Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Video: The Official Dell Inspiron Duo Teaser Video
Dell showed off the wacky Inspiron Duo tablet netbook flippy thing at IFA last month. Wanna see it in action? ‘Course you do. Click through for the official Dell teaser video. Hopefully Dell comes through and this thing actually hits the retail market. It’s no iPad killer and that’s totally fine. It doesn’t have to be. It will certainly make some buyers happy and that’s what matters. [via Blogeee.net]
Monday, October 25, 2010
Best Buy to sell WiFi-only Galaxy Tab for $499
It looks like you’ll have a plethora of buying options if you want to pick up the Samsung Galaxy Tab, as it looks like Best Buy will offer this Android tablet in a variety of options including a WiFi-only model for $499.
According to a leaked document, Best Buy will offer the 7-inch Android tablet with just WiFi and no long-term data contract for $499. That’s comparable with the Apple iPad and the two tablets will be going head to head in the retail store.
Will the Tab be appealing right next to an iPad? It’s tough to tell. The Android tablet will have a 1 GHz processor, multiple cameras and the flexibility of Google’s mobile operating system but the screen-size difference may be difficult to overcome.
I don’t agree with Apple CEO Steve Jobs about there not being a need for 7-inch tablets, as I think that’s the right size for portability. With that said, when an average consumer walks into a store and sees the iPad and Tab side by side for the same price, that extra few inches on the Apple tablet may make a difference.
The leaked document also said Best Buy will be offering the 3G versions of Samsung’s Android tablet for Sprint and Verizon. The Verizon version will land Nov. 11 and it will have 3G data capabilities and it will cost $599 with monthly data options.
Sprint went official with its Tab plans today and it will cost $399 with a two-year data contract. AT&T and T-Mobile will also offer the Samsung tablet but the companies haven’t announced pricing or availability yet.
So, the tablet wars are here and you can be sure the big retailers like Best Buy will help determine who wins and loses. I would have hoped that Samsung would have priced the WiFi-only version of the Galaxy Tab a little bit below the Apple iPad but it is reasonably priced considering that it’s packed full of high-end components.
Are you going to pick up the Samsung tablet? How are you going to buy it?
Check out our hands-on version of the Galaxy Tab below.
[Via pocketables]
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Report: HP stops Android tablet development leaving webOS as the likely Slate operating system (yay!)
HP was apparently working on an Android tablet along with a Windows 7 and webOS model. Yeah, all three at the same time. The Android flavor was even scheduled for a late-2010 release. But the project was reportable canned just like the Windows 7 edition.
That’s probably for the best, really. It’s not that surprising to hear that HP had three different versions of the Slate in development all at the same time. The goal was likely to determine which one was best suited for the market and not to release three tablets each on a different platform. It seems, however, the best option won and HP is going with the webOS over Windows 7 or Android.
We learned a few weeks back that HP killed off the Windows 7 version of the Slate. This is best for the vast majority of users. Yes, I know some want a tablet with a full OS, complete with its pros and cons. But the rest of us would prefer a user interface that’s originally designed for finger input and hardware efficiency — like Android or webOS. Wilson Rothman laid out four totally valid reasons why Windows 7 won’t work on a tablet. (This is me attempting to get you to flaming him and not me)
HP has a unique vantage point of the whole tablet market. They haven’t released a model yet. Instead of simply outing an iPad alternative right away, they are taking their time and are doing it right. They might have even bought Palm for over a $1 billion dollars just for the spectacular webOS platform with the tablet market in mind.
Android tablets simply aren’t selling well. Mostly because manufacturers seem to think that the platform is well-suited for the job. It’s not. Android makes for a fantastic smartphone experience, but so far I’ve yet to see that translate into an equally as good tablet. Most Marketplace apps do not work, forcing the device to stand on its own with just the OEM-installed applications. The novelty factor wears out very quickly when there are very few new apps to discover. IPad owners can attest to that.
