Tag: gadgets

Sony Reader comes to North America

Post ImageIn my pocket/mobile/portable computing post I suggested that mobile devices may be forced to exist only in niche markets. Here’s a great example of a niche market for portable computing – electronic reading devices. Specifically devices that do one thing and do it very well, and that’s replace a paper book with something digital. I have heard many great things about the Librie, Sony’s reading device that is available only in Japan, and it appears a North American counterpart is on the way:

The Sony Reader, a new text-reading device that lets you have the Bible or the entire works of Tolstoy on hand but carry around the physical equivalent of a paperback, will be sold at Borders bookstores. The high-resolution (SVGA 800×600) electronic-paper display screen supports BBeB Book, PDF and MP3 formats and can also display JPEG images.

The device measures 6.9 inches by 4.9 inches by 0.5 inches and weighs in at just more than half a pound. The Sony Reader takes Memory Sticks or SD flash memory cards to augment 64MB of internal memory, creating the potential to travel with hundreds of books.

I have never used one of these devices, but everything I have heard so far suggests that the screen is simply amazing. And the one drawback that would keep such a device from taking off appears to be taken care of too:

The Sony Reader also has “a seemingly limitless battery life equivalent of 7,500 pages turns,” according to a Stony statement. That’s because there is no rundown on the battery over time. Power is only consumed when a reader turns the page.

You can’t complain with battery life like that! The device should be available this summer for around $400.

Read: CNET News.com

Our New HDTV Projector

Post ImageAs Dickson mentioned yesterday, the HDTV projector we ordered about a week ago arrived. The projector is an Optoma MovieTime, and supports HDTV inputs and has a built-in DVD player. Even though it goes against my rules for buying electronics, I think we made a good purchase (and it was a steal of a deal from Costco). We watched Into The Blue yesterday, and I brought in my Xbox 360 from home today – gotta love that widescreen!

The reason we got the projector was work…no really! We are always scrambling to find a projector for our Edmonton .NET Wizards meetings, and we can definitely use it for Paramagnus-related stuff too. Okay, okay, we’ll also use it for the odd movie or gaming session 😉

I’ve got some pictures up at Flickr if you want to take a look.

Meet the Ultra-Mobile PC

Post ImageThe picture is now pretty clear on what Origami is and isn’t, and what the goals for the project are. Judging from some of the comments out in the blogosphere, lots of people are disappointed after the device was so well-hyped. I guess that was to be expected – the hype was almost at “Apple levels”! I am just disappointed with the battery life, but otherwise, Origami seems pretty cool. First, Engadget explains what Origami is:

Origami is a term originated from [Microsoft’s Otto] Berkes that doesn’t necessarily refer to a device or specific hardware specification, per se, but to an ultramobile PC running Windows Tablet (or Vista, later) and enhanced Microsoft Touch Pack (a suite of apps and utilities meant to optimize using Windows by touch, and not necessarily only by stylus).

Sounds like the official name of the device is “Ultra-Mobile PC” (or UMPC), which now has a website up at Microsoft.com. So what the heck is an Ultra-Mobile PC? Here’s how Microsoft describes it:

The Ultra-Mobile PC is a new kind of computer. It combines the power of Windows XP with mobile-ready technologies that make it easy to access and use your software on the go.

With small, lightweight, carry-everywhere hardware designs, you can connect and communicate, accomplish any task anywhere and at any time, and be entertained and informed wherever life takes you.

Marketing fluff yes, but also helpful in trying to understand the goal. Seems to me that the UMPC is sort of the evolution and merger of the laptop, the tablet pc, and the pocket pc. Actually, I think the UMPC is a replacement for the Pocket PC more than anything. The fact is, I’d much rather have my tablet with me than a pocket computer, because I can do anything on my tablet. The UMPC changes things, giving me a smaller form factor without sacrificing capability.

Basically, I think the UMPC is a great idea. If it had better battery life, ran Windows Vista, and was cheaper, I’d definitely be trying to get one. Hopefully the devices improve over the next year or so. Not everyone thinks the UMPC is a great idea though, like Om Malik:

So finally Microsoft Origami (or what it would be) has been brought to light… and my first reaction, for crying out loud, yet another digital device?

My view on any new digital and mobile device is that – both Microsoft and Intel – should stop thinking Windows and try developing a new platform.

I don’t know, Windows has done pretty darn well as a platform so far! Let’s hope Vista will really deliver in the mobile and power areas to make these devices even better.

If you want to see the device in action, Channel 9 has a 37 minute video with the architect. Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg has a really good early review up too. Oh, and if you were keeping track of the Origami website, week 3 is now up and they have a new community site too.

Origami Revealed!

Post ImageEngadget has lots of cool news and pictures on the Origami devices today:

So we managed to get our hands on a Samsung Q1 / Origami device set to roll tomorrow here at CeBIT. Don’t ask how, but it’ll be awhile before we recover from the brutal caning we just received. From the five minutes we spent with it we can tell you, well, it’s an XP Tablet PC with a 7-inch display. Sorry, that’s about it, nothing earth-shattering here folks.

Okay, so the description doesn’t sound cool, but go take a look at the pictures! There’s a few more at CNET News.com too.

A later post reveals that the UI for the device has been found on the CeBIT website, and it includes pictures of a circular keyboard meant for thumb typing. Interesting idea, but I wonder how it works in practice.

Read: Engadget

First glimpse of Origami device?

