Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld you didn't even know existed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/#commentsMOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld of your dreams Remember those BASF commercials, the: "We make a lot of the products you buy better" ones? That's kind of the story at MOTO Development Group. We've seen the company working on e-ink internals, also having a hand in the creation of the Zune 2.0 and the Livescribe Pulse. MOTO's going it alone for its latest product, though, a MID reference design called the Android Media Platform (AMP) that runs Android 2.0 and is available now to developers. Yes, the DROID isn't the only 2.0 player releasing today. AMP will ultimately be available in three sizes: 10-, 5-, and 3.5-inches; the mid-sized model is the one shipping now. That touchscreen can be OLED or LCD, oomph is provided by a Texas Instruments OMAP3430 CPU, accelerometers and GPS are integrated as is 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional 3G wireless, all powered by a 3,000mAh battery. There's no word on price, but we're guessing that's somewhat negotiable depending on your intended application and, naturally, the volume, volume, volume of your order.

[Via OLED-Info.com]

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MOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld you didn't even know existed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampandroidandroid 2.0android media platformAndroid2.0AndroidMediaPlatformgooglegoogle androidgoogle android 2.0GoogleAndroidGoogleAndroid2.0motomoto development groupmoto development group ampMotoDevelopmentGroupMotoDevelopmentGroupAmpFri, 06 Nov 2009 06:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Courier interface explained in more detail]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/microsoft-courier-interface-explained-in-more-detail/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/microsoft-courier-interface-explained-in-more-detail/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/microsoft-courier-interface-explained-in-more-detail/#comments Steve Ballmer might have no idea what's going on with the Microsoft Courier tablet, but a new set of documents leaked to Gizmodo certainly suggests the product is more than just a couple videos the boss-man hasn't seen. The images detail the Courier's unique user interface, which draws on everything from multitouch gestures to pen-based handwriting recognition. The heart of the interface appears to be the Smart Agenda, pictured above, which pulls together all your disparate content like calendar entries, emails, and to-dos into one unified starting place, described as "Cliff Notes" to the Pagestream "novel." The journal itself appears to be searchable by all kinds of data, including time, location, and tags, and it's all accessed by a special multi-button pen. There's also a camera and an offhand mention of "boos and subscriptions," so it sounds like whoever was dreaming this all up considered using the Courier as an ebook reader as well -- which would be totally sweet, given the types of annotations you could do. Of course, none of this is real yet, but we're hoping against hope -- please, Mr. Steve, make our holiday dreams come true?

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Microsoft Courier interface explained in more detail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptcouriercourier tabletCourierTabletinkseineleakleaksmicrosoftrumorrumorstabletWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple tablet rumor roundup: future of media edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/apple-tablet-rumor-roundup-future-of-media-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/apple-tablet-rumor-roundup-future-of-media-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/apple-tablet-rumor-roundup-future-of-media-edition/#comments The sketchy Apple tablet rumors have continued apace in the past few days, and rather than hit you with each bit of fluff as it comes in, we're going to be rounding them up from now on. Today's edition builds on earlier reports that Apple's trying to drag print media kicking and screaming into the future, with whispers that Apple execs recently met with Australian media execs to pitch them on new ways to distribute their content on a device "small enough to carry in a handbag but too big to fit in a pocket." Apparently the deal involves a 70/30 revenue split, just like the iPhone App Store -- and unlike the insane 30/70 split Amazon demands on the Kindle, which Apple executives called an "unattractive industry structure" during an investor event a few days later. Of course, Apple tends to say it's not interested in something right before it enters the market, so read that as you will. And finally, China OnTrade today posted up an "Apple iPhone 4 Generation Midboard," which would be a totally boring piece of plastic with no connection to anything... except these guys managed to score some iPhone 3GS parts way early as well. Is this just junk, or is it is really a new iPhone leaking months and months early? Or maybe just leftovers from a camera-equipped iPod touch that never was? Or... is this also some random part of a new tablet? No one really knows -- which is why we're sticking it all in this post and moving on with our lives.

Read - Apple pitches to Australian media
Read - Apple execs call online print media "unattractive"
Read - China OnTrade iPhone 4 Generation midboard

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Apple tablet rumor roundup: future of media edition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g iphone4gIphoneappleapple tabletapple tablet rumorAppleTabletAppleTabletRumoriphoneiphone 4gIphone4gprint mediaPrintMediarounduprumorrumor roundupRumorRounduptabletWed, 04 Nov 2009 01:33:00 EST<![CDATA[OLPC shakeup: dual-screen XO-2 out, ARM-based XO 1.75 in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/olpc-shakeup-dual-screen-xo-2-out-arm-based-xo-1-75-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/olpc-shakeup-dual-screen-xo-2-out-arm-based-xo-1-75-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/olpc-shakeup-dual-screen-xo-2-out-arm-based-xo-1-75-in/#comments
OLPC's plans for a dual-screen XO-2 laptop / tablet always seemed a little... ambitious, and it looks like even Nicholas Negroponte himself has now realized that it may be more than the organization is able to pull off at the moment. That word comes from a recent interview with Xconomy, where Negroponte confirms that OLPC has indeed scrapped plans for the dual-screen XO-2, and says it will instead focus on a "model 1.75" that has a design similar to the current OPLC XO but gets a boost from a faster ARM processor. Negroponte isn't completely giving up on the idea of a revamped OLPC, however, and says that model 3.0 will have a "totally different industrial design, more like a sheet of paper." That model apparently also includes "aspirational aspects" like an unbreakable, waterproof enclosure that's just a quarter inch thick, a full color, reflective and transmissive display with no bezel, 1W of power consumption, and (here's the real kicker) a $75 price tag by 2012.

[Via Liliputing]

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OLPC shakeup: dual-screen XO-2 out, ARM-based XO 1.75 in originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>negropontenicholas negroponteNicholasNegroponteolpcolpc xoolpc xo-2OlpcXoOlpcXo-2xoxo-2Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Atom-powered Cowon W2 leaked, could be crowding in on imaginary tablet territory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/atom-powered-cowon-w2-leaked-could-be-crowding-in-on-imaginary/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/atom-powered-cowon-w2-leaked-could-be-crowding-in-on-imaginary/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/atom-powered-cowon-w2-leaked-could-be-crowding-in-on-imaginary/#comments If there's one thing we like more than a flesh and blood slate tablet PC, it's one with zero launch specifics or imagery, and hopefully a dearth of specs. Cowon's delivering the former in spades, with the leak of the Atom-powered W2 MID on a Bluetooth.org certification page. Of course, calling it an internet tablet might be reading in a bit much, but it seems a good fit for Cowon's sensibilities and background up against that Atom processor under the hood. We suppose we'll just have to wait around to learn more, but this could be the start of a beautiful rumoring relationship.

