Gizmodo: Umpc

First Pics: ViewSonic's VPC08 Windows XP Phone is Freakin' Huge

Danny Allen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:07:01 EST

Here are the first shots of the VPC08 in action. The hardware looks faithful to those renders we saw mid-November, and includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 800MHz Atom Z500 CPU, and separate phone controls with a second 2-inch screen.

I'm fascinated, but pretty skeptical of the VPC08. As you can see, the thing dwarfs the Nokia N97 Mini, and its design doesn't appeal to me as much as the even crazier xpPhone (which will also run Windows 7).

Other specs on ViewSonic's effort include 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD, Wi-Fi, 1200mAh battery, 3.5mm headphone jack, a mini USB port, 2-megapixel camera, and microSD storage expansion. There had been talk of a roughly $800 price, but that's all speculation until it actually arrives. Maybe we'll get to play with it at CES. [Shanzhaiben (translated) via Pocketables]

The Highs and Lows of Installing Android on a UMPC

Danny Allen — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:10:00 EDT

Those Android-powered tablets from Archos are pretty neat, but if you've got a UMPC (like Samsung's Q1UP) lying around, you can try Android thanks to the Android-x86 project. The catch: despite great performance, there are still a few major limitations.

The good news is that you can run Android from a USB drive or Live CD, so you don't have to nuke your current OS.

Kevin over at jkOnTheRun has a Samsung Q1UP, and was able to install an Android 1.6 port originally intended for the Eee PC 701. He says "Android is blazing on a 1.33GHz Intel Core Solo" and suspects the battery lasts longer, too. He was also able to use Wi-Fi, and the Samsung's QWERTY keyboard without problems.

The major glitches Kevin ran into were on the hardware side of things—no touchscreen, sound, Bluetooth, or button mapping support. That's bound to happen when the port isn't specifically geared for the device, but he says he's chatting with developers to make it happen.

An interesting experiment, but I'd be interested to know if other mobile/netbook OSes, like Jolicloud or Intel's Moblin, fare any better. [jkOnTheRun via SlashGear]

Archos' Latest Touch Tablet, the Archos9, Runs Windows 7

Andi Wang — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:20:00 EDT

Although we have yet to hear anything about an Android MID from their event today, Archos has announced the Archos9—a UMPC that runs Windows 7.

Unlike its predecessors, which are basic touchscreen internet media tablets, the Archos9 is a touch tablet that can run a full computer OS. It also features a built-in webcam, 120GB hard drive, full touch support, an external mic, streo speakers, and a toggled-on optical trackpad and an on-screen keyboard, and will be available in Europe this October—around the same time as Windows 7's release—for €450 ($635).

Not far behind the quiet April release of the Archos 2, the Archos 3 has made an appearance on Archo's web site. Looking slim and shiny, the Archos 3 is an 8GB MP3 player, which touts a 3-inch color touchscreen, 14 hours of battery life, and supports photo, audio and video playback, voice recording and more. There is no word on pricing and availability as of now. [Archos via CNet and UMPC]

OQO Shuts Down Repairs, Discontinues Phone Lines

Jason Chen — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:36:20 EDT

It's not a surprise, but ailing UMPC company OQO has just stopped support service and closed down their phone lines, citing "financial constraints." That's pretty much the end of OQO. [OQOTalk via Engadget]

Dynamism Giving Away Freebies with a Viliv S5 Purchase

Andi Wang — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:49:00 EDT

The first 400 people to buy a $599 Viliv S5 Premium UMPC today will also receive a leather carrying case, extra battery and car kit (valued at $135). [Dynamism - Thanks Douglas!]

OQO Model 2+ Production Is Unlikely, Company Not Doing So Hot

Jason Chen — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:17:14 EDT

OQO's pre-order cancellation and recent trouble lead us to believe that the company's not doing so well, which SVP Bob Rosin confirms by saying that their Model 2+ production is "unlikely". [BuildYourUMPC via BBG]

OQO Cancels All Pre-Orders, We Come to an Obvious Conclusion

John Herrman — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:05:30 EDT

Despite widespread speculation about the company's health, OQO has been fairly coy about their financial situation. Now, they've canceled all pre-orders for their upcoming Model 2+ UMPC. Sort of like a dying company might do!

The OQO drama began to unfold a few weeks back, when a combination of leadership changes, message board rumors and canceled pre-orders through a large European retailer led people to surmise that the San Francisco-based UMPC maker was on its way out. They then admitted that they were courting potential buyers, but left it at that.

