IT Show 2012 - Notebooks/Systems, Networking & PC Accessories Buying Guide
You can't have an IT show without notebooks, PCs and networking peripherals. So no matter what computing products you are looking for, we've got you covered on the best deals that the vendors have to offer.
IT Show 2012 - Notebooks/Systems, Networking & PC Accessories
IT Show is currently taking place at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Center. Till the 11th of March, the expo will span five floors (1, 2, 3, 4, and 6), and its doors will be opened from 12 noon to 9pm daily. In this article, we'll show you the great deals on notebooks/ desktop systems, networking & PC accessories!
Buying Guide Index
IT Show 2012 Shopping Resources
Remember to check out the HardwareZone Tech Show Portal for the latest consolidated shopping resources and updates.
Notebooks
The latest buzzword with notebooks, is "Ultrabook". If you don't know what they are, just check out our comprehensive guide on what Ultrabooks are. If you're in a hurry, and want to skip the guide, then Ultrabooks are essentially really thin, light and powerful Windows machines, running on Intel's Consumer-Ultra-Low-Voltage (CULV) processors. That in turn means that they are powerful enough to run anything but the most intensive of 3D games, a pretty sweet trade-off if you are looking for extreme portability.
A couple of new Ultrabooks to look out for would be the entry-level ones like the Lenovo U300e, and the Samsung Series 5 Ultra 13-inch. If you're looking for an Ultrabook that is suitable for business, you may consider the Toshiba Portege Z830 (which happens to be really light as well), or HP Folio 13 (which boasts a superb battery life). If you simply want your Ultrabooks to look cool, you can take a look at the ASUS Zenbook UX31, the Dell XPS 13, or the glass-covered HP Envy 14 Spectre. More importantly, it is important that you get the best deals when it comes to getting a new notebook, so read on to see what we've got.
Acer (Acer, Level 4, Booth 8458; Newstead, Level 4, Booth 8236)
Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3
Ever since Ultrabooks have been unleashed upon the world, we were wondering, when would be ever be able to buy an Ultrabook that doesn't cause you to squint and spoil your eyes on a 13-inch screen. Well, you can stop wondering now because Acer has just what you were looking for. The Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3 15.6-inch Ultrabook comes with discrete graphics, optical drive, and a svelte 20mm form factor.
- IT Show Price: $1,298
- Usual Price: $1,698
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012 (worth $39)
Acer Aspire 4755G-2674G75Mn
Looking for a business laptop with the right specifications for your corporate computing needs? The Acer Aspire 4755G-2674G75Mn features a high-end Intel i7-2670QM processor plus an integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU to tackle your graphical computing needs. This 14-inch machine is also able to switch seamlessly to its discrete NVIDIA GT 540M graphics processor for more demanding 3D graphics tasks.
- IT Show Price: $1,298
- Usual Price: $1,898
Acer Aspire S3
The 1.35kg, 13-inch Acer Aspire S3 was the first Ultrabook to be sold in the market, and it gave us an idea of what to expect from Ultrabooks in general. Acer's choice of hybrid drives also deviates from the general use of SSDs in Ultrabooks from other manufacturers. Hybrid drives also ensure the notebook's affordability without sacrificing boot-up and resume speeds often associated with SSDs.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (1.6GHz) $1099, Core i7 (1.7GHz) $1299, Core i5 (256GB SSD) $1399
- Usual Price: Core i5 (1.6GHz) $1498, Core i7 (1.7GHz) $1798, Core i5 (256GB) $1598
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012
- More Information: HWZ Review
ASUS (Level 4, Booth 8220/8310; Newstead, Level 4, Booth 8139/8438/8498)
ASUS Zenbook UX21-E
The lightness of being an ultraportable is underscored by two important factors; weight and power consumption. The ASUS Zenbook UX21-E weighs in at 1.3kg (with battery) and has a 5-hour battery life when utilized under normal computing usage. Its widescreen 11.6-inch HD LED display ensures you do not have to squint while working on your office documents. This ultraportable is powered by an Intel Core i7-2677M 1.8GHz processor with 4GB of DDR3 system memory. Its 128GB SSD internal storage ensures a speedy boot-up time as well as offering ample storage space for your files.
