Review of the Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PC

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Back in April we told you about the Foxconn NT-A350 Nettop. Well now it’s time to review it.

UWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PC

Utilising the new AMD Fusion APU with built-in Radeon HD 6310 graphics, the NT-A3500 is capable of delivering DirectX ® 11 graphics and true 1080p HD playback with real-time image processing, all in the ultra-small form factor of the Foxconn NT-series chassis.

The NT-A3500 Barebone features the AMD E350 Dual Core 1.6GHz APU coupled with the AMD A45 chipset. The specification includes USB 3.0, Wireless-N and support for up to 4GB DDR3 memory.

Who are Foxconn?

From their website:

Foxconn was established in 1974 and has grown to become the largest ODM in the world with nearly 1,000,000 employees and revenues in excess of USD 100 billion. Foxconn’s customer base includes many famous brands in computing, communications and consumer electronics, for example; Apple, Cisco, Dell, HP, Nokia and Sony. With expertise in design and manufacturing, Foxconn’s Channel Division is able to bring barebone and component products to channel customers around the globe, giving them the freedom to create their own solutions.

Specifications

UWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PC

What’s in the Box?

Along with the nettop itself, there is a manual and a CD with drivers on, a power supply, wireless aerial, stand, TV mount, screws, connector and feet.

UWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PCUWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PCUWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PCUWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PCUWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PCUWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PCUWHS Review - Foxconn NT-A3500 Nettop Barebones PC

How to Set up Remote Web Access on SBS 2011 Essentials

If you are running Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and you want to set up Remote Web Access then you may need a little help.

If so, my friend and fellow MVP (and technical reviewer on my forthcoming SBS 2011 Essentials book) Rob Pearman has a couple of great guides for you.

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Rob has written some very detailed step by step instructions for helping you through the task. There are two parts to the guide, and you will need to review them both.

Sertting up Remote Web Access for SBS 2011 Essentials – Part One Sertting up Remote Web Access for SBS 2011 Essentials – Part Two

Working with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials

Well you didn’t think I would miss an opportunity to plug my next book would you? I am working together with Charlie Russell and Sharon Crawford on an SBS 2011 Essentials book.

You can pre-order the book from Amazon today.

Digital Lifestyle Show – My Movies Q&A Coming This Week

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I love My Movies. I’ve posted about it here at UWHS, and I’ve talked about it a lot on the Digital Lifestyle Show podcast with Ian Dixon. We are getting Brian and Rasmus on the show next week and we want your questions!

Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 PR7

Dashboard-with-My-Movies-installed_t

This is what Ian has posted:

On Tuesday at 8pm UK time we will be recording a special edition of the The Digital Lifestyle Show with Brian Binnerup and Rasmus Johansen from My Movies. We will be talking about the newly released version 4 of My Movies and taking about the next version of the application. We had lots of questions and feature suggestions sent in so we will put them to Brian and Rasmus and we will be streaming the recording live on our TDL Live page.

You can also submit your questions to us.

I’m looking forward to talking to them both on the show next week. And why not join in with us live – it certainly adds to the excitement!

Introducing the Hauppauge WinTV-DCR-2650 Dual Tuner Digital Cable Card Receiver

Earlier this week, Hauppauge announced their forthcoming WinTV-DCR-2650 dual tuner digital cable card receiver on their Facebook page.

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Here is what they said (and it isn’t much):

It’s like having a cable TV set top box for your PC! Only $129.- for the dual tuner USB model. Here’s the rear view showing where you plug in the cable card.

The WinTV-DCR-2650 is a collaboration between Hauppauge and Silicon Dust.

Well for $129 it seems like a no-brainer to me, and that is significantly cheaper than both the Ceton InfiniTV 4 card and the Silicon Dust HDHomeRun Prime.

There is nothing yet on Hauppauge’s website, but I expect that to change shortly.

What do you do think – interested?

Via: Tenniswood Blog

WHS Download Manager 3.2.9 Out Now

The WHS Download Manager add-in has been updated to version 3.2.9.

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Here is what they say about this update:

The new version of the Download Manager for Windows Home Server (V1) is out.

This release brings you some bugfixes and adds support for two new filehosters.

Today we support over 10 different filehosters. Windows Home Server Download Manager does not support free filehoster access anymore. If you can’t do without, please switch
to the Server Transfer-Manager.

With the Server Transfer-Manager,we will extend the free access support every Week.

