Archives for February 2006
Origami rumors unfold
Michelle Meyers | Feb 27, 2006
Like Slashdot and other blogs and online forums, we, too, are getting tips about a new Microsoft concept gadget codenamed "Origami" that we understand is sort of a "Mini Me" PC.
We're unable to confirm much right now, other than that National Semiconductor several years ago built a prototype device called Origami. But we are unaware as of yet if there's any connection between the two.
A very cryptic Origami site only tells us more information about the product will be unveiled on March 2.
For now anyway, NetworkWorld's Paul McNamara seems to have the best insight; he cites an industry source who has reportedly seen Origami and calls it an ultraportable lifestyle PC.
An Engadget blog from earlier this month quoted a Microsoft mobile platform division executive calling the device "wearable, always on, no larger than 10 inches, connected through 3G networks, pen-based" and that it would sell for US$500 (S$811.85) or less.
Other speculation and insight are offered at Design Tastes Good, Thatedeguy and Robert Scoble, among several sites.
Rumor alert: Sony Ericsson K800i
Reuben Lee | Feb 27, 2006
Recent pictures of a Sony Ericsson phone posted on a German blog site have further added fuel to rumors that the Japanese-Swedish mobile company may be unveiling a K800i handset at its launch Tuesday. According to the specifications provided on several enthusiast sites, the supposed K800i phone, codenamed "Wilma", will come with a 3.2-megapixel camera and sport a slide-down lens cover similar to the Cyber-shot T-series digicams.
Other key highlights of the phone are rumored to be a 2-inch QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) screen, FM tuner, 3G and Memory Stick Micro slot. Camera features such as 16x digital zoom, red-eye reduction and image stabilizer are said to be onboard the phone.
Rumors also have it that Sony Ericsson will unveil a new Walkman handset, the W530, at the same time as the K800i. This clamshell unit is said to come with a Memory Stick Micro slot for memory expansion and dedicated music playback buttons.
We have not been able to get any official confirmations from Sony Ericsson. Watch this space for when the launch details come through.
Motorized Pool Lounger
Juniper Foo | Feb 27, 2006
Captain Nemo ahoy! If floating round on a pool lounger isn't the ultimate in lazy relaxation, now there's a motorized version out there so you don't even have to paddle yourself to the edge to grab that tall icy drink. Besides the requisite cup holder, this little floating hammock-turned-pool cruiser is capable of dual independent power and directional control. Great for pool parties, though needless to say, there shouldn't be too much vigorous lap dancing on this floater.
See front view | side view | in use
Via Uncrate
Price: US$149.95
Availability: Excalibur Electronics store
Device: Pool lounger
Basic specs: Two motors, joysticks, independent propellers, built-in cup holder, 0.35 mm PVC construction, requires 12 x 1.5 volt D-Cell batteries, supports up to 115kg
Lenovo takes off IBM mask
Rich Brown | Feb 24, 2006
Lenovo smartly hung on to the ThinkCentre and ThinkPad desktop and notebook brands when it bought IBM, but the China-based company didn't buy IBM's computer business eight months ago just to maintain the status quo. Where the ThinkCentre and ThinkPad brands have a hold on the corporate market, Lenovo's new 3000-series notebooks and desktops aim to infiltrate the small-business segment with budget configurations and price tags. You won't find fancy dual-core CPUs, wide-screen LCDs or other high-end features in these systems.
The C100 notebook ranges from US$599 (S$973.14) to US$999 (S$1,622.98), which will get you a 15-inch standard-aspect screen in a 2.81kg system that ranges from old Celeron M to Pentium M CPUs and a modest array of other features. The J100 and J105 desktops (Intel- and AMD-based, respectively) come in fixed configurations, cost from US$349 (S$566.99) to US$799 (S$1,298.06) (without monitor) and have CPUs ranging from AMD Sempron and Intel Celeron D to low-end AMD Athlon 64 and Pentium 4 chips. All systems come with a set of security and reliability tools in a package called Lenovo Cares. They're also all designed to evoke the image of their ThinkCentre and ThinkPad forebears but with a decidely less corporate edge to them.
Read more
Lenovo takes off IBM mask
Rich Brown | Feb 24, 2006
Lenovo smartly hung on to the ThinkCentre and ThinkPad desktop and notebook brands when it bought IBM, but the China-based company didn't buy IBM's computer business eight months ago just to maintain the status quo. Where the ThinkCentre and ThinkPad brands have a hold on the corporate market, Lenovo's new 3000-series notebooks and desktops aim to infiltrate the small-business segment with budget configurations and price tags. You won't find fancy dual-core CPUs, wide-screen LCDs or other high-end features in these systems.
The C100 notebook ranges from US$599 (S$973.14) to US$999 (S$1,622.98), which will get you a 15-inch standard-aspect screen in a 2.81kg system that ranges from old Celeron M to Pentium M CPUs and a modest array of other features. The J100 and J105 desktops (Intel- and AMD-based, respectively) come in fixed configurations, cost from US$349 (S$566.99) to US$799 (S$1,298.06) (without monitor) and have CPUs ranging from AMD Sempron and Intel Celeron D to low-end AMD Athlon 64 and Pentium 4 chips. All systems come with a set of security and reliability tools in a package called Lenovo Cares. They're also all designed to evoke the image of their ThinkCentre and ThinkPad forebears but with a decidely less corporate edge to them.
Read more
Crave is...
The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.
Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.
Crave for...
» Mobile Phones (569)
» Digital Cameras (353)
» Notebooks (362)
» PC & Peripherals (370)
» Handhelds (211)
» Printers (35)
» Home AV (388)
» Music & Play (354)
» Gadgets (838)
» Future Tech (123)
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
Copyright © 2008 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