- IT Show Price: $1,689
- Usual Price: N.A.
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security, free upgrade to 3-year international warranty, free sleeve case, miniVGA to VGA cable, USB to LAN adapter
ASUS N45SL Jay Chou Mystic Edition
Fans of Jay Chou will be thrilled to get their hands on the ASUS N45SL Jay Chou Mystic Edition multimedia laptop. This rig is powered by an Intel Core i5-2450M CPU with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 3.10GHz. Its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GT 635M graphics processor also features 2GB of DDR3 video memory to process more demanding multimedia tasks. Powered by ASUS' SoncMaster audio technology, its speakers are paired with a SonicMaster subwoofer so that audiophiles can have their earful of quality music even while on the go.
- IT Show Price: $1,298
- Usual Price: N.A.
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security, Jay Chou special edition 4GB thumbdrive, SonicMaster subwoofer, Jay Chou signature mouse and carrying case
Dell (Level 4, Booth 8230/8251)
Dell XPS 13
The 11.6-inch Dell XPS 13 is powered by an Intel Core i5-2467M 1.6GHz processor, coupled with 4GB of DDR3 system memory. Dell has opted to use quality manufacturing material as its keyboard housing, made of durable carbon fiber that keeps the machine sturdy yet light-weight. Its 128GB SSD ensures ample storage without adding unnecessary weight to the sleek and sexy ultrabook.
- IT Show Price: $1,199 (after $300 trade-in)
- Usual Price: $1,499
- Promotion: Mcafee Security Center (15-mth), 1-year CompleteCover warranty, limited edition Ted Baker slip case (exclusive to DBS credit card owners)
- More Information: HWZ Feature
Dell Inspiron 15R
This full-featured laptop is powered by Intel's 2nd generation Core i7-2670M CPU. Its free upgrade to 8GB DDR3 of system memory will ensure there is sufficient RAM for your multi-tasking needs. And you can also count on its discrete NVIDIA GT 525 M GPU to handle your graphics processing tasks with finesse.
- IT Show Price: $799 (after $300 trade-in)
- Usual Price: $1,099.
- Promotion: Free upgrade to 8GB RAM, Mcafee Security Center (15-mth), carrying case
Dell Alienware M17x R3
The Dell Alienware M17x R3 gaming laptop has one of the best specifications in this category. Sporting the familiar signature looks of Alienware, this particular variant sports a discrete AMD Radeon HD 6870M GPU with 1GB of video memory. This explains its more competitive pricing compared to models sporting NVIDIA GPUs.
- IT Show Price: $2,299 (after $300 trade-in)
- Usual Price: $2,599
- Promotion: Mcafee Security Center (15-mth), 1-year CompleteCover warranty, Belkin Evo messenger bag, 2-year limited hardware warranty extension, Alienware goodie bag, limited edition Garena game credit card and 4GB thumbdrive
- More Information: HWZ Review
Fujitsu (Level 4, Booth 8241)
Fujitsu Lifebook T901
It's hard to get excited over the 13-inch Lifebook T901's specifications sheet. It's got a regular 2.7GHz Core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM, 500GB of HDD space and so on. Even it's performance and price is nothing to shout about. However the T901 has got a trick up its sleeve -- a Wacom-made Dual Digitiser. In human terms, it means that when the notebook is in tablet mode, it's armed with an extremely sensitive pen and touch capabilities. It's clearly not for everyone, but if you decide that you need a tablet on which you can write on, this is the best one we've come across so far.
- IT Show Price: $3388
- Usual Price: $3688
- Promotion: Free upgrade to 8GB RAM, upgrade to 3 years warranty, Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Student, 18.5-inch LED monitor, carrier case.
