PC Show 2010 Coverage - Part 1

You've seen our preview coverage but still can't make up your mind. You fear the inevitable crowds that make shopping a hassle. Well fret not, with our coverage of PC Show 2010, you'll be able to get the best deals before you make up your mind on what to buy!

By Team HardwareZone - 10 Jun 2010

PC Show 2010

The Great Singapore Sale may appeal to the ladies, but we all know that PC Show 2010 will appeal to everyone that's interested in gadgets, and we're thinking there's just no better time than now to get your latest electronic gadgets. As usual, we've popped down to Suntec City, where the PC Show 2010 will be held from 10th June to 13th June to get you the best deals and information to save you money! Here's our own video highlights of the show to get you started:-

If you're the sort that want to wait till the last day, fret not as we have an online repository of the brochures collected during the show for you to compare and get a better deal. There are a lot of brochures, so you can always rely on our coverage to get a better idea on what to focus on. Also, be sure to check out what the forum users are saying about the deals at PC Show or check out our Twitter feed for our live coverage while we were at the event earlier on.

Get real-time updates of the latest bargains over at our HardwareZone Twitter page. As usual, we're looking forward to your questions and contributions for PC Show 2010 so add in the #pcshow tag if you spot any great deals when you're there! Let the buying frenzy start!

Our tech and bargain-savvy community is already abuzz about PC Show 2010 at our PC Show 2010 forum. So, before venturing to Suntec City, drop in on the discussions and latest news.

For those of you who would like to see all the show brochures, check out our HardwareZone PC Show 2010 Brochure Download section.

AMD's Booth

For the very first time ever, AMD puts up a booth at an IT fair to showcases a variety of notebooks powered by its AMD Phenom II, Turion II and Neo series of processors. Situated at Level 4, it's certainly a big hurrah for AMD fans!

The Acer Aspire 4551G is loaded with the AMD Phenom II X3 triple-core mobile processor N830 (2.1GHz, 1.5MB L2 cache) and comes with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium. Priced at $1,398 (usual price $1,598), you'll also get 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB HDD and a 14-inch display.

Portability will be the Acer FO200's unique selling point, with its AMD Athlon X2 dual-core processor L310 (1.2GHz, 1MB L2 cache) and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit accompanying it. The FO200 also comes with 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD and a 11.6-inch display for $1,298 (usual price $1,598).

The Toshiba Satellite L645-1056X is powered by AMD's Phenom II triple-core P820 (1.8GHz) processor and loaded with Microsoft's Windows 7 Home Premium. For $1,399, other add-ons for this 14-inch notebook includes a 640GB SATA HDD and 4GB DDR3 RAM.

One of the best buys at the AMD booth is the Lenovo ThinkPad X100e, priced at $799. For that price, you get an ultraportable notebook with an AMD Athlon Neo processor MV-40 (1.6GHz, 512KB L2 cache), Windows 7 Professional, 2GH DDR2 RAM and a 250GB SATA HDD.

Traditionally, Compaq notebooks have been one of the more affordable range. At the AMD booth, we saw the Compaq Presario CQ40, which comes with an AMD Turio Ultra ZM85 (2.3GHz) processor, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD and a 14-inch screen. All that, for $1,099.

A.C. Ryan and KJC

Forget tulips and windmills - the Dutch can do great video when they feel like it. Rotterdam-based outfit A.C. Ryan is well known for their range of nifty digital video recorders.

The Playon!HD and Playon!HD mini are media players that support a whole bunch of formats plus NAS functions, uPNP streaming and more. The larger one does BitTorrent downloading, an internal 3.5" SATA HDD and a media card slot and will set you back $349 with 1.5TB built-in. The mini's compact size and fewer features mean a more compact price of $175. Both come with an HDMI cable.

For the record, the Playon!HD and HD support Xvid, DivX, RMVB and Blu-Ray ISO among other formats. They will read files from SD/MMC and Memory Stick (for the card-reader equipped larger HD) and USB mass storage devices for both HD and the HD mini. Video outputs are YPbPr and HDMI (obviously.)

