HP Compaq 2133 gets Windows XP option

If, for some unfathomable reason, you have serious issues with Vista and hate to have to learn Linux, then you'll be glad to hear that Windows XP versions of the HP Compaq 2133 Mini-Note may be coming in mid-May.

This is very welcome news. Not everyone is willing or able to use the open-source Linux environment, while others do not like the resource-intensive Vista hogging the HP 2133's already limited resources. No news on whether the Windows XP version will be cheaper than its Vista equivalent, but we'll keep you posted once we get confirmation from HP.

Via Laptopmag

Apple plugs security holes in Safari on Mac, PC

Apple released an update to the Safari browser that plugs security holes on Macintosh and Windows machines.

Safari 3.1.1 fixes two Safari vulnerabilities that affect Windows XP or Vista and two WebKit vulnerabilities that affect Mac OS and Mac OS X Server versions 10.4.11 and 10.5.2, as well as Windows XP or Vista.

One of the two WebKit vulnerabilities could put computer users at risk of a cross-site scripting attack that can inject malicious code onto a victim's computer. The vulnerability was discovered during the PWN to OWN contest at CanSecWest last month by Dan Charlie Miller, Jake Honoroff, and Mark Daniel of Independent Security Evaluators.

The other WebKit vulnerability could lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. Apple credited Robert Swiecki of the Google Security Team and David Bloom for reporting this issue.

The remaining two vulnerabilities, which affect only Windows XP or Vista, could lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution, or control the contents of the address bar and spoof the contents of a legitimate site.

The Windows version of Safari 3.1.1 can be downloaded from CNET's Download.com here and the Mac version here.

Via CNET News.com

Dell Vostro range gets a kid brother and big uncle

With its Inspiron and XPS serving home consumers while the Latitude lineup targets enterprise users, the Dell Vostro range was probably one of the first to hit small and medium businesses (SMBs). Created as a no-frills machine for the office, Vostro laptops allow SMBs to quickly equip a mobile workforce without having to take out a second loan.

But with low cost comes few choices. Currently, there are only 14.1-inch and 15.4-inch models available. However, Dell has announced in the US that a more portable 13.3-inch variant, dubbed the Vostro 1310, will be available come May. The 15.4-inch Vostro 1500 will be refreshed with the 1510, while a new 17-inch Vostro 1710 will also be released at around the same time.

We're still waiting for Dell to confirm the availability of these new models in the Asia-Pacific arena, but suffice to say small businesses will soon be getting more choices with which to equip their workforce.

The laptop case that's all strap, no bag

Are you one of those people who always holds up the security line at the airport, struggling to get your laptop out of its case? (Or like us, do you cast dirty looks at those people, while cooling your heels in line behind them?)

The LapStrap is an idea that's either pure genius or the most ridiculous thing we've ever seen. It's a padded nylon shoulder strap, like the kind found on most laptop cases, that attaches directly to your laptop. The company's pitch is, "Security lines... made easy!"

The bottom part of the strap sits along the inside hinge between the keyboard and monitor, letting you carry the laptop as if it were in a shoulder bag. We're not fond of exposing our delicate laptop to the harsh conditions of a busy city without a nicely padded case, but if you're an aesthetic minimalist, or need to access your laptop frequently and/or quickly, it might be worth a look. On the other hand--since the TSA has a hard time recognizing the MacBook Air as a legit laptop, we can only imagine how they'd react to this contraption.

The LapStrap is available now, in adult and children's sizes, for US$24.95.

Via Crave CNET | Picture credit: thelapstrap.com

Willcom D4 UMPC impresses

This is another one of those Japan-only products which we can only dream of having. Willcom, an operator there, has just launched the Sharp-made D4, a UMPC based on the recently launched Intel Atom CPU.

Aside from having cellular capabilities, the D4 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, too. Its 1024 x 600 screen resolution means you can view most Web pages without having to scroll horizontally, unlike the 800 x 480 HTC Shift, the product which most resembles the Willcom in our region. It's even lighter than the Shift, at just 470g. Considering it has almost all the same features including a slide-out keyboard, that's quite a feat.

This device will be available in Japan from June and is not coming to a store near you. Not unless Sharp sees the unquenchable lust of a million gadget geeks and mercifully decides to make one for the rest of the world as well.

Via Akihabara News

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