Engadget

Motorola Droid Bionic to include Webtop accessories

Lydia Leavitt — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST

Back when we first caught a glimpse of the Droid Bionic, we speculated that the post-Atrix placement of the micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports might make it compatible with the updated Photon Webtop dock and accessories. Judging by the screenshot grabbed by Droid Life, we might have a winner as the add-ons look to be interchangeable, possibly a first step towards CEO Sanjay Jha's promised improvements. The product page also says the accessories will be "affordable" for those "curious about the Webtop application" -- count us in.

[Thanks, Chris]

Motorola Droid Bionic to include Webtop accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS rumored to have 13-inch Android laptop on its mind, NVIDIA expected to provide ARM CPU

Vlad Savov — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:24:00 EST

Some might argue that ASUS already has an ARM-powered Android laptop in its inventory thanks to the Eee Pad Transformer, however the company's now been identified as planning a more spacious 13-inch notebook device, whose power and pricing could well be even more attractive than the Transformer's. We should naturally be wary of the source here, DigiTimes having a record that's as patchy as the grass at Wimbledon after the first week's play, but the Taiwanese rumormonger says ASUS has already made launch plans for this 13-incher and will be using "NVIDIA's processor" inside. What's intriguing here is that in the paragraph immediately preceding that revelation, DigiTimes mentions quad-core ARM SOCs -- of which the one nearest to release is NVIDIA's Kal-El. Given the non-specificity of which NVIDIA processor we can expect, Kal-El's projected August release date, and the fact that the chip has already figured in an ultraslim Windows 8 prototype laptop, we'd say there's plenty of circumstantial evidence to stimulate dreams of quad-core Android laptop action. Additionally, DigiTimes points out that multiple vendors are gunning to offer ARM-powered notebooks with sub-$299 price points, aiming to gobble up market share with rock bottom pricing. Bring 'em on, we say.

ASUS rumored to have 13-inch Android laptop on its mind, NVIDIA expected to provide ARM CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will a $200 ASUS Eee PC finally ship with Google's help?

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:06:00 EST

As hard as it tried, ASUS never could get its Eee PC prices down to $200 MSRP as promised way back in 2007 -- a time when Intel-based netbooks still shipped with Linux distros and "tablet PCs" ran a Microsoft OS. Fast forward to today and netbooks are being kicked to the curb for ARM-based tablets running smartphone operating systems. To compete, ASUS, a company that's become synonymous with netbooks, is planning to ship an unsubsidized $200 to $250 netbook running Android 3.0 or Chrome OS in June. According to DigiTimes sources, anyway, who tend to be pretty accurate with regard to Taiwanese companies. If true then expect to see it announced at Computex which kicks off in Taiwan on May 31st.

Will a $200 ASUS Eee PC finally ship with Google's help? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS' Jerry Shen pledges 3D tablet, MeeGo and Android netbooks, plus a 2012 Windows Phone

Vlad Savov — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST

ASUS (A-seuss) CEO Jerry Shen is rarely a man without a good quote or two for journalists and this year's CeBIT has been no exception. Sitting down for a chat with some Russian scribes, Shen outlined ASUS' general product roadmap, which includes a 3D tablet (the iPad 2-threatening secret weapon, perhaps?), Atom-based netbooks for both MeeGo and Android platforms, and a Windows Phone device that should be with us next year. An aside from his PR aide Mae Wang also states that ASUS aims to be second in the tablet market by 2012, with a giant five to eight percent market share. We're sure the Apple board are all shaking in their hemp sandals right now. Anyhow, hit up the source for the full story.

ASUS' Jerry Shen pledges 3D tablet, MeeGo and Android netbooks, plus a 2012 Windows Phone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba AC100 smartbook gets Android 2.2 upgrade

Donald Melanson — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST

Smartbooks may not have exactly caught on as the next big platform, but one of the more notable examples out there is now at least a bit more of an interesting option than it was before. That would be Toshiba's Android-based AC100, which has finally gotten the Froyo upgrade that was promised last fall. According to Carrypad, that upgrade brings with it a "noticeable performance boost," not to mention Flash support, and access to Toshiba's own application store, the Toshiba Market Place. What's more, the site also notes that the smartbook has recently received a fairly significant price drop, with the WiFi-only version now available for around €200 (or about $275, 3G will cost you an extra $50 or so). Head on past the break for a video of the update process and results.

