Posts in Notebooks
Intel's next Atom CPU might be going dual-core
Dan Ackerman | May 28, 2008
With Intel's new low-power Atom CPU for Netbook-style laptops (and other ultraportable devices) just starting to see the light of day, industry watchers are already pointing to that chip's successor. According to rumors first reported on the Web site Fudzilla, "Intel plans to launch its first dual-core Atom-based CPU in Q3....The new dual-core Atom will end up branded as the Atom 330, and just as the single-core Atom 230, the dual-core CPU will end up at 1.6GHz... It has 1MB cache memory, which is twice as much as the single-core Atom 230".
That's good news for fans of small portable systems such as the ASUS Eee PC or even UMPCs like the Samsung Q1 Ultra--these devices are hampered by single-core CPUs, and the first generation of Atom CPUs are expected to do more for power consumption than performance.
Of course, this doesn't precisely match up with this supposedly leaked Ultra-Mobile CPU roadmap from Intel (which calls for a faster 1.8GHz chip with similar specs), but that's why we call 'em rumors.
Via CNET Crave
Wacky dual-screen laptop prototype for sale
Dan Ackerman | May 26, 2008
It features two 13-inch screens, side-by-side, and each screen can pivot around individually, like a convertible tablet. The whole thing looks to be about the size of an HP HDX desktop replacement.
Bidding is up to US$405 right now, but the auction runs until May 29, so there's still plenty of time. Of course, you should note this isn't exactly a system that's ready to run out of the box.
The seller says: "This was a prototype and is missing some parts but does turn on so I have no doubt someone can make this work with the right skills...The keyboard is functional and it does type and you can enter the bios but I have not been able to go past that since I do not have a hard-drive cable (which appears to be a custom cable with 1mm pitch) and I do not have a CD-ROM for the unit. I have tried to getting it to boot of an external USB CD-ROM but it would not detect that."
Via Crave CNET
US checkpoint-friendly laptop bags on the way
Darius Chang | May 23, 2008
Since THE incident, mention US air travel, and snaking lines at security checkpoints instantly jump to mind. Short of asking you to take off your Advanced Mission Extender Device, airline security checks every nook and cranny of your clothes and luggage in an attempt to catch terrorists in the act of something naughty.
If you have ever taken a laptop through US checkpoints, you'll know it's a requirement to remove the portable and power on to prove it's not a bomb. Not exactly a time-consuming act, but multiply that by a few hundred travelers and it might be the difference between getting on your flight or staying another night. A new policy by US Transportation Security Administration will allow specially certified laptop bags to dispense with such a formality.
These cases will not have any material that obstructs or confuses security X-rays, allowing the authorities to determine remotely if your laptop is really a computer. Combine this with TSA-friendly locks and clothes which are entirely non-metallic, and you may actually be able to get seated before the plane takes off.
Via USA Today
Moist towelettes for your phone, body
Josh Lowensohn | May 23, 2008
The kit comes with the standard hand and lens cleaners to clean your hands and glasses. It also throws in some dry, microfiber screen-cleaning wipes. The entire thing is bundled in a TSA-safe package you can throw in your bag or toiletry kit when you're traveling. I gave the wipes a spin on my digital camera and laptop and it made a noticeable difference, although if you've got actual solids on your screen (like latte remnants), you're better off with a wet solution.
The kit runs at about US$10 and is biodegradeable.
Via Crave CNET | Photo credit: Josh Lowensohn, CNET Networks
OLPC spinoff in talks with four laptop makers
Mike Yamamoto | May 23, 2008
The broad influence of the One Laptop Per Child initiative continues to expand its sphere. Not long ago it was unclear whether the PC--originally conceived as a US$100 laptop for
children in developing countries--would ever become a reality after a long series of delays.
Now the XO laptop seems on the verge of becoming a hot item, and all the research that went
into it is leading down divergent paths.
Case in point: Walter Bender, who just left the OLPC initiative to start up its open-source software spinoff, is reportedly in informal discussions to get its Linux operating system on low-cost laptops made by four manufacturers. The nonprofit spinoff, Sugar Laboratories, is having discussions with Pixel Qi and is interesting in pursuing a relationship with Intel, Bender told BetaNews. No other companies were named, though he mentioned Asus on Sugar Labs' Web site last week.
It's only the latest permutation in a long-running saga that has seen infighting, resignations, and other controversy since the project's inception. Last month OLPC founder Nicholas Negroponte said the XO might switch from Linux to Windows XP, but that change remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
Via Crave CNET
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