Since today’s the launch day for the new BlackBerry Storm (available exclusively at Verizon Wireless), I thought I’d compile a list of the early reviews that have been flowing in from around the world. Let’s get to it.

MobileBurn doesn’t have a full review up but they do have a preview video of the Storm here:

PhoneScoop has a full review up – here’s their verdict:

“There were definitely some bugs with my review unit. Lag was a recurring issue all over the place. Perhaps Verizon Wireless and RIM will be able to fix the lag with a firmware update, but perhaps not. That’s something you might want to ask of your local Verizon retailer.”

The Boy Genius Report posted their look at the Storm yesterday. Here’s what they had to say about the Storm:

“This isn’t a cookie-cutter device, and it’s not for everyone. That said, we’re sure these things are going to fly off the shelves at Verizon stores on Friday, we just have a feeling there will also be a lot of returns.”

CNET’s review is here and here’s their bottom line:

“The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, die-hard texters, e-mailers, and corporate users may be better served with the BlackBerry Bold or other QWERTY device.”

Engadget published their review a few days early (I thought there was an embargo? Hmm):

“Going into this review, we really wanted to love this phone. On paper it sounds like the perfect antidote to our gripes about the iPhone, and in some ways it lives up to those promises — but more often than not while using the Storm, we felt let down or frustrated. Ultimately, this could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but right now, it feels undercooked — and that’s not enough for us.”

Wow.. it sure doesn’t sound all that positive at this point. Here’s hoping that RIM will release updates to the phone as soon as possible. This also makes what Apple did even more incredible. Sure the first gen iPhone had it’s problems but overall – it was incredibly well received. Perhaps our expectation levels are now out of whack.. (or perhaps they’re just simply raised.. which isn’t a bad thing either).

Technorati Tags: BlackBerry Storm, Verizon Wireless, Review

Think you’re good at spotting phishing and spam emails? Go ahead and take the SonicWALL Phishing and Spam IQ Quiz. I ended up getting 9 out of 10 – missing the 2nd question (which I still disagree with… but whatever).  According to SonicWALL (and via News.com), only 59.4 percent of test takers so far this year have been able to properly identify legitimate email – down from 77.8 percent in 2004. Only 7.4 percent of test takers this year were able to correctly identify every email they were presented. On the positive side – more people are able to identify phishing scams – with 86.1 percent catching the phishing emails.

[Check it out via News.com]

Technorati Tags: SonicWALL, email phishing spam, scam IQ test

I think I’ll have to preface certain postings from now on to say “Hey Buddy, I’ve got pictures of gadgets.”

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Dilbert

The Chinese version of Engadget is reporting that ASUS has officially the new all-in-one PC – the Eee Top – in Taiwan. Going for around 18,900 Taiwanese dollars (or around $580 U.S. dollars), the Eee Top is a touch-screen PC featuring an “Easy Mode” UI running on top of Windows XP. Not surprisingly, if you launch a non ASUS application, you’ll quickly leave the user interface and be presented with the standard Windows XP UI – which isn’t quite finger friendly. What would be interesting is to take this system and install Windows 7 on it!

Make sure to check out both Engadget and Engadget Chinese for lots of pictures and coverage of the Eee Top. The announcement today was for the Eee Top 1602. This system features the following specs:

• 15.6 inch 16:9 widescreen panel
• Windows XP Home
• Single touch touchscreen display
• 1GB DDR2 memory
• 160GB SATA 5400 RPM HDD
• Wi-Fi 802.11n support
• Integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam with microphone
• 26 dB of noise
• Splendid Video Intelligence Technology
• SRS technology
• Integrated graphics
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 4watt x 2 speakers + SRS Premium Sound System
• 2 USB 2.0 ports, card reader

There’s also an Eee Top ET1603 which has yet to be rolled out. The specs for the ET1603 include the following:

• 15.6 inch 16:9 widescreen panel
• Windows XP Home
• Single-touch display
• 1GB RAM
• Intel Atom N270 processor
• Intel 945GSE chipset
• 160GB SATAII 5400 RPM HDD
• Wi-Fi 802.11n support
• Integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam with microphone
• 26 dB of noise
• 16:9 display
• Splendid Video Intelligence Technology
• Discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD450 graphics
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 4watt x 2 speakers + SRS premium surround sound
• 2 USB, card reader

[Check it out via Ian Dixon’s blog]

Technorati Tags: ASUS Eee Top, Taiwan, all-in-one touchscreen PC

First off, Microsoft reduced the price of the flash-based Zune players. The 4GB Zune was reduced to $99; the 8GB down to  $139 and the 16GB down to $179. Hoping for a price cut for the hard drive Zune? Nada.

