smartech

It looks great, it sports a 10-inch capacitive display, runs a powerful Tegra 2 chipset and called Harmony. That’s pretty much what we  know about MSI’s new Android tablet that recently showed up at the CES show in Vegas. The platform is actually an Android 2.1 and the slate is literally tagged as an E-book machine.  It has both WiFi and 3G WWAN connectivity included, and apparently, wants to be “your office to go” solution.  Check out the videos we’ve added half past the break.

[via phandroid]

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Freescale is already staring eyes towards the CES show, which goes live this coming weekend, and the way things look, there’s plenty of stuff that worth waiting for. In a nutshell, the semiconductor giant surprises with a 7-inch smartbook reference design that fits well the Smartbook Tablet gender, only with a lot more to offer. Make no mistake, it’s a sort of a prototype that Freescale wishes to develop with its OEM partners, and the list of components is admittedly, very impressive, still you should give it at least six month before it gets – this way or another – official. The most attractive thing in here is the price which stands right below the $200 mark and digging into the specs, it ain’t so much at all, considering the fact it has a 1GHz i/MX515 chipset, paired with ARM Cortex A8 processor that seats together with 1,024 x 600 touch display (and ambient light sensor), 512MB of DDR2 RAM, optional 3G WWAN module, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, 3mp camera on top, and 3-axis accelerometer support. You get between 4GB to 64GB of internal storage, expandable with a microSD, while battery suppose to work all day long at 1,900mAh. And whether you’re fond of portable devices or not, Freescale’s machine offers (for extra $50) an optional docking station fully equipped with QWERTY keyboard and identical color lot – Now that’s definitely something we’d like to have our hands on. Stay tuned for more, images and PR details are just after the slot.

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Truth is that holidays season can be very boring, tech wise, but here’s something that might catch your eye during this time of quiescency, as latest news apparently indicate the first netbook to include Google’s Chrome OS platform will presumably boast some nifty specs inside like NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset for graphics handling and Arm-based processor, instead of Intel’s popular Atom flavor. Other than that, the rumor suggests it would pack a 10.1-inch 1,280 x 720 resolution with multi-touch display(!), along 2GB of RAM, 64GB SSD, WiFi, Bluetooth, an integrated webcam and 3G connectivity module. Battery is claimed to offer 4 or 6-cells versions while buyers will be able to pick an optional GPS system as part of the deal, which suppose to be very attractive and stand at somewhere below $300. Stay tuned for a lot more to come.

Update: We hear that Google will be selling those netbooks directly. More on that, hopefully soon. Still, no official confirmation from Mountain View to these rumors.

[via Netbook News]

Tablets, Androids, portable devices, we keep hearing them a lot, everywhere we go, in/off cyber world. The latest, is from Camagni, a Taiwanese group that brings us the Webstation, an Android-based tablet device which sports a 7-inch 800 x 480 glass touchscreen, paired with a 624MHz Marvell PXA303 processor, 128MB of RAM, 256MB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (expandable up to 8GB capacity) and a nice slick whitish frame, that comfortably fits the palm of your hand. Communication wise, you’ll find the Webstation equipped up to date with 3G WWAN, 802.11b/g WiFi and even a GPS navigation system, that was tucked in order to guide your way out there. Price suppose to stand at $399 in Japan while availability dates are still a mystery – although we do know – that basic white flavor is not alone and Pink or Black hues will hit the shelves as well. Hands on videos were added after the jump, hit them up and catch with the updates.

Update1: Turns out you can pre-order the Webstation Android tablet right now from Camagni’s online store, equipped with that 7-inch glass touchscreen, a 624MHz Marvell PXA303 and 256MB of flash storage, for $389 in case you’re one of those “early birds” or $399 if you decide to do a thorough market research before getting now.

Update2: Looks like Camangi’s Android-based Webstation has finally landed on US shores and the guys at Gear Diary have taken it for a series of unboxing shots. Hit the break to see the results (third video).

Update3: It seems the guys at Laptop aren’t pleased with Camangi’s  performance, stating it’s sluggish and a bit limited at the moment. Design wise, they were very satisfied.

