Innovative Converged Devices (ICD) is going to try and make a splash in the tablet market come next year with the Vega Tablet.

This touchscreen tablet will come in 7, 11, and 15 inch sizes, and use Android. It will also have 512MB DDR DRAM, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, a Tegra processor, and Bluetooth 2.1.

No word on price or availability, but look for them at CES in January of 2010.

Source

Tags: ICD, Innovative Converged Devices, Portable Devices, tablet, Tegra, Ultra Mobile PCs

Soeya, from China, has released the Z5 which is a MID - Mobile Internet Device. The good looking and small device sports a 5-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 800×480, and the specifications include an Intel Atom processor running at 1.2GHz, plus 1GB of RAM, and access to the internet via WiFi or 3G, thanks to China Telecom.

In addition to the previously mentioned features, the Soeya Z5 has Bluetooth 2.0 and a solid state drive of 8GB which can run Windows XP and Linux simultaneously.

The Z5 costs close to $800 and is available in China.

Tags: China, imd, soeya, Ultra Mobile PCs, z5

Those of you who are missing out on CEATAC Japan should enjoy this shot of Sharp’s new NetWalker PC-Z1. The photo isn’t much to give it scale, but let’s just say it is the missing link between smartphone and netbook.

It has a five inch touchscreen and full QWERTY keyboard. It also has an optical pointer, 4 gigabytes of memory, microSD memory, 10 hour battery life, and a USB port. It is scheduled for release in late October for a price of $500, but it will probably be a Japanese only release.

Source

Tags: CEATEC, CEATEC Japan, Laptops, netbook, netbooks, NetWalker, Netwalker PC-Z1, PC-Z1, Sharp, Sharp, Sharp Netwalker, Sharp NetWalker PC-Z1, smartphone, Ultra Mobile PCs

Rugged tablet PCs are certified to withstand the most extreme condition but Motion Computing is making sure that the LCD screens of their devices get an able support as well. And this support comes in the form of the Corning Gorilla Glass which will be integrated in their two rugged tablet PCs, the Motion C5 and Motion F5. The Corning Gorilla Glass is a thin-sheet glass that is designed to provide added protection from real time events that may cause display damage.

These tablets with the new Corning Gorilla Glass will be shown at the IP Convergence Conference and Tradeshow at the Paris Expo starting today. These PC tablets are now available at licensed distributors and resellers of Motion Computing.

(Source) Press

Tags: c5, extreme condition, gorilla, ip convergence, lcd screens, Mobile News, motion computing, paris expo, pc tablets, Portable Devices, real time, resellers, sheet glass, tablet pcs, thin sheet, time events, tradeshow, Ultra Mobile PCs

In case you’re looking for a small but good MID - Mobile Internet Device - look no further and check the details of the fresh Vilix X70EX whch is already available for purhcase on the US. Prices start at $600 and go up to $880 depending on the model you pick - faster or slower, in terms of processor speed.

There are 3 models that differ on the processor and hard-drive, more specifically:
- X70EX Express P comes with an Intel Atom Z515 processor running at 1.20GHZ, and a 16GB SSD;
- X70EX Premium P boasts an Atom Z520 @ 1.33GHz and a 32GB SSD;
- X70EX Premium 3GP, which comes with a HSPA 3G mobile module + GPS receiver;

As for the other details, they are the same for the 3 models: 1024×600 resolution, 1GB of DDR2 RAM memory, Wi-Fi, micro + stereo speakers, SDHC.card reader, and the usual stuff like a web camera, bluetooth, and USB ports.

Tags: MID, Portable Devices, Ultra Mobile PCs, Vilix, X70EX

We’ve mentioned Hello Kitty a high number of times - such as the Parachie Paradise iPhone app, or the iPhone knckoff, and even the HK keyboard - but this time we’re talking about something different: a stylish and well designer Hello Kitty nettop.

