Click here to find out more! Dell needs a homerun with its fall line-up of consumer desktops and laptops

dell-1Dell is hoping to score a comeback with its latest line-up of consumer laptops and desktops for the fall selling season.

The Round Rock, Texas-based company is one of the first to unveil its new fall season computers, the first of a number of releases that are coming in time for the Oct. 22 launch of Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system. We can expect to see waves of new computers this season, which is a critical period for many computer makers, including Dell, that are counting on a big turning point in the recession.

If consumers go for these machines, then all will be well with the computer business. But if these designs fail to inspire consumption, there’ll be a lot of disappointment. Dell is counting on corporate consumers to start spending again in 2010, but it needs consumers to carry the burden of buying during the rest of this year.

Today, the company is launching new models in its Inspiron laptops (pictured above) and Studio XPS desktops. The Inspiron 14z uses several versions of Intel’s mainstream microprocessors and an Intel GS45 chip set with up to eight gigabytes of main memory. That’s pretty beefy hardware for a machine that will be touted for its energy efficiency. But the attention grabber will be its sleek look and one-inch height, since fashion is starting to matter more with PCs.

It uses the AMD Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics chip and has built-in WiFi. The models come with a 14-inch high-definition dsiplay and a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery that can last more than eight hours under light usage. It weighs 4.4 pounds with a DVD drive and is one inch thick. The Inspiron 15z comes with a 15.6-inch display, weighs 5.1 pounds, and is similar in most other features. Both come in black or red. The keyboards are designed to let consumers make better use of the function keys.

Studio XPS 8000 Desktop with PeripheralsThe Studio XPS 8000 and 9000 desktop models (pictured) are the new top-of-the-line desktops for consumers. These machines carry the XPS label that was once targeted at gamers but now means Dell’s top model for computer enthusiasts. (The Alienware brand is now the sole Dell brand for gamers). These machines are focused on entertainment: they have the new Intel Core i5 processors, though you can upgrade to the new Intel Core i7 processors. They have the Intel P55 chip set, up to 16 gigabytes of main memory, a choice of AMD Radeon HD 4350 or Nvidia GeForce GTS240 graphics, and a choice of a standard DVD read-write drive or a Blu-ray drive. The machines have the Cyberlink MediaShow Espresso software for fast video conversion and an HDMI port that can connect to a variety of monitors. You can access a media card reader and universal serial bus ports the top front of the machines.

You can pay extra to get an Nvidia 3-D glasses bundle to give a 3-D effect for games and other apps, if you also have a Samsung 120-hertz 3-D display. Dell’s decision to include this as an option means the technology is getting more acceptance now, but I still think it has a long way to go. Dell’s computers are available in 43,000 locations now. That means the once direct-shipment-only company is no longer religious about its distribution model.

So far, Dell’s comeback from its foibles of a few years ago is going well. Last quarter, the company increased its unit shipments worldwide by 17 percent, though revenues were down 9 percent from a year ago. Dell has more models coming through the month of October. But these new models set the tone for its new design approach: sleek designs, good performance, energy efficiency and choice. We’ll see if consumers find it appealing enough.














source:venturebeat.com/2009/09/08/dell-launches-fall-line-up-of-desktops-and-laptops/

Photo: Nancy O'Dell and Yoplait Pair Up to Educate Families on the Basics of Better...

Photo: Nancy O'Dell and Yoplait Pair Up to Educate Families on the Basics of
Better Bone Health
O'Dell Promotes the Importance of Calcium and Vitamin D in Your Daily Diet



MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Nancy O'Dell, co-anchor of Access
Hollywood, celebrity mom and author of the new parenting book Full of Life /
Mom-to-Mom Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Pregnant, recognizes the
importance of building and maintaining strong, healthy bones through a diet
rich in calcium and vitamin D. Along with milk and cheese, enjoying a creamy
cup of yogurt such as Yoplait(R) - the only leading brand of yogurt containing
calcium and vitamin D in every serving - is a good way to help children and
adults get the recommended amount of these two important bone nutrients.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/yoplait/39966/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090908/NY71386 )

"After my recent knee injury I recognize the importance of a proper diet and
exercise to help me get back on my feet," said O'Dell. "My family and I eat
healthy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, to help build and maintain strong
bones. Yoplait yogurt is a delicious and nutritious way to get both of these
essential nutrients throughout the day."