[via engadget]

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We barely find these days portable media devices that get released with an artificial intelligence software, which can practically serve as your day by day personal assistant. However, we do see a lot of Internet and tablet machines, being launched on a daily bases, across the globe. One of those hybrid units that bravely combines all of the above, and stuffs them into a one tiny “piano-finish” frame, is eviGroup’s 10.2-inch Pad Tablet, that boasts (besides this 1024 x 600 display) a WiFi connectivity together with 3G WWAN, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, three USB ports, a 1.3MP webcam, a built-in microphone, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard-drive to keep your files inside. The system that operates this entire platform is Microsoft’s Windows 7, which comes preloaded with the optional Seline10 robotic creature that basically activates everything you do, either it’s text, handwriting, interface navigation and even voice controls. Seline seems to easily recognize your different moves, and technically transform them into actions. Regretfully, the company hasn’t yet unleashed any preview videos to demonstrate this ten years technology development working in practice. Nevertheless, collecting just under €500 ($745) out of your savings, will get you one, whenever it comes around.

[via slashgear]

It’s not a secret that Intel’s latest 2GHz Atom Processor is looking for new lavish netbooks to sit in, while making its way out to the market in the coming weeks. Now we’ve been told that Intel’s speedy CPU has finally found a fancy ultra-portable device to be accommodated, as Sony officially announces the Vaio X, an 11.1-inch netbook/notebook series that weighs only 1.6 pounds and made out of carbon-fiber materials. True, it ain’t going to be cheap, in fact you’ll have to pay a whopping $1499 – yes you’ve heard that right – one thousand four hundred and ninety nine dollars, that’s what you’ll be asked to shell out in order to get a slim Vaio X machine, including an Atom Z550 processor, tucked with an SSD drive, Windows 7  Home Premium edition, an integrated Verizon 3G slot and a 3.5-hour battery that is claimed to deliver up to 14 hours of work, in case you’re using the “super-extended” battery. Oh, and those of you who are crazy enough to buy one, will also receive a multitouch trackpad to flick and tap around – Duh.

Update: We’ve added an unboxing video of the Vaio X, made by the NewGadgets people, who were kind enough to share their first preview shots among the interweb geeks. In this video, you can see how thin the X series is and why Sony keeps hitting us with top notch machines. Truth to be told, price tag isn’t so friendly in this case, but that’d probably apply to many other products with such a lucrative design. Hard to tell if a Windows 7 was already included, but 3G modem and Intel’s new Atom Z540, are definitely inside. Hit the jump to see the demo.  

[via boygeniusreport]

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While most Nvidia ion-based netbooks are scheduled to go live at the end of this year, HP seems to be the one to take matters into its own hands and be the first to hit the scene with a graphics-boosted netbook device. The model we’re talking about is the Mini 311, which recently showed up on HP’s online shop with an HD compatible 11.6-inch (1,366 x 768) display, Atom N270 processor, an integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive and built-in VGA and HDMI ports for external image use. Microsoft’s Windows XP stuffed inside to handle this powerful system, while a near-full-size (92%) keyboard, three USB hubs and Altec Lansing speakers are all part of the deal. Starting price looks pretty attractive, at $399, but any add-on will set you back an extra cash. Thus, an Atom N280, Bluetooth and 802.11n will charge you $25 each, while white flavors are listed for another $20 and 3G WWAN connection is set for $125 more. Nevertheless, we still think it’s a good bargain, especially when it runs a 720p flash video flawlessly. See for yourself after the break.

Update1: It’s not that we needed any further proof to make us believe that HP’s Mini 311 netbook is capable handling advanced high-def media files better than others, but just in case, here are some facts – risen from LaptopMag’s benchmark tests – to maintain our claims: on the PCMark 05, the 311 has scored 1,917 points, that’s 500 points above the average, while the PCMark 06 review has given the 311 a 1,386 score, which is  1,200 on top of the ordinary and just about the same score as a MacBook Air. Very impressive, isn’t it?

