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Snapdragon-powered Smartbooks: in case your smartphone / netbook ain't cutting it

by Darren Murph, posted May 28th 2009 at 2:34PM

Remember that Wistron PurseBook we peeked back in early April? Yeah, that's not just some one-off creation to wow folks on a show floor. We just sat down with Qualcomm to hear all about the newest small form factor machine that it has a hand in, and while we're still unsure if the market can handle it, smartbooks are coming. The machines are currently in development by a handful of Qualcomm partners, and while exact specifications have yet to be disclosed, here's what we do know. These devices will be marketed as companions to smartphones and bona fide laptops, and honestly, they kind of look like a stripped down version of Sony's VAIO P. Within the Snapdragon-based rigs, you'll find a 1GHz CPU, a battery good for eight to ten hours of use, WWAN, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, built-in GPS, HD video encoding capabilities and screen resolutions as high as WXGA (1,280 x 768). As with NVIDIA's Tegra, this chip also promises pretty awesome 3D graphics considering the low power draw. Click on for more.

Continue reading Snapdragon-powered Smartbooks: in case your smartphone / netbook ain't cutting it

How would you change HP's Pavilion dv2?

by Darren Murph, posted May 23rd 2009 at 5:18AM

AMD had (and still has, arguably) a lot riding on HP's Pavilion dv2, with it being the first notable machine to arrive with the outfit's Neo platform. We've already heard what the so-called professionals think, but we're interested to hear from the folks who really matter -- the consumers. Is HP's BD-friendly dv2 priced right? Is it sufficiently sexy? Is the 1.6GHz Athlon Neo MN-40 living up to the hype? Are you stoked with running Windows Vista on this? As with Sony's VAIO P, this here "netbook" is definitely on the pricier end of things, so we're pretty sure owners won't hesitate to give HP a mouthful. The forum's open, so speak!

Motion's J3400 rugged tablet PC boasts dual batteries, outdoor display

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 16th 2009 at 12:00AM

Need a tablet PC that'll last all day, do ya? Care for one that you can also see whilst outdoors? Look no further than Motion's brand new J3400, a rugged (albeit sleek) new tablet that comes equipped with dual battery compartments and an outdoor-visible LCD. Other specs include an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1.8-inch shock-mounted HDD (a 64GB SSD is a worthwhile option), 2 megapixel camera, GPS, a biometric sensor, multicard reader, Bluetooth 2.1, Qualcomm's dual-mode Gobi WWAN chip, WiFi and a chassis that's IP-52 rated and meets MIL-STD-810F specifications. In other words, a three foot tumble onto plywood won't even faze it. This beauty can be yours to ruin in the field for the low, low starting price of $2,299, and yes, it's ready to ship this very moment. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Motion's J3400 rugged tablet PC boasts dual batteries, outdoor display

Sony bringing Gobi WWAN module to VAIO Z, TT and P

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 16th 2009 at 12:24PM

Hey, you! VAIO P modder! Hold up on that HSDPA hack just a minute -- er, on second thought, you should probably proceed, 'cause Sony isn't about to take back your current machine when this Gobi-equipped model ships. Quite curiously, Sony has announced here in Barcelona that its VAIO Z, VAIO TT and VAIO P laptops will soon be embedded with Qualcomm's Gobi, which provides both EV-DO Rev. A and HSDPA support on a single module. As it stands, Sony's US model VAIO P only supports Verizon Wireless' mobile broadband network, which should leave a pretty bitter taste in the mouths of early adopters. There's no mention at all of when Sony plans to start shipping these oh-so-connected machines (nor if they'll be coming to US shores), but we're hoping it's sooner rather than later.

Update: In order to address some understandable confusion with this release, Sony has provided the following response: "All of the P Series shipped to date come equipped with Gobi mobile broadband technology and the instant-mode option, but certain feature deployment varies region by region. As such, the mobile broadband feature is exclusively supported by the Verizon Wireless network for all US customers." In other words, all existing VAIO P units (even US models) have the Gobi chip -- it's up to you to hack away that Verizon lock and get down to business, though.

OQO officially launches Gobi / OLED-equipped model 2+, we get hands-on

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 7th 2009 at 11:33PM

We already knew a fresh OQO handheld would be headed to Digital Experience! here at CES, and lo and behold the model 2+ has arrived in our oh-so-fortunate hands. The 800 x 480 (native) OLED touchscreen was positively gorgeous to look at, and the Qualcomm Gobi dual-mode HSPA / EV-DO WWAN chipset was much appreciated. It's also sporting a 1.86GHz Intel Atom CPU, 2GB of RAM, WiFi / Bluetooth, DirectX 9 and H.264 video decode support, 3.5 hours of battery life (7 hours on the double capacity cell), a world keyboard and a global power supply. The unit checks in at under a pound and can support 1,9200 x 1,200 external displays with HDMI / DVI / VGA interfaces. Get ready to lust after one (we already are) when it ships in 1H 2009 starting at $999.

