The SHOPbySYSTEM.com Blog http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog Accessories and Advice for your System Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:18:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Vizio is just fine with launching at CES. http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2012/01/08/vizio_and_2012ces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vizio_and_2012ces http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2012/01/08/vizio_and_2012ces/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:18:14 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=317 Unlike Ballmer’s desire to knock CES and say Microsoft needs to launch on their time frame, Vizio is happy to fire away and launch an attack directly at Apple. Vizio is planning to launch a series of Windows 7 computers during CES directly aimed at competing with Apple’s Mac.

It appears as though Vizio wants [...]]]> Unlike Ballmer’s desire to knock CES and say Microsoft needs to launch on their time frame, Vizio is happy to fire away and launch an attack directly at Apple. Vizio is planning to launch a series of Windows 7 computers during CES directly aimed at competing with Apple’s Mac.

It appears as though Vizio wants to capture the whole techno-sphere of your home environment. It wants to be your gateway to the “interwebs” and media content.  Not a bad move when you consider that TV and movie content is already well established online and will likely overtake traditional over the air and cable delivery at some point in the near future.  I can tell you that I generally only watch live tv for sports and Food Networks Chopped. Really only for Chopped since the Vikings sucked so bad this year.  Go draft pick.

Vizio is set to launch iMac competitors, in both a 24 and 27 inch size. Early pictures even show mac like keyboards and a possible track pad of sorts.  Vizio of course launched a tablet. I don’t think that was a success but it does have a remote control for the Vizio TV’s built in. Vizio will also launch several notebooks including what might be an Ultrabook based on Intel’s criteria.  So that would mean you could watch your Vizio TV in the den (Not the Vikings in the playoffs mind you) while your wife  choose to surf for coupons or facebook on the Vizio All in one in your kitchen and the Kids were down stairs  doing their homework on Vizio Notebooks, leaving the dog to chew on the Vizio tablet device.  The whole home environment brought to you by Vizio.

 

A few picks that surfaced on the net are below. I hope to bring you live pics next week from CES 2012

Vizio sleek design all in one computer

Vizio's All In One Concept

 

Is This the Vizio Ultrabook

Vizio Notebook

 

]]> http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2012/01/08/vizio_and_2012ces/feed/ 0 CES – Is Ballmer Right? Probably Not. Probably Maybe. Probably. http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/27/ces-is-ballmer-right-probably-not-probably-maybe-probably/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ces-is-ballmer-right-probably-not-probably-maybe-probably http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/27/ces-is-ballmer-right-probably-not-probably-maybe-probably/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:41:52 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=307 Last few years CES was driven by the tablet. This years CES is likely to be driven by the Ultrabook. Some reports have up to 50 of the devices being announced. Some Ultrabook announcements may stretch the meaning of Intel’s intentions by offering 15 inches of screen real estate. Seem like you could get jaded before [...]]]> Last few years CES was driven by the tablet. This years CES is likely to be driven by the Ultrabook. Some reports have up to 50 of the devices being announced. Some Ultrabook announcements may stretch the meaning of Intel’s intentions by offering 15 inches of screen real estate. Seem like you could get jaded before you go. Microsoft takes some actions that they might be by making this their last big show. Are they being a bit reductive with concerns to the CES challenges?

Earlier this month Steve Ballmer and Microsoft announced that they would be leaving the ole CES after some 20 years of good consumer electronic marriage. Cited bad timing as the reason. In other words early Jan doesn’t work for Microsoft to make big announcements.  So definitely a big supporter essentially giving a vote of no confidence to the event.

Probably right in that CES announcements don’t happen during CES anymore. Well some do but many happen the week leading up to it or there are ‘leaks’ just before CES. I like the current one with Acer and a possible 15 inch 699$ ultrabook.  Launch it.  My daughter is off to college this year. I think she is going to have a good selection of ultrabooks to choose from.

Maybe Mr. Ballmer is right in that it will undoubtedly save a bazillion dollars in floor space and booth expenses. Perhaps the main reason behind the move. That is a lot of money. Lotz.  Many companies actually don’t choose to have booth presence and many do. In fact the space MS give up next year will be gobbled up quickly. Microsoft says they are going to still be there to meet with their peeps of course.

This brings me to the probably not. So Sure CES is the big let’s announce the coolest shit in the coldest month event, but really it is a place to get some perspective, build relationships and cut a few deals.  I know that our last several trips have resulted in company wide benefits and cost reductions.   Very well worth the effort in terms of money and time. Microsoft’s pull out as one of the bastions of CES somewhat communicates that CES is dead. It is not.  I say this even though it is very easy to say you seen this and done that all before. Hard to keep it fresh forever.  CES may not even be fresh in terms of announcing the coolest device of the year or being the it show. But it is still very useful. I think business that ignore it or don’t go actually become the stagnant business.

