What is a PC? Sounds like a simple question. And it used to have a simple answer. It’s a computer with an x86-compatible processor and a copy of Microsoft Windows.
The only exceptions involved dubious standards of personal hygiene or a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. In either scenario, allowances for running Linux were made.
Today, things aren’t so clear. Portable computers of all kinds are increasingly powered by ARM chips. In fact, some of the big research houses that crunch the data and work out the trends have been bundling tablets in with conventional laptop and desktop computers under the all-encompassing ‘personal computer’ label for a while.
More recently, Microsoft revealed that its upcoming ARM-compatible operating system, which appears to be more or less a port of Windows 8, will deliver the full Windows desktop even if there will be limitations regards the apps you can run.
Not that I necessarily think that Windows for ARM will be a terribly big deal. But it does feed into the broader picture where internet access and computing in general is becoming ever more mobile and ever less tethered to x86processors.
Already, more people around the world access the internet from a mobile device rather than conventional computers.
Cisco even reckons there will be many more mobile internet devices than people by 2016. And they’ll very probably all be ARM powered.
At the same time, while Intel and AMD attempt to squeeze x86 chips into ever smaller form factors, ARM chips are heading in the other direction and becoming ever more sophisticated powerful. Nvidia, for instance, says it plans to offer multi-core ARM processors suitable for heavy duty server computers, probably in 2014.
As it happens, it increasingly looks like AMD might give in to the ARM architecture and use it for its own chips.
Whether that actually happens or not, ARM architectures are certainly due to take on capabilities previously reserved for high performance systems, such as 64-bit instruction sets and out-of-order execution.
It won’t be long before a high end smartphone has all the computing power most consumers really need. And that raises the possibility of using a single device both on the move and docked on the desktop. Meanwhile, cloud and browser-based apps and services are increasingly making the argument you need that x86 ecosystem and broad compatibility seem pretty redundant.
Now, I don’t want to get carried away. There’s plenty to shake out and I for one think ye olde mouse and keyboard interface has plenty of legs left when it comes to getting stuff done. So, I’m not saying tablets are about to take over or anything along those lines.
But I can also feel the winds of change. Thus, my plan is to get hold of one of the latest transformable Android tablets and see if it can truly replace my precious laptop PC.
I’ll still have my desktop and my smartphone, of course. So in terms of overall device count, nothing will have changed. But I reckon it will still provide an intriguing insight into what being a PC is all about.
Many might not think about it, but Bluetooth wireless communication has increasingly become part of our everyday lives.
It’s used to link mobile phones with hands-free headsets, it’s used to transfer files, it’s an essential part of connecting controllers to games consoles and peripherals to computers and tablets, and that’s just the start.
But what is it? How does it work? And why is it called Bluetooth?
The last question has a relatively simple answer. Bluetooth is the anglicised name of Harald Blåtand, a 10th century Danish king. Harald united the tribes of Denmark into one kingdom, gaining a reputation among historians for getting different peoples to communicate.
It’s this reason that a technology invented in the mid 1990s that united different devices through wireless communication was dubbed Bluetooth. The Bluetooth logo combines the runic symbols of Harald’s initials.
What Bluetooth does
Bluetooth was invented by Ericsson in 1994 as a way of transferring information over short distances without the need for wires.
This new way of transmitting data proved interesting to other technology companies, and in 1998 Ericsson joined with Intel, Nokia and Toshiba to found the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation that oversees development of Bluetooth technology, and now has over 15,000 members. The founders remain influential, and have been joined by Motorola, Lenovo and Microsoft as ‘promoters’ – the SIG members that make decisions about the direction of Bluetooth.
How Bluetooth tech works
Bluetooth works using wave radio technology through the 2.4 to 2.485GHz transmission band. It’s relatively low powered, giving it an impressively long battery life. A Bluetooth device contains a small computer chip, enabling the user to connect that to other products within a ‘Personal Area Network’ (PAN) of 50 metres.
Bluetooth can transfer files between a PC and a smartphone, or move it between two mobile phones without physically needing to attach them with wires.
The radio technology is also behind hands-free headsets – perhaps the best known use of Bluetooth.
