HP Envy x2, $850
The Envy
x2 is a two-in-one notebook/tablet hybrid in HP’s new Windows 8 lineup
of notebook computers with multitouch displays. Others in the lineup
include HP’s SpectreXT TouchSmart Ultrabook at $1,500 and the Envy
TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 at $1,000. The Envy x2 is a notebook computer
with a screen that detaches from the keyboard to become a separate
tablet on its own. It has an aluminum finish and magnetic latch that
turns the device back into a full notebook computer weighing 1.4
kilograms. On its own, the tablet weighs .68 kg. With an 11.6-inch
diagonal touch display, a high definition front-facing Web camera and an
eight-megapixel rear-facing camera, the Envy x2 is made for keeping
connected with friends and family. Its HP Connected Photo application
syncs photos across multiple devices, along with delivering basic
editing and social network sharing. Sound is provided by Beats Audio.
The Envy x2 is due to be released in Canada Dec. 9. www.hp.com.
Hard Shell Case for 13-inch MacBook Pro, Hard Candy Cases, $60
Offered
in four colours, Hard Candy Cases’ new hard shell case for the 13-inch
MacBook Pro with retina display promises five times the protection of
traditional hard shell cases. The new cases, which are also available
for the 15-inch MacBook Pro, the 11-inch MacBook Air and the 13-inch
MacBook Air, have a corner snap design that protects the computer with
5.5 mm corner bumpers. The corner snap makes it easy to clip on and take
off and they’re form fitted and made of a hard polycarbonate plastic.
www.hardcandycases.com.
QuNeo, Keith McMillen Instruments, from $200
Take
one mixer, turntable and CD turntable and replace it with a multi-touch
DJ controller that’s the size of an iPad. That’s what KeithMcMillen
Instruments has done with its newly released QuNeo, a DJ controller that
does the job of three expensive pieces of equipment in a little
hand-held device. It has LED backlighting, ensuring you won’t fade into
the wallpaper at your next party and at just under 400 grams, it weighs a
little less than an iPad. Combine it with a PC or Apple computer or an
iPad and music software. http://www.keithmcmillen.com/QuNeo/tour/