smartech

Think there are too many portable machines out there? Make a room for one brand more – this time from Litl – a Boston-based company, recently unleashed the Webbook “web computer” netbook, that looks somehow different and priced above the average. It comes with a 12.1-inch 1280×800 display, uniquely featuring an upside down flipped patented-pending hinge comprised with an integrated scrolling wheel, right on top (the blue button). In addition, for a whopping $699, you get a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, paired with 1GB of RAM, 802.11b/g WiFi connection, USB 2.0 ports and HDMI output, pumping 720p from your family video shots. Storage capacity ridiculously stands at 2GB(!) only, but the platform for itself  – specially designed by Litl – is exclusive, and mainly shaped to serve as a web-optimized OS, with Flickr, Facebook, and Weather Channel widgets, perfectly displayed on the front. A tiny remote control is also included, as long as you pay $19 more, which bring us to our price rates index, that eloquently gives the Webbook a one big EXPENSIVE score.

Update: We’ve added a nice hands-on video from CES 2010, featuring Litl 12.1-inch Webbook in action. It looks great and works pretty well as a secondary device, targeted for multimedia or Web content users, but it won;t make you coffee in the morning, although it might wake you up with this cool animated alarm clock inside. Check it out after the break (courtesy of engadget)

[Via Netbook News]

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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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Remember Viliv Vant X70 PMP that was first introduced at CES 2008? Turns out it has a new nephew (only recently introduced), coming with the name X70 Atom Communication MID. This stunning handheld features a 7-inch WSVGA touchscreen, a 1.33GHz Atom Z520 processor, 1GB of RAM and Windows XP or Linux at your choice. The new portable MID offers 30GB / 60GB HDD capacities or 8GB / 16GB in case you prefer SSD flavor. Additionally, you get a USB port, a built-in mic, stereo speakers,  SD / SDHC card reader, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, WiFi connectivity and optional WiMAX / HSDPA capabilities. Regretfully, the X70 monster has no pricing or availability details but we do hope to get our hands on one of those devices ASAP.

Update1: The good guys at jkOnTheRun have managed to get their hands on this bad-boy MID, and taking their words, the X70 model is quite impressive and even more solid comparing to the S5 version, with a brilliant 7-inch, 1024 × 600 display through the integrated 3G module and the 32GB SSD storage. Hit the link to see their video preview.

Update2: Looks like Dynamism,  a US retailer, has put up a Viliv X70 product page with a starting price of $599, which apparently is is the same price as the S5. Regretfully, there’s no word about an official release date but we will update whenever it happens.

[Viliv]

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We know, touchscreen players are the hottest thing around the block, and many companies are doing enormous efforts to take a share from Apple’s control over the market. Although it is unproclaimed, Sony has a great interest to confront the iPod Touch head-to head when it shows out its latest NWZ-X1000, a 3-inch OLED touchscreen Walkman player with WiFi capabilities and either 16GB ($299) or 32GB ($299) capacities to choose from – pretty much identical to the iPod Touch – heh. Additionally, the UI unveils sort of a “cover flow” feature to handle your music, while technologically the Japanese has finally integrated the noise cancelation element, in case you’re using a 13.5mm EX headphones. We’re still lack of any further details concerning other specs or availability, but meanwhile you can checkout the video after the break.

Update: Feb 25th – It is now available to order from Amazon UK, as shipment is set to 5 weeks. The 16GB Sony Walkman NWZ-X1051is priced at £214 ($310) while the 32GB version, the Sony Walkman NWZ-X1061,will set you back for £283 ($410).

[Via anythingbutipod]

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CES 2009 is full of ultra-portable gadgets, offering new technologies to carry out our internet and multimedia libraries across the globe. One of those devices is the new P760 MID from Routon, which packs a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, together with a strong ARM11 processor and mobile capabilities (CDMA 1X/GSM/EDGE optional). It comes with either 4GB or 8GB capacities 128MB of RAM, an FM tuner, DVB-T digital TV, 2MP camera and Linux onboard. Additionally, you get WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivity and GPS navigation system, all squeezed into 166 x 88 x 16mm, 250g. Still no word on price or availability, but clearly we will get more of this very soon.