Continue reading Toshiba AC100 smartbook gets Android 2.2 upgrade

Toshiba AC100 smartbook gets Android 2.2 upgrade originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eric Schmidt: Chrome OS aimed at keyboard based solutions, Android optimized for touch

Joanna Stern — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:53:00 EST

We'll be the first to admit that we've been slightly confused about where Google's Chrome OS will fit in with Android becoming the OS of choice for tablet manufacturers, so naturally we took the opportunity to ask Google CEO Eric Schmidt about the two operating systems while he was on stage at the Web 2.0 summit. Schmidt confirmed that Chrome OS will officially be out in the next few months in Intel and ARM-powered netbooks while also adding that the OS was primarily "designed around something with a keyboard." Of course, that doesn't mean Chrome OS couldn't pop up on tablets -- he added that because it's open source anything can happen, but he definitely stressed that Chrome is meant for clamshell devices with keyboards and Android tailored for those with touchscreens. Sounds good to us Schmidt, now we'll just be needing the details on those Chrome-books...

Eric Schmidt: Chrome OS aimed at keyboard based solutions, Android optimized for touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba AC100 smartbook preview: what were you expecting?

Paul Miller — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST

Despite the downright sexy hardware, it was no surprise that the Toshiba AC100 (which has just been launched in the UK) didn't review very well: Android just isn't ready to give an enjoyable smartbook experience. Our hands-on experience with the laptop at IFA did nothing to disabuse us of this notion. Again, the hardware is pretty great, a nice order of magnitude thinner and lighter than most Atom netbooks, and despite the razor thin build, Toshiba still managed to put a pretty great keyboard and trackpad in here. Unfortunately, the software just isn't good. In fact, it isn't even "alright," since Toshiba has put a bunch of customizations on top of stock Android 2.1, including the same lame launcher we just saw on the Folio, and two extra browsers. We appreciate the effort, but if you're not prepared to go all-in, Samsung-style, recent history has shown that it's better to just leave well enough alone. Check out a quick video walkthrough after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba AC100 smartbook preview

Continue reading Toshiba AC100 smartbook preview: what were you expecting?

Toshiba AC100 smartbook preview: what were you expecting? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba AC100 Android smartbook hits the United Kingdom

Laura June — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:12:00 EST

Hey, there little guy! That's the Toshiba AC100 -- an Android 2.1 smartbook with Toshiba's custom user interface -- on show in the UK, where you can now grab one up. The 10.1-inch, 1.9-pounder has yet to show its face anywhere near the US, but as for specs it's got a 1GHz Tegra 250 SoC, a 32GB SSD, 512MB of DDR2 memory, 802.11n WiFi, optional 3G, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, and an HDMI port. While it's listed on Amazon you still can't actually order one of these bad boys stateside, but if you're in the UK, you can grab one up for £292.52 (almost $450) for the non-3G model. Video of the little guy in action back in June is below.

Continue reading Toshiba AC100 Android smartbook hits the United Kingdom

Toshiba AC100 Android smartbook hits the United Kingdom originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Augen's $99 GenBook smartbook preview

Joanna Stern — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST

That's right, not only does Augen -- a company unbeknown to us before yesterday -- make an $150 Android 2.1 tablet, but the company is also stocking Kmart shelves with a $99 Android smartbook of sorts. How'd we find out about this one? Well, when we headed to our local Kmart in hopes of picking up the 7-inch tablet, one last, very lonely GenBook 74 was dwelling on the shelf. We aren't the kind of people that could just leave the little guy there all alone, so $100 later we were the proud owners of a 7-inch, Android 1.6 clamshell device. Is the little laptop really capable of surfing the web and downloading apps, or would your hard earned cash be better spent elsewhere? Find out after the break.

Gallery: Augen $99 GenBook preview

Continue reading Augen's $99 GenBook smartbook preview

Augen's $99 GenBook smartbook preview originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba AC100 review may explain why we haven't seen many (or any!) smartbooks

Joanna Stern — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:41:00 EST

To be honest, when Toshiba's 10.1-inch AC100 smartbook was revealed last month it looked like one nice clamshell, but we're not really all that surprised that Hi-tech.mail.ru found it to be rather lacking after putting it through the paces. The good news is that the Russian site found the 1.9-pound smartbook to be incredibly thin and light, and had no ergonomic issues with its keyboard and touchpad. The bad? The 1GHz Tegra 250-powered lappie runs Android 2.1, but like most other Android netbooks or tablets it doesn't have access to the Market, so you've got to sideload your own apps. They also described the browser as "archaic," presumably because of its inability to run flash content. And on top of all that, the reviewers weren't all that impressed with the 4.5 hours of video playback. To its credit, the AC100 was able to play 1080p video, which those typical Intel Atom N450-powered netbooks absolutely choke on. Basically, Toshiba's smartbook -- like most -- seem to be a mixed bag, but if you're still lusting for some more details you'll want to hit the source link for the full translated review.