The small laptop boasts 1GB of memory RAM, plus a SATA hard-drive with 160GB, plus a GMA950 graphics card, and lastly a normal Atom CPU. The objective of the Hello Kitty nettop isn’t being top-notch in terms of technology, the real reason for its production is basically the thousands of fans that love this strange cat cartoon character.

Tags: Hello Kitty, nettop, Ultra Mobile PCs

We have already mentioned Mintpad back in June and at that time there weren’t many exact details about the price or release date, but that information is now known: close to $160 in the US and you can already order it.

The Windows CE touchscreen device can work as a PMP, or a PDA, and it even has WiFi which is probably the best feature of all. Other details of the Mintpad include a 1.3-megapixel camera, a rather good 2.86-inch touchscreen, playback of video and audio files, 4GB of storage capacity, and the usual connectivity options like USB, microSD and an audio jack.

Visit AdvancedMP3 for more information about Mintpad.

Tags: advancedmp3, mitnpad, Portable Devices, Ultra Mobile PCs, WiFi

Well, here we go again — The latest slew of iTablet rumors come to us from Taiwan Economic News who claim they have a been contacted by industry sources.

Anyways, the new rumors suggest that the iTablet will feature a  9.6-inch touchscreen, a P.A SEMI processor, HSDPA connectivy, long lasting battery and a price range of $800-$1000.

What’s more, the source also suggests that the device will make its debut in February of 2010. Anyone else getting a bit sick of these rumors?

via gizmodo

Tags: 9.6-inch, HSDPA, iTablet, Mobile News, Mobile Software, p.a semi, Processor, rumor, touchscreen, Ultra Mobile PCs

Sure, it may not be Apple’s fabled iTablet but it is a tablet all the same — The device you see above is Sinchun’s UMPC-501 Windows XP powered tablet.

This device will feature a 1.1Ghz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, an unannounced amount of SSD hard drive space, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and a removeable battery.

While we most likely won’t be sitting this his North American shelves any time (if ever) it is to hit Japan sometime later this month for around $441.

via engadget

Tags: Laptops, Mobile News, Portable Devices, sinchun, tablet, Ultra Mobile PCs, umpc-501

Highly reminiscent of the recently released LT3100 netbook in design, the LT2000 goes for Intel Atom instead of the AMD Athlon processor, and shaves off another inch from its display.  But that’s not all that it has dropped, as the price tag is also a $100 lighter.  For $299.99, the LT2000 comes with the following configuration:

• Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home (Service Pack 3)
• 10.1-inch WSVGA 16:9 ratio TFT LCD (1,024×600 resolution)
• Mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset
• 1024MB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM
• 160GB SATA 5,400RPM Hard Drive
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Web Camera
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Dolby Headphone Technology
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• 3-cell Li-ion Battery
• One-Year Standard Warranty
• 2.62 lbs.
• 10.17 (w) x 7.24 (D) x 1.03 inches (H)

The Gateway LT2000 is available starting today in colors of Nightsky Black and Cherry Red for the above-mentioned price, so if don’t own a netbook, this sounds like the deal you might like.

(more…)

Tags: Gateway, Laptops, LT2000, netbook, netbooks, Ultra Mobile PCs

eBay is a place where you can see lots of weird deals and sales. Like this unreleased OQO Model 2+ which has been sold for $4,500. Why would anyone pay so much for an unreleased gadget? Just so you can say that you’re the only person in the world that has such a gadget? Is it really that cool?

The Model 2+ comes with a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, a 120GB HDD, a 5-inch touchscreen display, Gobi-1000 Mobile Broadband connectivity, EV-DO Rev.A, Bluetooth, and HSPA connectivity, HDMI port, VGA and Ethernet adapters and one USB 2.0 port.

I will admit that these are some nice specs, but still, $4,500 for it? How much would you pay for the OQO Model 2+ UMPC?

via Engadget

Tags: auction, ebay, Model 2+, OQO, Portable Devices, Ultra Mobile PCs, UMPC

How many times have you heard one of your colleagues saying that a certain BlackBerry saved his life? Well what if someone told you that a RIM handset was exactly the piece of mountain equipment needed to save a man from falling over 700 feet and most likely dying?