As part of the program, O'Dell and Yoplait will provide personal diet and
fitness advice featured on Yoplait's new Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/Yoplait. The tips will demonstrate how O'Dell and her family
build and maintain strong, healthy bodies.

Data reveals that adults are falling short on nutrients important for bone
health, with 76 percent of the population not getting enough vitamin D and 72
percent not getting enough calcium in their daily diet.*,** These statistics
reinforce the need for daily diets rich in calcium and vitamin D - vitamin D
is naturally present in very few foods (i.e., cod liver oil, fatty fish like
salmon and tuna, and in limited amounts in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks).
A report released in 2006 from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that
eating dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and
adolescence may help build strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures and
osteoporosis later in life.*** Calcium and vitamin D work together to build
strong bones, with vitamin D aiding calcium absorption.

"Yoplait yogurt is the only leading brand of yogurt containing vitamin D and
calcium in every serving. These nutrients are important for bone health," said
Katherine Brooking, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian. "Based on recent
research, it is clear we need to do a better job of incorporating both vitamin
D and calcium into our own and our children's diets. Yoplait yogurt,
specifically its Original and Light varieties, provides an excellent source of
calcium for both adults and children. Yoplait offers a large variety of
flavors to help the whole family meet their dairy, vitamin D and calcium
needs."


Product Serving Size Vitamin D Calcium
(% DV) (% DV)

Yoplait(R) Original
99% Fat Free Fruit 6 oz 20 20

Yoplait(R) Light
Fruit Flavors 6 oz 20 20

Yoplait(R) Thick
and Creamy 6 oz 20 30

Yoplait(R) Light Thick
and Creamy Fruit Flavors 6 oz 20 20

Yoplait(R)
Whips!(TM) Flavors 4 oz 10 15

Yoplait(R)
Chocolate Whips!(TM) 4 oz 10 10

Yoplait(R)
Kids Yogurt 4 oz 10 20

Yoplait(R)
YoPlus Yogurt 4 oz 10 15

Yoplait(R)
FiberOne Yogurt 4 oz 15 10



About General Mills
One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100
countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios,
Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El
Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales
of US$15.9 billion, including the company's $1.2 billion proportionate share
of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.

* American Academy of Pediatrics, Clinical Report "Prevention of Rickets and
Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents," 2008
** National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004
*** American Academy of Pediatrics, Optimizing bone health and calcium intakes
of infants, children, and adolescents, Pediatrics. 2006


SOURCE General Mills; Yoplait

Jodi Housman, Cone, +1-617-939-8384, jhousman@coneinc.com; or David Witt,
General Mills, +1-763-764-2487, david.witt@genmills.com








source:.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS127239+08-Sep-2009+PRN20090908

Dell Announces Endeavor Co-Founder & CEO Linda Rottenberg as One of the Inspiring Entrepreneurs for the Take Your Own Path Campaign

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Endeavor`s Co-Founder & CEO Linda Rottenberg was named one of Dell`s "Inspiring
Entrepreneurs" for the Take Your Own Path campaign that launches nationwide
today.

Take Your Own Path distinguishes entrepreneurs as "heroes," and is being
introduced in the U.S., Japan, Germany, China and the UK following its initial
successes in India and France. Linda receives this honor along with LinkedIn CEO
Reid Hoffman, Cakelove founder Warren Brown, and Sew What? President Megan
Duckett.

The campaign celebrates these entrepreneurs with joint local, national and
global exposure through a variety of advertising initiatives. It is also being
integrated with Dell`s online marketing efforts, expanding on the company`s
Small and Medium Business Solutions Center.

