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The King of Pop is dead, but his legacy is live N kickin’, and it seems like it’d get even bigger as time goes by. One company that has recognized Jakson’s extremely attractive merchandising potential is Sony Japan that recently announced it would release a limited edition This is it! package of the king that suppose to include a slim PS3 console, boasting a 120GB storage and a nifty Blu-ray drive. This special pack – a result of the collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan – is set to go live on January 27, either in Black or White colors, priced at Â¥33,500 (about $361), nothing a fan can’t afford these days.

[via SCEJ]

It’s small, black (with golden touch) and looks like Hello Kitty, have you guessed? Well, that wasn’t hard, was it? I guess not, especially when it comes from a company – AKA iRiver – that already launched Mickey Mouse players to the pond. This time it’s a cat, THE cat, if you take Garfield out of the equation. The DAP itself offers either 2GB or 4GB storage capacities at your choice, along a USB cable and color matched ear buds bundled inside. Japan release is set for December 18, just before the holidays, with prices around Â¥7,980 ($90). Miao

[via Akihabaranews]

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Android is the key word in here, no doubt, but the tablet issue is no less important, and as you can see, we see a lot of them lately, better with an Android OS loaded onboard (it’s good for the marketing). And Japanese company, Hikari, is no different in that scene, realizing it should implement Google’s magical platform with its new iFrame tablet, which boasts (besides that Android power) a 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen display (that can be used as a photo frame) along with an SD slot expansion, WiFi connection, a built in speaker and multiple widgets like weather, calendar, news and recipes on top. Price range is claimed to be at $220 and $330 when this thing comes out in 2010. Until then, you can watch the video after the break.

Update: The guys at Akihabara news have managed to put their hands on one of those Android-based iFrame Tablets, which suppose to go live in Japan somewhere around March 2010. Hit this link to catch the action.

[via CrunchGear]

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For many, the 1005HA is probably considered as one of the best netbooks available around, but that as a fact didn’t seem to stop Asus from launching another. The latest, recently emerged in Japan, was tagged as a “business edition” flavor, which frankly, has nothing exceptional inside. In any case, for $700(!) you get yourself an Atom N280 processor, tucked with a 10.1-inch display, 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, Windows XP Professional edition (no Windows 7?) and a 10.5 hours battery, for every single charge. Well, not exactly the best deal out there, is it?

[via mobileandnotebook]

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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Well, we didn’t expect this one, but it seems you can find whatever you want at the CEATEC show, that takes place in Japan these days. The object you’re looking at was recently spotted at the Kohjinsha tech booth by Akihabaranews team and seems to boast the “prototype” status at the moment. Besides that, Kohjinsha’s futuristic model packs two 10.1-inch TFT LCD screens at either 1024 x 600 or 1366 x 768 resolution, and can be used jointly and severally. Other than that, you get inside a cool swiveling base, along with some strong specs that include an AMD Athlon MV-40 processor, paired with a 160GB hard drive, up to 4GB of RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium onboard. Regretfully, at this point, we have no price or release dates to share, but be sure we’ll be there to bring them on whenever they get shown.

Update1: It seems to happen faster than expected – as we now hear that Kohjinsha’s 10-inch dual-screen netbook goes on sale these days with a 1.6GHz AMD Athlon Neo processor and RS780MN chipset onboard, both sitting next to an ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, a 3-in-1 card reader, 1.3MP webcam, 3 X USB hubs, WiFi, 1GB of RAM and same capacity drive, standing at 160GB of storage. Battery suppose to deliver up to 4.5 hours of work, while weight is surprisingly light for the overall package, 4.09 pounds (1.84 kg) only. Shipping is set to start 3 weeks from now, worldwide, as prices start with a Â¥95,800 ($1,110) package that includes a Linux version, and climb up to Â¥100,800 for the Windows 7 Home Premium flavor. Get it now if you need a portable multiple action in your hands.

