Altec Lansing have announced new speakers in its Value Series, promising that low price doesn’t have to equal low quality sound.  The VS2620, shown here, and the BXR1220, after the cut, both come in at under $30 each, but still offer such niceties as secondary inputs, USB connectivity and optional subwoofers.

The VS2620 have dual 3-inch full-range speaker drivers and dual 3-inch passive radiators, together with integrated power, volume and tone controls.  Two audio inputs are on offer, one of which being a 3.5mm jack on the front panel, for easy connection of an MP3 player or other device.  They’re priced at $29.99.

As for the BXR1220, they connect via USB and require no AC adapter.  Each has a 2-inch full-range driver, and there are built-in controls on the top of the right speaker.  The Altec Lansing BXR1220 are priced at $19.99; they’re also available with a matching 4-inch subwoofer, as the BXR1221, for $10 extra.  No word on release date for any of the speakers; all are listed as “coming soon”.

When it comes to computer use, keyboards used as the main interface may not be relevant but when you mention Logitech, you know it has to be something different. Logitech for Business today introduced the Logitech Comfort Wave 450 keyboard – the latest in a line of keyboards, mice, webcams and headsets especially designed for businesses.

Logitech for Business offers computer peripherals and accessories that help companies adapt to the evolving face of the workspace. For businesses that want to get the most out of their IT expenditures and their workforce, Logitech for Business is ready for what businesses need right now. With its acclaimed Wave design, the Comfort Wave 450 keyboard delivers natural and adjustable comfort for people working with a desktop computer or a notebook PC in a docking station or notebook riser.

The Logitech Comfort Wave 450 keyboard is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in April for a suggested resale price of $39.99 (U.S.).

(Source) Press

Microsoft thought it would leave Windows XP behind when it launched Vista, but the tide of netbooks has kept the old OS active for far longer than expected.  Now, the Windows team have confirmed that Windows 7 will have its own little slice of XP DNA, in the shape of an emulator intended for those with legacy apps.  Called Windows XP Mode, it will run as a Virtual PC in the new OS.

The Virtual PC will be more integrated with Windows 7 than many will be used to, with XP Mode accessed not as a separate desktop but on a per-app basis.  That is, legacy software is installed within the XP Virtual PC but shows up on the Windows 7 Start Menu; apps run as if native to the new OS, alongside Windows 7 software.

Microsoft will “be soon releasing” the Windows XP Mode beta, together with Windows Virtual PC for Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate.  That tallies with suggestions that the XP Mode feature will only be available to those with the Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise versions of Windows 7.

[via ZDNet]