Samsung's transforming ultraportable

Resembling those toy Transformers characters more than a notebook, the Samsung SPH-P9000 seeks to make the typing on an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) a revolutionary experience.

Showcased at the Mobile WiMAX Summit 2006 in Paris, the latest UMPC from the Korean chaebol may be a mite thick, but it twists and folds to uncover a full-size keyboard. Though this feature does make typing much easier, observers have commented that the small screen is still a major obstacle for the UMPC to be used as an everyday computing device.

Based on a Transmeta 1GHz processor, the 5-inch portable includes a Bluetooth radio, mini-USB connector and an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera in a 580g package. Potential buyers should note that the ubiquitous Wi-Fi has been replaced with Mobile WiMAX and CDMA EV-DO connectivity, which mean this unit can be used only in certain countries which offer such technologies. It is due to retail in Korea in the first half of 2007, while we await word from Samsung if this mobile will make its way to the rest of the world.

Click here for a larger image of the SPH-P9000

Fujitsu's new tablets

Editors' note : The Stylistic ST5112 and ST5111 tablets have also joined the Core 2 Duo lineup. They are upgrades from the Stylistic ST5032 and ST5031, respectively. The Stylistic ST5112 will be available in stores from late November with a S$4,688 (US$3,447.06) price tag. Fujitsu will announce the prices and availability of the other new units at a later date.

Besides refreshing the Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 to Core 2 Duo, the successor to its mini-tablet LifeBook P1510 gets a total facelift with the P1610.

The LifeBook T4215, an upgrade of the T4210, sports a Core 2 Duo chip in the same chassis as the latter. The LifeBook P1610, on the other hand, has been redesigned and now sports a classy black-and-silver body on a Centrino Core platform. Instead of only a CompactFlash slot in its predecessor, the new model now incorporates a Type II PC Card slot and an SD memory card reader. Utilizing the energy-efficient Core Solo 1.2GHz chip, it even offers biometric security in the form of a fingerprint sensor. The standard three-cell battery is said to last only 3.5 hours, but an extended six-cell option bumps it up to twice as long.

These models are due to enter the Asia-Pacific market soon, though at the time of going to press, Fujitsu has been unable to confirm the availability and prices for these models.

High fashion meets cable TV

Ladies, behold. Here's another reason to pester your partner for a new, juicy flat-panel TV. StarHub announced yesterday the launch of its new Fashion TV channel, scheduled to go live starting November 13 on channel 79. This will be its first and only telecast dedicated to model wannabes with an eye on the latest international fashion, beauty and styling scenes.

Some of the highlights include inside scoops on the lifestyle of models and celebrities, an insider's style guide and the latest spring/summer 2007 designs from fashion shows round the world. Available to its digital cable customers, Fashion TV will come with a monthly subscription of S$8 (US$5.88) inclusive of complimentary usage of its digital settop box.

Nokia N92 expected soon in Asia

It's taken forever, but hopefully all good things come to those who wait. Nokia's much-anticipated DVB-H-enabled TV-phone, the N92, is at last approved to roll out in Asia. However, some of us will have to wait a wee bit longer. Vietnam and Indonesia will be the lucky first in the region to get the N92. According to news reports, a Nokia spokesperson has confirmed the handheld device will begin shipping in the two countries in the coming weeks. The Vietnam Multimedia Corporation is reportedly offering up to eight TV and four radio channels for its DVB-H service come November 18.

The N92 was originally scheduled to launch in mid 2006, but was thwarted by the need to wait out the commercial rollout of the networks in the region before shipping the phone.

Touted by Nokia as the world's first mobile device with a built-in DVB-H receiver, the N92 can be used to watch and record live TV on-the-go. It also comes with onboard 802.11g Wi-Fi, a 2-megapixel camera, 16 million-color display, miniSD card slot and 3G connectivity.

Koo-ki Sushi

Now here's a lady Willy Wonker would love to meet. Karen "Suedy" Sasaki, together with her sister, has employed her Japanese roots to whip up a confectionary treat guaranteed to drive sushi foodies and chocoholics nuts with desire. Looks like fish, tastes like chocolate. In fact, it's chocolate handmade to look just like sushi. Aptly named Koo-ki Sushi, it's a novelty that makes for some surprising fare. Take that succulent magura which turns out to be a strawberry-inspired chocolate "tuna fillet" with a milk chocolate hazelnut center and a hint of green tea "wasabi" on a rice cookie. In fact, it's all much too pretty to eat. Sushi-colate? Or choco-sushi? Whatever. But like sushi, these Kook-ki Sushis are best eaten fresh.

See a trayful of sushi | menu

Via popgadget.net

Price: Salmon Roe plate US$15, Chocolate Chopsticks US$10 a pair, Obento Box US$62
Availability: At Suedy's
Device: Novelty confectionary
Basic specs: N.A.

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