WebOS might be different, though. The interface complete with its sliding cards and unifying goal should be up to the task. WebOS even does web browsing slightly better than Android. But more importantly, HP now owns Palm and webOS meaning the can shift huge resources into developing stellar apps.
However, a webOS Slate will still have the app problem that Android has right now. Unless HP pulls an Apple and hosts a webOS development event before the Slate launches. HP needs to remind devs why they should support webOS after it so publicly failed the first time around.
This is where the Windows 7 fans will chime in and loudly proclaim that a Windows tablet wouldn’t have these issues. A Windows tablet would be compatible with tens of thousands of applications right at launch. And they are right. However, there are nearly zero Windows programs developed with a touch interface in mind. They are all designed to work with a mouse and keyboard. Even Windows 7’s improved touchscreen support does not make for that pleasing of an experience. No matter what justification you’ve heard, the fact remains that Windows 7 simply wasn’t designed for a small touchscreen.
HP must be pleased with the amount of press the Slate is getting. It’s nearing the type of coverage an Apple product gets before its launch. That’s probably because people are actually looking to HP to build the anti-iPad, but the Slate can’t be the so-called iPad killer. No, it needs to be different from the start and not a clone of anything else currently available. The Slate has the monumental task of stealing some of the iPad’s massive marketshare, but more importantly, force true innovation in the tablet space rather simply following Apple’s lead.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The iPad Alternatives — The ‘Where Are They Now’ Edition
The iPad is the king of tablets and might hold that title for years to come. However, there are a ton of alternatives that we’ve featured over the last few months, mostly in these two posts (1 & 2) detailing the top 14. But since I ran those posts, a lot has changed and while some managed to make it to the market, others were delayed or scrapped entirely.It’s sad, really. While the iPad caters to the masses with the Luddite-approved iOS, others crave much more usability and none of the tablets announced that claim to fulfills these needs have been released yet. Click through to see what I mean.
What follows is the tablets listed in the original order, complete with availability updates.
ModBook
Currently available and selling for $1849. This tablet is for those that want OS X in tablet form. Axiotron starts with a previous generation Macbook and converts it into tablet form, complete with a stellar Wacom Penabled digitizer. This is the closest thing to a pure Mac tablet available and has actually been available complete with USB ports since 2007.
Viliv X70
The Viliv X70 has been on the market for over a year now and is still a great full-feature Windows XP tablet. The 7-inch tablet packs an Atom CPU, GPS, 3G modem and 32GB SSD. However, it comes with Windows XP, which isn’t exactly made for a touch interface. Even Windows 7 isn’t that great on it. Trust me, I know. I use one every day — but with a wireless mouse and the windshield mount inverted so it stands up on my desk. Hopefully Viliv is working on a refresh that adds a multitouch touchscreen and updated hardware because I love this tablet.
Archos 9 PC tablet
The Archos 9 looks like a great kit on paper, but reviews clearly state that it’s anything but. The hardware simply cannot run Windows 7 efficiently and therefore provides a poor user experience. It looks great, but neither CNET or Wired enjoyed using it.
Viliv S10 Blade
This convertible tablet launched a couple of months back. It brings to the party a 10-inch multitouch screen, 3G modem, swivel design, and Windows 7. Too bad I found the manufacturing shoddy and performance sub-par. Pass.
Notion Ink Adam
It’s not hard to fall in love with the Adam. It has a Pixel Qi screen and an almost anti-iPad design. But Notion Ink missed the June target and now there are reports that they won’t hit the November deadline either — although there are also reports to the contrary. All I can say for sure is that the Adam isn’t shipping yet and that makes me sad.
HP Slate
For what it’s worth, the Slate was supposed to be the first real Windows tablet. But then HP reportable killed the project. It was a sad day everywhere for the dozens of people that for some reason want a full desktop OS on an underpowered tablet. HP later bought Palm and apparently shifted the Slate towards webOS — a truly spectacular OS previously hampered by only Palm’s crappy hardware. The HP Slate is currently MIA, but when it finally appears, it will certainly make a run for the title of the 2nd most popular tablet on earth.