KJC

KJC distributes the well-known i.Tech range of Bluetooth headsets as well as other spiffy accessories that protect and charge iPhones, and this year they are awash with World Cup fever, as you can see!

The KJC booth stocks a good range of Viva cases and MiLi power packs for the iPhone. Of course, the main attraction has got to be the World Cup 2010-themed i.Tech Bluetooth headset range!

Wear your heart on your sleeve... and your allegiance on your ear! The $78 VoiceClip 604 now comes in a wide range of national colours to help you get out support for your favourite football team. This headset lets you talk for up to 8 hours, and it stands by for up to 7 days.

Among other offerings that caught our eye were the FM radio-equipped Clip radio 602 for an astounding $29.

A wide range of clearance specials are also available, and they ought to sell like really hot cakes.

ASUS

Those looking for a stylish netbook can find solace in the Eee PC Seashell 1001PX netbook - a power machine with an Intel Atom N450 CPU, a 10.1" LED Backlit WSVGA screen, and a 250GB HDD. Going price is at $498, with free 2nd year local warranty.

A decent notebook like the 13.3" LED UL30Vt can tide you through hours of gaming and surfing - the gadget comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU7300 CPU, pre-installed with the Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium and an NVIDIA Geforce G210M with 512MB dedicated DDR3 VRAM. At $1298 with freebies like the Norman Security Suite, an ASUS External DVD drive, a notebook bag, and an optical mouse, it is a bargain.

The ultimate gaming companion, the ASUS G51Jx notebook comes with top-note NVIDA GeForce extreme performance GTS360M graphics cards, the latest Intel Core i7 quad core, and 3D audio surround sound with EAX Advanced HD 4.0 for an all-round visual-auditory experience. Available at $2998, your purchase will come with a free gaming headset, a gaming mouse, a gaming back pack, upgrade to 8GB RAM, the Norman Security Suite, and 1TB 3.5" External HDD.

A scene-stealer, the striking ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1008P Karim Rashid Collection netbook might be up your alley if you like your gadgets to look swanky. Covered with an elegant seashell cover with a thickness of 1", the netbook comes with relatively good specs like a 10.1" LED Backlight WSVGA screen, a 250GB HDD, and up to 6-hour battery life. $798 for on-the-go convenience is not such a high price to pay as it comes with a free 2nd battery.

AIO PCs are fast gaining popularity due to their sleekness, and the ASUS EeeTop PC 2203T is one model you should look out for if you are willing to shell out some cash. The powerhouse comes with a 21.6" 16:9 Widescreen Touch Screen, ATI Radeon HD 4570 256MB graphics card, and more. Freebies include the Norman Security Suite, headphones and mouse.

Ban Leong (UE, Razer, Trend Micro)

As one of Singapore's largest distributor of electronic products, Ban Leong has a host of offers awaiting visitors. Also, spend a minimum of $20 and stand a chance to win an Apple iPad.

The range-topping UE TripeFi 10 featuring three miniature drivers is now going for $519 (U.P. $649).

The ultra-compact UE 700 can be had for $319 (U.P. $379).

If you are worried about virus attacks against your computer, you might want to check out Trend Micro's various anti-virus offerings. A basic Internet security software can be had from just $29.

Lots of Razer products are on offer too. The high-end Megalodon gaming headset is going at $249.

Razer's awesome gaming mice are on offer too. The Mamba is going for $179 at the show.

For those who have super reflexes, the 5600 DPI Imperator retails for $129.

Razer's lineup of keyboards can be had at special prices too. The Lycosa is going for $119 whereas the Arctosa is more affordable at $79.

Canon

The IXUS 200 IS is a deal, going at $499 compared to its usual price of $549. It features 12MP, 5x optical zoom and a 24mm wide lens, with HD movie recording.

The Canon S90, a powerhouse of a compact camera with an F/2 lens and full manual controls, is going for $50 off its usual price at $699.

The 12MP, 4x zoom, 28mm wide lens and HD movie capable Canon IXUS 120 IS is going for $50 off its usual price at $449.