[Via slashgear]

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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We keep getting more and more information from Viliv, as the Korean brand sheds more light on the S7, a 7-inch ultra portable MID with 1024 x 600 swiveling screen, supporting up to 1080p videos, thanks to the “Blueray HD video playback” capabilities that the company is obliged to add to this great device. Additionaly, you can get either 1.3GHz or 1.6GHz Intel Atom processors, along with 1GB of RAM, 802.11b/g WiFi connectivity, HSPDA, and even WiMAX capabilities. Storage wise, the S7 offers 16GB SSD or 60GB HDD flavors to choose from. Still no word on price or availability, but it sure looks alluring. Checkout the Engadget video after the break.

[Via UMPC Portal]

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Asus keeps showing us it has a lot of stuff to be proud of, as the company unveils the T91 and the T101H tablet netbooks at the CES 2009 show in Vegas. Both devices come with a swiveling touchscreen, allowing them to be used as tablet computers, as the T91 packs an 8.9-inch display while the T101H has a 10-inch screen. Both feature Z520 Intel atom processors, together with a built-in GPS navigation system and even a TV tuner, which is a little suprising and preliminary withing netbooks. Regretfully, there are no further details, concerning other specs, availability or pricing.

Update1: Checkout the videos after the break.

Update2: Looks like Asus’ Eee PC T91 has been officially confirmed to have a first UK debut somewhere around early June, priced at £450 ($685). Still no word about a US release, but we’re following the announcements very carefully.

Update3: Apparently, these to are expected to launch by the end of August in the UK.

[via engadget]

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iRiver likes to keep many of its announcements to the CES show in Vegas. This time, the Koreans are offering a glimpse at the new P7 PMP, a 4.3-inch media player with WQVGA (480 x 272) touchscreen, an FM tuner, a microphone, a microSD slot, 7EQ and either 4GB, 8GB or 16GB Flash storage memories to choose from. You get a wide range of multimedia support, along with SRS WOW HD audio enhancement and strong battery that provides up to 50 hours of continuous audio playback. Still no word on price or availability, but in addition to the P7, the Koreans has officially introduced the E50 and the E100 Season II players, which we’ve already discussed recently. Checkout the full release and a video from Slashgear after the break.

Update1: The iRiver P7 is up for a Stateside pre-order at J&R, for $200, as shipping is still unknown but marked “coming Soon”.

Update2: Looks like South Korean fanboys can finally order the 8GB P7 PMP for ₩200,000 ($160), and a little more, in case they’re after the 16GB version.

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It was back in March, when we first reported that Sling wants to have an iphone application, and we’re glad to relize it’s actually happening, as the company announces that the long awaited app is ready to be released and will be demonstrated in San Francisco moments before the software will get to Apple app Store. Still no pricing info, but the full press release is after the break.

Update1: Regretfully, older SlingBox devices won’t be able to stream any TV content directly to iPhone machines (except Slingbox PRO). That means, if you happen to have one of those first editions, you’ll have to shell out extra money and upgrade to Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO-HD in order to enjoy a complete mobility via handhelds, and not just because of technical issues, but more of a greediness from the company itself. We do hope this weird desicion will eventually end up somewhere in the history pages of “failed-to-be-executed”.

Update2: May 12th 2009 – Regretfully, AT&T has issued an official statement, claiming it’d pull the plug out of Sling’s 3G streaming capability, which was integrated into the iPhone with the SlingPlayer. According to the company, this application -

“which would use large amounts of wireless network capacity, could create congestion and potentially prevent other customers from using the network. The application does not run on our 3G wireless network. Applications like this, which redirect a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service. We consider smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs.”