Dell Streak
Dell hadn’t came clean with its full Streak strategy when I published the first iPad alternative list. It was later leaked that there’s going to be at least three different sizes of the Streak, but so far only the 5-inch has hit the market. Currently it’s only available in the UK, but it’s set to hit the states later this summer. Think the EVO 4G is big? This thing looms over it.
Spring Design Alex ebook reader
The Alex looked like it had so much potential. The design one-ups the Nook with the same sort of e-ink screen up top with a 3.5-inch LCD on the bottom. Android even powers the device. But then you use it and discover Android really isn’t all that great for this sort of task. At least it’s not great in the implementation. It’s slow, unresponsive and the form factor is clunky to say it nicely. But it’s available for $399 — or $200 more than the Kindle or Nook.
enTourage eDGe dualbook
Yet another example of a novel design before its time. The low-power hardware combined with Android just doesn’t work well. The form factor is right — even Microsoft was looking at the hinged book design with the Courier — but the eDGe isn’t.
WeTab, previously known as the WePad
*Fingers crossed* The WeTad is supposed to launch this month and while it’s already the 13th, there’s still time for the company to meet their self-imposed deadline. The plan is reportable to soft launch in Europe and then gradually increase while prepping for the US launch. If there’s one tablet that can stand up to the iPad, it’s the WeTab.
Lenovo Skylight Smartbook
Dead. Lenovo killed off this project a few months back and I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s basically a notebook with the same underpowered hardware generally found in a tablet. In other words, it’s a fancy netbook. It was certainly a crowd-pleaser at CES, but there really wouldn’t be that much to set this guy apart in the the retail market.
Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid
Another CES favorite thanks to the clever tablet within a notebook design. First we heard that Lenovo killed the project, but then a report surfaced stating that it might live on as an Android device. Sigh.
ExoPC
The last we heard, the ExoPC is supposed to hit the US, Canada and France on September 7th. If it does eventually hit the market, this could be the tablet for those looking for a full Windows install. Plus it comes with ExoPC’s so far stunning-looking UI layer for when the novelty of using Windows with your fingers wear off.
2010 might be the year of the tablet but so far it’s been all about the iPad, which is actually alright. If nothing else, the iPad set the bar high for future tablets. The hardware might leave people wanting more, but the iPad provides a fantastic user experience and that’s actually the most important trait of a secondary computing device. Just like with the iPod, the iPad might always be the best selling tablet on the market, but that doesn’t say that other tablets will not be successful and loved. I just hope some of the purposed tablets like the Notion Ink Adam, WeTab, and ExoPC actually make it from concept to production. If they eventually hit — this year or next — that’s when the real tablet race will begin.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Affordable Android-Powered iPad-like Tablet Computers Galore
ON 7/11/2010
Price: $147.50
Technical specifications and basic features:* Operating System: Google Android OS 1.5
* Processor: ARM926EH-S rev5
* RAM: 128MB DDR2
* Storage Capacity: 2GB NAND FLASH, support SDHC TF card up to 16GB
* Display: 7-inch TFT LCD widescreen touch display (800*480 pixel resolution)
* Touch Control: Full size touch operation, sliding menu, functional icon dragging, Orientation Sensors w/ accelerometer, automatic steering display screen
* Network: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network connection
* Camera: 1.3-Megapixel
* Slots: Micro SD/TF card slot (support up to 16GB)
* Mini USB port
* Functions: E-Book, Office word processing, Document to go (word, excel, PPT, PDF)
* Software: Google Chrome Lite Browser
* Multiple languages supportedSee the rest of the specs and features HERE
Android-powered iPad-like Tablet Computer #2
Price: $132.96
Technical specifications and basic features:* Operating System: Google Android OS 1.6