I will definitely check back in with you to see if I am all positive after the show.  See you then.

]]> http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/27/ces-is-ballmer-right-probably-not-probably-maybe-probably/feed/ 0 Top Seven Gift Ideas for your computer friends http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/14/top-seven-gift-ideas-for-your-computer-friends/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-seven-gift-ideas-for-your-computer-friends http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/14/top-seven-gift-ideas-for-your-computer-friends/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:56:04 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=300 Ultrabook – I want one for sure The Gateway All In One - Great for the Kitchen MEMORY – Seriously the best way to improve performance for the least dollar! PC Optimize – [...]]]>
  • The Acer Aspire Ultrabook – I want one for sure
  • The Gateway All In One - Great for the Kitchen
  • MEMORY – Seriously the best way to improve performance for the least dollar!
  • PC Optimize – Speeds up grandma’s old crusty computer
  • Windows 7 Upgrade – Your buddy is still running Vista? XP? holy cats lets get them up to date
  • New Monitor? Acer’s awesome super thin LCD
  • You don’t know? Need Help?  Call us at 1 800 678 1039  our representatives will assist you in finding whatever accessory you need. Extra Battery? Power Cord? Laptop Adapter? We can help

    • Happy Holidays

     

    ]]>     http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/14/top-seven-gift-ideas-for-your-computer-friends/feed/ 0     Acer simplifies line up http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/08/acer-simplifies-line-up/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acer-simplifies-line-up http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/08/acer-simplifies-line-up/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:29:17 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=298 Recent news reporting that Acer is going to simplify it’s line up and focus on niche products like the new Ultrabooks. The Acer product line is super huge worldwide. Phones, Projectors, batteries, adapters computers, servers it just goes on. Tv’s even. So probably a respectable bit of news if it proves out to be true.

    ]]>     Recent news reporting that Acer is going to simplify it’s line up and focus on niche products like the new Ultrabooks. The Acer product line is super huge worldwide. Phones, Projectors, batteries, adapters computers, servers it just goes on. Tv’s even. So probably a respectable bit of news if it proves out to be true.

    ]]>     http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/08/acer-simplifies-line-up/feed/ 0     Ultrabook – Cool Stuff – Hype – Really New? A few quick thoughts. http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/07/ultrabook-cool-stuff-hype-really-new-a-few-quick-thoughts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ultrabook-cool-stuff-hype-really-new-a-few-quick-thoughts http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/07/ultrabook-cool-stuff-hype-really-new-a-few-quick-thoughts/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:52:55 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=279 Asus and Acer have launched their ultrabooks and the blogs are full of articles. What’s one more right?

    Intel launched a 300 million dollar campaign to introduce the Ultrabook niche/category/market.  Intel has certain qualifications that make the product an ultrabook, mainly that it be less than .8 inches thick, quick to boot up and have a [...]]]> Asus and Acer have launched their ultrabooks and the blogs are full of articles. What’s one more right?

    Intel launched a 300 million dollar campaign to introduce the Ultrabook niche/category/market.  Intel has certain qualifications that make the product an ultrabook, mainly that it be less than .8 inches thick, quick to boot up and have a long battery life. Apple’s version the Macbook Air is definitely an ultrabook. Typically you see options of an SSD harddrive and for me that is a key component to make a requirement for ultrabooks. If I subscribed to ultrabooks as a new category.

    Ultrabooks are simply notebooks or portable computers. Ultrabook is not a new category, market, or a niche. The ultrabook is simply the netbook grown up really, which in my mind was simply a notebook anyway with tradeoffs. The netbook was typically small size and small performance but huge on portability. Useful for surfing grandpa’s and traveling ladies. My wife loves the two netbooks she has burned through.

    Gateway had a 286 handbook, which was useful for playing snake, click here if you want to play it btw. Gateway introduced it nearly 10 years ago. The handbook was referred to as a subnotebook. Labels people labels.  To be fair the Handbook was twice as thick at 1.6 inches but it was tiny, lilliputian if I may. I owned 3 I think and then the 486 after that.  Played a lot of snakes. Then again in 1998 Gateway rolled out the Fireant or Solo 3100. Then referred to as an Ultraportable. Perhaps the reason Gateway ended up being sold to Acer was an apparent lack of creating the right label.  The funny thing was that I took a  31oo and put it in a manilla envelope just like Apple’s commercial, it was just that the 3100 had been out for a long long time already. There were others who launched similar products as well, Dell, IBM, etc… Gateway was sometimes however on what is labeled the bleeding edge. :) , it’s a few steps too far to the right of cutting edge.