And now this: Chippy, he of UMPCPortal fame, has received word that all pre-orders for the lauded Model 2+ have been canceled, though he hasn't heard from the company itself. With a shipping date set at May 22nd and the company in distress, a delay might have been expected, and even excused. But a cancellation? That sounds an awful low like a death knell. [SlashGear]

Beta Version of Asus T91 Tablet Netbook Gets Touched All Over

Elaine Chow — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:30:00 EST

Sascha of Netbooknews.de got to muck around with the beta-version of Asus' T91 tablet netbook. While the UI is still rough around the edges, it looks to be a promising addition to the tablet family.

[UMPC Portal]

Some Korean UMPC Has Maybe the Best Box Art Ever

Adam Frucci — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

At this point, we could really care less about a Korea-only UMPC, for obvious reasons. Unless the box art looks like this. Take notes, US gadget manufacturers. [Engadget]

Viliv S7 Takes On the Sony Vaio P With a Tablet Twist

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST

Specs for Viliv's S7 UMPC/netbook/tablet/whatever have popped up, and while the gadget's guts are similar to other netbooks, the physical design— including a jumbo keyboard and battery and a swiveling touchscreen— sets it apart.

We already knew about the S7, but when it was announced this summer, no specs or hands-on time were released with it, so it's nice to get some solid data on the little guy. The S7's 1024x600 screen is only 7 inches, but the sides are stretched out to a nearly Sony Vaio P-esque length:width ratio to make room for a usable keyboard and a very substantial battery. The screen itself is a swiveling touchscreen, like a traditional tablet, and Viliv brags that the battery can last a whopping 7 hours of video playback.

Besides that, it's got the standard netbook guts: Atom proc up to 1.86 GHz, 1 GB of memory, 60 GB HDD/16 GB SSD, and Windows XP. Price and release date are still unknown, but it'll probably hit Korea before making its way west. UMPC Portal got a hands-on, embedded below.
[UMPC Portal]

OQO Model 2+ Is +10 Awesome: OLED Touchscreen, Global 3G and Speed UP

matt buchanan — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST

Not much left to divulge beyond what leaked already about the OQO Model 02+: It's newly endowed with a stunning OLED touchscreen, global 3G and faster 1.86GHz Atom CPU. But! It's only $1500. And pics!

[OQO]

More Sony Vaio Pocket Leaks: Screens That Sweet Don't Come Cheap

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:45:00 EST

While we knew much of Sony's new netbook's specs already, the price was still a mystery. But new leaks put the Vaio Pocket awfully close to the $1000 mark, which makes it a pricey toy indeed.

The leaks confirm the 1.33 GHz processor, and specifies it as a Z250 Atom, as well as the ultra-sharp 1600x768 8-inch screen. It'll be packing 2GB of memory as well as GPS, which suggests it'll at least have an option of Windows Vista. But the juiciest detail is the price: 700 Euro, which comes out to about $970 US. That'd make it one of the most expensive netbooks out there, and aside from the screen, it's not a huge bump in specs over HP or Dell's offerings. These are still unconfirmed rumors, so we'll have to reserve judgment until Sony rolls out the official announcement. Here's hoping that price isn't quite right. [UMPC Portal]

OQO Model 02+ to Launch at CES With OLED Screen, Atom Processor, Touch Technology

Adrian Covert — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST

OQO will launch a revamped version of their Model 02 UMPC, dubbing it the Model 02+ and endowing it with an OLED display, embedded touchscreen, Worldwide 3G internet, and a 1.86 GHz Atom processor.

Referenced in an email by trade event organizers Pepcom, the Model 02+ will be announced at CES. Further details are pretty nonexistent, seeing as this was mentioned in passing, but it will apparently be twice as fast as the Model 02 and will be on display next week in Vegas. [OQO Talk]

Are Netbooks Too Small?

Sean Fallon — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:40:00 EST

About the only way a guy my size can use a netbook is with one hand. Seriously, those things can be super tiny. But what do you think? How small is too small?

Results from "Do You Think You Can Tell The Difference Between Standard Def, 720p and 1080p?"

I can tell the difference between 720p and 1080p. 42%
I can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p, but I know HD when I see it. 44%
I can't tell the difference between standard def and high def. 4%
It depends. 6%
I'm not sure. 5%

[Image via sparktography]

Tiny Sony Laptop Hits FCC--Is This A Sony Netbook?

