Posted 08/08/08 at 07:14:39 PM by Pulkit Chandna

Microsoft’s much delayed SQL Server 2008 is available now. Despite the delay in SQL Server’s launch, MS is patting its back for having released the new version of its popular database product within two to three years of the SQL Server 2005 launch. Apart from the free version, there are a variety of paid ones for both PCs and Windows Mobile devices.

SQL Server 2008 is expected to further strengthen Microsoft’s promising database business. In fact, it made immediate impact on Microsoft’s VP Ted Kummert, who has dyed his hair orange due to the product’s release. Kummert had vowed to dye his air orange if the developers were able to meet the latest launch deadline.

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microsoft, Software, database, Release, price, sql server 2008

Posted 08/07/08 at 09:27:03 AM by Chris Moody

In the world of PCs we have it pretty good. Hardware is pretty inexpensive for the performance across the board. It’s well developed and pretty amazing that you can take a conglomeration of parts drop Windows or Linux in it and have the thing work (usually). Overall this makes PCs cheap enough for the masses. Mac’s on the other hand tend to average almost double the cost of the PC average, according to a story by DailyTech:

“Macs have gone from an average price of $1,432 and $1,574, for desktops and laptops respectively in June '06 to $1,543 and $1,515 respectively in June '08.  While much lower to start, PCs are now even lower in average sale price. The average PC notebook went from $877 to $700,”

I would have thought that the recent change in Mac using Intel hardware would have enabled them to lower their prices, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

It has always been comparing Apples to, well, PCs to compare the platforms. Apple controls its production from end to end. Microsoft’s approach is more of a middle of the road approach with its Windows Certified Logo program, and Linux of course goes for the gusto with a completely open approach. Each has it’s advantages and draw backs. What we are seeing now is the result of openness and demand. If Apple wants to catch up it means opening up and letting builders use their OS X on their systems. I can just imagine how that will affect their vaunted stability, even though OS X is Linux at heart with Mac clothing. It will level the playing field and Macs might actually capture a larger market share while reducing their prices.

What do you think? Will we see Apple open it’s OS to system builders?

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windows, apple, linux, Mac, price, cost

Posted 08/04/08 at 07:54:25 PM by Pulkit Chandna

Entry of major PC manufacturers into the netbook market has become a procession. Now, Lenovo has announced that its IdeaPad S10 netbook will become available in the U.S in September, 2008. Powered by a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, it will be available in two different configurations and three vibrant colors, red, white and black.

The specs common to both versions are Windows XP, 10.2” LCD screen, LED backlight 1024x600 WSVGA, Intel Integrated Graphics GMA 950, Integrated 1.3M Camera, Battery up to 3 hrs. w/ 3 cell Battery & Up to 6 hrs. w/ 6 cell, Multi-touch Pad & near full size Keyboard (85% full size), Integrated Wireless 802.11 b/g,10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth and 4in1 Multi-card Reader.

The base version will retail for $399 and will have a 80 GB HDD and 512MB memory, while the $499 version will come with a 160 GB HDD and 1GB memory. In some parts of the world there will also be 9” versions with Linux preloads.

The IdeaPad S10 will also feature Lenovo’s OneKey Rescue System for recovering precious data in the face of an out-of-the-blue corruption. Expect more netbook launches in the coming months.

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Posted 07/17/08 at 02:44:32 AM by Pulkit Chandna

Research firm iSuppli has released its official iPhone 3G production cost estimate. According to its estimates, a sum of $174.33 is spent on manufacturing an iPhone 3G unit. There is a huge possibility that some of you might have stumbled upon a similar story during the iPhone-imbued month of June.

Actually iSuppli had just roughly interpolated the iPhone’s production cost back then, whereas this happens to be its official estimate. The research firm revealed that iPhone 3G’s production cost is a substantial $52 less than the 8GB version of its 2G predecessor. iSuppli construes the huge decline in production costs to be part of Apple’s strategy of making iPhone globally acceptable.

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apple, phone, cheap, price, iphone 3g, issupli, estimate, cost

Posted 07/11/08 at 08:58:58 AM by Chris Moody

The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft will lower the price of its 20GB Pro Xbox 360 from $349 to $299 as early as July 13th. It might be announced as part of Microsoft's presentation at the E3 on July 14th.

Microsoft has lost ground to the Playstation 3 in the past year, possible because of the defeat of Microsoft backed HD-DVD which the Xbox came with versus Sony’s Blu-Ray and the 40Gigs of space versus the Xbox 360’s 20Gigs at a roughly $50 price difference. Best guess is that this might lead to Sony cutting prices on the Playstation 3 as well.

So if you absolutely must get a console, hold off for the coming price adjustment. We’ll miss you in Team Fortress 2.

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microsoft, sony, ps3, Xbox 360, Playstation, consumer electronics, price