From I4U News -
Quanta Computer is set to begin ODM production of a brand new line of 11.6" HP netbooks that will be out as early as August. In addition they will also have a new 10.1" HP netbook due out at the end of 2009. On the other hand, Inventec is also re-thinking the 10.1" HP netbook, and plan to have their version of it out before the end of September.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
11.6" HP Netbook In August
Acer on Track for Android Netbook Launch Q3
From PC World -
Refuting news reports that it has delayed its Android project, Acer has announced it remains on track to launch a version of its 10" Aspire One with Google's OS in the third quarter. Acer worked with a Taiwanese Linux outfit called Insyde Software to port Android over to a netbook with an Atom microprocessor.
Netbook Battery Hacked Into iPhone USB Charger
From Oh Gizmo -
Prusadjs decided mod the battery from his MSI Wind and install a USB port directly onto it so that he can plug and charge his iPhone. While the port is obviously no good for data, he can still use the battery with his netbook. Unfortunately he does have to remove the battery to charge his phone, which can be a bit of an inconvenience.
Details here.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Cracked Windows 7 RTM Ultimate Activated with OEM SLP Master Product Key
From Softpedia -
A crack for Windows 7 RTM Ultimate (Build 6.1.7600.16385) capable of activating the high-end SKU indefinitely is now available. Reports from various forums and websites indicate the crack can bypass Windows genuine Advantage validation with no problems whatsoever.
A Windows 7 Ultimate OEM DVD ISO from Lenovo was reportedly used. The ISO allowed hackers to grab the OEM-SLP (System-Locked Preinstallation) product key as well as the OEM certificate for Windows 7 RTM Ultimate via boot.wim.
1 Million (e)Books
From the Sony Electronics Blog -
Sony's free public domain content offering from Google has now surpassed the 1 million title mark. Factor in to the thousands of premium titles, best-sellers and new releases already available, and Sony may possibly have the largest, most comprehensive selection of eBooks available.
All the books are available in EPUB format, already optimized for current models of the Sony Reader Digital Book.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Is 10" Really Enough?
I saw the graphic below from the World's Cheapest Laptops... blog -
and it got me thinking. I do use my 10" MSI Wind almost daily (for various tasks) but both my 7" Asus Eee PC and Astone UMPC have been relegated to sporadic sessions. Hmmm. Maybe 10" is really enough.
No new netbooks from Asus, Acer in 2009
From Digitimes -
Both Asustek and Acer have decided to wait for Intel's Pine Trail-M platform due early next year and will not offer any new netbooks in the second half of 2009. In the interim they will focus on ultra-thin notebooks.
However Asus still has the touchscreen-based Eee PC T91, the T101, and an Android-based netbook scheduled for this year. The T101 is expected after the Windows 7 launch while the Android unit around Christmas. In addition, it has several ultra-thin models ready for release next month.
As for Acer, while has decided to postpone its Android model, it plans to launch several ultra-thins (13.3", 14.1", and 15.6") later this year.
Barnes and Noble launches eBook store with Kindle killer
From TG Daily -
Barnes & Noble has launched what it claims to be the world's largest eBook store with over 700,000 titles. In addition, it has obtained the exclusive rights to distribute Plastic Logic’s reader, considered by some to be the biggest threat to Amazon's Kindle. The company plans to have over 1 million titles available by next year and these will be "inclusive of every available eBook from every book publisher and every available eBook original." The current stock covers more than a half-million public domain books which can be downloaded for free.
The eBooks will be compatible with a wide range of devices, the iPhone and iPod touch, Blackberry smartphones, as well as Windows and Mac computers.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sony VAIO W
Computer Shopper has conducted a hands-on review of the Sony VAIO W and has given it a 7.6 (out of 10) rating. Sony's first ever real netbook was given plus marks for its crisp, high-res screen, touchpad and stylish design. Negative marks are the short life 3-cell battery with the 6-cell battery option being too expensive, the smallish keyboard and the presence of only two USB ports.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Taiwan Netbook vendors seeing more 3G bundles
From Digitimes -
Acer, Asus and BenQ have all reported increased netbook sales in Taiwan via 3G bundle offerings from telecom carriers such as Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone. Netbook sales also accounted for more than 50% of all notebook sales in July, up from 30-35% in Q2 2009. About 170,000 units were sold in H1 2009, with over 300,000 unit sales projected for the entire year.
