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//intels-ivy-bridge-just-one-month-away-today.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-ivy-bridge-just-one-month-away-today.htm

With reports that Intel's next-generation processor will become available on April 29 in both desktop and mobile PC variants, the wait (and delays) just might be over soon.]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:28:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-in-2012-ivy-bridge-explained.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-in-2012-ivy-bridge-explained.htm

Using Intel’s own phraseology, its upcoming processor is neither a tick (a shrinking process of the previous design) or a tock (a major new architecture): it’s a tick plus.]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//overclocking-analysis-hands-on-with-sandy-bridge-e.htm http://apcmag.com//overclocking-analysis-hands-on-with-sandy-bridge-e.htm

Nothing pushes a new CPU to the limits harder than overclocking. We assess Intel’s new high-end Sandy Bridge-E processor line.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//extreme-cpu-at-an-extreme-price-intel-sandy-bridge-e-core-i7-3960x.htm http://apcmag.com//extreme-cpu-at-an-extreme-price-intel-sandy-bridge-e-core-i7-3960x.htm

Intel’s new Sandy Bridge-E processor tends to the extreme: in both performance and price.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ultrabook-consolidates-in-2012-intel-pushes-natural-interaction-alternative-form-factors-and-promises-75-new-models-at-ces.htm http://apcmag.com//ultrabook-consolidates-in-2012-intel-pushes-natural-interaction-alternative-form-factors-and-promises-75-new-models-at-ces.htm

If the Ultrabook is to hit 40% of the notebook segment by year's end it'll need some buzz, so Intel has come out swinging at CES, showcasing touch, voice and gesture innovations.]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//australias-second-sub-1000-ultrabook-shows-pricing-heading-south-at-last.htm http://apcmag.com//australias-second-sub-1000-ultrabook-shows-pricing-heading-south-at-last.htm

With yesterday's release of the ASUS UX21E and some canny launch discounting by The Good Guys, Australian Ultrabook pricing is finally edging toward some more approachable figures.]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:59:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-end-of-optical-dvd-less-mac-mini-a-sign-of-desktops-to-come.htm http://apcmag.com//the-end-of-optical-dvd-less-mac-mini-a-sign-of-desktops-to-come.htm

The venerable Mac mini received a significant upgrade last month with latest-gen Intel Core CPUs and Thunderbolt connectivity. But one feature wasn't upgraded.]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:48:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-macbook-air-showdown-new-2011-lineup-compared-against-2010-models.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-macbook-air-showdown-new-2011-lineup-compared-against-2010-models.htm

Been holding off on an ultraportable purchase? Wise move. Today's new MacBook Air trumps its predecessor in lots of ways. We explain why.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:40:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//christmas-comes-early-sandy-bridge-macbook-air-released-from-1099.htm http://apcmag.com//christmas-comes-early-sandy-bridge-macbook-air-released-from-1099.htm

Less than a year ago, Apple's redesigned Air took the world by storm, and that was with an ancient Core 2 Duo CPU. Now they've added second-gen Intel Core and cut the price too.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:52:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//prognosis-negative-the-death-of-the-white-macbook.htm http://apcmag.com//prognosis-negative-the-death-of-the-white-macbook.htm

With online reports detailing limited stock of Apple's white MacBook -- and new Sandy Bridge MacBook Airs expected to hit this month -- could this be the end for the white MacBook?]]> Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:13:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sony-beside-itself-with-new-pull-apart-vaio-z-series-notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//sony-beside-itself-with-new-pull-apart-vaio-z-series-notebook.htm

Sony's new VAIO Z Series offers a MacBook Air killer with a twist: the graphics card, Blu-ray drive and optional add-on battery are all on the outside. Say hello to the 4K Lego PC.]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:53:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//super-slick-gigabyte-ga-p67a-ud7-b3-review.htm http://apcmag.com//super-slick-gigabyte-ga-p67a-ud7-b3-review.htm

Looking for a high-end Sandy Bridge motherboard but don't want to have to sell your car? ]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:59:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sonys-imac-hitman-vaio-vpc-l218fg-review.htm http://apcmag.com//sonys-imac-hitman-vaio-vpc-l218fg-review.htm

Are slick looks and a high-end feature set worth the price? Decide for yourself, but this VAIO certainly doesn't pull any punches.]]> Sat, 04 Jun 2011 10:24:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-can-dells-new-xps-15z-slay-the-macbook-pro.htm http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-can-dells-new-xps-15z-slay-the-macbook-pro.htm

