Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 hands-on, sorta

So here's the scene. We're at the Digital Experience show, trying to get our hands on a powered-up Sony Xperia X1. Sure, we found a unit that wasn't powered up, but that does you -- and us -- no good. Sony told us to come back in 15 minutes, so we grabbed some press kits, made a round of booths, and came back.

Sure enough, when we came back the X1 was powered up, but the nice booth lady tried to tell us that things weren't working just right and the unit was stuck on the config screen. After some jiggering, we determined the little X1 was just stuck on the touch screen calibration, and we were cruising through menus within minutes. It's pretty clear this unit wasn't ready for primetime -- you'll even see some HTC test apps in the below gallery -- but we were impressed by the screen's resolution and brightness. Windows Mobile 6.1 showed it face often in the UI, but the phone app and general utilities were looking good.

Overall, the X1 is a pleasure to behold -- it's one sexy device. That said, we'll have to wait how Sony Ericsson's user interface shapes up and just look at the pretty pictures in the gallery until mid-September.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/26/sony-ericsson-xperia-x1-hands-on-sorta/

Dell Latitude XT displays compared: daylight viewable vs. LED

When Dell's long-awaited Latitude XT finally hit the scenes, many were captivated by the idea of a daylight viewable screen on such a portable rig. Up until now, however, there's been little analysis over which was actually superior. Granted, we aren't saying that you can't disagree firmly with GottaBeMobile's assessment, but after checking each out for an extended period of time, Rob Bushway actually concluded that the LED-based machine was preferable. Aside from coming in a few ounces lighter, the LED-equipped unit didn't seem to perform noticeably worse than the DLV counterpart, and even battery life was practically the same for each.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/dell-latitude-xt-displays-compared-daylight-viewable-vs-led/

Hands on with Gigabyte M912 and M724 convertible mini-tablets

Carving out the newest niche in the low-cost, mini-laptop, ultra-portable, *gasp* netbook category is the Gigabyte M912. As a convertible, touch-screen mini-tablet, the M912 runs Vista or Ubuntu Linux atop Intel's Atom processor. Unfortunately, it looks like it might be hampered by a 4-cell battery showing just over 1.5 hours of battery left on a 95% charge. The 7-inch M724 apparently shares the same chassis as the M912 but is meant for classrooms-only, not consumers. Uh, right. That was the original market for all these netbook-class machines as we recall.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/03/hands-on-with-gigabyte-m912-and-m724-convertible-mini-tablets/

Sony bringing VIA's OpenBook to market?

Although late in arriving, Sony appears ready to join the low-cost, ultra-portable, netbook, mini-laptop party. An apparently generic prototype based on the Via OpenBook was just spotted at the Quanta booth at WiMax Expo. It seems that a quick check of the properties revealed a 1.6GHz Via C7-M processor and more interestingly, Sony as the manufacturer. When the Quanta exec demonstrating the box noticed "he quickly closed the properties window and declined to explain." Sony refused to comment. In other words, expect to see it in Q3.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/02/sony-bringing-vias-openbook-to-market/

Black Eee PC 901 look good, just not $650 good

here you have it, ASUS' Amos 'n Andy companion to the Martin 'n Lewis Eee PC 901. The 8.9-inch Atom-based lappie show no signs of the rumored Bluetooth or anything else unusual that we can see. Black is certainly predictable as a continuation of the original Eee PC 700-series color scheme. It's certainly not as surprising as the expected $650 price tag on the original $199 low-cost laptop.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/black-eee-pc-901-look-good/

Asustek to Launch Eee PC With 10-inch Screen

Asustek plans to launch a new version of the Eee PC with a 10-inch screen, a top executive said Monday.

The company's CEO made the statement at the launch of the new Eee PC 900 with an 8.9-inch screen, in Taiwan. The original Eee PC 701 carries a 7-inch screen.

"The feedback we've received from users has been great. Many have asked us for bigger screens and better usability. That's what made us start developing the Eee PC 900," said Jerry Shen, CEO of Asustek, during a news conference in Taipei. People are asking for bigger keypads and more software as well, issues the company continues to work on.

