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The best blender
By Christine Cyr Clisset and Lesley Stockton This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After researching dozens of blenders, talking with five experts, and testing 22 models over the course of five years, we're confident that the Oster Versa Pro Performance Blender offers the best value for most people. It performs as well as some blenders that cost twice as much, and it blows cheaper blenders out of the water. With both variable speed and preset options for things like soup and smoothies, it has one of the most user-friendly and versatile control panels we've seen.
NEC LaVie Touch hands-on (updated)
Originally scheduled for a September launch under the VersaPro type VT moniker, NEC's LaVie Touch Windows 7 tablet is finally hitting the Japanese market next week. Alas, there are still no plans on an international release for this 10.1-inch Atom Z670-powered device, but at CEATEC we were lucky enough to stumble upon it along with its DVD dock and wireless input peripherals -- all included for ¥99,960 ($1,300), which is a huge drop from the original ¥144,000 ($1,873) customizable bundle. Despite the slightly more sensible pricing, is the LaVie Touch still worth the money? Probably a stretch given the much cheaper offerings from the likes of Acer and Samsung, but regardless, kudos to NEC for keeping its tablet's weight just under 730g (1.6 pounds) while promising 10.6 hours of battery life. For comparison's sake, the Acer Iconia W500 weighs 970g (2.14 pounds) and only packs up to six hours worth of battery juice. The NEC tablet felt firm in our hands and its IPS LCD didn't disappoint, though Windows 7 on this particular unit was slightly laggy during our hands-on, so be sure to check it out in the stores first before you hand over your hard-earned yen. Update: We just found out that Yodobashi Camera has just started selling the LaVie Touch, so we went along to Akihabara to check out the final product. Alas, Windows 7 was still sluggish, whereas the AMD C-50-powered Iconia W500 in the next aisle handled pinch-to-zoom rather well, despite the less impressive LCD. %Gallery-135832%
NEC's VersaPro VK15V/TM-C looks like a tablet, runs like a netbook
If you've been looking in vain for the right Windows tablet, you might want to have a gander at NEC's VersaPro VK15V/TM-C, a pad that looks like the slate it is, but packs some netbook-like specs -- namely, a 1.5GHz Intel Atom Z670 processor, Win 7 Professional, 2GB of RAM, HDMI-out, and an SDHC slot. And while it's 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) display is par for the course among Windows tablets, its 64GB SSD storage bests some other slabs on the market. No word on price -- or how much battery life that Oak Trail CPU promises -- but it's expected to go on sale in Japan this summer.
NEC debuts VersaPro UltraLite VB laptop, Mate MG all-in-one for Japan
Like your computers to be all-business and only available in Japan? Then you might want to take a gander at NEC's latest duo, which includes the thin-and-light VersaPro UltraLite VB laptop, and the Mate MG all-in-one desktop (pictured after the break). Both of those are fairly mid-range when it comes to specs, with the laptop (a 12-incher) boasting either a Celeron, Core i3 or Core i5 processor and a range of basic configuration options, while the 19-inch desktop packs your choice of a Celeron or Core i5 processor and a somewhat unique power saving mode that uses a motion sensor to shut of the display when you leave the room. While they may not exactly be high-end, it doesn't look like these will come cheap -- look for the base model of the laptop to run ¥175,000 (or just over $2,000), while the desktop starts at ¥181,000 (or roughly $2,170).
NEC's new Mate ME desktop is 30% more efficient, 75% more recyclable, 100% less flammable
There comes a time when you have to stop chasing performance and start making good for the environmental damage you've caused -- or do you? NEC's latest Mate desktop offers 30% boosted efficiency over previous models despite offering better performance with Core i5 or i7 processors, consuming just 23 watts thanks to a redesigned motherboard and the use of SSD. It also features greater use of recyclable components and a shell composed of environmentally friendly yet flame-retardant plastic -- important when your power supplies have been known for their explosive personalities. NEC is also announcing the new VersaPro VD laptop (pictured after the break), similarly equipped with Intel's latest, and offering a new software tool for tracking energy consumption to "increase user awareness of energy saving." Knowing is half the battle, friends.
NEC VersaPro VS-7 netbook manhandled, makes one reviewer positively giddy
You know that new ultra-light, ultra-thin, and ultra-portable laptop from NEC you got an eyeful of way back in May? Of course you do. You've been obsessing, actually -- and frankly, we've been worried about you. Still, we'd be remiss in our duties if we didn't turn you on to this mini-review that Akihabara News scored of the VersaPro VS-7. And we must say, the kudos are flowing pretty freely over there: "freaking light," (that's right: freaking), "slim and robust." The reviewer is simply "amazed" at the netbook's performance. Even in full screen mode HD video plays "just fine," and 720p DivX video playback is characterized as "flawless." But that ain't all -- hit the read link for the full, unexpurgated tale. But not before peeping the video after the break.
