Author Archive for Matthew Dillon

Asus Intros Eee PC Keyboard with Screen

TechwareLabs is reporting that Asus has introduced their new Eee PC keyboard with an integrated screen.  The keyboard itself apparently features the guts of a typical netbook and integrates some type of built-in navigation screen.  No word on whether the integrated screen is removable or touch sensitive.  Official specs are unclear other than it’s running the Intel Atom processor and the keyboard is Aluminum.   Think netbook trapped in a keyboard.  It would be neat to have a removable, mobile device built into the keyboard, but that seems unlikely.

Read more for larger pics: Continue reading

FreeStyle Features VIA Nano: Outperforms Atom

Engadget is has a few sleek shots of the new FreeStyle Dr. Mobile Netbook which features the VIA Nano Processor, the popular Atom’s new competition.  VIA contends that the Nano will outperform comparatively matched Intel Atom machines.  While the specs of this machine are nothing too different with what we’ve seen of current netbooks,  the design clearly shows that the netbook mold (screen size under 10 inches, cramped keyboard, small trackpad) is starting to change.  Can we expect to see underpowered, full-size notebooks later in the year?  Look for more details as GBM’s CES coverage continues.

Details on the FreeStyle:

• 1.3 Ghz Via Nano Processor, VX800 Chipset (capable of running at 1.6 Ghz)
• 11.6-inch display, 1366 x 768 resolution
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Optional onboard mobile broadband
• Expected price tag of $500 USD, possibly available in February

Click here for the hands-on FreeStyle photos.

Netbooks Brighten Energy Star

It appears that netbook popularity is flowing into Energy Star, a joint venture between the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy that helps consumers make informed energy choices.  Presently, Energy Star’s searchable computer database only yields three categories: Workstation, Notebook/Tablet, and Desktop.  This PDF File (text version) seems to show an Energy Star proposal which outlines a plan to introduce a new Netbook category.  The proposal seeks to introduce a low-end, low performance category labeled “netbooks” due to widespread consumer adoption.

Notes from the Energy Star proposal:

• Energy Star predicts Continue reading
  

USB to IDE Adapter: Must-Have in the World of Netbooks

Ever wonder how you could install different operating systems on your new netbook or backup all your data to a DVD-R?  A USB to IDE adapter is one device that might be unfamiliar to novice computer users, but soon finds great value as a necessary, must-have item.  In the world of netbooks and similar devices that lack a CD/DVD, a USB to IDE adapter provides a cheap and convenient way to use an internal drive as an external peripheral.

Here are a few common uses for a USB to IDE adapter.

• These adapters can be used to Continue reading
  

What is a Netbook? Best Buy to the Rescue

Best Buy has attempted to resolve consumer confusion regarding the purpose of netbooks with this flash presentation.  As Warner described, many first time shoppers and novice users are purchasing netbooks with the belief that they will be a desktop/laptop substitute.  While it is true that a netbook does provide necessary computing functionality, they do lack standard laptop features like DVD/Rs, faster processors, and larger screens.  The Best Buy presentation won’t teach power users anything new, but does highlight the popularity of the netbook platform.

If you’re a first time netbook shopper, consider splurging for these must-haves:

• 10 inch or larger screen.  I’ve found anything less than 10 inches is too limiting; even Continue reading
  

8 Tech Items to Regift

‘Tis the season to give gifts.  Finding a few items to regift has come in handy a few times that I’ve been in a pinch.  Regifting involves the redirecting of a gift that you’ve received, giving your gift to someone else.   Regifted items are usually selected because they’re relatively inexpensive or a surplus has already been collected.  Who needs 3 webcams anyway?

Regifting tech items used to be impractical primarily because of high cost and lack of device availability.  The game has changed now as supply has outpaced demand for many of the following items.  These tech treasures will come in handy if somehow you never find the time to take care of last minute shopping.  You might consider regifting the following items or even picking them up as stocking stuffers to keep the holiday cheer alive.

1) SD Card/USB Thumbdrive/Multi Card Reader: Who doesn’t have a drawer full of Continue reading

MacHeist Wants to Give You Free Presents for Christmas!

Want to add a few Mac goodies under your Christmas tree?  Head on over to the MacHeist Giving Tree where the MacHeist folks are promising some free goodies for your Holiday Season.  Refer a friend and they’ll give you a few early presents.  Check out the packages under the tree now and on Christmas day to see if you’ve been naughty or nice.

Free applications available now includes:

• Synergry, a music management application. (usually cost $14)
• Enigmo 2, the sequel to the popular iPhone puzzle game. (usually $19)
• Refer a friend and wait until 12/25 to see what else awaits . . .

