Author Archive for admin

Apple to Launch $800 Notebook?

Given all the depressing and uncertain financial news the world over these days, something tells me price points are going to be one of the first things that both consumers and manufacturers look at when it comes to mobile computers. Face, it, we all look at price anyway and the rise of the Netbook certainly proves that it is a key factor. But in tougher times, I’m guessing it may become even more of a differentiator.

Apple is getting ready to make yet another announcement this month. This one (still in the late rumor stage) is that Apple has come up with a change in its manufacturing process that will allow it to offer lower cost notebooks. Late speculation and tips from “reliable sources” peg the news that Apple will be unveiling an $800 notebook of some kind. No one knows if this is a new device, a reshaping of existing lines to be produced with the new process, or what is really up their sleeve. Supposedly whatever it is, it has the name of “The Brick.” Of course part of the speculation is that this might lead to that hoped for Apple Tablet. Again, no one knows for sure and I doubt we’re going to see an Apple Tablet anytime soon.

That said, Duncan Riley at The Inquisitr is trumpeting an exclusive on the $800 price point and that retail stores are receiving info that lists 12 different price points between $800 and $3100. If true, Apple’s plans seem to have been to target a larger range of customers who are more price sensitive. I’m guessing no one expected how price sensitive things might actually be in the near future, when this all began. (Note the picture is from VentureBeat and is obviously a mock up.)

Asus To Offer Eee with Touch and Dual-Core Atom

Asus just keeps on working to add to what it offers in the Eee line. According to Digitimes, Asus will be offering versions of the Eee Netbook with touch screens in the first quarter of 2009. Asus isn’t saying yet which of the many Eee’s will be offered with touch screens but plans on showing off touch Eee’s at CES2009. Asus is also planning to offer dual-core Atom based Eee PCs as soon as Intel makes the chips available. Not surprising news on either front, but what will be interesting to watch, is if the other netbook makers will follow suit.

Fujitsu ST6010 Tablet PC Makes an Appearance at the FCC

A couple of weeks ago, we brought you news of Fujitsu’s newest tablet pc, the ST6010 / ST6012. Well, things appear to be getting much closer to official now that it has made an appearance at the FCC, complete with pictures, owners manual, and all.

Thanks for the link, JKKMobile

Lenovo Introduces WiMAX Connectivity for Some Laptops

Sprint officially rolled out its XOHM WiMAX service in Baltimore, MD today and Lenovo has jumped in what I’m sure will be a race to offer WiMAX connectivity by announcing that several of its models will now have WiMAX as an option. They include the SL300, SL500, X301, and T400 at present and look for the W500, W700, SL400, and X200 models and the IdeaPad Y530 to feature that option later this year.

Kevin Tofel of jkOnTheRun was at the big rollout and was given an evaluation X301 with WiMAX, so I look for Kevin to have some interesting reports on how things worked in the land of great seafood eating. (He’s also going to like the X301 I predict. I do.)

Look for a slew of announcements announcing WiMAX capability from OEMs to rival the uncountable number of netbook announcements we’ve had this year, as we head into the fall and CES in January.

Press Release after the READ MORE link.

Upload This: Lenovo Adds WiMAX Wireless Connectivity to ThinkPad and IdeaPad Notebook PCs

Offered in Lenovo Notebook PCs for Large Businesses, SMBs and Consumers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lenovo today announced it is bringing the latest high-speed wireless connectivity to its customers through a broad offering of WiMAX-enabled¹ Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PCs. Lenovo’s WiMAX lineup addresses all types of users, from business users needing ultraportability with the thin and light ThinkPad X301 notebook to mainstream business users with the ThinkPad T400 notebook to small-to-medium businesses with the ThinkPad SL300 and SL500 notebooks. WiMAX-enabled¹ models of these notebooks are available immediately. The announcement comes at the launch celebration of the nation’s first next-generation 4G WiMAX wireless network today in Baltimore.

In addition, Lenovo will be expanding its notebook offerings with built-in WiMAX¹ later this year to include models of the business-focused ThinkPad W500, W700, SL400 and X200 notebooks. Lenovo will also offer WiMAX-enabled¹ models of the IdeaPad Y530 notebook designed for consumers.

“With spill-resistant keyboards, ‘air-bag’ data protection, fingerprint readers, facial recognition technology and more, Lenovo has a proven track record as the industry leader in introducing new technologies in notebook PCs,” said Stephen DiFranco, vice president, Americas Commercial and Consumer Channels, Lenovo. “By building mobile WiMAX into both our ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PC lines, we are helping our customers stay better connected, anywhere, anytime.”