That said, users will be able to use WiFi connectivity in order to log into any web site that lets them view videos. In simple words, 3G – Out, WiFi – In. Now, it’s up to you to search one of the 20,000 hotspots AT&T has deployed across the US, in places like Starbucks, McDonalds, airports, etc.

[via engadget]

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It’s CES time and plenty of announcements are making their way out, as the companies try their best to catch our eyes with new technoligies and lavish shapes. One of those products, which made us drooling all over the place is the new Sony Vaio P, an 8-inch netbook with an astounding LED-backlit 1,600 x 768 XBRITE-ECO LCD display, only 1.4 pounds weight and plenty of top-notch features, including Windows Vista onboard, Intel Processor (1.33GHz, 512kB L2 Cache), an integrated 3G WWAN capabilities, a GPS module, built-in webcam, track pointer inside the keyboard, 802.11n WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity and a battery that can provide up to 4 hours of use or 8 hours in case you’re equipped with the optional high-capacity cell. The Vaio P design is breath taking and you’ll be able to choose between onyx black, crystal white, garnet red, emerald green, or classic black flavors, somewhere around February, starting at $900 for the basic package, which houses 2GB RAM and 60GB HDD - Definitely not cheap, but absolutely worthy. Checkout the official announcement after the break, together with dissected image (courtesy of jkkmobile) and some videos (courtesy of engadget).

Update1: while US residents can only get the 1.33GHz CPU version, Japanese VAIO P models also offer the 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor, which is significantly stronger. Having said that, you should know that a 1.86GHz processor, along with a 64GB SSDis priced at $1,549, or even $1,899 in case you want the 128GB SSD option – Too Pricey !

Update2: Checkout the videos (courtesy of engadget) after the break.

Update3: Apparently, the Vaio P is getting even more colors to the already-impressive lineup, with Sony Style Japan uploading additional customizable flavors, including pyrite gold, frozen white, mesh garnet, layered peridot, and a dark brown keyboard – all priced the same. Click in here to make your decisions.

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Moments before the CES show, iRiver has introduced two new media players, already available for purchase in Korea (although no one actually knows about it), featuring basic specs and updated design to cover your ordinary needs wherever you are. Truth to tell, both the T6 and T5 players have some decent alternatives out there in the market but hey, you’re buying reputation, don’t you?

iRiver T6 might have a misterious resemblance to the e50 PMP, with the same rectangular shape and similar brushed metal style, but the Koreans have also added some LED lighted touch-based controls upfront, in order to make it comfortable to navigate while hanging anywhere in the dark. The 1.8-inch 128 x 160 display looks pretty simple, and without the ability to play high-res videos, you can get your 2GB/4GB player mainly used for audio playback of formats like MP3, WMA, OGG, or WAV. Yes, there is a microphone, together with the traditional FM tuner inside, but nothing else to knock us down in this crowded market. Having said that, a 50$ price tag for a Black/White 2 gigs version can easily place the T6 in one of your modest holidays list.

[via pocketables]

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Korean company iRiver, knows how to create a buzz, specially when it comes to the end of the year, right before the CES show on January. That’s why we weren’t surprised to see the new E50 PMP (E100 successor?) emerging from no where, boasting a nice brushed metal design with a 1.8-inch color LCD, an FM tuner, a microphone, 10EQ and wide formats support, including MP3, OGG, FLAC, WMA, WAV, SMV (video), JPEG, BMP, or GIF. It will be offered in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities, while the battery is expected to deliver up to 52h of continuos audio playback. Still no availability indo, so stay tuned for more to come next month. Meanwhile, you should know the iRiver E50 4GB model can be yours for €69 ($90).

Update: The guys at Journal du geek have managed to put their hands on this little device from iRiver and you can read their full review in here [French]. Meanwhile, there’s a video preview after the break.