This transfer of audio information from mobile phone to headset is done through the use of Advanced Audio Distribution (A2DP), which enables the audio to be streamed from a mobile phone through to a headset, enabling users to talk while on the move.
Bluetooth’s evolution
Two years after SIG officially formed, Bluetooth became commercially available, first appearing on mobile phones in 2000, with headsets shipping shortly afterwards.
The first years of the new millennium saw Bluetooth rolled out to various other tech, including laptops, printers, keyboards, cameras and more, reaching an install base of one billion by 2006.
However, while it was useful for linking local networks, transferring files by Bluetooth was slow. In 2007 this improved, with the first major changes coming with Bluetooth 2.1. Not only did it improve power consumption to five times better than before, it improved pairing for Bluetooth devices, making it easier and more efficient to use.
This was a big step forward for Bluetooth, which arrived on TVs and alarm clock radios in the same year. It was this version that became popular on mobile phones.
But 2009′s version 3.0 really brought Bluetooth forward, with transfer data speeds improving to 24Mbps – impressive for a wireless technology. It also introduced peer-to-peer communication between Bluetooth mobile devices, enabling users to share apps and play multiplayer games, giving Bluetooth yet another everyday use.
On mobiles, Bluetooth 3.0 first appeared on the iPhone, before spreading to various other smartphones.
Bluetooth 4.0
SIG hasn’t stopped there, with 4.0 the latest version of Bluetooth and already out in the open, with its launch coming with iPhone 4S. Bluetooth 4.0 uses even less power than previous versions, and enables various devices to replace propriety sensor technology with Bluetooth.
This Bluetooth Low Energy has benefits for technology in fitness, such as heart rate monitors and pedometers, which before could only communicate with a specific device controlling them. Now this information could theoretically be checked by any phone or computer.
The use of Bluetooth 4.0 still isn’t that widespread, but it’s tipped to grow, with the possibility to even be used to work as a wireless payment system in a similar fashion to the slower speeds of NFC.
While Bluetooth is now relatively widespread, it’s in places where we mostly don’t notice it. Bluetooth 4.0 gives it the potential to become more prominent – something people are aware they’re using.
The technology certainly looks like it’ll continue to improve communication – both for people and devices – and it could definitely go more places now Apple is on the Board of Directors.
It may not unite a tribe of people under one leader, but Bluetooth is certainly enabling technology to communicate in ways that otherwise may not be possible.
Running Apple must be a double-edged sword, we reckon.
On the one hand the world’s geeks worship you and you’ve enough cash to buy really nice biscuits, but on the other you keep getting the blame for other people’s mistakes.
This week, it’s been more blame than biscuits.
First up there was Path, the hotly tipped social-networking app. When it emerged that the app was surreptitiously copying users’ entire address books to its servers, the row reached the giddy heights of the US Congress – although asking Apple to explain Path’s actions is rather like demanding B&Q takes responsibility when somebody whacks you with a plank of wood.
In fairness the Path debacle does expose a flaw in iOS: where apps using location services have to get your permission to find out anything about you, apps wanting access to your contacts don’t.
Apple says that’s a violation of its policies: "Apps that collect or transmit a user’s contact data without their prior permission are in violation of our guidelines," spokesperson Tom Neumayr says – and that it’ll provide a software fix to prevent it from happening again.
Path, meanwhile, has said sorry and erased the data from its servers.
Apple has also been getting it in the neck for the behaviour of its subcontractors in China, and this week Tim Cook "hit back" at the suggestion that Apple products weren’t assembled in rainbows by unicorns but were, in fact, assembled in factories by unhappy humans. "Our commitment is simple," Cook says:
"Every worker has the right to a fair and safe work environment, free of discrimination, where they can earn competitive wages and they can voice their concerns freely."
Cook has invited the Fair Labor Association to inspect Apple’s subcontractors, and recently emailed Apple employees to rebut a New York Times story that alleged unsafe and oppressive working conditions.
Cook’s comments came during his keynote speech at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference, where he also responded to a question about tablets with a dig at Apple’s rivals.
"A cheap product might sell some units," Cook said, but "then they get it home and use it, and the joy is gone… you don’t keep remembering ‘I got a good deal’ because you hate it!" Don’t buy him an AndyPad. He won’t thank you for it.