Download WHS Download Manager from here

Magic Wake on LAN Updated to Version 1.2.715.1

Magic Wake On LAN, an add-in that adds wake on lan capabilities to your home server and network, was updated to version 1.2.715.1. Read on for details!

settings-mainwakeup-timersweb-interface

Back in December, we told us about the initial release of this add-in. Here is what we said about the add-in back then:

Magic WOL is a clientless WOL solution for WHS V1. Utilizing the latest AJAX technology for seamless website interaction, Magic WOL is the easiest solution for waking up computers for RDP. Not only is it accessible from the WHS console and the remote website, but it easily allows you to manage devices in your network that are not connected to WHS.

Features:
*Clientless integration, only need server installation.
*IP Helpers and ARP finders that keep your PCs info accurate when WHS doesn’t.
*Edit, Delete, and Add new computers to the add-in.
*Automatic Updates for all future releases.

On Thursday we told you about an update, and now there is another one.

Magic WOL Version 1.2.715.1 is the first version with computer scheduling, which allows you to configure computers both inside and outside of WHS client pool to wake up at a specified time, daily or one time only.  This release also includes the updates and patches from the recent maintenance release (version 1.1).

This add-in costs $7 and comes with a 30 day trial for evaluation purposes. Jim uses this add-in frequently to wake his home desktop from the office and the road, and if you are looking for a WOL solution, He recommends it from personal experience. He uses it from his Android phone and his work computer and since it deploys a website for sending the magic packet, it can be used by a multitude of devices.

What are you waiting for? If you haven’t tried this yet for your v1 box, give it a whirl!

Magic WOL From Maplegrove Partners Wake On LAN On Wikipedia

Apple Release iOS 4.3.4 Update Available

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Apple have just released iOS 4.3.4 – and it’s a security update so you really want to update if you view PDF’s on any of your Apple devices.

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It’s a 666.7 MB update if you have an iPhone 4.

15-07-2011 19-54-53

iOS 4.3.4 Software Update

Fixes security vulnerability associated with viewing malicious PDF files.

Products compatible with this software update:
• iPhone 4 (GSM model)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad 2
• iPad
• iPod touch (4th generation)
• iPod touch (3rd generation)

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website:
<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222>

Windows Server Solutions Phone Connector for WHS 2011 and SBS 2011 Essentials Released

Microsoft have just announced the release of the Phone Connector add-in for Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Windows Home Server 2011.

phone connector

Here is what Microsoft have said:

The Windows Server Solutions Phone Connector add-in enables you to connect to your home, business, or storage server by using your Windows Phone 7 phone. This document provides help for the integration of Windows Phone 7 into Windows Home Server 2011, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials.

After completing the integration of your Windows Phone 7 phone into a SBS 2011 Essentials server, you can use your phone to perform remote server management tasks (such as view alerts, manage users, and start and stop backups).

The Phone connecter requires both a server sided add-in which you can download from http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=214671 , and a Windows Phone 7 Application which can be downloaded through the market place on your phone or via your PC when you have your phone linked to the Zune client via http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=214673&clcid=0x409.

For further information you can access the Windows 7 Phone Connector help site on TechNet at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh319881.aspx

Two Minute Review – The 80’s Phone Case for the Apple iPhone

Do you miss the 80’s? If so, you can get a cool phone case for your Apple iPhone that makes you think you are back there!

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Here is the description of the 80’s Phone Case:

By today’s standards, you’d be forgiven for mistaking a 1980s mobile phone for, well, a house brick, but back in the day these chunky must-haves were the ultimate status symbol!
We’ve come along way in terms of streamlined modernity and fancy features since then, but the 80s mobile remains a design icon in its own right. And with this funky phone case, you can get the best of both worlds. Simply slot your iPhone into the custom-made holder and capture the look and feel of the 1980s ‘house brick’ without losing any of your 21st-century specs!

>> Compatible with both iPhone 3GS and 4
>> Combine the iconic look of an 80’s handset with the hi-tech specs of an iPhone
>> Also works as a vertical or horizontal stand for your handset
>> Offers protection against bumps and scratches
>> Fantastic novelty gift
>> Great prop for fancy dress parties

Who Are Thumbs Up?

Thumbs Up designs, develops and distributes the most innovative gifts, gadgets and toys on the market. The R&D team is famed for having a ‘no limits’ approach to product development and prides itself on its imagination, creativity and sheer unwillingness to accept the norm. Established in 2004, Thumbs Up has developed a reputation for selling high quality novelty gifts and exciting gadgets

For more information about Thumbs Up visit http://www.thumbsupworld.co.uk

What’s in the Box?

Just the case is contained in the box/

UWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhone

Fitting the iPhone into the Case

As you can see, the case is significantly bigger than the iPhone – I remember these size phones, how did we ever carry and use these?

UWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhone

To fit the iPhone, you just slide off the back case and pop the phone in!

UWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhoneUWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhone

Then just slide the back case back on and you are done!

UWHS Review - the 80's Phone Case for the Apple iPhone IMG_5268

Final Thoughts

Wow – this really does make your iPhone HUGE! As I said earlier, how did we ever use phones that were this size, and in some cases even bigger!

This is an amusing little toy that you can take with you and use at parties, or if you just want to look retro (see, I said retro and not something else!!)

One thing to note – when the iPhone is in the case you can’t access the volume controls, the mute switch or the lock switch. But lets be honest, you are not going to be using it as your everyday phone case! Well, at least, I hope not!

The case supports all the current iPhone models and was fun to use – it certainly got a few strange looks when I pulled it out of my bag (you cant exactly pull it out of your pocket!)

The ‘80’s Phone is available in black with a SRP of £12.99, so it won’t break the bank, and is certainly good for a laugh.

We have only given it a 3/5 because it’s not something you will use every day, and it’s not really practical for normal everyday use, but it is fun, so don’t let that put you off!

3-Black

Learn more from the Thumbs Up website

Hands-on with the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

Fujitsu have just launched a Windows 7 slate aimed at businesses called the STYLISTIC Q550. And we get some hands-on time with it.

UWHS - Hands-on with the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

Obviously this slate is aimed at business users, you can tell that when you look at the host of security related features such as the fingerprint reader, disk encryption and smartcard reader! It doesn’t mean however that users outside of the business wouldn’t want to play with on. I have to say I really liked it and I look forward to a longer term test.

Specifications

Windows 7 Professional (32 bit edition)

10.1 inch anti-glare display (with a viewing angle of up to 170 degrees)

30GB or 60GB SSD with full disk encryption support

800 grams weight

Fingerprint scanner

SmartCard Reader

optional TPM module

Up to 8 hours of battery life

Bluetooth

Front and rear cameras

SD card slot

Costs

There are three models:

The 30GB WiFi model is £749

The 30GB 3G model is £799

and the 62GB 3G model is £859.

The 30GB WiFi model is out now and the two 3G models will be out some time in August.

A Closer Look

Let’s have a closer look at the Q550.

It has a full size HDMI port on it for connecting to monitors, tv’s and projectors.

UWHS - Hands-on with the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

It comes with a stylus so you don’t have to buy one as well.

UWHS - Hands-on with the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

It has it’s own dedicated CTRL/ALT/DELETE button Smile

UWHS - Hands-on with the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 SlateUWHS - Hands-on with the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

HP TouchPad Officially Out in UK Today

A short time since the US launch of the HP TouchPad, its time for it to be officially released here in the UK.

Touchpad

There are two models, the 16GB which retails for £399 and the 32GB which retails for £479.

Are you getting one? Have you got one? Tell us what you think…

The Home Server Show Episode 143 Out Now

Dave and the guys have just released the Home Server Show episode 143.

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Here’s what Dave says about this weeks show:

Great show for you this time.  We have Dan Reynolds from KeepVault to talk about the new update and pricing plan that was released on Tuesday.  Tons of news as well.  We did this one with live video too.  I’ll try to get the video posted later in the week.

As usual you can download the show from here.

Magic Wake on LAN Updated to Version 1.1.714.2

Magic Wake On LAN, an add-in that adds wake on lan capabilities to your home server and network, was updated to version 1.1.714.2.  Read on for details!

Maplegrove

Back in December, Andrew told us about the initial release of this add-in.  Here is what Andrew told us about the add-in back then:

Magic WOL is a clientless WOL solution for WHS V1. Utilizing the latest AJAX technology for seamless website interaction, Magic WOL is the easiest solution for waking up computers for RDP. Not only is it accessible from the WHS console and the remote website, but it easily allows you to manage devices in your network that are not connected to WHS.

Features:
*Clientless integration, only need server installation.
*IP Helpers and ARP finders that keep your PCs info accurate when WHS doesn’t.
*Edit, Delete, and Add new computers to the add-in.
*Automatic Updates for all future releases.

Today, I woke up to find that the automatic upgrade function had downloaded a new update and it was ready to install, so of course I updated the application.  The latest version fixes bugs.

The Digital Lifestyle Show – Episode 311 Out Now

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 311.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

Welcome to the 311th edition of the show and this week Andrew and Garry joined me to record live and talk about DVBLink beta, Remote Potato HD for the iPad, new Windows Home Servers, Meteor for Windows Phone, tablets verses notebooks, Media Center addins and the future of Windows Home Server. As we did last week we streamed the recording on the TDL live page and plan to continue streaming future shows.

Download and listen to the show from here