    So this ultrabook surge is not a new market, niche or category. Perhaps it is a new effort. Just like the iPad is a new tablet effort.  It can take a while to get it right.  I do think the new Acer, Asus and Apple Ultrabooks are right manifestations of a portable notebook computer that doesn’t trade off in style or make performance sacrifices to get to the size, portability and function you need. If you are in a market for a notebook computer they have to be on your list for consideration.

    Acer and Asus were the first Wintel platforms out of the gate and I like both products but if I was buying one I would go with the S3. Nothing wrong with the Asus just thinking that stay with the enemy you know type stuff. The grey on grey look of the S3 from Acer just seems to be subtle and sleek and appeals to my senses best. The Asus is definitely flashier. Full Disclosure we sell the S3 so it may seem I am biased. I worked for Acer, I worked for Gateway, that much is all pretty obvious but I thought I would lay it out there for you.  You want to buy the S3 or take a closer look? Click here.  If you want the Asus drop me a note I will find it for you no problem.

    So my argument is not about spilt milk or even about labels. The desire is to communicate something I think we are all still seeking and that is the best interface for computing.  The current batch of ultrabooks are definitely a good step in that evolution and while not perhaps  category or niche worthy in my estimate they are noteworthy. It’s an evolution we all look forward to witnessing.

     

    ]]> http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/12/07/ultrabook-cool-stuff-hype-really-new-a-few-quick-thoughts/feed/ 0     Acer Recovery Media or Restore CD http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/07/22/acer-recovery-media-or-restore-cd/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=acer-recovery-media-or-restore-cd http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/07/22/acer-recovery-media-or-restore-cd/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:20:13 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=274 We get a lot of requests for Acer recovery media and or restore cd replacement. In fact these request come in multiple times a day.  We always get the information out in an email  to each inquiry but we want to make sure it is available on our site as well.
    Only your OEM, Acer, can provide you with recovery media such as an operating system CD and the associated software that originally came with your computer. Unfortunately, SHOPbySYSTEM does not have access to this material.

     

    Please follow the link below to Acer’s support website and follow the instructions to obtain your media. (Acer may charge a fee).

    Recovery media may not be available for your specific system. If this is the case, you may want to consider purchasing a new operating system. Please contact our sales department at 1-800-678-1039 for more information. Our sales department can help you assess whether or not to purchase a new operating system and even available upgrade options for your PC such as Windows 7 Upgrades.

    You can also visit our store for available operating system software options.

    Looking for Gateway Recovery Media ?  Click here to view our May post on the subject with all the instructions and directions and what not.

     

    Thank you,

    Steve

     

    ]]>     http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/07/22/acer-recovery-media-or-restore-cd/feed/ 0     Momentary Lapse of Reason http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/07/22/momentary-lapse-of-reason/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=momentary-lapse-of-reason http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/07/22/momentary-lapse-of-reason/#comments Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:40:38 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=267 Good Morning,

     

    We switched our server provider overnight and we want to apologize for any bad links or weird redirects. We are close to having everything back in order. If you notice a bad link be sure to drop us an email.

    Thanks in advance,

    ShopbySystem

    PS. Big Kudos goes out to Coeusblue ( [...]]]> Good Morning,

     

    We switched our server provider overnight and we want to apologize for any bad links or weird redirects. We are close to having everything back in order. If you notice a bad link be sure to drop us an email.

    Thanks in advance,

    ShopbySystem

    PS. Big Kudos goes out to Coeusblue ( http://www.coeusblue.com/) these guys are the bomb.

    ]]> http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/07/22/momentary-lapse-of-reason/feed/ 0     30 Windows7 Keyboard Short Cuts With the Windows Key. http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/06/23/30-windows7-keyboard-short-cuts-with-the-windows-key/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=30-windows7-keyboard-short-cuts-with-the-windows-key http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/06/23/30-windows7-keyboard-short-cuts-with-the-windows-key/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 03:22:29 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=264 I know you have been in a closet while the interwebs has been a going on.  Here you go for those that forgot or in my case those that can’t remember. 

    Windows logo key  - Open or close the Start menu. Windows logo key  +Pause – Display the System Properties dialog box. Windows logo [...]]]>     I know you have been in a closet while the interwebs has been a going on.  Here you go for those that forgot or in my case those that can’t remember.  :)