"Dell has always believed that it takes an extraordinary person to launch and
run a business. We understand the potential of medium and small businesses to
transform the global economy and the Take Your Own Path campaign underscores
Dell`s commitment to supporting individuals with a big idea," said Paul-Henri
Ferrand, VP of global marketing for Dell Small and Medium Business. "Today, Dell
celebrates the many achievers and dreamers who dare to forge ahead in their own
way with a view of how they could change the world, pushing boundaries and
ultimately, leading the global economic recovery."

"Dell clearly understands the needs of entrepreneurs who take risks and bet big
on business success. We`re excited to participate in this one-of-a-kind
campaign," said Linda Rottenberg.

About Endeavor

Endeavor breaks down barriers that prevent emerging-market entrepreneurs from
reaching their high-impact potential. Hailed by NYT columnist Thomas Friedman as
the "mentor capitalist" model, Endeavor identifies entrepreneurs leading
high-growth innovative companies in emerging markets. These entrepreneurs are
given world-class strategic advice, access to key networks and other tools that
will catapult them to success. With Endeavor's guidance they become
"high-impact" - expanding employment, generating wealth and inspiring others to
innovate. Often overlooked, these local entrepreneurs are now jumpstarting
private sector development in their countries.

As of 2008, Endeavor Entrepreneurs throughout Latin America, South Africa and
Turkey have created over 96,000 new jobs and generated over $3.15 billion in
revenues. For more information, visit www.endeavor.org or follow us on
http://twitter.com/endeavor_global.



Endeavor
Elmira Bayrasli
Office: +1-212-352-3200
Mobile: +1-646-491-2969
e-mail: elmira.bayrasli@endeavor.org





source:reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178716+08-Sep-2009+BW20090908

Dell gets in on Intel's new CPUs with Studio XPS 8000, 9000 desktops

On Tuesday, Dell officially announced its new Studio XPS 8000 and 9000 desktops. Aside from a softer, friendlier chassis, the new systems are also notable for introducing Intel's new Core i7 and Core i5 CPUs (also announced Tuesday) to Dell's desktop line-up.

Dell's new Studio XPS 8000 desktop
(Credit: Dell)

The new Studio XPS 8000 case looks similar to the Studio XPS 435 system we reviewed a few weeks ago. We found that system's rounded corners and gently curving lines one of Dell's better case designs, and we're glad to see the same style extended to other systems in Dell's stable.

Perhaps more technically interesting than the case are the new CPU options available in these systems. Starting at $799 with the Core i5 750 processor, you also get a 500GB hard drive, 4GB of DDR3 1,066MHz RAM, a DVD burner, and a low-level ATI 3D card. Its upgrade options include the new Core i7 chips and faster and better components all-around (including a GeForce GTX 260 3D card, an uncharacteristically robust gaming option for Dell's midrange line). The Studio XPS 9000 has all of those features, with more powerful graphics options available to entice PC gamers.

Dell is certainly not alone in introducing new desktops based on Intel's new chips. We've already reviewed a Core i7 860-based Talon from Falcon Northwest, and we will publish our review of a $1,299 Edge Z30 from Velocity Micro soon. We're sure we will soon be reviewing other PCs with Intel's new chips, although Dell is likely next on deck in the lab after Velocity Micro, provided Dell gets us a review unit in a timely fashion.














source:news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10346857-1.html

Dell's two new thin laptops: Inspiron 14z and 15z

Dell's new Inspiron 15z.

Dell's ubiquitous Inspiron line of laptops is getting a few new additions today, with the announcement of the Inspiron 14z and 15z. According to Dell, the "Z" designation for these new systems indicates, "thinner, lighter bodies, and long-lasting power-sipping batteries."

They also both feature 16:9 1,366x768 widescreen displays, and Intel's Core 2 Solo processors -- which offer much of the battery saving advantages found in low-power chips such as Intel's Atom, but with better performance more suited for a mainstream system.