Fujitsu Lifebook SH771
These days, it's hard to come across notebooks with a "Made in Japan" label, since most PC manufacturers have already moved production to places like China in a bid to cut costs. The Fujitsu Lifebook SH771, however, is still very much a product of Japan and hence its high price. But once you get past the price factor, you'll understand why it costs that much. Looks isn't its strongest point, but that's because the SH771 was made to be strictly utilitarian with its matte black exterior acting as a good fingerprint repellant. And if 1.4kg is still too heavy for you, you can always swap out the optical drive if you don't need it.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (2.5GHz) $1988, Core i7 (2.8GHz) $2588
- Usual Price: Core i5 (2.5GHz) $2288, Core i7 (2.8GHz) $2888
- Promotion: Free upgrade to 8GB RAM, Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Student, Fujitsu bar speakers, carrier case, (Core i7 only) upgrade to 3 years warranty.
- More Information: HWZ Review
HP (Level 4, Booth 8150, 8245, 8428)
HP Envy 14 Spectre
By now you should have heard about what Gorilla Glass can do for you. If you still haven't, Gorilla Glass is supposed to be scratch-resistant, and is used mainly on most of top-end smartphones in the market today -- until now. The HP Envy Spectre is currently the only notebook in the market that features the durable material on screen, palm rest, and exterior (lid) of the machine. This is HP's second Ultrabook, aimed squarely at the premium segment which basically means it costs more than your average Ultrabook. But for the extra cash, it comes with frills like Monster's Beats audio, an accompanying jog dial, HP Radiance backlit keyboard, and wireless audio on top of the usual Ultrabook specs like a slim form factor and SSD drive.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (1.6GHz) $1999
- Usual Price:Core i5 (1.6GHz) $1999
- Promotion: Free Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones ($420), HP HDMI-VGA Adapter ($49), HP Wi-Fi Touch Mouse X7000 ($79).
HP Folio 13
When the biggest PC manufacturer decides to their release of an Ultrabook, you'd think they'd have a really good reason. Well, that reason is the HP Folio 13. There's nothing outwardly spectacular about the Folio 13, and at 1.5kg, it even weighs more than the average Ultrabook. Even it's raw performance is nothing to write home about. However, the extra weight is due to the bigger battery capacity that the Folio sports. For us, this is a trade-off we're willing to take because an ultra portable is only worth as much as its battery life. And in the Folio's case, it is a spectacular 5 hours of video playing.
- IT Show Price: $1399
- Usual Price: $1499
- Promotion: Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, carrying case, 90-day smart care service plan, Beats Solo Headphones, HP Wi-Fi Mouse, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010.
HP Envy 15
Are you looking for a multimedia machine yet want something fairly affordable? We can't guarantee any thrills but the new HP Envy 15 is definitely full of frills: like the Beats branded audio (complete with hidden subwoofers) on the machine as well as an all-aluminum body. This sexy machine comes standard with an incredible 8GB of RAM, a 1TB HDD, an AMD Radeon HD 7690M discrete graphics module, and an Intel quad-core, Core i7 processor. With that much firepower, you can safely assume that this is a machine that the whole family will enjoy.
- IT Show Price: Core i7 $1999
- Usual Price: Core i7 $1999
- Promotion: Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, carrying case, 90-day smart care service plan, HP Wi-Fi Mouse.
Lenovo (Level 4, Booth 8358)
Lenovo Ideapad U Series
When you're the brand behind the famous Thinkpad line, there are things which you will definitely get right. Things like the keyboard found on Lenovo's U series of Ultrabooks for example. Just hammering away at the keyboard reminds us of the robust keyboards which you'd find on the business-flavored Thinkpads. And if that isn't enough, the Ideapad U series of notebooks are designed to look like folded magazines when closed up. The final feature which got us really impressed with this little beauty is the extremely good battery life (288 minutes while playing a video loop), which in our opinion is the most important feature of an ultra portable notebook.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (2.5GHz) U400 $1299, Core i7 (2.7GHz) U400 $1599, Core i7 (1.8GHz, 256GB SSD) U300s $2099, Core i5 (1.6GHz, 500GB HDD + 32GB SSD) U300e $1299
- Usual Price: Core i5 (2.5GHz) U400 $1499, Core i7 (2.7GHz) U400 $1799, Core i7 (1.8GHz, 256GB SSD) U300s $2299, Core i5 (1.6GHz, 500GB HDD + 32GB SSD) U300e $1499
- Promotion: Free McAfee Anti-virus Plus, upgrade to 8GB RAM, Microsoft Home and Business Edition.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Lenovo Ideapad Z470
The Lenovo Ideapad Z470 is an affordable multimedia machine that is capable of performing almost any task you can think of with its second-generation Intel processors and an NVIDIA Geforce GT 630M (2GB) discrete graphics module. That means buying one for the family is a no-brainer. The only problem would be having to retrieve it from another family member who is busy producing or consuming content. To make sure that you find a color that the whole family loves, the Ideapad also comes in blue, pink and black. The Z470 also comes with a free RAM upgrade to 8GB.