Lenovo designed the notebooks for a simple and easy to use WiMAX experience. For example, with the ThinkPad notebooks, Lenovo added the ability for Access Connections, a part of the Lenovo suite of ThinkVantage Technologies, to recognize WiMAX networks. This helps users locate and securely connect to available wireless connections.

Although in its beginning stages, WiMAX has a number of potential uses such as serving as the primary wireless connection for consumers and businesses, enabling WiMAX devices to synch up for an enhanced communications experience and becoming the backup connectivity for companies. First rolling out in Baltimore, WiMAX coverage is expected to be operational in other cities - including Chicago and Washington, D.C. - in the coming months.

“WiMAX is changing the model of wireless communication,” said Bin Shen, vice president, Broadband, Sprint. “By working with industry leaders like Intel and Lenovo, we are committed to building the next-generation of mobile broadband services along with innovative computing devices that are designed for the best possible mobile WiMAX experience. We are rapidly building a nationwide WiMAX-based mobile broadband network, making it the next standard for accessible, affordable high speed wireless communications.”

The Intel® Centrino™ 2-based Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebooks are shipping with the combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly codenamed “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

“The 4G era is upon us, and Intel welcomes the host of innovative WiMAX solutions from Lenovo aligning with the inaugural U.S. network and its unique wireless speed and reach,” said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer, Intel. “Consumers and businesses today want faster, flexible and more pervasive wireless connections that match the power and battery life of Intel-based notebooks. With our Intel Core™ 2 processor-based notebooks, Baltimore residents have the power to experience this network whether in their home, office or on the go around town.”

With the announcement, Lenovo extends its menu of wireless connectivity options to include WiMAX, along with notebook models that include options for WWAN¹, or 3G, through AT&T and Verizon, ¹WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Ultra-Wideband functionality. These technologies offer customers choices of the latest ways for fast and convenient connectivity to fit their mobile lifestyle.

Pricing and Availability²

Pricing for the notebooks vary with WiMAX-enabled¹ models starting at approximately $720. Select notebooks will be available starting immediately through www.lenovo.com and business partners.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.

¹WiMAX, WWAN and WiFi Service Providers: Requires separate agreement with select third party service provider, and is subject to credit approval and applicable service agreement/terms, rate plan and coverage maps of the provider. Service is available in select metropolitan markets, not available in all areas. Service provider, not Lenovo, is solely responsible for service. Lenovo customers may be contacted after purchase to activate service. Special credit and tenure restrictions and additional charges may apply to international roaming. A network connection, third-party software, additional hardware, and/or subscription to a third-party service may be required for certain solutions/applications. Additional restrictions apply. Offer subject to change.

² Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.

Intel Buys Netbook.com Domain Name

File this one under the category of “wish I’d a thought of that." Intel purchased the domain, netbook.com last week. Wonder how long it had been available or if they bought it off of someone? That doesn’t matter now, as Intel owns it and at the moment it is pointing to a page about the Atom processor and all that it offers.

Intel is describing a netbook as follows:

“Wireless internet laptop with Intel® Atom™ processor features internet, email and instant messaging capabilities. It delivers the high performance needed for streaming videos and music.”

Via Notebooks.com

Tablet PC Community Folks Making Their Mark In the iPhone Space

We like to toot the horns of folks in our community, and Michael Venini definitely deserves a shout-out. Michael has just released a new game for the iPhone / iPod Touch called Under Pressure Football. It incorporates football and math and takes you through an entire season, including the playoffs.   The game is perfect for kids. If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, head over and check it out. Let’s see if we can help move that app up the most popular list. The game only costs $1.99.

Microsoft Releases Open Source SDK for Multi-Touch: Touchless

Touchless is multi-touch software that uses webcams and everyday objects for multi-touch input developed by Microsoft Office Labs.  It is similar to Microsoft’s Touchwall technology. Microsoft is releasing an open-source SDK for Touchless that makes it possible for developers to create software that can turn hand gestures or objects  into an input device similar to a mouse. Supposedly any old object will do. As this TechCrunch article states you can use toys, pens, M&M’s, and Touchless will track their movement through space using “color markers.”

Of note here also, is that former OneNote Wonder, Chris Pratley is involved with this.

You can download a demo and run it yourself or the full SDK. You need a webcam to give it a go. There are four demos included in the download, including:

1. Snake - control a snake with a marker.
2. Defender – pong-like game with up to 4 players. 
3. Map - rotate, zoom, and move a map using 2 markers.
4. Draw – bet you can figure out what this one does.

Here’s shot of me using a bottle cap as a marker. I’m lousy at this.

Lenovo Signs On As Exclusive Sponsor of GottaBeMobile.com’s CES 2009 Coverage

We are pleased to announce that Lenovo has signed on as the Exclusive Sponsor of GottaBeMobile.com’s CES 2009 coverage!