Update2: As you already know, first comes the release, then the unboxing, and the guys at Wow Pow were one of the firsts to take Kohjinsha’s dual-screen netbook for a roundup, in which they share their preliminary thoughts. Hit the break to see their video.

[Akihabara News]

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Sony strikes again, this time with the new NW-A840 mp3 player, which is a 7.2mm walkman device that sports a 2.8-inch OLED display, upscaled to 720×480 pixel resolution via a built-in TV output. In addition, the A840 is probably one of the first portable audio  machines we’ve ever seen, to include a staggering 64GB flash drive storage, which lets you accommodate your entire audio/video library collection on such a tiny frame. Also bundled inside the box are Sony’s premium MDR-EX300SL earbuds, which come along with a reasonable battery, claimed to deliver up to 29-hours of music playback or 9 hours of video. Scheduled to October 31st, you get to choose out of three different A-series versions – the first, 16GB NW-A845 priced at Â¥24,000 (or $265), the second, 32GB NW-A846 which will cost you Â¥30,000 (or $330), and THE third, a 64GB NW-A847 that will set you back for Â¥40,000 (or $440) – all available either in Brown/Gold flavors (in picture) or an elegant Black.

Update: Looks like Sony just rolled out a European version of that Japanese NW-A840 walkman, which boasts exactly the same features, including a 2.8-inch OLED, paired with 7.2mm thin body and 28 hours of audio playback, but named NW-A845 and available in a 16GB “Falcon Black” version, only. Image after the break.

[Via Sony Insider]

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In case you’re one of those people who look for one of those netbooks to set you up with the usual and non-pretentious specs, Epson just might be the firm that has the right solution. And with the company’s Endeavor Na01 mini, already well established around the unfamiliar netbook machines in town, it looks like another outlandish fellow is yet to join the batch. But hey, don’t you start developing highly expectations this time, since Epson’s Endeavor Na02 Mini-V is not much of a difference. In fact, it has just about the same things its ten-months-old predecessor boasts, only this new one also packs a 1.66GHz Atom N280 processor (instead of Atom N270), that seats right next to a 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display, a multi-card reader, WiFi connectivity and all the usual ingredients you probably know. Price tag is already set for Â¥39,800 (about $427), with a shipping date, scheduled for November.

[via impress]

Yes, we all heard about it time after time on recent weeks, but now it’s for real, as Sony finally makes the PS3 Slim edition official, at GamesCom show, ending up months of rumors and speculation about the new gaming console. And speaking about the slim console, turns out it will be available in the first week of September, worldwide, priced at merely $300 (that’s 300 Euros, or 29,980 Yen) and packing a 120GB HDD along with all the good features we know from the regular PS3. In addition, the slimmer version actually have clickable buttons on front, while sized 32 percent less than previous model. Furthermore, the new edition apparently consumes 34 percent less power and the bundle includes a wireless DualShock3 controller to comfortably rock your gaming experience from your living room sofa, as vertical stand is optional for extra $24. Sony will also release Firmware version 3.0, next to the Slim debut, so you will enjoy animated themes with avatars, some cool UI changes, modified friends lists and even a new status indicator, when running your brand new matte black console for the first time. For more details about the PS3 Slim announcement, the full specs, and some video footage to watch, hit the jump or pass the break.

Update1: Apparently, you won’t be able to play any Playstation 2 games with your new PS3 Slim console, which is a bummer (!) if you think about it, since not having a PS2 backwards compatibility will force everyone get rid of their cool games collection, but this way or another, if you keep searching for some cool advantages inside the latest Slim edition, then mind you this hot box will presumably support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit-streaming through your fancy hi-fi receiver. Huzzah!

Update2: Looks like Sony’s new PS3 Slim console is officially up and available across US retailers like Best Buys and GameStops (earlier than expected) for $299, so you can go down to your local store and get it NOW. Meanwhile, If you happen to have it at your disposal, already, and curious to see the inside parts of the box, hit the break and take a look, both at the image (one of few) and video footage that iFixit group has recently published.