* Processor: 800MHz (Actual 533MHz)
* RAM: 128MB DDR2
* Storage Capacity: 2GB NAND FLASH, support SDHC TF card up to 16GB
* Display: 8-inch TFT LCD widescreen touch display (800*600 pixel resolution)
* Touch Control: Full size touch operation, sliding menu, functional icon dragging, Orientation Sensors w/ accelerometer, automatic steering display screen
* Network: 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi network connection
* Slots: Micro SD/TF card slot (support up to 16GB)
* USB port
* Software: Google Chrome Lite Browser, UCWEB Browser; Mainstream web mail service, Gmail, Yahoo mail, Hotmail, Sina mail, 163 mail, Fring, * Skype, QQ, MSN, SKYPE, GTALK
* Multiple languages supportedSee the rest of the specs and features HERE
Android-powered iPad-like Tablet Computer #3
Price: $107.70
Technical specifications and basic features:* Operating System: Google Android OS 1.6
* Processor: VIA WM8505 ARM926
* RAM: 256MB DDR2
* Storage Capacity: 2GB NAND FLASH, support SDHC TF card up to 16GB
* Display: 7-inch TFT LCD wide screen touch display (800*480 pixel resolution)
* Touch Control: Full size touch operation, sliding menu, functional icon dragging, Orientation Sensors w/ accelerometer, automatic steering display screen
* Network: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, RJ45, 10/100Mbps
* Camera: 1.3-Megapixel
* Slots: Micro SD/TF card slot (support up to 16GB)
* USB port
* Software: Google Chrome Lite Browser
* Multiple languages supportedSee the rest of the specs and features HERE
Android-powered iPad-like Tablet Computer #4
Price: $99.30
Technical specifications and basic features:* Operating System: Google Android OS 1.6
* Processor: ARM926EJ-S rev5
* RAM: 128MB DDR2
* External memory: Support micro SD card up to 16GB
* Display: 7-inch TFT LCD wide screen touch display 800*480-pixel resolution
* Touch Control: Full size touch operation, sliding menu, functional icon dragging, Orientation Sensors w/ accelerometer, automatic steering display screen
* Network: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, RJ45, 10/100Mbps
* Microphone
* Speaker
* TF card (support up to 16G)
* Multiple languages supportedSee the rest of the specs and features HERE
Friday, July 2, 2010
3 lessons HP hopefully learned from the iPad
The HP webOS Slate is one-step closer to the market now that HP officially owns Palm. It has a real chance to be the iPad-alternative of choice when it launches later this year. Hopefully HP engineers and designers have been taking notes about the iPad from the beginning because even though the iPad is selling like Girl Scout cookies, it’s far from perfect.
The Apple branding alone is part of the successful launch, but HP is, well, HP and a major player in the consumer market with deeper distribution channels than even Apple. If any one company can stand up to Apple in the tablet space, it’s HP — but only if they take advantage of learning from Apple’s mistakes and success.
People want connectivity
One of the main initial complaints about the iPad — even before it was available — was the lack of connectivity options. Where’s the USB and SD card slot? It’s not there. Instead Apple opted for just its proprietary Dock Connector and now offers add-on adapters for USB and SD card slots.
That severely limits the capability of the device. Of course, Apple went this way for a couple of reason, mainly to justify the tiered storage scheme and to market the iPad as more of a big cell phone than a small computer.
That’s fine for Apple, but HP has the opportunity to think bigger. Photographers for one would love the ability to use a tablet device for viewing their pics in the field. Notebooks can be so cumbersome and all photographers need is an SD card slot and a decent photo viewing app.
An SD card slot or USB port also allows users to easily expand the storage of the device — something Apple didn’t want. 16GB SD cards and thumbnail flash drives are perfect for this job and would allow HP to release just one slate model rather than having a tiered product structure. Simplicity is good in the consumer market.
It’s more about the user experience than the hardware
Apple doesn’t advertise the iPad’s hardware. None of the ads talk about RAM or CPU speed. Even the product pages on Apple.com are void of anything relating to the hardware. It doesn’t matter.