Specs, according to Dell, include:

* Both 14-inch (14z) and 15.6-inch (15z) models are about one-inch thick
* Choice of Intel Core 2 Solo ultra-low voltage Core 2 and Core 2 Duo processors
* Up to 500 GB, 7,200 RPM hard drives
* Included DVD drive
* Up to 8GB DDR3, 1,066MHz
* Standard Wi-Fi and optional Mobile Broadband
* Choice of 4-cell (4-hour), 6-cell (8-hour) batteries
* Express Charge (4- and 6-cell batteries) are 80% recharged in 60 minutes

Both new models are available starting today in black or cherry red, and start at $599.










source:news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10346478-1.html

Click here to find out more! Dell launches series of new business laptops with up to 19 hours of battery life

August 12, 2008 | Dean Takahashi

Dell could really use a comeback. It has lost its luster in computing to the likes of Apple and Hewlett-Packard. So it struck back today with 10 new laptops, most of them new versions of its Latitude business laptops with as many as 19 hours of battery life. (OK, more like 10 hours of battery life; see below.)

The new computers use Intel’s new Centrino 2 chip sets which introduce built-in WiMax, a high-speed wireless networking technology that promises much wider ranges for connectivity compared with Wi-Fi. Jeff Clarke, senior vice president of Dell’s business group, said at a press conference in San Francisco that Dell spent two years designing the laptops and went through more than 3,200 prototypes. It used a kind of crowdsourcing for its design, soliciting ideas through its Ideastorm web site and working with more than 4,000 customers to design it.

Welcome to the Web 2.0 era of computer design. The laptops are aimed at a class of users dubbed “digital nomads,” who want to be connected anywhere they go. The company even started a blog site, digitalnomads.com, to target those users.

The new laptops include seven Latitude business laptops and three Dell Precision workstation laptops. The laptops actually have 9 hours and 45 minutes of battery life and an extra battery, dubbed a “battery slice,” that can be plugged in at the same time to deliver nine more hours. But the battery slice costs extra.

The Latitudes range from a 2.2 “ultramobile” version with a 13-inch screen to high-end laptops with bigger screens. All come with a backlit keyboard to see it in the dark. Other features include a magnesium alloy case, a built-in webcam and microphone, a lock-down system that protects a hard drive if the laptop is dropped, and the ability to track down or disable a laptop if it is stolen. It also has fingerprint readers and security features such as the “control vault” processor and memory technology that stores your identity and credentials on protected hardware. On the smallest ultramobile laptops, Dell will offer something new for a business laptop: color choices such as pink, red, blue and black. Dell is including global positioning system (GPS) capability as an option for the laptops.

Later this year, the company will also have the ability to boot to a virtual compartment, using hardware already built into some of the models. This gives it the ability to get on the Internet instantly or access your email immediately without waiting to boot the complete Windows operating system. Clarke said it will be available as a software upgrade before the end of the year. The prices range from $800 to $1,400; those are starting points for the various models of Latitudes.

I’m not sure this is going to do it for Dell. It’s starting to look like the differentiation in this space is based on the tiniest of differences: my colors are better than yours; I can figure out how to deliver more battery life than the other guy using similar components; I can protect a dropped or stolen laptop better. You get the point.





source:/venturebeat.com/2008/08/12/dell-launches-series-of-new-business-laptops-with-up-to-19-hours-of-battery-life/

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science

Established in 1969, the Computer Science Department at Stony Brook University is consistently ranked among the top quarter of Computer Science research departments in North America. A Gourman report indicated Stony Brook's undergraduate program was ranked 15th nationwide and 2nd in New York State.

The department is the largest unit in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and is among the largest on the campus. Our faculty and students work closely together in an open, collegial atmosphere. The department is active in many of the major researh areas in computer science with specialization in Visual Computing, Computer Systems, Networking and Security, Databases, Logic Programming and Deductive Systems, Concurrency and Verification, Algorithms and Complexity, and Computer Science Education. Our department is the primary participant in the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), a $230 Million High-Tech Center at Stony Brook and one of a handful in New York state. Our Computer Science major is accredited by ABET.

We are located in the Computer Science Building at the center of the tree-lined Stony Brook campus in the beautiful village of Stony Brook, New York, a residential neighborhood 50 miles east of New York City on the north shore of Long Island. Plans are currently being drawn for a new Computer Science building adjacent to our current building, and the new Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) building was opened in summer 2008.









source:cs.sunysb.edu/