Thursday, December 03, 2009

Now Available [Now Available]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/cPF3JQMHllM/now-available

In this installment of Now Available: Dell's snazzy Vostro 1015 laptop, WowWee's sweet-as-cinnamon pico projector, the not-so-hot Samsung Omnia II, and the Nokia N900, a smartphone that's so smart it's not even a smartphone.


Dell's Vostro 1015, the rare business laptop that brings a halfway elegant design to the boardroom table, is now available. The base model of the 15.6" laptop costs $429 but only comes with a 2.2GHz Celeron 900 processor, so you will likely want to make the jump to the $629 model which sports a 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T6670. You know, to ensure that Excel performs snappily. Or at least for making sure you can snappily Alt-Tab back to Excel when the boss strolls by. The $629 price tag also gets you 3GB of RAM, a 320 GB HD and Windows 7 Professional. To check out more details on the Dell Vostro 1015, head over to Dell.


The Samsung Omnia II is now available at Verizon for $200. Though the Omnia II sports a pretty 3.7" touch screen, that beauty is only skin-deep; John thought just about everything else was a hot mess. The phone runs WinMo 6.5 mucked up with Samsung's 3D-Cube TouchWiz 2.0 UI and i! s the fi rst phone to feature Swype input technology, which may or may not save you some time when you're texting all your friends to tell them that your new phone sucks. The Omnia II packs a 5-megapixel camera, an 8 GB HD, and supports both social networking widgets and Microsoft Office Mobile. To be the first person to submit an expense report via Swype, head to Verizon.


The Nokia N900 Maemo which, Nokia will have you know, is mobile computer and not a smartphone, is now available. For $570 you can fetch an unlocked N900 with a 600 MHz processor, a 32 GB hard drive, a 5-megapixel camera capable of capturing 800 x 400 video, and all the other expected bells and whistles. The N900 has a slide-out hardware keyboard for all your texting—err, mobile computing—needs, supports playback of a wide range of both audio and video file formats and offers VoIP integration. All of this is packed into Nokia's Debian-based Maemo OS which the company's announcement boasted as offering "computer-grade performance in a compact size". Ooh and ahh at the impressive N900 and its correspondingly grandiose website here.


The Cinemin Swivel Pico Projector by WowWee, a $300 pocket-size projector designed for use with other pocket-size devices, is now yours for the having. The Cinemin swivels on a 90-degree hinge for versatile projection without a tripod, which is sweet like cinnamon but only offers 480 x 320 resolution, which ! is like the minimum of cinema, thus Cinemin. That might not be what they had in mind with the name but I'm sticking to it. You can get your hands on the little guy over at Amazon.




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Intel Developing App Store for Netbooks [Apps]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/B1XMl9KSsvE/intel-developing-app-store-for-netbooks

Intel this week announced a beta SDK for Atom-powered netbooks, with an eye towards having an app store preinstalled on both Windows and Moblin systems in 2010.

The business model will follow that of the iPhone app store, with developers getting 70% of the revenue and 30% going to operational and partner costs. Potential applications will also go through a similar vetting process to Apple's, although hopefully a bit more transparency.

Intel hasn't yet said how many developers are actually working on netbook-specific applications, and they were vague in a CNET interview about what exactly we might see, other than promises of social networking-type capabilities. And of course, there's an easy way to keep 100% of your netbook software sales, and that's by just selling it as, you know, software. In any case, there's no clear timeline for the store other than 2010, but Intel seems motivated to get this done quickly. Soon, I hope... I'm curious to see what form this takes. [CNET via Apple Insider]




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The Incredible Shrinking Dell [Charts]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Xe4o-h_53AA/the-incredible-shrinking-dell

Not too long ago, Dell was one of the fastest growing companies in the world. Now, it's the only major PC manufacturer actually getting smaller.