Apple instead talks about the iPad’s capabilities like it does with the iPhone. The iPad is more computer than portable device, but Apple doesn’t treat it as such. HP needs to do the same with the webOS Slate.
Show off the interface. Talk about the apps. Explain what makes the Slate stand out. But the battery life is the only hardware related spec that should be discussed. The Slate’s hype will slow down the very minute HP starts talking up GPU or screen resolution.
ebooks and digital content are key
The dirty secret about the iPad is that many people don’t actually read ebooks on it. Oh sure, they might buy one or two off iBooks or the Kindle Store, but it’s just a novelty for a lot of users. Those same users enjoy feeling sophisticated and up-scaling because they have access to ebooks. People even justify purchasing the iPad on ebooks alone so HP must make ebooks a core part of the webOS Slate.
Honestly, there doesn’t have to be an HP-branded ebook store. HP would be better off to simply build-in either the Kindle or Nook app (or both) and then advertise the capabilities. Both Amazon and B&N are in the ebook game for the platform and not their dedicated reading device anyway.
Then there’s digital content. Go to Apple’s iPad feature page. What’s the top image? An iPad showing the New York Times. Once again, a subtle but effective display showing that if you own an iPad, you’ll read the NYT and therefore join high society.
Other ads feature Wired’s digital magazine and just recently, TIME showed off their new mag, too. These major publications will then in turn advertise the shiny new apps to their large subscriber base who will then become slightly more interested in the iPad. Everyone is a winner.
Hopefully HP can capitalize on webOS and convince these publishers that they need to be on their device as well. WebOS can turn out just as pretty of apps as iOS so HP should be able to ink at least a few major publishers right away.
The HP webOS Slate can be a legitimate runner-up in the tablet race. It’s an awesome OS and a major manufacturer behind it. All it needs now is the right marketing and a bit of luck. Well, actually, maybe a lot of luck.
Cisco Cius Android Tablet Unveiled, Loaded with Business-friendly Features
The table computer trend continues with the announcement of Cisco's Cius Android-powered tablet. The device is targeted at business users providing them access to a wide range of Cisco mobile communication and collaboration tools that include HD video streaming, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging, web browsing, and creating, editing and sharing content or files stored locally and in the cloud.
We have quite a few information regarding the features and hardware specifications of the Cius, but here are some of the things that the device will offer according to the product press release:
* 7-inch high-resolution widescreen super VGA touch-screen display
* Front-mounted 720p HD camera (30fps video)
* 5-megapixel rear facing camera that can transmit streaming VGA quality video and capture still images
* Dual noise-cancelling microphones for audio conferencing
* Weighing in at 1.15lbs (0.52kg)
* On-board accelerometer
* Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G (will be available at a later date) services.
* Bluetooth and Micro-USB port.
* Detachable battery that can last up to 8 hours of normal usage
* Optional HD audio station equipped with a telephone handset speakerphone, HD DisplayPort and USB ports
* Integrates with Cisco business applications
f watching the video above made you want to buy a Cius, you may have to wait until the first quarter of 2011 when it will be released to consumers. Also, there's no info regarding the price as of this time so don't get too excited.
The new portable device from Cisco may not look like a potential iPad-killer but it is good to know that there is an existing Linux tablet that is primarily made for business, and that is Cius.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
CM1: Toshiba brings Intel’s Classmate tablet PC to Japan
It took a lot of time, but Toshiba is now ready to bring the Classmate tablet PC it created together with Intel to the Japanese market. Rebranded as “CM1″ [press release in English], the goal is to go after the nation’s educational sector. Both companies involved also announced they will launch initiatives to “foster ICT environments in schools” in order to boost IT literacy among Japanese schoolkids.
Spec-wise, the CM1 offers the following:
- 10.1-inch LCD touchscreen with 1,366×768 resolution and LED backlight
- Intel Atom N450 CPU (1.66 GHz)
- NM10 Express chipset
- 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
- 2 USB ports
- web cam, stereo speakers and microphone built-in
- stylus support
- Windows 7 Professional 32bit as the OS
Sized at 268×216×35.6〜57mm, the CM1 weighs about 1.8kg.