However if you are looking for some Zune accessories, Microsoft announced a couple of price cuts there too. The Zune Car Pack now goes for $69 dollars, the Home AV Pack priced at $59 dollars, and the Dock Pack is now $39 dollars.

On the software/music side of the biz, Microsoft released a new firmware and software update so make sure to get the latest updates if you have the Zune.

Finally, Microsoft enhanced the Zune Pass subscription model yesterday – announcing that effectively immediately, Zune Pass subscribers will be able to download and keep 10 songs a month. This means that if you cancel the Zune Pass, the 10 songs a month you downloaded will be yours to keep forever. The files will be in MP3 format which means you’re free to use it on any device you want. The company struck agreements with the major music studios as well as independent labels and also said that soon over 90 percent of the music on the Marketplace will be DRM-free.

[Check it out via ZuneSphere.com, PC Magazine]

Technorati Tags: Zune Pass, Zune Flash, Price reduction

Making up the new Wind Neton product lineup are three systems – the M16, M19, and M22 – with the numbers indicating the size (or nearly the size) of the built-in display.

On the low end of the spectrum, you have the Neton M16 with a 15.6 inch display, a 1366 x 768 resolution, and a price of around $400 dollars. The M16 will be coming out in February 2009.

The midrange model is the Neton M19 which features an 18.5 inch display, a resolution of 1366 x 768, and sells for around $500 dollars. The M19 will be coming out in January of 2009.

Finally, on the high end, the Neton M22 comes with a 22 inch display, a resolution of 1920 x 1080, and a price of roughly $800 dollars. The M22 will be coming out in March of 2009.

It’s assumed that all the priced systems will feature the single core Atom processor although MSI plans on offering the dual core Atom processor as well. The single core desktops will come with Windows XP while the dual core desktops will feature Windows Vista.

Again.. what the heck is a “Neton”?

[Check it out via Crave]

Technorati Tags: MSI Wind Neton M16, M19, M22

The LifeCam Show features the following:

• Ultrathin design
• 2.0 megapixel sensor
• Three attachment options – laptop clip, desktop stand, and an attachment disc
• Always focused – focus depth of friend from 21” to 60”
• Video effects built into LifeCam dashboard
• Noise canceling microphone
• MSRP of $99.95

The LifeCam VX-5500 features the following:

• VGA sensor with improved low light performance
• Comes with three interchangeable faceplates – blue, white, and red
• Unique design that folds flat
• Fits on all monitors, or sits directly on the desk
• Noise canceling microphone
• MSRP of $59.95

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, LifeCam Show, LifeCam VX-5500

Sony MDR-NC7 noise canceling headphones:

• Updated version of MDR-NC6
• Improved style and noise reduction
• Noise reduction reduces approximately 87.4 percent of ambient noise
• ear-cups that swivel flat and a foldable headband for easy storage and travel
• Batteries in the housing
• 30mm driver – closed type design for dynamic sound
• Includes carrying pouch and in-flight adapter
• Available in black and white versions
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony SRS-M50 travel speakers:

• Compact light design
• Built-in battery compartment
• 39mm driver unit
• Available in black, pink, and white
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony RM-VL610 universal remote control:

• Three swappable back plates in bright or neutral colors. Bright colors are Crimson Red, Chantilly Pink and Sky Blue; the neutral plates include Pearl, Champagne and Kilimanjaro Brown
• Handles up to 8 AV compatible components
• On-screen menus for many devices and includes learning function
• One-touch system with 12 macro functions
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony MDR-EX36V EX style headphones:

• Features colorful metallic accents
• in-line volume control
• New hybrid silicone earbuds in three sizes
• Available in silver, red, blue and pink
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony DR-BT160AS Stereo Bluetooth sports headphones:

• Wireless behind-the-neck design
• Built-in microphone for hands-free conversations via mobile phone
• Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• A2DP Bluetooth Stereo support
• Adjustable earpiece shaft
• Water-resistant
• MSRP of around $130 dollars

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, MDR-NC7, SRS-M50, RM-VL610, MDR-EX36V, DR-BT160AS

[Reprinted from NetbookTech.com]

At first glance, you might think this is a netbook system. It is in fact the REDFLY - a portable terminal device designed to connect to Windows Mobile smartphones using either a USB cable or a wireless Bluetooth connection.