Update2: If you have any plans on getting one, the guys at MyHPMini discovered interesting details from HP’s service manual. In general, the 311 will soon be out in different Windows 7  versions, including Windows 7 Starter, Basic, Premium, and Professional flavors. Additionally, you’ll also get a chance to upgrade your netbook and stuff inside cool specs like:

• NVIDIA ION, the FULL platform, only with Windows 7
• 1GB RAM (plus 1GB on-board ram), total 2GB
• 2GB RAM (plus the 1GB on-board), total 3GB
• 80GB Solid-State-Drive (SSD)
• 250GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7
• 320GB Hard Drive, 5400rpm, only with Windows 7

Now that’s what we’re looking for.

[HP]

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We already know Viliv and the highly rated MIDs and UMPCs it makes, but even though, the Koreans won’t settle with scarce line of products and apparently these days, are showing off at IDF 2009, their new portable series which seems to include the S10, which looks like a new 10-inches tablet netbook device that technically packs 1,366 x 768 resistive swivel touchscreen, but also Intel’s Atom 1.33GHz or 2.0GHz processors (the 2.0GHz CPU isn’t available yet) and Windows 7 OS, the premium version. Besides that, Viliv lets you choose between 32 or 64GB SSDs (at 70MBps read rates), together with an optional 3G WWAN, 1GB of RAM, a 10 hours battery that runs at one single charge and a built-in webcam, probably a 1.3 megapixels one. Still no word when or where this White/Black hues unit suppose to go live (more likely around Q4 09), but starting price is claimed to stand at $500. Hands on video – for your eyes only – is right after the break.

Update1: Apparently, Viliv’s S10 tablet netbook just turned official. The 10.1 inch multitouch swivel screen, known as the Blade, integrates 4G mobile WiMAX and 3G HSPA connectivity inside. In addition, viliv has also launched the 4.8-inch clamshell MID, N5 which packs 3G and WiFi as well. PR after the break.

Update2: We’ve added a short hands-on video of the Viliv N5, coming straight from CES 2010, courtesy of engadget. Check it out after the jump.

[via umpcportal]

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TabletKiosk storms into the tablets market with a new 12.1-inch tablet pc device which apparently boasts the desert-like name, Sahara NetSlate a230T, and seems to have Intel’s Atom N270 processor along with some other cool specs that include either a mandatory 120GB hard drive or the optional SSD flavor, 1GB of RAM (upgradable to 2.0 GB), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Dual-Band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity, an optional 3G/3.G WWAN Module, and design wise, a sleeky rounded-edges frame, housing two stereo speakers on both sides. Display, as mentioned, sized at 12.1-inch and sports a multi-touch screen experience, in case you’re using the embedded Windows XP OS, although the company will also provide some other alternatives on top of that, like openSUSE Linux version or Microsoft’s Windows Vista OS, which practically grants users a free copy of Windows 7, the moment the platform comes out . At that end, the a230T tablet machine is now listed on TableKiosk’s online shop, ready to be shipped right away – but before getting one, talk with your banker, it’s $1395 for the entry level model.

[via tabletkiosk]

We’re already used to names like Asus, Toshiba, LG, Lenovo, Samsung and MSI when speaking about netbooks, but hey, look who’s here – it’s Nokia – who tries to make its first steps within this arena, by distinguishing itself from others with a brand new booklet device that packs some very cool specs, including the usual Atom processor, paired with an SD card reader and integrated Bluetooth connection, but also with some unique and advanced features like built-in A-GPS (works with OVI Maps), 3G/HSPA broadband, SIM card slot, an HDMI output, n module WiFi connectivity and 10.1-inch high-def resolution display, to run your entire video depository, sharply. Surprisingly, the 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg) ultra-portable aluminum chassis is claimed to deliver up to 12 hours of battery usage (impressive!), while colors wise, it has Black, White and Turquoise flavors to offer. Unfortunately, there’s no word on price or availability at this early stage, but we promise to update as soon as any relevant info pops out. Until then, hit the break and watch the videos.

Update1: Looks like Nokia’s new Booklet machine will boast a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530, paired with a 120GB hard drive and integrated 3G connectivity. Price wise, it will set you back for somewhere around $799, but these are just rumors.