- IT Show Price: Core i5, $999, Core i7 $1199
- Usual Price: Core i5, $1199, Core i7 $1399
- Promotion: Free McAfee Anti-Virus, Free upgrade to 8GB RAM, 2nd year carry-in warranty, Lenovo Mouse
Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E420
If you're looking for a no-nonsense business notebook, one of the first brands you'd wish your IT department would consider is Lenovo -- that is after they took over the Thinkpad brand from IBM. But unless you're a high-flying CEO, you won't be getting the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 from your IT department. However chances are high that you will end up with a Thinkpad Edge E420. This business notebook is sleek enough to slide in your briefcase, while light enough for you to carry it around with ease. Besides having Lenovo's "enhanced experience 2.0 for Windows" to help boost start-up and shut-down times, it also comes with a very business friendly Thinkvantage Rescue and Recovery feature.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (2.5GHz) $1319
- Usual Price: Core i5 (2.5GHz) U400 $1499
- Promotion: Free additional 2GB of RAM, and a free copy of Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Business edition
- More Information: HWZ Review
Panasonic (Level 4, Booth 8108)
Panasonic Toughbook
If you are someone who travels a lot, and requires something to match your traveling lifestyle, then you're probably already considering getting a business rugged notebook with a good battery life that you can carry around with ease. Panasonic’s Toughbook range fits the bill, and the CF-S9 is just what the notebook doctor ordered.
With its decent performance thanks to its Intel Core i5 internals, great battery life and portability scores, the Toughbook is one notebook that stands out in a field of other business rugged notebooks, given their efforts in this business.
- IT Show Price: Core i5, 14-inch, $2999, Core i5 12.1-inch $2699, Core i5 12.1-inch tablet, $3199
- Usual Price: N.A.
- Promotion: Free Free Microsoft Office Home and Business and extra 2GB RAM
- More Information: HWZ Review
Sony (Level 4, Booth 8210)
Sony Vaio S Series
To be very clear, Sony's Vaio S series aren't Ultrabooks. They're thicker (23mm), heavier (1.7kg) than normal Ultrabooks which typically weigh around 1.3kg and measure under 20mm in thickness. However, with that extra bit of mass, you'd be able to fit in a full-powered mobile processor instead of the usual low-powered ones.
Sony also managed to squeeze discrete graphics into that relatively small frame along with an optical drive. Basically almost everything you'd need from a conventional weight, while maintaining a relatively svelte frame factor, making it a very attractive premium all-rounder machine.
- IT Show Price: 13-inch Core i7 750GB HDD, $1999, 13-inch Core i7 256GB SSD, $2799, 13-inch Core i5 500GB HDD, $1499, 15.5-inch Core i7, 640GB HDD, $1899
- Usual Price: Price: 13-inch Core i7 750GB HDD, $1999, 13-inch Core i7 256GB SSD, $2799, 13-inch Core i5 500GB HDD, $1499, 15.5-inch Core i7, 640GB HDD, $1899
- Promotion: Free Vaio Case, AND/OR Logitech Wireless Mouse, AND/OR upgrade to 8GB RAM, AND/OR X-Mini stereo speakers, AND/OR backpack, AND/OR Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Student, AND/OR Buffalo Cloud-Station, AND/OR Targus traveller headset.
Sony Vaio Z
Again, the Sony Vaio Z isn't an Ultrabook, but this time it not only has Ultrabook-like specifications like an ultra thin body, light weight and SSD, it also has other features that are impossible to find in the current line-up of Ultrabooks. The 1.17kg Vaio Z has got all of the connectivity and security options you need for work, but that's not all you get.
