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]

Brand: Dell Inspiron
Built-in Webcam: Yes
Card Reader: 3-in-1 Media card reader
Features of Product: Ultra mobile web experience. Consume your media where ever you are
Firewire: No
Graphics Shared: Intel integrated graphics
Hard Drive Size: 40GB
Hard Drive Type: 4.200 rpm
Laptop Colour: Black
Memory Size: 1GB
Memory Type: 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Number of USB Ports: 3 USB 2.0
Operating System: Linux Ubunto
Optical Drive Bluray Compatible: No
Optical Drive HD Compatible: No
Optical Drive Lightscribe Compatible: No
Output: VGA, RJ 45 10/100, headset, mic, 3 in 1 card reader
Processor: Intel Atom
Processor Bus: 533MHz
Processor Cache: 1MB
Processor Model Number: Z530
Processor Speed: 1.33 GHz
Product Dimension Length: 17.2
Product Height: 29.9 cm
Product Weight: 1.2 kg
Product Width: 29.9 cm
Remote Control Included: No
Screen Size: 12"
Screen Type: WXGA True life
TV Tuner: None
Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g
Wired Networking Port: Yes

Apparently due October 6th, it's on sale for the equivalent of $526. We'll just have to wait for word from Dell on the E-Slim to confirm if this is the same machine. Or wait to see Tesco take the link down, if this is a genuine leak. [Tesco Direct via Engadget]

• 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]

Supposedly, if Nvidia's IGP chipsets is allowed to support Atom, then Nvidia is donezo with Via. It'd be a major blow for relatively tiny chip company that would simultaneously bolster Atom's position in the low-cost market. I have to admit I like the idea of cheap Atom notebooks with Nvidia chips, but the setup for more Intel hegemony is unnerving, to say the least. [Digitimes]

The mini-notebook market is heating up, with today bringing stats and shots of the Asus's latest Eee PC with its tiny screen and keys that might work with normal hands. Then later, we get news of a leak about Everex, Asus's competitor in this market, about its next Cloudbooks, including one with a 10.2-inch screen and 3G connectivity, and another with an 8.9-inch screen and WiMax.

No definite word on if they'll be using Intel's Atom processors or competitors from Via, or if they'll be XP or Linux machines, but the makers of the reference design, FIC, would confirm a screen resolution on the 10.2-inch model at 1024x600. It will also feature a 1.3-Megapixel camera, 2GB RAM, card reader, dual USB 2.0 and an express card slot.

Less details are known of the 8.9-inch model, though the specs should be similar, including resolution. The devices might be subsidized by 3G carriers like AT&T or Sprint—if they ever hit the US shores, which there's no promise of.

We liked the Cloudbooks we've seen so far, and we can't wait to see if a slightly larger model will actually be usable for those of us with big, bear-like hands. [PC Advisor, via Slashgear]

Panasonic Unveils the HANDHELD Toughbook CF-U1, a Rugged Ultra mobile PC for FIELD WORKERS IN EXTREME Environments

Manufacturer of award-winning Toughbook® notebook computers introduces the first rugged UMPC equipped with the Intel® Atom™ processor; Reinvention of handheld computing pushes the benefits of enterprise mobile and wireless technology to new frontiers

Secaucus, NJ, June 25, 2008 – In response to the increasing demand for full-function handheld PCs for the mobile field worker, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today announced the availability of the Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1, the first ultra mobile PC (UMPC) to integrate the new low power Intel® Atom™ processor in a rugged handheld computer for use in the field. With the introduction of the extremely portable Toughbook CF-U1, remote workers are able to connect to critical information and applications in real time, thus improving organizational efficiency, increasing information accuracy, and enabling field-based decision-making. The CF-U1 reinvents handheld computing by integrating robust features previously only available on a full size Toughbook PC in a rugged UMPC form factor that can be used anywhere.

“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of making mobile computing technologies work for users in all conditions,” said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “We were the first to deliver rugged notebooks in a standard form factor, the first to create a rugged convertible tablet and we have made incredible leaps in mission-critical business computing with our innovations in semi-rugged desktop replacement and sub-notebook technologies. The ultra mobile rugged U1 is another example of how we take advances in mobile technology and make them reliable advances—with new product categories designed for users on the frontiers of mobility where value is truly driven for organizations.”

Customer Input Critical to Product Development
“Panasonic builds the new Toughbook CF-U1, but our customers designed it,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users. We’ve responded with a highly portable and durable device that offers integrated features such as an LCD touchscreen, solid state drive as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and a 2-megapixel digital camera. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers full-shift battery life, a sunlight viewable screen and seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G-mobile-broadband internet connectivity, all within an extremely rugged package for maximum reliability.”