[Via DAP Review]

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Atom-powered Cowon W2 leaked, could be crowding in on imaginary tablet territory originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cowoncowon w2CowonW2leakmidrumorslatetabletw2Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[xpPhone teased with specs and pictures, makes Windows XP young again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/xpphone-teased-with-specs-and-pictures-makes-windows-xp-young-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/xpphone-teased-with-specs-and-pictures-makes-windows-xp-young-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/xpphone-teased-with-specs-and-pictures-makes-windows-xp-young-a/#comments Don't panic, we haven't gone back in time. What we're looking at here is the world's first but still-yet-to-be-released phone that runs on Windows XP, and its Chinese maker has just released some juicy specs and interface images to tease us all. The ITG xpPhone will be blessed with the chutzpah-filled AMD "Super Mobile" CPU, coupled with either 512MB or 1GB RAM. Storage options range from 8GB SSD to 120GB HDD (probably 1.8-inch) and everything in between. While the sheet confirms both GSM and CDMA support, ITG's pre-order page -- which looks more like a newsletter sign-up page at the moment -- is still vague on the phone's availability and price. For now we'll just continue to gaze at the interface pictures until something happens.

[Via Gizmodo]

Gallery: xpPhone teased with specs and pictures, makes Windows XP young again

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xpPhone teased with specs and pictures, makes Windows XP young again originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.8-inch lcd4.8-inchLcdattitgitg xpphoneItgXpphonemidorangevodafonewindows xpWindowsXpxpphoneFri, 30 Oct 2009 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell's Latitude XT2 XFR rugged tablet gets official]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/dells-latitude-xt2-xfr-rugged-tablet-gets-official/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/dells-latitude-xt2-xfr-rugged-tablet-gets-official/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/dells-latitude-xt2-xfr-rugged-tablet-gets-official/#comments
As is often the case, the FCC spoiled the surprise on this one, but Dell's keeping its PR machine chugging along with its new Latitude XT2 XFR rugged tablet nonetheless, and it's fleshed out a few details in the precess. As expected, this one is more or less just a rugged version of the company's existing Latitude XT2, including the same 12.1-inch multitouch display, a modestly upgraded Core 2 Duo SU9600 processor, up to 5GB of RAM, your choice of a standard hard drive or SSD, a range of hot-swappable modules (soon to include GPS) and, somewhat curiously, no Windows 7 option -- just Vista or the ever popular XP downgrade. Of course it's the ruggedness that's the real selling point, and this one looks to deliver the goods on that front (for a starting price of $3,599) -- just check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Dell's Latitude XT2 XFR rugged tablet gets official

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Dell's Latitude XT2 XFR rugged tablet gets official originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertible tabletConvertibleTabletdelllatitudelatitude xt2 xfrLatitudeXt2Xfrruggedrugged tabletRuggedTablettabletxfrxt2 xfrXt2XfrTue, 27 Oct 2009 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC working on an Android tablet for suits?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/nec-working-on-an-android-tablet-for-suits/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/nec-working-on-an-android-tablet-for-suits/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/nec-working-on-an-android-tablet-for-suits/#commentsSuper-vague report in the Nikkei this morning about NEC working on a seven-to-eight-inch "mobile device as capable as a personal computer" that's aimed at business customers -- no specs are given, but the tiny accompanying pic definitely shows the Android app tab at the bottom of that custom UI. Very mysterious. The report says NEC thinks it'll move 100,000 to 200,000 of these a year after it launches next fall, and plans to sell a million a year over time, but we'll wait to see what's real and what's not before we tackle that prediction.

[Via Slashgear; warning, read link requires registration]

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NEC working on an Android tablet for suits? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid tabletAndroidTabletnecrumorrumorstabletTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple Tablet rumor roundup: NYT speaks of 'impending Apple slate,' new SIM tray leaks (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/apple-tablet-rumor-roundup-nyts-speaks-of-impending-apple-slat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/apple-tablet-rumor-roundup-nyts-speaks-of-impending-apple-slat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/apple-tablet-rumor-roundup-nyts-speaks-of-impending-apple-slat/#comments Bear with us as we bring you the latest rumors related to the most important product that never was: the Apple tablet. Today we have a pair of rumors bubbling to the surface of a delicious tattle brew. First, the SIM card tray pictured above said to be procured from Foxconn (the rumored Apple tablet manufacturer) and available for $14.05 starting October 23rd for the 4th generation iPhone / iTablet... whatever the mythical host device might ultimately be named. It's certainly different than the tray found in previous gen iPhones and its chunkier appearance would be suitable for a larger GSM device. Plausible yes, though really, such a SIM tray could be used anywhere.

There's also a pretty big fuss being made this morning over remarks made by Bill Keller, executive editor at the New York Times responsible for the NYT's web presence. Speaking at an all-hands meeting with the Times' digital staff, the supposedly off-the-record speech somehow made its way to Vimeo. Here's the quote that has Apple fanatics and old-media revivalists in a tizzy:
"I'm hoping we can get the newsroom more actively involved in the challenge of delivering our best journalism in the form of Times Reader, iPhone apps, WAP, or the impending Apple slate, or whatever comes after that."
Now, it's hard to tell if Keller is speaking from insider information or if he's just another member of the media convinced that Apple's tablet will be launched in the New Year. Then again, as Keller himself points out, Apple has always had a special relationship with his paper as routinely demonstrated in Apple's ads that use the New York Times landing page as proof of the "real internet" browsing capabilities of the iPod touch and iPhone. And with Apple supposedly in content delivery talks with the nation's newspaper of record, well, the remarks that begin at about 8:15 are certainly suspicious. Listen for yourself after the break.

[Via Gawker, thanks Robert S.]

Read -- SIM Tray
Read -- NYT 'impending Apple slate'

Continue reading Apple Tablet rumor roundup: NYT speaks of 'impending Apple slate,' new SIM tray leaks (video)

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Apple Tablet rumor roundup: NYT speaks of 'impending Apple slate,' new SIM tray leaks (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple slateapple tabletAppleSlateAppleTabletitabletnew york timesNewYorkTimesrumorslatetablettimes readerTimesReaderwapMon, 26 Oct 2009 05:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell's rugged Latitude XT2 XFR tablet busts through the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/dells-rugged-latitude-xt2-xfr-tablet-busts-through-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/dells-rugged-latitude-xt2-xfr-tablet-busts-through-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/dells-rugged-latitude-xt2-xfr-tablet-busts-through-the-fcc/#comments Like the Thing to the Adamo XPS' Mister Fantastic, Dell's Latitude XT2 XFR tablet would rather impress someone by smashing things than sliding effortlessly into a bag (or envelop as it were), but we're guessing there's plenty of folks that are more than happy to have things that way. Somewhat curiously, however, Dell isn't doing much talking about this one itself on this seemingly convenient day, but the FCC thankfully is, thanks to a roundabout filing from Novatel. That latter detail of course means that this one will have plenty of wireless options (including 3G), but it otherwise looks to basically be a beefed-up version of Dell's existing Latitude XT2 -- and, incidentally, Dell's first rugged tablet.