Post ImageThis is the week we’ll find out more about Microsoft’s secretive Origami project. Intel today showed off some prototypes of the so-called “Ultra Mobile PC” devices and they look pretty good:

As earlier reported, the first devices have a 7-inch touch screen, standard x86 processors, and can run full versions of desktop operating systems including the Windows XP variant being used for Origami.

In later generations, probably next year or later, the devices could have the pocket size, all-day battery life, and $500 price that Microsoft and Intel are aiming for, Graff said in an interview.

Apparently these first devices will only get three hours of battery life, which is actually worse than my 12.1″ Toshiba Portege tablet. I think the concept is really great, and the price point is getting much, much better, but I’d rather have a Vista-based device that can last all day long. Should be interesting to see what Microsoft announces on Thursday.

Sounds like they are really going for the average consumer with this device too:

Intel also found in its testing that the devices appeal to active mothers, who, the chipmaker learned, have schedules similar to corporate road warriors.

I can’t figure out why Yahoo is featured so prominently in the pictures, as to my knowledge they don’t really have anything to do with this new platform. I mean obviously they must have paid for some attention, but certainly there could have been something more relevant to display.

Read: CNET News.com

Origami running Windows XP? Why not Vista?

Post ImageToday is the day we found out a few more details about Microsoft’s secretive Origami Project. The gadget has been a popular topic in the blogosphere lately, with lots of speculation on what it is and what it is not. According to CNET News.com, the device is a mini tablet running Windows XP:

Microsoft refused to go into details, but offered up a statement saying: “As promised on the OrigamiProject.com website, we are offering more details today about Origami, including that it is a new category of mobile PCs that will run Windows XP. We’re excited to share more information with you on March 9.”

The device isn’t anything real new – Microsoft bigwigs like Gates and Ballmer have talked about such devices in the past. What is new is that we’re close to seeing such a device, and not just a concept. But running Windows XP? In the year of Windows Vista? What a wasted opportunity.

Most experts and analysts did not expect a device like Origami any time soon, and I most certainly did not, so there’s no reason to think that Microsoft had to rush its development. So why run Windows XP? The largest challenge facing Microsoft in the next couple of years is articulating to people why they should upgrade to Windows Vista. Why wouldn’t you have a new, interesting, and easy-to-talk-about device like Origami run the latest and greatest to show off what Vista is capable of? Price point for the device maybe, but still. Imagine Vista running on Origami. The early adopters buy them, and take them everywhere they go, exposing more and more people to Windows Vista. More people are going to feel they need Windows Vista if they see it in action, in the real world, than if they see an advertisement.

I think Windows XP is a great operating system, but this new device is a great opportunity to drum up interest in and support for Windows Vista. Why waste it?

Read: CNET News.com

Apple introduces leather iPod case

Post ImageI am continually amazed by Steve Jobs and co – its like they get away with murder! They somehow get OS X owners to pay for minor updates, their religious zealots still love them after switching to the enemy (read: Intel), and they announce “fun” products like a leather case for the iPod…for NINETY NINE DOLLARS!

Looks like Apple wants to make sure to own a piece of every sector of the iPod accessory market. In addition to the $349 iPod Hi-Fi, the company also announced its own $99 leather iPod case. Sure, it’s a pretty basic sleeve, and only fits the iPod with video or nano, but if you want an official Apple case with an Apple logo and “iPod” stamped on the front, this is the place to go (though we hear there are some pretty convincing knockoffs available on Canal Street for about $15).

When you can release a product like this for a hundred bucks and have it sell, you really do have power. There are thousands of cheaper options for protecting your beloved iPod (or Apple could make scratchless devices to begin with) yet there will still be people who will pay Apple the money for this over-priced official leather case. It blows my mind.

I guess I am getting ahead of myself, we don’t know how well the leather case is going to sell, but the fact that any sell at all is amazing enough. Jobs must have drugs or chemicals or radio wave emitting devices hidden in his products and packaging to get people so hooked.

Read: Engadget

iBuzz – music activated iPod sex toy!

Post ImageIt’s hard to think of a device that has spawned as many third party accessories as the iPod. And when you consider that Apple isn’t known for being open or willing to make things easier on partners, the huge pool of gear is even more amazing. The iBuzz from Love Labs is the most interesting accessory I have seen in a while though (hat tip: Podcasting News):

Steve Jobs, we salute you! iBuzz USA celebrates your birthday with the launch of the iBuzz music-activated vibrator in the US.

We love the iPod and we love it even more when an iBuzz is attached.

And Steve, don’t forget to check your mail on your birthday for a surprise from us!

iBuzz is the musical orgasm machine! The music-activated vibrating bullet stimulates you in time with your favourite music. Which song pushes your butttons?

I can’t be sure, but everything looks legit. Too bad they didn’t have this out for Valentine’s Day, I am sure they would have attracted quite a bit of traffic! Apparently the device has a “bullet” that vibrates in time with the music and gets stronger as the volume goes up. And now I am going to end this post, because just the thought of someone getting off to William Hung is too much for me.

Read: iBuzz

Tech Babe Asia

Post ImageEver see a beer commercial without a hot girl in it? It’s a rare occurrence indeed. So too is announcing a new gadget without booth babes! You know what I’m talking about right? The hot asian girls that show off the new gadgets at conferences, expos, and other excuses to have a booth with babes. Problem is, you would have to actually go to all of those conferences to see the girls gadgets, and that can be costly!

But fear not! Today I came across the tech babe asia blog, where booth babes and their gadgets are posted in all their glory. It’s one of those websites that makees you wonder, why didn’t I think of that?! Enjoy 🙂

Read: tech babe asia