    1. Windows logo key  - Open or close the Start menu.
    2. Windows logo key  +Pause – Display the System Properties dialog box.
    3. Windows logo key  +D – Display the desktop.
    4. Windows logo key  +M – Minimize all windows.
    5. Windows logo key  +Shift+M – Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
    6. Windows logo key  +E – Open Computer Explorer.
    7. Windows logo key  +F -  Search for a file or folder.
    8. Ctrl+Windows logo key  +F – Search for computers (if you’re on a network).
    9. Windows logo key  +L – Lock your computer or switch users.
    10. Windows logo key  +R – Open the Run dialog box.
    11. Windows logo key  +T – Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
    12. Windows logo key +number – Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
    13. Shift+Windows logo key +number – Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
    14. Ctrl+Windows logo key +number – Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
    15. Alt+Windows logo key +number – Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
    16. Windows logo key  +Tab – Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
    17. Ctrl+Windows logo key  +Tab – Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
    18. Ctrl+Windows logo key  +B – Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
    19. Windows logo key  +Spacebar – Preview the desktop.
    20. Windows logo key  +Up Arrow – Maximize the window.
    21. Windows logo key  +Left Arrow – Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.
    22. Windows logo key  +Right Arrow – Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.
    23. Windows logo key  +Down Arrow – Minimize the window.
    24. Windows logo key  +Home – Minimize all but the active window.
    25. Windows logo key  +Shift+Up Arrow – Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
    26. Windows logo key  +Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow – Move a window from one monitor to another.
    27. Windows logo key  +P – Choose a presentation display mode.
    28. Windows logo key  +G – Cycle through gadgets.
    29. Windows logo key  +U – Open Ease of Access Center.
    30. Windows logo key  +X – Open Windows Mobility Center.
    ]]>     http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/06/23/30-windows7-keyboard-short-cuts-with-the-windows-key/feed/ 0     Finding Gateway Recovery Media http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/05/11/finding-gateway-recovery-media/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-gateway-recovery-media http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/05/11/finding-gateway-recovery-media/#comments Wed, 11 May 2011 14:24:51 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=242 SHOPbySYSTEM does not have access to this material. 

    Please follow the link below to Gateway’s support website and follow the instructions to obtain your media. (Gateway may charge a fee).

     Only your OEM, Gateway, can provide you with recovery media such as an operating system CD and the associated software that originally came with your computer. Unfortunately, SHOPbySYSTEM does not have access to this material. 

    Please follow the link below to Gateway’s support website and follow the instructions to obtain your media. (Gateway may charge a fee).

    https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=gateway 

    Recovery media may not be available for your specific system. If this is the case, you may want to consider purchasing a new operating system. Please contact our sales department at 1-800-678-1039 for more information.

    You can also visit our store for available operating system software options.

    ]]> http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/05/11/finding-gateway-recovery-media/feed/ 0     In Stock Acer Iconia Tab W500 Series http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/05/07/in-stock-acer-iconia-tab-w500-series/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-stock-acer-iconia-tab-w500-series http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/05/07/in-stock-acer-iconia-tab-w500-series/#comments Sat, 07 May 2011 15:15:31 +0000 Steve http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/?p=237 Just a quick note that we do have a limited supply of Acer  Iconia Tab w500 Series in stock. We have the Acer w500 Series in both the Windows 7 Professional version and the Acer  Iconia Tab w500 Series in stock. We have the Acer w500 Series in both the Windows 7 Professional version and the Windows 7 Home Premium version.

     

    Check out the feature set after the break.

    Acer's iconia touch interface for the w500 series

    All New! Touch capability that will astound you.

     

     

     

     

    Product Type: Tablet PC

    Processor & Chipset

    Processor Manufacturer: AMD
    Processor Model: C-50
    Processor Speed: 1 GHz
    Processor Core: Dual-core
    Cache: 1 MB

    Memory

    Standard Memory: 2 GB
    Maximum Memory: 2 GB
    Memory Technology: DDR3 SDRAM
    Memory Standard: DDR3-1333/PC3-10600
    Memory Card Reader: Yes

    Display & Graphics

    Screen Size: 10.1″
    Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
    Backlight Technology: LED
    Display Screen Technology: CrystalBrite
    Touchscreen: Yes
    Display Resolution: 1280 x 800
    Touchscreen Feature: Multi-touch
    Aspect Ratio: 16:10
    Screen Mode: WXGA

    Network & Communication

    Wi-Fi: Yes
    Wi-Fi Standard: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    Bluetooth: No
    Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet

    Interfaces/Ports

    HDMI: Yes

    Built-in Devices

    Webcam: Yes
    Finger Print Reader: No

    Software

    Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium Or Windows 7 Professional
    Operating System Architecture: 32-bit

    Physical Characteristics

    Form Factor: Hybrid
    Height: 0.77″
    Width: 10.83″
    Depth: 7.48″
    Weight (Approximate): 3.48 lb

    Miscellaneous

    Package Contents:

  • ICONIA Tab W501P-C52G03iss Tablet PC
  • Battery
  • AC Adapter

    • Green Compliance: Yes
    Green Compliance Certificate/Authority:

  • Energy Star
  • RoHS
  • WEEE

    •  

    ]]> http://www.shopbysystem.com/blog/2011/05/07/in-stock-acer-iconia-tab-w500-series/feed/ 0