Google Chrome OS Netbook specs leaked

Some details about the upcoming Google Chrome OS based netbooks has leaked and the specification look delicious indeed.

The Chrome OS devices will be powered by an NVIDIA Tegra chipset with an ARM processor which uses less power and gives better performance than current Intel Atom chipsets. The Tegra chipset is also what powers Microsoft's Zune HD.

Chrome OS, which was announced back in July had been the center of some rather wild speculation until finally Google unveiled the OS and made the bitter sweet announcement that Chrome OS would not be released by Google as an installable operating system for current netbooks but would be a device in itself. The Chrome OS netbooks were meant to be used a companion devices, not intended to replace current computers but to be seen as more of a browser-on-the-go.

By having a completely new hardware platform to run the OS, Google was able to cut down booting time to a mere 7 seconds, with even more scope for improvement, making the device switch on like a TV. To achieve this Google will use a custom boot sequence which will skip steps which are no longer required -- such as searching for a flopy drive -- and will add an integrity checking step to ensure that the OS in not infected by malware. With this the OS can always be kept malware free and at the latest version. The operating system would run off an SSD drive instead of a regular HDD.

Since then speculation has run wild again as to what kind of machine would power this device, and now some of that is put to rest. Besides the Tegra chipset the system will have a 64GB SSD drive -- as expected -- and 2GB RAM. Since the device is meant to surf the internet it will feature WiFi, and 3G connectivity, and an Ethernet port. The rest of the usual fare such as a multi-card reader, bluetooth, USB ports, webcam, and a 3.5" audio jack will also be present. Additionally the device will feature a 10.1" HD ready TFT display with multi-touch capability.

And if that wasn't good enough, rumors are that the device will subsidized and priced at sub-$300 (under Rs. 15,000)! In the US they might even be bundled with 3G data plans with wireless carriers.

The remarkably low price coupled with the powerful configuration makes for a great bargain. So even while the specification are still far form being facts, they do paint a pretty picture of a Chrome OS device.

PSP Go gets unboxed and hands-on; introduces pause-and-resume for multi-tasking

The guys at GameSpot UK got their hands on the new PlayStation Portable Go – the latest version of the handheld console from Sony – and have just posted a detailed unboxing video of the same on their site.

A couple of things stand out in the video, with the most promising new feature being the inclusion of the ability to pause your game. In the old PSP-3000 and all previous versions, the best you could do was quit the game if you wanted to perform some other task, such as watching a video. But in the new PSP Go, you can simply pause the game (although it takes a lot of time to do so), go back to the XrossMediaBar and head over to the videos section to watch a movie.

This feature could be especially handy for games with checkpoints that are too far and few in-between. We have also found ourselves sometimes wishing for a feature like this when travelling in a crowded train. As playing the game becomes impossible, the option of pausing it to listen to music and then resume the game later, right where we left off, is absolutely fantastic in our books. Round of applause here, please?

Apart from that, the other big change is that the PSP Go comes with a proprietary cable now. Gone are the days of using just any micro-USB cable you have handy with your PSP; Sony is back to its ‘use our cables and make us rich’ nonsense again.

Part of the reason for this might be the fact that the PSP Go does not come with a TV-out port like the older versions. The GameSpot reviewers surmised that the new proprietary port might double up as a TV-out port – with another proprietary cable that you will have to buy, of course.

Both the reviewers were also impressed with the build quality of the PSP Go, noting that the slider mechanism feels good, the analog nub has more resistance, the chrome buttons on the edge feel better than the plastic ones of old, and overall, the console has a ‘solid, but lighter’ feel to it.

One line in the review did bother us though: Apparently the PSP Go can be synced up to only PCs and not Macs. Is this Sony’s way of welcoming the iPod Touch to the world of handheld video game consoles?

Check out the full video here:

» Concept Cell Phones of the Future

Clamshells and candy bars be gone. Tomorrow's cell phones may bear little resemblance to the snap-open handsets or even the sleek, flat rectangular phones we sport today.

Visionaries from design firm Pilotfish and sensor maker Synaptics have created a phone that has no buttons. It's operated with gestures. Designer Manon Maneenawa has built a phone that can be converted into an alarm clock or a wrist watch. Sweden's GoldVish just began selling a phone for $1.26 million that features diamonds and a secret compartment.

A Phone's Best Friend
Designer: GoldVish
Model: Piece Unique
Price: $1.26 million
Availability: U.S., end of 2006

Emmanuel Gueit, whose credits include items for jeweler Harry Winston, designed this mobile phone made of solid gold and featuring 120 carats of diamonds. Pushing on one of the precious stones unlocks a secret compartment that can be used for carrying medicine or jewels.

