Intel Core i7 Review

Nehalem is here.
Anticipation for Intel's latest CPU architecture rivals the intensity for the original Core 2 Duo. It's not just that Nehalem is a new CPU architecture. Intel's new CPU line also brings along with it a new system bus, new chipsets, and a new socket format.
Today, we're mainly focusing on the Core i7 CPU and its performance compared to Intel's Core 2 quad-core CPUs. There's a ton of data to sift through just on CPU performance. We'll have ample opportunity to dive into the platform, and its tweaks, in future articles.
Intel will be launching three new Core i7 products in the next couple of weeks, at 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz, and 3.20GHz, at prices ranging from $285 to $999 (qty. 1,000). That's right: You'll be able to pick up a Core i7 CPU for around $300 fairly soon. Of course, that's not the whole story: You'll need a new motherboard and very likely, new memory, since the integrated memory controller only supports DDR3.
In the past several weeks, we've been locked in the basement lab, running a seemingly endless series of benchmarks on six different CPUs. Now it's time to talk results. While we'll be presenting our usual stream of charts and numbers, we'll try to put them in context, including discussions of how and when it might be best to upgrade.
Let's get started with a peek under the hood. Continued...

Font: Extreme Tech

AT&T unlock 3G VoIP on iPhone

AT&T has come in for no small amount of criticism for its network’s ability to cope with avid iPhoners, both in dropped calls and tardy data, so we’re not sure the carrier’s latest news – that it has opened up VoIP support for the iPhone over 3G connections – is 100-percent good.  Pushing network capacity to one side for the moment, the announcement means that – assuming Apple approves their software applications – companies like Skype will be free to enable 3G VoIP apps on the iPhone.

What’s unclear from the press release (which you can read after the cut) is whether VoIP use will be included in the standard “unlimited” data package iPhone buyers sign up to.  Given one of AT&T’s arguments in the past has been that VoIP consumes significantly more network capacity and data than regular use, it’s possible that they could look to squeeze more money out of subscribers for its use.

AT&T claim to have “informed Apple and the FCC” of its decision, which suggests that it made the policy change after coming under increased examination for net-neutrality issues.  No word on when we could see the first 3G-enabled VoIP apps arrive, but we bet developers are already working on their updates.

Press Release:

    AT&T Extends VOIP to 3G Network for iPhone

    AT&T* today announced it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network. Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled for Wi-Fi connectivity. For some time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks. AT&T this afternoon informed Apple Inc. and the FCC of its decision.

    In late summer, AT&T said it was taking a fresh look at VoIP capabilities on iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network, consistent with its regular review of device features and capabilities to ensure attractive options for consumers.

    “iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”

    AT&T allows customers to download or launch on their wireless devices a multitude of compatible applications directly from any lawful Internet website. Additionally, because AT&T uses GSM technology, the most pervasive and open wireless technology platform in the world, we support customers using any GSM phone that works on AT&T’s frequencies