Intel® Atom™ Enables Feature-Rich Computing in Small Form Factors
Intel Atom processors pack an astounding 47 million transistors on a single chip smaller than a U.S. dime (measuring less than 25mm), making the Atom Intel's smallest and lowest power consuming processor. The Atom is designed specifically for small devices and features support for multiple threads for better performance and increased system responsiveness all while delivering longer battery life.

“The Intel Atom processor delivers high performance at dramatically low power while maintaining PC compatibility and enabling the best internet experience in small devices,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Intel’s low power technologies, combined with Panasonic’s longstanding leadership in rugged PCs, are making it possible for mobile field workers to be more productive while reducing TCO for the IT manager.”

Engineered for the Walking Worker
Rugged UMPCs must be purpose-built and engineered for the environments in which they will likely be used. The Toughbook® CF-U1 will thrive in environments as diverse as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets and storage warehouses. Further, the Toughbook CF-U1 is ideally suited for use by insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers, firefighters and other first responders. The Toughbook CF-U1 has several docking options that expand functionality whether in a vehicle, at a desk, or on the move.

“The entrance of the largest rugged notebook manufacturer onto the UMPC market is a key validation of the UMPC for enterprise applications,” said Venture Development Corporation analyst David Krebs. “VDC’s research validates that UMPCs will receive strong consideration for enterprise applications that require a balance of device portability and application richness and functionality that an x86 device with a full OS provides.”

Unlike most handhelds, the Toughbook CF-U1 operates on the full-function Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems, giving users unprecedented remote access to feature-rich software applications in the field. The CF-U1 features a thumb-friendly and always-accessible backlit QWERTY keyboard that makes data input fast and easy. State-of-the-art Panasonic LCD technology enables sunlight viewability with low-power, white LED backlighting. Its fanless all-weather design also reduces noise, weight and eliminates points of failure; its twin, long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries enable battery replacement without disrupting operation; and its magnesium alloy chassis delivers protection from bumps and drops of up to 4 feet. The solid state drive contributes to reliability, while also expanding the CF-U1’s operating temperature range.

Wireless Options Offer Connectivity Virtually Anywhere
Throughout its history, Panasonic has been a leader in wireless technologies, recognizing the need for workers to be connected while on the move. Panasonic has more experience with embedded wireless solutions than any other manufacturer, providing customers with superior reliability, signal strength and throughput. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers seamless connectivity with:

* Optional integrated 3G mobile broadband for access anywhere with data coverage
* Draft-n compliant Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/draft-n) for faster speeds and greater range
* Integrated Bluetooth radios for simple connection to wireless peripherals
* Optional, next generation (SiRFstarIII based) GPS technology for improved accuracy, faster satellite acquisition time and lower power consumption.

Panasonic Toughbook® CF-U1: Select Features and Specifications

* Genuine Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1 (with XP downgrade option)
* Intel® Atom™ processor Z520 1.33GHz with 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache
* 16GB solid state removable drive (32GB optional)
* 1GB memory
* 5.6” WSVGA sunlight viewable touchscreen (1024 x 600 resolution)
* Anti-reflective screen treatment
* LED backlighting
* Extremely rugged
o MIL-STD-810F and IP54 compliant
o 4 foot drop approved
o Magnesium alloy chassis encased with ABS and elastomer
o Removable solid state drive
o Sealed all-weather design
o Rain-, spill-, dust- and vibration-resistant
o Rotating hand strap
* Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 Series (802.11a/g/draft-n)
* Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
* Interfaces:
o USB 2.0 x 1
o SD Card x 1
o Microphone x 1
o Headphone x 1
o Expansion Bus x 1
* Integrated options include 3G mobile broadband, integrated camera, fingerprint scanner, GPS, barcode or RFID readers
* Optional expansion modules for magnetic stripe reader & serial/ethernet/smartcard are expected in late 2008
* Approximately 9 hours of battery life
* 2.3 lbs (with strap and both batteries)
* 2.2” (H) x 7.2” (W) x 5.9” (D)

Panasonic Factory and Independent Quality Testing
Panasonic’s commitment to quality—at both the component and finished goods level—results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests before, during and after production, on every Toughbook® unit built. The Rugged Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 is MIL-STD-810F tested and is capable of withstanding shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, temperature extremes and thermal shock, and is IP54 compliant for water-, rain- and dust-resistance.

Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC will be available worldwide in August, 2008. In the United States, the base CF-U1 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company
Panasonic Computer Solutions Company empowers the mobile workforce. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Panasonic has delivered reliable, durable mobile solutions through its Toughbook® line of notebook computers for fifteen years and has expanded the boundaries of wireless communications technology through a broad portfolio of products, ranging from fully rugged, industrial strength notebook computers and tablet PCs to business-rugged thin-and-light and ultraportable notebooks. A core manufacturer, Matsushita and its subsidiaries control the entire process of design, manufacture, quality assurance, service and support. As a result, Panasonic Toughbooks are known for having the lowest failure rates in the industry. Government, industrial, and commercial users—from Fortune 1,000 companies to small businesses—rely on solutions from Panasonic, wherever their work takes them.