[via gmp3]

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Nothing is official yet, but looks like Samsung has started paving the way for the new P3 PMP, to be shown off on January, at the CES show in Vegas. Meanwhile, the company has delivered the P2 successor to some lucky bloggers, to tease us with more info and images. From their tidbits, we learn the new multimedia player features a haptic (480 x 272) 3-inch touchscreen, along with an FM tuner, a microphone, a single speaker, and storage capacities, ranged from 4GB up to 32GB. You also get Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity with A2DP support, and new customizable interface. Formats wise, the new device can play MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, MPEG4, WMV, H.264, JPG, PNG, and BMP files, for 30 hours of audio or 5 hours of video. Still, no word on price or availability, but be sure the Koreans will release those details soon.

Update: checkout the video after the break.

[via gmp3]

http://www.dailymotion.com/videox7fuud

First time we had a chance to see this amazing Atom-based MID (Mobile Internet Device) was back at the CES show in January, as Intel introduced its latest Menlow system on the Aigo devices. Now we hear that this amazing Aigo P8860 MID is about to go live in Hong Kong with a 800MHz Atom Z500 processor, a 4.8-inch display, Bluetooth, Wifi, microSD slot expansion, 4GB SSD storage capacity, sliding QWERTY keyboard, GPS navigation system and HSPDA, running on MIDLinux system, also known as Midinux. Prices start at $5,228 HKD ($679) and a Windows XP version is expected later on. Stay tuned for more to come. Meanwhile, checkout the video after the break.

Update: September 29th – The Aigo P8860 makes a worldwide debut, via an official reseller, named Direct From Japan. Just log in and order your device from all over the world, for $699 (including free shipping).

[via Pocketables]

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iRiver was a major showing player at the CES this year. Just before recapping, the company introduced a new media center prototype, the iRiver Unit II. This model is a futuristic combination of audio, video, TV tuner, FM tuner, internet WiFi, SD expansion and a 7″ portable control display, loaded with some cool widgets. The Unit II is packed with some advanced features, such as mini handy keyboard, speaker dock, VOIP connectivity and various connections, including component, RCA, RGB, optical, HDMI and more. The device is expected to be released in 2009 for 700$. check out the video:

Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.

[via engadget]

More pictures after the break.

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So far, a large number of MID/UMPC devices have been introduced at the CES 2008. This time, it is Asus turn to unveil its latest, the R50A. This device is another advanced UMPC machine, equipped with the top-notch technology. Check out some of the features:

• Display: 5.6″ TFT LCD touchscreen (1024 x 600).
• Processor: Intel Silverthorne 1.3GHz, with Intel Menlow platform.
• Memory: 1GB
  
• Features: Webcam, Microphone, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, external speaker, global positioning system, 3G/3.5G connectivity, fingerprint reader.
• Dimension: 200 x 85 x 20 mm 520g.

[via gmp3]

After presenting the X5, Korean corporation, Viliv, introduced another PMP, the Vant X70. This new media player is bigger and stronger than its brother, yet sharing the same advanced qualities.

specifications

• Display: 7″ WVGA (800 x 480).
• Processor: RMI Alchemy Au1250 processor 700Mhz with 256MB of RAM.
• Storage size: 30GB, 60GB.
• Audio: MP3, WMA, OGG.
• Video: Divx, MPEG1,2,3, Xvid, WMV7/8/9.
• Picture: JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIF .
• Features: GPS navigation system, WiFi internet browser, SD/SDHC slot, DMB TV tuner.

[via gmp3]

iRiver is pumping us with new products every day, at the CES show. This time, it is the M20, a media player, combined with a GPS navigation system. The M20 turns to be an update version of the iRiver NV device, with a 7″ LCD touchscreen,  DMB TV, FM radio tuner, video and audio capabilities. Other details are still vague.

[via engadget]

iPhone owners are familiar with this problem, if you want to use your advanced earbuds instead of the stock iPhone buds, you can’t, since the iPhone is equipped with a proprietary headset jack. To solve this glitch, Monster introduced the iCableLink, a flexible cable adapter that allows you to connect any earbuds to your iPhone. Mind you, with the new cable, it is not possible to pause music and answer calls while listening. Price should be around 10$.

[via gizmodo]

More pictures after the break.

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