Usually at $349, the 12MP, 4x zoom, 28mm wide lens IXUS 105 is selling for $319 at the PC Show.

The EOS 500D is Canon's DSLR star buy of the show, $1049 for the body alone (usual price $1099), $1249 with a 18-55mm lens (usual price $1299) and $1949 with an 18-200mm lens (usual price $1999).

Looking for printers? Canon's star buys start from the LBP3050 at $129 (usual price $179).

This Pixma iP4760 color inkjet with auto-duplex is going at an affordable $159, $40 less than its usual price.

Or check out the color inkjet Pixma iP2770, which is going for a very affordable $69 (albeit just $10 short of its usual price).

The Canon Pixma MP258 is another star buy, with print, scan and copy multi-functions going for only $99.

The Pixma MP568 offers print, scan, copy and direct memory card printing, for $269, $30 off its usual asking price.

Casio

Find yourself a budget camera at the Casio booth, and seen here is the Casio EX-Z35 priced at $199. Features found on this compact camera includes a 12.1-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, face detection and a YouTube capture mode for easy uploading.

If you do have the budget, check out the latest Casio offering, the Casio EX-Z2000. Priced at $479, the EX-Z2000 runs on the latest Exilim Engine 5.0 and is armed with the following features: 14.1-megapixel sensor, 5x topical soom and a 26mm wide-angle lens.

If you still prefer to have a 14-megapixel camera with some form of budget in mind, the Casio EX-Z550 is suitably priced at $369. Available in silver, black, blue, red or pink, the EX-Z550 also comes with 4x optical zoom, a 26mm wide-angle lens and is also equipped with the latest Exilim Engine 5.0.

Compaq

If well, your budget is even lower, fret not - get a notebook for even cheaper with the Compaq CQ40, a 14-inch AMD based notebook that uses the AMD Turion X2 RM75 (2.2GHz) processor with 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD and discrete graphics in the form of ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4350 for just $799.

For those with a slightly larger budget - try the Compaq CQ41, a 14-inch notebook packed with the newer Intel Core i3-330m (2.1GHz) processor, 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD and ATI Radeon HD 4350 graphics.

Who said desktops were expensive? Not Compaq, that's for sure - here's the $599 Compaq Presario CQ3260D that's packing an Intel Core Duo E6500 (2.93GHz) processor, 2GB RAM and 320GB HDD. If you want a monitor, it's only going to cost you another $199 for one.

Corbell (MSI)

Shopping for a new notebook, be sure to head down to Corbell's booth where they have some outstanding deals on MSI notebooks.

Star buy of the show is the MSI CR420-i3. At $899 (U.P. $1099), this 14-inch notebook features a 2.13GHz Core i3-330M processor, 2GB memory, a 320GB 7200rpm HDD and integrated Intel graphics.

If you want something beefier, check out the $999 (U.P. $1328) MSI CX-420-i3. It's similarly specced to the CR420, but it makes do with a more powerful ATI Radeon HD 5470 XT discrete graphics.

Netbook hunters will surely appreciate the MSI Wind U160. It's powered by the new Intel N450 Atom processor, has 1GB of RAM and a 250GB HDD. And most importantly, it boasts a battery life of 15 hours! Now for $548 (U.P. $699).

For entertainment on the go, you can't go wrong with the competitively priced MSI GE600. It features a 16-inch screen, and is powered by a 2.26GHz Intel Core i5-430M processor with 4GB DDR3 memory and a large 500GB 7200rpm HDD. Yours for $1699 (U.P. $1799).

Creative

The D200 is another new wireless speaker system from Creative. Available for pre-order at $149 and comes with a free pair of EP-220 headphones.

The ZiiSound D5 is Creative's premium wireless speaker system. It also features an integrated dock for your iPod or iPhone. Going for $349 (U.P. $399).

For those looking for a decent pair of in-ear headphones, check out the HS-930i going for $119 (U.P. $139).

Looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous iPod? Why not consider the Zen X-Fi Style. It features a 2.4-inch TFT display, support for FLAC, and is good for up to 25 hours of music playback. Comes in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities and prices begin at $149.

The Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD is a premium soundcard for discerning audiophiles. It features a high performance digital-to-analog converter, and users can even personalize their sound card with swappable OP-amp sockets. $299.

EnGenius

EnGenius, a provider of enterprise networking products, steps into the consumer market and into PC Show 2010 with a slew of nice products, distributed under JHi Marketing.

...and run the gamut from gaming routers to access points and bridges.

"Enterprise" sounds reliably good. $19 for a 150Mbps Wireless-N adapter sounds even better! This little baby features Mac OS compatibility and one-push setup for wireless security.

Neither will we argue with a 300Mbps Wireless-N gaming router at $139, which features EnGenius' own Stream Engine, 2 transmit and 3 receive radios, and uPNP support. The zesty orange shell helps, too.

Wireless-N portable hotspot for you, sir? With an embedded power adapter ETR9350 comes at $55. Plug in your USB dongle and it serves up high-speed broadband in the vicinity.

For those needing to provide Internet to an outdoor cafe or other area, the $89 EOC1650 is just the thing. It can operate in several network topologies. The internal antenna reaches 7dBi of signal strength and a 5dBi external one is also packed in. POE (Power Over Ethernet) injection helps reduce the number of required cables.

Fujitsu

The 11.6-inch LifeBook P3010 uses an AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 processor with 2GB of memory. You'll get Win 7 Premium on a 320GB HDD with up to 3.47 hours of battery life. Weighing around 1.6kg, this portable notebook goes for $699.

The 12.1-inch LifeBook P770 is one of Fujitsu's more expensive models at the PC Show at $3488. For this price, you'll get a top of the line Core i7-640UM processor that runs at 1.2GHz with a maximum Turbo Boost of up to 2.26GHz. Windows 7 Professional is pre-installed on a 500GB HDD, though the 2GB memory is a trifle disappointing until you factor in the free upgrade to 4GB memory. Fujitsu claims that this 1.4kg unit has a battery life of up to 6.5 hours, which is very decent if accurate.

With a Core i3-330M processor inside, the LifeBook LH530 is a 14-inch model that's quite affordable at $1188. This notebook weighs around 2.2kg with a 320GB HDD and comes with Win 7 Home Premium installed.

A convertible tablet notebook from Fujitsu, the 13.3-inch LifeBook T900 boasts decent specs of a Core i5-540M processor running at 2.53GHz and with a Turbo Boost of up to 3.06GHz. It's not exactly cheap either at $3688 but Fujitsu has thrown in a free upgrade to 4GB memory and a choice of either a warranty upgrade and stereo headphones or a choice to purchase the Fujitsu MH330 at only $299.

And this is the Lifebook MH330, which is a 10.1-inch netbook using the Intel Atom N450 processor with 1GB of memory. This unit weighs around 1.1kg with a battery life of up to 3 hours. It is going for $499 at the PC Show.

And the higher end netbook from Fujitsu, the MH380 is made in Japan though it has similar specs as the MH330. The MH380 does have a higher mega-pixel camera, a longer 7.7 hour battery life with a 6-cell battery and comes in more colors. The price is $988 for this luxury netbook.

Garmin

The 4.3-inch nuvi 1350 features 3D icons with larger fonts. Again, there's the same choice of three free gifts. It costs $329 without TMC and $379 with.

One of Garmin's smallest GPS navigators, the nuvi 1250 measures is ultra-thin with a 3.5-inch screen. It comes loaded with TeleAtlas and MalSing maps and costs $199 without TMC and $249 with.

Garmin-Asus

Microsoft

A Xbox 360 Elite console now goes for $499 and comes with a 120GB HDD, a wireless controller, and a copy of Gears of War 2 and Halo 3 ODST. Also, top up $30 and get a wireless N-network adapter, plus three more games (Risen, Bioshock and Forza Motorsport 2).

The Wireless Desktop 5000 is a steal at $65. Not only does it come with a wireless keyboard, it also comes with a wireless BlueTrack-enabled mouse that tracks on virtually any surface.

The Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 comes in an assortment of colors and goes for $59.90 and comes with a free 2GB flash drive.