Dell doesn’t say as much, but its new aluminium-clad XPS 15z all-rounder is a stealthy attempt to snuff Apple’s MacBook Pro. We compare the specs to see who comes off best.]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 13:54:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-looking-for-the-best-17-inch-desktop-replacement.htm http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-looking-for-the-best-17-inch-desktop-replacement.htm

Sandy Bridge CPUs have made the contest between Macs & PCs that much more heated. Today we’re seeing which camp offers the best supersized 17-inch model to replace your desktop PC.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 16:06:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//toshiba-launches-first-all-in-one-as-a-digital-hub-for-the-home.htm http://apcmag.com//toshiba-launches-first-all-in-one-as-a-digital-hub-for-the-home.htm

Positioning its first All-In-One desktop PC as a central, multi-tasking hub for the whole family, Toshiba branches out from its mobile computer portfolio to take on the iMac.]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 15:37:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//in-a-word-drool-worthy-five-things-we-love-about-the-samsung-series-9.htm http://apcmag.com//in-a-word-drool-worthy-five-things-we-love-about-the-samsung-series-9.htm

Samsung redefines sleek with its seductive new Sandy Bridge ultraportable. Here's five things to like about the latest would-be MacBook Air killer.]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 17:51:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//overclocking-for-dummies-corsair-vengeance-ddr3-8gb-ram-review.htm http://apcmag.com//overclocking-for-dummies-corsair-vengeance-ddr3-8gb-ram-review.htm

Eight gigs is the new four, and if you're a casual overclocker looking at building a Sandy Bridge PC, this could be the kit for you.]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 08:54:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-cheaper-sandy-bridge-imacs-start-at-1399-2010-vs-2011-models-compared.htm http://apcmag.com//new-cheaper-sandy-bridge-imacs-start-at-1399-2010-vs-2011-models-compared.htm

Apple updates the iMac with Sandy Bridge CPUs, new graphics options, Thunderbolt connectivity, a FaceTime HD camera and more. We list what's new and compare the major specs.]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 10:38:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-to-bring-sandy-bridge-imacs-up-to-speed-this-week.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-to-bring-sandy-bridge-imacs-up-to-speed-this-week.htm

The rumour mill has it that Apple will be unveiling its latest range of updated iMacs this week, with the all-in-one desktop set to feature Intel's second-generation Core CPUs.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 15:58:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//retail-survival-guide-how-to-spot-a-sandy-bridge-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//retail-survival-guide-how-to-spot-a-sandy-bridge-pc.htm

Heavily discounted notebooks with Intel first-generation Core processors are being sold alongside those with faster second-gen "Sandy Bridge" CPUs. How can you tell them apart?]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:18:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-who-does-the-best-core-i7-grunt-in-only-13-inches.htm http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-who-does-the-best-core-i7-grunt-in-only-13-inches.htm

With Sandy Bridge levelling the playing field, competition between Mac & PC is again on a knife edge. Today we're searching for the best Sandy Bridge Core i7 ultraportable.]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:51:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//simply-outstanding-gskill-ripjaws-review.htm http://apcmag.com//simply-outstanding-gskill-ripjaws-review.htm

2 x 2GB RAM kits at 2,133MHz and specifically designed for the Sandy Bridge platform? Um, yep, we'll take it.]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//unbelievable-value-harvey-normans-40-off-toshiba-notebooks-is-the-real-deal.htm http://apcmag.com//unbelievable-value-harvey-normans-40-off-toshiba-notebooks-is-the-real-deal.htm

Believe it or not, this story is *not* an April Fools' Day prank. In an unprecedented fire sale, Harvey Norman is slashing 40% off Toshiba notebooks until Sunday.]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:08:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-who-offers-the-best-sandy-bridge-ultraportable.htm http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-who-offers-the-best-sandy-bridge-ultraportable.htm

With Sandy Bridge levelling the playing field, competition between Mac & PC is again on a knife edge. In our new series, we compare the new MacBook Pros to equivalent PC notebooks.]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:35:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//inside-fusion-amds-new-apus-take-on-intel.htm http://apcmag.com//inside-fusion-amds-new-apus-take-on-intel.htm

