The Windows Home Server Team Blog reports that ASUS will soon be releasing their first Windows Home Server product – the TS Mini Home Server. Powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor, the TS Mini will come in two flavors – a 500GB system with one empty hard drive bay for $349 and a 1 terabyte system with one empty hard drive bay for$529.

Key unique features of the TS MIni (outside of what you’d get from Windows Home Server) include:

• One year of free 500GB online storage. Backup and synchronize data from  home server to ASUS Web Storage for redundant security
• ASUS exclusive Xtor Manager allows you to directly backup, synchronize, and manage files and folders between external USB and eSATA storage devices and the TS Mini.
• 6 USB ports and 2 eSATA ports
• ASWM Management provides real-time system health monitoring including fans, temperature, disks, drives, network, memory, and processors
• Energy Star 5.0 certified

Specs include:

• Intel Atom N280 processor clocked at 1.66GHz
• 1 memory slot for up to 2GB of memory – comes with 1 GB
• 2 hard drive bays
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Measures 245 x 96 x 204mm and weighs 2.7Kg
• 90W power supply

The TS Mini is available for pre-order now at Amazon.com and at Newegg.com.

[Check it out via Windows Home Server Team Blog, PC Magazine]

Technorati Tags: ASUS TS Mini, Windows Home Server

You have to give Psystar some credit here – they certainly have some balls! Despite their on-going legal trouble with Apple, Psystar continues to up the ante – this time releasing a software package called “Rebel EFI” which essentially makes it possible to run OS X on compatible non-Apple branded PCs. The software is free to download and try although there is limited hardware functionality. The trial version is time limited to two hours – afterwards you’ll need to purchase Rebel EFI from Psystar for $49.99. Looks like you’ll need Snow Leopard to make this work (is this true folks?). Check out the FAQ for instructions on how to install the image.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Psystar Rebel EFI

• Optional WizPro interface allows users to easily customize their home screen
• Full complement of Microsoft productivity applications including contacts, calendar, tasks, notes, voice recorder, and Windows Live
• ActiveSync technology support
• Full HTML web browser
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• 2.0 megapixel camera
• Support for up to 32GB memory cards
• QWERTY keyboard
• Built-in MP3 player

The Samsung Code is available now at MetroPCS for $299.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: MetroPCS, Samsung Code

AT&T also announced that they would be supporting the upcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile once Microsoft releases it later this year.

Here’s what you need to know about the two new Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets.

HTC Tilt 2:

• 3.6 inch widescreen WVGA 480 x 800 display
• Qualcomm MSM 7201a processor clocked at 528 MHz
• 512MB ROM and 288MB RAM
• HSDPA/UMTS: 850/1900/2100 MHz
• GSM/GPRS/Edge Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• HSDPA / UMTS
• HSUPA (capable)
• Internal GPS antenna
• Tri-Axis Accelerometer
• Can be tilted for an expanded viewing area as well as a large QWERTY keyboard
• Dual speakers and dual microphones with advanced noise cancellation
• HTC Straight Talk – simplified conference calling and activation of speakerphone by simply turning over the device
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Wi-Fi
• microSD slot
• Measures 115.4 x 59.2 x 16.45 and weighs 6.3 oz

HTC PURE:

• Slim bar style handset
• Qualcomm MSM 7201A clocked at 528 MHz
• 512MB ROM and 288MB RAM
• All touch-screen device with 3.2 inch WVGA display
• 5.0 megapixel auto focus camera with video capture
• HSPA/UMTS (850/1900)
• GSM/GPRS/EDGE Qual-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz)
• HSDPA
• EGPRS Functionality
• Internal GPS antenna
• FM radio
• Wi-Fi
• microSD slot
• Expandable memory
• Gravity sensor
• Ambient light sensor
• Measures 109.9 x 53.4 x 14.95 and weighs 6.28 oz

The HTC PURE will be available for $149.99 while the HTC Tilt 2 will be available for $299.99. Both are after a $50 dollar mail-in rebate and a new two year agreement on a minimum $69.99 plan. The PURE is available now at AT&T retail stores while the Tilt 2 will be available in the coming weeks.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: AT&T, HTC PURE, HTC Tilt 2, Windows Mobile 6.5

Features and specs to the Intrepid include:

• 2.5 inch touch-screen display with 320 x 240 resolution
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• 3.2 megapixel camera and camcorder
• Microsoft ActiveSync and Microsoft Office Mobile (edit Word and Excel files, view PowerPoint)
• Windows Mobile email
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• microSD slot with support for up to 32GB
• Easy access to social networking sites including Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter
• IM and threaded text messaging
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Pre-installed SIM card

The Samsung Intrepid will be available starting on October 11th for a price of $149.99 along with a new two year agreement (and after a $50 dollar instant savings, and $100 mail-in rebate)

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sprint, Samsung Intrepid, Windows Mobile 6.5

Features of Security Essentials include:

• Runs in the background alerting users only when action needs to be taken
• First Microsoft security product to use the company’s new Dynamic Signature Service which makes sure consumers stay updated with the most current virus definitions without having to wait for the next scheduled download
• Limited CPU utilization and memory usage

Security Essentials will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 including Windows XP mode on both x32 and x64 systems.

