19:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-looks-to-3g-for-its-2010-netbook-push.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-looks-to-3g-for-its-2010-netbook-push.htm

The Korean colossus is set to sharpen its focus on 3G-enabled netbooks and will shortly add Vodafone to its set of telco partners for mobile broadband.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:59:32 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-four-ebook-readers-for-aussie-release-starting-at-299.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-four-ebook-readers-for-aussie-release-starting-at-299.htm

Samsung plans to enter the Australian ebook market later this year with readers with screens from 5 inches to 10 inches, e-ink note-taking, Wi-Fi and support for Google Books.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//april-is-android-month-for-aussie-phone-vendors.htm http://apcmag.com//april-is-android-month-for-aussie-phone-vendors.htm

A fistful of phones running Google’s open-source OS are set to launch next month, giving Android a boost while Microsoft waits for Windows Phone 7.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vha-readies-new-fleet-of-smartphones.htm http://apcmag.com//vha-readies-new-fleet-of-smartphones.htm

VHA’s smartphone roadmap includes Samsung’s new Bada-powered Wave, Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10 Android handset and the BlackBerry Storm 2.]]> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:21:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-seeks-local-developers-for-mid-year-launch-of-aussie-app-store.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-seeks-local-developers-for-mid-year-launch-of-aussie-app-store.htm

With the countdown on for the mid-year debut of Samsung’s Bada-powered Wave smartphone, the Korean colossus is looking for local code-cutters and content.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-what-we-learnt-from-the-iphone-and-what-apple-can-learn-from-us.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-what-we-learnt-from-the-iphone-and-what-apple-can-learn-from-us.htm

Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software pointed the way for Windows Phone 7, admits Microsoft, but it sledges the iPhone’s UI as out-dated.]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is-android-ready-for-aussie-prime-time.htm http://apcmag.com//is-android-ready-for-aussie-prime-time.htm

Samsung exec says Android is suffering from “low consumer awareness” in Australia, but sides with Telstra that the open-source mobile OS is set to soar.]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-locks-out-windows-phone-7-customisations-from-htc-and-telstra.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-locks-out-windows-phone-7-customisations-from-htc-and-telstra.htm

Microsoft confirms that UI overlays such as HTC’s Sense will be banned from Windows Phone 7 platform, with carrier rebranding also being slapped down.]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:08:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-preparing-a-chrome-based-netbook-for-2010.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-preparing-a-chrome-based-netbook-for-2010.htm

Samsung netbook gets Chrome OS and might run Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-with-windows-phone-7.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-with-windows-phone-7.htm

Windows phones should no longer look and work like Windows PCs, says Microsoft, as it overhauls its mobile OS in a ‘last chance’ catch-up to Apple and Google.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:38:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-wants-number-two-spot-after-apple.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-wants-number-two-spot-after-apple.htm

Samsung wants its Bada app store to become the number two player in the mobile apps scene, but Intel & Nokia say the focus for MeeGo is “quality rather than quantity”.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:38:04 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oops-samsung-renames-corby-smartphones-for-aussie-release.htm http://apcmag.com//oops-samsung-renames-corby-smartphones-for-aussie-release.htm

Samsung’s global 2010 lineup includes two phones bearing the name of the convicted drug smuggler, but the names will be changed for local release...]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:00:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsungs-new-bada-os-wave-smartphone-and-app-store-due-mid-year.htm http://apcmag.com//samsungs-new-bada-os-wave-smartphone-and-app-store-due-mid-year.htm

Australia will catch the Samsung Wave, powered by the manufacturer’s own Bada OS and accompanied by Samsung’s app store, in the middle of this year.]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:46:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-n220-netbook-with-matte-screen-breaks-cover.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-n220-netbook-with-matte-screen-breaks-cover.htm

Intel Pine Trial power and a matte screen finish make for something different in the netbook market.]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//opera-mobile-10-makes-life-tougher-for-microsoft.htm http://apcmag.com//opera-mobile-10-makes-life-tougher-for-microsoft.htm

With HTC and Samsung pre-installing Opera Mobile as the default browser on their Windows Mobile smartphones, the newest version 10 ups the ante for Internet Explorer Mobile.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-details-new-bada-smartphone-os.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-details-new-bada-smartphone-os.htm

Do we really need another smartphone OS? Samsung thinks so... its new Bada OS will debut next month, with the first handsets and Bada app store due by min-2010.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//app-stores-converge-at-app-planet-2010.htm http://apcmag.com//app-stores-converge-at-app-planet-2010.htm

App stores are where it's all happening – so much so that the annual Mobile World Congress is launching the App Planet 2010 expo to claim slice of the action.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tv-deal-time-again.htm http://apcmag.com//tv-deal-time-again.htm

Free BluRay players, digital cameras, PVRs... it must be the silly season again, where TV makers are competing savagely for your Christmas dollar.]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-releases-n310-netbook-with-love-it-or-loath-it-styling.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-releases-n310-netbook-with-love-it-or-loath-it-styling.htm

Who says netbooks all look alike? Samsung’s N310 certainly doesn’t, thanks to the handiwork of Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa.]]> Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:04:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-shows-off-new-culv-x-series-notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-shows-off-new-culv-x-series-notebooks.htm

New Samsung notebooks have an unannounced Intel CULV CPU inside.]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsun-unveils-hard-drive-with-500gb-per-platter.htm http://apcmag.com//samsun-unveils-hard-drive-with-500gb-per-platter.htm

New Samsung Spinpoint F3 hard drives do more with less (platters).]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//now-theres-an-app-store-for-your-tv.htm http://apcmag.com//now-theres-an-app-store-for-your-tv.htm