Taiwan Netbook bundling partnerships, Jul 2009 | |
| Telecom carriers | Vendor |
| Chunghwa Telecom | BenQ (accounting for 30-40%), followed by Acer, Asus |
| Taiwan Mobile | Acer, Asus |
| Far EasTone Telecommunications | Asus, Acer |
Source: Industry sources, compiled by Digitimes, July 2009
Walmart offers $298 laptop
From TG Daily -
Starting Sunday Walmart will begin selling an exclusive Compaq Presario notebook it had developed in partnership with Hewlett-Packard for $298, or nearly half the price of comparable units. Specs include 3GB RAM, 160GB HD and Windows Vista.
Walmart's move could spell trouble for some notebook makers as they might end up incurring losses on each unit sold just to stay in the competition.
Additional details,including photo above, from TFTS indicate the model number to be Compaq Presario CQ60-419WM. It features a 2.1GHz AMD Sempron processor, 15.6" display (1366 x 768 resolution), an NVIDIA GeForce 8200M graphics card, a standard six-cell battery, Wi-Fi connectivity. and a dual DVD player in addition to those mentioned above.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mac OS X Netbook Compatibility Chart Updated
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sony Promises Touchscreen VAIOs for Fall, etc
Per Laptop Mag Sony is working on the following:
1. Touchscreen VAIOs this fall that will take advantage of Windows 7.
2. The PlayStation Network to deliver movies and TV shows to notebooks and netbooks, but no ETA yet. Games are a possibility.
3. Bringing its Sony Reader eBook experience to VAIOs.
Split Stick
Quirky is selling the Split Stick, a double-sided USB drive that allows you to keep your work and your personal files separate for $19.99.
The quirky Split Stick is two 2GBb retractable USB drives that are built into one slim 4GB anodized aluminum encased in a protective rubber membrane stick. It comes in orange, blue, pink, red, black, violet, grey, or green. A sliding plastic button in the center allows you to switch from one drive to the other (see photo above).
Best Buy Introduces Next Class™ Exclusive Laptop Computer Line
From Businesswire -
Best Buy has introduced its Next Class™ personal laptops created specifically for college students. The four-unit line was manufactured in partnership with HP, Toshiba, Sony, & Dell, and is available exclusively at Best Buy stores nationwide and online now through fall.
Features of the Next Class include:
Up to 3-6 hours of battery life
5-6 lbs weight
14-15.5” screen size
Preloaded with Microsoft Office Home & Student and 12-15 months of anti-virus protection
Affordable price range of $649.99 to $799.99
Best Buy has previously launched its first line of consumer-inspired laptops, the Blue Label™ series, in October 2008. The Next Class line is the second series of computing products designed directly from consumer feedback and exclusive to Best Buy.
Best Buy product page here.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Google building 3D hardware boost into Chrome
From CNET -
Google has begun building its O3D plug-in for hardware-accelerated 3D graphics into its Chrome browser, Chromium. The move furthers Google's ambition to speed the transformation of the Web from a static medium into a foundation for applications, including high-powered Web-based games. Another piece is Google Native Client, which is designed to let Web apps take advantage of a computer's native processing power.
The overall effort has taken on new importance with the announcement of Chrome OS. Chrome OS will use Linux under the covers, but the real foundation for Chrome OS apps is the Web.
Gateway Introduces LT2000 Netbook
AT&T Offers New Subsidized Netbooks
From I4U News -
AT&T has added the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 and the Lenovo S10 netbooks to the Acer Aspire one it already offers at subsidized prices for a new 2-year subscription and a mail-in rebate.
Both models will be available for $199.99, with the cheapest qualifying plan costing $40 monthly for 200MB of data. A $60 monthly with 5GB data is also available.
Thing is you can already get versions of the Mini 10 for $199.99 already without a contract.
AT&T Product Page here.
Blockbuster to offer Archos 10 netbook
From Coolest Gadgets -
Blockbuster Inc. has recently announced it will be selling the Archos 10 throughout the US through its more than a thousand stores. All Archos 10 netbooks sold from Blockbuster will come with an embedded link to www.blockbuster.com.
The company has priced the Archos 10 netbook at a mere $299.99, which is considerably cheaper than other netbooks in the market although detailed specs have not been announced. What is known are the ff: Intel Atom, 10" LED, WiFi, 1GB RAM, 160GB HD, webcam, and Windows XP Home.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
802.11n Should Be Finalized By September
Hmmm. Per a PC Mag report, it turns out all those 802.11n routers that have been available for quite some time now (actually years) are not official.