While Tim Cook is looking to the future, some Apple watchers are giggling at the past: according to newly declassified FBI files, Steve Jobs was clever, complicated and something of a fibber.
We can’t wait for the FBI to declassify some more documents so we can discover that rain is wet, bricks are heavy and that Angelina Jolie is quite good looking.
But it wasn’t all bad
Apple, of course, is thinking a lot about tablets because it’s gearing up for the launch of the iPad 3, while it also took the opportunity to preview OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion this week.
Amid rumours that it’s testing an eight-inch iPad – the launch of which is scoring a low "it’s possible" on our trademarked rumour-o-meter because Apple tests all kinds of things all the time without necessarily turning them into shipping products – we’re pretty sure that the iPad 3 will be launched on 7 March with a retina display.
A new, quad-core processor is probable but not definite, and if the rumoured 4G/LTE model is incoming then we’d expect a significantly more powerful battery to cope with 4G’s notorious thirst.
Here in the UK we’ll get the battery but not the radio: at the time of writing, Brits have more chance of connecting via tin cans tied with string than they have of spotting a 4G network in the wild.
What’s the best 13-inch laptop?
The 13-inch laptop has gone on leaps and bounds recently, thanks massively to Intel’s Ultrabook specifications.
At the moment, all Ultrabooks feature 13-inch screens, with 14 and 15-inch models incoming later this year.
In many ways, a 13-inch laptop is the perfect size for a portable PC; they’re not as fiddly and squint-inducing as netbooks, but not as heavy and awkward as a full-on notebook.
The price of these machines is higher than netbooks though, so if your wallet’s feeling the strain we recommend you take a look at our guide to the 15 best netbooks in the world today.
Or for a broader view, look at our 20 best laptops in the world today. But whatever you do, read on to find our favourite 13-inchers of the past few months – all in price order.
1. HP Envy 13 – £533
HP’s Envy cost a whopping £1499 when we reviewed it, and we rightly criticised it for being far too expensive. Now that price has dropped to under £1000, making it a worthy competitor to Apple’s 13-inch MacBook. Like the MacBook, it sports a quality build, lozenge-type keys, a lovely screen and a dedicated graphics card. Unfortunately, battery life isn’t that great, but if you fancy buying something of Apple’s inscrutable quality without the Apple branding, look no further.
2. Acer Aspire S3 – £680
Acer’s take on the Intel Ultrabook specifications may not be quite as skinny as half-sister company Asus’ Zenbook, but the price is certainly slimmed down. Packed with a Core i7 processor and 4GB of memory, the Aspire S3 proved a capable multi-tasker able to run powerful photo and video editing software. The keyboard is impressive for such a slim machine, and we were impressed by just how quietly it ran. 149 minutes of battery life won’t see you taking it on extended trips, but the price and form factor makes it an ideal first venture into the Ultrabook market.
Read our Acer Aspire S3 review
3. Lenovo IdeaPad U300S – £893
Sitting firmly between other Ultrabooks in terms of both price and performance, Lenovo’s IdeaPad still proved that Intel’s specifications make for versatile and powerful little lappies. Lenovo has prioritised business use on the IdeaPad, so you’ll find a comfortable keyboard and matt screen. While the latter may not be ideal for photos and movies, it’s perfect for working outside or in the glare of the sun. Long battery life and low weight make it great for long business trips, and while the design is nothing special it’s still head and shoulders above non-Ultrabook laptops.
Read our Lenovo IdeaPad U300S review
4. Toshiba Satellite Z830-10U – £900
Toshiba’s Ultrabook somehow includes a sub-woofer, an ethernet port and three USB ports in a package that weighs a mere 1.1kg and is just 16mm wide at its thickest point. The miracle of micro-engineering comes at a cost, though: it’s one of the flimsier Ultrabooks we’ve looked at. It’s not quite as powerful as other Ultrabooks we’ve looked at, although it proved perfectly adequate for photo editing and was quick to boot up and shut down. Battery life impressed, too, and we reckon it’ll last a full day of real-world use.
