[MobileRatty] tag: tablet

Apple MacBook 2008 Event: All the Rumors In One Place [Apple]

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:40:00 +0000

New MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and probably an updated MacBook Air are coming up next week, at the Apple MacBook 2008 event. The MacBook and MacBook Pro are long due for a case redesign but, beyond that, little is known for sure. Here we have collected all the pieces of information we have about them. All the facts, the logical rumors, and the crazy ones, which we will keep updating through the coming days until the MacBook Event liveblog kicks off.

The facts

• There's an Apple event on October 14 and we will be there to liveblog the pants out of it.

• Long overdue, a new MacBook line will be unveiled, with newly-designed MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

• Remember that Apple told resellers not to stock MacBooks or iPods (this was just before the Let's Rock announcement).

The logical and probable rumors

• The MacBook Air, being a recent design, will probably get a features bump, but not a redesign. This could to be supported by price cuts during the summer.

• Despite the pretty mock ups, the MacBook and the MacBook Pro will probably look like the MacBook Air, but on a different scale. In previous generations, there was always a new model that introduced a new look, then the rest followed up.

• Several images of the base top, the base bottom and the display frame of the MacBook Pro have surfaced. It is still not clear if these images are real or not, even while they do look real indeed.

• Some people alleged that these images show a shell carved out of a single piece of aluminum, using a new and revolutionary manufacturing process code-named "Brick".

• However, there are several reasons to believe this may not be the case, starting with an Apple patent detailing a new welding process. However, both manufacturing techniques may have been combined for this product.

• The MacBook in the teaser invitation may be the 13-inch model. Assuming the Apple logo is the same size as before, that is. They have changed its size before.

• Following Apple's commitment for greener computers, all displays in the upcoming MacBook line may be LED-based.

Crazy rumors and wishful thinking

• The usual blurry MacBook spyshots have appeared, some of which, like this one, have been proven to be fake.

• The glass iPhone trackpads are most probably just that, fake.

• Some crazy people really wish to see a touch notebook.

• There's even more crazy people that think that a semi-transparent MacBook Pro may appear, based on an Apple patent.

• Some really really crazy people have been dreaming about tablet Macs since 2007 and before.

The Gadget Lab's Top Stories for September 2008

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:11:24 +0000

September 2008 came and went and along with the downturn in the economy and the increasingly agitated political campaigns, there were plenty of interesting news in the Gadget World that took their spotlight turn.

The top stories we covered included the upcoming HTC G1 Google phone, the latest drama from Apple's App store client base, and the InterBike conference in Las Vegas.

Once again, we calculated all the diggs, added all the Reddit points, and looked for the most commented stories with the most page views to come up with the list. If you read these stories before, we invite you to enjoy them once again. If you missed them, cuddle up to your tiny netbook and check them out over the weekend. As always, please send us your comments at our emails, or through Danny's hairstylist/life guru.

The Most Popular (Non-iPhone) Stories:

The Month's Top Reviews:

August's Top iPhone Stories:

The Best of The Rest:

Firefox Mobile Alpha Version Coming to Nokia N810 Tablet Next Week [Firefox Mobile]

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:30:00 +0000

Fans of Nokia's open-source internet tablets will be the first to take Firefox Mobile for a spin, reports PC Advisor, with an alpha release coming as early as next week (confirming what we saw earlier this week). The choice of the Linux-based N810 makes sense for the first dry run, as its hardware and open development platform already easily supports other Mozilla spin-offs, and the touchscreen will allow for fine tuning of FFM's touch-based interface for smartphones. The alpha will apparently feature Firefox 3's smart URL bar and support for add-ons. A more widespread beta is expected for 2009. [PC Advisor via CrunchGear]

Asus to Release Touch Screen Eee PC on 2009

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:00:36 +0000

The Asus Eee PC line has expanded in ways some of us might never have imagined when the original 7-inch was announced. There’s the upgraded 8.9-inch to the bigger 10-inch and even a premium 10-incher announced just recently. With all those products in the line, you got to wonder what’s next for Asus.

