Wintel 7 machines freeze out iPhone

From The Register -

Per user complaints posted on Apple's discussion board, computers based on the Intel P55 chipset and running Windows 7 have problems recognizing the iPhone, with sync attempts getting an error message - "error 0xE8000065" - an iPhone-connection failure notification. The problem also occurs when using a PC's motherboard-based USB port or a powered USB hub, while attempts to use a PCI-based USB card, which bypasses the P55's on-board USB controller, sometimes end with the BSOD (blue screen of death).

Some users have had success with fixes including deleting the iPodDevices.xml file from C:\Users username\AppData\Local\Apple Computer\iTunes, by disabling Bonjour, or by digging into the BIOS to turn on C-state capability.

ASUS WiFi, 3G and WiMAX ebook readers confirmed from March 2010

From Slashgear -

Further details of ASUS’ upcoming ebook reader have emerged, with WiFi, 3G and WiMAX versions to be announced before the year end. The ebook readers will begin reaching carrier partners in the US and Europe by March 2010.

ASUS will likely introduce two different sized readers, a 6-inch e-ink display while a and a larger 9-inch panel. ASUS apparently plan to trial these with Taiwanese charities before a commercial launch, at which point both branded and white-label models will be available.

Acer Aspire One AOD250 impressions: Android gone bad

From Engadget -

At first glance, the Acer Aspire One AOD250 appears to have potential, with Android running in dual-boot mode, a fast start-up time,, and Google apps. Unfortunately, it does not have the blessings of Google, meaning no Gmail, no Marketplace. Add its connection problems over WiFi and Ethernet, it almost becomes a brick in the making, with the only redeeming feature being Windows XP, which is not saying much.

Video here.

Netbook with N470 can have 2GB memory

From Fudzilla -

Finally, the 1GB RAM max limitation of netbooks, imposed by Intel as a measure to prevent sales encroachment of notebooks, will lifted with the 1.83GHz N470 processor, due in March 2010.

The N470 is part of Intel's Pine Trail-M two chip platform comprising the N470 CPU with an integrated graphics and a NM10 Southbridge that has the rest of the chipset. It will come with Condor Peak WLAN and with 1 to 2GB of DDR2 memory. Recommended specs include 20 to 32GB SSD or 160GB HDD, 7 to 10.2" display, 4 cell or less battery, and Moblin Linux, Windows XP Home, or Windows 7 Starter. Prices will likely be from $299 to $349.

Motorola Droid First Hands On

Gizmodo has a hands-on of the Motorola Droid, an Android 2.0 phone.

What is of special interest to me is that it has a relatively large 3.7" 854 x 480 display (for a phone, that is) with very crisp text. Its 267 ppi resolution compares favorably with the iPhone's 163ppi. Both its touch screen and QWERTY keyboard work just as well. In short, it can potentially function like a mini Smart-book.

With its ARM Cortex A8 processor (same as the iPhone 3GS's), Android 2.0 is simply fast. Apps open quicker, transitions are instant and smooth, scrolling rarely drags in the browser or maps. Voice command is also supported.

In addition, the Droid has a custom app that turns it into an alarm clock with weather and stuff when you plug into the dock. It also has a dashboard interface that comes up automatically when it's plugged into the car dock and provides quick access to contacts, navigation, voice search, search and maps.





Read the complete review here.

WINDOWS 7 on ACER ASPIRE ONE in High Definition HD

Windows 7 Dominoes

Lenovo gets official with Win7-powered IdeaPad

From Engadget -



In addtion to the two Windows 7-powered notebooks (the 11.6" IdeaPad U150 and 15.6" U550) Lenovo announced last week, but it looks like the rest of the crop is landing today. Of course, we've already seen the pop up in various corners of the globe this month, and the IdeaPad U350 has been around since the summer. That said, we'll take the OS refresh and minor spec bumps any day of the week (along with new colors on the S10-2), and that's exactly what we're getting. We'll spare you the rehash (it's all there in the read link if you need a refresher), but over on the desktop front, we're pretty stoked about the stylish (and previously rumored) all-in-one IdeaCentre B500. Packing a Core 2 Quad CPU, 1TB of HDD space, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 23-inch LCD, this thing may actually perform fairly well in tasks more strenuous than checking email. The business-minded K300 and bargain-priced H230 ($299 starting point) are less thrilling from a hardware perspective, but they'll certainly fit their respective molds quite well. The whole lot should be available to order soon directly from Lenovo, and there's bound to be plenty of options for those not content with base configurations.