BlueTrack-enabled mice are now becoming increasingly affordable, and never more so with the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500, which is going for only $39.

Samsung - Part 1

As usual, you'll find loads of bargains at Samsung. ranging from cameras, camcorders, TVs, monitors, to mobile phones and printers.

First up - cameras. And we spotted a few bargains, such as the Samsung ES70. Prices will fluctuate accordingly as the PC Show progresses, but you can expect this 12.2-megapixel camera with a 27mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom to be cheaper than the usual $249 pricing.

Get rugged with the Samsung WP10, a 12.2-megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom and is waterproof up to 3 meters. For $329, the WP10 also comes with freebies such as two 8GB SD cards, an extra battery and a Samsung camera case.

The new Samsung ST5000, price at $549, is a stylish and sleek camera capable of 14.2-megapixels image quality and 7x optical zoom. The ST5000 is also touchscreen capable, with a 3.5-inch touchscreen and Samsung's Smart Gesture running the show on its interface. You'll also get an extra battery and a free HDMI cable worth $49.90 with every purchase of the ST5000.

New to its camcorder lineup is the Samsung U20, priced at $329. This portable camcorder is capable of full HD video recording at 1920 x 1080 resolutoions, 3x optical zoom and also loaded with a 10-megapixel camera sensor. Every purchase of the U20 also entitles you to a free 8GB SD card at the PC Show.

Camcorders with high battery mileage is what the Samsung F40 represents. Price at $549 ($649 if you were to get the F44 model that comes with 16GB SSD storage), the F40 can record up to 4 hours and 10 minutes on a single charge, and is also equipped with a 52x optical zoom.

When it comes to TV purchases, we say now's the time. Seen at the Samsung booth is the Samsung UA37C5000 full HD LED TV, measuring at 37-inches. From its usual price of $2,399, the price has been slashed down to $1,399.

But if you're really looking for a bargain, here's one more that'll surely entice you - the Samsung LA40C530 full HD LCD TV. Going into the three digit range at just a mere $949 from its usual $1,399 pricing, we were also just as tempted to get this. Be forewarned, there is limited stocks for this, so better head on down quickly if you're interested.

There are LED TVs below $1,000, and we spotted this 32-inch Samsung UA32C4000 TV on sale for $949 also.

Samsung - Part 2

Equipped with Samsung's own bada operating system, the Samsung Wave makes a splash into PC Show 2010 at only $638 without contract. What makes this phone more desirable is the use of the Super AMOLED screen, giving the Wave its slim and sleek look.

On an even tighter budget after all the other purchases? Then the Samsung E250 is a good choice, which doesn't cost a pretty penny. All you need is $98 (usual price $169) to bring back this basic, entry-level phone to send or receive calls and messages.

Looking to start your own workstation? Then check out the Samsung ML-2525 mono laser printer, priced at $138. You can expect printing speeds of up to 24ppm on this printer, and get to purchase an additional toner for $92 (usual price $115).

But if you need a more feature-packed printer, check out some of the laser color printers from Samsung, such as this Samsung CLP-310N color laser printer. For the price of $268, you'll get a printer capable of print speeds of up to 4ppm or 16ppm for color and mono settings respectively.

Samsung is also gunning for the notebook segment, and seen at its booth is the Samsung N150, a 10.1-inch netbook armed with an Intel Atom N450 (1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache) and Microsoft Windows 7 Starter. How much, you ask? Not too expensive, at just $499 from its usual pricing of $599.

Notebook bargains are also spotted, like the Samsung R430i. Powered by the Intel Core i3-330M processor, the R430i is loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium and has a 320GB HDD on top iof its 2GB DDR3 SDRAM. Getting this 14-inch notebook will only set you back by $899, from its usual pricing of $1,199.

We round up the Samsung booth with its popular monitors, and seen here is the Samsung XL2370 LED monitor. This widescreen 23-inch display comes with a contrast ratio of 1000:1, response time of 2ms and has HDMI, analog and DVI input. From its usual price of $498, the XL2370 is available at the PC Show for $448.