AMD's Fusion Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) are the competition to Intel's Sandy Bridge platform. We take the lid off AMD's pint-sized chips and look inside.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hot-under-the-collar-sandy-bridge-temperature-performance-claims-explained.htm http://apcmag.com//hot-under-the-collar-sandy-bridge-temperature-performance-claims-explained.htm

Do Intel's Sandy Bridge CPUs perform better when they're in a colder environment? That's the theory, and we put it to the test.]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:56:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-macbook-pro-2010-vs-2011-models-compared-spec-by-spec.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-macbook-pro-2010-vs-2011-models-compared-spec-by-spec.htm

To assess today's MacBook Pro upgrades from a technical perspective, here we compare the new 2011 MacBook Pros against their 2010 predecessors, blow-by-blow and spec-by-spec.]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-top-5-features-of-the-new-sandy-bridge-macbook-pros.htm http://apcmag.com//the-top-5-features-of-the-new-sandy-bridge-macbook-pros.htm

As widely expected, Apple's new fleet of MacBook Pros ship with the latest generation of Intel Core CPUs plus Thunderbolt (aka Light Peak), revamped FaceTime HD cams and lots more.]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:48:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-silver-lining-sandy-bridge-b3-chipset-fix-confirmed.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-silver-lining-sandy-bridge-b3-chipset-fix-confirmed.htm

Intel and MSI are spreading the good news: the Cougar Point revival is kicking off as the industry glimpses resumption of normal supply operations post Sandy Bridge's first hurdle.]]> Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:08:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//retailers-and-manufacturers-move-to-address-cougar-point-glitch.htm http://apcmag.com//retailers-and-manufacturers-move-to-address-cougar-point-glitch.htm

Now that the chipset problem has been officially acknowledged by Intel, the rest of the industry is shifting into damage control mode in order to contain the repercussions.]]> Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:19:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-cougar-point-recall-what-we-know-so-far-whos-affected-and-how-bad-is-it.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-cougar-point-recall-what-we-know-so-far-whos-affected-and-how-bad-is-it.htm

The Sandy Bridge CPU rollout is about as big as tech launches get, but even Intel isn't safe from "early adopter syndrome", as the fallout over the Cougar Point glitch continues.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:28:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sandy-bridge-video-transcoding.htm http://apcmag.com//sandy-bridge-video-transcoding.htm

Watch a video comparison demonstrating the transcoding power of a 2nd generation Core processor, which literaly annihilates that of previous CPUs.]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:16:32 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first-look-sandy-bridge-motherboards.htm http://apcmag.com//first-look-sandy-bridge-motherboards.htm

Intel has shown off some tiny mini-ITX motherboards compatible with Sandy Bridge CPUs, including a surprisingly thin cooling fan which should allow even smaller PCs. ]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:13:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-shows-sandy-bridge-cpu-at-49ghz.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-shows-sandy-bridge-cpu-at-49ghz.htm

Intel has demonstrated one of its new Sandy Bridge enthusiast desktop CPUs overclocked to 4.9GHz, with air-cooling only.]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:49:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sandy-bridge-cpus-can-turbo-boost-all-four-cores.htm http://apcmag.com//sandy-bridge-cpus-can-turbo-boost-all-four-cores.htm

Intel's new "Second Generation Core Processors" -- codenamed Sandy Bridge -- can bump up the clock speed on all the cores, not just one.]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 05:28:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-mobile-cpu-roadmap-reveals-revved-up-core-i7-laptops.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-mobile-cpu-roadmap-reveals-revved-up-core-i7-laptops.htm

Leaked slides from Intel’s mobile processor roadmap show the Core i7 remains star of the show, hitting 2.8GHz in a standard dual-core chassis and 1.46GHz in ULV versions.]]> Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:25:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-preps-new-sandy-bridge-processor-wave-for-core-2011.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-preps-new-sandy-bridge-processor-wave-for-core-2011.htm

All-new 32nm design will replace the Nehalem microarchitecture for desktops and laptops in Intel’s Core 2011 processor launch.]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:06:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-ups-the-core-count.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-ups-the-core-count.htm

Today’s launch of the Nehalem EX-based Xeon series introduces the chipmaker’s first eight-core processor, and foretells a push beyond quad-core in the mainstream space.]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:18:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first_look_intel_core_i7_and_x58_express_chipset.htm http://apcmag.com//first_look_intel_core_i7_and_x58_express_chipset.htm

This smoking new CPU from Intel does away with Frontside Bus altogether and brings a technology back from the dead. ]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +1000