An Eee PC with a 10-inch screen could be out later this year, and it will be the biggest screen an Eee PC will ever get, Shen said. The company defines anything with a 12-inch screen or larger a classic notebook PC, not an Eee PC.

Asustek believes that screen size makes a difference in sales.

The new Eee PC 900 with the 8.9-inch screen will likely account for 50 percent of overall Eee PC shipments by June, and 60 percent or more of shipments sometime in the second half of the year, said Shen.

He declined to set a firm date for release of a new Eee PC with a 10-inch screen, and would not talk about possible prices. But a 10-inch screen could make a new Eee PC model much more expensive than the 8.9-inch model. Once screen sizes reach 12-inches, they are nearing mainstream sizes, where mass production reduces the price-per-unit. But a 10-inch screen is still a specialty, and therefore more expensive screen size.

The Eee PC 900 went on sale Monday in Taiwan for NT$15,988 (US$528).


Source: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/144869/asustek_to_launch_eee_pc_with_10inch_screen.html

ASUS' 9-inch Eee PC 900 hits the FCC with full teardown, gets multi-finger gesture support

Eee fans, your second-wildest dream has just come to pass. ASUS' next version of the mini-laptop has hit the FCC, and we've got the pictures to prove it. Yes, as we speak (possibly, but maybe not) inspectors from the agency are poring over details of the 9-inch, second generation system -- referred to here as the Eee 900 -- desperately hoping that none of its radio waves do anything funky to anyone else's radio waves. There's no secret-sauce WiMAX or drastic changes we can see, though the manual does make mention of "multi-finger gesture input," which will apparently provide the ability to zoom in, zoom out, and do familiar two-finger scrolling on the newly resized trackpad. Check the pictures in the gallery for loads of looks at the new entry, including a view of its insides that'll make your eyes water.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/26/asus-9-inch-eee-pc-900-hits-the-fcc/

Acer Unveils New Line of Gemstone Laptops

Acer, today presented the Aspire 6920 (16-inch) and the Aspire 8920G (18.4-inch) line of new notebook PC series based on the original Gemstone series with its focus on High Definition.

The new Aspire Gemstone blue series features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the mobile Intel PM965 Express Chipset and the integrated module for wireless connection, supporting Acer SignalUp with InviLink Nplify wireless technologies.

The 16-inch notebook series features a Full HD CineCrystal LCD panel with 1920x1080 resolution or a HD CineCrystal LCD screen at 1366x768 pixel resolution, 8ms response time and native 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The screen is managed by the latest NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS graphics engine with up to 1280 MB of TurboCache, supporting NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology, Shader Model 4.0 and Microsoft DirectX 10.



The 18.4-inch series also features Full HD CineCrystal LCD panel with 1920x1080 pixel resolution, 8ms response time and native 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The system is shipped with a choice of graphics engines and can be equipped with either the NVIDIA GeForce 9650M GS graphics engine with up to 1280 MB of TurboCache (512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 VRAM, up to 768 MB of shared system memory) or by the NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS with up to 1280 MB of TurboCache (512 MB of dedicated GDDR2 VRAM, up to 768 MB of shared system memory). Both support NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology, Shader Model 4.0 and Microsoft DirectX 10.

The 16-inchers come with 320 GB of space while the 18.4-inchers come with 640 GB of space.

Both series feature an HDMI port with HDCP support and come with integrated TV Tuner. Users can choose between Blu-Ray Disc and a DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive for their laptops, that also feature a 6-in-1 card reader.

The Aspire Gemstone blue design integrates the second generation Dolby Home Theater technology with powerful audio technologies – CineSurround, Tuba CineBass booster, and True 5.1 output. The line comes with the brand new CineDash media console, a touch-sensitive interface that gives users a new way to manage entertainment and launch Acer Arcade in seconds, as well as navigate menus, adjust volume and control media on the fly.

