Tag Archives: dissection

Computers, Mobile

iPad 3G Gets The Usual Teardown Ceremony

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Did you really expect the iPad 3G release to go by without a drop of an unconventional dissection? And even though it’s been only one day since Apple’s 3G tablet officially arrived to retail stores, it’s still pretty surprising how quick the good guys at iFixit has managed to get one of their own and tear it down all the way, down to the bone. It’s not that we’re completely in shock, after all we’ve already seen them doing exactly the same thing with the regular iPad, along with the FCC guys, not long ago, but it’s always intriguing to see internal parts widely spread in front of your eyes. Heading to the nitty gritty part, the iPad 3G apparently packs five different antennas inside (including one in Apple logo), paired with Infineon’s baseband processor, you can find in iPhone 3GS devices, and of course, Cupertino’s latest A4 CPU. For more parts and images, just click the link below and dive in, to watch the entire process step-by-step, toe to toe.

[iFixit]

Computers

Apple iPad Gets The FCC Dissection Treatment

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Say, did you get yourself a sleeky Apple iPad today, or are you one of those people who prefer waiting for internal components to first show up and then make a decision? If you got it already, congrats, otherwise you won’t have to wait that long, because the FCC people, that apparently do their job day and night, have completely teared down in pieces the latest and greatest Apple wonder just for you – and boy it looks HOT. Still, no nitty gritty details about the kind of chips and some other parts that make this tablet work so fast and load up things in a snap (although we do know about this Apple 1GHz A4 chipset). Having said that, you know, it’s just a matter of time until those internal specs break cover, courtesy of the iFixit chaps.

Update: The iFixit fellows have done it again. Here’s their tear down roundup: Apparently, the iPad’s memory is hidden inside this customized A4 processor which looks to be manufactured by Samsung. The battery itself which appears to be 5.5x stronger than any iPhone battery is big (a 3.75V, 24.8 watt-hour at 148 grams) and assembled from two separate batteries (cell mark: P11GA6-01-C01F and 741-00310A +) wired in parallel. On average use it appears that Apple has created a very economical machine that uses only 2.5 Watts, while the chassis is made of environmental-friendly recyclable aluminum and glass materials, free of PVC, BFR, Mercury or Arsenic poisonous metalloid. And speaking about glass, the iPad touchscreen panel is pretty thick, around 1.18 mm, compared to the 1.02 mm you’ll find in the iPhone. The hidden rumored compartment we thought that Apple would use for a built-in webcam turns to be an ambient light sensor slot and the empty void in the upper right corner belongs to the cellular communications board you’ll only find inside the 3G iPad. Display and rear case assembly are 350g each, which makes your iPad fairly ergonomic and balanced, while logic board is about 4.5″ wide, spanning about 60% of the iPad’s width. GPS is notably lacking from the RF/data cable (in non 3G iPads), but the 802.11n WiFi/Bluetooth Broadcom card is well integrated into the dock connector cable. Another image of  the 3G component is right after the break.

[via iFixit]

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Media Players, News

Apple To Significantly Cut Prices Of iPod Touch, Nano And Classic PMPs (Update: iPod Touch 3G Included)

With one more hour to go before announcing some new players, Apple is now reported to quietly slash down iPod Touch, Nano and Classic iPod prices on Cupertino’s on-line store, as follows:  iPod Touch – Apparently, the 8GB model is now priced at $189 (instead of $229), while 16GB version now stands at $249 (instead of $299), and the 32GB flavor is merely $279 (was $399 before). iPod Nano – The 8GB model will now set you back for $129 (instead of $149), as the 16GB Nano is now offered for only $149 (instead of previous $199). iPod Classic – Gets the competitive price of $229 instead of $249.

Update1: Turns out a new whopping 64GB iPod Touch version is now up and available for $399.

Update2: Looks like the $249 iPod Classic player is now being offered in 160GB storage. That’s extra 40GB to its predecessor.

Update3: So it seems a new iPod Touch 3G is out after all, but regretfully without a camera inside. Prices remain the same but the UI looks a little snappier than previous gen. Surprisingly, the guys at iFixit have managed to find a potential spot for a video camera, that Apple has probably allocated in the top of the device. That said, Steve Jobs already made it clear that Apple won’t integrate any footage features at this point. Stay tuned.