Kit Eaton — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:15:59 EST

The computer rear-end in this photo is a Sony machine that's just hit the FCC. There're a couple of things that make it interesting: it's labeled with PCG-1P1L, making it synonymous with Vaio numbering. It was tested for 802.11 Wi-Fi in b, g and n flavors, with Bluetooth and both EVDO and HSPA. Its label reveals it'll run a Windows OS, and the label size gives a clue to the size of the machine: about 9.7 by 4.7 inches. And that's tiny. Sure, Sony's made small Vaios before, but this is in the 3G-toting HP Mini 1000 size range. Which raises the obvious question: Is this a Sony netbook? It's impossible to tell, at least for the while, but over to you in the comments. [FCC]

Dell Mini 9 Netbook Gets 32GB Solid State Drive Option For a Measly $100

Kit Eaton — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:58:54 EST

Dell's Mini 9 may be going for a pretty good price already (and an irritating disk error) but check out this deal sweetener: Dell's added a 32GB SSD option for just $100. The base model with that larger solid state drive is thus $449—and to me, that's pretty bonkers good value. [Dell via Engadget via Geekygadgets]

UMID's Mini Netbook Makes Eees Look Massive

Kit Eaton — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:30:08 EST

Yes, the netbook market is tired and pretty jam-packed, but check out this shiny beast: it's a mini-netbook from Korean manufacturer UMID. And it's tiny. There's no official size info, but it looks smaller than a paperback book, and comparable to the old Psion PDAs, if you remember 'em, but far more capable.

It's Atom-powered, of course, with 1GB memory and up to 32GB of SSD storage, and crazily jams in Korean wireless broadband WiBro, digital TV receivers, HSDPA, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Its touchscreen is a respectable 1024x600 pixels, and while the keyboard may challenge the fat-fingered, the machine can run XP, Vista or Linux. Skinny-fingered netbook fans will have to hold their horses though as there's no info on price or whether it'll make it over the Pacific. [Aving]

Fujitsu Introduces Lifebook P1630 and U820 Tablets For Small People, Very Small People

John Herrman — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

In a long-awaited refresh to their tablet lines, Fujitsu has announced considerable upgrades for its U and P series. The comically small 5.6" U820, following in the dainty footsteps of the U810, gets improved battery life, GPS, a super-sharp WSXGA touchscreen and a 1.6GHz Atom processor, somehow weighing in at just over 1.3lbs. The U series starts at $1,049. For people with human-sized fingers, the P1630 8.9in convertible. netbook packs a 1.20 GHz Core 2 Duo, built-in accelerometer, 64GB SSD option and a steep base price of $2,179. Press releases after the jump. [Fujitsu]

LifeBook U820 mini notebookBuilt-in GPS receiver and integrated Garmin Mobile(R) PC software – preloaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada, millions of destinations and points of interest, turn-by-turn directions, and route planning.

Lighter weight starting at 1.32 pounds.

Powered by the Intel(R) Centrino(R) Atom(TM) Z-series processor which supports lower power consumption, fewer chips, VT Technology and integrated support for 1080p HD video decode.

An additional row of keys and a new overall layout of the keyboard to more closely simulate a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Maintains security features including fingerprint sensor and BIOS lock, and adds a Kensington lock slot to deter physical theft.

Now offers up to 7.5 hours of battery life(3) with four-cell battery or 3.5 hours(3) with new 2-cell battery option.

Hard disk drive up to 120GB or solid state drive up to 64GB.

Improved screen resolution with WXGA display.

Enhanced video quality with 1.3 mega-pixel (640x480) resolution webcam

Priced starting at $1,049(1) for a base configuration. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their LifeBook U820 mini notebook using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through the Fujitsu website and select retailers/e-tailers(2).
Pre-installed with Windows Vista(R) Business or Home Premium, offering plenty of power to work, access an office network, check email, conduct video conferences, watch downloaded movies, listen to MP3 files, play games, browse the Internet, play games, take pictures or stay connected with family and friends.

Convertible form factor offers keyboard, touch or pen input.

Zoom utility for easier viewing.

Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.

Stay connected on the go with Atheros XSPAN(R) wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/draft-n) or optional wireless broadband (coming by Q1 2009).

LifeBook P1630 feather-light and compact convertible notebookImproved performance and battery life from the latest Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology with dual-core Intel(R) Core(R) 2 Duo SU9300 Ultra Low Voltage Processor and Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/b/g/draft-n).

Up to 6.15 hours(4) with the high-capacity battery option — an hour longer than its predecessor.

Optional wireless broadband (coming in the first quarter of 2009).

Webcam with 1.3 mega-pixels (640 x480) resolution.

Priced starting at $2,179(1) for a base configuration. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their LifeBook P1630 convertible tablet PC using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through the Fujitsu direct sales force, website and channel partners and select retailers/e-tailers(2).