The Sony Vaio Z also saw fit to add in all the luxuries you can name, from a full HD screen and backlit keyboard to a full powered mobile processor. As for the Blu-Ray drive, it comes in the form of a Power Media Dock that also acts as a port replicator and houses a powerful mid-tier graphics card to crunch through graphical data with ease.
- IT Show Price: Core i7 (2.8GHz) $2999
- Usual Price: $3399
- Promotion: Free Vaio Case, Logitech wireless mouse and Buffalo Cloud-Station.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Samsung (Level 3 & 4, Booth 8301, 8321, 8328, 8488,8361)
Samsung Series 5 Ultra
Samsung mentioned earlier this year that they were going to concentrate on producing Ultrabooks instead of netbooks. With the introduction of the Samsung Series 5 Ultra 13-inch and 14-inch notebooks, you can tell they weren't kidding. Both notebooks are being set at cut throat prices that take a serious jab at other manufacturers.
But of course to get that low price, something's got to give, and the most obvious cut would be the reliance on SSDs -- which make up a large bulk of an Ultrabook's price. In the SSD's stead would be the more modest and cost efficient hybrid drives that gives you 500GB or 1TB or storage space, but the resume and start-up speeds often associated with SSDs.
- IT Show Price: 13.3-inch, Core i5 (1.6GHz), $1288 / 14-inch, Core i5 (1.6GHz), $1488
- Usual Price: 13.3-inch, Core i5 (1.6GHz), $1288 / 14-inch, Core i5 (1.6GHz), $1488
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, carrying case, 2nd year extended local warranty, upgrade to 8GB RAM (13.3-inch only)
Samsung Series 7 Chronos
The light weight and big screened Samsung Series 7 Chronos is here to spare you back from aches and pains once and for all. Both the 14" and 15.6" versions come with relatively powerful discrete graphics and slot-loading optical drives to handle all your multimedia needs. To make sure that boot-up and resume times are lightning quick, is an integrated 8GB ExpressCache.
- IT Show Price: 14-inch Core i5 (2.5GHz), $1788 / 15.6-inch Core i5 (2.2GHz), $1988
- Usual Price:14-inch Core i5 (2.5GHz), $1988 / 15.6-inch Core i5 (2.2GHz), $2288
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, 2nd and 3rd Year extended local warranty, Microsoft Office Home and Student, backpack
Samsung Series 7 Gamer
When a manufacturer is serious about penetrating a market segment, they will build some so awesome, and price it so well that consumers have no choice but to sit up and take notice -- of the Samsung Series 7 Gamer. At first glance, you'd think that the unassuming machine was pretending to be a business notebook, until you fire it up and start playing some games on its full HD screen.
Compared to gaming notebooks from competing brands, the Series 7 Gamer managed to outperform or hold its own when it comes to pure performance. When it comes to pricing, the Samsung Series 7 Gamer also managed to leave the other brands in the dust. That's why it's the winner of the Best Gaming Notebook award at our recent Tech Awards.
- IT Show Price: 17-inch Core i7 (2.2GHz), $2899
- Usual Price:17-inch Core i7 (2.2GHz), $3299
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security, 2nd and 3rd Year extended local warranty, Microsoft Office Home and Student, backpack
- More Information: HWZ Review
Toshiba (Hall 401, Booth 8143, 8361. Hall 403, Booth 8418, 8438. Hall 601, Booth 6137)
Toshiba Portege R830
Business notebooks are all about productivity, and you can't have productivity without excellent battery life, which the 1.4kg Toshiba Portege R830 has in spades. As the winner of this year's Tech Awards, the 13-inch Portege R830 makes sure that you can stay untethered from the wall plug for as long as 5 hours. The very well-built Portege R830 also has all the necessary security and connectivity features you'd expect from an all-rounder business machine.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (2.4GHz) $1849, Core i5 (2.5GHz) $1999, Core i7 (2.8GHz) $2249
- Usual Price: Core i5 (2.4GHz) $2099, Core i5 (2.5GHz) $2299, Core i7 (2.8GHz) $2599
- Promotion: Free upgrade to 8GB RAM, Norton Internet Security (1 year subscription), 3 years international warranty, (Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Business OR Port replicator) OR Free Toshiba Regza 7-inch Tablet AT1SO worth $799, limited to 100 sets per day.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Toshiba Portege Z830
Now that Ultrabooks come standard with Consumer-Ultra-Low-Voltage (CULV) Sandy Bridge processors, they're more than capable of handling everything you can throw at them (accept graphics intensive games). That means they can handle all of the tasks a business would require them to do too.