NEC's VersaPro UltraLite Type VS is thicker but lighter than Air
Another challenger enters the ultrathin notebook arena. This time it's NEC, prepping its lightest and daintiest edition of the UltraLite line, the Type VS. Its thickness ranges from 15.8mm to 29.9mm, comparing unfavorably to the 19.4mm MacBook Air or the 16.51mm Adamo. But, its 725g weight (about a pound and a half) definitely undercuts the competition, and its three USB slots, Ethernet port, and SD card reader give reasonable connectivity without external adapters. Its 10.6-inch screen has a resolution of 1208 x 768, the CPU is Intel's 1.86GHz Atom Z540 (the same as found in the higher-spec version of the Vaio P), 1GB of RAM is on tap, and a 64GB SSD keeps things persistent. Solid specs for sure, and with an asking price of around ¥99,750 (a little over $1,000) it should be reasonably solid value when it hits Japanese retailers in July. Just don't go wasting your summer waiting for these to appear domestically.Update: That ¥99,750 is actually a special promotional price for those who pre-order directly through NEC. The device's MSRP after that will be nearly double, ¥176,000 ($1,850), and while we're guessing it'll sell for something less than that, it still won't be nearly the bargain early-adopters will receive.[Via PC Watch]
NEC unveils Mate MF all-in-one PC, UltraLight VC laptop in Japan
Personally, we think the PowerMate P4000 and P6000 all-in-one machines are entirely more striking than the abominable NEC Mate MF all-in-one, but maybe we'd feel otherwise seeing it in person. All that aside, the PC-in-a-monitor includes a 17-inch panel (1,280 x 1,024 resolution), 2GHz Intel Celeron E1400, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, DVD drive, six USB ports and Windows Vista Business. Its partner in crime, the much more palatable UltraLite VC laptop (shown after the jump), checks in with a 12.1-inch LCD (1,280 x 800 resolution), a 1.2GHz Celeron 723 CPU (a Core 2 Duo SU9300 is optional and highly recommended), 1GB of RAM, 80GB HDD (SSD is again, optional), a fingerprint reader, SD card slot and your choice of OS. Both machines should be ready for consumption next month, with the starting prices pegged at ¥131,250 ($1,415) and ¥149,000 ($1,606) in order of mention.[Via AkihabaraNews]
NEC VersaPro VE disguises energy saving mode as "ECO button"
Just in case it wasn't official enough already, mega-corps have ridden this green bandwagon way too far. Like, the wheels have fallen clean off. Nevertheless, NEC is hoping to guilt you into picking up its VersaPro VE with the dedicated "ECO button," which seems to act as a macro for activating the Energy Saver mode within Windows. Beyond all that, you'll find a 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a GMA X3100 graphics set, 15.4-inch WXGA panel, an 80GB hard drive, CD burning combo drive, gigabit Ethernet and a pretty typical arrangement of ports. Those not satisfied with the listed specifications can customize the unit somewhat, but those happy as a peach with the base configuration can secure one for ¥186,000 ($1,770).[Via ShinyPlastic]
NEC's VersaPro VY10A/C-4 laptop lasts 14.5-hours on a single charge
NEC's latest VersaPro UltraLite Type VC won't appeal to any hardcore gamers or mobile movie cutters, but the casual joe (or jane) will likely find its hardware plenty capable of handling those everyday tasks. What's more is that this sucka claims a whopping 14.5-hours of life if you utilize the extended battery, which is pretty impressive for a 12.1-incher. Unfortunately, details are fairly slim on actual configurations, but word on the street has the VY10A/C-4 packin' an Intel U7500 Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive and your choice of Windows XP or Vista. Take a look at the oh-so-tough outer shell after the jump.[Via AkihabaraNews]
NEC's UltraLite VersaPro VC 12.1-inch laptop: a rugged 2.14-pounder
NEC has an update to their rugged, UltraLite series of laptops in the chute with this, the VersaPro VC. In what should be an oxymoron of features, these ultra-lightweights start at just 970-grams (2.14-pounds) yet are rugged enough to withstand up to 150-kg of pressure to the case. The 12.1-inch laptop with up to a 1280x1024 pixel display can be configured with a 1.06GHz Core Duo U2400 or Celeron M 423 processor, Intel 945GMS Express graphics, up to 1.5GB of DDR2 memory and 100GB 5400rpm SATA disk, dual-layer DVD writer, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, and security via fingerprint scanner and FeliCa port. You can even squeeze out 14.5 hours off an optional battery if you don't mind the added weight. Pre-order now, nicely spec'd for about ¥271,950 or about $2,351 when these ship in late January. [Via Impress]
NEC blesses new VersaPro VY20 line with Core 2 Duo
It's not quite specced to kill, but NEC's new VersaPro YV20 laptop doesn't look too shabby, and it's a BTO unit, so you can always flesh out the spec sheet if need be. What counts is the 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7200 processor option, and of course the Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics shouldn't do much harm. There's also "256MB+512MB×2" of dual-channel DDR2 RAM -- which sounds a bit like 1280MB, but we're no math-whizzes. The laptop sports up to a 15-inch UXGA display in the VW edition, while the VR and VE types max out at SXGA+. There's just a 40GB HDD and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive on the low-end, but those can be bumped up to 100GB and one of those fancy "super multi drive" units, and the 802.11a/b/g WiFi and gigabit Ethernet should do just fine. The VR and VE units start at a competitive 130,000 yen (about $1100 US), no word on the VW, and we're sure they're all quite a lot more than that once their BTO specs are all maxed out.[Via Akihabara]