[Check it out]

[Download Security Essentials]

Technorati Tags: Microsof Security Essentials, Anti-virus software

Finally Samsung announced the latest model to hit the Omnia series – the B7330 (pictured above). Features of the B7330 include:

• Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard
• Quad-band GSM/EDGE support
• 7.2 Mbps HSDPA/2 Mbps HSUPA radios
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
• Built-in aGPS
• Built-in FM with RDS support
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• 3 megapixel autofocus camera
• microSD card support (up to 32B)

The B7330 will be available in October.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung Omnia B7330, Windows Mobile Smartphone

Just head on over to http://www.win741.com/ and then click on the “Buy” tile. Then click on “Buy Now $119.99 $29.99” and you’ll be directed to the digitalriver.com website which will then send you an email confirmation.

The offer is good until January 3rd, 2010 at 12:00 AM CST so you do you have some time to take advantage of this offer. Oh yeah.. you won’t be able to download the purchase until October 22nd when Windows 7 becomes officially available.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Windows 741, Windows 7 College Offer

Apple announced today that the next version of OS X, version 10.6 (a.k.a. Snow Leapard), will go on sale starting on Friday, August 28th at Apple retail stores, Apple authorized resellers, and at Apple online. Snow Leopard includes:

• Hundreds of refinements – approximately 90 percent of the 1000+ projects within OS X. Improvements include

• More responsive Finder
• Faster Mail
• Faster initial backups with Time Machine
• Dock with Expose integration
• QuickTime X
• 64 bit version of Safari 4 which is 50 percent faster
• Half the size of previous OS X version and frees up approximately 7 GB of disk space

Pricing for OS X Snow Leopard will be as follows:

For 10.5 Leopard users, a single user upgrade license will cost $29 dollars while the Snow Leopard Family Pack will be available for $49.

For Tiger users with an Intel Mac, the Mac Box Set which includes OS X Snow Leopard, iLife 09 and iWork 09 will be available for $169 while the Family Pack will be available for $229.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple, OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard

Oh and one more item – Lenovo will also be updating their IdeaPad U series of notebooks with the new IdeaPad U450p laptop – a new 14 inch thin and light notebook.

Let’s jump right to it shall we?

First up, there’s Lenovo’s first ever home theater PC – the IdeaCentre Q700.

Features and specs to the Q700 include:

• About the size of a consumer DVD player
• Can be placed vertically or horizontally
• Supports 1080p full HD playback
• 7.1 digital surround sound
• Your choice of fast Intel Core 2 Duo processors
• Support for up to 1TB of disk space
• Eight USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA port
• HDMI and VGA connector

Lenovo currently has one model’s specs up on their website (Q700-3015). This system features the following:

• Intel dual core Pentium Processor E5200
• 4GB PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
• Intel GMA X4500 graphics
• One VGA, One HDMI with HDCP support
• Choice of 320GB, 500GB, or 640GB 7200RPM SATA drive
• Multi-format DVD burner
• 4 in 1 media card reader
• Intel G43 Express Chipset
• Eight USB 2.0 ports
• microphone
• headphone
• FireWire 400 connector
• Realtek ALC888s HD audio
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Optional NTSC/ATSC tuner
• Black color bezel
• Measures 2.36 x 7.87 x 9.84 inches and weighs 5.69 pounds
• Available in August according to the PDF

The Q700 will be available through business partners and www.lenovo.com with a starting price of around $499 (yes.. I’m lining up for one of these bad boys I think..)

Moving onto storage now, as we mentioned earlier this morning, Lenovo’s first ever Windows Home Server product will be the IdeaCentre D400.

Features of the D400 include:

• Support for up to 8 terabytes of total disk space
• Hot swap different brands and capacities of hard drives
• Five USB ports including a front mounted port with one-touch data copy function
• eSATA port for high-speed data transfer
• The D400 will have a starting price of $499

Next up, Lenovo has these down-right super-sexy, super-thin nettops – the IdeaCentre Q100 and Q110.

Featuring a new stylish black patterned design, the nettops measure a mere 0.7 inches thin making them about the size of a book! Features include:

• Intel Atom processor
• The Q110 model will be equipped with NVIDIA ION graphics which means this box will be able to support HD video and provide accelerated media conversation etc
• Measures 6 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Q100 runs on just 14 watts when idle and 40 watts at full operation
• Q100 supports VGA output while Q110 supports 1080p HD video with DirectX 10 graphics along with NVIDIA CUDA technology
• The Q100 will have a starting price of $249
• The Q110 will have a starting price of $349

Finally, here’s information on the newly announced IdeaPad U450p notebook/laptop.