Update3: A 250GB PS3 Final Fantasy XIII edition officially announced, set to be released in Japan somewhere around December for ¥41,600 Yen. Image is right after the break.

Update4: And moments after, Amazon.co.uk has listed a 250GB version as well, but this time you’ll have to settle with the ordinary black. Pre-order price is set for £285 ($455) and delivery is scheduled to October 1st.

Update5: Apparently, the 250GB Playstation Slim version is about to hit US shelves on November 3rd for $349.99, so you have only couple of weeks to get yourself this extra capacity-size edition.

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NEC’s super slim Atom Z540 (1.84GHz) VersaPro VS-7  netbook has already made its Japanese debut somewhere in May, but only now gets a closer look, as Akihabara News has taken it for a first ride, coming back full of superlatives about “flawless” HD video the machine can deliver and “freaking light” design the device weights (725g). Other than that, it boasts 64GB of SSD, a 10.6-inch 1208 x 768 screen display, 1GB of RAM to smoothly handle everything that runs,  three USB slots, Ethernet port and of course, a whopping  price of ¥176,000 ($1,850), which pretty well suits price tags from the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Hit the link to see the video, paired with some new images.

[via Akihabaranews]

If OLED walkmans might exceed your annual PMP budget and seems too pricey acquiring, Sony Europe has officially announced a new video mp3 player, under E-Series category, which suppose to go live from the end of July for an undetermined price that will probably be lower than previous versions. The players themselves are expected to support wide range of formats, while hardware includes an FM tuner, together with five band EQ, a 2-inch (320 x 240) QVGA display, a built-in microphone, 4/8/16GB capacities to choose from and either Black or Red colors to choose from. Stay suned for more details to show up.

Update: Apparently, this series will have three models included, the NWZ-E443, E444 and E445 players, packing the aforementioned capacities, respectively.

[Sony]

Think you’ve seen them all? Try again, as Sony FINALLY joins the netbook world, officially announcing the VAIO W series, which suppose to get a Japanese release somewhere this August for a pricey tag of Â¥60,000 or about $629. Other than that, Sony’s new VAIO W machine, or in its industrial name the VPCW119XJ, boasts pretty much the same specs we’re all familiar with, including a 10.1-inch display running at 1366 x 768 pixels, along with Intel’s Atom N280 (1.66 GHz) processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard-drive, GMA 950 Graphics accelerator, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi connection, Bluetooth, Ethernet, built-in camera, 3-cell battery support supporting 3.5h of work (6-cell optional), Windows XP onboard, a trendy VAIO chiclet keyboard (86% the size of regular one) and myriad of colors to choose from, such as Black, Sugar White, Berry Pink and Cocoa Brown, all stuffed inside a 267.8mm x 27.5mm x 179.6mm device. It’s all relatively new, and as of this moment there are no details when it will hit Western shores or how much will it cost here (hopefully cheaper) but until then, feel free to jump the break and watch the video we’ve added in, together with the full press release.

Update1: Sony’s Vaio W netbook series is said to be available in the US somewhere in mid August for $499.

Update2: Now available with a new snowflake texture, ready to be mixed with the holidays’ general atmosphere. Specs and price remain the same, new image is half past the break.

[Sony]

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NEC is about to update its netbooks lineup with a new LaVie Light hybrid storage edition, which is literally the 10.1-inch version in the series. But screen size aside, the latest LaVie Light netbook (AKA: BL350/TA6) also adds a more-classic design, along with a LED-backlit display, Atom N280 processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11n WiFi, and the dual 16GB SSD and 160GB hard drives, sitting next to each other. Availability isn’t determined yet, but in terms of money, you’ll be able to get this one for an expropriated price of ¥70,000 (around $730), either in Black or White flavors. There are better options for this amount of money, don’t you think?

