Have you noticed that there are fewer computers to feature DVD drives than before? Lots of laptop computers are dropping the drives in order to reduce the size of the systems. But it isn't just laptops that don't have the drives. Even Apple has dropped the drive from its latest Mac Mini desktop. And it isn't just the size of the hardware that is driving this trend. Find out more about why the days of the optical storage media are numbered for the PC.

The Galaxy S III may rock an impressive battery life, but if Panasonic has its way, even greater benchmarks could be on the horizon. The company is ready to start making samples of a new ReRAM microcontroller, and -- like Sharp and Elpida -- it could start mass production as soon as next year. Here's a little refresher: ReRAM is a new kind of memory with re-write speeds far superior to NAND because it doesn't need power to hold onto information. Panny's chip will initially be used in simple devices like fire alarms, but the tech could eventually find its way into our TVs and even smartphones and tablets. But seriously, are we even capable of living in a NAND-free world?

Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With its international sibling receiving accolades left and right, it is time for the AT&T exclusive, LTE sporting HTC One X to take the stage. While the newcomer has retained the gorgeous looks of the global version, it is yet another case of...

The tablet marketplace was fairly stagnant through the last past of 2011 and the early 2012. Now the marketplace is really starting to see some competition with pricing as well as features. The Android 4.0 operating system is now starting to ship in some tablets and is pushed for upgrades in some older models. Let's also not forget that Apple has introduced its retina display technology to the iPad that was previously only seen on the iPhone. So, with all of these new developments, it was time to update my list of Best Tablets. Find out which models I think are best for price, size and features.

Desktop computers sales have been dropping for years but one segment is growing, the all-in-one. Apple is a dominant player in this segment ever since it first released the iMac. Of course, Apple is not known for their value pricing but it is possible to get a refurbished 21.5-inch iMac for just $999. This is their most recent revision of the all-in-one as well with the Intel Core i5 quad core processor for some solid performance. Storage is a bit limited with just a 500GB hard drive and a dual-layer DVD burner but it does feature a Thunderbolt port for use with high speed external storage. Even though it is a refurbished version, it carries the same 1-year warranty as a brand new unit plus it is possible to buy the Apple Care extended warranty.

Disclaimer: All deals are those advertised by the retailer in question and may have rebates or other conditions of purchase for the products. Please be sure to read all disclaimers from the seller before purchasing.

Unlike most desktop computer systems where the display is purchased separately from the computer, a laptop PC has the display built into the computer. Because of this, it is important to understand how the size of a laptop might impact the size of the display on the computer. Other things such as resolution, aspect ratio and the graphics processor all impact how the laptop display will function. If you happen to be looking for a new portable computer, be sure to check out my guide to help explain how all these things fit together for selecting the proper laptop.

There's no battle to end all battles in this industry but there's no point either trying to reason with two deadly droids, armed with the latest technology. We have two of the season's hottest smartphones in combat mode and Android supremacy is...

Oh, how we will miss New Orleans. It's been a long and busy week in the Big Easy as tens of thousands of calories were sacrificed in the name of bringing you the most comprehensive coverage of CTIA's annual spring show. Not that we mind -- we love doing it, and it's easy justification for the dozens of beignets we downed during our stay. The event was a tad on the quiet side this year (no companies announced any buyouts, for starters) we still kept ourselves more than adequately busy sticking our noses in every nook and cranny of the show floor. After the break, feast upon our entire scope of coverage, in case you missed it the first time around.

Continue reading CTIA Wireless 2012 wrap-up

CTIA Wireless 2012 wrap-up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Having trouble with the barrage of smartphone news in recent weeks? Don't worry, we've got you covered in this Friday's edition of our e-publication. The focus this week is the on-going quest for the ultimate smartphone champion. In our search, we take a look at the recently outted Samsung Galaxy S III while putting both the AT&T HTC One X and the Sprint Galaxy Nexus through their paces. While he's a fan of their thin frames, Darren Murph demands better battery life in new laptops and his editorial offers some thoughts on the matter. Our hands-on section is all CTIA this week, as we look back at a handful of gadgets that caught our eye. Smartphone reviews just not doing the trick this week? Well, we take the Jawbone Big Jambox for a spin in this week's issue as well. Yes, all the regulars are here -- including Reaction Time with a word on The Avengers and Call of Duty. Stat takes a look at phone profits, Switched On tackles smartplayers, IRL takes another peek in our backpacks, Square's CTO Bob Lee gets cozy with the Q&A and Dustin Harbin offers the Last Word on excessive texters. So, grab a seat in your favorite reading chair and hit the download link of your choice to get your copy of our tablet mag.

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Distro Issue 40: the battle for smartphone dominance continues and we go hands-on at CTIA 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The ASUS Transformer Prime was the first to offer the new quad core Tegra 3 processor in an extremely thin profile. With all its luxurious features, it certainly was a premium tablet but the $500 price tag may be a bit too high for some. Thankfully, ASUS has expanded their Transformer lineup with the new Transformer Pad that comes in at a more affordable $400. Of course, some of the luxury features had to be dropped to achieve this price. Did ASUS keep enough features to make it a worthy tablet at this price point? Find out in my review of the ASUS Transformer Pad tablet.