Toshiba plans to start marketing the tablet with an open price model in early August.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Cisco announces the 7-inch Cius Android Tablet
Cisco is in the business of sending bits from one place to the next. Therefore, anything that will allow them to play to their strengths, namely data access, is important. That’s why they bought Flip and that’s why they just announced this odd business tablet.
It’s basically an HD tablet running Android with full video conferencing and email and media access. Obviously there’s no price and they’ll be shipping in 2011, if they ever ship.
This is definitely not a consumer-facing product. It will be part of their Communications package that they sell to business users. My thinking is this won’t ship at all, but that’s just a hunch. Perhaps they’ll farm out the manufacture to an OEM for mass production, but don’t expect it in your local Best Buy.
802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G/4G data and Bluetooth 3.0 help employees stay connected on and off-campus
HD video (720p) with Cisco TelePresence solution interoperability for lifelike video communication with the simplicity of a phone call
Virtual desktop client enables highly secure access to cloud-based business applications
Android operating system, with access Android marketplace applications
Collaboration applications including Cisco Quad, Cisco Show and Share, WebEx, Presence, and IM
Tablet Highlights:
7” diagonal, high-resolution color screen with contact-based touch targets delivers an elegant, intuitive experience
HD Soundstation supports Bluetooth and USB peripherals, 10/100/1000 wired connectivity and a handset option
Detachable and serviceable 8-hour battery for a full day of work
Highly secure remote connections with Cisco AnyConnect Security VPN Client
HD audio with wideband support (tablet, HD Soundstation)Cisco Simplifies Mobile Collaboration With First-of-Its-Kind HD Video-Capable Business Tablet
New Android-Based Computing Device Uses Cisco Collaboration Architecture and Virtual Desktop Integration to Deliver Mobile Computing, Collaboration and Communication ServicesLAS VEGAS, NV, Jun 29, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Cisco (CSCO 21.56, -0.86, -3.83%) today unveiled Cisco Cius, a first-of-its-kind mobile collaboration business tablet that delivers virtual desktop integration with anywhere, anytime access to the full range of Cisco collaboration and communication applications, including HD video.
Cisco Cius is an ultra-portable device weighing just 1.15lbs (0.52kg) that extends the productivity benefits of Cisco collaboration applications to a highly secure mobile platform. In addition to full telepresence interoperability, Cisco Cius offers HD video streaming and real-time video, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging, browsing, and the ability to produce, edit and share content stored locally or centrally in the cloud.
Based on the Android operating system, Cisco Cius is an open platform for communication and collaboration whose form factor and applications are designed to more securely connect employees on-the-go with the right people in real-time, and to provide those workers with the ability to access and share the content they need from any place on the network.
Cisco Cius offers IT professionals new options when it comes to equipping mobile workers with computing devices. Through virtual desktop integration, Cisco Cius offers flexible computing options with cloud-based services, providing dramatically lower capital costs and cost-per-user for desktop maintenance.
Businesses can also tap into the growing Android developer community that is building business-class productivity applications with appropriate IT controls. The combination of applications and flexible computing options provides a compelling alternative to today’s PC-on-every-desktop paradigm.
ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Product Features
– The Cisco Cius is a lightweight portable business computing tablet
offered with an optional HD audio station equipped with a telephone
handset speakerphone, HD DisplayPort and USB ports.– The Cisco Cius tablet features a front-mounted 720p HD camera which
refreshes at up to 30 frames per second; a seven inch, high-resolution
widescreen super VGA touch-target display for real-time and streamed
video, and single-button TelePresence interoperability that can be
utilized either when the tablet is docked, or being used remotely via
Wi-Fi.– The tablet has a 5-megapixel rear facing camera that can transmit
streaming VGA quality video and capture still images, and dual
noise-cancelling microphones for audio conferencing.– Cisco Cius features an eloquent contacts-driven user experience,
designed to enable users to quickly reach their important contacts.– An on-board accelerometer readily orients applications for viewing in
portrait or landscape modes as users rotate the device to their
preferred viewing orientation.– Cisco Cius supports 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi for enterprise campus
mobility and 3G cellular services when off-campus. 4G services will be
available at a later date. Bluetooth and Micro-USB means users can
work untethered and share data with a PC.– A detachable and serviceable battery offers eight hours of life under
normal usage.Integration with Business Applications
– Cisco Cius provides support for the comprehensive suite of Cisco
collaboration applications including Cisco Quad, Cisco Show and Share,
Cisco WebEx Connect, Cisco WebEx Meeting Center, Cisco Presence, and
interoperability with Cisco TelePresence.– Cisco Cius is supported by Cisco Unified Communications Manager and is
easily integrated into existing Cisco customer environments.– Cisco Cius helps ensure a more secure mobile collaboration experience
by leveraging Cisco AnyConnect VPN Security, part of the Cisco
Borderless Networks architecture.– Virtual desktop integration provides IT organizations with the ability
to host software applications securely in the data center and to
utilize the Cisco network to deliver those applications ‘as-a-service’
anytime, anywhere. Cisco Cius thereby supports data center
consolidation and reduced software licensing costs.– Cisco Cius offers businesses the ability to take advantage of the
ever-expanding ecosystem of cost-effective, third-party applications,
supported by the Android operating system, while controlling user
access policy.– Cisco will help expand Android developed applications for business by
offering Cisco Collaboration Application Protocol Interfaces (APIs) to
developers through a Software Developer’s Kit (SDK).Availability
– Customer trials of Cisco Cius will begin in the third quarter of
calendar year 2010, with general availability in the first quarter of
calendar year 2011.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Libretto W100: Toshiba shows double touchscreen tablet (video)
What’s better than a tablet with one touchscreen? A tablet with two touchscreens. That’s at least what Toshiba must have thought when they cooked up the Libretto W100 with its dual 7-inch multi-touch displays (1,024×600 resolution and LED backlighting for both). There’s no physical keyboard, but you’ll get a virtual one with haptic response.
Pitched as the “world’s first dual touch-screen Windows mini-notebook PC”, the device is sized at just 202×123×25.4mm and weighs 699g (battery included). It can be used both horizontally and vertically (thanks to the built-in accelerometer, it can be turned into an e-reader – as shown above). The battery life is pretty disappointing though (2 hours with standard battery, 4 hours with high-capacity battery).
Here are the main specs:
- Intel Pentium U5400 CPU (1.20GHz)
- 62GB SSD
- 2GB RAM
- WiMAX
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR5
- Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n4
- MicroSD/SDHC card slot, USB port
- 1MP CMOS web cam
- Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit as the OS
Robert Scoble has made a video of the device (embedded below):
In the American press release (copied and pasted below), Toshiba speaks of a “limited run of the libretto W100″ that will be made available later this summer. In Japan, the device will go on sale at the end of August with a price tag of $1,320.
Update: Make sure to check out netbooked’s awesome hands-on report, too.
Revealed as Part of Toshiba’s 25th Anniversary of Laptop Innovation Milestone, libretto W100 Demonstrates Next-Gen Ultra-Mobile PC Design With Full Windows 7 Functionality
IRVINE, Calif. – June 21, 2010 – Embodying a quarter-century of innovation, Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the libretto® W100, a next-gen ultra-mobile concept PC. This limited-edition 25th Anniversary device goes beyond slates, netbooks and smartphones to deliver something more: a full Windows® 7 experience that can be enjoyed across two multi-touch touch screens.
“The libretto W100 continues the libretto brand’s heritage of defying convention by packaging a full Windows computing experience into highly compact ultra-mobile form factor,” said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “This concept PC sets the pace for Toshiba’s continued commitment to innovation, demonstrating what’s possible in the next generation of ultra-mobile PCs.