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Dell's rugged Latitude XT2 XFR tablet busts through the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delldell latitudedell latitude x2tdell latitude xt2 xfrDellLatitudeDellLatitudeX2tDellLatitudeXt2Xfrlatitudelatitude xt2latitude xt2 xfrLatitudeXt2LatitudeXt2Xfrtabletxt2xt2 xfrXt2XfrFri, 23 Oct 2009 04:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Aspire 1420p tablet cameos on Acer's US site, at Chinese press event]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/aspire-1420p-tablet-cameos-on-acers-us-site-at-chinese-press-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/aspire-1420p-tablet-cameos-on-acers-us-site-at-chinese-press-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/aspire-1420p-tablet-cameos-on-acers-us-site-at-chinese-press-e/#comments He's twisting away from the camera because he's shy, obviously. Acer's Aspire 1420p tablet made an appearance today at a Chinese press event, and our regional Engadget correspondents were there to grab as many glimpses as their cameras would allow. What makes it even sweet, though, is knowing this little guy's coming to the states, as a rough product page was found on Acer's US site. From what we read, it's got a 11.6-inch LED-backlit multitouch screen with WXGA resolution, an Intel Celeron processor with integrated graphics, up to 8GB RAM and 320GB HDD, 802.11b/g/Draft-N, Bluetooth, a multi-card reader, webcam, and optional 3G. Some secrets remain, of course, like price and release date -- where's Encyclopedia Brown when you really need him?

[Thanks, Dennis L]

Read - US product page
Read - Engadget Chinese hands-on

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Aspire 1420p tablet cameos on Acer's US site, at Chinese press event originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1420 p1420Paceracer aspireAcerAspireaspireaspire 1420pAspire1420pmulti touchMultiTouchtabletFri, 23 Oct 2009 02:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Ballmer hasn't seen the Courier video, promises Zune integration in next WinMo release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/steve-ballmer-hasnt-seen-the-courier-video-promises-zune-integ/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/steve-ballmer-hasnt-seen-the-courier-video-promises-zune-integ/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/steve-ballmer-hasnt-seen-the-courier-video-promises-zune-integ/#comments
We just got off stage with Steve Ballmer, where we garnered a blistering 40 minutes of wild conversation with the man, touching on all things Microsoft. Of course, Windows 7 was at the forefront of talking points, be we also got Ballmer chatting up that Courier vid, and the lack of Zune integration on Windows Mobile. For the former he swears he hasn't actually seen it, but that it sounds like it's something someone should make, while for Zune he says Windows Mobile is going to get integration in the next release -- which is a comforting thought, if perhaps a bit late. Of course there's plenty more to what he said, and we'll have an HD version of the whole show up tomorrow so you can sit back and take it all in if you missed the live shindig.

Update: We've uploaded a gallery of photos courtesy of our good friend and podcast producer, Trent Wolbe. Check 'em out!

Gallery: Behind the scenes at The Engadget Show with Steve Ballmer

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Steve Ballmer hasn't seen the Courier video, promises Zune integration in next WinMo release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courierengadget showEngadgetShowexclusivemicrosoftsteve ballmerSteveBallmerzuneThu, 22 Oct 2009 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Gigabyte T1028X and M1022X netbooks launch in Japan, Win 7 in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/gigabyte-t1028x-and-m1022x-netbooks-launch-in-japan-win-7-in-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/gigabyte-t1028x-and-m1022x-netbooks-launch-in-japan-win-7-in-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/gigabyte-t1028x-and-m1022x-netbooks-launch-in-japan-win-7-in-to/#comments
In anticipation of the Thursday's launch, the crazy kids at Gigabyte Japan have refreshed two of their netbook lineup to include Windows 7 Starter. Unfortunately for the T1028X tablet we've been tracking for a while now, this flavor of the OS doesn't support multitouch. While that makes a touchscreen far less attractive in our eyes, maybe you're into that sort of thing. Who knows? That said, new OS aside, you're pretty much looking at the same old netvertible. Also on tap, the M1022X brings the M1022M docking netbook up to speed, adding a 6 cell battery (boasting 8 hours of use) to the 10.1-inch, Atom N280-powered ultraportable. Look for that one to retail for ¥66,800 ($738) while the T1028X fetches ¥72,800 ($804).

[Via Netbooked]

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Gigabyte T1028X and M1022X netbooks launch in Japan, Win 7 in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convertiblegigabytelaptopM1022MM1022XnetbooknetvertiblenotebookT1028XtablettouchscreenWed, 21 Oct 2009 02:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Microsoft's touchy subjects]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/switched-on-microsofts-touchy-subjects/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/switched-on-microsofts-touchy-subjects/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/switched-on-microsofts-touchy-subjects/#commentsRoss Rubin (@rossrubin) contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
As CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates would often talk about his dream of "information at your fingertips." The company he co-founded, though, is now taking literal steps toward that goal. By the end of the month, Microsoft will have released three new devices or platforms that embrace or extend touchscreen support -- but the impact touch will have on each varies significantly by their legacy, usage, and manufacturers.

Windows has long had touchscreen support. Such support, in fact, was the basis of the Tablet Edition of Windows XP, and Tablet PCs were proclaimed to be the future of notebooks. Early iterations were larger and thicker keyboard-lacking slates much like the new Archos 9pctablet. But this was before rampant Web browsing, streaming video, casual games and electronic books -- all of which now provide relevance for a new generation of touchscreen PCs as content-consumption devices.

Continue reading Switched On: Microsoft's touchy subjects

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Switched On: Microsoft's touchy subjects originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncolumnsfeaturedfeaturesmicrosoftswitched onSwitchedOntablet pcTabletPctouchtouchscreenwindows 7windows mobilewindows mobile 6.5windows phoneWindows7WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6.5WindowsPhonezunezune hdZuneHdWed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu's Frame Zero concept knows no boundaries, no bezels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/fujitsus-frame-zero-concept-knows-no-boundaries-no-bezels/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/fujitsus-frame-zero-concept-knows-no-boundaries-no-bezels/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/fujitsus-frame-zero-concept-knows-no-boundaries-no-bezels/#commentsrame Zero concept knows no boundaries, no bezels
It's always fun to see what big tech companies think the future will be like, and for Fujitsu the future is Frame Zero. It's basically a system of bezel-free devices that can all wirelessly connect and share information, not at all unlike Microsoft's Mobile Device Collaboration patent application we took a gander at last year. The concept video below shows both a sort of tiny mobile PC joining forces with an eminently breakable looking cellphone to share information cross-screens. But, it goes further, with talk of the larger of the two acting as a sort of alarm clock that, when you swat at it in the morning, checks your body temperature to determine how well you slept before barraging you with e-mails and financial reports. Just what you need first-thing in the morning.

Continue reading Fujitsu's Frame Zero concept knows no boundaries, no bezels

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Fujitsu's Frame Zero concept knows no boundaries, no bezels originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bezel-freebody temperatureBodyTemperatureconceptframe zeroFrameZerofujitsufujitsu frame zeroFujitsuFrameZerofuturemobile device collaborationMobileDeviceCollaborationscreen-sharingTue, 13 Oct 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HP TouchSmart 300 and 600 bump the software to the next level, tx2 comes along for the ride]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/hp-touchsmart-300-and-600-bump-the-software-to-the-next-level-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/hp-touchsmart-300-and-600-bump-the-software-to-the-next-level-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/hp-touchsmart-300-and-600-bump-the-software-to-the-next-level-t/#comments While the hardware on the outside looks to hardly be a departure from the norm for HP's TouchSmart line, there's some exciting stuff going on under the hood. Of course, multitouch is the big buzz this season with Windows 7 onboard and those fancy Surface apps are fine to play with, but more important is what HP is doing with its own TouchSmart application. It's added panes for Hulu, Netflix, Twitter and an HP Music Store powered by Rhapsody, which work in nicely with the rest of the touch-friendly apps onboard and a bit of underlying Microsoft technology keeping things humming -- like a nice big handwriting pane for quick Rhapsody searches. There's also a voice controlled recipe app that can capture recipes from popular recipe sites and read them out loud to you, and the photo app can hook up with a phone over Bluetooth and pull off photos. The other big new touch is the addition of HDMI and composite inputs, specifically for use with gaming consoles on the colorful 20-inch (300) and 23-inch (600) screens. What we would've really liked to see at this point would be a bit of that stylus-friendly capacitive Wacom tech, since a computer like this is dying to be turned into an easel, but this infrared camera-based stuff will have to do for now. HP had to hit these friendly $899 and $1,049 respective pricepoints somehow. Specs are nothing too special, but TV tuners, discrete graphics and Blu-ray are all in the offing. Meanwhile, HP's tossing all that fancy new software onto the TouchSmart tx2 convertible multitouch tablet, which starts at $800, and the dv3 is also getting a touchscreen as rumored -- thought details are slim there. The tx2 and 600 launch on October 22, while the 300 lands November 1.