Windows 7 Wallpaper creating

Uploaded by Dcag5ils -

Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts

Uploaded by lifehacker -

HP Mini 110 Windows 7 Netbook Leads Bestseller Charts

From I4U News -

Based on Amazon figures, the new HP Mini 110 is currently the bestselling Windows 7netbook followed by three Asus Eee PC 1005HA netbooks (two XP and one running Win7).

Specs of the HP Mini 110 include 1.6Ghz N270 Atom CPU, 1GB RAM, 10.1" LED Anti-glare display, 160GB HDD, 802.11g Wifi, 92% of full-size keyboard, 6-cell batter and Windows 7 Starter. At $319.99, it is an attractive buy.

How To: Hackintosh a Dell Mini 10v Into the Ultimate Snow Leopard Netbook

Gizmodo has posted an in-depth guide to install Snow Leopard onto the Dell Mini 10v. Considering the cheapest Macbook cost practically $1000 and the Dell only $300, it is an attractive project for those with limited budget. Put it another way, the 10v becomes $300 Apple netbook.

Tutorial here.

Microsoft Confirms Windows 7 Upgrade Install Snafu

From PC World -

Microsoft has confirmed a downloading problem with the Student Version of Windows 7 upgrade as supplied by Minneapolis, Minn.-based Digital River. Apparently users are not able to create or save new files in the folder in which Windows 7 was downloaded into.

Digital River handles the downloading of Microsoft's $29.99 Windows 7 upgrade offer to students. It has previously handled the electronic purchasing and downloading for Windows Vista and Office 2007 in early 2007.

Ninite: The easiest way to get apps for Windows 7

Ninite is a customized installer that works in the background 100% hands-free. It install apps with default settings and say "no" to browser toolbars and other junk. All it installs are the apps you choose, not even Ninite is installed.

In short,

You pick the apps you want.
Start your customized installer.
You're done!

You can get Ninite here.

Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media

Paul Thurott's Supersite for Windows has posted a tutorial on doing a clean install Windows 7 with Upgrade media.

You can read it here.

Mini 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router

At 2.5" wide by 3.25" long by 0.75" high (6.4 x 8.2 x 1.9cm) Think Geek's $79.99 Mini 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router is possibly the world's smallest router. It is so small it can disappear into your front pocket yet it packs a lot of features. It has a reset button, power port, one 10/100Mbps Wide Area Network Ethernet port, and an LED display that communicates power and link status.

It also comes with a convenient carrying case, a thin 3-foot Ethernet cable, an Energy Star Certified external power adapter, a handy alternate USB cable to power the router from a computer.

Gigabyte Announces T1028X / M1022X Netbooks WIth Windows 7 in Japan

From Netbooked -

Gigabyte Japan has announced two new netbooks - the M1022X, an higher end model of the M1022M, and the T1028X tablet convertible netbook . The former includes a 10.1” 1366 x 768 display, 8 hr 6-cell battery (7800mAh), Atom N280 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and GMA 950 graphics and is priced at 66,800 yen ($738).

The tablet has an Atom N280 processor, 10.1” touchscreen 1366 x 768 display, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 1.3MP Webcam, Bluetooth, 6-cell (7650mAh) battery and is priced at 72,800 yen ($804).

Dell Streak 5-inch 3G Android MID leaks

From Slashgear -

Per Tinhte.com Dell is working on its Streak, a 5-inch WVGA 800 x 480 touchscreen Android 2.0 Donut MID. Specs include WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G WWAN connectivity, 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, a microSD card slot and a 1,300mAh battery.

You can view more photos, and a video, here.

Amazon UK: Windows 7 is 'the biggest pre-order product of all time'

From TG Daily -

Amazon UK has announced that the new Windows 7 has sold more copies in the first eight hours of its release in July than Vista did in its entire pre-order period. The new OS launches officially tomorrow (October 22).

The launch of Windows 7 has stormed ahead of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the biggest grossing pre-order product of all-time at Amazon.co.uk, and demand is still going strong. Over the past three months, only Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol has sold more copies than Windows 7.

Hands-on with the Viewsonic ViewBook Pro in Taipei

New Eee PC Seashells sport Windows 7 Starter, less battery life

From Engadget -

Asus has announced two new Eee PC Seashells for the Japanese market, the 1005HR-WS and the 1005HE-WS, that will feature the Starter Edition of Windows 7. Both are 10.1" models, have the Atom N280, 1GB memory, IEEE802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, and unfortunately only about 8.4 hours of battery life. The 1005HR-WS, in addition, has WXGA, 250GB HDD, and is priced at ¥49,800 (about $546). The 1005HE-WS has WSVGA and has either 250GB HDD for ¥46,800 ($513) or 160GB HDD for ¥44,800 (about $490).

Did PC Makers Over Build In Anticipation Of Windows 7?

From Tech Trader Daily -

AMD yesterday stated that it expects a less-than-seasonal sequential increase in Q4 revenues, due in part to the the big build of PCs in anticipation of the Win 7 launch. Its comments has triggered concerns the PC industry has, in fact, built too much inventory - and that it could result in both reduced component consumption in Q4 and beyond, and lower pricing for memory, which has benefited in recent weeks from higher NAND and DRAM prices. This in turn has triggered a sell-off in memory chip and disk-drive stocks, with AMD, Intel, Nvidia, Micron, Sandisk, Smart Modular, STEC, Seagate and Western digitial posting losses.

Acer rated as most valuable Taiwan brand in 2009

From Digitimes -

Acer has been given the highest appraised brand value, at US$1.241 billion, of Taiwan-based global brands in 2009 by the government-sponsored Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). The 2009 annual survey was conducted by TAITRA and undertaken by UK-based consulting company Interbrand and Taiwan-based magazine publisher Business Next.

Acer took the top position for the first time after ranking third in 2008 with a brand value of US$1.265 billion and third in 2007 with a value of US$1.069 billion. Trend Micro and Asus each slipped one place in the rankings after holding the first and second spots in 2008.

Asus to launch new 8.9" touchscreen netbook; to delay 10" model

From Digitimes -

Asus is expected to release its 8.9" touchscreen Eee PC T91MT in the next few days, to take advantage of the Oct 22 Windows 7 launch. Depending on how the Eee PC T91MT fare in the market, the company is also set to launch a 10" version, the Eee PC T10 as well, either earlier than December or early next year.

The Eee PC T91MT is an upgraded version of the Asus Eee PC T91. New features include a multi-touch compatible display supported by Windows 7 and a built-in 32GB solid state drive (SSD.

Spring Design's Alex eReader Runs Android, Has Dual Displays

From Gizmodo -

Spring Design of Fremont, CA has announced Alex, the first e-book based on Android. Aside from featuring full browser capabilities, it also uses patented dual screen interaction technology, the Duet Navigator. Interestingly, it looks a lot like the Android-powered Barnes & Noble reader. While its 6" display is only mono e-ink (not color), it also has the secondary 3.5" color touchscreen that lets you browse the Web.

USB Prank Device Will Make Your Office Mates Hate You

From Switched -

The USB Computer Prankster might appear to be a run-of-the-mill USB drive, but it's far more insidious. It has little switches on the side don't merely engage the Caps Lock function, keyboard, or mouse, but also make them go totally haywire.

While most netbooks have their USB ports on the side where the device will be obvious, some models and most desktops have USB ports at the rear, where it can be hidden from view, to wreck havoc on an unsuspecting user.

Available at Thumbs Up for £19.99.

Packard Bell Butterfly Touch

From ubergizmo -



Packard Bell has rolled its Butterfly Touch, apparently a rebadged of the Acer Timeline 1810TZ. (The Packard Bell name was acquired by Acer some time ago). In fact, specs are pretty identical to the Timeline, including the 11.6" 1,366 x 768 screen, Windows 7 Home Premium, 8 hour battery life. It will retail for around 599 Euros starting October 22.

Haleron’s dual core Atom 330 Swordfish Net 20

From Liliputing -

Haleron, the company of the two CPU-equipped Swordfish Net102 netbook fame, has announced a more conventional model, the Swordfish Net 20. The new model replaces the usual Intel Atom N270/N280 CPU for a dual core Atom 330 processor more commondly found in desktops. Specs include 2GB RAM, 160GB HD(optional 250GB), 10.2" 1024 x 600 LCD, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 3 USB ports, VGA, Ethernet, a 1.3MP webcam, a 5-in-1 card reader,a 6 cell battery and an unlocked 3G modem.

Price is $499.

Nokia Booklet 3G hands-on

ubergizmo spent a bit of time with the Nokia Booklet 3G and came away quite impressed. Per their hands-on, it clearly outclasses most Atom-powered netbooks. In addition, it is supposed to have super-long battery life and integrated broadband connectivity. As for the downside, well, they are as follow:

* lack of a backlit keyboard
* screen not bright enough for outdoor use.
* 1GB max memory size

Price is $600 without a contract or $300 with a 2-yr $60/mo contract.

Google to launch electronic bookstore

From TG Daily -

Google has announced plans to launch an online ebook store, Google Editions, which will initially offer approximately half a million books that can be read on any device or web browser. Google will act as a wholesaler, as a book distributor, and enable retail partners, especially those without a digital platform, to sell their books. It will collect 55% of the profits.

Acer Timeline 1810T gets Oct. 22nd launch date

From Engadget -

Acer has announced it will be launching its 11.6" Timeline AS1810TZ on October 22. As expected, the unit will have Windows 7 and the following specs - full-sized keyboard, 8 hours battery life, multi-gesture touchpad, dual-core Intel CULV, 802.11b/g Draft-N, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, webcam, and mic. Prices start at $550.

Mobinnova Beam (aka élan) Smartbook to launch in January

From Slashgear -

Mobinnova has promised it will launch its élan Smartbook at CES 2010. The 8.9" Windows CE-based unit was originally announced at Computex earlier this year with specs that include HD video playback, NVIDIA Tegra chipset, and long battery life. It will likely be offered with a carrier subsidy.

Acer Aspire One D250 Android netbook gets fondled and photographed

From Engadget -

Acer finally launched its Aspire One D250 Windows 7 / Android netbook. Unfortunately the implementation of Android leaves a lot to be desired.

First of all, the netbook is touchscreen deficient. Then the lack of designated Android keys forces the use of both the trackpad and ESC key a bit too often. Also you can only boot Android -- to access Windows you've got to select "Switch OS" from within Android itself and then wait for Microsoft to take over. Still, it provides something new - just enough for it to be appeal to some of us.

Emerge 90W Universal Laptop Charger has Dual USB Ports

From I4U News -

Emerge Technologies has announced a universal charger that ships with tips to fit most popular notebooks. The charger also has a pair of USB ports for charging USB devices like mobile phones and cameras. It is up to 60% smaller than competing devices and has retractable cables that extend up to 9.5 feet.

The charger is available now for $99.99 at major retailers.

Acer Aspire One D250 Windows 7 Netbook Coming

From I4U News -

PCWorld reports that Acer is keeping the Aspire One D250 moniker for the new Windows 7 version as it launches the Acer Aspire One D250 with Windows 7 next week. Specs include a 10.1" 1,280 pixels by 720px screen, 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280, a 160GB HDD, and a 3.5 hrs battery.

Nokia Booklet 3G: $299 With An AT&T Contract

From I4U News -

The Nokia Booklet 3G will be available starting October 22, for $299 with a 2 year AT&T contract. That's much less then the expected $700-800. Even the unsubsidized price of $600 is lower. Still, the Booklet can't be considered cheap as AT&T is requiring a $60 monthly data plan, bringing the total to about $1700, including 2 years of 3G services.

The Booklet will launch with Windows 7 on October 22 and will be available only at Best Buy throughout the holidays.

Color e-book readers to become mainstream in 2011

From Digitimes -

Per a Digitimes Research report, color e-book readers will account for 4-5% of the total global e-book reader shipments by H2 2010, and will become mainstream in 2011.

Two companies, Prime View International and AU Optronics are expected to launch color readers in the near future. PVI is expected to intro soon its E-Ink based electrophoretic display (EPD) reader that features color filters (CFs). AUO, on the other hand is developing color e-paper without CFs and expects to start small volume production by the end of 2010.

The present prices of color e-book readers are still too high, but they are expected to be lower in 2011 when more devices are available on the market.

A review of the Dell Mini 10v, Ubuntu Moblin Remix edition

Ars Technica has reviewed the Dell Mini 10v with Intel's mobile Linux project, Moblin, pre-installed. The version installed, Ubuntu Moblin Remix, has a customized Ubuntu incorporating Moblin's unique features. It thus offers Ubuntu's familiar package repository alongside Moblin's performance and UI enhancements. All of which makes for an interesting package, except that Dell is cautioning the the software is still highly experimental and incomplete, indicating that it's not yet finalized.

As for the $299 Dell unit, specs include:
CPU: 1.6GHz Atom N270
RAM: 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
Graphics: Intel GMA 950
Display: 10.1" LCD at 1024x600
Storage: 160GB 5400 RPM hard drive
Optical drive: None
Battery: 3 cell

And Ars Technica's conclusion? While Moblin has come a long way and has the potential to be game-changer, it still needs a lot of work. Key components including the browser and the media library still lag behind existing open-source leaders.

But as Dell has officially stated the package is still a work in progress, there's hope the final version will deliver, especially if Intel continues with its efforts as well.

The Summary -

The good
Thin and lightweight form factor
Excellent keyboard with standard layout
Crisp and bright 10.1" display
Netbook-friendly e-mail client

The bad
Mediocre browser
Media viewer doesn't offer to automatically download codecs
No way to tell how long the battery charge will last
Not stable yet
The touchpad is an abomination

You can read the full, in-depth review here.

ASUS' Eee PC 1201N's Specs Will Eat The Other Netbooks Alive?

From Gizmodo -

According to rumors, the 12" Asus Eee PC 1201N will have the Nvidia Ion graphics (GeForce 9400M chipset) along with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N330 Dual Core, 3GB RAM, a 320GB HD, and Windows 7, making it one of the most powerful Atom netbooks to date. A less powerful version, the Asus Eee PC 1201HA which will have the same chassis but lesser processing power. Launch date for both is expected to around October 22.

IDF 09 - Netbooks vs MIDs

Uploaded by minipcpro -

Archos 5 Android

Upgrades in HP Mini 311 Manual, Full ION to come!

From My HP Mini -

Aside from useful disassembly instructions and other info, HP's just released Maintenance and Service Guide for the HP Mini 311 indicates FUTURE upgrades to the line. Some of these are:

Upgrades that will be available via HP

NVIDIA ION, the FULL platform, only with Windows 7
Added 1GB RAM (plus 1GB on-board ram), total 2GB
Added 2GB RAM (plus the 1GB on-board), total 3GB
80GB Solid-State-Drive (SSD)
250GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7
320GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7
Windows 7 Starter, Basic, Premium and Professional options. (All 32-bit)

Looks interesting, eh?

Sony VAIO EL prototype laptop with dual flexible OLED display

From PC Launches -

Sony recently demoed a keyboardless, dual flexible OLED display at CEATEC. The VAIO EL uses one of the touch-sensitive diaplays as a keyboard. Without the addtional components, the laptop manages to be extremely thin. However, an integrated optical drive is obviously out of the question. In addition, power consumption might be an issue. At any rate, it's just a prototype model and may not even see the light of day. Still, it is an intriguing concept, similar to the rumored dual-screened Macbook before.

Windows 7 Sold Early At College Store

Engadget has been tipped that an exceptionally eager college bookstore has started selling a legitimate education copy of Windows 7. Except for the retail box, it is the complete deal.

Fun With Linux Commands

From Geeks Are Sexy, witty humor -

Sam's Club Jumps The Gun on Selling Windows 7 Laptops

According to Gizmodo a blogger from Loveland, Colorado area, the local Sam's Club is already selling a Toshiba 10.1" Mini Laptop with Windows 7 Starter Edition, as shown from the photos above.