Update2: More details about Nokia’s Booklet 3G netbook device start surfacing up above the ground and shedding more light on this cool and expensive Finnish wonder. Apparently, Nokia’s new mini-laptop device is claimed to be shipped with that 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor we’ve been talking about earlier, while battery’s longevity was also confirmed – 12 hours working time, with Windows 7 running the entire operation and SIM card slot, added as well, to handle all 3G communication. Other than that, you get to choose from black, ice (white) and azure (blue) colors, all measured at 0.78-inches thick frame that includes 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 120GB hard drive, a 10.1-inch LCD (1,280 x 720 resolution), integrated GPS navigating system paired with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, an SD card reader, three USB 2.0 ports and even an HDMI connection. Release dates are yet to be determined, but with staggering price that stand at €570 ($810), seems like no one will actually be waiting for it outside.

Update3: Nokia’s Italian online store has it now, up for pre-order, but the price is even higher than expected, as the 3G Booklet netbook is listed there for €699 ($1,021 USD), which apparently includes VAT and some other increment. Too bad, and ridiculous if we may add.

Update4: We’re not sure either it’s Greece or some other languages, but the new unboxing video, which can be found right after the break, is definitely one of the first ones that shows Nokia’s new 3G Booklet machine live.

Update5: According to Nokia itself, the Booklet 3G is about to hit O2 Germany in two different flavors, as first one, O2 MyHandy package, is being offered with a one time fee of €249 and a monthly tariff of €20 over the next 24 months, while the second,  O2 wireless deal is €25 a month, including the service price, two years sharp. Not exactly the best bargain around.

Update6: We’re getting there. AT&T is one carrier that will offer Nokia’s highly-priced 3G Booklet for “just” $299 with a 2-year contract and a $60 monthly fee. Someone’s getting affordable, eh?

[Nokia]

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Surprisingly, non of us has actually seen a lot of netbooks action from ViewSonic, but clearly it was just a matter of time until the company will take first steps into this crowded market, and it finally did, with recent announcement, indicating a new VNB101 machine that suppose to include Intel’s Atom N280 processor, along with a 10.2-inch 1024×600 display, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, a 3400mAh Lithium-Polymer battery, an optional 3G SIM card hub and either red, black or champagne colors to choose from – All priced around $485 in Taiwan. Not sure when this new device will make any appearance Stateside, but meanwhile, you can take a look at Netbooks News first video hands-on after the break.

Update: Viewsonic has also released an entry level netbook, the VNB100, which is an Atom-based device, paired with similar specs like its VNB101 sibling, with optional ExpressCard slot and built-in 3G modem. Both prices and availability are yet to be determined, but as always, you can check out the latest video after the break (courtesy of NetbookNews).

[Via netbooknews]

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It’s been already 3 weeks since we first heard about iPhone’s OS 3.0 jailbreak announcement for 1st generation and 3G devices, but today, this is the day of iPhone 3GS owners, as Dev-Team has done it again, officially releasing the redsn0w version for Apple’s latest mobile machine (and for all its predecessors) and the first redsn0w release that also supports linux. You can find it available in most common torrents and as always, should proceed forward with severe caution.

[Dev-Team]

In case you were wondering if Dev-Team will ever be able to pull it out together and bring  a jailbreaking solution for OS 3.0, pat your shoulders guys, as a new Pwnage tool was officially released – currently for Mac users only – with some precautions at stake, to be taken into consideration while handling this thing. There’s absolutely no compatibility with 3G S devices, and frankly we don’t think those lucky people who already got them should really jump on the wagon and jailbreak their machines, with so many free applications available for downloading from Apple’s App Store. To get this thing done, you’ll need a Mac OS X platform, running your computer with either Pwnage or QuickPwn tools already jailbreaking your 2.2.1 version. Otherwise, it just won’t work for you. Jump after the break to read the complete instructions as earlier displayed  by Dev-Team themselves. You can also download the Pwnage tool directly from here.

Update: Looks like iPhone 3G owners can finally unlock OS 3.0 interface, as Dev-Team officially releases their latest Ultrasn0w version, allowing 3G machines get Apple’s recent platform work inside. Mind you, this version WILL NOT work with iPhone 3GS units, only with first generations. Hit the link to get started – with the right cautions.