So why are we talking about it at NetbookTech.com? Because it leverages a similar form factor and it’s another way to look at small inexpensive mobile devices for those on the go.

What makes the REDFLY so unique is the fact that it leverages your existing resource – your Windows Mobile based smartphone (assuming you have one of course). Using the USB cable or Bluetooth connection, the REDFLY “extends” your Windows Mobile interface to the larger notebook platform – providing a bigger display and keyboard than what a smartphone would provide.

The company has two new models of the REDFLY – there’s the Model C7 and the Model C8N. Here are the general specs:

Model C7:

• 7 inch 800 x 480 display
• VGA out
• 5 hour 2000 mAh battery
• 1.46 lbs
• 2 USB ports
• MSRP of $229

Model C8N:

• 8 inch 800 x 480 display
• VGA out
• 8 hour 4500 mAh battery
• 2 lbs
• 2 USB ports
• Media port (NTSC/PAL video in with optional cable)
• MSRP of $299

Does the REDFLY make sense for consumers? probably not since full featured netbook systems are nearly as cheap as the 8 inch C8N. However for business users with Windows Mobile smartphones and high speed mobile broadband plans, the REDFLY just might make sense – since you have effectively a single platform for checking email, reading attachments, surfing the web etc.

[Check it out via PC World]

Technorati Tags: REDFLY smartphone terminal, Windows Mobile

Just a reminder to all you Xbox 360 console owners out there. Make sure to turn on your Xbox 360 today to get the New Xbox Experience user interface. In case you forgot, there’s a lot to the NXE, including a new user interface, user avatars, Netflix streaming, Xbox LIVE party, and much much more. Experience it yourself starting today by turning on the 360 and connecting to Xbox LIVE.

I totally forgot to do this early this morning so I won’t be able to do this until later tonight.

In other related news, Microsoft announced that 25 million Xbox 360 consoles will be sold by the end of this month.

[Check it out]

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VIA Technologies announced today the new VIA VIPRO VP7710 touch-screen panel PC – a full featured fanless PC panel system designed for industrial and commercial applications. The VIPRO VP7710 comes with a 10.4 inch TFT LCD and resistive touch-screen display housed in a heavy steel and aluminum chassis providing shock and vibration protection.

Key features and specs to the VIPRO VP7710 include the following:

• Fanless and ultra-low power consumption
• Built-in VIA Eden ULV 1.6 GHz or C7 1.0GHz processor
• 10.4 inch 800 x 600 TFT LCD panel with touch-screen
• IP65 front panel compliant against water and dust
• Integrated VIA UniChrome Proll 3D/2D AGP graphics with MPEG2/4 and WMV9 video decoding acceleration
• Gigabit Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi
• Two USB 2.0 ports, three COM ports, external VGA port
• Internal CF sock and 2.5 inch internal HDD drive bay
• VIA CX700M2 all-in-one system processor
• Up to 1GB DDR2 memory
• Measures 11.82″ x 8.1″ x 2.17” and weighs 7.9 lbs

No word on pricing but VIA states that the VIA VIPRO is available now to system developers. You can read more in their press release or product information page.

Technorati Tags: VIA Technologies, VIPRO VP7710 fanless touch-screen panel PC

HP brings their multi-touch technology to the convertible notebook market with the introduction of the HP TouchSmart tx2 Notebook PC. Featuring “capacitive multi-touch technology, you’ll be able to interact with the tx2 using gestures such as pinch, rotate, arc, flick, press and drag, and single/double tap. Since it’s a convertible notebook, you’ll be able to interact with the tx2 in three different modes – PC, display, and tablet. Specs include the following:

• AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual Core Mobile Processor or AMD Turion X2 Dual Core Mobile Processor
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• 12.1 inch BrightView LED display
• HP Imprint “Reaction” design
• Features HP MediaSmart digital entertainment software suite which allows users to “more naturally select, organize, and manipulate digital files”
• ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+-R/RW with DL support
• 250GB  to 400GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• 3GB to 8GB of DDR2 memory
• Webcam
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth
• Altec Lansing stereo speakers
• ExpressCard/34 slot
• 6 or 8 cell lithium ion battery
• Measures 8.82 x 12.05 x 1.23 inches and weighs 4.65 lbs