[Via Portable Monkey]

It’s not that we were totally surprised when Sony’s new gaming console abruptly showed up in a June 09 Qore edition – after all, rumors are floating around for quite some time – Yet, having a first look on a future portable gaming device can definitely rock our geeky heart, which barely stands the endless expectation for the official announcement to take place. And with so many neat features crammed inside, It shouldn’t take long until we snack ourselves a copy or two. But until we’ll manage to fulfill this dream, you all should probably like to know that Sony’s new PSP GO – as for on the go – seems to be offered with a 3.8-inch screen display, along with a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, rounded sleeky slider design and 16GB of internal Flash, expandable via Memory Stick Micro slot. Other essential traits to be noted include a smooth integration with PlayStation 3 gaming console (full network support), thin-and-light body design (43% lighter than PSP-3000), “10-year life-cycle products” guarantee (meaning long term viability) and various new action-game titles like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid – in plan. With no pretensions to be crowned as a PSP-3000 successor and without determined price-tag given, all that’s left is a vague “This Fall” release announcement, which Sony executives were willing to share. And while waiting for this dates to arrive, hit the jump and watch the video itself.

Update1: Sony just announced the PSP Go at the E3 convention, to be available on October 1 in North America and Europe for $249, with a month later release in Japan. Turns out it’s 50% smaller and 40% lighter than Sony’s first PSP-1000 console, as most other specs remain the same, with few surprises at the corner – like a built-in WiFi connection, a new auto-playlist feature which randomly plays your favorite music and called Sense Me, a new video delivery service, and a lack of the UMD drive, implying you’ll be loading your games either through the Memory Stick Micro slot or over PlayStation’s network. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, you can read the full PR announcement after the break.

Update2: In case you were all wondering what will happen to your old UMD games, once getting the PSP GO, maybe you should know that Sony will be offering for purchasing digital copies of those gamese, but maybe – just maybe – the company will be generous enough to make it even free of charge. Stay tuned.

Update3: If inner parts will make you excited, the folks at levelup.cn have managed to get their hands on one of the few available PSP Go devices out there and as expected, dissected it into pieces. Hit the jump to see the picture or click the link for even more.

Update4: Firmware update 6.10 is out, and those of you who’ve managed to get their hands on a PSP GO console (even though it’s not officially out yet) will now enjoy Bluetooth internet tethering for remote internet access. Additionally, you’ll find a new SensMe feature that literally creates audio playlists based on moods.

Update5: It’s here. Sony’s new PSP GO console finally goes live and can be found at your local retailers for $249.99. Gamind Party !

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Confused? Don’t know what to choose? Allow us to make it even harder on you, as Asus tosses into the market two “Seashell-like” Eee PC netbooks , just hours after going live with the new 1008HA Seashell device in some Western countries. And while the new models target lower-end users, we still hold an opinion they look better than average laptops in this category and pack probably the same specs we’re all familiar with. Getting into details, both 1005HA-M and 1005HA-H include a 10-inch 1024×600 LED display, along with a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, WiFi (no Bluetooth), a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a 6-cell battery that can deliver up to 8 hours workout, in case you’re not using heavy multimedia stuff. So what are the differences? Turns out the 1005HA-H has two more USB 2.0 ports and extra 0.3kg of weight, comparing to the original Seashell, which comes with only a 5-cell battery, but a wider range of outputs and a slimmer design than these two. In terms of availability, both units should be available in Europesomewhere around July, for €299 ($405) and €349 ($473), respectively. Meanwhile, you can checkout the comparison table between the three, after the break.

Update1: More Eee PC 1005HA details surface up, indicating the new netbook lineup will include the usual Windows XP Home, along with either Atom N270 or N280 processors, a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 LED-backlit display, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, three USB 2.0, Ethernet, a multicard reader and up to 10.5 hours – all packed in Black, White, Pink or Blue flavors to choose from.