Gallery: HP TouchSmart 300 and 600 hands-on

Gallery: HP TouchSmart 300 and 600 press shots

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HP TouchSmart 300 and 600 bump the software to the next level, tx2 comes along for the ride originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300600hands-onhptouchsmarttouchsmart 300touchsmart 600touchsmart tx2Touchsmart300Touchsmart600TouchsmartTx2tx2Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Getac figures out multitouch input for gloved hands, doesn't know the meaning of 'impossible']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/getac-figures-out-multitouch-input-for-gloved-hands-doesnt-kno/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/getac-figures-out-multitouch-input-for-gloved-hands-doesnt-kno/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/getac-figures-out-multitouch-input-for-gloved-hands-doesnt-kno/#comments We've seen plenty of manufacturers struggle with accurate multitouch input up against our own highly-sensitive, desperately fleshly fingers, so for Getac to be touting multitouch screens that work with ordinary gloves is certainly a wild claim. Getac's new screen uses a resistive technology -- something we've seen pull off great multitouch in the past, when it really puts its mind to it -- and can track 100 points per second at a sub-35ms response time on the Getac V100 tablet's 2048 x 2048 screen. A sealed touchscreen is naturally a boon to weatherproof applications if it's actually usable, though it's enough of a chore to stab at the smaller controls in a standard desktop UI, so we shudder to think how difficult it might be with mulch-covered work gloves.

[Via Electronista]

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Getac figures out multitouch input for gloved hands, doesn't know the meaning of 'impossible' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>getacmultitouchresistivetablettouchscreenv100Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Motion brings durable Gorilla Glass to C5 and F5 tablets, tries to break it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/motion-brings-durable-gorilla-glass-to-c5-and-f5-tablets-tries/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/motion-brings-durable-gorilla-glass-to-c5-and-f5-tablets-tries/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/motion-brings-durable-gorilla-glass-to-c5-and-f5-tablets-tries/#comments
It's been a minute since we've heard from the gang at Motion Computing, but as always they've used the time wisely, quietly working to improve their beloved C5 and F5 slate PCs. If recent upgrades to Verizon EV-DO, WiFi n, 64GB SSDs and the like weren't enough to get you psyched for your next trip to the ER, the company is proud to announce that you can now order your tablet with some of that hardcore Gorilla Glass you've read so much about. Just how durable is the display, you ask? How would you like a video to demonstrate it? What if we told you that some vaguely U2-esque stock music provided the soundtrack? Go ahead, you know you want to -- it's after the break.

Continue reading Motion brings durable Gorilla Glass to C5 and F5 tablets, tries to break it

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Motion brings durable Gorilla Glass to C5 and F5 tablets, tries to break it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gC5ev-domedicalmedical tabletMedicalTabletmotion computingMotionComputingslate PCSlatePcSSDtablettablet pcTabletPcverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessWWANThu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple 'Tablet PC' manufactured by Foxconn, shipping in Q1?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/apple-tablet-pc-manufactured-by-foxconn-shipping-in-q1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/apple-tablet-pc-manufactured-by-foxconn-shipping-in-q1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/apple-tablet-pc-manufactured-by-foxconn-shipping-in-q1/#comments It's been what, five whole days since we've heard any fresh rumors on the Apple Tablet. That ends today with DigiTimes claiming that Foxconn (aka, Hon Hai Precision) not Quanta has secured manufacturing rights to Apple's "tablet PC." Its sources claim that the device will focus on "e-book functionality" and hit the market in Q1 with initial shipments set in the 300,000 to 400,000 range -- a modest, but healthy number when you consider that Apple sells about 2.6 million Macs per quarter. DigiTimes claims it will have a 10.6-inch panel (not 10.7- or 9.6-inch) and that the panels could be sourced from Innolux Display, not WinTek. If nothing else, at least the Taiwan-based rumor monger has quit calling the device a netbook as all these rumors coalesce around a Q1 launch.

[Thanks, Chan N.]

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Apple 'Tablet PC' manufactured by Foxconn, shipping in Q1? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.6-inchappledigitimesfoxconnhon haihon hai precisionHonHaiHonHaiPrecisionrumortablettablet ctablet pcTabletPcwintekWed, 07 Oct 2009 05:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Gateway's Windows 7-boasting EC18T tablet images, specs leak onto the screen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/gateways-windows-7-boasting-ec18t-tablet-images-specs-leak-ont/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/gateways-windows-7-boasting-ec18t-tablet-images-specs-leak-ont/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/gateways-windows-7-boasting-ec18t-tablet-images-specs-leak-ont/#comments
Hey, what's this attractive looking dude? Well, from the looks of it, it's Gateway's not-yet-announced or previously spied tablet PC. A tipster with access to a seemingly infinite number of photos of this bad boy also shot over a spec sheet of the purported EC18T, and here's what we're looking at. This 11.6-incher is going to boast an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a Mobile Intel GS45 Express graphics chipset, and it'll run either Windows 7 Home Premium or Basic. Of course, none of this is official information, and we have no info on pricing or availability yet. Hit the gallery for a plethora (seriously) of photos.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: Gateway EC18T photos

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Gateway's Windows 7-boasting EC18T tablet images, specs leak onto the screen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ec18tgatewayleakleaksnetbooktablettablet pcTabletPcwindows 7Windows7Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[C-motech shows off Snapdragon-powered Mangrove tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/c-motech-shows-off-snapdragon-powered-mangrove-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/c-motech-shows-off-snapdragon-powered-mangrove-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/c-motech-shows-off-snapdragon-powered-mangrove-tablet/#comments
No, the device you see above is not simply a comically large smartphone (at least we don't think it is). It's actually a Snapdragon-powered, Windows Mobile 6.5-running tablet developed by the folks at C-motech. While complete details are still a bit hard to come by, this so-called "Mangrove" device reportedly packs a 7-inch touchscreen, along with a full range of connectivity options including WiFi, 3G and WiMAX, plus a pair of USB ports and a microSD card slot for a bit more flexibility. Of course, it is still just a concept at the moment, but C-motech is apparently looking at ways to bring it to market -- although your guess is as good as ours as to whether it'll actually hang onto Windows Mobile during that transition or not.