• Intel Pentium SU2700 processor or Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Intel Integrated Graphics X4500
• 3-4GB RAM
• 14 inch HD antiglare display with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Touchpad
• 250 – 320GB 5400 RPM HDD
• DVD burner
• 6 cell lithium ion battery
• Wi-Fi
• Prices starting at $799

Have to admit – the IdeaPad U450p looks pretty sweet in terms of portability. These inexpensive thin and lights are certainly making heads turn if you ask me.

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, IdeaCentre Q700 HTPC, IdeaCentre D400 WHS, IdeaCentre Q100/Q110 Nettops, IdeaPad U450p Laptop

Not much is really known about either product but according to this tweet from the official Lenovo Twitter account, the Q100/Q110 nettop is supposedly “some of the thinnest nettops in the world”. Heck.. it’s definitely one of the sexiest nettops out there if you ask me. Expect this to be an Atom-based system – would love to have this in the kitchen coupled with a nice wall-mounted display.

As for the D400, this is Lenovo’s first Windows Home Server product featuring four hot swappable hot drives, 4 USB ports, and a single eSATA port. In many ways it resembles the Acer Aspire easyStore Windows Home Server. You’ll be able to find more info at WeGotServed.com.

Expect Lenovo to release information on these two product lines this week. Exciting stuff.

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Technorati Tags: Lenovo, Lenovo Q100/Q110 Nettop, Lenovo D400 Windows Home Server

What do you get when you combine a large 4.3 inch capacitive touch-screen enabled display and a 1GB Qualcomm Snapdragon processor? The makings of one sexy smartphone!! And that’s exactly what we’re supposed to get with the upcoming HTC Leo handset – due to come out in a few months time.

The Leo measures a mere 11mm thin and features:

• 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus lens
• Built-in 2-LED flash
• Built-in GPS
• Bluetooth 2.1 support
• 3.5mm headset jack
• WVGA resolution display
• HSDPA support

On the OS front, the Leo is expected to feature Windows Mobile 6.5. Yeah sorry – no Android on this phone but who knows – maybe we’ll see Android down the road. I for one, am not a hater of Windows Mobile. I just wish the user interface would be improved. Not too much to ask for is it?

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Technorati Tags: HTC Leo

It certainly looks like the HTC Touch Pro2 handset will be getting around. Not only will Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile carry the Windows Mobile smartphone but above is visual proof that AT&T will indeed be carrying the phone.  Interestingly enough, the Touch Pro2 will likely be branded as the Tilt 2 by AT&T.

[Check it out via The Boy Genius Report]

Technorati Tags: HTC Touch Pro2, AT&T

New leaked pictures of what appears to be the upcoming Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 handset have popped up over at XDA-Developers.com. Head over to the website to check out the pictures (the poster requested that the pictures stay on that site so the above picture was from an earlier leak). Enjoy!

[Check it out via SlashPhone]

Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson, XPERIA X2

Well it’s about time!

Garmin-Asus announces today that their nüvifone G60 and M20 handsets will finally go on sale in different parts of Asia shortly. The G60 will be available in Taiwan starting on July 27th, and then in Singapore and Malaysia by the end of August. The M20 will go on sale in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia in August.

Don’t worry if you don’t exactly remember these handsets – they were delayed to the second half of 2009 back in May after having been announced earlier this year. Here’s a quick rundown on the specs for both models:

nüvifone  G60:

• Quad-band GSM / GPRS / Edge 850/900/1800/1900
• 850/1900/2100 HSDPA 3.6 Mbps
• 802.11 b/g WLAN, Bluetooth, HFP, HSP, AVRCP, A2DP mini-USB 2.0
• Linux OS
• 3MP camera with auto-focus and geo-tagging
• Measures 112 x 58.1 x 14.6 mm
• 3.55″, 65K, anti-glare resistive touchscreen
• POP3 / IMAP4 / SMTP email
• HTML browser based on Webkit platform
• SMS
• 4 hour battery life

nüvifone M20:

• Tri-band GSM / GPRS / Edge 900/1800/1900
• 900/2100 HSPA 7.2 Mbps
• 802.11 b/g WLAN, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, HFP, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP, mini USB 2.0
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional (Upgradeable to WM 6.5)
• Measures 95.3 x 52.5 x 12.8 mm
• 2.8″, 65K, TFT with touch lens
• Push / Enterprise / POP3 / IMAP4 / SMTP email
• OPERA browser, HTML, WAP 1.2.1/2.0
• SMS / MMS / IM
• 3G: Up to 3.5 hours / 2G: Up to 2.8 hours

Other things you need to know about the G60:

