As I walked through the airport, hotel lobbies, and Las Vegas Convention Center dodging people left and right, it seems that CES was much busier than the last couple years. In fact, it was especially busy on the roads as the Futurelooks team infiltrated CES 2011, which is at the heart of Las Vegas. We were in search of all things good and techie so let’s have a look at some of those goodies right now.
A Flavorful Burgundy Equipped with NVidia
I stopped by the nVidia tent just out front of the LVCC to have a look at what all the talk was about. Well, it’s about a little project between nVidia and Tesla Motors new Model S electric sports car.
Yeah, it’s electric and can go from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds while topping out at 120mph. After 300 miles, the car needs only about 45 minutes to properly recharge all that green powered goodness. What makes it an nVidia project too is the very large, 3G 17″ touch screen attached to the center console, allowing both techies and petrol heads some eye candy.
Starting off at $49,000US , this immensely curvaceous ESC (electric sports car) is affordable for just around three times the price of the previously reviewed Honda CR-Z. And unlike the CR-Z, it’ll get you there in a hurry and has a back seat.
Intel (Sandy Bridge) Update
Sandy Bridge is everywhere and is already setting world wide stock and overclocking records. The new Intel Quick Sync, which is part of the Sandy Bridge architecture, has changed our perception on just what a processor can do in terms of video transcoding as well. We were privilaged to spend a little time with Intel as well as Lucid who announced an update for Sandy Bridge.
Working with Lucid technologies, Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors will now be able to utilize Intel Quick Sync even if you have a discrete graphics card installed. While you’re getting your game on, Sandy Bridge will still be able to transcode without burdening the system. In a behind the scenes demonstration, engineers used Media Espresso 6 to show us that only about 55% of your processor resources were used while running a game at the same time.
Engineers have also successfully found a work around that now gives H67 motherboard users dual monitor support, or extended dual screen display. And, to sweeten the Sandy pie, Wireless Display 2.0 paired with the right 5GHz DLink adapter now increases the transmitted 720p viewing to 1080p.
Their LVCC booth this year inspired a lot more than just video games. Most of the stations showed many applications in which Sandy Bridage was useful. It should be refreshing to many consumers to find that Intel’s more affordable Sandy Bridge processors are capable of 3D video and pictures as well, negating the need for a discrete GPU solution.
MSI Intel P67A Launch Event
We were honored to attend MSI’s official launch party for their P67 line of motherboards. The event started off with the Sandy Bridge G Series featuring the new DynAudio; a classy high end audio solution. It also marked the return of the GTX 480, but retuned into the NGTX480 Lightning, which features 16 phase PWM, independent memory power, and high current Copper MOS. This is the same card that set a 3DMark Vantage world record for the series.
But, this party for me was mainly all about their entire P67A motherboards from their smallest micro ATX P67A-ED33 up to the mind boggling Big Bang Marshall motherboard featuring a larger than life form factor that allows for more PCIE slots than before. It is designed to satiate the most extreme DIY user.
In order to hit the points home, Rajiv Kothari, MSI’s North American front man stepped up to the plate to give us the pitch on Big Bang Marshall and its P67 and H67 siblings…
Look for their P67A-GD65 board review in our upcoming P67A mainstream round up featuring the best bang for buck platforms for INTEL Sandy Bridge.
Kingston – SSD, HyperX and a NEW Product Category
If you associate Kingston with things like SSD or PC memory, then you’re a well versed pro. Kingston does these products very well and is constantly looking for ways to improve SSD quality and the experience. While including everything you need to upgrade a system to an SSD all in the box is one way, another way Kingston does it better is through new product innovation.
Check out the video below for a sneak beak at what may potentially be a new product category for Kingston…
Codenamed the Mobi SX, this product sets the stage for what potentially may be a new product category for Kingston. With high speed flash and a dedicated wireless connection for up to three devices, this thing could very well be a great alternative to a heavy NAS or portable hard drive when you are travelling with others and need to be on the go.
The Kingston HyperX Team also launched the Genesis dual and triple channel DDR3 line for the new Intel H67/P67 (Sandy Bridge) and soon to arrive X58 refresh platforms. Genesis can be found offering frequencies from 1333MHz all the way up to 2133MHz on select dual channel kits. We already have a dual channel 2133MHz on hand, so keep an eye out for the review soon. It’s currently the fastest stuff available for Sandy Bridge. HyperX!
On another front, Kingston has been working on some new software that is currently being beta bundled with 8GB and larger flash drives. The collage of apps including anti-virus run directly from the flash drive in an effort to provide on-the-go access without leaving a trace of where you’ve been. The software has some great potential especially when it comes to young users. Expect to see more in the near future.
Zalman – CNPS11X Extreme CPU Cooler, Trimon 3D Monitor, and Z9 Plus Computer Enclosure
So, we have a CPU, motherboard, and some kick a$$ HyperX Genesis memory. Now, we need a CPU cooler, a computer case, and a monitor, 3D if you please. Zalman announced their new CNPS11X Extreme, Trimon 3D monitor, and Z9 Plus computer enclosure at CES 2011 and we got the royal treatment. Check out this video for all the goods…
A couple of my favourites include the new ZALMAN CNPS11X Extreme CPU cooler. I think it really deserved one of those innovation awards. It looks full sized, but it’s not. Engineers removed some of the useless fins which cut down some of the weight but increased surface area by packing fins into a denser area.
Also great was the Z9 Plus is the improved successor to the popular Z7 Plus budget chassis. They redesigned the interior to satisfy enthusiasts and regular users alike. It features a temperature display, the latest front panel expansion support, and the cool LED fans needed to impress the onlooker at your next LAN party.
VIA Laboratories – Zero Client Connectivity
One of the markets that’s been a great challenge for both the technology sector and politicians alike is education. There are far too many schools around the country devoid of proper exposure to computers that ensures our youth are unprepared for the future. Innovative thinking from Intel and VIA seem to have come up with some solutions.
The Labs have been busy working on the USB 3.0 Zero Client. This simple little board makes it possible to connect multiple clients (up to 10) to a single server without an actual co-processor of any kind on the PCB. Traditional classrooms require multiple systems to achieve the same objective. I for one think it’s time uncle Sam put some effort like this in to education. Not to mention, it’ll cost less with this technology.
Conclusion
There’s always a lot more tech to talk about. But, many times it’s not ready to be released and they just tease us with it behind closed doors. We’ll be adding more content in the coming weeks that will relate back to much of what you saw here. In the meantime, check out the rest of the massive CES 2011 video library on our YouTube Channel and keep an eye on our front page as we roll out whatever we’ve got left.
Love This Coverage? Hate This Coverage? Leave a Comment or Hit The Forums!