Compact convertible tablet PC, weighing only 2.2 pounds with an 8.9-inch WXGA touch-sensitive widescreen display with a high contrast ratio and exceptional viewing angle.

Top and bottom magnesium-alloy exterior for extra durability and protection
Solid state drive option.

Advanced security with Fujitsu Portshutter(TM) data-leak-prevention software, and built-in biometric fingerprint swipe with pre-boot authentication (PBA).

Optional integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.

How To Hack an Eee PC and Install It in Your Car Dashboard

Sean Fallon — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EDT

One of the great things about netbooks like the Eee PC is all of the potential for modification. This particular hack comes to us via a Russian Eee PC 701 owner who managed to turn it into a carputer for his Honda Fit. With the monitor in the dash and a wireless keyboard in the glovebox, the Eee PC transforms into an XP-driven media device with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and (most likely) GPS. By the looks of things, making this hack work in your vehicle will be no easy task—and there isn't much to go on besides a series of photos that outline the build process. Still, if you are willing to give it a try, the images are available in the link. [Photofile and eee.pc.ru via Liliputing]

Tiny Imovio iKit Handtop Computer is a Decade Too Late

Kit Eaton — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:57:00 EDT

At first glance, the ~~iMe~~ (sorry!) iKit handtop computer sounds pretty fandabbydozy: it's a tiny, folding, 2.8-inch screen, QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi-enabled, webcam and Bluetooth-packing, multimedia-playing computer. But then you learn that it's got just a 3-hour battery life in operation, doesn't have 3G connectivity and if you even want to connect a mobile broadband dongle you'll have to get one with an "optional" internal USB connection. It's basically the tiny portable PDA computer we all fancied back in the 90s.

Sure, it can take up to 8GB of memory via an SD card expansion, and its version 2.4.19 Linux-based OS will make it pretty bloody hackable...but if you line it up against modern smartphones, or even handheld games machines, it doesn't actually live up to the "the ultimate, portable multimedia device" banner it's being touted under by makers Imovio. Then you discover that it's cost will be around $170, and the Eee PC and its ilk loom over it in terms of cost, specs, battery power and only slightly lesser portability.

Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, possibly expecting a lot from a device with such a lofty name, and maybe it'll appeal to people after really ultraportable not-quite-a-BlackBerry, not-quite-an-iPod computing needs—read the press release below to make up your own mind.[viaGadgetLab]

London, 20th October, 2008: A device that offers consumers an alternative to a smartphone or mini-PC has today been launched by IMOVIO. The iKIT is a Pocket Mobile Companion that at 95mm by 65mm and only 15.5mm high is as portable as a mobile phone. Yet the WiFi enabled device comes with a full QWERTY/AZERTY keyboard, an 8GB SD card slot, a 2.8 inch QVGA display and an option to convert the USB for use with an HSDPA dongle, making it a fully functional communicating and browsing device and a viable substitute for a laptop.
iKIT open
iKIT open

The stylish iKIT is a dedicated chat, email and internet accessory and unlike smartphones it is fully optimised for that purpose. The clamshell design provides users with a full keyboard and landscape screen that don’t have to be compromised for voice calls. Dedicated hotkeys for all of the applications, including a music and video player and webcam, coupled with the elegant design mean that iKIT is the ultimate, portable multimedia device.

The suggested retail price of approximately £99 or €130, combined with the functionality, make the iKIT a very attractive device for a youth audience, as well as appealing to travelers who need a quick and easy-to-use messaging alternative. By buying the iKIT, consumers will be able to save up to £500 on an iPhone* or mini-PC** and with potential operator subsidies the savings may be even greater.

“Many consumers can’t afford the latest smartphone or mini-PC gadget, while others simply can’t use or just don’t like the existing form factors. This means that large groups of people still don’t fully utilise mobile data,” said Dr Jack Torobin, CEO of IMOVIO. “These users, mainly women and teens, still want to have the ability to send emails, browse the web and update their on-line profiles whilst they are out and about.”

“We designed the iKIT to be an alternative to a smartphone or mini-PC,” said Nigel Newby-House, Head of Design at IMOVIO. “It’s a beautifully designed mobile device that provides all the multi-media and messaging capabilities a mobile consumer needs. But at a much better price.”

For mobile and broadband providers, the iKIT is the perfect device to complement their existing range and can be offered to consumers as an add-on device to go with the existing choice of phones, laptops or HSDPA cards. Alternatively, the iKIT can be used to increase customer retention or reduce churn by offering it as a subsidised device for users signing up or renewing broadband or mobile data packages.