Update2: And just in case the 1005HA version wasn’t enough, Asus has just unveiled a newer edition – the Eee PC 1005HGO – which adds a 3G HSPA modem to the basic version, while other specs remain the same. Checkout the image and the full specs after the break [courtesy of eeepc.it]

Update3: Looks like the guys at Liliputing have managed to nab a 1005HA netbook for themselves, and kindly shared with us their unboxing video, so head forward after the break and take a look.

Update4: Apparently, the Eee PC1005HA Seashell netbook is finally up for pre-order , priced at $389 and expected to ship on July 1.

Update5: notebookitalia.it says both Asus 1005HA and 1008HA Seashell versions will have additional colors joining the lineup, including blue, pink, ruby red and sapphire blue. Hit the link to see even more.

[Via blogeee]

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Great news for those who’ve been anxiously waiting Sony’s new OLED walkman series to hit western shores, as the company officially announces a US release, while some Asian parts of the world already enjoy this 3-inch wonder for almost a month. Apparently, American citizens can order their piece of audio technology from Amazon and pay the same prices Apple listed the iPod Touch players, which means you get to choose between 16GB / 32GB capacities, both scheduled to mid-June. And if your memory just ditched for a second, we’re here to remind that your options include either the NWZ- X1051 version (16GB ), priced at $299, or the double sized NWZ- X1061 edition for only $399.

[Sony]

Apparently, the Eee PC 1000HA is getting a faster alternative, as Asus announces a new 1002HAE version, which adds “E” to the title, but also an aluminum chassis that includes Intel’s 1.6GHz N280 Atom processor, together with a 10-inch 1,024 x 600 backlit display, 1GB of  RAM, 160GB HDD, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connection, 1.3 megapixel webcam and a 3.8-hour Li-Polymer battery – to be exclusively offered in Japan (starting May 16th) for ¥49,800 ($505), either in Dark Blue or a strong Red. No other details to share at this point, but we do hope to see this one in some other parts of the world. stay tuned.

Update: Checkout the unboxing video from Portable Monkey after the break.

[Eee PC]

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For any of you Asian friends, who “anxiously” waited for yet another netbook to be released,  Asus is claimed to offer a fresh Eee PC version for Japanese users, starting on May 16th and priced at 69,800 yen ($720). The new 1003HAG will presumably pack the usual stuff, such as 10.1-inch display, Atom N280 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connection, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and 4.3-hours battery, but also an integrated wireless WAN module that supports NTT DoCoMo’s FOMA network with 7.2Mbps on the downlink. The last, will let you surf the internet from any place, anytime by adding an appropriate 3G sim card inside. However, if that’s not enough to justify the price, Asus will also provide black, white, or pink flavors to choose from.

[via ubergizmo]

From one Zen to another, Japanese top artist UFO-Hayashi has taken the netbook decoration assignment few steps forward by adding Kyo-Yu-ZEN pattern, which is one of the most traditional painting method in Kyoto, on top of Acer’s Aspire One unit, turning it into a lavish piece of cristal art that easily can be yours in case your pockets are loaded with $3000 of cash. If not, just hit the break and watch the presentation video, or jump straight to the eBay selling page to follow the auction.

[eBay via engadget]

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Creative is refreshing the lines, introducing a new Zen PMP which will go live in Japan on May 5th for ¥9,800 ($100) in case you’re into the 8GB model or ¥13,800 ($140) if 16GB will suit you better. Other than that, the Zen MX includes a 2.5-inch 320 x 240 display, a traditional SDHC expansion slot, and size that stands at 83.2 × 55 × 11.9mm, 66g. Different from previous Zen devices, this one can handle a limited codecs range, like MP3, WMA (DRM support), Audible 4, JPG, WMV, DivX and Creative’s own video-CMV format, so don’t expect miracles in this one for such a low price. On a different note, the company announces a substantial price cut in Zen X-Fi prices to make your recession just a little sweeter than it is right now — how thoughtful.

[via impress]