Update4: The guys at engadget have thrown themselves all over the “new” iPod Touch 3G, moments before it goes live. Hit the jump to take a look.

iPods-september-nine-pricecuts

[Apple]

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Events, Games, News, Video

Sony's PS3 Slim Edition Console Officially Announced, Goes Live In September For $300 (Update: Now Officially On Sale Across The US)

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Yes, we all heard about it time after time on recent weeks, but now it’s for real, as Sony finally makes the PS3 Slim edition official, at GamesCom show, ending up months of rumors and speculation about the new gaming console. And speaking about the slim console, turns out it will be available in the first week of September, worldwide, priced at merely $300 (that’s 300 Euros, or 29,980 Yen) and packing a 120GB HDD along with all the good features we know from the regular PS3. In addition, the slimmer version actually have clickable buttons on front, while sized 32 percent less than previous model. Furthermore, the new edition apparently consumes 34 percent less power and the bundle includes a wireless DualShock3 controller to comfortably rock your gaming experience from your living room sofa, as vertical stand is optional for extra $24. Sony will also release Firmware version 3.0, next to the Slim debut, so you will enjoy animated themes with avatars, some cool UI changes, modified friends lists and even a new status indicator, when running your brand new matte black console for the first time. For more details about the PS3 Slim announcement, the full specs, and some video footage to watch, hit the jump or pass the break.

Update1: Apparently, you won’t be able to play any Playstation 2 games with your new PS3 Slim console, which is a bummer (!) if you think about it, since not having a PS2 backwards compatibility will force everyone get rid of their cool games collection, but this way or another, if you keep searching for some cool advantages inside the latest Slim edition, then mind you this hot box will presumably support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit-streaming through your fancy hi-fi receiver. Huzzah!

Update2: Looks like Sony’s new PS3 Slim console is officially up and available across US retailers like Best Buys and GameStops (earlier than expected) for $299, so you can go down to your local store and get it NOW. Meanwhile, If you happen to have it at your disposal, already, and curious to see the inside parts of the box, hit the break and take a look, both at the image (one of few) and video footage that iFixit group has recently published.

Update3: A 250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII edition officially announced, set to be released in Japan somewhere around December for ¥41,600 Yen. Image is right after the break.

Update4: And moments after, Amazon.co.uk has listed a 250GB version as well, but this time you’ll have to settle with the ordinary black. Pre-order price is set for £285 ($455) and delivery is scheduled to October 1st.

Update5: Apparently, the 250GB Playstation Slim version is about to hit US shelves on November 3rd for $349.99, so you have only couple of weeks to get yourself this extra capacity-size edition.

sony-ps3-slim_2

Continue reading Sony's PS3 Slim Edition Console Officially Announced, Goes Live In September For $300 (Update: Now Officially On Sale Across The US) →

Audio, Internet, Media Players, Operating Systems, Video

Creative's Android-based Zii EGG Handheld Officially Introduced

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We’re not so sure what Creative is trying to do, and what is the final product we’re about to see in the following months, but one thing for sure, the latest Zii EGG handheld, the company has just introduced as an Android-based device, powered with the new “Plaszma” platform that was created for developers and OEMs, is really rocking our geeky brains with tons of high class features and updated specs that include a 3.5-inch 320×480 multi-touch display (Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display), along with up to 32GB of internal flash memory, paired with SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card), 256MB Mobile DDR RAM (similar to the iPhone 3GS), dual cameras for video conferencing, as the front camera supports HD quality, 3-axis accelerometer, a built-in speaker, a mic, and of course, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity are also included in Creative’s “StemCell Computing” project, to let you connect with outbound entities. Other than that, this amazing machine (which you have to admit, looks exactly like an iPhone), packs X-Fi audio processing and supports OpenGL ES and HD playback with 1080p video output (via HD cable). Creative says the platform itself is “market-ready” for OEM manufacturers and can be bundled with different outfits for retail price of $400, but until we figure out whether it will be released as an mp3 player, mobile phone or other alternatives, checkout the video demo after the break.

Update1: With so much potential, stuffed into a one small device, it’s just a matter of time until we’re going to see more neat features, demonstrating the Zii EGG phenomenal specs to the world, and as for a start, hit the jump to checkout the other video, introducing the Zii, running a racing game demo, using both its accelerometer and OpenGL ES capabilities.

Update2: You know the drill, first comes the introduction, then it’s the traditional dissection, which in this case is up, courtesy of the FCC report (and not a cracking group), that every company has to pass through, to ge its productst into the US market. Hit the break to see the inside part of the Zii.