[Via jkkmobile]

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C-motech shows off Snapdragon-powered Mangrove tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-motechc-motech mangroveC-motechMangroveconceptmangrovesnapdragontabletwindows mobilewindows mobile 6.5WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6.5Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[New Microsoft Courier video details tablet interface, exciting life of a shoe designer (Update: Windows 7 underneath, might run Microsoft hardware)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/new-microsoft-courier-video-details-tablet-interface-exciting-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/new-microsoft-courier-video-details-tablet-interface-exciting-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/new-microsoft-courier-video-details-tablet-interface-exciting-l/#comments Remember that time when you were just totally stumped for ideas on a new Nike Dunk SB color scheme? Well, if you had a Microsoft Courier -- whose interface concepts have now been detailed extensively in a new video on Gizmodo -- you'd have little trouble recalling the incident, thanks to fancy tools like an "infinite journal," "grid" and "search" to keep your little virtual scrapbook in order. On display are new gestures that use both the pen and fingers, and seem a little more obvious and common sense than last time around. Copying and "tucking" an image for instance (clipping it to the black binding in the center) is done with a finger, as is a swipe gesture that pulls up the browser, and another swipe that pulls up the home screen of sorts. The pen is more reserved for annotation and sketching, which seems logical. Your journals of stuff can be shared with browser-bound friends, and even packaged up into a customizable virtual Moleskine, elastic band and all. There are still plenty of missing pieces, like a virtual keyboard or pretty much any apps outside of scrapbooking and web browsing, but this iteration certainly looks a lot less theoretical and complicated than what we've seen so far.

Update: ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley has more details from a "connected tipster" about Courier. According to her, Microsoft is running this on top of Windows 7, similar to how Microsoft Surface runs on top of Windows, and that the concept got its start as a reinvention of Microsoft's OneNote for a strictly tablet form factor. Word is that it's an "incubation project" (as opposed to a more conjectural Microsoft Research project) and Microsoft is apparently aiming for a mid-2010 release. The wildest part is that Microsoft is "leaning toward" the Xbox model of building the hardware itself, which apparently will help speed things along -- and delight hardware partners to no end, we're sure.

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New Microsoft Courier video details tablet interface, exciting life of a shoe designer (Update: Windows 7 underneath, might run Microsoft hardware) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptcouriercourier interfaceCourierInterfaceinterfaceleakmicrosoft courierMicrosoftCourierrumortabletvideoTue, 29 Sep 2009 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple tablet rumors redux: 10.7-inch display, iPhone OS underneath]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/apple-tablet-rumors-redux-10-7-inch-display-iphone-os-undernea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/apple-tablet-rumors-redux-10-7-inch-display-iphone-os-undernea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/apple-tablet-rumors-redux-10-7-inch-display-iphone-os-undernea/#comments
At this point, it's difficult to say exactly what we believe. Just a fortnight ago, we heard that the so-called Apple tablet would ship with a 9.6-inch display and a P.A. Semi processor, and now iLounge is hearing from "trusted sources" that something other than that is true. The latest round of maybe-sorta-probably-not-true whispers is that the current prototype of the device boasts a 10.7-inch display and a resolution near 720p. Of course, we've no idea where Apple would source a capacitive touchscreen of that size, but we wouldn't put anything past El Jobso. Moving on, we're told that iPhone OS will be used, signifying that this will be more of an advanced media player / light communication device than a full-on netbook competitor. Finally, we're told that a 3G and non-3G version will be offered, and if Mr. Boss signs off on it, it could be announced as early as January with a June / July ship date. Oh, and it'll come pre-loaded with Unicorn-approved applications and a vial of fairy dust -- huzzah!

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Apple tablet rumors redux: 10.7-inch display, iPhone OS underneath originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple tabletAppleTabletipadiphone osiphone os 3.0IphoneOsIphoneOs3.0prototyperumorslate pcSlatePctablettablet pcTabletPcTue, 29 Sep 2009 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Lighthouse SQ7 MID brings voice recognition to Facebook, Twitter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/lighthouse-sq7-mid-brings-voice-recognition-to-facebook-twitter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/lighthouse-sq7-mid-brings-voice-recognition-to-facebook-twitter/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/lighthouse-sq7-mid-brings-voice-recognition-to-facebook-twitter/#comments
If you're savvy enough to want to use the Facebook Mobile app, we're guessing you're savvy enough to get it up and running on your phone or portable -- so buying an additional device for responding to friend requests seems a little silly. Hopefully, AdelaVoice (a company that develops voice-enabled apps for the Internet and social networks) has more plans for its Lighthouse SQ7 than what we see here. Based on the Linux-powered SmartQ7 Internet tablet, the heart of this bad boy is a UI that allows you access to Facebook, Twitter, the web, and an image slideshow. But that ain't all! Taking advantage of Webkit's integrated voice recognition, this thing will let you input text through the mic -- perfect for posting to Facebook or tweeting sans stylus. Perhaps for some people these features might be a big deal, but we've been asking around -- and we have yet to find anyone who'll 'fess up. We have to admit, though -- what this thing does do, it seems to do pretty well. Tell you what, AdelaVoice -- add JDate and Classmates.com and we'll give the thing another shot, okay? Video after the break.

[Via Best Tablet Review]

Continue reading Lighthouse SQ7 MID brings voice recognition to Facebook, Twitter

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Lighthouse SQ7 MID brings voice recognition to Facebook, Twitter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdelaVoice Lighthouse SQ7AdelavoiceLighthouseSq7adelevoicefacebookinternet tabletInternetTabletLighthouse SQ7LighthouseSq7linuxmidsmartq7smartq7 midSmartq7Midsocial networkingSocialNetworkingtwittervoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionwebkitTue, 29 Sep 2009 01:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos 9 confirmed for October 22nd with $499 price tag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/archos-9-confirmed-for-october-22nd-with-499-price-tag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/archos-9-confirmed-for-october-22nd-with-499-price-tag/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/archos-9-confirmed-for-october-22nd-with-499-price-tag/#comments We heard the Archos 9 tablet was due alongside Windows 7, but just in case you were worried that preposition would be stretched to the limits of its definition, the company made clear at IDF that October 22nd was the target, making it day and date with Microsoft's latest OS. As for US price, it's a better-than-expected (at least as far as UK currency conversions go) $499 for the ultra-thin tablet. Mark your calendars accordingly, the diehards in the audience have less than a month to prepare their bank accounts. Now if only Archos would do something about that maladjusted resistive touchscreen...

[Thanks, Anthony]

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Archos 9 confirmed for October 22nd with $499 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archosarchos 9archos 9 pc tabletarchos 9 tabletArchos9Archos9PcTabletArchos9Tabletoctoberoctober 09october 2009October09October2009pc tabletPcTablettabletMon, 28 Sep 2009 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[TabletKiosk rises from the ashes, pops Atom CPUs into hideous new UMPC / tablet line]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/tabletkiosk-rises-from-the-ashes-pops-atom-cpus-into-hideous-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/tabletkiosk-rises-from-the-ashes-pops-atom-cpus-into-hideous-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/tabletkiosk-rises-from-the-ashes-pops-atom-cpus-into-hideous-ne/#comments
Sheesh -- whatever happened to TabletKiosk, anyway? Aside from one random slate PC tailored for the medical industry, we haven't seen anything meaningful from these guys since 2008. And yes, that includes the present day. Oh sure, the company's newest trifecta of machines -- which includes the 7-inch eo a7330D, 7-inch eo TufTab a7230XD and 12.1-inch Sahara NetSlate a230T -- may use the incredibly mighty Atom CPU now, but that doesn't change the fact that they're all uglier than sin itself. In fairness, all three are designed more for the enterprise market than for fashion conscious consumers, but still, we're struggling to see any design improvements here compared to the wares this outfit was pushing way back in 2007. If you truly believe that beauty's on the inside, hit the read link for all the dirt.