That's why the Toshiba Portege Z830 is such an attractive machine for constantly traveling executives. Weighing only 1.12kg with exceptional battery life, the speedy SSD toting Z830 also comes with business friendly security and connectivity features that gives the IT departments no reason to say no.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (2.3GHz), 128GB SSD $1999, Core i7 (2.8GHz), 256GB SSD $2599
- Usual Price: Core i5 (2.3GHz), 128GB SSD $1999, Core i7 (2.8GHz), 256GB SSD $2599
- Promotion: Free Norton Internet Security, 1 year local pick-up and return service, notebook sleeve, (Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Business OR Sennheiser VMX200 Bluetooth headset OR Toshiba External DVD drive) OR Free Toshiba Regza 10.1 Tablet AT100.
- More Information: HWZ Review
Toshiba Satellite U840
If you like the idea of an ultra-portable notebook that is easy to bring around and convenient to use, but simply can't get used to the tiny 13-inch screen, then the new 14-inch Satellite U840 is the machine for you. The 19mm thick, 1.59kg machine is encased in a gorgeous aluminum chassis, has a 500GB SATA HDD with an integrated 16GB SSD to make sure start-up and resume times are spectacularly speedy. Toshiba also made sure to price the U840 at a low enough range to make its overall appeal irresistible.
- IT Show Price: Core i5 (2.3GHz) $1399
- Promotion: Free Norton Internet Security (1 year subscription), 2nd year local warranty extension.
Desktops
Desktop systems are primarily targeted at users who do not need to lug their computuing devices around. These systems offer a chance for folks who opt to have the freedom to crack open their chassis to upgrade their storage options or to add more system memory. There is a plethora of choice desktop systems from established brand names like Acer, ASUS and Dell. Read on to find what good deals we have uncovered from these PC manufacturers
Acer (Level 4, Booth 8458; Newstead, Level 4, Booth 8236)
Aspire Z3801 (G63M45) All-in-One (AIO) PC
The Acer Z3801 (G63M45) All-in-One PC is aesthetically pleasing to be featured as part of your contemporary home decoration. Its 21.5-inch high-definition display features 10-point multi-touch input, making it an ideal addition for your casual computing requirements. Browse the Internet sans cable as the system features a built-in Wi-Fi 8021.11/b/g/n adapter. There is also a built-in web cam for your video conferencing needs. This sleek AIO PC is available in limited quantities, so do make it a point to visit Acer's booths for your hands-on experience.
- IT Show Price: $799
- Usual Price: $1,099
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012 (worth $39)
Acer Aspire Predator G5910 (i26MR162T)
This gaming desktop from Acer is one of the few sub two thousand Singapore dollars gaming rig on offer at the show. Its competitive pricing can be partly attributed to its mid-range discrete graphics card, NVIDIA GT 545 with 3GB of video memory, that is commonly found in such OEM systems. The Acer Aspire Predator G5910 comes bundled with a 23-inch HD LED monitor as well as a wireless keyboard and mouse. This gaming system is ready for your gaming needs right of out its packaging box!
- IT Show Price: $1,899
- Usual Price: $2,399
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2012 (worth $39)
ASUS (Level 4, Booth 8220/8310; Newstead, Level 4, Booth 8139/8438/8498)
ASUS ROG CG8565-i7
Sporting a liquid cooling system with an overclocked Intel i7-2600K to a clock speed of 4.6GHz, the ROG CG8565-i7 is a gaming rig that appeals to gamers and power users who need a trusted brand name like ASUS. This rig is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB GDDR5 graphics card and a set of matching ROG mechanical keyboard and mouse. Its display comes courtesy of ASUS own line of monitors, ASUS VE248H, a 24-inch full HD LED widescreen monitor. Keeping it all in the family for a good cause!