Talk & Roll
Designer: Philips
Model: Readius
Price: Not available
Availability: Not available

This cell phone display from Philips uses electronic ink and can be viewed in broad daylight. Still in prototype stage, this device is ideal for watching movies on your mobile. When it's not in use, it can be rolled around your phone for added convenience.


Pivot Point
Designer: Lunar Design, for Pantech
Model: Pivot
Price: Not available
Availability: Not available

This handset features a swiveling screen that can be set up like an easel for easy typing, say, with a keyboard attachment. If it ever gets out of the design stage, the device is sure to be a hit with mobile TV and video-conferencing junkies.

Thin Is In
Designer: Samsung
Model: The Ultra Edition (Europe)/Platinum Card Phone (Korea)
Price: Varies by country
Availability: Available in Europe and Korea starting in the second half

Even as other phone designs morph, thin will still be in. At 6.9 mm, this is one of the slimmest handsets on the market. It could even fit in your wallet. Still, it comes with a 2-megapixel camera and Bluetooth for connecting to other devices-all that, at 91.5 grams.

» BenQ Joybook A53

(March 2008)

BenQ announced the launch of its latest notebook PC, the Joybook A53 on Wednesday. It is the fourth laptop in the company's A-series range, sitting at the top as its flagship. The 15.4-inch Joybook sports a 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor and BenQ is pushing the A53's "metropolitan aesthetic" visible in the etched, brushed-metal finish. Other specifications include Windows Vista certification and an optional 8x dual-layer DVD writer.

The sharp-looking laptop also boasts a numeric keypad that pushes the imprinted touch-pad off-center -- with keys that are 20 percent larger and with greater spacing between them than standard desktops -- for greater ergonomics and ease of use. The large LCD features BenQ’s proprietary UltraVivid technology and DBEF coating that enhance picture quality, and the response time is a fast 8 milliseconds, on par with HDTVs. A 0.3-megapixel camera is built-in above the LCD screen.

Buyers get a 5400rpm SATA hard drive, in a choice of four capacities ranging from 80 to 200GB, while standard memory comes at 512MB but is upgradeable to 2 GB. The Joybook’s seeming downside is the battery life, rated at an approximate 2.3 hours by BenQ.

The A53 is already available in Poland, Russia, China, Thailand and Australia, with more countries getting the new notebook soon. Pricing has not been announced

» HTC P3470 TouchScreen with GPS Navigator

(February 2008)

HTC has announced a new communicator, which popped up in news under the codename Pharos – it’s HTC P3470. Taking into account its specs, we see an entry level device lacking the support of both 3G and Wi-Fi, but carrying a GPS-receiver onboard. The price tag doesn’t seem to fit an entry-level communicator. Late in February HTC P3470 will become available in some European countries from Orange operator at €449.

HTC P3470 Specifications:
* Cell networks: GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
* Chipset: TI OMAP 850, 200 MHz
* OS: Windows Mobile 6 Professional
* Display: 2.8” touchscreen QVGA
* 2-megapixel camera
* 256 MB ROM, 128 MB RAM
* microSD-slot
* Bluetooth: 2.0 EDR
* GPS-receiver
* Interface: HTC ExtUSB (miniUSB and audio jack), USB 2.0 Full-Speed
* Battery: 1100 mAh
* Talk time: up to 350 minutes
* Standby time: up to 240 hours
* Dimensions: 108x58.3x15.7 mm
* Weight: 122 g.

Olympus rolls out E-420 DSLR Camera

» Olympus rolls out E-420 DSLR Camera

Olympus announces the E-420, world's thinnest, smallest digital SLR camera. It is comes with 10-megapixel sensor and a 2.7-inch LCD with Live View. This camera is equipped with On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview. It measures 5.1 x 3.6 x 4.6 inch and weighs 13.4 ounces. The Olympus E-420 DSLR is available at $600.
PRESS SUMMARY
Olympus announces ultra compact E-420 digital SLR - digital camera and photography newsUser-friendly Olympus E-420 marries an exceptionally compact design with professional quality

The latest addition to the Olympus E-System, the E-420, represents a winning formula for both seasoned photographers and entrants to the D-SLR domain alike. Users benefit from the remarkable quality only D-SLR photography can deliver, yet also enjoy the ease of use usually only associated with a compact camera. This includes Live View depictions on the LCD, which can significantly simplify image composition. In addition, as one of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs, mobility is hardly an issue. The E-420 will fit just about anywhere – from a small daypack to a lady's handbag. This makes it a perfect companion for journalists, travelers or other adventurers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind portability, performance and value for money it delivers. The easy-to-use 10.0-Megapixel E-420 features 28 shooting modes to suit a multitude of photographic situations and is ready to use straight out of the box. It will be available in stores from late April 2008.

More performance, more ease of use
With the E-420, Olympus proves that high performance D-SLR photography can be enjoyed by everyone. Despite packing even more potential than its predecessor, this new E-System model boasts extreme user-friendliness in an amazingly light and compact take-anywhere form. Whatever the photographer's level of experience, high-quality images are quite literally for the taking. 28 shooting modes, including automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options, ensure complete versatility – while retaining both ease of use and the distinct D-SLR quality advantages.

A powerful 10.0-Megapixel Live MOS sensor provides plentiful resolution for crisp, detailed shots. This is supported by the incorporation of the TruePic III image processor which enables the implementation of Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT). It guarantees exceptionally true-to-life image reproduction while reducing noise and enhancing processing speed. Sequential shooting at up to 3.5fps in full Megapixels mode is possible with up to eight images in RAW buffer.

For state-of-the-art protection against the threat of dust, Olympus' own Supersonic Wave Filter is the E-System's native dust reduction system – and has positioned itself as the world's leading solution against dust on the image sensor.

Purely intuitive
The E-420 brings even the most advanced features into a natural framework that enables virtually anyone to achieve high-level photography. With continuous Live View, users can frame compositions on the camera's generous 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD, which provides 100% coverage of scenes with the on-screen contrast, brightness and color of depictions all being easily adjustable. Thanks to Perfect Shot Preview, the effects of exposure compensation and white balance can also be monitored in real-time directly on the LCD. Furthermore, professional depth of field previewing is possible and users can see the effects of Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology in action. In addition, the LCD enables the magnification of subjects by a factor of 7 or 10 while framing. This makes manual focusing during macro shooting, for example, considerably easier and more accurate.

Autofocus performance has also been enhanced to boost user friendliness. On top of the phase detection AF system, the E-420 now also features a contrast AF system*. It allows subjects to be focused upon more conveniently as the mirror does not need to move to the down position for measurements to be taken. And as a major additional benefit for photographers, implementation of the contrast AF system lets the effect of autofocus be seen on the Live View LCD immediately.

A built-in flash adds to this model's flexibility. More shooting versatility is also provided due to the option of wireless flash control in up to three groups. Using the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flash units, multiple flash set-ups which can be controlled remotely – significantly extend lighting options. And thanks to the availability of sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to 1600, the E-420 remains a versatile companion, even in less-than-perfect lighting conditions and in situations when a flash is not desired.

With 38 languages available, the E-420 enables ease-of-use no matter the user's native tongue. A USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) interface guarantees fast data transfer, and with its long-life rechargeable battery, shooting sessions can easily go into overtime.

Part of the E-System family
The E-420 is compatible with virtually all Olympus E-System accessories. Adhering to the Four Thirds Standard, these various accessories open the door to an amazing range of photographic options – without compromising quality. All Four Thirds lenses, for example, feature near-telecentric construction ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness. Furthermore, the Four Thirds System enables the design of smaller camera bodies and lenses to allow for much more compact photographic set-ups. This advantage is perfectly embodied in the go-anywhere E-420, one of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs. And to accentuate this fact further, a new so-called pancake lens is also being introduced. Featuring an extremely short-barreled, lightweight design, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 (equivalent to 50mm on a 35mm camera) represents the perfect accompaniment for the E-420. With its overall compactness, the set-up is reminiscent of the legendary improvement to mobility that the famous Olympus OM series provided.

Adding to this model's cool elegance, an attractive, retro-styled camera case that attaches to the base of the camera is also being introduced. Made entirely of leather, it will be available in a choice of white, brown or black.

The newest addition to the E-System family, the E-420 will hit stores from late April 2008.

The Olympus E-420 digital SLR – main features:
Extremely easy operation – use it straight out of the box
One of the world's smallest and lightest D-SLRs providing the ultimate in portability
10-Megapixel Live MOS sensor
Live View for easier compositions
Perfect Shot Preview for improved depiction of camera adjustments directly on the Live View LCD
Improved Live View with contrast AF, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology & phase detection AF system*
TruePic III image processor
High-contrast 2.7”/6.9cm HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angles
The original Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
28 automatic, semi-automatic and manual shooting options (including 5 exposure, 5 creative & 18 scene select modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups
3.5fps with up to eight images in RAW buffer
One-touch white balance
AE/AF-lock functionality
ISO 100 to 1600
Depth of field preview function
49-segment digital ESP
Bracketing function (Exposure, White Balance, Focus)
Beginner and Advanced information screens
Detailed info screen with histogram
Based on Four Thirds System
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash)

The Olympus E-420 is available in the following configurations:
Olympus E-420 Lens Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
Olympus E-420 Double Zoom Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
Olympus E-420 Pancake Lens Kit
(E-420 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm 1:2.8 lens)
Olympus E-420 (body only)

» HP Pavilion HDX Gaming notebook

(January 2008)

HP is going to update this month the HP Pavilion HDX entertainment and gaming notebook with a new graphic card option.

The Pavilion HDX, which currently comes with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB video card, will be configurable with the Nvidia GeForce 8800M GTS 512MB GPU.

This large 15.3-pound laptop features a 20.1-inch display with up to 1920×1200 (1080p) resolution, and is based on the Intel “Santa Rosa” platform with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The notebook features up to 4GB of system memory, up to 500GB hard drive storage capacity, HD DVD and Bly-Ray optical drive options, an integrated TV tuner, and four Altec Lansing speakers accompanied by a subwoofer.

Along with regular laptop ports and slots, the HDX provides an HDMI output and an eSATA connector. The basic HP Pavilion HDX configuration is priced at $1,999.

Asus has debuted an unusual series of concept computers that rely on alternative case materials. Asus is committed to green computing, and this new lineup of concept products serves to keep users in touch with the future of environmentally friendly technology. Asus ' Bamboo concept series stands to bring cutting edge products that are sensational in all senses and forms. In nature, bamboo carries a touch of spiritual warmth with its unique tactile surface and its refreshing fragrance. In the Chinese culture, this unique character symbolizes a serene wisdom that takes the soul through a journey of aesthetic realms. It's this poetic quality of bamboo that the Asus designers strived to convey in their product designs.

Press release:
Providing performance that doesn't harm the earth is becoming the common ideal. All of Asus' notebooks comply with RoHS regulations Directive 2002/95/EC (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment), and utilize substituted materials for various heavy metals to help curb environmental pollution.

Taipei, Taiwan, March 7, 2008 – The huge numbers of visitors present at ASUS' booth during CeBIT 2008 were treated to a dazzling display of innovative technology that included the ever-popular Eee PC, the ASUS-Lamborghini PDA handphone, and the exclusive EPU energy saving technology in the motherboard range. In addition to these new product lineups, ASUS has also included new concept products at this year's CeBIT 2008 exhibition. A leading company in the new digital era, ASUS has brought forth a new concept line that focuses on alternative material design aimed at helping save the earth. ASUS is committed to green computing, and this new lineup of concept products serves to keep users in touch with the future of environmentally friendly technology.

ASUS Bamboo Concept Series – A Mix of the Old and the New
ASUS' Bamboo concept series stands for our continuous commitment to bring cutting edge products that are sensational in all senses and forms. In nature, bamboo carries a touch of spiritual warmth with its unique tactile surface and its refreshing fragrance. In the Chinese culture, this unique character symbolizes a serene wisdom that takes the soul through a journey of aesthetic realms. It's this poetic quality of bamboo that the ASUS designers strived to convey in our product designs.

Innovative Use of Alternative Materials
With limited resources and ever increasing demand, it is vital that everyone – consumers and hardware providers included; strives to protect the environment in every possible way. ASUS' commitment to green computing has resulted in the research of alternative materials in its production of components and products. With such innovative technologies, ASUS has created an image of the future for computing – showcasing environmentally friendly designs for notebooks, LCDs and Mini PCs with bamboo as an alternative material in the manufacturing process.

Technology with the Environment in Mind
Providing performance that doesn't harm the earth is becoming the common ideal. All of ASUS' notebooks comply with RoHS regulations Directive 2002/95/EC (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment), and utilize substituted materials for various heavy metals to help curb environmental pollution.

1st Network Admin offers a comprehensive protection for Windows-based network workstations under a public environment. It lets you restrict access to almost every corner of Windows for all PC workstations you have in your network, apply executable patches to them remotely, and schedule reboots, shutdowns, and Windows Explorer restarts from a single administrator's computer connected to a TCP/IP-based network or Internet. 1st Network Admin is very useful for Internet cafes, public-access terminals, libraries, large corporations, schools and for other applications where you have to deal with lots of stand-alone PC workstations to be secured and constantly maintained. Once you install and configure the remote client service application on all your remote computers, you do not need to physically attend those computers anymore. You just change security settings and apply executable patches form only your administrator's computer from almost everywhere where your corporate network is accessible by TCP/IP protocol. In total, 1st Network Admin supports over 600 different security restrictions, options and tweaks that allow you to completely secure your workstations.