2009 Predictions: Matthew’s Take

Behold my predictions for the great, forthcoming year of 2009.  The following thoughts are what I’d like to see happen with a dash of what I believe will happen.  Gaze with me into the crystal ball:

Mobile Computing

• The term “netbook” becomes a household name because many homes have adopted one or two as a second computer, child’s computer, or mobile companion.  Features, build quality, and battery life improve while price points still hover around $350.  More options for Continue reading
  

MSNBC Examines Popular Touch Technology

An article by Scott Taves at MSNBC highlights current touchscreen technology used in cell phones.  Although the article focuses primarily on popular touch phones, the technology described is the same as that used in some Tablet PCs, Internet Tablets, and MIDs.  The article is a good, quick read if you’re curious about how touch technology works and want to learn more.  In a nutshell:

• Resistive Touchscreens
  • Are cheaper, have been used more often, and are dependable.
  • Rely on pressure to activate programs, buttons.
  • Usually have several layers with the outermost layer consisting of a flexible, durable plastic. Continue reading
    

OS X Realtek Wireless Driver for MSI Wind Released

It appears that MSI Wind netbook owners who patiently waited for W-Fi support and took the risk of installing OS X on their machines may now have drivers for their factory installed Realtek Wi-Fi cards.  Although not posted on the official Realtek site, this thread at MSIWind.net tracks consumer emails to and from Realtek, the U100’s Wi-Fi card manufactuerer.  The thread begins with posts showing replies from Realtek employees and their intent to release an OS X driver for the RTL8187SE in early, mid, and then later December.  Apparently, the driver was emailed directly from a Realtek employee to someone that inquired about its availability.  Regardless of how the RTL8187SE driver came to be, users are reporting success with the Realtek WLAN Client Utility.  The RTL8187SE doesn’t show up as an airport card, but does provide full Wi-Fi functionality for OS X Wind users. Continue reading

Tips for MSI Wind 9-Cell Battery Owners

Global-Laptop-Batteries.com features a few excellent tips for customers that have purchased the 9-cell battery for the MSI Wind.  The  9-cell battery, rumored to get 8 hours+ of life, currently sells for US $79.80.  They’re also selling 6-cell Acer Aspire One batteries for US $68.60.  Check out their tips to get the most out of your battery:

Continue reading

Tablet Struggles To Find Mainstream Pt. 5: I’m Sold

After several weeks of full-time Tablet PC use, I have to confess that I’ve sold my Tablet PC.  I used my Tablet PC for all of my computing tasks at home and work throughout the past couple months, and I was very pleased with the features that a Tablet PC offers.  Truth be told, I sold my Tablet PC with the intention of upgrading to a newer model as multitouch capabilities continue to become more advanced and prevelant.  I am a strong believer that multitouch and alternative/pen input will one day be as commonplace as they keyboard.  Throughout my Tablet PC experience I realized a few things that set the Tablet PC apart from traditional laptops.

Continue reading

Cheap Gadgets: The $1.40 USB Webcam

You may be accustom to Engadget’s crapgadget feature, a series that highlights cheap and often poorly manufactured electronic devices.  I recently took a gamble on what could have turned out to be a crapgadget as I purchased a backup webcam for my desktop PC on eBay for a cheap $1.40.  The cheapest I could find a name-brand webcam in stores was $19.  After reading through the sellers feedback and seeing positive results, I decided to take the risk and buy a bargain webcam from Hong Kong.

The seller I purchased from, states.electronics, has his own eBay store that features many other discount electronics.  Shipping was an additional five dollars, but I was impressed with the overall build quality and performance.  It’s not a professional-grade webcam, but it gets the job done.  The webcam has the following specs:

• 6 LED lights to illuminate
• Manual focus lens
• Built in unidirectional microphones
• Built in CMOS sensor
• Compatible with Skype, MSN, YAHOO
• 1.3 Mega Pixels Digital Camera CMOS Sensor
• Up to 5.0 Mega Pixel window capture resolution supported
• Video format: 24-bit RGB
• Camera supports 180 degree rotation
• Frame rate: 640×480 - 30f/s; 1280×960 = 10-15f/s
• 1.3 Mega Pixels Digital Camera CMOS Sensor
• Up to 5.0 Mega Pixels window capture resolution supported
• Video format: 24-bit RGB
• Camera supports 180 degree rotation
• Frame rate: (640 x 480) 30 f/s; (1280 x 960) 10 -15 f/s
• Compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
• Focus Range: 3 cm to infinity
• Easily mount to your desktop/laptop monitor with clip
• XP, Vista supported

After my webcam arrived, I decided to buy one for a frugal family member so that we could Skype.  We walked through the installation instructions over the phone, and we were video conferencing in under a half hour.

Although I don’t encourage people to seek out cheap electronics for everyday, dependable use, there is certainly a place for cheap gadgets.  What cheap or discounted electronics have you purchased?