[Via HotHardware]

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TabletKiosk rises from the ashes, pops Atom CPUs into hideous new UMPC / tablet line originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a230ta7230XDa7330Datomeoeo a7330DEoA7330dintelintel atomIntelAtomruggedSahara NetSlateSahara NetSlate a230tSaharaNetslateSaharaNetslateA230tslate pcSlatePctablettablet pcTabletKioskTabletKiosk eoTabletkioskEoTabletPctuftabtuftab a7230XDTuftabA7230xdWed, 23 Sep 2009 23:13:00 EST<![CDATA[NorhTec shows off sub-$300, AA-powered Info Pad tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/norhtec-shows-off-sub-300-aa-powered-info-pad-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/norhtec-shows-off-sub-300-aa-powered-info-pad-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/norhtec-shows-off-sub-300-aa-powered-info-pad-tablet/#comments
Upstart NorhTec has already manged to pull off a pretty impressive feat by actually getting its $200 Gecko EduBook out the door, but it looks like it's now setting its sights a bit higher, and has taken to the intertubes once again to show off its now-in-development Info Pad tablet PC. As you might expect, this one is more or less just a tablet version of the EduBook, right down to the same 1GHz Xcore86 processor and rechargeable AA NiMH batteries for a power supply. Of course, it does also get a new 8.9-inch resistive touchscreen to make up for that whole lack of a keyboard part, which will apparently only bump the price up to $295.95 (making it the least expensive x86-based tablet, according to the company). Head on past the break for the video overview, and look for the tablet itself to be available in November or December.

[Thanks, Jesse]

Continue reading NorhTec shows off sub-$300, AA-powered Info Pad tablet

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NorhTec shows off sub-$300, AA-powered Info Pad tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAAA batteriesAaBatteriesinfo padInfoPadnorhtecnorhtec info padNorhtecInfoPadtablettablet pcTabletPcWed, 23 Sep 2009 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's dual-screen Courier booklet emerges, isn't near production]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/microsofts-courier-booklet-emerges-said-to-be-in-late-prototy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/microsofts-courier-booklet-emerges-said-to-be-in-late-prototy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/microsofts-courier-booklet-emerges-said-to-be-in-late-prototy/#comments
We know, we know -- you're probably still waiting for the Apple tablet that'll never come, but how's about a prototype alternative from said outfit's arch enemy to tide you over? Gizmodo has just let slip details surrounding what was previously a top secret project deep within the lairs of Redmond, but given that this is more of an advanced proof of concept than anything else, we're doing our best to curb our inner enthusiasm about a near-term release. We're told that the folding device could eventually ship with dual 7-inch displays, both of which support multitouch gestures and can also be controlled via a stylus. It should too boast a camera and possibly an inductive charging pad on the rear, though we can't help but be a wee bit frightened by hearing that the user interface is "complex." Essentially, the Courier is a touch-friendly, two-screen tablet that can't let go of the tried-and-true pen input method, and your guess is as good as ours when it comes to purpose. Though, something tells us ASUS might just have the answer. Video's after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft's dual-screen Courier booklet emerges, isn't near production

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Microsoft's dual-screen Courier booklet emerges, isn't near production originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookletbooklet 3gBooklet3gconceptCourierdesigninductive chargingInductiveChargingJ. AllardJ.Allardmicrosoftmicrosoft tabletMicrosoftTabletmultitouchprototypetablettablet pcTabletPcTue, 22 Sep 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: A tale of two tablets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/switched-on-a-tale-of-two-tablets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/switched-on-a-tale-of-two-tablets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/22/switched-on-a-tale-of-two-tablets/#commentsRoss Rubin (@rossrubin) contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.


It was the best of ideas. It was the worst of ideas. It was the age of innovation. It was the age of stagnation. It was the epoch of developing a bold new computing platform. It was the epoch of churning out another piece of converged electronics nobody needs.

Rumors have been swirling that PC operating system heavyweights Apple and Microsoft are developing forays into the world of tablet computing. Such devices will face strong competition from netbooks featuring low prices and a large library of applications remains to be seen. Two new entrants to the hardware world, the CrunchPad and Always Innovating's Touch Book, have already begun panning for gold with their Linux-based tablets. However, the waters are now attracting larger rivals designing tablets powered by Microsoft operating systems, albeit different ones.

Entering one of the few new categories at IFA earlier this month, Toshiba announced the JournE Touch, a 7" touch-enabled tablet running Windows CE designed for addressing the usual range of converged device chores, including accessing social networks and content playback, but there are a few tricks up its slender sleeve.

Continue reading Switched On: A tale of two tablets

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Switched On: A tale of two tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArchoscolumncolumnsfeaturedfeaturesJournE TouchJourneTouchpctabletswitched onSwitchedOntablettablet pcTabletPcToshibaTue, 22 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Turtle and Pure 'Pink' phones and Surface Tablet: take 2 ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/microsoft-turtle-and-pure-project-pink-phones-and-surface-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/microsoft-turtle-and-pure-project-pink-phones-and-surface-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/microsoft-turtle-and-pure-project-pink-phones-and-surface-tablet/#comments Right on cue, Mary Jo Foley has chimed in with her expert opinion on the latest Project Pink rumor. Weekend gossip that has Microsoft and Sharp "unleashing" a pair of slider phones codenamed "Turtle" (pictured above) and "Pure" in January (likely at CES). JoFo thinks that it's possible that the rumored handsets could be announced in January, but any phone from Microsoft's Pink skunkworks project wouldn't launch until Windows Mobile 7 was ready, an OS not expected to ship on consumer devices until the end of 2010. Still, a January announce certainly aligns with the modern product buzz life-cycle: the iPhone landed six months after its unveiling while the first Google co-branded phone -- T-Mobile G1 -- took almost a year to bump hands of anxious consumers.

Foley also addressed 9to5Mac's tease of a "much, much bigger and juicier" rumor related to a Microsoft tablet in the late prototype phases. According to her sources, a new Microsoft tablet is part of something called "Alchemy Ventures" and contains at least one exec from Microsoft's Surface team and is presumably led by our buddy, J Allard. You'll recall that Microsoft was already rumored to be working on "Oahu" a Surface-based tablet for consumers. So when might we see it? Mary Jo speculates that Microsoft could be waiting to see what Apple's working on before showing off Redmond's competing design. In other words: February.