[Dev-Team]

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One of the cool things about tech shows, is that you get a chance to find products and companies you wouldn’t hear about on a daily bases, and speaking of which, a company named Lengda has recently introduced the first stainless steel netbook ever made, with the usual 10.2-inch display and other regular specs, you already know, but also with additional extended 3G / TV-tuner antenna and a hefty 1.37 kg of weight, resulted from that stainless steel alloy, the chassis is made of. Still no word on price or availability, but apparently the company is prepping an aluminum version as well, in case that steel is too heavy to carry (Not!) . Meanwhile, you can hit the break and watch the video.

[via netbooknews]

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So the new generation of netbook devices starts floating up at the Computex show in Taipei, with powerful HD video accelerators, the kind that easily can push 1080P movie files without choking around. And getting down to the details, one of the first alluring machines to show up in this category is the 8.9-inch Mobinnova élan, which houses the NVIDIA Tegra platform, along with WiFi / 3G connectivity and strong battery, providing up to 10 hours of use. Regretfully, we’re short of any further info regarding pricing or availability, but you can hit the jump, there’s a PR announcement, together with a Windows CE UI video, smoothly running on this unit. And with that kind of capabilities, imagine how Windows 7 will look like.

Update1: And in case you had your own personal doubts about NVIDIA’s Tegra capabilities, hit the jump to take a look how smoothly this powerful chip can handle 720p video trailers or even FireFox Flash operations, running on a full fledged screen display over WiFi – quite impressive isn’t it?

Update2: We’ve just added two more videos, featuring the new 8.9-inch Tegra netbook, along with Nvidia’s chipset itself and the new UI  it holds. Check it out after the break. (courtesy of netbooknews.com)

[via engadget]

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It’s been a while since Lenovo last updated its netbooks lineup, but in case you were losing your patience, a mysterious user-manual, which recently showed up, reveals the company’s plan to release a new S10 version, equipped with a 3G HSPA, EVDO / WiMAX module and some other new external changes, including rounded edges, different hinge, a larger trackpad, with what appears to be multi-touch surface, and a 10.1-inch WSVGA display. Naturally, no other specs to share at this point, but looks like the new S10-2 model will offer either a 28Wh 3-cell battery or a bigger 48Wh 6-cell pack to choose from.  Stay tuned for more details to come.

Update1: Lenovo gets official with the IdeaPad S10-2 netbook, to be available in some new flavors besides the usual 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD and a 1.3MP webcam. Price wise, the basic version will set you back for $349.99, with extra $50 in case you’re into the integrated 3G model.

Update2: The guys at LaptopMag had their hands on this latest version from Lenovo. According to their preview, the new external design is a positive add-on to the first model, while other specs remain the same, suggesting pretty much similar performance results, except from the fresh Western Digital Scorpio Blue hard-drive, which is much faster than older one. Too bad we’d have to be seperated from the ExpressCard that first S10 had to offer, but having a better keyboard might just do the work for us, instead.

Update3: Checkout the video preview from GottaBeMobile after the break.

Update4: Looks like Lenovo’s S10-2 is up for order in black, gray, white or pink flavorts, starting at $439 with an estimated shipping of 16 business days from your order. If you’re interested, just follow the link here.

[Via Eee PC.net]

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Despite the fact that everything above 10.2-inches is on the verge of a non-netbook product, Acer officially releases its latest 11.6-inch Aspire One version, coming up with a LED backlit WXGA display, along with the repeatable Intel Atom CPU and some other usual stuff including Bluetooth/802.11 b/g WiFi connections, 160GB HDD, a multi-card reader and a 6 cell 5200mAh battery with up to 8 working hours. Still no word about price or availability so stick around.

Update1: Looks like Acer’s 11.6-inch netbook has finally found its way up to the company’s page as Aspire One 751, packing Intel’s Atom Z520 processor together with up to 2GB of RAM, 1366×768 screen resolution, Bluetooth, WiFi, optional 3G module and 3-cell / 6-cell battery at your choice – all priced at £349 ($518). Still no word about official release, but we expect to see this one on European shelves somewhere in May.

