Toys & Gadgets

If half the problem with MIDs and UMPCs is explaining to would-be buyers why they really ought to consider one, the other is actually finding them for sale.  Aigo’s P8860 MID is a case in point; on sale since August in Hong Kong, trying to find one elsewhere will force you onto eBay.  Now, finally, an official reseller has been nominated, Direct From Japan, who will happily ship you the P8860 anywhere worldwide.

If we’re dealing in halves, then the remaining 50-percent of today’s good Aigo news is that the company has signed the necessary deals with Microsoft and Intel to be able to promise Windows XP drivers for the Mobile Internet Device.  A Windows XP version was spotted at the Hong Kong launch but no timescale for availability given; we now know that come the first week of October the drivers will be released.  It will mean the 4.8-inch touchscreen will be properly recognized and functional.

Direct From Japan are asking $699 for the Aigo P8860, including free shipping worldwide.  That compares well to the HK$5228 (US$670) price-tag in Hong Kong.  Your money gets you an Intel Atom Z500 processor, 512MB of RAM and a 4GB SSD for storage, all in something weighing just 350g.

[via Pocketables]

Relevant Entries on SlashGear

• aigo P8860 MID launches in HK; XP version shows up too
• Aigo MID P8860 to get $670 August 8th launch in HK
• Aigo Unveils the MP-P335
• Gigabyte M528 MID gets $685 US pricing (£429 UK)
• Gigabyte M528 MID gets pricing, availability details

Sony Ericsson’s newest Cybershot camera phone, also known as Kate, has been leaked onto the Internet, and we gadget blogs tend to swarm towards such news like bees to honey. In our never ending quest for the most uber gizmos, here’s the customary blur spyshot of the Sony Ericsson Kate accompanied by its specifications below :-

• 5 megapixel camera with Xenon flash
• Auto focus
• Smile Shutter
• EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA
• Supports Java Platform 8.4

Strangely enough, this model lacks a front camera for video calling capability, while it also misses out on GPS navigation which is fast becoming a standard feature on new handsets. The Sony Ericsson Kate is tipped to roll out this October for approximately 300 Euros $(450).

Add a comment | From: Sony Ericsson Kate Image Leaked | Visit Ubergizmo | Good deals

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Section: Audio, Portable Audio, Video, Portable Video, Computers, Mobile Computers, Wireless, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Web

Clarion recently came out with a product that combines everyone’s on-the-go, PMP, GPS, and Internet, needs into one device.  Here comes the Clarion MiND (Mobile Internet Navigation Device).  Although it doesn’t come with cell phone support, so maybe not all your on-the-go-needs, but 3 out of the 4 isn’t bad.

When thinking of devices that incorporate all these essential features, only a few devices come to mind, such as the iPhone, UMPCs, and maybe NetBooks. However, each of those devices lack some features that the Clarion MiND has, except for iPhone which can make calls.

To begin with, the MiND comes with a 4.8 inch WVGA LCD GPS-esque touch screen, with 800×480 resolution. With a screen like this, it makes viewing maps, videos, and the Internet a whole lot better. In addition, one of the main and standout features is the processor it uses, the Intel Atom processor. With a processor such as this one, it becomes a lot like a PC and loads everything very fast. It connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi and unfortunately, there is no 3G connectivity.

Another cool feature about the MiND is the car connectivity it comes with. For example, if you purchase the vehicle docking system, you can connect the device to play audio using the speakers, and have the car speakers read out the GPS directions. It also comes with something called “Human Mobile Music Media Interface”, or H.M.I, which is an interface guide that can lock certain features when the car is in motion. This technology will probably prove to be very helpful as it can stop people from using the Internet when driving and other possibly dangerous features.

Tatsuhiko Izumi, president of Clarion, had this to say about their latest device -

“ClarionMiND represents the perfect balance between leading-edge hardware technology and next-generation software solutions. Delivering an Intel Atom-powered full Internet experience that integrates the latest advances in navigation capability with multifaceted entertainment functions, the innovative ClarionMiND demonstrates our commitment to finding new ways to connect people with their music and information in a mobile environment.”

The Clarion MiND is set to be available in early November in both Canada and the U.S. In January 2009, Clarion plans to release it in Europe selling for either $649.99 or 649.99 Euros. Lastly, a Premium model featuring 3G connectivity is set to be available next Spring. I’ve seen many high-end GPSs sell for similar prices, but this definitely looks to be better than those as it comes with other key features such as Internet. It’ll be interesting to see how it sells as compared to other similar devices.

Read [Clarion Press Release]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

At last, Google, T-Mobile and hardware maker HTC have unveiled the G1, the first phone based on Google’s open source Android platform. Comparisons to Apple’s iPhone are coming fast and furious. “It’s no iPhone, but it’s close,” says TechCrunch….

Filed under: Storage

Shhh, keep this on the down low: SanDisk’s 16GB microSDHC card is now available for purchase — the first to reach that capacity. At the moment, it’s only been spotted at a few on-line shops in the UK for round-about £45 with VAT (about $70 pre-tax in the US). Exactly what you need for your new T-Mobile G1. Hey Sandisk, you want to chime in and make this official or what?