Affordable HD panels are also available, such as the Samsung B-series monitor. Ranging from $248, $278 or $268 for its 21.5-inch, 23-inch and 24-inch displays, these monitors come with a contrast ratio of 1000:1, response time of 5ms and three separate inputs (HDMI, DVI and analog).

SingTel

The telco in red is out in full force, not just as one of the providers of FIFA World Cup 2010 action to the football-crazed masses, but with a good selection of mobile phones and the usual good ol' broadband plans which come packed with laptops.

Fancy a Samsung Wave for as low as $0? Or the Galaxy S is tempting at $148 on a special Galaxy 3G Flexi Plan that packs in 12GB of data, 200 minutes more talktime, and 24 months of free AMPED music and MobileTV Basic.

Attack of the mighty ($0) minis: the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 mini is $0 on a 3G Flexi Lite AMPED music-and-data plan, while the HTC HD mini goes for the business set with a 3G Flexi Plus plan.

Those specifically seeking a BlackBerry can get the Bold and Storm 2 for as low as $0 on BlackBerry Flexi Value Plans after $150 and $100 trade-in respectively.

Some of the best smartphones, all down to $0 with various plans!

If you're in the market for broadband and willing to spring for a 10Mbps plan, take your pick: a Lenovo IdeaPad for $69.90 a month, or a MacBook for $85 a month. These laptops can also be had on 7.2 Mbps mobile plans. Free modems or USB dongles are supplied.

Sports fans: get a mio Home package for 6Mbps at $34.45 a month or 10Mbps at $39.45 a month. These are half-off discounts. If you sign a 3G Flexi mobile plan, you get 50% off that as well.

Football fanatics, the fight to bring FIFA World Cup 2010 in deserves fervent fanfare. For $94.16, you can watch all the action you want.

Sony - Part 1

Looking for a video camcorder? The Sony CX150E records at HD with an amazing 25x optical zoom with 16GB of internal storage, price $1399.

If you prefer more storage, the XR150E has 120GB of internal storage and goes for a higher $1599.

The TX1, a Sony star buy, is a touch-screen camera with the one-shot Sweep Panorama feature. $499.

The TX5 is a super-slim water-proof camera, perfect for those who love the sun and sea. At $599.

Spotted at the PC Show is Sony's latest NEX-5 camera, a compact-sized camera with a DSLR-sized sensor which can interchange lenses. For $1199 you get 14.2MP, full 1080i HD video recording and a 3" tilt-able screen. There's a 18-55mm kit and a 16mm F2.8 kit available.

Sony Alpha DSLR cameras are also on hand, the A330 entry-level model is going for an affordable $799.

Sony - Part 2

Like your laptops colorful? The Sony Viao VPCEA16FG comes in five colors, featuring an Intel Core i5 processor (2.4GHz), 500GB HDD, 4GB DDR3 SDRAM and a 14" display, all for $1799.

Check out the Sony Viao Z series for power in slim packages. The new VPCZ127GG with 64-bit Windows 7 and an Intel Core i5 (2.53GHz) processor and 128GB SSD is going for $3799, while at the other end of the spectrum the VPCZ115GG with a 500GB HDD is going for $2799.

The Sony Vaio M/W series are slim and light laptops, going for affordable prices - the VPCM125AG is $699 while the VPCW215AG is $899.

The Vaio S series VPCS115FG is $200 less than its usual price at $1799. You get Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit installed, an Intel Core i3-330M processor (2.13GHz), 320GB HDD, 4GB of SDRAM and an 13.3" wide screen.

Sony Bravia TVs are also on sale, this BX400 is a 40" Full HD LCD TV with a usual price of $1299 but going for only $988 at the PC Show.

This Sony Bravia BX300 is a cool $549 instead of $649, 32" and HD Ready.

The Sony Bravia NX700 is a 40" Full HD LED TV, its full goodness can be had for $2799, $200 off its usual price of $2999.

Starhub

The competition between telcos have always been a fierce one, as Starhub strikes back at the PC Show with an array of plans with free laptops and World Cup promotions.