David Fitzherbert is the guy in question. He was skiing in Switzerland when he dropped for about 70 feet until he was finally trapped between two rocks thanks to its Berry in his breast pocket. That extra thickness saved him for continuing the drop towards an imminent death. Simply amazing! Not to mention that RIM can use a whole different selling pitch now: BlackBerry Saves Lives!

From now on remember to pack your smartphone whenever you’re going on vacation, no matter what your friends tell you. And no matter if you’re not going to have good reception!

via TheSun

Tags: Accidents, BlackBerry, Projectors, RIM, smartphone, switzerland, Ultra Mobile PCs, Virgin Mobile

Viliv has a new MID for us, the X70 and this time is a 7-inch model. It has the same size of those first Eee PC netbooks but the only difference is that it doesn’t come with a keyboard. The X70 is the follower of the S5 and it will offer you a WSVGA screen, an 1.2/1.3GHz Atom processor, 16 or 32GB of SSD storage space, HSPA, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS and XP. The device is ready to boot Windows XP in less than 5 seconds and it has an impressive battery ready to offer you about 5.5 hours of video playback. All that will be available for just $599, which is the same price its predecessor, the S5 carried. Now imagine if Apple had launched an iPhone-like MacBook tablet/netbook. Would it look anything like this?

via dynamism

Tags: iPhone, Laptops, MacBook, MID, Mobile News, Portable Devices, s5, tablet, Ultra Mobile PCs, Viliv, X70

We are not sure if Apple has a netbook simmering this year, but if it looks anything like the above concept, they can be sure they have a winner in the mini-notebook segment too.  The above concept was designed by Adam Benton for MacFormat and looks like an iPhone that’s had one too many meals and runs iPhone OS 3.0.  The entire Home directory will be stored on a Apple cloud server and frequently used files are cached locally.  For charging, the netbook can be docked and also connected to a variety of devices using its USB and FireWire ports.  Integrated 3G connectivity to keep in sync with the Apple servers and Bluetooth A2DP audio profile round out its wireless options, and for those reticent about using the virtual keyboard, a hardware keyboard can also be paired via Bluetooth.

Sounds nice, right?  Let us wait and see if Apple has something that matches this concept or ups the ante a bit more.

(more…)

Tags: Apple, concept, Laptops, netbook, Ultra Mobile PCs

The age of androids and robots to assist humans has been heard of and with news that GeckoSystems has unveiled its own offering in the Carebot MSR 3.87, it looks like we are slowly advancing towards the future where both humans and robots will exist side by side.

“The new CareBot MSR 3.87 can automatically watch over grandma or the kids, patrol your home, and/or run errands for 8 to 14 hours continuously without recharging. This capability, along with GeckoTrak(tm) and internet-based video conferencing, enables our CareBot to perform like a family caregiver, enabling them watch over their loved ones, even when they can’t be there physically.”

GeckoSystems recently developed GeckoTrak(tm) hardware and software that enables the CareBot to automatically follow grandma from room to room. GeckoChat tells her when it’s time to take her medications, and can even remind her when her favorite television shows are coming on. GeckoChat is a specially designed assistive technology that enables caregivers to teach the CareBot what to say, and when.

The foregoing combination of sensor-fused technologies brings a new level of cost effective situational awareness to their adaptive, intelligent, multi-tasking personal care mobile robots. Situational awareness is the environmental understanding resulting from blended sensor systems and the common sense implications of those combined perceptions that enables the CareBot to “know” (i.e. be “situationally aware”), for example, when someone should be contacted immediately about the care receiver’s current condition.

(Source) Press

Tags: androids, Business, capability, care receiver, carebot, common sense, current condition, errands, family caregiver, geckochat, grandma, medications, Mobile News, mobile robot, mobile robots, perceptions, personal car, Portable Devices, sensor systems, situational awareness, television shows, Ultra Mobile PCs, video conferencing

NEC has unveiled a new 8-bit All Flash microcontroller (MCU) with integrated constant high-current drivers, and 32 kilobytes (KB) of flash memory, which expands the μPD78F8024 product line. The new device is suitable in applications such as home electric cookers, battery chargers, and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting.

