Stories about: Pioneer Computers

Intel will release it's first quad-core processor for laptops next month, rounding out a broad update to its mobile computing platform.

Intel on Monday is expected to launch its latest mobile platform, Centrino 2, which will deliver speedier performance and faster wireless connectivity to laptops.

Preempting Intel's official launch of its latest Centrino 2 mobile processors, PC makers and chip resellers are leaking processor details by letting customers preorder the chip through channels and in laptops.

Details of the first few processors belonging to Intel's latest Centrino 2 mobile platform have been leaked on a PC maker's Web site, preempting Intel's official launch of the platform at the middle of this year.

Ruggedised notebooks were once the domain of just a handful of specialised manufacturers, but recently they've become more popular. Today it's not uncommon for long-time manufacturers of business and consumer-style notebooks to produce toughened notebook models, as well as other devices and peripherals.

Pioneer's take on an entertainment system for handling media playback, gaming and office tasks is a striking piece of kit. The silver plastic tube resembles a barrel with a handle cut into one side for transportation. At 8.7kg, and measuring 36cm long by 23cm in diameter, it's portable but sufficiently bulky to deter anyone from carrying it over long distances.

Pioneer Computers' latest Windows XP Media Center Edition system is small, attractive and (generally) quiet, but its potential as an entertainment centre is marred by poor design.

Microsoft wants to bring your PC further into the lounge with Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE). Introduced in the US back in 2002, it's set for an Australian launch on October 13, but won't be available for purchase separately. You'll need to buy it pre-installed on new MCE-based PCs from manufacturers such as Optima, Acer, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard and Pioneer Computers.

Pioneer Computers are claiming a world first with the development of a television digital tuner card for the Australian version of Microsoft Media Center (MCE).

In the October 2004 issue of PC World, available now: Get more grunt! -- how to get the most bang for your buck in building up exactly the machine you want; Free software -- 5 free games plus all the essential tools and updates to keep your PC at the cutting edge of productivity, security and fun; plus the full SP2; PC problems? -- how to tame those tech glitches like a professional; Windows XP's Big Fix -- Service Pack 2: here's what's in it for you; Noisy PC? -- the top 10 ways to give it the silent treatment; Web and you -- IM viruses: the threats and how to avoid them; In the Test Centre -- widescreen projectors. PLUS, Best Buys reviews of PCs and Notebooks, Tech.Files and Sweet Spot, News, First Looks and Quick Takes, Here's How, and Backbytes. PLUS, on the cover CD's: Five free GAMES -- All Out Race, Icy Tower, Arena Runner, N, Amju; Audio Mixers -- two free DJ programs to mix, match and scratch up a storm; Free Web program -- Parental Filter blocks over 450,000 undesirable Internet sites; plus Browsers, Essentials, Web essentials, Patches and updates, HelpScreen and Here's How, Features, and Linux software.