US telco Verizon opens up the ‘Widget Bazaar’ app store for its fibre-optic TV service, adding dollops of Web goodness to the biggest screen in the house.]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:56:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-android-smartphone-for-aussie-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-android-smartphone-for-aussie-launch.htm

Next month sees Samsung roll out its full line of touchscreen ‘Icon’ mobiles, among them the Android-powered Galaxy Icon.]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:17:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//smartphone-chips-hit-1ghz-including-the-next-gen-iphone.htm http://apcmag.com//smartphone-chips-hit-1ghz-including-the-next-gen-iphone.htm

Less than a decade after desktop processors broke the 1GHz barrier, smartphones are set to muscle up. Among them will be devices powered by Samsung’s ARM chips, such as the iPhone.]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:40:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//smartphones-below-par-when-it-comes-to-voice-calls.htm http://apcmag.com//smartphones-below-par-when-it-comes-to-voice-calls.htm

Tests indicate that Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and even the iPhone provide mixed results when used as a plain old mobile phone.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-unveils-massive-173-inch-notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-unveils-massive-173-inch-notebook.htm

Massive Samsung notebook has huge screen and discrete graphics and unusually powerful speakers for a notebook. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sony-ericsson-well-wait-for-android-20.htm http://apcmag.com//sony-ericsson-well-wait-for-android-20.htm

Sony Ericsson is staying away from Google’s smartphone OS until it’s better at multimedia, which it says means waiting until Android 2.0 is released.]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 15:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-revises-netbook-hardware-spec-for-windows-7.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-revises-netbook-hardware-spec-for-windows-7.htm

Netbooks eligible to for the low-cost Windows 7 Starter edition can’t exceed a 10.2 inch screen or 1GB of RAM, although larger drives and faster processors are allowed.]]> Mon, 25 May 2009 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsungs-four-way-netbook-play.htm http://apcmag.com//samsungs-four-way-netbook-play.htm

The Korean powerhouse returns to the Australian PC market with a bang, unleashing four netbooks including a 12.1 inch mini-note and a 3G model.]]> Thu, 21 May 2009 23:54:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-brings-its-netbooks-to-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-brings-its-netbooks-to-australia.htm

Enthusiasts may no longer need to privately import Samsung netbooks once the Korean colossus begins local sales of its 10.1 inch and 12.1 inch models.]]> Wed, 13 May 2009 23:22:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-ultratouch-is-ultra-sneaky.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-ultratouch-is-ultra-sneaky.htm

What other phone lets you fake an incoming call, complete with pre-recorded dialogue, so you can escape from a boring meeting or social situation?]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 16:44:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-samsung-netbook-offers-larger-keyboard-in-10-inch-form-factor.htm http://apcmag.com//new-samsung-netbook-offers-larger-keyboard-in-10-inch-form-factor.htm

Netbook users with fat fingers, your computer is here!]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:18:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-releases-android-smartphone.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-releases-android-smartphone.htm

The consumer electronics powerhouse is adding its muscle to the Android platform with the touchscreen i7500.]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:34:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//freebies_retailers_desperate_to_move_lcd_tvs.htm http://apcmag.com//freebies_retailers_desperate_to_move_lcd_tvs.htm

And would you like a free notebook, Wii, second TV or holiday with your HDTV, sir?]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:35:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_omnia_sghi900.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_omnia_sghi900.htm

It may look like yet another iPhone clone, but the Samsung Omnia is an excellent smartphone in its own right, with a few surprises up its sleeve.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//solid_state_drives_set_to_blast_past_256gb.htm http://apcmag.com//solid_state_drives_set_to_blast_past_256gb.htm

Samsung and Micron are prepping 256GB SSDs for the mass market, while Intel lays the foundations for drives with “over 300GB capacity”.]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tvs_just_keep_on_getting_thinner.htm http://apcmag.com//tvs_just_keep_on_getting_thinner.htm

Time to throw away that existing LCD or Plasma --- it's a chunky beast. Or at least, that seems to be Samsung, Sony and Philips are thinking.]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:13:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_i780.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_i780.htm

Samsung's latest BlackBerry-killer offers all the high-tech goodies in a remarkably compact package.]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//its_a_touchphone_tsunami.htm http://apcmag.com//its_a_touchphone_tsunami.htm

This week sees LG and HTC join Samsung in unleashing touchscreen smartphones. Up next: BlackBerry ‘Thunder’ and Nokia’s ‘Tube’.]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_enters_the_touchscreen_race.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_enters_the_touchscreen_race.htm

New Omnia is a ‘smartphone with the lot’ – including several features which Apple left off the iPhone.]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:43:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//a_solid_lcd_tv_with_samsungs_usual_pizazz.htm http://apcmag.com//a_solid_lcd_tv_with_samsungs_usual_pizazz.htm

The imaginatively named LA40M81BD from Samsung is a 40in LCD HDTV with some serious stylings and performance to match.]]> Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:25:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//colour_laser_mfc_for_under_800.htm http://apcmag.com//colour_laser_mfc_for_under_800.htm

Samsung’s colour laser miniaturisation, first seen in the CLP-300 model, has been given a whole new swathe of functionality.]]> Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:44:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple_says_no_to_samsungs_hybrid_flash_hard_drives_in_new_macs.htm http://apcmag.com//apple_says_no_to_samsungs_hybrid_flash_hard_drives_in_new_macs.htm

... but says yes to Intel's motherboard-integrated 'Robson' flash technology for enhancing performance and extending notebook battery life?]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2006 07:39:45 +1000