Gallery: OQO officially launches Gobi / OLED-equipped model 2+, we get hands-on

[Via ArsTechnica]

HP's Mini 1000 offers Qualcomm Gobi WWAN chip as option

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 8th 2008 at 3:04PM

We knew good and well HP's Mini 1000 netbook had a thing for integrated 3G, but we never knew it played both sides of the proverbial field. After noticing not two, but three WWAN options on the CTO pages at HP, jkOnTheRun wrote in to figure out what was going on. In sum, those uncomfortable with choosing a dedicated AT&T or Verizon WWAN module can opt for an alternative that handles both networks -- and at no extra cost. HP has confirmed that the $199 option is indeed the two-faced Qualcomm Gobi, which theoretically allows you to use mobile broadband services from AT&T and Verizon if you happen to either relocate or have subscriptions with both. Now, if only the WWAN option wasn't >50% of the purchase price, we might actually consider it.

FCC leaks tiny VAIO with WWAN -- Sony's first netbook?

by Thomas Ricker, posted Dec 1st 2008 at 8:28AM

They might not like it, but Sony looks ripe to enter the netbook market in the US. Unveiled today is the backside of this tiny "notebook PC" as described by the FCC under the model numbers PCG-1P1L and PCG-1P2L (PCG synonymous with Sony's VAIO laptop brand). We see tests for Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and both EVDO and HSPA data courtesy of Qualcomm's Gobi chipset. What's more, with the FCC providing the exact measurement of that label (128-mm wide), we can eyeball dimensions at just over 9.5 x 4.5-inches making this netbook even smaller than the 10.3 x 6.56-inch HP mini 1000. What impact that has on the QWERTY and trackpad (if there is one) remains to be seen. Now please Sony, just announce, we were just about to pull the trigger when you spoiled our netbook purchasing party.

P.S. It runs Windows according to the label's mention of the "Windows logo."

AT&T gives thumbs-up to Gobi, Panasonic packs it in Toughbooks

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 11th 2008 at 6:14AM

AT&T has freely supported Panasonic's WWAN-enabled Toughbook 19 / 30 on its mobile broadband network for nearly a year now, and for those worried that the two may break things off when Gobi entered the picture can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Qualcomm's hybrid-3G technology (which goes from EV-DO to HSPA with the flip of a software switch), has just been certified for use on the carrier's nationwide network, and sure enough, Panny has decided to offer it on "all" new Toughbook machines. Gobified Toughbooks should be on store shelves this October, though we're not sure just how costly the option will be.

Read - AT&T certifies Gobi technology
Read - Panasonic offers Gobi on Toughbooks

HP's rugged EliteBook 2730p tablet and 2530p laptop for suits and Gobi squares

by Thomas Ricker, posted Aug 18th 2008 at 4:45AM

HP just unveiled a pair of rugged (MIL-STD 810F tested for dust, altitude, and high temperature) Centrino 2 12-inchers with the launch of its 2530p laptop and 2730p tablet. The 2730p bests the HP 2710p launched last year with the inclusion of a touchpad and new jog-dial along the side for use when the tablet is in slate mode. HP is also offering improved ULV (up to 1.2GHz) and LV (up to 1.86GHz) Core 2 Duo processor options and faster, 1.8-inch 5400RPM hard drive (up to 120GB), 80GB SSD, and Qualcomm's Gobi dual EV-DO / HSPA wireless option for near-complete WWAN support globally. The 2730p continues to maintain the legacy LED-backlit display, "Night Light" keyboard lighting, optional webcam (with business card reader), slice battery (up to 10-hours), and expansion base / docking station. Importantly, the stylus no longer slips out of the silo when carrying the 2730p through the cubicle farm.

The 2530p offers pretty much the same in a thinner (0.99-inches vs. 1.11-inches thick), lighter (3.19-pounds vs. 3.74-pounds), more traditional laptop design. See it pictured after the break.

[Via jkOnTheRun, twice]

Read -- 2730p
Read -- 2530p

Continue reading HP's rugged EliteBook 2730p tablet and 2530p laptop for suits and Gobi squares

Dell to offer laptops with Qualcomm's Gobi EV-DO / HSPA chipset

by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 1:03PM

HP's already jumped on board, and it looks like Qualcomm's now also managed to convince Dell of the merits of its Gobi dual-3G chipset, which will soon be finding its way into a variety of Latitude, Precision, and other unspecified consumer laptops. For those not up to speed, that welcome addition will let you connect to both EV-DO and HSPA networks the world over without having to carry two different mobile broadband cards with you, with switching between the two as easy as flipping a software switch. Unfortunately, there's no word on the exact models that'll be getting the upgrade, nor is there any word on how much extra it'll cost or exactly when it'll be available, with Dell only going so far as to say that they'll be available "later this year."

Qualcomm's dual-3G Gobi chip handles EV-DO and HSPA

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 24th 2007 at 1:46PM

Although we're sure some of you are dead set on using one carrier, Qualcomm is making sure the indecisive (or well-traveled) ones out there are covered, too. The firm's Gobi chip promises to play nice with both EV-DO and HSPA (but not WiMAX) networks, which should mean that a number of laptops will soon boast multi-carrier WWAN support right out of the box. The introduction of the two-faced device gives users the ability to switch operators or choose the one with the best coverage in a given area without having to lug around two laptops or laptop-connect cards. You'll also appreciate the fact that these things are actually immediately available, and according to Qualcomm, they should appear in various lappies in mid-2008.