Toshiba AC100 review may explain why we haven't seen many (or any!) smartbooks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo's Skylight and U1 Hybrid being revived with fresh Qualcomm silicon?

Darren Murph — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:59:00 EST

What's this? A new sliver of hope in a dark, lost world? Before you throw your hands up and shut your eyes, you should know that all of this is coming from Digitimes, so taking it all in with an unhealthy dose of salt is highly suggested. According to them, Lenovo is actually planning to eventually ship its Skylight and IdeaPad U1 Hybrid (yeah, the two machines that were kinda-sorta shelved a month ago), but with far different specifications. For starters, they'll rely on Qualcomm's recently announced dual-core processor line, and rather than using the now-nonexistent Skylight OS, they'll both rely on Google's Android. If all goes well, the official launch will occur before the dawn of 2011, but there's no solid word on when they'll actually ship. In related news, there's also word that Toshiba will be readying a smartbook in its long-standing Dynabook line, with NVIDIA's Tegra 250 under the hood, a 10.1-inch panel and Android running the show. Now, who's up for seeing if any of this actually comes to fruition?

Lenovo's Skylight and U1 Hybrid being revived with fresh Qualcomm silicon? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!)

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:25:00 EST

We wouldn't fault you for thinking that's a first generation ASUS Eee PC what with that iconic fingertip pose and all. But Toshiba's AC100 is a very modern take on the ol' Atom-based netbook idea. For starters, this super slim smartbook runs Android 2.1 on a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 250 SoC (built around a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor) capable of about 8 hours of browsing and video playback (and 7 days standby) before needing a recharge. It's also packing a 32GB SSD, 512MB of DDR2 memory, 802.11n WiFi, optional 3G data, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, and an HDMI jack beneath that 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 pixel display. As for software, the AC100 ships with Documents to Go for editing MS Office docs, an email client with POP3, IMAP, and Exchange support, an Opera Mobile browser, and a Tosh media player which should support HD 1080p video playback if it's taking full advantage of that Tegra 2 silicon. Too bad Toshiba is being quiet about the pricing and availability 'cause this little guy has us intrigued.

Update: Netbooked got its hands on with the Japanese Dynabook AZ twin and received confirmation that it'll ship in Japan in August for between ¥40,000 and ¥50,000 (about $438 to $548). Video after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba's AC100 8-hour smartbook runs Android 2.1 on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor

Continue reading Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!)

Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Compaq Airlife 100 review roundup: a little too dumb for a smartbook

Darren Murph — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:16:00 EST

As of last month, there were still no solid plans to ever bring HP Compaq's Airlife 100 smartbook to US soil, and judging by the first reviews surfacing across the pond, the company should probably consider keeping it that way. In a land already saturated with increasingly powerful netbooks, highly capable smartphones and a blossoming selection of tablets, the actual need for a so-called smartbook is questionable at best. For those still interested in paying near-netbook prices for this (on contract with a carrier, no less), you should probably first take a gander at the reviews linked below. Put simply, the Airlife 100 just wasn't a contender, and it had issues handling basic tasks like playing back HD videos and loading the full Gmail experience. 'Course, Android 1.6 is looking severely dated right about now, so we can't say we're shocked to hear so much negativity. The design itself was universally praised, but when you can snag a Crystal HD-equipped netbook (sans a data plan agreement, to boot) for just a few Euros more, it's hard to justify locking yourself into something far less intelligent.

Continue reading HP Compaq Airlife 100 review roundup: a little too dumb for a smartbook

HP Compaq Airlife 100 review roundup: a little too dumb for a smartbook originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp IS01 Snapdragon-powered 3G MID introduces AU to Android

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:32:00 EST

After Softbank announced the HTC Desire and DoCoMo began pushing its very first Android smartphone (Xperia X10), Japan had big hopes for AU's press event today. An EVO perhaps, or maybe something more from this once proud home of the original superphones? Unfortunately, Engadget Japanese let out a collective meh in response to a 5-inch IS01 handheld from Sharp running Android 1.6 on a Snapdragon processor and measuring 83 × 149 × 17.9mm and 227g. While it looks like the classic Japanese eDictionary, the IS01 is meant to be used as a general purpose MID with a 5-row QWERTY, Sharp-built "New Mobile ASV" multi-touch capacitive display pushing a 960 x 480 pixel resolution and a 5.27 megapixel auto focus camera on back with a 0.43 megapixel jobbie up front for video calls. Rounding out the specs are 802.11 b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, microSD slot, 1Seg mobile TV tuner, IrDA, 4GB of internal storage, and Qualcomm 3G CDMA data. Look for it to ship in October while a developer friendly version (JN-DK01) should be available in May.