Dr. Torobin continued, “the iKIT will allow operators to target the demographics that are currently not well served for mobile data. And as an HSDPA enabled device, it offers a great entry level product for operators to increase usage of their high-speed networks.”

Some of the many operator benefits of the iKIT include:
- The iKIT is brandable to match an operator’s existing portfolio of devices
- For mobile operators, the iKIT will increase take up of new unlimited data plans on the new high-speed networks, without users having to change from their much-loved handset
- For broadband providers the iKIT is the ideal second device that can be used to share the home network, providing the messaging capabilities needed without the high cost of a new laptop
- The iKIT opens up a market to a previously disenfranchised demographic that can neither afford, or fully utilise a smartphone or laptop
- The suggested retail price of approximately £99 or €130 means that the iKIT is the perfect device for consumers to purchase as an add-on device – increasing the number of transactions and therefore loyalty
- Operators can now offer teens and other key demographics, like senior citizens, a device that offers exactly the right amount of functionality without the price, commitment or unnecessary processing power of either a laptop or smartphone

On top of the Linux 2.4.19 operating system (OS) the iKIT runs the multi-media and communication tools required by the teen and youth audience. Browsing is optimised for the form factor with Opera Mini 4.1 and the device uses a standard mini-USB port for headphones, charging and synching the device. With storage for over 2,000 contacts and a stand-by battery life of up to 250 hours, the iKIT belies its lightweight, stylish appearance.

# # #

Notes to Editors

Price comparisons are based on the following information, current as of 17th October, 2008.
*Apple iPhone on an 18-month contract at £30 per month, plus £159 handset purchase gives a total cost of ownership of £699
** Vodafone Notebook (Dell Inspiron Mini) on a 24-month contract at £25 per month gives a total cost of ownership of £600
# # #

iKIT Specifications

General

Processing
- Processor: Marvell PXA270 312MHz
- Operating System: Linux 2.4.19
- User Interface GUI: Proprietary plus Trolltech QT/E 2.3.8

Connectivity
- Bluetooth® 2.0 with EDR, supports wireless stereo headset
- (A2DP) & DUN profile
- WIFI® IEEE 802.11 b/g
- Optional USB connection configured for HSDPA dongle

Keypad
- QWERTY/AZERTY + numeric keys, other languages optional

Memory Internal
- ROM: 128 MB, RAM: 64 MB SDRAM
- User data: 12MB, User media files: 23MB

Memory External
- Micro SD (up to 8GB)

Display
- 2.8 inch QVGA, TFT, 260,000 colors, landscape

Dimensions & Weight
- 95mm (L) x 65mm (W) x 15.5mm (H)
- 113g (with battery)

Connector
- Mini-USB 1.1 used for charging, PC data exchange and wired stereo headset.

Battery
- 1050 mAh, Li-ion
- Standby Time: up to 250h
- Power-up Time: up to 3h (25% data download per hour)
- Gaming Time: up to 4h (java game)
- Charging time: 2.5-3.5 hr to full charge from flat with device power off

Colors
- Velvet Black, Satin White – other colors available to order

Multi-Media

Browser
- Web browser Opera Mini 4.1

Messaging
- POP3 / IMAP / SMTP email protocols
- Supports MSN IM

Audio
- Supports MIDI, WAV and MP3 formats
- 16mm speaker built-in, monophonic

Imaging
- Supports JPG, BMP, GIF and PNG formats
- 0.3 MP fixed focus camera (Option)
- Digital zoom: Up to 3X smooth digital zoom with 7 steps

Video
- 3GP, MP4 and AVI format, Maximum size QVGA
- 25 fps video playback for QVGA size video clips
- Support full-screen display

Java
- JTWI / JSR75 compliant

Professional

PC Sync
- With Outlook 2000/2003 & Outlook Express v6 (emails, contacts, calendar)

Personal Features
- Calculator
- Media folder
- Notepad
- World clock
- Alarm clock
- Stop Watch
- Countdown Timer

Contact List
- Maximum 2,000 records

Calendar
- Maximum 1,000 events

In the Box

- iKIT
- Battery
- Mini USB / USB cable
- USB stereo earpiece
- Charger
- User guide and CD

Asus Planning to Release Touchscreen Eee PC Within Six Months

John Herrman — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:10:00 EDT

Asustek executive Samson Hu has confirmed his company's plans to release a touchscreen Eee PC variant for sale by Q1 of 2009. It's not known whether the devices will look like the touch panel Eee mods that have been floating around or take the shape of a tablet, but we'll see in January when the first models are shown at CES. That's not all though — further announcements indicated that the Eee line is changing is some more subtle ways.

