My favourite online shop, Expansys, have emailed to let me know that I can know pick up a WinMo 6 O/S Smartphone for under a ton! Yes, just less than 100 GBP (exc. postage) will see this little beauty making it’s way in to your ownership… highlighted features are:

• Operating System Windows Mobile™ 6 standard
• Integrated camera 2.0 megapixels
• Display 240X320, 2″ , 65K color TFT LCD
• Video Functions : MPEG4, WMV, H.264 , 3GP Both recording and playback
• Audio Functions : MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, AAC+ Music background playing
• Messaging : SMS, MMS, Email, MSN, Mundu IM
• WLAN 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth® 2.0
• USB 2.0
• Internal memory: 128MB Flash ROM + 64MB DDR RAM
• Extended memory: microSD™ Card supported up to 2GB
• Weight 90g

In a period where we are all tightening our belts, you could do a lot worse than this - if you fancy a piece of BenQ pie, then visit Expansys here.

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Related Articles at IntoMobile:

• BenQ T-80 at Computex
• BenQ T80 smartphone runs Windows Mobile
• BenQ re-emerges as LCD and projector manufacturer
• BenQ Siemens P51 PDA phone launched
• BenQ Mobile to BenQ: Give us more money for executive bonuses, or we’ll sue you

Monster Cable has built an entire empire out of selling metaphorical snake oil to clueless customers who don't understand the rudiments of cabling physics: their high profit margin cables have been proven indistinguishable from cheaper cables in countless blind audio tests. I never thought I'd see them selling liquid snake oil, though: they have just announced five separate products for cleaning your gadget screens... a different formula for your laptop screen, iPhone screen, GPS screen, camera screen or PDA screen!

$10 each! Collect them all! They aren't all the same interchangeable formula of diluted Windex to Water! Pinky swear!

Monster Cable thinks you need special cleaner for your iPhone, camera, cell phone, GPS, and laptop [Crunchgear]

In summary here they are again, with some new additions. Use with the reader of your choice.

Freeware options:

Databases:
PilotDB and MobileDB versions
Handbase version
Excel version (New! - courtesy of Palmdoc.net )

Text lists:
Word/Text format
TealDoc format
iSilo format

Web based:
Online version from the WHO: bookmark this link in your PDA’s browser!

I checked out how the WHO’s ICD 10 Online site looks in Blazer. I was initially concerned as it is a framed page but it renders OK in Blazer and the search and results display decently on the little screen. I am a believer in the Future is Online and that “cloud computing” will be a major factor in mobile usage in the years to come. With better browsers like Safari in the iPhone I’ll bet it’ll look nicer - can anyone send me some screenshots of the WHO ICD 10 site in the iPhone?

Shareware/Commercial options:

My ICD Codes 1.0 (Windows Mobile, costs a whopping US$49.99)
ICD Accent 1.0 (Windows Mobile, Supersized price of $199)

I am sure the other commercial options e.g. Epocrates Essentials, ICDMeister which currently support ICD-9 will be upgraded to ICD-10 in time to come.

a

ICD 10 revisited

Of course, specs for any of those are virtually non-existent, although there's apparently some talk that the Pocket PCs could sell for between €100 and €150 (or roughly $220 to $290) whenever they're actually released.

Windows CE for life!

Commodore impresses with prototypes at IFA, really [Eng]

During the 2008 Good Design Expo , Willcon displayed their Kuma concept phone to the adoring public.  The Kuma is a stuffed bear that can hold a phone sim card and can actually be used to send and receive voice phone calls.

Not really sure if I would give this a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.  Cuteness factor is a thumbs-up definitely.  I love how technology is used here, and how it completes the cuteness of the person using it.  Function for me is a little questionable, would you agree.  Here are my points towards the function thumbs-down:

1. Size - too big, wouldn’t fit a ladies bag.
2. Maintainability - sure those fluffy furs look cute now, but I’d wait for about a month or two and I bet it wouldn’t be as fluffy to hold.
3. Dialing - you can pre-set it to 4 telephone numbers, one for each paw.  If you press a paw, it dials a number.  but what if you have to call another person who’s not pre-set?  bummer.
4. Price - at US$500 per teddy, I’m sure you’d settle for a good Nokia PDA phone instead.

After the spectacular success of the Commodore 64, CBM barely knew what to do with themselves. They created the Commodore 128 that combined C64 functionality with unique high powered modes of its own, but it didn't really work out. Of course there was the mighty series of Amiga computers from the mid 80's onwards, but Commodore was convinced they could still make good use of the popular C64 technology.

Enter the Commodore 65; in many ways like a C64 that went to "11". It featured a sleek new design, two SID audio chips, a built in 3.5" floppy drive, better graphics abilities, expansion to 8 megs of RAM, and a flat bit to rest your coffee on. Some working prototypes were made in 1990-91, and when Commodore was liquidated after their bankruptcy in '94, some of these machines got out. No one knows exactly how many are out there; estimates range from 50 to several hundred.

This particular unit is owned by Jason Compton, well known Amiga fan, editor of Amiga Report (a hyperlinked online magazine pre-HTML... wow!), and all around super talent. He may show it off at the ECCC Commodore show that's coming up September 27 this year in suburban Chicago (check out the awesome guest list of C64 luminaries!). After speaking with Jason about the C65 it seems clear that while the machine had a lot of things going for it, it was simply too late to market. By 1991 Nintendo & the PC were leading gaming and computing away from the standards that the original C64 had set. 

With millions of Commodore 64's sold in the world, it seems like there could have been interest in an improved version like the 65. The C65 went unreleased not because ol' "chicken lips" (the unfortunate nickname for Commodore's logo) was too chicken to offer new products, but because the C65 simply would not have sold in the early 90's. Especially not at the $300-400 projected price. Sadly the evolutionary C65 will go down in computing history as another unfortunate casualty of Commodore's legendary lack of insight.

More details about the beleaguered C65
I'm going to September's Chicago-area C64 show, wanna come?

related:

Guitar Hero now shredding on Commodore 64
Commodore 1702 monitor - my favorite CRT!
C64 Laptop... er... PDA... I don't care - I want one!
Stunning homebuilt Commodore 64 Music Synth
Free Commodore 64 inspired software synth

As an ‘early adopter’ of the iPhone 3G (at least for the medical community), Palmdoc has asked me to write about my experiences using the new phone/PDA/iPod/messianic machine. Just to give you an introduction, I am a pediatrician who is primarily a clinical researcher in a subspecialty. Therefore, my clinical work comprises less than 10% of my time. Outside of my subspecialty work in an academic centre, I also moonlight in a peripheral hospital in general pediatrics. I use my PDA mostly when on-call, as I am still doing 24-hour calls in pediatrics in which I might be called to a delivery, the NICU and the emergency room. As such, my experiences may not exactly mimic yours. But, here goes…

Here are the medical programs I used on my 6-year old Palm Tungsten C:

• ePocrates

• LexiDrugs Pediatrics (mostly replaced by ePocrates in recent years)

• 5-Minute Pediatric Clinical Consult

• The Hospital for Sick Children Handbook of Paediatrics

• Medcalc

• Kidometer

• AAP Red Book

• PediSuite

• Shots

• Sanford Guide

• iSilo

• STAT Growth-BP Growth Charts

• Adobe Acrobat – for PDFs from guidelines, papers, etc

• Lots of notes in the Memos section

• Quick jotting of notes in the Notepad

• Parens – as a calculator and for unit conversion

Here are the iPhone programs (all from the iTunes store, not jail-broken) that I use, and my thoughts:

• ePocrates – excellent replacement for the Palm OS version

• Mediquations – just released, so I haven’t had the chance to use it much, but I’m thrilled they finally have a medical calculator. Now contains 40 equations, and should go up to 60 equations with the next version.

• Medcalc online (Medcalc.com) – I was using this before Mediquations came out, and it’s likely to be replaced

• Evernote – great online storage of PDFs, charts, etc – reference material that I kept and read with Adobe previously

• Files – Local (not online) document reader, for my notes, differentials, etc. I’ll probably start using it for PDFs as well.

• Units – for unit conversion

Many programs are clearly still missing. The most glaring absence is medical references such as 5-minute Clinical Consult or the handbooks of pediatrics. Another program that I miss tremendously is PediSuite, a program that would consolidate resuscitation cards, calculate resuscitation drug doses and infusion rates. This program was essential during codes. I also miss Kidometer (which contained pediatric lab references, developmental milestones, and basic vital signs all based on age) and any growth charting program. Additionally, I am still looking for a satisfactory calculator and unit converter (all-in-one) to replace Parens. Although Units works well to convert units, it does not allow for use of the results in a calculator which is a major missing function. To switch to the calculator after getting a result is cumbersome and slow.

For medical reference, I have been going online using Safari to search sites like eMedicine. Although it is nice to have the option of going online without the need for Wi-Fi, it is unreliable. Some parts of my hospital have poor 3G (or even any cell phone) coverage, making the search slow. Additionally, heavy use of the Internet results in very fast drainage of the iPhone battery, which is quickly drained even without online usage.

My overall experience switching to the iPhone has been positive. I am very encouraged that more medical programs are being released (see recent releases of Mediquations and iSilo), and I look forward to the reference companies like Skyscape and Lexi-Comp releasing LOCAL applications for the iPhone. Skyscape already has the 5-Minute Consult series available online, however this has major drawbacks, as detailed above. I also wish there was a fast way to jot a quick note (patient information, a phone number, etc.). I have downloaded YouNote which allows for Notepad-like drawing with your finger, but it is not as accurate as the stylus was. Finally, I wish the iPhone would allow for categories in their programs, whether it be the phone book, the calendar, or the applications themselves. The major downside to the iPhone is its poor battery life. The phone is unlikely to last a 24-hour call with heavy usage, so bring a charger if you are on-call for that long. Overall, however, the advantage of being able to get online, access any reference material you want and have an all-in-one PDA/phone is one that I would not trade. My pockets are lighter and my scrubs stay up!

Eric
Toronto, Canada

a

MAKING THE SWITCH: A Physician’s Experience Replacing the PalmOS with the iPhone 3G

It is about the same size as the Sprint Mogul, though maybe a bit boxier.  It is not a phone, though.  Or a PDA.  When we unfold it, we find…a flashlight??

Oh, trust me.  You are going to want to click through the jump for the rest of this one.

… [visit site to read more]

Berlin, Germany, August 29, 2008 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a
market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT
technology, today lifted the lid on the most innovative addition to
its ever expanding notebook range – the ultra-lightweight Samsung
X360. Capable of meeting the extreme performance and connectivity
needs of the new aristocrats of the mobile world, the X360 sets a
completely new standard in mobile computing – offering a comprehensive
set of features unlike anything of its kind on the market.

Even though it is the lightest notebook in its 13.3 inch class,
weighing a miniscule 1.27 kg*,

the Samsung X360 incorporates all of the extensive functionality
demanded by ultra mobile and results-driven professionals. Unlike the
claims of some other "light" notebooks, the X360 is fully featured
without compromise, including 3 USB ports, a built-in HDMI (High
Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, a 34mm express card slot
and VGA output. For fast and easy transfer of documents, images, video
or music it incorporates a highly flexible 7 in 1 memory card reader,
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR* (Enhanced Data Rate) and super-fast 802.11n
wireless technology. It also boasts an integrated digital motion
camera, so it's easy to stay in touch with colleagues or friends using
video-conferencing or live messaging. But there is more, for business
and home office users the X360 incorporates a 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
connection and support for Samsung P-Dock, docking station – which
simplifies cabling and provides a 'single click' connection and easy
access to a wide variety of ports..

"The X360 pushes back the boundaries of form and function to deliver
real style with substance," said HS Kim, Executive Vice President of
Samsung Computer Systems Division. "It offers a tremendous reduction
in size and weight but without compromising on functionality, so users
have everything they need for life on the move," Mr. Kim added.

The X360 will be available from September this year in European
countries including UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and also in
Russia, China and Hong Kong.

For non stop productivity on the move, the X360 incorporates a
removable 6 cell battery that enables up to 10 hours continuous use –
making all day mobile computing a practical reality. Its efficient
power consumption is supported by the use of Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2
Ultra Low Voltage processor technology and an innovative 13.3" WXGA
(1280x800) LED screen, whose backlight technology consumes
significantly less power but delivers around 33 percent improved
brightness over a traditional LCD screen, so it is easier to work in a
range of conditions. And with security at a premium, it even has a
secure biometric fingerprint and trusted platform module
authentication system to ensure that your data is always fully
protected.

With its captivating craftsmanship, the X360's Protect-O-Edge casing
is built using durable magnesium alloy to provide amazing strength and
superior reliability coupled with enhanced ergonomics and premium
styling. And, wherever possible, Samsung uses its own components from
memory, batteries and screens. This focus on manufacturing excellence
means Samsung mobile computers have one of the best reliability
records in the industry, lowering the total cost ownership.

The X360 also features the option of an ultra-fast and reliable 128GB
Solid State Drive (SSD)*, which significantly enhances performance
compared to a typical hard disk drive (HDD), with a boot time that is
25-50 percent faster and data access times that are 300 percent faster
(53 MB/s) for reading and 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) for writing.
With no moving parts SSDs also weigh less, uses significantly less
power and are less prone to errors and damage - in fact, the X360 is
equipped to withstand twice the impact of the hard-drive-enabled
model. So, the notebook will perform faster and last even longer.

Finally, the X360 features an amazing Samsung innovation - Silver Nano
Technology. By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion
powder on the keyboard your system will remain "bacteria free" for
even longer.

FEATURES:
World class mobile performance

Featuring state of the art Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 Ultra Low Voltage
processor technology, which delivers unrivalled performance, energy
efficiency and connectivity too keep you working longer. The X360
comes with the all new 45 nano-meter sized Intel(R) Core™2 Duo mobile
processor, which literally puts the power of two processors into one,
so you can open up all of your favourite applications with no
compromise on performance.

Sharper display
Its 13.3" wide display provides up to 30% more viewing area than
traditional screens and allows you to enjoy photo-like image quality,
greater viewing angles and better text legibility, reducing eye strain
and therefore increasing productivity. Using LED technology also means
that the screen is thinner, up to 33% brightness, and uses much less
power than traditional LCD screen. Even the durability of the system
is better, because there are fewer breakable parts.

Light Weight and Durable
Despite being ultra lightweight and slim at just 1.27kg, the X360 is
built to last. It's durable Protect-o-Edge(c) casing provides amazing
strength and superior reliability. As a result, the X360 is more than
capable of withstanding the inevitable hardships of life on the move,
which all translates into a measurably lower Total Cost of Ownership.

Simple data sharing
Incorporating a 7 in 1 memory card reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, SDHC, MMC,
MMC plus, xD) and 3 x USB ports, it lets you to seamlessly move data
from your digital camera, camcorder, MP3 player or PDA straight to the
notebook. Alternatively you can use the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR* (Enhanced
Data Rate) capability to quickly connect to other Bluetooth devices at
speeds that are 3x faster than previous generations.