According to DigiTimes, Asus is planning on releasing a new model of the Eee PC. This time, instead of a size upgrade, the device is going to get a touch screen panel. Asus might just slap a touch screen on an existing model OR the company could actually come up with a tablet (which one would you want to see?). We don’t know the details yet, but the new model will supposedly be released on Q1 2009. Asus will also reportedly be releasing a dual-core Atom-based netbook and a netbook that’s below the $300 price range. With the rate Asus is churning out Eee PCs, I have a feeling there’d come a time we won’t be able to remember which model is which anymore.

Via Digitimes

Sprint Launches WiMax Mobile 4G Service in Baltimore

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:46:32 +0000

Today in Baltimore Sprint celebrated the recent launch of XOHM mobile 4G service, and announced new access devices and retail strategies at an Inner Harbor event.

XOHM, Sprint’s 4G business unit, is building the fastest most capable mobile broadband network available in the U.S. as compared to other national wireless carriers.

XOHM and its WiMAX ecosystem will provide customers with new wireless data and web services by incorporating WiMAX capabilities in consumer electronic devices and unleashing the Internet from wires and place-based communications.

A hallmark of the XOHM ecosystem is an “embedded chipset” model in which manufacturers include WiMAX access within various computing, portable multimedia and Internet devices to make access more pervasive and to give customers more device choices.

Intel is now shipping its first-ever combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly code-named “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series that is an optional feature for Intel Centrino 2-based laptops. Several leading PC OEMs have announced plans to deliver Intel Centrino 2-based notebooks featuring the Intel Core™2 processor with WiMAX including Acer, Asus, Lenovo and Toshiba. Beginning today WiMAX-based Intel notebooks can be found online at Amazon.com and NewEgg.com. Dell, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony also plan to support WiMAX in their laptops starting in 2009.

XOHM service was launched in September in Baltimore with a modem, an Express aircard and attractive device and service offers. In October a XOHM USB dongle by ZTE will become available. Later this month, Nokia will sell the new pocket size Nokia N810 Internet tablet WiMAX edition, with widescreen display and QWERTY keyboard, at select independent retailers in Baltimore as well as online at www.nokiausa.com.

Sprint will be the first and only wireless carrier to launch a dual-mode 3G - 4G access device expected later in the fourth quarter. This device will extend Sprint’s mobile broadband leadership by offering the power of the NOW network -- the largest 3G data network in the U.S. -- with the fastest data speeds among all national carriers available on this new 4G network in Baltimore and in future markets.

XOHM is relying on a new distribution strategy that follows a consumer electronics model, allowing customers to buy devices independent of service. XOHM products will be initially available at six select Best Buy locations in the Baltimore market. XOHM sales kiosks are open in several Baltimore-area shopping malls. The retail strategy involves both direct and indirect channels, local independent retailers, door-to-door, web and telesales. XOHM customers will self-activate their devices from retail channels, be able to bundle multiple devices under one account and in some cases with one rate plan, have daily and monthly service plans without traditional long-term contracts and access enhanced location-based and other services through a XOHM web portal. Information, including the nearest XOHM sales outlet, can be found at www.xohm.com.

Fujitsu's Stylistic ST6010 Tablet PC stops by FCC, hangs out for awhile

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:05:00 +0000

Filed under: Tablet PCs

Surely you recall that Stylistic ST6012 tablet PC that quietly surfaced on Fujitsu-Siemens' website late last month, right? Good. Now, do yourself a favor and check out what's likely the US version of that: Fujitsu's Stylistic ST6010. Said tablet has just dropped by the FCC's database, complete with a user manual, an ID label, a litany of test reports and a collection of those heralded FCC photographs taken with what appears to be a 0.03-megapixel webcam from 2001. Unfortunately, the details we crave the most -- finalized specifications, a price and a release date -- are expectedly missing, but at least tablet lovers camped out in America can get amped up for this to arrive in short order.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

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Asus promises touchscreen Eee in 2009

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:21:18 +0000

The next obvious step is the tablet netbook. Tablets have never really hit the mainstream at their price, but a cheap netbook tablet could be marketed as an affordable, digital Etch-A-Sketch, useful not just for idle MS Painting but also email and web browsing. It's a smart way to differentiate yet another netbook on the shelf.

