Posts in Notebooks
Intel convertible Classmate PC unveiled
Darius Chang | Dec 17, 2008
(Credit: Laptopmag.com)
It seems like the hot news next year will be low-cost laptops getting into the touchscreen business. Intel's Classmate PC lineup started with the intention of putting cheap notebooks into the hands of students. The latest iteration of this concept is to turn it into a convertible tablet PC, while still remaining affordable.
Tablet PCs have remained in a niche market due to its additional premium. Moreover, most consumers have no need for a touchscreen display. However, one area in which this category has had some success is in the education field. It replicates the ease of use traditional pen and paper, while allowing every scrap or drawing to be archived digitally.
Laptopmag had a hands-on with a prototype of the upcoming Convertible Classmate PC and its comments were generally favorable. But will this machine revolutionalize the classroom? At the end of the day, it comes down to pricing.
Via Laptopmag
Analyst predicts Apple will unveil Netbook
Tom Krazit | Dec 17, 2008
Macworld might bring a new Mac Netbook smaller and lighter than the MacBook Air, according to one analyst.
(Credit: CNET)
Macworld Rumor Week is now in full swing.
Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research anted up with a research note predicting, but not reporting, that Apple will announce a low-cost "Netbook" style Mac in January at Macworld. He told Computerworld, "I don't have any inside information" but nonetheless believes that Apple will release a small low-cost laptop to get in on the Netbook craze and satisfy those calling for a cheaper Mac.
The Apple-doing-a-Netbook rumor has been around for several months, despite Apple's attempts to push it back down. As recently as October, CEO Steve Jobs trotted out the old line about how Apple doesn't know how to make a cheap computer "that isn't a piece of junk", and said Apple was watching the Netbook market but didn't really think at this point, there was any there there.
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3D desktop revealed in Apple patent filing
Tom Krazit | Dec 12, 2008
Future Mac OS X desktops could be presented in three dimensions. (Credit: U.S. PTO via MacRumors)
Are you ready for a 3D desktop?
Apple is working on such a project, according to patent filings unearthed by MacRumors this week. The "multidimensional desktop" applications suggest that Apple wants to take familiar parts of the Mac OS X desktop--such as the dock--and add depth, allowing you to stack documents or folders behind application icons on the "floor" of your desktop.
The idea of a 3D desktop is not new, but neither is it something that people are using in large numbers. When it comes to patent applications there's always a distinct chance that the technology never actually makes it into a product; still, it's always interesting to see what companies are working up in the labs.
Via CNET Crave
MSI says which way Wind is blowing
Matthew Elliott | Dec 11, 2008
The Wind U120 will hit at the end of January.
(Credit: MSI)
The previously announced Wind U120 will ship in the US at the end of January. As we learned last month, the U120 will feature the same specs as the U100 but introduce a new design along with WiMAX and mobile broadband connectivity. MSI's Director of US Sales Andy Tung said about the U120, "the price will be about the same as the U100, but the 3G/WiMax may raise the overall price." MSI will continue to sell the U100 but its aim will be "kids and teenagers."
MSI will also release two new Netbooks in late January, the Wind U110 and U115, that will forgo the Intel Atom N270 CPU in favor of the Atom Z530 chip. Both chips feature the same 1.6GHz clock speed, but the Z530 is physically smaller and more efficient. The U100 and U115 models will feature 10-inch screens, which MSI believes is the sweet spot for Netbooks. (I would agree. Anything smaller and I'd rather use a smart phone. Anything bigger, and I'd probably spend a bit more for a more fully functional ultraportable or thin-and-light laptop.)
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Apple stabilizes new Mac notebooks
Tom Krazit, | Dec 11, 2008
Apple has released stabilizing updates for its new MacBook, shown here, as well as other systems introduced in October. (Credit: Apple)
Apple has released several new firmware updates aimed at solving problems with its latest batch of notebooks.
Updates are available for all three Mac notebooks released in October: The new MacBook Pro, MacBook, and MacBook Air. In usual fashion, Apple didn't provide a whole lot of detail about the issues that are corrected by the EFI firmware updates, other than to note that they "improve the stability" of those new systems.
The company also released firmware updates for the SMC (system management controller) chip inside Mac notebooks, which helps regulate power consumption among other things. Those updates "improve the sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights" on the new MacBook Pro and MacBook. The SMC update for the MacBook Air tackles just the MagSafe issues.
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