Update3: And if web surfing is something you find yourself using quite often while on the go, mind you that Creative has officially chosen Opera as the main browser inside the Zii Egg. Good or bad, it’d be up to you to decide, once the Zii gets available.

creative-zii-egg-official

[Via DAP Review]

Continue reading Creative's Android-based Zii EGG Handheld Officially Introduced →

Hardware, Mobile, Phones

iPhone 3G S Gets Ripped And Dissected Into Pieces, Unveiling ARM Cortex A8 CPU At 600 MHz

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With only hours before iPhone’s 3G S version officially goes up on sale across the world, Rapid Repair gang have managed to get their hands on one of Apple’s few available copies around, and dissected it into pieces,  letting us closely look into the main components assembled inside, including chips, amps, processors and involved manufacturing companies, who helped Cupertino building this powerful machine. From their tear-down, we learn that South Korean giant, Samsung provides the SoC S5PC100 chipset, while main processor confirmed to be ARM Cortex A8, running at 600 MHz, with 720p high-def support. PowerVR SGX graphics also integrated within the iPhone 3G S, with 256MB of RAM, instead of 128MB on previous models.  In addition, we can see the NAND Flash memory, provided by Toshiba and Infenion is there as well, providing myriad parts of the phone. Hit the jump to checkout the comparison chart of iPhone’s hardware and Palm’s Pre, as more pictures available at their website. Also, feel free to start sharing your personal reviews, once getting a brand new iPhone 3G S in the following days.

Update: iSuppli says the estimated cost of Apple’s new iPhone 3GS for the 16GB configuration, stands at $178.96 to manufacture. Mind you, this price valuation, refers to direct materials cost, with no inclusion of other essential operational expenses, such as shipping, distribution, royalty fees etc, which add some value to the overall price.Check out their components and cost drivers table, after the break.

iphone-3g-s-dissected

[via RapidRepair]

Continue reading iPhone 3G S Gets Ripped And Dissected Into Pieces, Unveiling ARM Cortex A8 CPU At 600 MHz →

Computers, Internet, News

Archos To Introduce The Archos 9 Windows 7 Powered Tablet PC

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While technology world is at its first steps getting into the portable touchscreen era, French corporation Archos was always there first to come out with the most advanced and sophisticated media devices around, and as of now, it seems the company had done it again with yesterday’s interesting announcement of the Archos 9 Windows 7 tablet PC, which is literally a 16mm thick / 800gm of portable netbook device, made in the form of tablet unit that boasts an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen, along with Intel’s Atom Z515 processor, up to 120GB of storage capacity, 802.11b/g WiFi connection, built-in Bluetooth 2.1 antenna, integrated 1.3MP webcam, 10/100 Ethernet port, two stereo speakers, a microphone and even an optional 3.5G HSUPA WWAN support. Official release is scheduled for somewhere around September this year, while prices start at 450 Euros ($630) for basic version and up to 500 Euros ($705) for the premium models. Head forward, after the break, there’s a nice video preview from techvideoblog, together with a full specs table and some first hands-on images.

Update1: Looks like UK fanboys will be able to nab the Archos 9, either with 80GB or 160GB capacities, for 449.99 Euros ($735) and 499.99 Euros ($815), respectively. Still no word from the French about official release dates, but we’re following.

Updatte2: And word just came in, the Archos 9 tablet is said to be released in October 22nd, concurrently with Windows 7, starting at $499.

Update3: Looks like Archos 9 is finally up for a pre-order. With an 8.9-inches display on top and Windows 7 Starter onboard, this $549.99 tablet machine is one awesome portable device that will let you exult and rock.

Update4: We’ve added another Archos 9 image, this time dissected, courtesy of the US FCC that has torn it apart before approving the North American debut.

Update5: Despite previous announcements, it looks like Archos 9 tablet PC is now due for release somewhere around the first quarter of 2010, instead of mid October 2009. We’re not sure what are the reasons for this delay, but guess you will have to take it for granted.

Update6: The good guys at UMPCPortal were lucky to get the Archos 9, a month before official debut, preloaded with a 60GB hard drive and Intel’s 1.1GHz Atom processor inside. Too bad it runs the Windows 7 starter edition which lacks those nifty tablet features you can use in the Premium and Ultimate versions. Nevertheless, checkout their unboxing video after the break.

archos9-tablet-pc

[Archos]

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Games, News

Sony's PSP Go Surfaces Up Before Its Time (Update: Now Official – $249)

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It’s not that we were totally surprised when Sony’s new gaming console abruptly showed up in a June 09 Qore edition – after all, rumors are floating around for quite some time – Yet, having a first look on a future portable gaming device can definitely rock our geeky heart, which barely stands the endless expectation for the official announcement to take place. And with so many neat features crammed inside, It shouldn’t take long until we snack ourselves a copy or two. But until we’ll manage to fulfill this dream, you all should probably like to know that Sony’s new PSP GO – as for on the go – seems to be offered with a 3.8-inch screen display, along with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, rounded sleeky slider design and 16GB of internal Flash, expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. Other essential traits to be noted include a smooth integration with PlayStation 3 gaming console (full network support), thin-and-light body design (43% lighter than PSP-3000), “10-year life-cycle products” guarantee (meaning long term viability) and various new action-game titles like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid – in plan. With no pretensions to be crowned as a PSP-3000 successor and without determined price-tag given, all that’s left is a vague “This Fall” release announcement, which Sony executives were willing to share. And while waiting for this dates to arrive, hit the jump and watch the video itself.