Bob Heile, IEEE 802.15 working group on Personal Area Networks chair, just sent an email last Friday confirming the IEEE 802.11n draft standard had been sent on to the Standards Review Committee (RevCom). RevCom is the body that formally recommends standards for approval. It is scheduled to meet in Piscataway, NJ, Sept 9 - 11. Since RevCom meets quarterly, that means if the standard is not approved during this meeting, it will have to wait another 3 months.
Well, what is another three months when the it has been five years since the process started. :)
Dell cuts Adamo price to match MacBook Air
From Electronista -
Dell has lowered the price of its Adamo to match Apple's recent MacBook Air moves. The base model with a 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive is now priced at $1,499, the same as the entry 1.86GHz MacBook Air. The higher-end model, with 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM and built-in 3G, has been reduced to $2,299 but is still more expensive than its $1,799 MacBook Air counterpart.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
ARM Cortex + Google Chrome = Your Next Netbook?
From Extremetech -
While very few consumers are familiar with ARM, it is actually the processing power being popular devices such as the Palm Pre and the Amazon Kindle, and a lot more. In fact a whole lot more. ARM has shipped 14 billion processors to date, 4 billion of them alone in 2008.
ARM has traditionally focused on low-power mobile devices, but it has discovered its Flash-decoding chips can also work in netbooks, set-top boxes, HDTVs, UMPCs, etc. However since Windows can't run on ARM processors and Linux has not exactly been accepted as an OS for netbooks, ARM-based mobile computing devices have not exactly caught on.
That is not to say ARM chips are not capable. Its Cortex-A8 can last through 6 hours of video playback or more than 9 hours of web browsing. In fact a 65-nm, 600-MHz Cortex-A8, which is in the Palm Pre and the Amazon Kindle, can render pages in less than 5 seconds, comparable to a 45-nm, 800-MHz Intel Atom. And the next gen 45-nm Cortex-A9 (due out later this year) will render pages in less than 3 seconds, faster than an 1.6 GHz Intel Atom. In terms of power consumption, 65-nm Cortex-A8 SoCs are already 50x more efficient than Intel's forthcoming 45-nm Moorestown on standby mode.
And while Intel is the sole provider for its Atom, ARM-based chips come from six semiconductor partners: TI, Freescale, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Marvell. This encourages price competition, with ARM talking about $199 unsubsidized models and even $150 netbooks.
But hardware can only do so much without software, and this is where ARM has had problems since Intel's close partnership with Microsoft seems to have precluded compatibility with Windows so far. But Google's Chrome OS appears set to conquer just exactly the above-mentioned market segment. And Chrome OS works with ARM chips. So if users start liking Chrome, ARM will have a steady partner in achieving market success.
Will CULV Notebooks Kill The Netbook Craze?
From I4U -
A recent NPD study showed that 60% of netbook owners were disappointed with their machines as they were expecting more functionality. While it is a misguided standard, it does spell trouble with CULV (consumer ultra-low voltage) notebooks on the horizon.
Due out this Fall, the first batch of CULVs will have extremely long-lasting batteries and much thinner profiles than traditional notebooks, putting them in direct competition with netbooks. Except that they will have 12 to 13" displays and much faster processors.
Netbooks, however, will still always have the price advantage, but that might not be enough. CULVs will cost around $600-1000, good enough to let them compete against with high-end netbooks. After all, very few customers, that is, if the NPD study is accurate, given the same price more or less, are going to choose a smaller machine that lacks an optical drive and has a slower processor over one that is faster and more powerful but weighs only a little more.
Of course, there are still those who of us who need to be able to compute while standing up in a train or walking around on campus. For us, real netbooks - the cheaper ones, that is - are our only choice.
Asus Eee PC 1101HA: Upgrade the RAM to 2GB, lose ability to overclock
From Liliputing -
It turns out there’s a catch with the Asus Eee PC 1101HA's feature that lets you tweak the overclock value from between 15% and 32%. If you upgrade the RAM from 1GB to 2GB or update the BIOS to the latest version you lose the ability to alter the overclock value in the BIOS. There are no known workaround at the moment.
AMD chases new form factors with low-power chips
From The Standard -
Advanced Micro Devices is getting ready to put Neo chips, originally designed for ultrathin laptops, in low-power desktop products, upping the ante in its battle with rival Intel, which offers its Atom processors for similar devices. The first products with Neo chips, expected later this year, could be all-in-one PCs. Currently only HP's DV2Z ultrathin laptop uses the NEO, with laptops from other PC makers due in September.
