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 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]

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]

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]

[UMPC Portal]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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