Update2: The 751 Aspire One gets official and you can find some more images in here.

Update3: According to Acer’s press release, the 11.6-inch portable 751h netbook will be available at your choice, either in Diamond Black, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue or Seashell White. priced at $380. Read the full press release after the break.

Update4: The guys at GadgetMix have taken Acer’s Aspire One 751h for a ride and thankfully, fixed a short boot-up video you can watch after the break.

[via engadget]

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Remember the Eee PC T91 tablet netbook that showed up at the CES show back in January? Turns out Asus has even a newer version, which was recently introduced in Cebit and answers the name T91GO. This latest tablet device sports a slim and impressive design, together with an 8.9-inch swivel touchscreen, 1GB of RAM, 16GB SSD and Atom Z520 processor. But one thing that distinguish the T91GO from its older version is the integrated quadband 3G HSPA modem that lets you hook up to the internet from any place you want, without the need to be around hotspots. Other than that, you get the same WiFi / Bluetooth connections, battery that can provide up to 5hrs time and Windows XP, combined with a designated Eee PC Touch UI. Still no word on priceor availability, but you can checkout the video from UMPC Portal after the break.

[via Eee-PC.de]

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After the Mini 9 and the Mini 12, Dell rolls out the 10-inch version, which naturally answers the name Mini 10. The new netbook comes with more advanced specs, including an integrated 3G cellular connectivity, a built-in TV tuner edge-to-edge keyboard with multi-touch capabilities and an amazing 10-inch display, supporting 720P 1366 x 768 resolution. Other details are pretty usual, as the Mini 10 features an Atom Z530 CPU and 802.11 Wi-Fi connection. No further info to share, concerning memory, storage options, pricing or availability. Stay tuned.

Update1: apparently, you can find it in Tesco, with specs including 1.6GHz Atom Z530, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, a multi-touch trackpad, Windows XP and 10-inch display (of course) for £349 ($480). Mind you, the top version which includes built-in GPS and optional WWAN might be priced much higher.

Update2: Turns out the Tesco thing was just a fiasco, and the 10-inch Dell netbook was apparently just a Mini 9 version, so i guess you should probably wait further more.

Update3: It seems like QVC.Com is taking orders and first buyers will be able to get their Dell Mini 10 on March 20th, while Dell.Com will be taking orders on the 26th.

update4: the Inspiron Mini 10 is now available at Dell’s website, six days before the reported date. Naturally, it’ll include all the aforementioned specs, with a starting price that suppose to be similar to QVC’s 559$ price tag.

Update5: Bummer. The Dell Mini 10 comes with a non-upgradable RAM slot. The meaning is that you won’t be able to add more memory to the already-exist 1GB stick, and while other brands give their users a full access to replace their RAM or Hard Drives, this move from Dell looks very foolish.

Update 6: Despite some disturbing delays, those who prefer buying the native 1,366 x 768 resolution screen (with 720P support), instead of the regular 1,024 x 576 display, can finally get it for extra $35 in Dell’s website.

Update 7: From now on, Chinese users will also be able to get the Mini 10 in their country, as the new netbook was just announced there and will be available on China Mobile with a full 3G data package.

Update8: Dell just added a new configuration to the Mini 10, allowing you to upgrade your brand new netbook into a 6-cell battery, by dropping only $30 more.

Update9: Looks like Dell’s Mini 10 netbook can now be ordered with Ubuntu http://bit.ly/hkXch.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

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Those of you, who haven’t got a trendy netbook on their laps yet, this is your moment, as AT&T has announced an attractive 3G package that includes an Acer Aspire One, equipped with an integrated 3G modem, for just $99.99, subjunctive to a two-years broadband contract from AT&T. Mind you, the minimum fee for this kind of package starts at $60 per month, which means additional $1,440 in two years. Therefor, comparing to the $390 Aspire One netbook price, it might sound like a very expensive deal, but for those who use 3G connection on a daily basis, it might be an attractive offer. Checkout the full PR announcement after the break.

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