You can order the HP TouchSmart tx2 convertible notebook either at HP shopping or at Amazon.com wit a starting price of $1149.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: HP TouchSmart tx2, convertible notebook, multi-touch display

The new LG Incite Windows Mobile handset is now available exclusively in the U.S. for AT&T wireless customers. The handset features support for AT&T’s 3G network, built-in aGPS, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, and a three inch touch-screen display. Users of the Incite can choose from two on-screen virtual keyboards – a full QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode, and a 20 key keyboard in portrait mode. The display also supports haptic technology which allows users to feel vibration feedback when pressing the virtual keys.

Other specs to the LG Incite include:

• 3 megapixel camera and camcorder
• AT&T Navigator with turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions
• Business and personal e-mail access via Microsoft Direct Push and AT&T Xpress Mail service
• IM, and AT&T Mobile Music service
• microSD slot
• Bluetooth 2.0
• AT&T Video Share
• Supports Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008
• Windows Media Player Mobile 10 with support for MP3 +AAC + eAAC+. EAAC+ WMA, WAV
• Built-in FM radio
• Customizable equalizer
• MusicID support
• Web browser
• Quad-band GSM support
• Hands-free speakerphone
• Measures 4.21 x 2.2 x 0.55 inches and weighs 4.23 oz
• 256MB ROM, and 128MB RAM
• 3 inch 240 x 400 wQVGA display with support for 262K colors

The LG Incite is available now for $199.99 along with a new two year agreement and after a $100 dollar mail-in rebate.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: LG Incite, AT&T

Speck announced today that their SeeThru hard shell case is now available for the BlackBerry Bold handset. The case features and ultra-slim on/off two piece design, a removable holster, and a 360 degree swivel belt clip. You can buy it in clear, red, pink and black for $24.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Speck SeeThru Case, BlackBerry Bold

Gateway FX6800-01e:

• Intel Core i7 920 processor
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• 3GB DDR3 1066MHz memory with support for up to 16GB
• 750GB 7200 RPM SATA II/300 HDD
• 7.1 channel HD audio
• (10) USB 2.0 ports (4 Front, 6 Rear), 2-IEEE 1394a Ports (1 Front, 1Rear), 2- eSATA Port, (2) PS/2 Ports
• 15 in 1 memory card reader
• Intel X58 chipset
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
• ATI Radeon HD 4850 with 512MB Discrete Video Memory (Ports: 2x DVI-I, S-Video includes DVI-HDMI & DVI-VGA Dongles)
• 500W Power Supply
• HDMI v1.3
• MSRP of $1249.99

Gateway FX6800-05:

• Intel Core i7-940 Processor
• Intel X58 Express Chipset
• ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 Graphics w/ 2048MB Discrete Video Memory
• 6GB (6144MB DDR3 1066MHz Three Channel Memory [3 x 2GB DIMM])
• 1000GB SATA II hard drive (7200RPM, 16MB cache)
• 80GB SSD (Solid State Drive)
• 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring LabelFlash Technology
• 15-in-1 High Speed Digital Media Card Reader with Smart Copy Button
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit with Service Pack 1
• (8) USB 2.0 Ports, (2) PS/2, (2) IEEE 1394a, (2) eSATA, RJ-45, (8) Audio Ports
• HDMI Connector v1.3 (via DVI-HDMI dongle)
• 1000 Watt Power Supply
• MSRP of $2999.99

Both of these desktops will be available at retailers nationwide.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Gateway, FX6800-01e, FX6800-05

Alienware Area-51 X-58:

• Intel Core i7 Extreme Processor
• Intel X-58 Chipset
• Dual NDIVIA and ATI Graphics
• 1066MHz DDR3 memory – up to 12GB
• Single or dual RAID 0/1 Hard Drives
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 7.1/5.1 HD Audio
• 8 USB 2.0 ports
• 2 IEEE 1394b ports
• 1 eSATA port
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit OS

Alienware Area-51 ALX X-58:

• Intel Core i7 Extreme Processor
• Intel X-58 Chipset
• Dual NVIDIA and ATI Graphics
• 1600MHz DDR3 memory – up to 12GB
• Single or Dual RAID 0 hard drives
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 7.1/5.1 HD audio
• 8 USB 2.0 ports
• 2 IEEE 1394b ports
• 1 eSATA port
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit OS