• The distribution strategy will differ by country in the Asia-Pacific market. In Asia, the phone will be available through carriers and retail channels
• The G60 will be available in Europe and in the U.S. later on this year – no word on pricing as of yet

As for the M20:

• As with the G60, the M20 will also have a distribution strategy which will differ per Asia country. It will only be available through carriers and retail channels in Asia.
• The M20 will be available in Europe later this year – no word about the U.S. Also no word on pricing.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Garmin-Asus, nüvifone G60, nüvifone M20

Some of the new features found in Office 2010 include (courtesy of their press release):

• “Work anywhere with Office Web applications — the lightweight Web browser versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote — that provide access to documents from virtually anywhere and preserve the look and feel of a document regardless of device.
• Collaborate better with co-authoring in Microsoft Word 2010, Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 and Microsoft OneNote 2010, and advanced e-mail management and calendaring capabilities in Microsoft Outlook 2010, including the option for users to ”ignore” unwanted threads.
• Bring ideas to life with video and picture editing, broadcast capability in Microsoft PowerPoint 2010, easy document preparation through the new Microsoft Office Backstage view, and new Sparklines in Microsoft Excel 2010 to visualize data and spot trends more quickly. “

In addition, Microsoft is simplifying our lives by reducing the number of Office Editions from eight to five. (Yeah.. that’s still 4 too many if you ask me).

Office Web Applications will be available in three different ways:

• Through Windows Live
• On-premises for all Office volume licensing customers
• Microsoft Online Services

For more in-depth coverage on Office 2010, check out the following links:

• “Microsoft releases Office 2010 details, test code” at CNET
• “Hands On: Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview” at PC Mag
• “Office 2010: Most innovations are online” at PC World

Expect Office 2010 and related products to hit store shelves sometime during the first half of 2010.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2010 Technical Preview

In a posting on their official blog site, Sundar Pichai (VP of Product Management) and Linus Upson (Engineering Director) announced that Chrome OS would be “fast and lightweight”, have a minimal user interface that’s designed to “stay out of your way”, and a redesigned security architecture (a.k.a. no more viruses, software updates, malware etc).

Chrome OS will be running within a new windowing system built on top of a Linux kernel. It will support both x86 and ARM processors and it will initially be available for netbook systems in the second half of 2010. Chrome OS will also go open-source later this year and Google is actively talking with partners now about the OS.

It’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out down the road. Netbooks have certainly created an opening for Google to enter into the OS space. WIth netbooks, consumers generally want long battery life, fast boot times, and easy access to content and web applications online – all perfect elements for Chrome OS to succeed with.

[Check it out via NetbookTech.com]

Technorati Tags: Google, Google Chrome OS

Announced back on the 17th, the HTC designed Dash 3G features:

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Glossy black finish with red accents
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Trackball
• GPS
• Personal and business email
• 3G and 802.11 b/g connectivity

CNET has a review of the new Dash 3G here on their website and has this to say about the new handset:

“Long overdue, the T-Mobile Dash 3G is a worthy upgrade to its predecessor with the addition of such features as 3G support, GPS, and an updated design.”

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: T-Mobile Dash 3G, Windows Mobile Smartphone

The HTC Ozone is the latest Windows Mobile smartphone to hit Verizon Wireless. The Ozone features 3G and Wi-Fi networking, a simple design, QWERTY keyboard, and global roaming support. Other specs and features include:

• Ergonomically designed QWERTY keyboard
• Global roaming, 3G network, and Wi-Fi network support
• 1500 mAh battery for extended operating time
• Comes with international charging adapters for travelers
• VZ Navigator for audible turn-by-turn directions
• Visual Voice Mail
• Mobile IM, Mobile Email
• “Sliding Panel” user interface
• One-touch messaging key for quick connections to other users

The Ozone is available for $49.99 after a $70 dollar mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement. If you’re interested in the Ozone then you’ll be able to get one starting tomorrow over at www.verizonwireless.com. Verizon Wireless stores will get it by July 13th.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HTC Ozone, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile smartphone

*shakes head*..

In an effort to drum up buzz for next year’s release of Office 2010, Microsoft has decided to do something a bit different. They’ve launched a new movie teaser website called “Office 2010 The Movie”. Now of course, they don’t take any of this seriously (just watch the Microsoft Office Backstage Interview for example) but it’s still interesting to see Microsoft go this route to help promote the next version of Office. Heck – they even make fun of the leaked version of Office 2010 which has surfaced across the web in recent weeks (including a version that has a virus embedded too) Here’s what the “lead actor” had to say about that leaked version with the virus:

“Imagine my face but as a program without the makeup, with a virus.. a virus all over my face.. I mean that can’t be good right?”

But hey… if you do want to try Office 2010, you can sign up for the Technical Preview on their website.

[Check it out via News.com]

Technorati Tags: Microsoft Office 2010 The Movie