AMD's Neo platform has the edge over Intel's Atom platform when it comes to graphics capabilities due to a more advanced graphics core. But Intel plans to move the graphics core from the chipset into the Atom chip in the future, which could improve overall graphics capabilities. In addition, some PC makers are also experimenting with Nvidia's advanced graphics core Ion platform, which couples the Atom processor, allowing users to view high-definition movies.
Computer hardware poster 1.7
A very interesting and comprehensive computer hardware poster being sold at Deviant Art. (It is also useful as a reference material. :) )
Friday, July 17, 2009
Who wins? Netbooks, smartbooks, and Google's Chrome OS
From Ars Technica -
Based on a partial list of hardware manufacturers that support the Chrome OS - Acer, ASUS, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Toshiba, it seems likely that Chrome will emerge as the OS of the so-called smartbooks (netbooks that use ARM processors instead of Intel's Atom) and as a complement to Windows on netbooks.
Currently, ARM-based smartbooks have insufficient power to satisfy even netbook users, whose own Atom experience have already toned down their expectations. In addition, there is no ideal OS for the smartbooks yet, with Android being more of a mobile phone OS at this time. However, the next generation of ARM processors, the Core A9, due in 2010, should be a more robust processor and a more heavyweight (in terms of multitasking, performance, stability, and APIs). With the right OS, a Core A9 smartbook should be able to do cloud computing just fine. And that OS will likely be Chrome.
When this happens, users can have both Chrome OS and Windows on Atom-based netbooks. For Google apps and surfing, they can quick boot to Chrome; for all others they can boot up Windows.
Instant-on Linux vendors respond to Chrome OS
From Ars Technica -
In response to Google's Chrome OS, instant-on Linux-based HyperSpace maker Phoenix Technologies plans to launch a new version that will use some components of Intel's Moblin platform. HyperSpace, first introduced in 2007, can be used by itself on a netbook or shipped alongside a conventional Windows installation. It provides a simple user interface and an assortment of applications.
However Phoenix, which commercially licenses HyperSpace to OEMs, will have to deal with Chrome OS being available for free. The company believes though the technical advantages and greater maturity of its platform, makes it a better value for hardware manufacturers.
Meanwhile, another instant-on Linux platform provider, DeviceVM, which makes Splashtop, has also responded to Google's announcement of Chrome OS. Sergei Krupenin, DeviceVM senior director of marketing, suggested Chrome OS validates the need for instant-on computing, emphasizing the fact that Splashtop is available today whereas Chrome OS is still on the drawing board.
While it is too early to determine how the instant-on Linux OS market will turn out, Google's entry "legitimizes" this segment, providing it a new momentum. Hopefully, it will gain widespread use and boost Linux's bid for mass adoption.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Netbook UI, photo management coming to Banshee media player
From Ars Technica -
Banshee lead developer Aaron Bockover has published an outline for the next major version of the program and it looks like Banshee is evolving beyond being just a Linux media player and is transforming into a comprehensive multimedia application platform.
New features will include a play queue and a new context pane which displays song information at sites like Wikipedia and Last.fm. Version 2.0 will also have photo management. Photo management, viewing, and tagging features will be exposed through the Banshee user interface as an optional extension. This will enable Banshee to deliver unified image, video, and audio management and viewing capabilities with a cohesive user experience.
There will also be a new custom user interface shell called Cubano that is designed specifically for netbook environments. Cubano largely appears to eschew menus, making it feel consistent when used alongside Intel's custom Moblin shell on netbooks.
More details are available at Bockover's blog.
Samsung N310 / Go Now Official in the US
From Portable Monkey -
The Samsung N310/GO is now featured at Samsung’s site. Specs include Atom N270, 1GB RAM, 10.1” 1024x600 Display, HD Audio, 160GB HDD, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 6-cell (8,850 mAh) 10-hour rated battery and Windows XP Home. Colors are Jet Black, Sunset Orange, Midnight Blue and Mint Blue. Price is $479.99.
Samsung produce page here.
FET to launch e-book service
From Digitimes -
Taiwan-based carrier Far EasTone Telecommunications and local bookstore chain Eslite have signed an MOU to provide e-book services in China, Hong Kong and other Chinese-speaking markets in both Southeast Asia and North America. The joint venture will offer both ebook readers and contens and will start Q2 2010.
Updated Dell Inspiron 13 appears on Dell Singapore site
From Engadget -
There's a new Inspiron 13 on the Dell Singapore site and it's thinner, lighter and appears closer to the Inspiron Mini and Studio lines. Specs include 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics costs, an LED-backlit 1366 x 768 display, HDMI / VGA out, an ExpressCard/34 slot, and 1394, The best part is the price - it is just S$1,399 or around US$962.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Amazing Routers of the Future by Goldsmiths & TalkTalk
The world renowned innovators at Goldsmiths work with the country's largest home broadband provider, TalkTalk. Together, they explore what the Routers of the Future might look like...