[Via WMPowerUser]

Read -- "Turtle" pic
Read -- Mary-Jo Foley on Pink and Tablet

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Microsoft's Turtle and Pure 'Pink' phones and Surface Tablet: take 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alchemyalchemy venturesAlchemyVenturesappledangermary jo foleyMaryJoFoleymicrosoftpinkproject pinkProjectPinkpurerumorskunkworksspeculationsurfacetabletturtlewindows mobile 7WindowsMobile7Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos store is down, you know what that means?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/archos-store-is-down-you-know-what-that-means/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/archos-store-is-down-you-know-what-that-means/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/archos-store-is-down-you-know-what-that-means/#comments

Here we go again... it's Tuesday and the store's been taken off-line as rumors of a new touch-screen tablet flood our tips box. That can mean only one thing: a new Android tablet from Archos. What, were you expecting something else?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Archos store is down, you know what that means? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarchosarchos 5Archos5googleinternet media tabletinternet tabletInternetMediaTabletInternetTabletmedia tabletMediaTabletTue, 15 Sep 2009 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sinchun's 8.9-inch UMPC-891A holds onto the past with XP]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/sinchuns-8-9-inch-umpc-891a-holds-onto-the-past-with-xp/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/sinchuns-8-9-inch-umpc-891a-holds-onto-the-past-with-xp/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/sinchuns-8-9-inch-umpc-891a-holds-onto-the-past-with-xp/#comments Sinchun got the price right: 2999 Yuan (about $439 US), and the netbook-style specs make a lot of sense for this form factor. Unfortunately, Windows XP does not. Paired up against a stylus-driven 1024 x 600 touchscreen, Atom processor, 1GB of RAM and a variety of smallish SSD options, there's plenty of room for 7's touch enhancements to shine on the UMPC-891A -- but not enough expanse for them to choke up. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from slapping it on yourself. The biggest point of caution here is the 2 hour quoted battery life -- let's hope the Archos 9pctablet brings us a truly helpful amount of battery life in the UMPC space.

[Via Cloned In China]

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Sinchun's 8.9-inch UMPC-891A holds onto the past with XP originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomsinchunslate tabletSlateTablettabletumpcumpc-891awindows xpWindowsXpxpTue, 15 Sep 2009 05:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos 9pctablet hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/archos-9pctablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/archos-9pctablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/archos-9pctablet-hands-on/#comments We wouldn't want to jump to conclusions, but Archos might just be onto something with its upcoming 9pctablet, which is due to launch alongside Windows 7. The Windows 7 bit isn't an accident, since it's really the first OS from Microsoft that makes it conceivable to use much of the OS with a finger, rather than the stylus. It's not all there, of course: Archos had to build its own touchscreen keyboard to replace Microsoft's woefully inadequate implementation, and there's an optical mouse sensor on the side of the display and a stylus buried within to pick up the slack.

Overall the hardware seems very solid and astonishingly dense, and despite the recent advancements we've seen in thin and light laptops, it's pretty incredible that Archos has a full Atom-based PC running inside this thin, fanless slab. What wasn't so incredible was the resistive touchscreen, at least on the unit we were playing with. Our touches kept getting misread inexplicably as an inch below where we were tapping, and it didn't feel like a "light touch" resistive model at all -- no confusing what we felt with capacitive, though perhaps we got a faulty unit. This is probably a scenario where resistive makes sense, but we'd say Archos has a lot of work to do on the drivers or something to make this more usable. The good news is that there will be an optional, super-slim external keyboard, which should make input on the 9 a bit less of a chore.

Gallery: Archos 9pctablet hands-on

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Archos 9pctablet hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99pctabletarchosarchos 9archos 9 pc tabletArchos9Archos9PcTabletfeatureshands-ontabletwindows 7Windows7Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[UMEC's Android videophone and MID prototypes stray from the beaten path]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/06/umecs-android-videophone-and-mid-prototypes-stray-from-the-beat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/06/umecs-android-videophone-and-mid-prototypes-stray-from-the-beat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/06/umecs-android-videophone-and-mid-prototypes-stray-from-the-beat/#comments
We've seen plenty of odd Android permutations, but UMEC seems to be striving to do something all its own. It's showing two devices it currently has in the works, one is a videophone / hub / DECT phone / etc. unit (pictured), which might be at home on a countertop, while the other is a brightly hued MID, with similar internal specs but more portable aims. Both are running ARM Cortex A8 processors (like the iPhone 3GS), though there's some significant OS optimization to be done: everything was incredibly sluggish on the videophone, and the MID was locked up at the time we dropped by. UMEC also doesn't have the touchscreen drivers working for either device, though the good news is that they're looking at both capacitive and resistive touchscreens, based on what the reseller that picks these up desires. Luckily, the videophone has USB plugs galore (along with plenty of Ethernet jacks) so we were able to get a quick demo of the device using a mouse and keyboard. The MID also has a full-size USB plug, and both devices sport HDMI out, so the end usage for both of these is really up in the air. Check 'em out on video after the break.

Gallery: UMEC's Android videophone and MID prototypes

Continue reading UMEC's Android videophone and MID prototypes stray from the beaten path

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UMEC's Android videophone and MID prototypes stray from the beaten path originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarmarm cortex a8ArmCortexA8dectengadget videoEngadgetVideofeatureshands-onifaifa 2009Ifa2009midumecvideovideo hands-onVideoHands-onvideophoneSun, 06 Sep 2009 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba's JournE touch to get VoIP and ebook functionality, dedicated e-reader planned for 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/04/toshibas-journe-touch-to-get-voip-and-ebook-functionality-dedi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/04/toshibas-journe-touch-to-get-voip-and-ebook-functionality-dedi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/04/toshibas-journe-touch-to-get-voip-and-ebook-functionality-dedi/#comments
We've been trolling the Toshiba booth, and just got word on a couple upcoming JournE touch apps, a brief look at the app store, and word of an all-new ebook reader in the works at the company. Toshiba's planning to add VoIP and ebook apps to the JournE, along with a "fridge" app to allow home users to jot notes for each other on the device. The app store seems simple enough, peddling its wares alongside the video and music downloads the JournE can access -- though specific content distribution deals aren't hammered out just yet. Under the hood there's an ARM4 processor, but while the device seems pretty responsive in its basic interface, it was really brought to its knees by web browsing, and we'd say Toshiba has a looong way to go on its software before it makes Windows CE into something usable for touch at this size and resolution. Check out video of the device interfacing with the dock, along with a quick look at the app store, after the break.

Perhaps more intriguing is confirmation that Toshiba is planning a new ebook device with similar inspiration as the JournE (Toshiba already makes the much different Biblio reader for Japan), but is holding off until a standard book format and distribution model is nailed down by the industry. Details on the device itself are slim, with e-ink only "one of the options" for screen technology. A touchscreen interface of some sort is likely, but even that's not locked down. For now Toshiba would prefer us to concentrate on the JournE, which is no surprise.

Continue reading Toshiba's JournE touch to get VoIP and ebook functionality, dedicated e-reader planned for 2010

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Toshiba's JournE touch to get VoIP and ebook functionality, dedicated e-reader planned for 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadget videoEngadgetVideofeatureshands-onifaifa 2009Ifa2009journejourne touchJourneTouchtablettoshibatoshiba journeToshibaJournevideovideo hands-onVideoHands-onFri, 04 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp PC-Z1 NetWalker hands-on: Ubuntu like you've never seen it before]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/sharp-pc-z1-netwalker-hands-on-ubuntu-like-youve-never-seen-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/sharp-pc-z1-netwalker-hands-on-ubuntu-like-youve-never-seen-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/sharp-pc-z1-netwalker-hands-on-ubuntu-like-youve-never-seen-it/#comments
We're having a hard time deciding whether Sharp's Ubuntu-running PC-Z1 NetWalker "smartbook" is a total tragedy or total triumph of technology. On one hand, it's running a full Ubuntu install at a relatively high resolution and a rather snappy pace. On the other hand it's nearly impossible to use, with a too small optical track pad and a too high pixel density -- combined they make hunting down just about everything in the OS a painful affair. The QWERTY keys are also astonishingly bad for their size, spongy and brittle all at the same time... but, somehow, we're still fond of this device. Perhaps it's just that unrequited Zaurus love rearing its long-repressed head. Video is after the break.