“We will issue a limited run of the libretto W100,” continued Pinto. “We design our products around the way people actually want to use them, so getting this concept PC out into the hands of early technology adopters will allow us to gather invaluable feedback that we can filter into future product developments.”
Optimized for Versatility, Performance and Convenience
The libretto W100 is powered by Windows 7 Home Premium and comes equipped with an Intel® Pentium® processor1, 2GB of fast DDR3 memory2 and a 62GB solid state drive3 – plenty of horsepower for enjoying rich Internet and multimedia content. With the libretto W100, users can take advantage of all the Windows applications they commonly use, including productivity apps like Microsoft Office and video chat like Skype™. Built-in connectivity features, including 802.11b/g/n4 and Bluetooth®5 give users the flexibility to connect from any hotspot or pair the device with their favorite wireless accessories, such as a mouse, headphones and more.
Innovative Design for Multi-tasking on the Go
With an ultra-portable weight of just 1.8 pounds6, the libretto W100 is designed to deliver a rich Internet experience, multimedia playback and the freedom to multi-task – just like a standard laptop – but with the advantage of two seven-inch diagonal touch screens7 to work, watch and play on. The multi-touch screens can work independently or together, giving users the flexibility to decide how they want to use them. Surf the Web on one screen while checking e-mail on the other, view two documents simultaneously or view a webpage across both screens. A built-in 3D accelerometer allows the libretto W100 to rotate into portrait or landscape modes, making the device look and feel more like a book, newspaper or magazine.
Designed for portability, the libretto W100 features a compact and durable clamshell design with a brushed metallic finish. The traditional clamshell design allows the device to fold up for easier portability, while protecting the screens from breaks and scratches. Measuring a mere 4.84 inches by 7.95 inches when closed, the device fits easily into almost any bag or jacket pocket.
“Since producing the first Intel 286-based clamshell laptop 25 years ago, Toshiba has continued to take a leadership role in bringing new mobile computing technologies to market,” said Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies. “This new libretto is yet another showcase of the company’s technological laptop prowess – they have their minds on the future and a unique, creative view on delivering innovations and form factors that provide a full computing experience in very small packages.”
Simplified Navigation with Premium Toshiba Apps
The libretto W100 features six virtual keyboard modes plus a virtual touchpad. The keyboards feature haptic technology, providing sensory feedback when the keys are selected, making typing fast, accurate and easy. Keyboard modes include simple, full, numeric 10-key and split thumb mode keyboard styles, providing users with options to fit their own personal style or task.
To make navigation as easy as possible, the libretto W100 includes several premium Toshiba apps that enhance the computing experience.
- Toshiba Bulletin Board gives users greater personalization of their desktops with fast access to daily activities, tasks and projects, plus the ability to drag and drop photos, videos, links, documents and application shortcuts into one place.
- Toshiba ReelTime™ helps users easily find files based on when they were opened with a simple visual history. With the flick of a finger, quickly scroll through automatically generated previews of documents, photos, videos and more, filter by file type or use the calendar to go back weeks or months.
- File Browser makes it easier to access file folders and applications.
Quick access to the apps and keyboards are easily accessible via on-screen icons.
Features available on the Toshiba libretto W100 include:
- Dual 7.0-inch diagonal multi-touch displays7 (1024 x 600)
- 6-mode virtual keyboard with haptic response
- Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system
- Intel® Pentium® U5400 processor1 (1.2GHz)
- 2GB DDR3 memory2
- 62GB Solid State Drive3
- 1.0 megapixel HD Webcam with Toshiba Face Recognition
- 802.11 b/g/n wireless4
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR5
- MicroSD card slot
- One USB 2.0 port
- TOSHIBA Bulletin Board, ReelTime™ and PC Health Monitor software
- 8-cell battery
- 7.95″ (W) x 4.84″(D) x 1.2″(H)
- 1.8 lbs.6
Availability
A limited number of the libretto W100 concept PC will be available for purchase later this summer from select retailers and direct from Toshiba at toshibadirect.com.
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