Roadmap for Intel's First Nehalem-Based Mobile Chips Leaked
From Gizmodo -
The roadmap (see above) for Intel's new quad- and dual-core i7 and i5 chips is out. At the top of list are the new quad-core "Clarksfield" chips which will be able to scale up clock speed with the "Turbo Boost" that shuts down cores that are not being used. These will come in 1.6 ($340), 1.73 ($750) and 2.0GHz ($1,000), scalable to 2.8, 3.06, and 3.2GHZ, respectively. Their dual-core counterparts will be a lot cheaper but will come with smaller cache sizes. The former are due this fall, while the dual-cores, early next year.
Bill Gates on Google's Chrome OS
From CNET -
Bill Gates is surprised people are acting like there is something new with Google Chrome. After all, it is just another Linux packaged in another form. He also finds it interesting Google is vague about its new operating system while simultaneously questioning the actual definition of a browser. (Google has a browser named Chrome as well.)
In a separate interview, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer suggested that Windows, rather than a browser-centric OS was the right approach, noting half of PC use is spent doing work outside the browser. Both he and Gates also noted that Google now has two operating systems--Chrome OS and Android, and might be committing the same mistake Microsoft previously did with Windows 95 and NT.
Acer to launch the dual-OS netbook in August
From Digitimes -
Acer is expected to launch its previously announced dual-OS netbook (Windows XP and Android) next month. As the company still needs to pay licensing fees for Windows XP the product is unlikely to be priced lower than its XP-only models.
In additional news, while both Asus and MSI are developing Android-based netbooks, but have no plans to launch this year.
Netbook Sales Booming as Notebooks Decline
From I4U News -
Per DisplaySearch's latest report about 33 million netbooks are expected to ship in 2009. And while the segment is expected to grow to 20% of the notebook market globally, the latter is expected to have flat growth year over year for the first time ever.
The study also points out that larger screen netbooks at 10.1 to 12-inches are becoming the most popular options.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Samsung NC10 being offered by UK carriers
From Engadget -
UK carriers are offering aggressively priced bundles for the Samsung NC10. Vodafone takes the lead with its free deal for a £25 ($40) monthly plan with a lock-in period of two years, or a total contract cost of £600 ($972) or slight twice the retail price of the NC10. The other carriers such as O2 and Three, offer somewhat similar deals -
£30 ($48) monthly. Three's offer is only an 18-month commitment which actually makes it cheaper overall.
Why Windows 7 RTM Doesn't Mean Windows 7 Is Done
From Gizmodo -
Windows 7 may be Released to Manufacturing but that doesn't mean it's done. It is still lacking the language packs and OEM builds. The former is obviously needed for other countries (i.e. non-English speaking) and the latter is for manufacturers to bundle the OS with their machines. But if you are one of those English-speaking people who has been using Windows 7 RC without a problem, chances are you can probably use Windows 7 final now and be just fine.
Microsoft to exclude ARM netbooks for Windows 7
From Alibaba -
Microsoft's new Windows 7 will not run on netbooks powered by ARM chips, Microsoft said on Wednesday, a blow to the British firm's hopes of becoming a big player in the sector. The news comes days after ARM said it planned to grab a foothold in the fast-growing netbook market this year, and that it was aiming for a 30% share of the entire market next year.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Is Microsoft set up for failure with Windows 7 and Office 2010?
Per TG Daily's Wolfgang Gruener, even with just six months to go, Microsoft expects to sell 177 million Windows 7 by the end of the year, including pre-sales since the official launch is October 22. That means roughly 30 million copies monthly in an otherwise soft market or about four times the sales rate of Microsoft Vista.
Unfortunately, a ScriptLogic study indicates 60% of companies do not plan to upgrade in 2009 and only 34% plan to do so in 2010. In addition, Microsoft is hard pressed to reposition Office 2010 in light of Google's increasing cloud presence.
Odds are therefore, Microsoft will be hard pressed to achieve its projections.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bandai launches another netbook for kids
From Liliputing -
Bandai is launching a second netbook that closel resembles its first model, including its 79800 yen ($865) pricing except that this one is based on Rilakkuma. Specs are similar as well - 1.6GHz Atom N270, 8.9" 1024 x 600 pixel display, 802.11b/g WiFi, 1GB RAM, a 160GB HD, and a 1Seg digital TV tuner.