And that's just what Asus seems to be planning. They've confirmed that they are intending on launching a touchscreen Eee PC in Q1 of 2009. Additionally, it looks like another iteration of the EeePC will be disgorged, this time in a sub $300 edition. And dual core Atoms coming soon!

As always, there's a reason to wait to buy a netbook.

Asus planning touch panel Eee PCs [Digitimes]

XOHM, Intel and WiMAX Partners Celebrate New 4G Broadband Era in Baltimore

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:49:00 +0000

- 4G broadband service provides XOHM customers a city-sized hotspot
- New Intel-based notebooks, other WiMAX-ready devices on roadmap
- XOHM retail push includes Web, area Mall kiosks and select Best Buy stores
- Symbolic “wire-cutting” event signifies Internet freedom and mobility

Catalysts of a new 4G wireless broadband era gathered in Baltimore as Sprint (NYSE: S), Intel® and their WiMAX ecosystem partners celebrated the recent launch of XOHMTM mobile 4G service, and announced new access devices and retail strategies at an Inner Harbor event. The occasion marked a business model transformation for the wireless industry and innovation in the way mobile services are accessed and enjoyed.

XOHM, Sprint’s 4G business unit, is building the fastest most capable mobile broadband network available in the U.S. as compared to other national wireless carriers. “Customers looking for true mobile broadband speed at affordable prices and the Open Internet will find that in this new service,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO.

XOHM and its WiMAX ecosystem will provide customers with new wireless data and web services by incorporating WiMAX capabilities in consumer electronic devices and unleashing the Internet from wires and place-based communications. “4G has rapidly gone from a mobility vision to service reality with the launch of XOHM service in Baltimore,” said Barry West, XOHM president. “Nothing has ignited the imagination of a cross section of industries and the partnership of an ecosystem the way WiMAX technology has. We are delighted with the reception we have received.”

“Access to the Internet with its rich multimedia and social media applications has become an essential and entertaining part of our everyday lives, and this network will ultimately redefine where, when and how people enjoy that mobile experience” said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer of Intel Corporation. “This is an historic milestone for the U.S. and residents of Baltimore. We now set our sights on ensuring a smooth city-by-city build out of WiMAX 4G and relish in what will be an incredible amount of Internet-related innovation and greater consumer freedom from wires and what has been constricted and localized hot spots.”

WiMAX product availability
A hallmark of the XOHM ecosystem is an “embedded chipset” model in which manufacturers include WiMAX access within various computing, portable multimedia and Internet devices to make access more pervasive and to give customers more device choices. Intel is now shipping its first-ever combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly code-named “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series that is an optional feature for Intel Centrino 2-based laptops. Several leading PC OEMs have announced plans to deliver Intel® Centrino® 2-based notebooks featuring the Intel Core™2 processor with WiMAX including Acer, Asus, Lenovo and Toshiba. Beginning today WiMAX-based Intel notebooks can be found online at Amazon.com and NewEgg.com. Dell, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony also plan to support WiMAX in their laptops starting in 2009.

XOHM service was launched in September in Baltimore with a modem, an Express aircard and attractive device and service offers. In October a XOHM USB dongle by ZTE will become available. Later this month, Nokia will sell the new pocket size Nokia N810 Internet tablet WiMAX edition, with widescreen display and QWERTY keyboard, at select independent retailers in Baltimore as well as online at www.nokiausa.com.

Sprint will be the first and only wireless carrier to launch a dual-mode 3G - 4G access device expected later in the fourth quarter. This device will extend Sprint’s mobile broadband leadership by offering the power of the NOW network -- the largest 3G data network in the U.S. -- with the fastest data speeds among all national carriers available on this new 4G network in Baltimore and in future markets.