Dell XPS 730x:

• Intel Core i7 920/940/965 processor
• Intel X58 chipset
• Windows XP or Windows Vista
• Up to 6GB DDR3 1066MHz memory
• Several hard drive options
• Single card - ATI Radeon HD4850, NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT, NVIDIA GeForce  GXT280
• Dual card - ATI Radeon HD4850 CrossFireX
• 7.1 channel HD audio
• Dual gigabit Ethernet

Technorati Tags: Dell, Alienware Area-51 X-58, Alienware Area-51 ALX X-58, Dell XPS 730x

Samsung Saga:

• 2.55 inch touch-screen display
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS capability
• Optical mouse
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Opera Mobile Web Browser
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot
• microSD slot
• Built-in stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology – supports profiles: mono and stereo headset, hands free (car kits), serial port, object push (vCard only), file transfer, basic print, phonebook access and human interface device
• Microsoft’s Voice Command technology for speech recognition
• Customizable user interface
• Voice Memo
• Windows Media Player Mobile
• Organizer – alarm, calculator, calendar, notes, task list and today screen
• TTY-capable
• Dimensions: 2.44” x 4.88” x .53”
• Weight: 4.59 ounces
• Display: 320 x 320 pixel, 65K TFT, 2.55” active screen area and touch-sensitive LCD display

The Samsung Saga will be priced at $199.99 with a new two year agreement and after a $70 mail-in rebate.

Samsung Renown:

• Flip phone design
• 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot with camcorder, and video, picture, text, and mobile IM
• Supports V CAST Music with Rhapsody and V CAST Video services
• Global Mode – including Quad Band GSM capability
• Multiple messaging options (text messaging only for use abroad)
• 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot
• Media Center-capable – downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
• Visual Voice Mail
• Built-in stereo Bluetooth wireless technology – supports profiles: mono and stereo headset, hands free (car kits), serial port, object push (vCard only), file transfer, basic print and phonebook access
• Organizer – Alarm Clock, World Clock, Calendar, Calculator with Converter, Stop Watch, Notepad
• microSD expansion memory up to 8 GB (card purchased separately)
• TTY-capable
• Dimensions: 1.95” x 3.87” x .69”
• Weight: 4.05 ounces
• Display:
  • Main LCD: 240 x 320 pixel, 262K color TFT
  • Sub LCD: 96 x 96 pixel, 262K color TFT

The Samsung Renown will be priced at $179.99 with a new two year agreement and after a $50 dollar mail-in rebate.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Verizon Wireless, Samsung Saga, Samsung Renown

Here’s the spec list for the Eternity:

• Full QWERTY keyboard
• 3.2 inch 240 x 400 touch-screen display with haptic support and TouchWiz user interface
• Three dedicated keys
• Built-in accelerometer
• 3 megapixel camera with 3x zoom
• Live video capture and playback
• Built-in music player with support for MP3, AAC, Real , WAV, WMA file formats
• Messaging support includes text messaging, IM, mobile email, and video sharing
• Web browser, MEdia Net for wireless web access, Cellular Video, and Mobile TV
• Quad band GSM
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• Hands-free speakerphone
• microSD slot
• Measures 4.3 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches and weighs 3.88 oz

The Samsung Eternity can be purchased for $149.99 with a new two year agreement and after a $50 dollar mail-in rebate.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung, AT&T, Samsung Eternity

The era of the Intel Core i7 architecture is finally here. Really.

Informally announced earlier this month, Intel officially rolled out the processor this afternoon in an event at San Francisco. The processor pricing for the Core i7 architecture is as follows:

• Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition processor running at 3.2 GHz is priced at $999
• Intel Core i7-940 processor running at 2.93 GHz is priced at $562
• Intel Core i7-920 processor running at 2.66 GHz is priced at $284

The Core i7 processor is the first member of the new Intel Nehalem processor family with server and mobile versions  coming out later. Check out our earlier posting with links to tons of reviews of the i7 architecture.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Intel Core i7

During Yang’s 17 month tenure as CEO, the company suffered setback after setback including:

• A couple of rounds of layoffs
• A shrinking search market share
• Failed merger talks with Microsoft
• and of course, the failed advertising deal with Google

The question now is – can Yahoo be saved?

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Yahoo, Jerry Yang, CEO