New PC tech makes it easy for users to keep up

Glenn Ferreira, Axiz Product Manager: Components, says consumers would be wise to take a closer look at some of the latest tech for desktop PCs before making that all-important decision about upgrading or replacing.

* DDR3
Intel is leading the innovation stakes at the moment with the introduction of a system architecture of its own. At the heart of this project is a new microprocessor, code-named Nehalem and now officially christened as the Core i7. The Core i7 can get to main memory very quickly, thanks to its integrated memory controller, which eliminates the chip-to-chip "hop" required when going over a front-side bus to an external north bridge. Although this in itself has been done before, Intel has raised the stakes by incorporating support for three channels of DDR3 memory.

Officially, the maximum memory speed supported by the first Core i7 processors is 1066MHz, which is a little conservative for the DDR3, but frequencies of 1333, 1600 and 2000MHz are possible with the most expensive Core i7, the 965 Extreme Edition. The upshot of this is that a single Core i7 processor supports a total of eight threads, which makes for an impressive-looking Task Manager window.

"DDR3 memory will be the new standard relatively soon, as DDR2 goes end of life. For end-users, this means lower latency, higher memory bandwidth, and faster memory access. In conjunction with the Core i7 processor`s built-in memory controller, tri-channel DDR3 will provide unrivalled performance."

* Solid State Drives (SSDs)
To pave the way for the Nehalem launch, Intel recently outlined the roadmap for its upcoming line of SSDs that will use flash-based solid-state memory to store data and replace hard drives in some computers. These data storage devices are aimed at mobile and desktop users, as well as enterprise server, storage and workstation applications. The first products hit the shelves in the fourth quarter of last year.

"This is good news for customers as it has accelerated development of SSD technology and also brought prices down. Smaller PC manufacturers will be able to buy pre-integrated SSDs that will seamlessly slide into current laptop and desktop designs, which means no additional redesign or development cost. SSDs are faster, smaller, and can take less power. Also, they aren`t mechanical and are therefore more reliable than regular hard drives. According to Intel, the new drives, which are based on Intel`s multi-level cell flash memory, save up to 30 minutes in battery life and are also designed to improve the input/output bottleneck to the CPU."

* Affordable Internet devices
Small, cheap laptop devices, like netbooks, are expected to be big sellers in the coming months, as consumers seek out low-power, low-cost Internet technologies. Ferreira explains that the netbook takes the concept of the notebook PC to an even smaller level.

"A netbook typically has a screen that is less than 10 inches wide diagonally, carries no optical drive, and runs on Intel`s Atom processor. The real allure for the consumer though is the price tag, as some netbooks start from as low as R3 400. Netbooks represent a new category in the PC market, with their promoters betting that many users will trade off some computing power for a small form factor and very low price in the current economic climate."

* Windows 7
Microsoft is yet to reveal all in the way of features, but Ferreira says users will be very impressed at the simplicity this OS delivers. The biggest visible result is the taskbar. The quick launch area is gone, leaving just the taskbar. Application icons can be "docked" in this taskbar. You can drag-and-drop application icons to this area for one-click access. It is also easier to copy or compare files by dragging the windows to the opposite sides of the screen, and you can download great applications like Windows Live Messenger, Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker, to greatly improve your Windows experience!