XOHM is relying on a new distribution strategy that follows a consumer electronics model, allowing customers to buy devices independent of service. XOHM products will be initially available at six select Best Buy locations in the Baltimore market. XOHM sales kiosks are open in several Baltimore-area shopping malls. The retail strategy involves both direct and indirect channels, local independent retailers, door-to-door, web and telesales. XOHM customers will self-activate their devices from retail channels, be able to bundle multiple devices under one account and in some cases with one rate plan, have daily and monthly service plans without traditional long-term contracts and access enhanced location-based and other services through a XOHM web portal. Information, including the nearest XOHM sales outlet, can be found at www.xohm.com

Cord-cutting breaks with tradition
“Our lives extend well beyond the confines of home and office, and so should the Internet upon which we depend, said Barry West. “Access to it in new ways and more places will enhance the quality of digital life.” Signifying new Internet freedom, a symbolic ‘Ethernet cord-cutting’ occurred with gathered XOHM WiMAX partners Intel, Motorola, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Samsung, ZTE and ZyXEL, government officials and guests, indicative of the release of devices from wire-line ties that restrict mobility and innovation. Baltimore event guests had first hand experience with XOHM WiMAX devices in various mobile settings including harbor water taxis.

For Intel, the creation of a ground-up, mobile-customized wireless network plays a key role in the company’s effort to match broadband and Internet speed and usage with the company’s powerful yet energy-efficient line of Intel Core processors and Intel Centrino 2 mobile technology for laptops. WiMAX is also a major component in Intel’s goal to shift the industry and consumers to a “mobile Internet.” In addition to battery-saving new processors for laptop PCs, over the past six months, the company has introduced new chips for mobile Internet devices, simple netbooks, quad-core products and ultra slim and light laptops that all work best on a high-speed, wireless broadband network.

As announced earlier this year, Sprint expects to complete the anticipated combination of its XOHM WiMAX business assets with Clearwire to form a new company in the fourth quarter. This new company, to be called Clearwire, will continue to expedite the deployment of a nationwide mobile WiMAX network. Following the transaction, Sprint will be the only national wireless carrier to sell 4G services through an MVNO structure with the new Clearwire.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wire line communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 52 million customers at the end of the second quarter 2008; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

Toshiba Portege M750 Tablet PC In Canada

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:48:09 +0000

Toshiba has a new tablet PC out in Canada going by the model number Portege M750, although there is no such listing on the US site other than its predecessor, the M700. Folks who want the M750 can fork out $2,199 Canadian for the following :-

Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz processor
200GB hard drive (strange figure that)
2GB RAM (max. 8GB)
DVD drive
12.1" WXGA TFT display
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
VGA webcam

Would you be picking this up anytime soon?

Add a comment | From: Toshiba Portege M750 Tablet PC In Canada | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

Toshiba intros four new Portege machines, Tecra R10

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:21:00 +0000

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

The last Portégé we saw flow from Toshiba's doors was a revamped R500 in July, but now we know why we've been waiting so long for a true new member of the family. Clearly, Tosh has been shoring 'em up, waiting for this day to arrive when it would introduce four newcomers in one fell swoop. Starting us off is the ultrathin Portégé R600, which packs your choice of a Core 2 Duo CPU, 2.14-pound shell, a battery good for nine hours and a price tag ranging between $1,499 and $3,299. The Portégé A600 includes most of the same specs along with a GMA X4500 graphics controller and a more pedestrian price; the Portégé M750 Tablet PC adds in that always-exciting swivel action for those who care. Lastly, we've got the Tecra R10, which features a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo SP9400, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, 200GB 7,200 RPM hard drive, NVIDIA Quadro NVS 150M GPU and an MSRP of $1,999. No word on when these will head south to the US, but Canadians should be able to indulge soon enough.

[Via GottaBeMobile]

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