Update1: Sony just announced the PSP Go at the E3 convention, to be available on October 1 in North America and Europe for $249, with a month later release in Japan. Turns out it’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than Sony’s first PSP-1000 console, as most other specs remain the same, with few surprises at the corner – like a built-in WiFi connection, a new auto-playlist feature which randomly plays your favorite music and called Sense Me, a new video delivery service, and a lack of the UMD drive, implying you’ll be loading your games either through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation’s network. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, you can read the full PR announcement after the break.

Update2: In case you were all wondering what will happen to your old UMD games, once getting the PSP GO, maybe you should know that Sony will be offering for purchasing digital copies of those gamese, but maybe – just maybe – the company will be generous enough to make it even free of charge. Stay tuned.

Update3: If inner parts will make you excited, the folks at levelup.cn have managed to get their hands on one of the few available PSP Go devices out there and as expected, dissected it into pieces. Hit the jump to see the picture or click the link for even more.

Update4: Firmware update 6.10 is out, and those of you who’ve managed to get their hands on a PSP GO console (even though it’s not officially out yet) will now enjoy Bluetooth internet tethering for remote internet access. Additionally, you’ll find a new SensMe feature that literally creates audio playlists based on moods.

Update5: It’s here. Sony’s new PSP GO console finally goes live and can be found at your local retailers for $249.99. Gamind Party !

sony-psp-go

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Computers, News

Sony Vaio P 8" Netbook Officially Introduced

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It’s CES time and plenty of announcements are making their way out, as the companies try their best to catch our eyes with new technoligies and lavish shapes. One of those products, which made us drooling all over the place is the new Sony Vaio P, an 8-inch netbook with an astounding LED-backlit 1,600 x 768 XBRITE-ECO LCD display, only 1.4 pounds weight and plenty of top-notch features, including Windows Vista onboard, Intel Processor (1.33GHz, 512kB L2 Cache), an integrated 3G WWAN capabilities, a GPS module, built-in webcam, track pointer inside the keyboard, 802.11n WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity and a battery that can provide up to 4 hours of use or 8 hours in case you’re equipped with the optional high-capacity cell. The Vaio P design is breath taking and you’ll be able to choose between onyx black, crystal white, garnet red, emerald green, or classic black flavors, somewhere around February, starting at $900 for the basic package, which houses 2GB RAM and 60GB HDD – Definitely not cheap, but absolutely worthy. Checkout the official announcement after the break, together with dissected image (courtesy of jkkmobile) and some videos (courtesy of engadget).

Update1: while US residents can only get the 1.33GHz CPU version, Japanese VAIO P models also offer the 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor, which is significantly stronger. Having said that, you should know that a 1.86GHz processor, along with a 64GB SSDis priced at $1,549, or even $1,899 in case you want the 128GB SSD option – Too Pricey !

Update2: Checkout the videos (courtesy of engadget) after the break.

Update3: Apparently, the Vaio P is getting even more colors to the already-impressive lineup, with Sony Style Japan uploading additional customizable flavors, including pyrite gold, frozen white, mesh garnet, layered peridot, and a dark brown keyboard – all priced the same. Click in here to make your decisions.

Continue reading Sony Vaio P 8" Netbook Officially Introduced →

Hardware, Mobile, Phones

Meet Your New iPhone 3G From The Scratch

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If you wanted to learn more about the main components that assemble your new iPhone 3G, the chips, the amps, the processors and the involved manufacturing companies, this is your chance to take a look at one the most detailed inside-views, as the guys from research firm Semiconductor Insights dissected the stellar handset into pieces, showing us who has done what. From the picture below, we understand that Infineon provides many of the components, including the GPS chip, the baseband chip, UMTS transceiver and the power management chip. In addition, we can see the  application processor, provided by Samsung and the power amplifiers, provided by Triquint and Skyworks, as Marvell brings the Bluetooth and the WIFI components while Toshiba is responsible for the internal flash memory of your phone. The rest stays the same as the first generation, with Samsung to supply the ARM11processor architecture, Wolfson the audio decoder chip, Broadcom the touchscreen controller, National Semiconductor’s MPL the display interface, etc. Hit the jump to checkout more pictures and to see the videos. To get a bigger view just click in here.

[via Semiconductor Insights]

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