Intel
Like it or not, Intel's the biggest player in the game, so they've got essentially two major entries for mobile. First up is Montevina, soon to be known to your mother as Centrino 2. It was supposed to launch this month, but was delayed until August for a full rollout. It's a "platform" for notebooks, so it's got a few different components, like a Penryn Core 2 Duo processor and a wireless module (two options, one flavor has WiMax). It's basically nimbler all around than the preceding Santa Rosa platform—speedier front-side bus, faster RAM, better integrated graphics—but solid emphasis on battery life too. It'll basically be in any of the full-sized notebooks worth buying after this summer, and probably in the next MacBook/MacBook Pro release.

The ballyhooed Atom chips actually cover two classes of devices: so called "mobile internet devices"' (a vague category between a smartphone and a tiny laptop) and budget, smaller notebooks ("netbooks," "mini-notebooks," whatever you like), including the Eee PC 901 and MSI's Wind, with chips running from 800MHz to 1.86GHz, and an average power use of 160 to 220mW. As Jon at Ars sums up in his nitty gritty coverage, it's not quite "there" yet, but it's just a foot in the door for Intel.

AMD
I've been feeling so bad for AMD lately. Hopefully, its just-launched mobile platform, Puma, will help start turning things around. Its CPU soul is a Turion X2 Ultra, which has the nifty feature of adjusting power levels on the fly for each core. Another winning aspect is the integrated Radeon 3000 graphics, which AMD believes totally pwns Intel's, with three times the 3D performance and five times the HD quality (maybe something useful came out of the AMD/ATI merger after all?) Also, it can flip between using integrated and discrete graphics to save juice or ramp up performance. Tom's Hardware isn't too hot on it, though.

Nvidia
Nvidia is a relative noob in the mobile platform space, with Tegra being its first real charge. It's a system on a chip, with memory, a graphics processor, a CPU (from ARM) and more on a single chip. While they reference Intel's Atom a whole bunch, it's not really a competitor—these are just for more of those mobile internet devices. No hard products use it yet, either, but here are some videos depicting what Nvidia's got in mind. Neat, but I'm not sure who's gonna buy 'em. Also, new 9M notebook graphics cards—faster than the 8M series that's in decent notebooks now, we mayyyy see 'em in new MacBook Pros in August (crosses fingers).

Via
Via's Nano processor follows up the C7 used in stuff like the OQO UMPC and Cloudbook. It's mo' powerful, but it also uses more juice than the C7 or Intel's Atom. So, as Ars points out, it doesn't quite compete with Atom, just cause of the power differential. That's cool though, since Via's planning on using the Nano to break into powering bigger, badder notebooks that'll do HD video, and the C7 isn't going anywhere. You might see it replace the C7 in some stuff though, like HP's Mini-note, since physically it'll fit anywhere the C7 did.

That should bring ya up to speed.

Something we missed, or you still wanna know? Send any questions about chips, Pringles or anything else to tips@gizmodo.com, with "Giz Explains" in the subject line. [Giz Explains]

"ASUS is looking forward to welcoming you during Computex 2008 in Taipei, Taiwan, for the ASUS' 08 Computex Trilogy of launch events. We would also like to specially extend an invitation to you to attend the official global launch of the new Eee PC™ 901 and 1000 series."

[UMPC Fever—Thanks Frank]

[Tranquil PC via BBGadgets]

• Metal sides on the screen hinge.
• The power button on the hinge is gone.
• Slim, metal button bar over the keyboard.
• Power button is not located on the thin button to the far right of this bar.
• Metal framing for the trackpad.
• USB ports have been sightly re-arranged.
• VGA port is now on the right side.
• Kensington lock next to the Ethernet port on the left, which allows you to secure the machine while using the VGA on the right side of the machine.
• Two microphones for stereo input above the battery.
• Asus logo is gone in favor of the Eee PC brand.

[Blogeee via jkkmobile]

The diminutive device measures just 3.3 x 7.4 x 1.0 inches, packs in a QWERTY keyboard and weighs just one pound. It's configured to use Japan's PHS system for phone calling, apparently coming with an external Bluetooth phone device that'll let you place calls over the PHS network. It also appears to have a built-in one-seg TV tuner, and memory expansion through a microSD slot.

It's Japan-only for now, due to that PHS system, and costs around $1,280. [Akihabaranews via Av Watch]

The Classmate 2 will tote a 9-inch LCD display, six-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 30GB HDD, integrated webcam, 802.11b/g WiFi support, Windows XP or Linux OS and an Intel Celeron M processor, however, future versions will move to Intel's Atom platform.