iSuppli's quarterly report on computer shipments is a little dry, but today's report that Dell's shipments declined 5.9% caught our eye. It's easy enough to blame the economy, but not when your major competitors are all growing, and especially not when Acer knocks you out of the number two spot. It's true that netbooks and pricing are big factors in Acer's success, and that Dell's still second—barely—to HP in total shipments. But someone in Round Rock needs to realize that what's true for plants and populations is also true for computer companies: if you don't grow, you die. [iSuppli via Electronista]




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Motorola invests in Anywhere Multitouch technology

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/motorola-invests-in-anywhere-multitouch-technology/

It's been awhile since we heard anything from Sensitive Objects, the French firm that developed Anywhere Multitouch, the platform that uses piezoelectric sensors to extend touch sensitivity beyond the display to the entire device. Well, we thought it was a pretty sweet idea -- and apparently Motorola did as well. According some spicy and exotic PR, Moto's investing some of its hard-earned cash in the company, which began as a project by the French Science National Research Center. As Reese Schroeder, managing director of Motorola Ventures, put it: "Natural user interface (NUI) and in particular interacting with a device through touch is an area of rapid development and great excitement. Sensitive Object provides an innovative and unique approach allowing new ways of interaction. We're most excited to be involved in their growth and success." One has to wonder what kind of new and innovative handset interfaces are coming around the bend -- and one has to wonder what kind of havoc it will cause when you put one of these "anywhere multitouch" phones in your pocket without locking it first. Luckily, the technology is said to be cheaper to implement than the other touchscreen solutions currently available -- so if these guys get their way, we might be accidentally calling our ex-girlfriends with the whole device very soon indeed. PR after the break.

Continue reading Motorola invests in Anywhere Multitouch technology

Motorola invests in Anywhere Multitouch technology originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google and Microsoft join I3A's Camera Phone Image Quality Initiative

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/google-and-microsoft-join-i3as-camera-phone-image-quality-initi/

The International Imaging Industry Association -- colloquially known as I3A -- announced today that Google's signed on as a member of the non-profit organization. They've also simultaneously announced that pre-existing member Microsoft has joined forces with Google on the Camera Phone Image Quality Initiative. What's that all about? The initiative, which also calls Motorola, Eastman Kodak, Nokia, and other members, is dedicated to creating the metrics needed to "produce an accurate and repeatable testing program for camera phone image quality." Considering the wild variances in quality among different cellphones, such formalized measurement techniques would surely be welcomed by everyone on planet earth.

Google and Microsoft join I3A's Camera Phone Image Quality Initiative originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC's Touch.B gets demonstrated, featurephone status confirmed (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/htcs-touchb-gets-demonstrated-featurephone-status-confirmed-v/

HTC's Touch.B gets demonstrated, featurephone status confirmed
This isn't going to be fun, so we'll just say it and get it over with: the HTC Touch.B isn't the updated Android smartphone we'd been hoping for. As it turns out it isn't even a smartphone, relegated to the realm of the featurephone by running Qualcomm's BrewMP OS. Full Flash support is nice, and we must say the UI has a charming, simple look to it, but it all looks a little... limited, and that screen seems awfully small given the size of the phone now that it's been turned on. See for yourself: there's a quick video demo after the break to get you primed for this one to ship sometime next year.

Continue reading HTC's Touch.B gets demonstrated, featurephone status confirmed (video)

HTC's Touch.B gets demonstrated, featurephone status confirmed (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MobileTechWorld  |  sourceMobiFrance  | Email this | Comments

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Samson's Q2U microphone does USB and XLR on a budget

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/samsons-q2u-microphone-does-usb-and-xlr-on-a-budget/

Samson's Q2U microphone does USB and XLR on a budget
Sure, there are a variety of ways to get your high-end XLR audio onto your PC, but the solutions we've seen before haven't been cheap. Shure's dual-purpose mics cost up to $250 and while the Icicle adapter is only $60, it's a strictly BYO microphone affair. Samson's $89 Q2U package includes all you'll need to become a podcasting wunderkind, most important being the mic itself, which comes with both XLR and USB cables. It also features an integrated 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, includes a set of studio headphones, and even comes with a tripod so that you can wildly gesticulate while expressing your fury about the Dollhouse cancellation -- even if your 23 subscribers can't see you. It's all available now, so stop popping your P's and get with the ordering already.