CES is a very demanding event to cover. Not only are we highly mobile, but we also produce a TON of video content - some on the spot, others later at night. Needless to say, the equipment we bring to CES has to be up to the job. That is why Lenovo is such a great fit to sponsor our coverage: their mobile solutions are light weight, give us the tablet pc features we need, as well as providing that power we demand to crunch out the content. Most of our team will be using the new X200 Tablet PC, but Lenovo will also be outfitting us with some of their other ultra-mobile solutions. We are very thankful of Lenovo’s support of our CES coverage.

Join me in welcoming Lenovo as our newest sponsor.

Technorati Tags: CES 2009, Lenovo

Touch Screen Mac OS X on a GigaByte M912

We’re seeing more and more mods of Netbooks using Mac OS X, but this is the first one I’ve seen that works with a touch screen. The Gigabyte M912 does come with a touch screen (see this Laptop Mag review) and it looks like it is working just fine with the hack. Thanks to jkkmobile for the link.

A Losing Battle: Schools Resist Mobile Technology

Public schools across America are fighting a battle they can’t win; schools are taking aggressive approaches and adopting strict discipline policies regarding the student use of mobile technology.  Walk through any study hall in an American public school and you will find students texting in their pockets and listening to iPods through their sleeves.  Although most schools prohibit students from using personal electronics, students are coming up with creative ways to bring technology into the classroom whether the teacher knows it or not.  Aside from the lack of funds, here are a few reasons why schools do not allow students to be technologically enabled.

Cheating

Ask any teacher, instructor, or professor and they will tell you that cheating is a real and growing problem among students at all levels.  It used to be that students would meet before a class to share or copy answers, write a few notes on the bottom of their shoe, or steal an answer with a quick glance.  Mobile technology such as the use of cell phones and laptop computers among students has greatly changed the realm of cheating.  Because of the role technology plays in the cheating process, teachers and administrators have been reluctant to freely permit these devices in the classroom.  Students have been caught using camera phones to send test questions via MMS, hack into the schools Wi-Fi to change grades, and share answers via IM.  Because of these issues, schools have largely been unable to come up with a way to control student use of these devices.

Viruses, videos, & questionable content

Another staunch reason why schools are strict with mobile technology is the inability to supervise students at all times.  Although filtering software is in place, students often find ways to circumvent restrictions.  While the Internet contains a wealth of valuable knowledge, it also contains a wealth of objectionable content that many parents would not approve.  Because of this, many schools place a permanent block on various sites or specific types of websites.  For example, many schools block all blogs regardless of their content.  Sites with swear words or inappropriate school language is automatically blocked.  I remember having a student in class who couldn’t look up card tricks for a speech because cards were associated with gambling, an inappropriate keyword.

Schools often do not allow students to use their own laptops or Tablet PCs because of extreme bandwidth use and the possibility for virus problems.  Much of the content students view on the Internet is bandwidth heavy.  Streaming music videos uses a lot of resources, and allowing student computers on the school network heightens the risk of potential virus infections.

Safety

Unfortunately, there have recently been too many school shootings to mention.  Many schools are reluctant to allow students free reign with mobile technology because of the security threat posed.  Administrators and law enforcement worry that the use of mobile technology allows disturbed or angry students to more easily plot and coordinate destructive attacks.  While there may be credence to this argument, it could also be argued that students should have access to technology in order to protect themselves in such events.  Many of the situations where I’ve confronted students about texting in school was because they received a text message from their parents.  Many parents that I’ve spoken to want their children to have a cell phone with them in order to plan pickup times or even just to check in and see how the day is going.

Students will use technology whether they are permitted or not.

The reasons why schools are resistant to student use of mobile technology are real, however the future is requiring that students and teachers to be technologically empowered.  Teachers are expected to compete with instant gratification, MTV, mp3s, DVDs, and video games.  Using the strengths of technology helps students gain knowledge and deeper understanding of the issues presented in class.  Stories or articles read in books come to life with a tour via Google Earth, a Web Quest, Power Point presentation, or a collaborative classroom Wiki.  The benefits of using technology far outweigh the potential risks.  The bottom line comes down to relying on sophisticated filtering software, and professional educators that allow students to use technology in the educational process.  Teachers should be trusted to monitor students when in the classroom.  If students are expected to achieve at higher levels, teachers and students need the tools necessary to get the job done.

Schools need to embrace these devices and use their strengths to engage students, strengthen learning, and improve test scores.  There is hardly a profession today that does not rely on some interaction with technology.  Whether they are allowed to or not, students will ultimately continue to text, IM, and listen to their mp3 players. 