Based on the µPD78F8024 MCU, an NEC Electronics’ all flash 78K0/KB2 MCU with integrated constant high-current drivers, the µPD78F8025 has expanded memory of 32KB to meet increasing software requirements.

NEC Electronics’ new µPD78F8025 MCU features:

• integration of an All Flash MCU and constant current driver in a single-chip for smaller board space and fewer off-chip components;
• NEC Electronics’ All Flash MCU with an A/D convertor, and I2C and UART interfaces, offering precise sensing and flexible communication interface;
• built-in current drivers with protection circuits for efficient and highly reliable drive systems. Both the new µPD78F8025 and µPD78F8024 devices offer higher performance in a compact single-chip design.

Samples of NEC Electronics’ μPD78F8025 device are available now, starting at US$5 per unit. Mass production is slated to begin in 2010, with expected monthly mass production of 4,000,000 units.

(Source) Press

Tags: battery chargers, board space, chip components, chip design, communication interface, flash memory, flash microcontroller, flexible communication, increasing software, Laptops, led lighting, mass production, mcu, microcontroller solutions, Mobile News, nec electronics, Portable Devices, protection circuits, Ultra Mobile PCs

The S5 MID from Viliv is finally available for pre-order. You will get it starting with May 8 if you decide to purchase it. The Atom-powered MID will be available from April 27th for $599 which is $50 less than previously expected. Besides that $50 off you will also get a free spare battery, a car kit and a leather pouch, an overall value of $135. What do you think? Are you excited to get the S5 or are you looking for something a little more wallet-friendly?

via dynamism

Tags: MID, Mobile News, Portable Devices, s5, Ultra Mobile PCs, Viliv

Slashgear has recently put up a video giving the breakdown, and walkthrough of Samsung’s forthcoming SWD-M100 Mobile Internet Device.

We don’t know much about the SWD-M100 other than it runs Windows Mobile 6.1, features an Opera browser, has an accelerometer, and 2-cameras; a 3MP one on the back and a 0.3MP on the front. There is also a microSD memeory card slot for memory expansion and a port for TV output.

Sounds, and looks, cool. I remember when UMPC’s first came out and they were all the rage, oh how the times have changed.

Tags: media, MID, mobile internet device, Mobile News, Samsung, Samsung, swd-m100, Ultra Mobile PCs

Taiwan-based electronics normally don’t get much attention. The brands they carry are virtually unknown. But you may be surprised at how some of these eye-popping gadgets gain attention when a familiar brand opts to carry them under their wing.

One gadget worth checking out is the Winmate Tablet PC V280. This PC tablet sports an elegant, practical design and aluminum-magnesium alloy construction with ports that are individually sealed with protective rubber plugs.

Features:
• 10.4-inch SVGA (800 x 600 pixel) display
• 4-wire resistive touch-screen
• Three (3) USB 2.0 ports
• RS232 connector
• Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 jack
• Microphone
• Headphone Jacks

These are perfect PC tablets that companies can use for industrial operations. A worthy investment to raise the level of business and technology common these days.

(Source) Rugged PC Review

Tags: aluminum, gadget, gadgets, pc tablet, Portable Devices, resistive touch screen, sports, tablet PC, taiwan, Ultra Mobile PCs

It’s never to late to see a new MID in action. And today we have one from Mio supposed to run on Windows Mobile. The device will feature a great 800 x 480 screen, GPS, WiFi, USB out, a full QWERTY keyboard and a 667MHz ARM processor. The MID will come with Windows Mobile 6.1 inside but since this is just a prototype for now Mio could always postpone the actual launch until Microsoft decides to give us Windows Mobile 7. We have no launch date available yet and there’s no price tag for it yet.

via jkOnTheRun

Tags: MID, mio, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Portable Devices, Ultra Mobile PCs, Windows Mobile