Sony Vaio W’s knockoff is out months earlier than the originalt?
Cloned in China found a Sony VAIO W clone being discussed in bbs.shanzhaiben, a Chinese netbook forum. The netbook is from Shenzhen Huaqiang North and comes with a 4-cell battery.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Atom MID sells for $57, reader ahead
From TG Daily -
The Taipei Times has reported that Taiwanese telco FarEasTone is selling an Atom-based MID made by BenQ for a mere $57. The catch is that is comes with a three year service.
FarEasTone will also offer other MIDs as well as Android phones as e-book readers using 3.5G technology.
Details here.
Intel Is Working With Google on Chrome OS
From PC World -
Intel, one half of the Wintel duo (Microsoft Windows being the other half) that has dominated the PC world for the past few decades, has been working with Google on the Chrome operating system for some time.
The Chrome OS, to be launched in H2 2010, is intended for desktops, laptops and netbooks, all devices dominated by Windows, so supporting Chrome could actually put Intel in an awkward position with Microsoft.
On the flipside, Intel has also been seeking more support for putting its microprocessors, such as the Atom, into smaller devices. Simultaneously, Intel has been working on its own mobile OS for small computer devices, a Linux-based OS called Moblin. It was designed for netbooks and handheld computers Intel calls MIDs, or mobile Internet devices.
FCC blesses new X Series notebook from LG
The Boy Genius Report -
The FCC has approved LG’s new X Series line of netbooks, a moderately priced line featuring decent specs and, in the X120 at least, integrated 3G. Anew model,referred to in FCC docs as the X13 though it will most probably be released as the X130 looks promising. While only Bluetooth and WLAN are confirmed, specs will likely include a Windows OS, an Atom processor, 160GB HD, a 10.1" display, a 3G/HSPA, and hopefully the X120's SMART ON feature.
More photos here.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Google CEO Schmidt Didn’t Want to Build Chrome Initially
From WSJ Digits -
Google CEO Eric Schmidt said Thursday evening that he resisted the idea the Chrome OS before giving in to Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page after the duo hired some Firefox developers who built a demonstration of Chrome that changed Schmidt's mind.
Chrome is described as an anti-operating system — one that is basically indistinguishable from a browser. Netbooks loaded with Chrome will boot up almost instantaneously and will store data on the Internet instead of a hard drive. It is being positioned not as a competitor to Microsoft Windows but one that will expand the market for netbooks, rather than eating into Windows’ share of the netbook market. Although Chrome will be free, Schmidt said it will still boost Google’s business.
Google Chrome OS to attack Microsoft Desktop Dominance in 2010
From I4U News -
Google has announced Google Chrome OS, an open source, lightweight Linux-based operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. The company will open-source its code later this year, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available in the second half of 2010.
Google Chrome OS will run on both x86 as well as ARM chips.
Introducing the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7
The Windows Team Blog presented Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 by showcasing three multi-touch optimized applications and three games.
The apps include Microsoft Surface Globe (shown above), Microsoft Surface Collage (photo app), and Microsoft Surface Lagoon (screensaver). The games include Microsoft Blackboard (puzzle game of physics), Microsoft Rebound, and Microsoft Garden Pond.
In order to use the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 – you’ll need a Windows 7 PC that supports multi-touch.
You can check out the video of Microsoft Surface Globe here.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Notebook vendors slowing down on mobile TV
From Digitimes -
Notebook makers have slowed the launch of notebooks with built-in mobile TV modules due to the launch of low-cost netbooks, economic concerns, tariffs and after-sales service. The ratio of notebooks shipped with built-in mobile TV modules currently stands at 5% of the global notebook shipments compared to the early projections of 10-20%.
Intel doesn't view Chrome OS as a threat to Moblin
From Engadget -
According to Michael Chen, director of Intel's embedded sales group/ultra mobility group in Asia-Pacific, Intel isn't worried at all that Google has introduced an operating system that will rival its own Moblin.
"Our long-term goal is providing hardware for devices with different operating systems... more competition will drive up more innovations and that's good for consumers."
In fact, Intel is looking forward to providing chips for machines based on Chrome OS. That could very well be since the new OS, per Google's own announcement, will support x86 and ARM architectures.
ASUS Eee PC T101H 10" touchscreen netbook specs confirmed
From Slashgear -
Asus have announced the official specs for its T101H, a 10.1" Eee PC tablet. Like the smaller 8.9" T91, the T101H has an 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520, 16GB SSD (paired with an included 16GB SD card), a resistive 1024 x 600 touchscreen, 0.3 MP webcam, 1GB RAM (2GB max), 5.4 hour li-polymer batttery, WiFi b/g/n. Possible options include a 3G module, GPS, and digital TV.