[Thanks, L.Rawlins]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Mobile

Hmm, it looks like no one really agreed with T-Mobile’s strict 1GB data cap on their 3G network. Their data cap was just announced yesterday, and today they made the decision to get rid of it, and allow for a little more freedom. Basically, they have decided to punish only a small fraction of their users if they decide to overuse the network. They don’t give a clear cut number, but I guess if a G1 owner uses the Internet all the time and is clogging up the network, then they will probably significantly reduce their Internet speeds.

Here is what they had to say -

“Our goal, when the T-Mobile G1 becomes available in October, is to provide affordable, high-speed data service allowing customers to experience the full data capabilities of the device and our 3G network. At the same time, we have a responsibility to provide the best network experience for all of our customers so we reserve the right to temporarily reduce data throughput for a small fraction of our customers who have excessive or disproportionate usage that interferes with our network performance or our ability to provide quality service to all of our customers.

We removed the 1GB soft limit from our policy statement, and we are confident that T-Mobile G1 customers will enjoy the high speed of data access over our 3G network. The specific terms for our new data plans are still being reviewed and once they are final we will be certain to share this broadly with current customers and potential new customers.”

Do you guys agree with T-Mobile getting rid of the 1GB data cap? Or do you think there has to be some clear cut limit on 3G usage?

Via [Engadget]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Mobile

Seems folks like a bit of music with their mobile phone, who knew?  Sony Ericsson (”SE”) announced they will join the growing list of manufacturers that offer some kind of music service with their phones.  Designed to compete with Nokia’s cleverly named “comes with music,” SE plans to begin the service in Sweden, then expand to Western Europe.

The service will be an all-you-can-eat unlimited music subscription and should roll out mid-way through 2009; Rome wasn’t build in a day.  Nokia’s service starts up next month in the UK.  Nokia’s plan is expected to cost 70 pounds extra, though there is some belief the cost will be rolled into a contract price.

Manufacturers chase customers

While mobile phone growth continues slowing from its breakneck adoption speeds, manufacturers have to find a way to get new product into more hands.  More and more companies are looking to add something extra to their phones.  Music is just on feature they can try to compete on.  Interesting that here in the states, the telecoms fight that battle, not the vendor.

Subscriptions to the US?

There is no indication that SE will bring this service to the US, nor is there any indication they won’t.  Something tells me the US market is headed of an onslaught of new music subscription services.  Many believe one of the iPhones strongest plays is the consumer that wanted to leverage their iTunes library onto a mobile phone platform.  Other makers may have difficulty competing with that model as the subscription model, like the one offered with the Microsoft Zune that fail to catch on.

Apple has been rumored to be close to doing something on this front but never does.  As usual, they seem to be playing their cards close to the vest.

Read [Reuters]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: News, Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Computers, Wireless, Web, Google

With all the Google Android and T-Mobile G1 news coming out today, people tend to only focus on what is right in front of them. However, if you are serious about purchasing the G1, you have to find out all the details, such as the dreaded data cap.

Unfortunately, T-Mobile decided to be stingy with the data cap on the 3G network and limited it only to 1GB. For those who use their G1 a lot for Internet, then they may not be all that pleased with this number. Obviously, T-Mobile wants to compete with giant companies such as Verizon and AT&T, who also own a lot of 3G capable smartphones. Well, their data cap is a bit more generous at 5GB. Labeled in the fine print, T-Mobile also says that if you go over the 1GB cap, then they have the right to significantly lower your speeds to 50kpbs, which would be painfully slow.

People who plan to use their G1 for a lot of Internet surfing will have to be careful to not go over the cap. I think T-Mobile should rethink this, and at least make the data cap the common 5GB.

Read [T-Mobile]

Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Computers, Desktops, Hardware

By now most of us are probably aware of the Intel Atom processor, the little chip inside nearly all of the netbooks out right now.  Intel has started shipping a desktop version of the processor with two cores.  Intel is saying that it is made specially for “nettops.” A nettop being to a desktop computer as a netbook is to a notebook computer.

These new chips will allow for small footprint desktops with little electricity usage to be released at low price points.  According to the eWeek article, Intel is hoping the Dual Core Atom will help sell PCs in China and India for families who don’t yet have computers in the homes.  It could also be used for cheap computer for North American and European families who are looking to add another computer to their home.  It would also make sense for public terminals, such as in a public library where the PCs are usually used only for word processing and Internet access anyway.

On the nerd side, the processor has two cores, each running at 1.6 GHz, 1MB of L2 cache (twice that of the first single core Atoms), and “has a thermal envelop of 8 watts.” Doesn’t sound too bad.  I wouldn’t expect it capable of running Crysis, but it’s not built for that anyway.  What comes out of this processor should be interesting.  Perhaps a cheaper Mac mini is in our future?  It certainly couldn’t hurt Apple.  Or, it could be used in the EEE PC desktop.  Either way, it should make for a decent consumer desktop for those who don’t need things like Photoshop or video editors.

Read [eWeek]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »