iPod-Informing Archos Could Set Mini-Remote Trend With 705 Mobile DVR

Try as they may fanboy sites, and speculation, the majority of fans seeking to look into the future iPod functionality will have to wait one Steve Jobs speech. But we only hope that the unheralded designers of Archos. Years before Apple developed a video touch screen functionality, or Wi-Fi for its iPod players, Archos has been feeding these functions for the early adopters.

As lovers of the newest on-go interfaces, we are big fans of Archos' big screen, Wi-Fi allows media players. They can be too big for the morning jog, but their massive touchscreens allows them to work as Web tablets, too .

New Archos 705 Mobile DVR improves upon this pattern in several directions. Like some early models of the company that you can connect the device to a TV catch up later on the road (consider that the Slingbox and iTunes movie rentals). No real progress is a tiny remote control. It not only allows you to scroll through menus and manage DVR functionality, but it is even Treo size QWERTY keyboard (we have great fans of similar autonomous devices). Before the mini-remote, a light for viewing on the Archos players were tiring (try entering a long e-mail using the virtual keyboard). Now the gap between portable media players and the ultra-mobile PCs dropped even further - and, who knows, one iPod keyboard may not be that significant part of a long shot after all .... -- Seth Porges

Asus Eee

Earlier this month, I reviewed two tiny PCs and concluded that neither was quite on the mark as a go-anywhere Web surfing and e-mail tool. I had hoped to test the small Asus Eee PC, but wasn't able to get a review copy in the run-up to CES, where we saw a WiMAX version and the PM team gave it an Editor's Choice Award.

So I kept hearing and reading about the Asus, and I finally just ordered one myself—at $399 it wasn't going to break the bank. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and I think it fills my need for an inexpensive tool for surfing, blogging and reading e-mail. It's cheap, fun and surprisingly full-featured. There's no hard drive—4 GB of flash memory is standard, but you can upgrade, or just plug an SD card into the memory card slot and use that as a second hard drive.

Unlike the Sony UX490 or the Nokia N810 I covered in my previous review, the Asus has a real, if diminutive, keyboard. Though the keys are small, it's pretty easy to hit the correct one without thinking—except for the right shift key, which is tiny and dangerously close to the up arrow. But a bit of practice has gotten me used to that. (There's also no CAPS LOCK light, which is occasionally irritating.) Still, it's easy to type on—I'm writing this review on it—in a way that the slide-out keypads on the Sony and Nokia are not.

The screen is also tiny but, at 7.5 in., much bigger than those of the Sony and Nokia. I find it easy to read and navigate pretty much any Web page, and videos from YouTube play well. Plus, the speakers are surprisingly good for a laptop.

The Asus comes preloaded with a customized Linux operating system and some basic applications—word processing, photo editing, music management—but it's primarily an Internet tool. The one thing it's missing is some sort of WWAN (i.e., a wireless wide area network such as EVDO from Sprint or Verizon or HSDPA from AT&T) functionality. It works fine with Wi-Fi, but without WWAN access you're limited to hot spots, though those are plentiful nowadays—and there's that version coming this year with an integrated WiMAX card to work with Sprint's super-speedy Xohm network). For now, you could probably use a USB-based AirCard—the Asus comes with a generous three USB ports (more than the MacBook Air, but I haven't tried that yet). A look at the Verizon Web site shows that its software doesn't work with Linux, so any work arounds would be strictly home-brew. (Asus tells me there's no driver yet and won't be for at least a couple of months.) Alternatively, it's possible to put Windows XP on the Eee PC, though you'd have to buy a copy, for a substantial chunk of the laptop's total price.

The Eee PC also has an Ethernet port and a VGA out. So you get a lot of computer for the money, and it's also surprisingly chic—when I've pulled it out in public it's drawn a crowd. Women, in particular, seem to like that it will easily fit in an ordinary-size purse. Is it perfect? No. But for $399 it's pretty close. —Glenn Reynolds

Neonode N2 Phone Turns You Into Touchscreen Zoolander ... With Haptics!

In the movie Zoolander, Ben Stiller's eponymous character used a comically miniscule cellphone. So similar was the Nenode N2, that we’ve taken to calling it “the Zoolander phone" around the office.

This phone isn't just cute, it's weird. You actually hold the back of it against your ear to talk (so the LCD screen points away from your head). The most striking feature, however, is its tactile feedback. Pressing a virtual button on the touchscreen causes a slight vibration so you know you've pressed well. And as cool as the gesture-based menu navigation is (roll your finger across the screen), it takes some getting used to.

The company is selling the phone unlocked for 440 Euros off its Web site (they are Swedish, after all), but we can expect a carrier-tied version to hit the States before long. In fact, they’re apparently planning a big marketing push at the Sundance film festival.

Computer enthusiasts in the developed countries will soon be able to get their hands on the so-called "$ 100 laptop".

This organization for the project began to "give one, get one" scheme, which will allow residents of the United States to purchase two laptops for $ 399 (£ 198).
One notebook will be sent to the buyer, as a child in the developing world will receive a second machine . In G1G1 scheme, as we know, will offer laptops for the entire two weeks, beginning on 12 November.
Proposal to the public occurs after the project founder acknowledged that specific orders from governments of developing countries, do not always follow the verbal agreement.

Nicholas Negroponte told the New York Times: "I am somewhat underestimated the difference between shaking the hands of the head of state, and the cheque is written.
"And yes, it was a disappointment."

Walter Bender, head of software development for one laptop per Child (OLPC), told the website BBC News: "From the first day there were a lot of expressed interest in obtaining some way people in the developed world are participating in the program."

The price hike
In XO notebook has been developed for use in children, and as a low cost, durable and easy to use as possible.

He packs some innovations including sunlight-readable display so that it can be used outside. It has no moving parts and can be powered by solar energy, foot-pump or pull-energy combination and chargers housed in a watertight case.

The machine prices have recently risen to $ 176 from USA (£ 88) to $ 188 (£ 93), although the eventual goal is to sell the machine for $ 100 (£ 50).
Governments can buy green and white machines in a lot of 250000.
In July, suppliers of equipment received a green light on the ramp, the production of all the components needed to create a low-cost machines.

The decision suggests that the organization had met or exceeded three million jobs, it is necessary to make production viable. The names of the Government, who purchased the first party machines have not been released.

Developing injury
But, according to the OLPC, there is also great interest in XO laptop from individuals in the developed world.

"I do not know how many times people have been added to our records Wiki saying," how can I get? "or" I would be happy to pay for a child if I could get, "said Mr. Bender. This organization has hinted that they are considering selling a laptop for one get one basis, but not this early.
In January this year, Michalis Bletsas, chief liaison officer for the project, told the BBC that the news website OLPC hoping to sell laptop with the public "in the next year".

Nicholas Negroponte, founder of OLPC, as previously stated: "Many business schemes were discussed and suggested the surface, which may in 2008 or beyond, one of which is" Buy 2 and get 1.

According to Mr. Bender, see OLPC laptops offers several advantages in the developed world.
"There are going to be a lot more people who can contribute content, software development and support," said Mr. Bender.

But primarily, he said, it is a way to disseminate laptop project for the countries that can not afford to participate.
"We see this as a way to boost programs in the least developed countries".

Early adopters
In the first countries to receive donated laptops will be Cambodia, Afghanistan, Rwanda and Haiti.
Other Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as defined by the UN, will be able to bid to join the scheme.  In laptops will go on sale in two weeks through xogiving.org site.

They may be available only for two weeks, to ensure the OLPC can meet the demand, and that the machines are not used outside the country who have already placed orders.
Although the exact number of computers through G1G1 scheme has been found, Mr. Bender said that "the first 25000 people that buying will get it before the end of this year.
Others get their vehicles in the first quarter of 2008.

Mr. Bender said that if it proves successful, the organization will consider extending the scheme.
"Our motivation is helping children learn, and give them the opportunity to participate in the program so that the laptop will advance that cause we will do," he said.

"This is what we are going to try, and if it looks like it was an effective tool, which we will do more of it."The organisation behind the project has launched the "give one, get one" scheme that will allow US residents to purchase two laptops for $399 (£198).

$100 laptop begins production

The mass production of the so-called $ 100 laptop has started, five years after the idea was first proposed.
Quanta computer manufacturer has begun to build low-cost laptop in a factory in Changshu, China.
One Laptop per Child (OLPC), the group behind the project, said that children in developing countries have begun to receive the machines this month
Last month, OLPC has received his first official order of 100000 machines by the government of Uruguay.
"Today represents an important milestone in the evolution of the One Laptop per Child project," said Nicholas Negroponte, founder of OLPC.
The organisation had reached the critical stage, in spite of all the naysayers, "he said.

Price hike  
From Professor Negroponte first put forward the idea of distributing low-cost laptop for children in developing countries in 2002, the plan has been both praised and derided.

Intel Chairman Craig Barret described the XO portable, as the machine is known as a "$ 100 gadget", while Microsoft founder Bill Gates questioned the lack of hard disk and small screen. "
Other critics have questioned the need for the laptop in countries which, it was said, had more pressing needs such as sanitation and health.

But Professor Negroponte has always maintained that the project is not about education technology.  However, the green and white XO machines pack a series of innovations that make them suitable for use in remote and hostile environment.

The camera has no moving parts and can be easily maintained. It has a sunlight-readable display that allows children to use outside, especially for areas with little access to electricity, ultra-low power and can be charged from a variety of devices including solar panels.  Although OLPC finally plan to sell the machines for $ 100 or less, the current price is $ 188 (£ 93).

Lithium polymer batteries likely replacement for dangerous lithium ion in laptops

Nine years ago, the lithium polymer battery has been hyped for laptops, but ultimately discarded in favor of cheaper energy and more dense lithium ion, lithium polymer but now the "gap" can be the source of their return.