Launch date is end of August or early September with Windows 7 pre-installed. However since the new OS won't be released until October 22, it will likely be available as a free upgrade. No word on pricing as yet.
Acer Aspire Timeline 1810T
From Macles' blog -
The Aspire Timeline 1810T is based on the Aspire One 751's chassis and shares the same 11.6" 1366x768 screen but its innards are more Timeline-like, including the Intel ULV SU3500 1.4GHz processor, which is at least twice as fast as the fastest Atom. It also uses the Intel GS45 Express Chipset, with integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics core and hardware accelerated decoding of HD video. Other specs include: HDMI, S/PDIF, Gigabit LAN, Intel 802.11a/b/g/n, optional 3G and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR support, 8 hours battery life. In addition it supports a maximum of 4GB RAM. Pre-installed OS is Windows Vista Home Premium with a free upgrade to Windows 7 once it's released in October. No word yet on pricing though.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
HP Mini 110 netbook goes pink and white, adds Broadcom's HD video acceleration
From Engadget -
The Mini 110 is now available at HP's website including pink and white swirl color options which carry a $20 premium. Other more interesting options are the choice of Atom N270 ot N280 and Broadcom's Crystal HD Enhanced Video accelerator (for $30 more) which provides an HD video boost.
The atTiny45 USB LED E-mail, Twitter and Pidgin Notifier
From Just Blair's Audio and Electronic Pages -
Using an Atmel aTiny45 processor, Just Blair has modded his Asus Eee PC 901 with a color-changing LED (red, green, and blue) that notifies him whenever he receive a new message either from Thunderbird (email), Twitter, or Pidgin (IM).
It is a nifty tool but as Just Blair found out all too soon, it can make you a complete slave to email. Whenever the light flashes, you will just HAVE to know what that message is...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
GB X1200 12.1-inch N270 ultraportable
From Slashgear -
Against Intel's and Microsoft's restrictions of pairing the N270 with a displays bigger than 10.2", Chinese firm GB have announced their Macbook Air lookalike, the X1200, which features a 1.6GHz Atom N270 and a 12.1" 1280 x 800 screen in a decidedly portable 24mm thick case with an overall 1.35kg weight. Other specs include a 160GB HD, 1GB RAM, 1.3MP webcam, two USB 2.0 ports and the usual wireless options. It’s intended to be an OEM product but quoted price is around 2,200 yuan or $322.
Monday, July 6, 2009
How to Clean Your Keyboard
INC has an amusing but informative slideshow on the many ways to clean your keyboard from the common ones like using an air compressor or hairdryer, isopropyl alcohol, Clorox Wipes or household disinfectants, or a USB vacuum cleaner, to proprietary like CyberClean (a yellow gel blob that looks like Play-Doh), to drastic measures like removing all of the keys or using the dishwasher, or innovative approaches like using Post-It Notes or scotch tape.
Viliv X70 EX MID Sale Event
From I4U News -
Dynamism has a special offer for the first 777 Viliv X70 EX Windows XP MID buyers today, who will get special accessory packages worth $195. Depending on the configuration you are buying you can receive these packages:
Express Model Pre-Order Special:
Free 1.3GHz Upgrade from 1.2Ghz, Car kit, Leather pouch, and Protective Film
Premium Models Pre-Order Special:
Free Standard Battery, Car kit, Leather pouch, and Protective Film ($195 value)
The Viliv X70 features a 1024 x 600 7" WSVGA display, 32GB SSD, and an Intel Atom 1.33GHz, 5+ hour battery, and instant-on. Other features include integrated Wifi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
More details on Dynamism.
Samsung planning 11.6-inch Ion-based netbook
From Digitimes -
Samsung plans to launch an Nvidia Ion-equipped netbook with Intel Atom N-series CPU and 11.6-inch display later this month. The new model will break Intel's restrictions on netbooks having a panel size of 10.2" or below. Lenovo has earlier broke Intel's restrictions by launching a 12-inch Intel Atom N270-based netbook last month.
Intel has already canceled the two vendors' preferential pricing for Intel Atom N270 CPUs but declined to respond to this report citing customer confidentiality.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Apple, Acer and…Arrington?
From NY Times Bits -
The San Francisco Business Times reported Friday that TechCrunch founder Mr. Arrington has incorporated a separate company called CrunchPad. He plans to hold an event at the end of July or the beginning of August to make a big announcement about the CrunchPad.