- IT Show Price: $2,799
- Usual Price: $2,999
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security 2012, Logitech Z103 speakers, shopping trolley
ASUS Essentio CM6830
This desktop is targeted at users who do not demand the rigors of gaming and other intensive computing tasks. The ASUS Essentio CM6830 is powered by an Intel Core i5-2320 CPU, a 2nd-generation Sandy Bridge processor, with an entry-level GeForce GT 530 graphics card. Paired with an exclusive ASUS wireless keyboard and mouse, this system is also backed by a 3-year local warranty
- IT Show Price: $1,199
- Usual Price: $1,499
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security 2012, ASUS wireless keyboard and mouse, shopping trolley
Dell (Newstead, Level 3, Booth 3001; Dell, Level 4, Booth 8230/8251)
Alienware Aurora Desktop
This gaming rig may be one of the rare ones available locally that are based on the Intel X79 Express chipset. The Alienware Aurora Desktop features a Sandy Bridge-E Intel Core i7-3930K CPU. It has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti graphics card with 1.25GB of video memory. Take note that this system is not bundled with a monitor; hence, do allocate some of your budget for an accompanying monitor to this monster gaming system.
- IT Show Price: $3,199 (after $300 trade-in)
- Usual Price: $3,499
- Promotion: Mcafee Security Center (15-mth), 1-year CompleteCover warranty, Alienware goodie bag, limited edition Garena game credit card and 4GB thumbdrive
Dell XPS 8300 Desktop
If you are looking for a desktop system with an AMD Radeon HD graphics card, look no further than the Dell XPS 8300 Desktop. This system features an AMD Radeon HD 6670 1GB GDDR5 graphics card and sports a 2nd-generation Intel Core i7-2600 CPU. To meet your audio-video needs, this system comes with a Blu-ray combo optical drive. Take note that this system is sold without any monitor.
- IT Show Price: $999 (after $300 trade-in)
- Usual Price: $1,299.
- Promotion: Mcafee Security Center (15-mth), 1-year CompleteCover warranty
HP (Level 4, Booth 8150/8245)
HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1150d
If you absolutely, positively need to get your hands on a HP desktop, look no further than the HP Pavilion Slimline s5-1150d. Its slim desktop chassis will not take up too much real estate on your desk while its innards are powered by an Intel 2nd-generation Core i5-2400 CPU and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GT 530 grapihcs card. Its operating system is Windows 7 Professional Edition.
- IT Show Price: $1,199
- Usual Price: $1,299
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security 2012, Microsoft Office 2010 Student Edition, pay only $59 for HP Deskjet 2050 A-I-O (PWP)
HP TouchSmart 520-1040d
If your love for HP extends beyond your office desk, you may consider getting your hands on the HP TouchSmart 520-1040d. It features a 23-inch HD touchscreen display as well as a Blu-ray drive. It comes bundled with an exlcusive HP wireless keyboard and mouse so that you can enjoy the system's multimedia features in the comfort of your favorite armchair.
- IT Show Price: $1,799
- Usual Price: N.A.
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security 2012, Microsoft Office 2010 Student Edition, pay only $59 for HP Deskjet 2050 A-I-O (PWP), pay only $199 for Beats Solo headphones (PWP)
Networking
The way we connect to the world wide web has evolved tremendously over the decades. Remember the days of ploddingly slow 14.4kbps modems? Well, those dinosaurs are now a thing of the past. Instead of depending on phone lines as the main networking medium, we now have cable and fiber optics broadband capable of 200Mbps speeds to serve our Internet needs. Of course, one also wonders how did we manged to survive without wireless transmissions (or Wi-Fi) in the past as well. These technological advancements also demand equally proficient hardware, at the consumer end at least, to optimize their blazing fast speeds. As such, it is important that you pick the right router to suit your broadband capabilities. For instance, utilizing an old N-router when you're subscribed to a fiber network is like listening to 128kbps songs with a pair of high-end headphones. So if you've upgraded to fiber recently, be sure to get a high-speed router (and preferably NGNBN-certified) to match your network.