Samson's Q2U microphone does USB and XLR on a budget originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marvell's Armada chip bringing 'HD-quality video, 3D graphics support' to Entourage Edge

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/marvells-armada-chip-bringing-hd-quality-video-3d-graphics-su/

We already knew that a potent Marvell chip was under the hood of Spring Design's Alex, but at long last the mystery surrounding the powerhouse within Entourage's Edge is no more. The Armada PXA168 processor will be responsible for steering the world's first "Dualbook" through the stormy seas that'll be created once crazed consumers get ahold of this thing, and while we've no idea if the software will actually support this laundry list of capabilities, the chip should have no issue with "full-featured web browsing, multi-format video and image processing." More specifically, we're informed that "HD-quality video and 3D graphics" will be supported, which could obviously lead to some pretty interesting applications (you know, like actual web surfing on an e-reader). Hop on past the break for a brief look at an early generation model as well as a functioning version of what should hopefully hit shelves in early 2010.

Continue reading Marvell's Armada chip bringing 'HD-quality video, 3D graphics support' to Entourage Edge

Marvell's Armada chip bringing 'HD-quality video, 3D graphics support' to Entourage Edge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

! Permalink   |  sourceBusiness Wire, Netbook News  | Email this | Comments

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Nokia E72 now in stock in the New World -- the US, to be specific

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/nokia-e72-now-in-stock-in-the-new-world-the-us-to-be-specifi/

It's been a long, long journey, but Nokia's E72 -- the hotly-anticipated successor to the wildly popular E71 -- is finally available as an unlocked phone directly from Nokia USA following a November release elsewhere. The privilege of upgrading to what could very well be the finest S60 3.2 handset ever made won't be cheap, though: they're charging $469 before tax and shipping, but in exchange, you're getting a 5 megapixel cam, optical d-pad ("Navi Key" in Nokia parlance), and full-on HSPA with up to 10.2Mbps down and 2Mbps up. Of course, you won't get anything close to those speeds in the States -- but hey, you can't drive a Lambo 180 miles per hour on a public street, either.

[Thanks, Pankil]

Nokia E72 now in stock in the New World -- the US, to be specific originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ViewSonic VCP08 seen clearly, largely in the wild

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/viewsonic-vcp08-seen-clearly-largely-in-the-wild/

Last we saw of ViewSonic's VCP08 Windows XP phone was just a handful of renders. New images have surfaced of the real deal, physical model, and two things become immediately clear. First off, the company managed to stay true to the initial pictures. Secondly, this thing is huge. So huge it towers over the N97 Mini, which itself isn't really much smaller than the N97. Make no mistake, though, that in no way stops us from wanting to play with it. In the meantime, hit up the source link for a cavalcade of images.

Filed under:

ViewSonic VCP08 seen clearly, largely in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Pocketables  |  sourceShanzaiben  | Email this | Comments

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Micron RealSSD C300 becomes first SSD to leverage SATA 6Gbps interface

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/micron-realssd-c300-becomes-first-ssd-to-leverage-sata-6gbps-int/

Seagate may have claimed the rights to the planet's first SATA 6Gbps hard drive, but it's Micron claiming the same feat in the SSD realm. The outfit's new RealSSD C300 is the first of its kind to natively comply with the wicked fast new specification, which will (at least in theory) provide read speeds of up to 355MB/sec and write speeds of up to 215MB/sec. It's also the first solid state drive to use ONFI 2.1 high-speed synchronous NAND, and while we're obviously eager to see what real-world benchmarks show, the demonstration vids after the break already have our mouths watering. As for availability? Tthe drive is currently sampling in 1.8- and 2.5-inch sizes, though consumers shouldn't expect to pick one up (in 128GB or 256GB sizes) until Q1 of next year. Best start saving, bud.