CrunchPad's purpose will be very simple: surfing the Web. Turn it on and up comes a browser. It is nothing more than “an Internet consumption device,” for reading, checking e-mail or watching video. It will not have a hard drive or keyboard, though users can plug it in to a keyboard if they wish and will cost less than $300.
The development of the CrunchPad has been funded internally and most of the work has been done by Arrington's team of 15 in Singapore.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Archos 9 Windows 7 tablet
From Crave -
French manufacturer Archos has released more details of its 9" Windows 7 tablet PC. Detailed specs include a resistive 1024 x 600 touchscreen, an Intel Atom Z515, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, plus built-in DVB-T antennas, which should allow it to receive and store Freeview TV in the UK. Weight is 623g.
Prices are £450 for the 80GB model, and £500 for the160GB.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Asus Eee 1005HA is new bestselling Netbook on Amazon
Per I4U News the Asus Eee 1000HE has been the bestselling netbook on Amazon for several months now. The 10.1" unit boasts of a very long battery life of 10.5 hours. Other specs include 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, black or blue colors, and Windows XP.
It is on sale on Amazon.com for $389.99.
Asus Keyboard streams HD video to your TV
From Tech Digest -
Asus marketing executive John Swatton has confirmed to Tech Digest their Asus Keyboard will be available end of August. The computer-in-a-keyboard is supposed to be a controllable media center but is also quite portable.
It can stream HD content, stored on its 32 GB SSD, via a wide-band HDMI standard to your monitor even as you use the built-in 5" touchscreen to do your computing/online stuff.
Analyst: Thin laptops have design issues
From CNET -
Broadpoint AmTech analyst Doug Freedman believes ultra-thin laptop makers are having production problems with the plastic bottom casing often cracking. The solution may be to use metal, as in the case of the MacBook Air and Dell Adamo. Or to opt for larger 11- and 12" netbooks and use the Atom processor and Nvidia's Ion chipset instead of making ultra-thin laptops based on Intel's ultra-low voltage platform.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Reasons for selecting a netbook
From Ars Technica -
As the netbook market continue to expand, both in terms of available models and in sales, analysts continue to debate the suitability of netbooks to consumer needs. Now the NPD Group's latest report, using direct user surveys, shows consumers are highly confused about netbooks, frustrated with their low performance, and typically underuse their mobility.
Per the report, 59% of 500 netbook owners surveyed say they made the purchase primarily for mobility, while 41% did because of the low price. However, near to 60% admit to using their netbooks exclusively within the home, which seems to imply that users are not using their netbooks' mobility.
In addition 60% of those who had purchased a netbook instead of a notebook were under the impression that netbooks would have the same functionality as notebooks. Consequently, a mere 58% were satisfied, compared to 70% of those who had planned on a netbook from the start.
The report seem to imply confused consumers are making the wrong choices and ending up with products unsuited to their needs. But while these may not be good for a small minority who make genuinely wrong purchases based on drastic misconceptions, the overall picture is unchanged. Netbooks, as secondary computers are steamrolling the x86 market, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, precisely because they meet consumer needs.
ATT and CDW pitch $199 3G netbooks
From TG Daily -
Computer retailer CDW has begun offering two netbook models with integrated HSDPA 3G for $199, if you sign a 2-year agreement with AT&T. It is also offering a Panasonic Toughbook notebook with a $150 3G discount as well as an $870 HP 3G notebook.
The subsidy is about $150. However, the required service agreement renders the discount negligible over the two year service period. Customers will have to sign up for a $60 LaptopConnect monthly plan, which includes 5 GB of data. Additional domestic MB costs 49 cents each, while each domestic GB will cost $503. Internationally, each additional MB will cost $19.97 and each GB will cost $20,447.
GPS and Wi-Fi Positioning Coming to the Mini 10
From Direct2Dell -
Starting next week Dell U.S. will be offering the Dell Wireless 700 location solution for its Mini 10. The solution will have an internal GPS card with built-in Wi-Fi locationing, allowing it to work both indoors and out. The Dell Wireless 700 is powered by Broadcom's A-GPS and Skyhook Wireless' Wi-Fi position solutions.
Windows 7 Beta automatic shutdowns begin today
From Engadget -
As Microsoft has previously warned, Windows 7 Beta builds will begin bi-hourly shutdowns starting on July 1st in a bid to "encourage" users to the latest release candidate. Note however, the RC version will also have bi-hourly shutdowns starting March 1, 2010 prior to a June 1st expiration.
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