Wireless World
Featuring the super fast 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, delivering up to five
times the performance and up to twice the range of previous-generation
technologies.*

*Based on Factory specification

Your connection to the Digital World
For the ultimate in viewing experiences simply connect it to your HD
monitor, Television (HDTV) or home theatre system using the X360's
built-in HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection, which
allows 100% transmission of visual and audio digital signals, and
experience richer colours, beautiful rendering and perfect image and
sound reproduction.

Smile, you are on camera*
Featuring an integrated 1.3 mega pixel digital motion camera, it
offers a simple way to keep in touch with friends or family, using
video-conferencing or live messaging.

Optimised graphics, premium experience
Featuring the new Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics
core, which dynamically allocates system memory to provide incredible
visual quality, faster graphics performance and flexible display
options.

Revolutionary Battery Life
The battery life is vastly improved. It can deliver battery powered
performance of up to 6-10 hours based on usage scenario. The longer
battery life is guaranteed by the LED display and the flash-based SSD
which require less power to run.

Huge 128GB Solid State drive
Its Solid State Drive (SSD) has a boot time that is 25-50 percent
faster than systems that employ a traditional, rotational hard disk
drive (HDD). Overall system performance is also significantly
enhanced, as the SSD is capable of reading 300 times faster (53 MB/s)
and writes 150 percent faster (28 MB/s) than typical HDDs, and the
seek time (the amount of time required to find information in the
system memory) is also greatly reduced. Having no moving parts means
that power consumption is reduced dramatically, extending battery
life, and it is capable of withstanding much greater impacts, so there
is no loss of data.

Bacteria free
By sprinkling incredibly small, nano-sized silver ion powder on the
keyboard your system will remain "bacteria free" – for even longer.

Total security
For complete peace of mind, the X360 incorporates a secure biometric
fingerprint authentication system and a trusted platform module, so
your valuable information will always remain safe from prying eyes -
and you may never need to remember another password!

Fast docking
Is compatible with Samsung's P-Dock docking station, which simplifies
cabling and provides a 'single click' connection and easy access to a
wide variety of ports, including Serial, 5 x USB, LAN, HDMI, SIO,
e-SATA and DVI (Digital Video Interface) to deliver outstanding
digital image quality on large displays and projectors.

ECO friendly
Samsung's own certification mark (ECO), which guarantees ECO-friendly
features, including removal of hazardous substances and material,
optimised energy efficiency and effective material usage for a more
environmentally friendly product.

Warranty, On Time, On Us
All this is backed up with the peace of mind that your notebook is
protected by Samsung's class leading warranty service. In the unlikely
event that something goes wrong with your notebook, the Samsung
International warranty infrastructure will provide you with a fast
track collection repair and return service for your notebook in order
to minimise disruption and get you back working as quickly as
possible.

X360 Specifications
* based on factory specification, Subject to change. Errors and
omissions accepted. Battery life based on mobile Mark test scores that
will vary based on configuration

Processor
Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 ULV Processor Technology (FSB 800MHz)

Operating System
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Home Basic
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Home Premium
- Genuine Microsoft Windows(R) Vista(R) Business

Memory
- DDR3 1066MHz 1GB ~ 4GB

LCD
- 13.3" WXGA (1280 x 800) SuperBright(c) LED backlit

HDD
- 64/ 128 GB Solid State Drive
- 120 GB (5400 rpm S-ATA)

Optical Drive
- External DVD Super Multi Dual Layer Writer

Graphics Processor
- Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics core

Wireless LAN
- Intel 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate*

LAN
10/100/1000 Ethernet

I / O Ports
- 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, SDHC, MMC, MMC plus, xD)
- 3 x USB 2.0
- 1 x PCI Express Card Slot (34 mm)
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x Headphone-out
- 1 x Mic in
- 1 x Integrated Mic
- 1 x VGA Port
- 1 x RJ45 (LAN)
- 1 x Docking Port

Multimedia
1.3 Mega Pixel Web Camera*

Battery Life
Up to 10 hours