Continue reading Micron RealSSD C300 becomes first SSD to leverage SATA 6Gbps interface

Micron RealSSD C300 becomes first SSD to leverage SATA 6Gbps interface originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N900 impressively demos WebGL 3D graphics

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/nokia-n900-impressively-demos-webgl-3d-graphics/

We're not sure anyone out there needs any more proof that the Nokia N900 is powerhouse, but just in case you still had doubts, check this video of a WebGL-enabled Firefox build smoothly rendering some complex 3D models on Espoo's "internet tablet with phone capabilities." It's pretty impressive stuff, especially considering WebGL is still being standardized and it hasn't gotten beyond Firefox nightlies on the desktop yet. Check it after the break.

[Thanks, Jouni]

Continue reading Nokia N900 impressively demos WebGL 3D graphics

Nokia N900 impressively demos WebGL 3D graphics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HT560 5.6-inch UMPC spotted in Shenzhen running Windows XP

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/ht560-5-6-inch-umpc-spotted-in-shenzhen-running-windows-xp/

Sure, an Android MID featuring some sort of contrived "net gen" functionality might promise inspirational moments, but will it get the job done? A company called Shenzhen Seed Industrial, located in the Chegongmiao Futian Distict (we hear it's lovely in the spring) is offering retailers and e-tailers a Windows XP-powered workhorse in the form of the HT560 5.6-inch UMPC/MID. Built on the VIA C7 (1GHz) processor, this guy sports 1GB RAM, 16GB SDD, two USB 2.0 ports, and both front and rear-facing 1.3 megapixel webcams. For connectivity, you get the usual assortment of WiFi and Bluetooth, with a GPS thrown in for good measure. If you're looking to pick up a handful of these things, hit up the Tradekey link where it's available in lots of ten. Otherwise, Wirelession appears to have rebranded this the W1030 and have priced it at $421. Want a closer look? You can get one after the break.

Continue reading HT560 5.6-inch UMPC spotted in Shenzhen running Windows XP

HT560 5.6-inch UMPC spotted in Shenzhen running Windows XP originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CompuLab's fit-PC2i is extra tiny, ready for Windows 7

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/compulabs-fit-pc2i-is-extra-tiny-ready-for-windows-7/

CompuLab has been holding it down on the diminutive front for years now, though the outfit's latest mini PC packs even more features than ever before. Measuring just 4- x 4.5- x 1.05-inches and weighing only 13 ounces, the fit-PC2i is hailed as the planet's smallest dual gigabit Ethernet-equipped PC. Other specs include an Intel Atom Z5xx CPU (from 1.1GHz to 2GHz), up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, room for a 2.5-inch HDD, audio in / out, built-in WiFi, four USB 2.0 ports and Windows 7 (if you so choose). The rig is built from a 100 percent aluminum die-cast body, and even at full load it sucks down just 8 watts. Got the perfect DIY project for this bad boy? Good, now wait 'til January for it to ship.

Continue reading CompuLab's fit-PC2i is extra tiny, ready for Windows 7

CompuLab's fit-PC2i is extra tiny, ready for Windows 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 has multitouch, world-beating ambitions

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/fujitsu-lifebook-uh900-has-multitouch-world-beating-ambitions/

What's in a name these days? If we didn't call this a UMPC or told you it can run Windows 7, it could just be a pretty huge clamshell smartphone. The freshly announced LifeBook UH900 sports a 5.6-inch "vivid glare screen," (we'll put that down to a bad translation), 3.5G wireless connectivity, and even goes so far as to lay claim to being the world's smallest multitouch-capable PC. Take that, VAIO P! Still, the 62GB SSD and WXGA display resolution obviously set it apart from the phone crowd, as will the Atom Z530 inside -- which might outperform your ARM CPU, but will also ensure you never leave the house without a charger (just 3-hours in eco mode). Fujitsu has yet to spill pricing details, but CNET informs us the non-UMTS version will be ready in January, with the more advanced hotness coming at a later date.

Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 has multitouch, world-beating ambitions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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