Lithium is a volatile material, and when it is densely packed into cells as it is of lithium ion batteries, an internal short can cause a chain reaction and result in a fire. Although Sony Electronics touted the energy density and subsequent energy capacity of lithium ion batteries, in the past, the company President Stan Glasgow said lithium polymer batteries would "probably" replace their counterparts ion more dangerous. The Sony is now working with Dell, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Lenovo and others to bring back millions of lithium ion batteries, which have supplied with their notebooks during the past two years.

Lithium polymer batteries are safer because lithium is contained in a polymer gel, instead of cells, which means that they are less energy dense, but not likely to catch fire for a short. Also, lithium polymer has always had its fans, because the gel can be easily mounted on short empty spaces in a notebook case. Unfortunately, the battery is not known for its long life. When Mitsubishi lithium polymer batteries used in its Pedion notebook in 1997, was a commercial failure, despite the price $ 6000 and mechanical issues probably contributed to the fall of the computer.

Some companies are determined to make more secure their laptops, completely removing lithium. MTI Micro Fuel Cells and other companies are hoping that their fuel cells - methanol that pass through a membrane, in order to obtain electricity - are the next laptop battery, while Zinc Matrix Power and PowerGenix are moving to zinc-based Other batteries for notebooks and devices. Glasgow said that these technologies are still a little on the way. Zinc Matrix Power said it expects to begin shipment of zinc-based batteries next year.

One laptop per child project ships first 10 computers

A former MIT professor embarked on a project years ago to as many laptop computers in the hands of children - mostly in developing countries - possible. The "One Laptop Per Child" campaign was intended to produce a laptop computer with a price of $ 100 to facilitate the project and ensure that even the poorest countries could afford to participate in the program.

The first 10 of the laptops shipped to children in Third World countries has now happened. The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project is the brainchild of Nicolas Negroponte, the founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab.

Just this week, the first laptops of this initiative has been tested at the US State Department. The machine is powered by a hand-driven crank shaft and includes many features that are present in more expensive laptops as a camera and microphone in addition to wireless Internet capability.

This $ 10 laptop computers feature 128MB memory and an appeal to 512MB of storage (without a hard disk is available) and run on the freely available Linux operating system. The project has the support of major companies, including Google and News Corp., the global media conglomerate led by Rupert Murdoch. News Corp. is a contribution of $ 500000 direction of the project.

In addition to the support of an impressive number of companies, the initiative has already signed agreements with the governments of Brazil, Argentina, Libya, Nigeria and Thailand to laptops through education authorities.

Earlier this week, News Corp. CEO Murdoch explained that his company was committed to supporting the OLPC project for the coming four to five years.
"What we want to do is to see each child in the world over have their own computer… there is a surprising amount of innovation that has gone into this, and we are very hopeful can make a very big change in the world”.

The Black Hawk XR5

PC Micro Works wants to be the go-to producer for the best high-end computer systems in the world, and his monumental Black Hawk XR5 quad-core supports the efforts. Forget superlatives. A look at the information on the Black Hawk XR5 elicit expletives gives me joy. But this is a family-friendly blog, so never be afraid to get the dirt on the super-duper-Black Hawk XR5 without us always dirty.

The unique Black Hawk XR5 has two functions, which alone could laptop lovers foam at the mouth. The first is the Intel Core 2 quad-processor. Four cores on one chip make for the double speed than what was seen from the revolutionary Core 2 Duo chip. These powers also Heavy-Duty rendering and number-crunching applications twice as fast.

What's more impressive, when? That, or the Black Hawk XR5 has more RAM than any other laptop in the world knows? Get this: the excellent Black Hawk XR5 packs 4096MB more-bang-for-your-buck DDR2 RAM, plus 1024 MB GPU memory. Let's do the math sums, 5120 MB.

Would you even more awe? You know, the broadband cards of telecommunications equipment, the big companies that people slip into their laptops? This is evolution data optimized / HSDPA-very-high-speed wireless connectivity. The Black Hawk XR5 is one of the few laptops are fitted with this which means that anywhere in the world with a 3G mobile phone signal, you get a wireless network (subscription with one of the telecom companies not included).

That is enough to send Santa to lobby for a new Black Hawk XR5. Well, there's more. On top of the quad-core, RAM, DirectX 10 support and wireless connectivity, the Black Hawk XR5 has two 512 MB nVidia 8800GTX graphics cards for stunning graphics. The three disks in the Black Hawk can to RAID 0, 1 or 5 And Blu-Ray RW drive is also available to suit your needs really for HD entertainment.

Then there's the wealth of ports and sockets, including the integrated media card reader, a GPS option to find yourself a nice 17-inch wide-screen, product-bright display, and the military-grade carbon with automobile top-grade protective surface.

All of the top-end price of $ 5468th Here come the expletives. In the short XR5 is one of the most powerful gaming laptops on the planet, but to factor in the weight class of 11 pounds, if you think you are travelling with the Black Hawk. PC Micro Works also offer "Notebook Armor", which is a black riveted aluminum casing with soft nylon interior padding to protect your XR-5.