Read our Toshiba Satellite Z830-10U review
5. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Late 2011) – £942
Intel’s Ultrabooks may have Apple’s 13-inch ultraportable firmly in their sights, but they still have quite a fight on their hands. The MacBook Pro’s handsome looks make everything else look a little bit pathetic, and the buttonless touchpad is one of the best we’ve ever seen. This update includes a faster processor and larger hard drive, on top of standard Mac-centric luxuries like a backlit keyboard, an excellent screen and an HD webcam.
Read our Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Late 2011) review
6. Asus Zenbook UX31 – £1,000
An incredible introduction to Intel’s Ultrabook specification, Asus’ Zenbook is a draw-droppingly well-designed piece of kit. It draws favourable comparisons to Apple’s MacBook Air, with an ultra-slim form factor (just 17mm at its widest point when closed) and distinctive concentric design on the lid. Add to this powerful components, long battery life and excellent sound, and you’ve got an immensely capable little laptop. The fact that the biggest problem we had was with the trackpad buttons says it all here, really.
Read our Asus Zenbook UX31 review
7. Dell XPS 13 – £1,000
The Dell XPS 13 makes its debut in March and it looks like a cracker. The first thing that strikes you about the XPS 13 is how compact it is. Despite it being a 13-inch display, the 31.6 x 20.5 cm footprint is narrow and Dell makes no secret of its desire to be smaller than the 13-inch MacBook Air but with a similar screen size. It’s thin, too, with a 6-18mm footprint and is a gorgeous-looking device. Our previous Ultrabook design best has to be the Asus Zenbook but the Dell XPS 13 really cuts it. It looks the part and feels it too at 1.4Kg.
Read our hands on: Dell XPS 13 review
8. Samsung 9 Series – £1,300+
Although we’ve reviewed the old model – check out our Samsung 9 Series review – we got hands on with its successor at CES 2012. The original Series 9 was one of the world’s thinnest laptops, but Samsung has managed to shave another 4mm from its size-zero body, and the updated 13" model measures just 12.9mm when closed. The 15-inch version measures just 15mm, and one certainly gets the impression that Samsung wants to prove a point to the Ultrabook crowd. Duralumin, the tough alloy used on the original model, has been axed – possibly because it was prone to scratches – and replaced by standard aluminium, which feels much more resilient, and should stand up to contact with other items in your bag.
Read our Hands on: Samsung 9 Series review
9. Sony VAIO Z Series – £1,931
Just under £2,000 is a lot to spend on a laptop, especially one so small. But this Sony VAIO is basically a desktop in a tiny laptops’ clothing, and it includes a proper desktop Core i7, 6GB of DDR3 RAM and an Nvidia GT 330M graphics chip. You needn’t worry about this beefy setup draining the battery, either: we got a decent 285 minutes out of it. It’s all wrapped up in VAIO’s exquisite style and rugged build quality, and the screen is a sight to behold. As we said in our review, "this is easily one of the best laptops you can currently buy."
Intel has combined a Wi-Fi transceiver with a dual-core Atom processor, opening up the possibility of slimmer mobile devices with longer battery life.
The company plans to present its new chip, codenamed Rosepoint at ISSCC 2012 in San Francisco later this week.
With fewer separate chips, mobile devices like phones, tablets and laptops could be slimmer, less battery-intensive and even cheaper.
Radio components like Wi-Fi chips are especially difficult to miniaturise as they’re usually based upon complex analogue circuitry.
Intel has managed to buck this trend by producing a digital Radio Frequency (RF) which can be shrunk as chip parts become smaller.
Moore’s law at work
Intel’s chief technology officer, Justin Rattner, says the chips will have "state of the art power efficiency," and that "with a digital approach to radio, you can bring the benefits of Moore’s law to RF and radio circuits."
The Rosepoint design puts a digital 2.4GHz Wi-Fi chip right next to a dual-core Atom processor in a mobile system-on-a-chip design.
There are difficulties in combining wireless radio and CPUs, however, as both can emit disruptive radiation. "This radiation seeps into the RF module and corrupts the data," says Hossein Alavi, director of Intel’s Radio Integration Lab. "The closer they are, the more interference is going to go to them."
To get around this, Intel has developed noise-cancelling and radiation-shielding measures to apply to the chips.
It even has chips with antennas included in the works.
Currently the subject of a research project, the new chips could feature in mobile tech by 2015.
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