On selected models, the Aspire 8920G comes bundled with a VoIP Bluetooth phone, a device that can be used as a normal cell phone connected to the notebook through Bluetooth connections, or can be placed on any desk or surface and used as a speaker phone, letting the user communicate freely while continuing to work on the PC.

The series features a multi-layered, shimmering 3D finish, contrasting textures, a blue, black and silver color scheme, and interior/exterior lighting effects.

The Aspire notebooks come with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows Vista Home Premium preinstalled. Additional installed software includes Acer Empowering Technology (Acer eAudio, ePower, eDataSecurity, eRecovery, eSettings Management), Acer Arcade Deluxe featuring Cinema, Album, Music, Acer HomeMedia, Acer InstantOn Arcade; Acer Bio-Protection; Acer Crystal Eye; Acer GridVista; Acer Launch Manager; Acer GameZone; Acer Video Conference Manager; Acer Video Conference Manager featuring Video Quality Enhancement (VQE); Adobe Reader; CyberLink PowerDirector trial version; Norton Internet Security; NTI Media Maker; Microsoft Works 9.0 with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial.

All Acer notebooks come with a standard 1 year Carry In (International travelers warranty - ITW) which can be extended to 3 years' cover with the Acer Advantage service that also covers accidental damage to the notebook.

Source: http://www.tech2.com/india/news/laptops/acer-unveils-new-line-of-gemstone-laptops/31371/0

Acer "blue" teased for mystery launch

That friends, is Acer's teaser for a new "notebook PC concept" set for release in New York later today. We're not sure what it is, but it's not very often that the unveiling of a concept device (which may or may not be manufactured) warrants a press event hosted by a company's president. In this case, Acer's Vista-hatin' prez, Gianfranco Lanci. Whatever it is, that hint of multi-media, touch controller is not something we'd expect to see on their Eee PC killer.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/12/acer-blue-teased-for-mystery-launch/

MSI Wind Laptop to Make Eee PC Cry, "Eeek!"

Checkout the latest entrant in the UMPC race, the MSI Wind, which we missed at CeBIT earlier last week. Toting a 10-inch display, Intel Shelton'08 platform, with variable processor speeds from 1.0GHz - 1.6GHz; 2.5-inch HDD or SSD, 1GB RAM, a reported 7-hour battery life and running either Linux or Windows operating systems, it seems MSI's offering holds a lot of promise.

As we have yet to see an active screen shot from the MSI Wind we expect that it is still at prototype stage, but that has not stopped MSI churning out blue, silver and pink iterations. The styling is certainly a step up from the Eee PC, but perhaps that Eee body rework we heard about earlier will throw off the new competition. The Wind is expected to be priced between €299 ($458) - €699 ($1072), depending on options chosen. All in all, the sizable keyboard, price point and decent display size have our attention for sure. There is no word on a release date as yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/365720/msi-wind-laptop-to-make-eee-pc-cry-eeek

HTC Shift UMPC Now Available in the US

It took damn near forever, but the HTC Shift—the UMPC that was supposed to change your mind about UMPCs has finally hit store shelves in the states. To refresh your memory, the features include an 800 Mhz processor, Vista Business, 1GB RAM, a 40GB HD, Quad-Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, HSDPA/UMTS, WiFi and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it will cost you more than many conventional laptops at $1629.99.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/364946/htc-shift-umpc-now-available-in-the-us

Motion Computing unveils "semi-rugged" F5 Slate PC

It's been a solid tick since we heard a peep from Motion Computing, but nearly a year after we first wrapped our paws around the firm's C5 medical tablet, the F5 has arrived. Granted, this bugger is more suited for service industries and field work than the ER, but its "semi-rugged" nature ensures that it'll get the job done almost anywhere. Packed within the IP54-compliant (read: dust, water, shock and temperature resistant) chassis is a 1.2GHz Intel Centrino U1400 processor, 10.4-inch XGA (1,024 x 768) View Anywhere display, 40GB HDD (optional 32GB SSD available), built-in 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth, WWAN (EV-DO) support and a 2-megapixel camera for good measure. Additionally, you'll spot an optional barcode reader, integrated RFID reader / passive tag, a biometric scanner, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA output and a battery good for about 1.5 hours of usage. Unfortunately, such a well-spec'd Slate PC won't come cheap, as this creature will set you back a stiff $2,699 to $4,000 depending on configuration.


Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/motion-computing-unveils-semi-rugged-f5-slate-pc/

Sony Vaio Graphic Splash Expressions Collection Makes You, Your Laptop Pretty

Have you been waiting for a Sony Vaio range that will allow custom font selection for keyboard lettering? Well, the new Graphic Splash Expressions Collection is here to answer your prayers. Yes, you can finally choose the font of the keyboard lettering when you order—we're so excited. The lappies are available in various designs, including Leaf and Victorian Lace in either black, blue or pink colors. The entry level configuration includes Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 120 GB HDD, Windows Vista OS, wireless and Bluetooth, all for $1279. Excuse us whilst we fall asleep.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/362199/sony-vaio-graphic-splash-expressions-collection-makes-you-your-laptop-pretty

Getac B300 Rugged Laptop Plays Nice With Night Vision Goggles

The B300 is one hell of a rugged laptop, just checkout these specs: 13.3-inch XGA display, Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz processor, a maximum of 4GB RAM, Super-Multi DVD ROM, WiFi, Bluetooth, 12-hour maximum battery life, rugged magnesium alloy case, Biometric Fingerprint Reader, as well as options for 3G and GPS. The lappie with a thick skin incorporates Sunlight Readable Technology, which does exactly what is says on the tin; it ensures the screen is readable in extremely bright conditions. Additionally, the Night Vision mode will allow users to operate the B300 even whilst wearing night vision goggles. It is just as well Getac's offering is wind, dust and rain resistant, too, as we very much doubt you will be needing that night vision mode in your bedroom. (Unless you do, you complete, extreme perv.)


Source: http://gizmodo.com/361232/getac-b300-rugged-laptop-plays-nice-with-night-vision-goggles

Kojinsha's E8 UMPC Is Tablet Competitor for EEE PC

Clearly aiming for the same market as the EEE PC, Kojinsha's new E8 UMPC has the added bonus of being a touchscreen tablet. It does, however, beat me how the Korean-made E8 is being labelled by some as a UMPC—it looks more like a sub-notebook to me.

The E8 runs Windows XP, has an AMD Geode LX800 CPU under the hood along with a 40GB hard drive, and its seven inch screen has 1024 x 600-pixel resolution. It's also got stereo speakers, a single USB port, memory card slot (we don't know what sort) and apparently 3.5 hours of battery life. Sounding like quite a competitor for the little Asus, the E8 is available Februrary 29th for about $600.


Source: http://gizmodo.com/359016/kojinshas-e8-umpc-is-tablet-competitor-for-eee-pc

HP's secret ultra-mobile PC plans exposed

When it was first announced, many computer manufacturers looked upon the ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) as just another gimmick that would have very little practical significance in the marketplace. However, now that tiny computers are taking off, HP looks like joining in with one of its own.

According to a recent report from CNET, HP sat down with the publication over an informal dinner and told those present that it has plans to release a UMPC in the coming months. Unfortunately, it did not divulge any possible specs the device might feature, but did say that it will offer a low price and above average battery life.

A UMPC for everybody

HP staff also told its guests that the UMPC will be suitable for use by professionals and enthusiasts alike, and should sport a slim form factor to make those looking for portability quite happy.

HP is obviously no stranger to the portable PC market and has sold its iPaq PDA for quite some time. But with UMPCs becoming increasingly popular in the market, the company believes it will be able to make a significant dent. So far, no availability timeline has been announced, but announcements should be expected in the coming weeks.

Source: http://www.tech.co.uk/computing/computer-hardware/news/hps-secret-ultra-mobile-pc-plans-exposed?articleid=463059823