[Reprinted from NetbookTech]

Another entrant into the reviving market of tablets and slates this year will be OpenPeak’s new OpenTablet 7 which officially debuted yesterday at  the Mobile World Congress.

Powered by the upcoming Intel Moorestown Atom platform (a SoC chip designed for small devices such as smartphones and tablets), the OpenTablet 7 features a 7 inch multi-touch enabled TFT LCD display with LED backlighting, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, HDMI output, and dual cameras for capturing video and still images. 

On the stats side, OpenTablet 7 measures 9 x 5 x 0.59 inches and weighs a mere 1.15 pounds – comparable to the iPad although it does have a smaller display than the iPad.

Other notable specs include:

• Support for 802.11 b/g/n
• WWAN connectivity support
• USB interface
• microSD slot to expand storage

Now what about the all-important application support? OpenPeak supports Adobe Flash CS4 and will provide a software framework allowing developers and designers to create “highly interactive applications”. In addition, a “white label application shop” is planned which will provide revenue sharing models for service providers and developers.

Dan Gittleman, CEO of OpenPeak, states the “all-in-one device allows you to sync schedules, check movie times, listen to music, watch videos, get weather updates, and even monitor energy usage and home security, all from a single, easy-to-use device.”

The slate will be available with either a desktop docking station or a handset docking station. No word on the price point right now but OpenPeak claims the slate will be available at a “affordable price point”.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: OpenPeak, OpenTablet 7, Intel Atom Moorestown

While I’m waiting for the pre-keynote speech from Ballmer, I thought I’d jot down some thoughts and impressions thus far from CES 2010. Now granted it’s still early and the show really hasn’t begun as of yet.

• It’s been an underwhelming experience thus far. Yeah 3D seems to be the buzz word thus far but I don’t know.. maybe it’s because I’m not a fan of 3D content in general (let’s face it – who wants to wear darn 3D glasses at the end of the day?)  I’ll take a beautiful 2D display any day (but that’s just me).
• Attendance feels lighter than last year but it’s still too early to tell
• The innovative products at CES Unveiled were.. boring? Yes Lenovo, D-Link, and Syabas had some very cool products but were they innovative? Hard to say – if anything they’re evolutionary improvements on existing products. There just isn’t anything groundbreaking or jaw-dropping thus far. Sure, a 0.3 inch LED TV from Samsung is awesome and all but not amazing.
• Vendor parties where art tho? Seriously now. Where are all the cool parties at? Hello Tao? XS? Anyone?
• OH.. what about the CES press bags this year? They’re smaller and thinner than ever before.
• Sigh.. I’m sick of USB flash drives.. aren’t you?

However, on the plus side:

• CES is still an incredibly well organized event. With thousands of participants and events going on across the vast majority of a week, it’s amazing to see all of this go off pretty much without a hitch
• Gotta love the catering at all the events. Thank you CES and partners for the free food. We the press appreciate it!!!
• Gives me a great excuse to come to Vegas!!!!

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Burton Technologies introduces their new Acoustiglove silicone case for the Apple iPod nano 5G music player. Acoustiglove joins Burton’s existing lineup of accessories including the Acoustibuds earphone adapters and the Acoustigrip earphone clips.

The Acoustiglove case is made using silicon injection technology and features:

• Pocket friendly cord management system using pre-designed slots to cleat headphone wires in place
• Fits both the iPod nano 5G and 4G

The Acoustiglove will be available in early 2010 online at www.burtonideas.com for $19.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Burton Technologies, Acoustiglove iPod nano

PC Magazine has released their review of the new Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader device here on their website and so far – things are looking up for the Nook. Giving it a rating of four out of five stars, PC Magazine had this to say about the Nook:

“With a vast catalog of titles, instant downloads via 3G or Wi-Fi, and a nifty second touch-screen display, the Barnes & Noble Nook E-Reader does everything Amazon’s Kindle can; it even does some things better”

More importantly, PC Magazine says the Nook “might just be the most sophisticated e-Book reader on the market.” Bummer that the Nook is hard to get a hold of this holiday season – I knew I should have picked one up during the pre-order period.

In any case, make sure to head over to PC Magazine to check out the complete review of the reader.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Barnes & Noble Nook, PC Magazine Review

Sure the Inspiron Mini 12 might be no more but this hasn’t stopped Dell from announcing a new 11.6 inch notebook in the form of the Inspiron 11z. You’ll note that Dell isn’t calling this a netbook – instead referring to the 11z as a “laptop” but the truth is – it’s got all the makings of a netbook (including the price) minus the Intel Atom processor on the inside.

Specs for the Inspiron 11z include:

• Intel Celeron 723 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz
• Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32 bit
• 2GB RAM
• Intel  GS45 + ISH9M SFF-enhanced chipset
• Intel GS45 integrated graphics
• 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 HD TLF WLED display
• Stereo speakers rated at 1watt per channel
• Integrated single digital microphone bundled with camera
• 250GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• 3 cell 24 WHr Li-Ion battery
• Integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi
• Ethernet
• HDMI
• 2 USB ports
• 3 in 1 card reader

Two negatives with the 11z – the paltry 3 cell battery and the 92 percent keyboard. Disappointing given the larger 11.6 inch form factor of the system. The 11z can be purchased for a mere $399.

[Check it out via NetbookTech]

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TriGem USA (also known as Averatec) announces their latest lightweight notebook system today called the Averatec N3400. Featuring an aluminum-clad design, a starting weight of less than 4 pounds, a 13.3 inch display, and a dual core Intel processor, the N3400 will have an affordable starting price of $799.

Full specs of the N3400 include:

• Intel Pentium dual core T3400 2.16GHz processor
• 13.3 inch WXGA display
• 3GB RAM – expandable to 8GB
• 250GB SATA HDD
• External USB Super-Multi 8x dual layer DVD/CD reader/burner
• Three USB 2.0 ports, microphone input jack, headphone/external output jack, VGA connector
• 4 in 1 memory card reader with support for MS, MS PRO, MMC, SD cards
• Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• Intel GMA X4500HD graphics
• Intel GM45 chipset
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Windows XP Home Premium
• Measures 12.8 x 9 x 0.40~0.98 inches
• Weighs 3.8 lbs

The specs, looks, and pricing certainly make the N3400 appealing – about the only question is – how does it actually perform. Waiting for some product reviews!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: TriGem USA, Averatec N3400, notebook

Yes Virgin America – I love you.

I love the fact that you’ve equipped many of your planes with Wi-Fi connectivity. Sure it costs $12.95 for the flight but hey – if you’re used to paying for Internet access at hotels or hotspots, then this is pretty much the norm. It makes a cross-country flight so much more enjoyable!!! (and yes.. it lets me blog away on my Samsung netbook.. LOVE IT)

Happy Friday everyone!

Technorati Tags: Virgin America Wi-Fi

For those of you that are fans of both Transformers and playing mobile phone games, you’ll be happy to hear that Glu Mobile will be launching a new game based on the upcoming summer movie – the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. The new game will launch worldwide in conjunction with the world premiere of the movie from Paramount which will take place on June 26th. Excuse me if I say that I’m a bit more excited with the upcoming movie than with the mobile game itself.

Technorati Tags: Glu Mobile, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen mobile game

Acer didn’t just announce a new 23 inch monitor and call it quits for the day. The company also announced several new desktop PCs that are destined for the U.S. market. The new desktops include the small form factor Acer Aspire X3200, X1700, and X1200 systems and the high end gaming rig, the Aspire Predator G7710 desktop PC.

All four of the new systems feature a built-in card reader, audio jacks, and front accessible ports for easy access. The X1200, X1700, and X3200 towers measure a mere 10.4 x 4 x 14.4 inches.

The X3200 features the following:

• Windows Vista OS
  AMD Phenom X4 or X3 processor
• NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset
• 4GB RAM
• Up to 640GB SATA HDD
• NVIDA GeForce 8200 graphics or NVIDIA GeForce 9300GE graphics
• VGA and HDMI ports

The X1700 features the following:

• Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor E2200 (2.4GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit with SP1
• 4 GB RAM
• NVIDIA GeForce 7100 Chipset and nForce 630i
• Integrated NVIDIA GeForce G100 with 512MB Discrete Graphic Card
• 640GB SATA 7200RPM Hard Drive
• Super Multi Double-Layer DVD+RW, DVD-RAM Drive Featuring Labelflash Technology
• 14-in-One Digital Media Card Reader
• 9 USB 2.0 Ports (5 Front, 4 Rear)
• HDMI Port
• eSATA Port
• Amplified Stereo Speakers (USB Powered)
• Acer USB Keyboard
• USB Optical Mouse

The MSRP for the X1700 is $479.99.

The X1200 system features:

• Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium
• AMD Phenom quad core processor
• NVIDIA Hybrid SLI graphics
• NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset
• 7.1 channel HD audio
• Optional Blu-ray drive
• HDMI port
• Nine total USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394 port, and multi-card reader

As for the gaming rig system, the Aspire Predator G7710 desktop PC features:

• Intel i7-940 processor
• 6GB DDR3 memory (up to 12GB total)
• 1 TB of storage (four 3.5 inch easy swap HDD bays)
• RAID 0, 1, 5, 1+0 modes
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Dual Gigabit ports
• Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Sound Card
• Logitech G11/G15 gaming keyboard and G5/G9 gaming mouse
• Optional Blu-ray drive

Technorati Tags: Acer, Aspire X3200, Aspire X1700, Aspire X1200, Aspire Predator G7710 desktop PC

Ah this should be an interesting week ahead of us folks.

Today of course is Macworld – THE last Macworld that Apple will be a part of which means… this is the last Macworld where we’ll see.. Steve .. err I mean Phil Schiller of Apple (I know.. ho hum..).

Oh and in case you didn’t already hear about this – Steve finally shared with the entire world yesterday what was going on with his health. No – he wasn’t getting skinny because of a reoccurrence of cancer but is in fact suffering from a “hormone imbalance”. Anything more on the topic? Don’t count on it as Steve’s last line in his public letter was “So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.”

So we’re left with Phil manning the helm today..

This is also the week we’re heading off to Las Vegas to attend CES 2009 (drum roll please) and yes.. this will be the week we’ll see lots and lots of new product announcements – some good.. and some not so good of course. It’ll take us several days I’m sure to digest everything that comes out of this week but it should be an interesting week to be sure. If you’re into technology; into gadgets; into computers – then this is YOUR week.. (but next year .. it’ll be boring since Macworld (if there is still one) will no longer have Apple).

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