First seen at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, the mystery handheld Lenovo was showing off now has a name.
The IdeaPad U8 was unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum in Shanghai Tuesday along with a few more tidbits about what it's packing inside. We already learned at CES that it runs Linux, is Web-enabled, has GPS, plays music, and takes photos.
By the name, IdeaPad, we can assume it's a consumer device, since IdeaPad is the name of Lenovo's newest line of consumer-oriented notebooks. We also know now that Intel considers it an MID (mobile Internet device), and it uses Intel's new Atom processor. The IdeaPad U8 also uses a touchscreen display, and will run some Microsoft Office applications.
Check out the video below from UMPC Portal of the U8 in action.
It's still only available in China. Western consumers have largely ignored MIDs like the Samsung Q1 and others, due to a combination of low power, less-than-desirable battery life, and awkward form factor, though the combination Atom processors and Linux could possibly change that if it were to make its way here eventually.
We pulled some strings, cajoled some folks and, as a result, we are able to present to you some early close-up shots of the XPERIA X1. We can imagine the geek envy directed at us, but not to worry, your turn will come a few months down the road.
It's official. The much-anticipated Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 PDA-phone will be running Windows Mobile 6.1. The new operating system is the latest update to Windows Mobile 6, which was announced slightly over a year ago. It features several enhancements including easier setup for users, an improved Internet Explorer and Home screen, as well as threaded SMS.
The XPERIA X1 was first unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and has since become one of the most anticipated handset models for 2008. Response to the X1 has so far been quite positive, particularly on its unique yet stylish slide-out keyboard design and plethora of onboard features. This includes a large 3-inch widescreen touch display, HSDPA/HSUPA, Wi-Fi and GPS. It is Sony Ericsson's first Windows Mobile PDA-phone and is expected to be launched in the second-half of 2008.
Left to right: BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry 8800, BlackBerry 9000
Update: RIM has gotten back to us and here's the response: "RIM is unable to comment on rumors and unofficial information sources." That means we'll have to wait for an official announcement before any news of it coming to Asia can be confirmed.
BlackBerry has one product that comes with a 3G radio, the 8707. This was launched more than two years back, and even though many other devices have come from the company since then, none of them have offered 3G or HSDPA. Not only does that mean you are stuck with the 8707 if you roam to Japan, Web surfing can also be quite a pain because of the limited GPRS/EDGE speeds.
This is why rumors of a new 3G-enabled BlackBerry email device have always been rife, and now, Engadget Mobile has gotten its hands on the upcoming BlackBerry 9000, confirming the existence of the HSDPA push-mail handheld.
Aside from having faster data capabilities, the 9000 has an enhanced interface. Icons are on the bottom of the screen and the wallpaper looks a little like the PSP's default screen. This particular model comes with both HSDPA and Wi-Fi, and has a form factor closer to the 8800 in size than the smaller, more consumer-oriented Curve models. We have contacted RIM about this product's availability in Asia and are awaiting a reply.
We already know that some upcoming devices, like the new batch of Asus handhelds, will come with Windows Mobile (WM) 6.1 instead of the current WM6. With the imminent official release of WM6.1, users will probably be interested to find out which devices will come with the incrementally newer OS. We don't have the full list, but some information is trickling in and we have good news for those keen on an MWg device--the upcoming Zinc II will sport WM6.1, while the recently launched Atom V will offer an upgrade.
We got a bit of time with the Zinc II and confirmed the version of the OS (see screen on image above). Users will have to temper their expectations though--the user experience has not changed much from WM6. From early leaked screenshots, the main difference in interface will be seen in WM6 Standard for smart phones, not the touchscreen-enabled handhelds like this one from MWg.
The Zinc II will be commercially launched in Asia starting this quarter. MWg has not committed to any specific date for its upgrade of the Atom V, too, so current users will just have to be patient for now.