Gallery: Sharp PC-Z1 hands on

Continue reading Sharp PC-Z1 NetWalker hands-on: Ubuntu like you've never seen it before

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Sharp PC-Z1 NetWalker hands-on: Ubuntu like you've never seen it before originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshands-onifaifa 2009Ifa2009netwalkerpc-z1sharpsharp pc-z1SharpPc-z1smartbookubuntuThu, 03 Sep 2009 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba's JournE touch multimedia tablet (updated with hands-on video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/toshibas-journe-touch-multimedia-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/toshibas-journe-touch-multimedia-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/toshibas-journe-touch-multimedia-tablet/#comments
Hey Apple, check this thing out! Toshiba just blazed into IFA on a 7-inch multimedia tablet, the JournE touch. It's dominated by the touchscreen display, but underneath there's support for a wide range of codecs (H.264, DivX, WMV), 802.11b/g WiFi, some online multimedia services like YouTube and Flickr, and some light internet duties thanks to Internet Explorer running on Windows CE 6.0 Pro. Despite the size and multimedia prowess (it can output sub-1080p video over an HDMI plug in the dock), the device measures a mere 14mm thick and weighs just under a pound. There's only 1GB of built-in storage, but that can be expanded via the SD slot, and the device can access external storage over USB. Word is it'll retail for 250 Euro in Q4 this year.

The device feels pretty nice in hand, but there's still a bit of a prototype vibe about it -- maybe because it's still a prototype. It's clearly a resistive screen, and the device will include a stylus for non touch-optimized apps. Toshiba seemed to be having fun with the multitude of Apple comparisons, namely since there isn't an Apple device to compare it to yet. They also call the video output the tablet's killer app, and promise to show more once they can track down a WiFi signal. Sure, it's just a MID at the end of the day, but we'll be happy to humor them -- it's a pretty hot MID.

Update: We've got some video hands-on of the JournE right after the break -- gaze upon its G-Force displaying prowess!

Update 2: Added one more video after the break, just in case you didn't get enough the first go 'round.

Gallery: Toshiba's JournE touch multimedia tablet hands-on

Continue reading Toshiba's JournE touch multimedia tablet (updated with hands-on video!)

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Toshiba's JournE touch multimedia tablet (updated with hands-on video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfeatureshands-onifaifa 2009Ifa2009journejourne touchJourneTouchmedia tabletMediaTablettablettoshibaThu, 03 Sep 2009 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Android-based Archos gets pictured, briefly priced by B&H]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/android-based-archos-gets-pictured-briefly-priced-by-bandh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/android-based-archos-gets-pictured-briefly-priced-by-bandh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/android-based-archos-gets-pictured-briefly-priced-by-bandh/#comments We still gotta wait until September 15th for the whole scoop, but B&H has gone ahead and spoiled some of the mystery of Archos' Android-based Archos 5, giving the internet tablet its own listing in a number of different storage capacity options, pictures in tow, as well as a $130 DVR station. Prices are currently listed as TBA, but fortunately it looks like the fine fellows at ArchosFans managed to capture the page when there were more concrete dollar signs on each model, to the tune of $294 for 16GB SSD, $370 for 32GB SSD, $320 for 160GB HDD, and $420 for a 500GB HDD. In the DVR station pic we spotted "HD" listed in the video names, which gives us hope that even more of those February leaks are coming to fruition. Screenshot of the with-price listings after the break.

[Via ArchosFans; thanks, Steve and Axel]

Gallery: Android-based Archos gets pictured, briefly priced by B&H


Read - 500GB HDD listing
Read - 16GB SSD listing
Read - 32GB SSD listing
Read - DVR Station

Continue reading Android-based Archos gets pictured, briefly priced by B&H

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Android-based Archos gets pictured, briefly priced by B&H originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarchosarchos 5archos 5 internet tabletArchos5Archos5InternetTabletgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidinternet media tabletinternet tabletInternetMediaTabletInternetTabletmedia tabletMediaTabletmidtabletTue, 01 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[e-Detail's dual-screen Prezenter gets Atom upgrade, becomes Averatec PT1400]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/e-details-dual-screen-prezenter-gets-atom-upgrade-becomes-aver/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/e-details-dual-screen-prezenter-gets-atom-upgrade-becomes-aver/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/e-details-dual-screen-prezenter-gets-atom-upgrade-becomes-aver/#comments Last we saw e-Detail's dual-screen Prezenter tablet it packed an underpowered AMD Geode processor, a hefty $1,800 price tag, and no US release date to speak of. While it's been well over a year now, it looks like most of those have now changed for the better, with the device apparently finding a new distributor and a few new upgrades. Now branded as the Averatec PT-1400 "Prezenter," the device packs the same dual 14-inch and 7-inch touchscreens as before, but gets a more powerful Atom Z520 processor (upgradeable to a Z540), along with an 80GB hard drive (or optional SSD), 1GB of RAM, and 802.11n WiFi, among other standard specs. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price just yet, but it will apparently go on sale in North America, Japan and Korea sometime this month, and be available in your choice of black or white. A slightly smaller 12-inch version is also apparently set to follow at a later, unspecified date.

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e-Detail's dual-screen Prezenter gets Atom upgrade, becomes Averatec PT1400 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>averatecaveratec pt-1400AveratecPt-1400dual-displaydual-screendual-screen tabletDual-screenTablete-detaile-detail prezenterE-detailPrezenterprezenterpt-1400Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Mysterious Android MID poses for yet more pics, reads Engadget ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/mysterious-android-mid-poses-for-yet-more-pics-reads-engadget/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/mysterious-android-mid-poses-for-yet-more-pics-reads-engadget/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/mysterious-android-mid-poses-for-yet-more-pics-reads-engadget/#comments
You know, if you're trying to get our attention, there are worse ways to go about it than by releasing photos of a mystery gadget proudly displaying our homepage. And though there is no credible word yet on the origin of all these Android MID pics that keep making the rounds, there has been much speculation. As SlashGear points out, the device has more than a passing resemblance to the Wallet, which France's eviGroup has been threatening to lay on the world since back in May (a 5-inch touchscreen device touted as "halfway between a cellphone and a TabletPC"). And if that isn't enough, someone named focus3G has been furiously posting new pics of the thing on his Twitpic account for two weeks now -- we've contacted him for an explanation to no avail (not yet, at least). But what do you think? Hit the gallery below, and let the speculation begin.

Gallery: Mysterious Android MID poses for yet more pics, reads Engadget



Read - Wallet MID gets closer to release, US launch possible
Read - Even more photos of unknown Android MID appear

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Mysterious Android MID poses for yet more pics, reads Engadget originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcellphoneeviGroupevigroup walletEvigroupWalletleakmidmysteryphoneRockchiprumorrumorstablettouchscreenwalletMon, 24 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST