ZDNet Must Read:
ZDNet Smartphones and Cell Phones blog launches
In order to provide you with more focused content on mobile technology, the Smartphones and Cell Phones blog launched with the complete focus on news, reviews, and commentary around different... Continued »
October 3rd, 2008
Sony announces new Reader eBook device with integrated LED and touch screen
iRex announced new ebooks with touch screen functionality last week and now Sony just announced the Sony Reader PRS-700 with touch screen functionality. I still have and enjoy using my PRS-505 and this newest model looks to have about the same form factor. Even more impressive to me than the touch screen functionality is the integrated LED reading light.
I am not quite sure what the touch screen will be good for other than flipping pages. One image shows a stylus in the hand of the person reading, but I am not sure if there is any kind of handwriting recognition or note-taking capability on the device and I’ll be searching for more details.
I often find myself wanting to read in bed at night, but need to turn on a light or use a dedicated book light. I would like to see this LED integrated light even on the PRS-505 non-touch screen device.
Sony will also be updating the Sony eBook store with a better checkout process and updated search functionality. The Sony Reader PRS-700 will be available for about US$400 in November.
Thanks to The Boy Genius Report for the link to the news.
September 30th, 2008
First Intel MID now available for $699
There was a lot of Intel MID (Mobile Internet Device) news and demos at CES back in January, but we are just now starting to see them become available. Jenn from Pocketables posted that the Aigo P8860D/Gigabyte M528 MID is now shipping from Japan for US$699 with free worldwide shipping. The device has been on ebay, but this is the first official reseller carrying the device. I haven’t read anywhere that other MID devices are coming soon with most speculation showing 2009 availability. With devices like the iPhone/iPod Touch and Nokia N810 I am not sure there is a real need for a device like these, but then again with Linux or Windows XP your browser experience should not be limited like it is on all of these existing handheld devices.
The specifications for the Aigo P8860D include:
- Atom Z500 Intel® Menlow platform with 800MHz Frequency
- 512 MB (DDR2) RAM
- 4GB SSD Storage +2GB TF card
- 4.8″ WVGA High resolution Touch Screen (800*480 pixels)
- 2700mAH 3.5 to 5.5 hrs
- WLAN: 802.11 b/g + Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2DP)
- 0.3 megapixel webcam
- 2 USB ports, audio port
- Size: 152×80x21.9mm
- Weight: 300 gr
- (OS): Linux OS MIDinux (Full english)
I understand that Windows XP drivers may be available in October as well.
Netbooks have full browser and cost less than or equal to what we see here with this first MID, however they are really not as pocketable as the MID devices look to be and are more of a laptop replacement. These MIDs take a form factor like the Nokia Internet Tablets and put a more powerful processor inside with a more powerful OS powering the experience.
Is there a market for the MIDs?
September 29th, 2008
Sprint XOHM WiMAX service launches in Baltimore
WiMAX is no longer just a wireless technology we have been hoping to see, but is now available from Sprint as XOHM in Baltimore. This highly anticipated 4G service seemed to be on shaky ground as company partnerships were worked out, but is finally a reality. The pricing options are actually reasonable and I can’t wait to try out the service.
You can purchase XOHM-branded Samsung Express air cards for US$59.99 and ZyXEL modem for US$79.99. Other devices (ZTE USB modem, WiMAX notebooks, and the Nokia N810) are expected later this year. The service fee options include a day pass for $10, $25 for monthly home internet, and $30 for monthly on-the-go service. The best deal looks to be the launch special $50/month for two different WiMAX devices. This would allow you to have a modem at home and a wireless card for when you are mobile.
There are no long-term commitments or contracts for the service either, which is a breath of fresh air here in the U.S. where most people are tied to wireless carriers for extended periods. Because of this I will be looking for some kind of device to try out as soon as support for the Puget Sound area is launched.
I don’t have high download demands and the 2 to 4 Mbps download speeds may be more than adequate for my home internet needs. The $50/month plan could save me some serious money and allow me to access the internet on the go at high speeds. Let’s hope that other cities continue to be added quickly.
Thanks to Dave Zatz for the heads-up on the news.
September 25th, 2008
Run, don’t walk, and pick up a REDFLY Mobile Companion for $199.95
I wrote up my first thoughts of the Celio Corp REDFLY Mobile Companion back in March, then I bought my own in May and then the price dropped from US$499 to US$399.95 in August. Well, now you can pick this device up for only US$199.95 and IMHO that is a steal for anyone with a Windows Mobile device looking to be productive on the go. I understand this is a “seeding” price that is only good until 31 October and I guess the intent must be to get the device out there and have people talk it up.
Celio keeps working on and releasing device drivers so development is continuing with the REDFLY and I sure hope this major price drop is not any indication of trouble in the near future. I like using my REDFLY on my commute and on business trips and want to see driver support continue for years, along with expanded drivers for S60 and maybe even the Android OS.
I think this is a perfect enterprise device since you can send employees out on the road with it and their phone to give presentations and work on Office documents without worrying about security issues or even damage to the device.
I keep reading this price and am just amazed it dropped down this far. I was happy to pay what I paid for mine and really hope this lower price takes price out of the equation for potential buyers as I want to see continued development of drivers and support for this excellent product. I think at just under US$200 the purchase is a “no brainer” for any Windows Mobile enthusiast or enterprise user.
September 25th, 2008
Slingbox PRO-HD now shipping with HD streaming capability
The Slingbox PRO-HD is now shipping, for US$299.99, and you can now enjoy full HD quality video anywhere you may be traveling. Our own Josh Taylor posted a review of the new unit this morning. Dave Zatz also posted some pics and offers some thoughts on the new Slingbox PRO-HD and links to a full review on Sling Community. The Slingbox PRO-HD offers HD streaming, multiple input, and a built-in digital tuner that allows you to watch TV independently of your cable box in case someone else is watching your TV at home and you still want to connect to your home system.
My Slingbox Classic is looking quite dated now and I may soon have to pass it along to a family member and get myself an updated Slingbox. I wonder what the video quality would be on one of the new high resolution Windows Mobile devices like the Touch Diamond or the Touch Pro HD? As shown in Josh’s review, the difference between the Classic and PRO HD is incredible and I hope the mobile clients support this improvement too. I just read more details of Josh’s post and see that the upstream won’t support HD outside your home network so it is really designed for working with the upcoming SlingCatcher more than remote viewing.
I also was just sent a HAVA Platinum HD unit to test out and am considering the HAVA Wireless HD that looks to have most of the same specs as this new Slingbox PRO-HD. One thing I can’t wait to test out on the HAVA unit is the free mobile clients for S60, Windows Mobile, and the Nokia Internet Tablet. HAVA doesn’t have a Mac client, but there is no Mac HD client yet for the Slingbox either.
These both look like great solutions for placeshifting your video content and now that the new season of shows has started up and I have some fall travel coming I need to get my system up and running soon.
September 24th, 2008
Will a 6600 mAh battery convince you to buy an HTC Shift?
On my recent trip to New York to cover the T-Mobile G1 Android launch I traveled with just a backpack and used my Fujitsu U810 to write on the road. It was adequate, but the keyboard is quite small and limits how fast I can type. I reviewed the Sprint version HTC Shift back in March and one of the major flaws for me was the poor battery life. Paul at MoDaCo just posted a review of a new 3rd party 6600 mAh battery for the Shift that has me thinking about the device again. This whopping battery (compared to the minimal 2700 mAh battery loaded in the device) is priced at US$239.95.
I see that an open box 3G version (compatible with US 3G on AT&T) is available on Dynamism for US$999 and I am tempted to sell my Fujitsu U810 and pick up the Shift. Then again, this battery adds some considerable size to the device with a nice new cover provided by Mugen Power.
It’s not just the battery that would improve the device, but Paul also posted on how to enable GPS and Windows XP is almost up and running on the device as well. I know I should probably stick with something like the MSI Wind for much less cost and am looking at that device too (I may have an eval unit soon) since it has a much more usable keyboard and better specs.
September 22nd, 2008
iRex announces 3 new ebook readers priced from $649 to $849
I was just reading Mitch’s post on ebooks this morning and stumbled across the Engadget post announcing three new iRex Digital Readers. These ebooks readers are very high priced at US$649, US$749, and US$849 so you need to be a serious ebook fan to want to fork out this much for a reader.
The entry level model, the 1000, has a 10.2 inch display and looks to use the same kind of 16-level grayscale display seen on the Sony Reader FRS-505. It has a Secure Digital slot for storage and supports the Mobipocket DRM book format along with Adobe PDF, txt, and html. Image files are supported, but I don’t see anything in the specifications about audio format support. The 1000S has the same specs with a Waxom penabled touch sensor display and stylus for note taking capability. The 1000SW has the same specs as the 1000S with WiFi and Bluetooth radios for wireless connectivity. I don’t see any details on wireless access to an ebook store or an internet browser, but there has to be some kind of intent for the wireless feature other than connecting to your PC to transfer documents and books.
I am very happy with my Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader and won’t be jumping on these expensive models anytime soon. I think the handwriting could come in handy for the educational market, but the price is quite high and I would like to see more details on transferring notes back to a PC for archiving and usage off the device. Does anyone plan to pick one of these up and for what purposes?
September 18th, 2008
Zune manual sync mode lets you control your content
I upgraded one of my Zunes to the latest 3.0 software and was very pleased to read the latest news that manual sync capability is now a part of the Zune desktop software. In the past I had issues connecting my Zune to my home and work PC and losing content. You can now manually control your content and if you connect your Zune to a PC with limited hard disk space (a new netbook, perhaps?) this could actually be quite beneficial. You may now delete large movie files from your PC after getting it onto the Zune and then delete it from the PC drive while it remains on the Zune.
With manual sync mode, you control syncing and deleting of music, videos, and pictures. Podcasts, Friends, and Channels do not have a manual mode option and these remain in automatic sync mode because of the nature of their content. I appreciate the new capability and also am very pleased that I can still upgrade my old original Zune 30 to the latest firmware.
September 18th, 2008
Neuros OSD 2 developer kit available, open source set-top for your TV
Neuros Technology has been making open source video capture and media systems for several years and I have used their Recorder 2 and OSD products to capture TV content and convert it into a format for playing back on my mobile phones, iPod, and PSP. I currently have and use the OSD, which is actually on sale right now for US$149.99 from their store, since it has more options than the older Recorder 2. Neuros recently announced that the developer kits for their OSD 2.0 are now available for US$249.99. These are still labeled developer kits because the software is not finalized and they are designed to get out and in the hands of those who will make it work well for the consumer.
The intent of the Neuros OSD devices is to provide a completely open set-top device for TV applications. Even with the current Neuros OSD you can do things like listen to Last.fm music and check out YouTube right on your TV. There is also development of a web browser and much more.
The OSD 2 has high definition support and provides more than the current OSD, but it is really just for those looking to develop for it at this time.
September 17th, 2008
Check out the new ZDNet Smartphones and Cell Phones blog
I’ve been covering everything related to mobile tech here on the ZDNet Mobile Gadgeteer blog, including mobile phones, Tablet PCs, netbooks, digital media players, portable gaming devices, and more. In an attempt to provide a bit more focus, I am now splitting that blog into two blogs with this new one focused solely on news, review, and commentary of mobile phones, accessories, and software. The new ZDNet Smartphones and Cell Phones blog kicked off this morning and in addition to the smartphone devices (Apple, Palm, Windows Mobile, S60, BlackBerry, and Google Android) I will also start including some higher end feature phone coverage there as well.
I’ll be covering all other types of mobile gear here on this blog, including Tablet PCs/MIDS, digital audio players, portable GPS units, portable gaming devices, and much more. Please let me know what interests you and what you would like to see covered in future posts, including any software or hardware you would like to see me evaluate and review. Thank you very much for your support on the Mobile Gadgeteer these last two+ years and I look forward to writing on this new blog and keeping you informed.
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads
- Developing an Open Source Strategy to Accelerate Software Development Black Duck Software
- Is SharePoint right for your enterprise? Get a free report sample to find out CMS Watch
- Optimizing Operations Across the Supply Chain: Demand Planning Technologies Reduce Inventories, Spur Collaboration Microsoft
Recent Entries
- Sony announces new Reader eBook device with integrated LED and touch screen
- First Intel MID now available for $699
- Sprint XOHM WiMAX service launches in Baltimore
- Run, don’t walk, and pick up a REDFLY Mobile Companion for $199.95
- Slingbox PRO-HD now shipping with HD streaming capability
Most Popular Posts
- Sprint announces HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, is there really going to be a Touch HD?
- Run, don't walk, and pick up a REDFLY Mobile Companion for $199.95
- BlackBerry Storm video and Verizon Q&A posted
- First Intel MID now available for $699
- First impressions of the Sprint HTC Touch Diamond
- Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 media preview event in London
Top Rated
- Update: Microsoft finally adds WiFi store to the Zune with Zune 3.0+6 votes
- Zune 3.0 now available, also get free WiFi access at McDonald's+5 votes
- Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 media preview event in London+4 votes
- RIM continues to gain in smartphone sales, 2nd quarter 08 report+4 votes
- More thoughts and videos on the Samsung OMNIA, may be traded soon+3 votes
- Check out the new ZDNet Smartphones and Cell Phones blog+3 votes
- Everything you want to know about the Zune 3.0 release and new hardware+3 votes
- First impressions of the Sprint HTC Touch Diamond+3 votes
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Access the latest Intel and industry best practices
-
Designed specifically to address the concerns of senior IT managers at organizations with more than 100 employees, the Intel Premier IT Professional Program provides best practices via local and e-Seminars and a members-only Web site.
- View the Intel Premier IT Professional web-site tour >>
Archives
Favorite Links
Blogroll
ZDNet Blogs
- A Developer's View
- All About Microsoft
- The Apple Core
- Between the Lines
- BriefingsDirect
- Collaboration 2.0
- Community, Incorporated
- The Core Truth
- Dev Connection
- Digital Cameras
- Ed Bott's Microsoft Report
- Emerging Tech
- Enterprise Alley
- Enterprise Anti-matter
- Enterprise Web 2.0
- Feeds
- Forrester Research
- Googling Google
- GreenTech Pastures
- Hardware 2.0
- Home Theater
- iGeneration
- Irregular Enterprise
- IT Facts
- The IT Grind
- IT Project Failures
- Laptops & Desktops
- Lawgarithms
- Linux and Open Source
- Managing L'unix
- The Mobile Gadgeteer
- On Sustainability
- Rational Rants
- The Semantic Web
- Service Oriented
- Smartphones and Cell Phones
- The Social Web
- Software & Services Safari
- Software as Services
- SOHO Networking
- Storage Bits
- Team Think
- Tech Broiler
- Tom Foremski: IMHO
- The ToyBox
- The Universal Desktop
- Virtually Speaking
- The Web Life
- ZDNet Education
- ZDNet Government
- ZDNet Healthcare
- Zero Day
SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - ProCurve Networking by HP Case Study Microsoft
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0: Performance and Scalability - Database Scalability for the Enterprise Microsoft
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0: Enterprise Performance and Scalability Microsoft
- Printers
- 'Green' Font Cuts Costs and Saves Trees (BNET)
- Three Ways to Save Paper (BNET)
- CNET Reviews printer buying guide (CNET)
- View all printers-tagged content on ZDNet
- Plan B from Brother
- It's the smarter way to work in color Our professional color ink-jet all-in-ones give you more choices, more features, and more value. Make the Smarter Choice. Learn More »