Are you a student or educator at a school that embraces mobile technology, or have you been denied the use of a mobile device at a school?  Share your experiences in the comments.

Photo credit: Cloned Milkman (flickr cc)

MSI Wind 9-Cell Battery Available from Lion Battery

Now that the MSI Wind is going to be available at Best Buy, but at the moment with only a 3-Cell option, you might be looking for some extra juice. It turns out that Lion Battery has a Mugen 9-Cell option for sale if you are willing to go the third-party route. It will set you back $180 (ouch) and it weighs in at one pound, but if you are looking for six extra hours it might be worth a look.

There’s also a code (MSIWIND.NET) that will save you an additional $20 on check out.

Via Gizmodo

Tell Motion Computing Your Story and You Could Win an iPod Touch

Motion Computing wants to hear your story. We all know Tablet PCs can change the way you work and we all know our own stories and those of others. If you’ve used a Motion Tablet PC to change the way you work, or you’re a reseller who has helped those you serve change the way they work with a Motion Tablet PC, then you might want to check into this.

Basically you tell your story to Motion and if you’re selected as a weekly winner you could win an iPod Touch and a $50 iTunes gift card. Weekly winners will also be entered in a grand prize drawing for a gift card for a 32” HDTV.

The contest runs from October 5 (what are you waiting for) through 12/19/08. The grand prize will be drawn on 1/05/09.

The entry form and info can be found here.

Asus S101 Getting Ready for Release

We brought you news about the Asus S101 Eee last week, which is Asus’ shot across the bow of the thin portable makers. Apparently if you’re if you’re in the parts of Asia bordering the Pacific you could see this released tomorrow. Those in Europe will see it in a couple of weeks and it is targeted for the US for sometime later this month. One note on that though, according to Engadget, only 1000 will be available in the US initially. No word on pricing yet.

Speaking of Engadget, Engadget Chinese got there hands on the unit and have posted up a series of pictures for you to ooh and ahh over.

Only one question. Where’s the feather?

Will Your Next WiFi Hotspot be a Light Bulb?

This is intriguing research. Boston U’s College of Engineering is launching a study to use visible light instead of radio waves to transmit data. The idea is to use LEDs to create “Smart Lighting” that is supposed to be faster and more secure than current network technology.

"Imagine if your computer, iPhone, TV, radio and thermostat could all communicate with you when you walked in a room just by flipping the wall light switch and without the usual cluster of wires," said BU Engineering Professor Thomas Little. "This could be done with an LED-based communications network that also provides light - all over existing power lines with low power consumption, high reliability and no electromagnetic interference. Ultimately, the system is expected to be applicable from existing illumination devices, like swapping light bulbs for LEDs."

Supposedly the technology could send and receive data in the 1 to 10 megabit range. Also interesting, since light cannot penetrate walls it would be more secure. Also intriguing they think the first real tests may come out of doors in the automotive industry.

Via Cellular News

Paper and Pen Better for your Brain Than Software?

BoingBoing links to an interesting study by Dutch psychologist Christof Van Nimwegen that posits that pen and paper will better boost your creative problem solving than using a computer. His PhD dissertation, The paradox of the assisted user: guidance can be counterproductive (update: the link is fixed and see a correction below)got some attention from Michael Leddy who summarizes by saying “software turns us into passive beings, subjected to the whims of computers, randomly clicking on icons and menu options. In the long run, this hinders our creativity and memory.”

James Kendrick (thanks for the link) says there is a lot to be said about this and points to his Tablet PC usage saying it stimulates his creative process. I couldn’t agree more with jk. Frequently when I get stuck in either a rut or just a brain logjam trying to solve a problem, I find myself heading off to somewhere other than my office, Tablet PC in slate mode in hand, to work through the brain cramps. That usually does the trick, although to be fair, it is easy to jump into procrastination mode unless I have the discipline not to.

Correction: Mr. Van Nimwegen writes in to say, ”

Never, ever in my life have I investigated the use of paper and pens/pencil, nor did I ever mention any of these. NOT ONCE, leave alone that I have done experiments with them! I do indeed mention the issue that under certain circumstances software can make us act “passive” and the text string “randomly clicking on icons and menu options”. But this is completely out of context as it stands here, most of it is really nonsense.”>

I take his point and have to admit I followed summaries from some of the other links from other bloggers without reading his dissertation.  That said, my point in linking to the story from BoingBoing (linked above) that begins with: Dutch psychologist Christof van Nimwegen posits that paper and pens/pencils boost learning and creative problem solving much more than computers do. As a Tablet PC guy, that got me to thinking instead of reading. While I think my ultimate point that for those who might think paper and pen can stimulate creative problem solving better than a computer is worth a discussion, apologies to Mr. Van Nimwegen for making that leap.