Gateway's Windows 7-boasting EC18T tablet images

From Engadget -

Photos and specs of Gateway's unannounced tablet PC, the EC18T, have been leaked out. From the spec sheets, the netbook will have an 11.6" display, Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a Mobile Intel GS45 Express graphics chipset, and either Windows 7 Home Premium or Basic.

Photo gallery here.

Kohjinsha dual-screen swivel netbook prototype hands-on

From Engadget -

At CEATEC Kohjinsha is demoing a prototype dual panel portable, equipped with two 1366 x 768 10.1-inch LCDs. The screens can slide together so only one is visible. In addition, the base has a swivel. Specs include an AMD Athlon MV-40, a SATA HDD, up to 4GB DDR2 memory, Windows 7 Home Premium, DirectX 10-compatibility, less than four pounds in weight, 0.75 ~ 1.7" thickness.

Pricing and release date have not been announced.

Lightweight Netbook Computing with Linux Guide

Maximum PC has made a compilation of Linux netbook solutions, complete with step by step instructions for most tips. Among the included distros are Eeebuntu and Easy Peasy. Unfortunately Moblin 2.1 was left out.

You can read the primer here.

Alpha 680 Android netbook spotted, still unavailable

From Engadget -

The previously announced Android-powered Skytone Alpha 680 netbook looks like it is getting nearer to market. Le Journal du Geek has managed to get its hands on an Skytone Alpha 680 Android netbook and posted several photos. The device is still unfortunately "not really stable" yet.

CASZH netbooks get even cheaper!

From Shanzai -

Its S30 and S40 netbook series among the most popular in China because of their sub-USD300 pricing, CASZH has released a new set of S40 that not only resolves the heating problems afflicting previous models but are also much lower in price. One Atom N270 model is available for USD205 while another with the Atom N280 is priced at USD220.

Specs:

Windows 7 retail boxes hitting stores

Per Engadget, Windows 7 retail boxes just turned up at a Chicago electronics store.

Guess, October 22 ain't too far away.

AUO to kindle rivalry with half-price e-readers

From Financial Times -

Taiwan-based flat-panel maker AU Optronics has begun shipping six- to nine-inch-sized e-readers to clients, including the world's largest cellular carrier, China Mobile.

It hopes to use its experience in making LCDs, as well as the sheer scale of its production, to make its readers affordable. A $150 reader could be available in 2010, while a $100 reader will ideally ship in 2011.

Loongson netbooks to use Google Chrome OS

Netbook board with the Loongson 2F chip -



From Shanzai -

While Loongson CPU-based netbooks and nettops have been selling well in its native China, it has yet to establish a foothold in the international market. Part of the problem is its inability to run Windows. But the MIPS based Loongson 2F architecture has enough processsing power for ultra-compact smartbook and possibly all-in-one desktops, and the right OS, in the form of Google Chrome, might just be the remaining missing piece for it to go international.

In fact, Loongson-based netbooks like the Lemote Yeelong and the Fullong Mini are designed to work with open source software like Linux. Unfortunately they are currently bundled with the mediocre Lemote Loonux OS. So a move to Chrome OS will certainly help.

Acer Android Netbook Arriving In Time For Christmas

From Gizmodo -

Acer will release its dual-boot Android, Windows XP Aspire One sometime in November. It probably won't be all that much cheaper than the current 10" Aspire One (around$350) since it still runs Windows and will have comparable specs.

BumpTop 3D Multi-Touch Desktop

BumpTop With Multi-Touch: The Future Of UI?

From I4U News -

BumpTop is a graphical overlay that organizes your computer like an actual desktop. It is the first UI that fully takes advantage of the touchscreen, especially multi-touch functionalities. It includes several new patented gestures, some of which (like 'scrunch') use all of your fingers.

It is presently compatibly with Windows 7 only since the OS is one of the few with touchscreen support. But at least BumpTop's basic version is free and only lacks a few features like the ability to 'toss' files onto USB drives and flip through piles. The complete version, BumpTop Pro, is also affordable at only $29.