Buying a Notebook? Must-Haves.

Notebook Computer (flickr cc: Craig Jewell)

Notebook computers have changed a lot in just a few years.  There are a few improvements on most consumer models that you shouldn’t live without.  Here are a few things to look for in your next laptop:

• LED Screen

An LED backlit screen uses, you guessed it, LEDs rather than something like CCFL tubes.  An LED screen provides a brighter picture with whiter whites and richer colors.  LED screens are more durable, have a longer lifespan, and consume less energy.  They are thinner and allow the overall size of the notebook to shrink.  LED screens take less time to warm up, as the laptop’s picture often appears quicker when bringing your computer out of sleep mode.

• Small Power-Brick / Adapter
  

  Eee PC Adapter (flickr cc: -N8-)

One of the favorite things about my original Asus Eee PC was the small power adapter.  Rather than having two separate cables and a large brick to carry around/unravel, the Eee PC had a simple wall-mounted adapter.  It was much easier and quicker to whip out the Eee PC adapter and plug it in.  The Eee PC adapter also used less space in my bag.  The design is similar to what we see with current cell phones, and many computer manufacturers are adopting this style.

• Magnetic Latch / No Latch

Another complaint of the older notebooks I’ve owned is the clunky, mechanical latch.  Thankfully, most manufacturers are getting away from this design and opting for a magnetic latch or no latch at all.  The Apple MacBook is a simple design that implements the magnetic latch.  Some smaller laptops and netbooks don’t use a latch at all.  This is more or less a convenience issue rather than anything that impacts productivity.

• Magnetic / Quick Release AC Power Plug
  

  Magnetic Power Plug (flickr cc: 37prime)

Not to ride the Apple bandwagon but the MacBook also has a very well implemented AC Power plug.  The magnetic design allows for a quick release if ever someone trips on your computer’s power cord.  Too many times to count, myself or someone in my home, including my dog, has gotten tangled in my computer’s power cord.  If my notebook did not feature a quick-release plugin, it might spell certain death.  A quick-release plug allows the power cord to separate from the unit without bringing your laptop tumbling or crashing to the ground.

• SSD (Solid State Drive)

SSD (flickr cc: piesto)

Despite their higher costs, Solid State Drives are becoming cheaper and more prevalent.  SSDs are more popular because they are less prone to wear out over time.  A standard Hard Disk Drive has moving parts that wear or slow as your computer ages.  The HDD can also fail due to jolts or hard bumps that can occur when transporting your laptop.  SSDs also consume less energy and are often faster than traditional HDDs.

• Webcam

Webcams are pretty much the norm on most consumer laptops these days, and I’d say they’re one thing you shouldn’t do without.  If nothing for the simple fact of videoconferencing over your favorite messenger client, such as Skype, webcams provide better communication and entertainment.

Things that will be must-haves soon:

• WiMax/Wireless Broadband Support

Thanks to the popularity and proliferation of the netbook, it’s my guess that many wireless providers will soon realize the potential WiMax/wireless broadband market.  Although many wireless carriers offer data plans, they are still a little pricey and have monthly limits.  As the demand to be connected continues to grow and prices of mobile devices drop, hopefully wireless carriers will offer reasonable plans without download limits.  Look for wireless internet capabilities to one day be standard in netbooks and traditional laptops.

• Multitouch Support / Inking Capabilities

The success of Apple’s iPhone, interest in Microsoft Surface, and the mention of inking support in Windows 7 point to a future of touch.  Although the Tablet PC has struggled to gain mainstream popularity, devices like the HP TouchSmart PC show the strong consumer desire for touch-enabled devices.  A few manufacturers are beginning to take note and release reasonably priced tablet netbooks and laptops.  As always, the rumor mill continues to hum of a someday Apple tablet.

• Instant-on Operating System

An instant-on operating system is an OS that allows a computer to boot in under 30 seconds, providing basic computing functionality.  An instant-on operating system helps blur the line between computer and appliance.  Ultimately, the goal of a Personal Computer is to be personal, something that you can interact with on a daily basis without waiting or thinking about what you’re doing.  The features listed as must-haves integrate notebooks into our lives.

All of these features will eventually become standard options for new laptops and hopefully netbooks down the road.  Consider these options if you’re looking for a powerful, well-built notebook computer and want something that won’t become obsolete in a 6 months.

What are your must-haves in a notebook?

North Face E-Tip Gloves are Tech Friendly

Here’s a new one: The North Face has released a new pair of gloves that play nice with your touch-enabled mobile gadgets.  The gloves feature special pads of X-Static material on the index finger and thumbs.  No matter how cold it gets, you’ll still be able to answer your phone or browse your mobile music library.  The E-Tip gloves can be purchased for $40.

Via Uncrate