Hu stated that Intel Atom dual core processors will start making an appearance in their products as soon as they can get their teeny tiny little hands on them. Company President Jerry Chen, apparently feeling left out, chimed in to say that there would be another refreshed Eee coming at around $300. With an even lower low end, Atom dual-core processor models and touchscreen units it's not really clear what Eee designation is supposed to mean anymore, though I'd say "things that Asus makes that someone might actually want" sums it up pretty well. [Digitimes]

Add an Integrated GPS Receiver to Hackable Dell Mini 9

Sean Fallon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:29:00 EDT

Modders prodding around inside the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 have discovered that there is a lot of potential to add new functionality thanks to some areas with empty space. That having been said, MyDellMini member Tom Beauchamp used a pocket next to the Bluetooth adapter to add a super-small GPS receiver. If using your PC for navigation sounds appealing and danger is your middle name, Beauchamp has provided a complete set of instructions on how to do it yourself. At the very least, the project illustrates the potential of the Dell Mini 9 as a hackable device. [MyDellMini]

OQO CEO Resigns, Might Not Mean Good News For the UMPC Maker

Jason Chen — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:15:00 EDT

Dennis Moore of OQO has just resigned as their CEO. It's rarely good news when your CEO resigns and says he found a better opportunity elsewhere, but we're hoping the startup continues to refine their UMPC into something everyone can get behind. [Dennis Moore Blog via Gotta Be Mobile]

HiVision Shows Off Sub-$100 Linux Mini Laptop

Elaine Chow — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:21:56 EDT

China's HiVision has debuted a Linux-based laptop that makes the OLPC seem ridiculously expensive. For $98, you get a MIPS-based processor, 1GB flash storage, 3 USB ports, Ethernet, an SDHC card reader, WiFi, audio in and out, voice-chat and Firefox browser support on a Linux user interface. No word who this is being marketed towards, but with a price tag that low, maybe this will end up being the device that fulfills Nicholas Negroponte's much criticized mission. The video above is Tech Video Blog's review of Hivision's miniNote (hmm, naming conflict with HP in the near future?) at IFC 2008. [Tech Video Blog via The Earth Times]

Eee PC 1000H Price Drops Even Lower; $450 on Amazon, $360 on MWave

Elaine Chow — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:30:59 EDT

In case Asus' $100 price drop in July just wasn't enough to make up your mind on whether to spring for a new Eee PC 1000H, the mini-marvel's gotten even cheaper now. Amazon is selling an 80GB, XP-equipped 1000H for just $450. Mwave also has several in stock for either $450 (while supplies last) or, if you're willing to go for an open box product, an almost criminal $359. [Amazon and mwave via Liliputing]

Acer Aspire One With Integrated 3G

Sean Fallon — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:40:00 EDT

According to BGR, The 8.9" Aspire One netbook is expected to be available with integrated 3G starting this November in Taiwan. The upgrade will cost an additional $95 over the standard model, but there is no word on when we might see a similar bundle arriving in the States. However, integrated 3G was always part of the plan, so with any luck we won't have to wait too long. On a related note, jkOnTheRun spotted a Japanese newspaper flyer that appears to offer a similar bundle with the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 and the HP 2133 along with a $370 subsidy when users sign up for a two-year 3G plan with Emobile. [BGR and jkOnTheRun]

Insipron Mini 9 Going for $99 if You Buy Another Dell

Kit Eaton — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:26:00 EDT

Until 6AM September 9th, according to Dell's own blog, if you buy a Studio 15, XPS M1530 or XPS M1330 machine from Dell, you can buy an Inspiron Mini 9 for a suitable mini price of $99. It's a mini bargain. [Direct2Dell]

Project Inkwell 'Spark' Aiming for OLPC's Head With Its Handheld Form Factor

Adrian Covert — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:40:00 EDT

Project Inkwell's Spark is not only a potential OLPC competitor because of its handheld, UMPC form factor and K-12 educational focus, but also because it doesn't look like it's made exclusively for the preschool user base. The Spark was developed in conjunction with the design firm Ideo, and though details are vague, the visuals are somewhat revealing. The Spark looks roughly the size of a PSP, with a +/- rocker switch and scroll wheel adorning the left and right sides of the handheld.

There's no mention of touchscreen functionality, but the screen looks to be lined with buttons and comes with a case housing a foldout keyboard, plus room for a mouse and spare battery. Less visible features would include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It's still too early to talk release or pricing details, but this seems like a concept that's very feasible to produce. [Tuvie via Coolest Gadgets]

Dell Inspiron 910 Gets Release Date: This Friday, September 5th.

Kit Eaton — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:20:00 EDT

We've been following the news and leaks on Dell's Eee PC answer, the Inspiron 910, and now here's some more info: we've learned it'll be released on September 5th. The news is not concrete, for sure, and there's no word on pricing, but that date's soon: this Friday, ultra-portable PC fans. Update: The Wall St Journal is now reporting a different date, September 4th.

(Presumably) Very Cheap Tablet PCs by NEC

Mark Wilson — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:30:00 EDT

See this tablet? It's new from NEC and features the same monotonous specs (1.6GHz Atom, 512MB-1GB RAM and 80GB HD) that we see in those cheapie mini-notebooks like the Asus Eee. Running XP or Vista and loaded with a 12 or 15-inch touchscreen, it's by no means beautiful, but this NEC could be the forebear of a new netbook-tablet market. We don't have pricing or release details at this time, but we'll keep a lookout, just for you. [Akihabara News]

Lenovo's Ideapad U8 MID Under Starter's Orders at Olympics

Kit Eaton — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:59:00 EDT

Way back in April was when we first showed you details on Lenovo's Ideapad U8 mobile internet device, and Lenovo's just launched it at the Beijing Olympics. The palmtop phone/PC has an Intel Atom Z500 ticking away inside at 800MHz, GPS, dual cameras, and with 1GB of RAM and a sizable 6GB SSD. Connectivity-wise, it's fully loaded with 802.11 b/g wi-fi, Bluetooth, EDGE, 3G support and apparently "WiMAX support." There's also a dongle for picking up China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting signals so you can watch the Olympics for free. But therein lies the rub: The 10.6-ounce, vaguely PSP-like U8 is a China-only gizmo, so you won't care that it'll have a price "equivalent" to other smartphones. [Pocketables]

Specs and Prices for Lenovo's Ideapad S9 Lite Notebook Hits Web

Kit Eaton — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:43:38 EDT

Lenovo recently went official with details on the upcoming Ideapad S10 ultra-portable notebook, and now there's data on a little brother version, the S9 Lite. The S9 will have a slightly smaller screen, at 8.9-inches, with a 300-kilopixel webcam, 512MB of RAM and a 4GB SSD. It's got the same Atom N270 and 945 GSE chipset, though, so it sounds very much like its bigger S10 brother, and comes with Linux and a "multitouch function" trackpad. In three colors, the diminutive PC will cost you $370 upon launch in Hong Kong. [UMPCFever via Engadget]

Fujitsu Siemens Could Debut Amilo Mini Notebook on August 28

Jack Loftus — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:50:00 EDT

Fujitsu Siemens looks like it's about ready to launch the svelte Amilo Mini. According to IDG News, the company has announced a press event for August 28 at the IFA show in Berlin, and the signs and portents indicate a big reveal could happen at that time. The specs don't really differentiate the Amilo Mini from the plethora of other ultra portable notebooks hitting the market these days, but it does boast changeable face plates (brown, black, pink, and red). Cost is expected to fall between $600-800. [Liliputing]

Gigabyte's 3G-Capable MID M528 Coming Out On Sept 17 For $689

Elaine Chow — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT

A release date and price has been set for UMPC contender Gigabyte's MID M528, a diminutive portable computer with a slide out keyboard, according to the folks over at UMPC Portal. A product page on Gigabyte's site put the cost at $689 and availability on Sept. 17. The page then disappeared, but not before intrepid internet surfers could get a nice screen grab.

The M528 contains a 4.8 inch screen with a 800 x 480 pixel resolution, a 800 Mhz Intel Atom, 512 MB RAM, roughly 4GB of storage space, and an 11 hour battery in a case that weighs about three quarters of a pound. It also boasts 3G, which makes it a possible replacement for the Nokia N810 if you think 3G's worth paying over double for. [UMPC Portal]

Asus' Ultimate Eee PC S101 Will Have 64GB SSD, $899 Price Tag

Kit Eaton — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:07:00 EDT

The shiny brown machine in the photo there is apparently the top-of-the-range Eee PC S101 that was shown in Asus' leaked presentation last month. It looks just a little bigger than the white 901 model next to it, and it will be about 0.87-inches deep, have a 10.1-inch LED-lit LCD, and have an Intel Atom purring away inside. What makes it "ultimate" is presumably in part its SSD: it'll come with either a 32GB or 64GB solid-state drive, and that's why the two models will cost around $699 and $899 when available in October. And they may not carry the "Eee" label, or so the rumor goes. [PChome.tw]

Lenovo's Ideapad S10 Ultra-Portable Notebook PC Officially Due in September

Kit Eaton — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Lenovo's gone official with details on its Ideapad S10 ultra-portable notebook: it'll come with Windows XP pre-installed, measure 9.8 x 7.2 inches, weigh just 2.4-pounds in its lightest configuration, and pack in a LED back-lit 10-inch screen. Powered by Intel Atom N270 and 945 GSE express chipset, the diminutive PC also has some advanced heat-dissipation tech so that your lap and wrists won't get overheated. Interestingly Lenovo notes that "In some countries there will be 9-inch versions," different colors and "Linux preloads"... but doesn't say if those systems will hit the US eventually. Initially then, the S10 will cost you either $399 for a 512MB memory, 80GB HDD model or $450 for a 1GB, 160GB HDD model, and comes in black red or white. Press release info below.

• Integrated 1.3M Camera
• 2 stereo speakers
• Multi-touch Pad & near full size Keyboard (85% full size)
• Integrated Wireless 802.11 b/g,10/100 Ethernet, Bluetooth
• Express card slot for WWAN expansion
• Up to 2-GB Memory
• 4in1 Multi-card Reader
• Form factor: 250.2 x 183 x 22-27.5mm, lightest configuration of 1.1 kg
• Large Panel 10.2” wide, LED backlight 1024x600 WSVGA
• Intel Integrated Graphics GMA 950
• Intel N270 CPU 1.6 GHz & Intel 945GSE Chipset
• Large HDD capacity 160G 9.5mm 2.5” SATA HDD (5400 rpm)
• Battery up to 3 hours with 3-cell battery, and up to 6 hours with 6-cell battery

The S10 also comes with a dedicated Lenovo graphical UI for best energy management options so you can optimize its battery life, and a "one-touch" rescue data recovery system. With Lenovo's might behind it, does it sound like an Eee PC killer? What do you think, chaps? [Lenovo]

WiBrain I1 UMPC Gets Intel Atom Processor

Sean Fallon — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:57:00 EDT

The original WiBrain B1E was relatively inexpensive for a UMPC at $699, but it definitely fell well short of greatness. However, the manufacturer has made some upgrades with the upcoming I1 model that should address some of its predecessor's shortcomings. New features include: your choice of 1.1GHz (Z510) and 1.33GHz (Z520) Atom processors, a WWAN antenna, SD card slot, an optional SSD and a slightly different finish. Users can also choose between a Linux and XP machine with a 30GB or 60GB hard drive or a 64GB SSD. Pricing and a release date have not been announced. [Dynamism via Pocketables]

Asus to Release 23 Eee Models, Fail Grandma Test 23 Times

Mark Wilson — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:44:00 EDT

It shouldn't be a surprise, really, as Asus has already whored the Eee brand strength to computer peripherals and even a television, but in a recent presentation the company revealed a sort of USDA computer pyramid prescribing an Eee for every class of buyer. And whether or not the majority of these 23 models are cheap, tiny laptops (unlikely) or the pyramid represents the Eee branding hitting all Asus laptops (a bit more likely), the whole line is looking like a confusing mess to consumers who just heard about the Eee for the first time. [Engadget China via Engadget]

Eee PC's to Get "Whole Day" Batteries, Says Rumor

Kit Eaton — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:40:00 EDT

Not content with muddying-up the waters of the Eee brand, Asustek is apparently keen to "push out software and hardware upgrades every month to fill gaps in the netbook market." Though that sounds like a bad idea, at least one benefit may come of it: according to Digitimes, one of the upcoming products will be a "whole day" battery for the Eee UMPCs. Digitimes also talks about an "internet storage" solution, and cooperation with European telecoms vendors. Interesting stuff, though since it seems slightly unsubstantiated, we'll wait 'til we hear something concrete to believe it. [Digitimes]

Toshiba Demos UMPC Hand-Held Tablet Prototype, But Thinks it's Too Small

Kit Eaton — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:51:00 EDT

At a recent presentation, Toshiba demoed a little hand-held UMPC prototype, indicating that the company is considering that product market. The silver-framed machine has a 5.6-inch touchscreen, and runs Windows Vista on an Atom processor and 64GB of SSD storage, and even packs in GPS. Though the onscreen touch keyboard takes up too much real estate, it's a great-looking little package. But apparently Toshiba isn't going to turn prototype into product as it's considered too small for practical use. That'll interest fans of the fabled Apple touch tablet, I'm sure. What do you think guys: would you buy a PC this size? [PCAuthority via Gizmodo.au]