Interestingly, the Classmate 2 will be available directly to the consumer. Amazon will stock the Classmate 2, which will carry the 2Go PC title and will be manufactured by CTL. The unit will be made available tonight, and will carry a $400 price tag. Of course, Intel will allow different manufatrers to tailor their base unit according to their need, but it seems CTL are first off the mark with their offering on Amazon.

The chaps at Laptopmag snagged some exclusive time with the 2Go PC, and they seemed to like the rugged design, bright display and good battery life. However, the machine was let down by "mediocre" performance, missing video output and low display resolution. Hit up the link to checkout Laptopmag's extensive review. [Laptopmag: 1, 2]

Z500
800MHz clock, 400 MHz frontside bus. No HyperThreading. TDP of 0.65W

Z510
1.1GHz clock, 400 MHz frontside bus. No HyperThreading. TDP of 2W

Z520
1.33GHz clock, 533MHz frontside bus. Supports HyperThreading. TDP of 2W

Z530
1.6GHz clock, 533MHz frontside bus. Supports HyperThreading. TDP of 2W

Z540
1.86GHz clock, 533MHz frontside bus. Supports HyperThreading. TDP of 2.2W

The Atom processors also are combined with the former "Paulsbo" System Controller Hub chipset and wireless adaptors into the Centrino Atom package. The SCH takes command of north and south bridges, memory control, PCI express, USB and other connectivity and an integrated GPU. This last supports Direct X9, and Intel says the top range version can also cope with HD 1080i output. That's pretty impressive for a chip that may be destined for portable gadgets.

Intel is ready to go with all these chips, and wants them to be on sale within 60 days. [Reg Hardware and Reuters]

Tech Corner claims the Netbook uses a 900 MHz Celeron processor and would sell for around $400. This contradicts reports that the upcoming Netbooks would be using the Intel Atom Diamondville processor and fall between the $250-$300 price range. However, claims of a June 2008 launch do seem to line up with those same reports.

Looking at its design, there's a handle attached to the back of the device, which looks a bit stupid. But if it's for the classroom, I guess we shouldn't care. And for a budget notebook, it looks pretty decent otherwise. We'll see come mid-year if this really is Intel's Netbook. [Flickr via Tech Corner]

A standard PC setup with DVD drive (and we're assuming with monitor) would run just $199 to $250. Intel calls the system a "Nettop," and it will use the Atom Centrino processor to run Vista without Aero, XP or Linux (depending on target price and intended application).

A laptop with the same specs won't run much more, estimated at only $250 to $300.

But given the inexpensive price of many full-blown Core 2 Duo laptops and desktops, it's hard to see these moderate price breaks ushering in an Atom revolution. For developing countries and educational purposes, on the other hand, the Atom is a tad more exciting. [pcworld]

• Although we already knew the 8.9-inch model was confirmed to be coming to market, the souped-up edition will also come with 8GB, 12GB or 20GB SSD options. The 8GB model will run Windows XP, whilst the other two will support Xandros. Whether the OS will be fixed to those particular models only is not entirely clear.

• Asus will move away from the VIA processors, instead adopting Intel's Atom platform in Q2, this year.

• Additional colors will be added to the current selection. However, those will not be the only cosmetic changes; Shen promised a "very stylish" makeover, which will have a "New York city sleekness" about it. He coined May or June as dates for the newer, potentially sexier Eee PC.

Shen speculated that Asus was playing with the idea of offering HDD versions of the Eee PC, too. Unfortunately, he did not go so far as to confirm any plans on that front. Nevertheless, it all sounds very promising—1024 x 600 resolution, bigger SSDs, Intel Atom and a face job; what more could you ask from your Sunday Eee PC fill? Check out the complete, extensive interview by hitting the link. [Laptop Mag]

You have roughly 48 hours to hold your newly found knowledge over everyone's head in the IT department. Enjoy. [PCWorld]

UPDATE - Oh, I'm sorry. I just discovered THIS!

UPDATE 2 - Dr. Gendlin laid his patent numbers one me, and guess what? They exist—and even bear the titles he named.
Memory material and method of its manufacture
Non-volatile record carrier with magnetic quantum-optical reading effect and method for its manufacture
Thin film composite having ferromagnetic and piezoelectric properties comprising a layer of Pb-Cd-Fe and a layer of Cr-Zn-(Te or Tl)
Method of manufacturing a non-volatile random accessible memory device
Memory material and method for its manufacture

Plus, he showed me photographs from 2003 of his chip manufacturing plant, CompuTechnics, based in Malaysia. There were photos of the good doctor surrounded by Malaysians in white clean room outfits, and one of him cutting the ribbon on a clean room shower. He claims the Israeli government is backing him to open a $3.5 billion chip manufacturing plant in Singapore this March.

Another award in the cabinet that I couldn't figure out turned out to be an Archimedes medal from Russia.