ASUS (Level 4, Booth 8405; Newstead, Level 4, Booth 8498)
ASUS RT-N66U
ASUS will be launching its highly anticipated RT-N66U at the IT Show. Some of its key features include a beefy 600MHz processor and generous 256MB RAM to tackle heavy loads and multiple connections.Its $279 price tag also places the N66U squarely in the ranks of similar premium router models.
- IT Show Price: $279
- Usual Price: N.A.
- Promotion: Free Trend Micro Internet Security 2012
- More Information: HWZ Review
Cisco (Level 6, Booth 6138C; Newstead, Level 6, Booth 6101)
Cisco Linksys E4200
Powered by a Broadcom BCM4718 chip, the Cisco Linksys E4200 is marketed, not surprisingly, as a compatible companion to fiber networks. Theoretically, it is capable of top speeds of up to 450Mbps on 5GHz, and 300MHz on 2.4GHz.
- IT Show Price: $279
- Promotion: Free Wireless-N USB adapter AE 2500, optical mouse
- More Information: HWZ Review
D-Link (Level 6, Booth 6531 and 6351)
D-Link DIR-605L
This Wireless-N router features the mydink management portal software which allows you to configure the router from your supported Android or iOS devices.
- IT Show Price: $89
- Usual Price: $129
- Promotion: For a dollar more ($90), get this router bundled with a Wireless-N DWA-140 USB adapter
- More Information: HWZ Event Coverage
D-Link DHP-310AV
This recently launched 200Mbps HomePlug network adapter lets you use the eletrical wiring to share your broadband connection. The D-Link DHP-310AV features a compact design with a minimalist look and feel.
- IT Show Price: $34
- Usual Price: $55
Huawei (Level 3, Booth 3018)
Huawei E560
The Huawei E560 is a portable Wi-Fi hotspot you can carry in your bag or pocket. It is excellent for sharing your HSPA mobile broadband connection on-the-go.
- IT Show Price: $128
- Usual Price: $148
Corsair (Convergent, Level 6, Booth 6351)
Corsair H80 CWCH80 Water Cooler
The Corsair H80 CWCH80 Water Cooler supports both Intel and AMD CPUs. This closed-circuit water cooling system is ideal for overclockers who need to keep their systems cool during their overclocking exercises.
- IT Show Price: $169
- Usual Price: $159
Kingston (Active Foto, Level 3, Booth 3038; Best Bargain, Level 6, Booth 6302; Convergent, Level 6, Booth 6351; Cybermind, Level 6, Booth 6859; Yun Loong, Level 6, Booth 6111)
Kingston DDR3 CL9 1600MHz (4GB x 2)
Looking to boost the performance of your desktop? Try adding some Kingston memory. All Kingston products include free technical support and a free lifetime warranty. All Kingston memory modules are also 100% tested, meaning you get a proven module the first time, every time.
- IT Show Price: $85
HP (Level 4, Booth 8150/8245/8428)
HP x4000 Wireless Mouse
The HP x4000 wireless mouse features HP's Link-5 technology that allows its USB receiver to link up to five compatible HP devices. This mouse also boasts of a battery life of up to 30 months!
- IT Show Price: $39
- Usual Price: $49
HP HD-3110 Webcam
The HP HD-3110 Webcam is a true HD 720p autofocus widescreen web camera that is capable of recording videos with frame rates up to 30fps in HD resolution. such features make it perfect for video chatting, snapping photos, and creating, e-mailing, and posting video blogs.
- IT Show Price: $59
- Usual Price: $89
ASUS (Level 6, Booth 6753)
ASUS Z77 Motherboard Display
The PC that houses the ASUS Z77 motherboard. In case if you are wondering, the CPU powering the system is NOT the 3rd-generation Intel Ivy Bridge CPU. This showcase PC is located at Ban Leong Technologies, Level 6, Booth 6753
If you're interested in the new Intel Z77 Express chipset, do check out our First Looks article where we covered a motherboard featuring this new chipset.
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