Sharp IS01 Snapdragon-powered 3G MID introduces AU to Android originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Compaq Airlife 100 puts Android OS, Snapdragon CPU, and an SSD behind 10.1-inch touchscreen

Vlad Savov — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:58:00 EST

HP's mobile computing unit appears to have decided that the term smartbook refers to putting a smartphone's components inside a netbook's body -- which kind of makes sense -- so they've built their Airlife 100 atop an Android OS platform, underpinned by a Snapdragon CPU (unconfirmed, but highly likely), a 16GB SSD, 3G and WiFi connectivity, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. We really can find no cause for complaint -- in fact this is the most excitement a Compaq-branded product has caused us... ever. HP touts a rock solid 12-hour battery life for the Airlife, which stretches out to a mighty 10 days of standby, in case you're one of those folks who hate to switch their electronics off. Announced in partnership with Telefonica, this smartbook will be offered as a subsidized part of mobile broadband service plans in Europe and Latin America. It may well find itself renamed under the HP Mini branding when it rolls around to the US, but for now head on over to Engadget Spanish for the full PR.

Gallery: Compaq Airlife 100

Compaq Airlife 100 puts Android OS, Snapdragon CPU, and an SSD behind 10.1-inch touchscreen originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Compaq AirLife 100 smartbook hits the FCC

Donald Melanson — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:13:00 EST

There's unfortunately not much in the way of details or pictures (beyond that artful illustration above) for this one, but HP has sent a smartbook called the Compaq AirLife 100 the FCC's way, and the bands in use suggest that it could well be headed to AT&T. As you may recall, however, HP was also showing off an Android-running, Snapdragon-powered smartbook concept at CES a few short weeks back, and those rounded corners and large battery compartment do at least seem to match up. Coincidence? We should know for sure soon enough.

HP Compaq AirLife 100 smartbook hits the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS / Pegatron Neo with Tegra 2 hands-on

Vlad Savov — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:29:00 EST

ASUS may be in the process of spinning off the Pegatron brand, but for now it's still the same company behind this here slick white smartbook. Running the inevitable Android OS on a 10-inch display, but offering the never-boring Tegra 2 combo of 1080p playback and up to a "full day" of WiFi-enabled battery juice, the prototype machine was being shown off to give us a hint of what's to come. We're told the Neo is definitely coming later in the year, though the particulars of the price tag and distributor badge are not yet revealed. For our money, this was a spectacularly thin and light pseudo-laptop -- it's hard to overstate just how deprived of weight this thing is. Opening it up shows an appealing layout and keyboard, which were rather spoiled by a number of creaky and unstable parts. We found deep flex in the keyboard panel and around the hinges, but our optimistic souls are willing to put those things down to it being a demo unit. If this featherweight design makes it to market without sacrificing any of the good bits while getting rid of the bad ones, we'd recommend it in a hot and sweaty second.

Gallery: ASUS / Pegatron Tegra 2 smartbook hands-on

ASUS / Pegatron Neo with Tegra 2 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer to launch first Chrome OS netbook, Android-based Aspire One sales disappoint

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:37:00 EST

Acer loves it some Google. And unless Google's trying to stamp out your revenue stream, who doesn't? Now Acer chairman, JT Wang, says that he expects to be first to market with an official Chrome OS netbook -- sometime in the second half of 2010 according to DigiTimes' sources. In fact, JT says that Acer's been working on a Chrome OS device since mid-2009. This despite admittedly weaker than expected demand for its dual-boot Android netbook, the Aspire One AOD250. Guess even the Google halo isn't enough to shoehorn its smartphone OS into a market dominating position on cheap ultra-portables. It's worth pointing out that DigiTimes' moles aren't saying anything new with the launch time-frame since Google's target for its gold Chrome OS build has been 2H of 2010 ever since the lightweight OS was announced. Not that the timing matters too much since we'll likely be seeing plenty of Chromium OS netbooks flooding the grey market long before the second half of 2010.

Acer to launch first Chrome OS netbook, Android-based Aspire One sales disappoint originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo's Snapdragon smartbook gets Android, pictured properly (Updated)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:20:00 EST

That's right, sailor, Qualcomm has been dishing some more info on the future of smartbooks, and we now know that the Lenovo number we noticed being teased earlier this month will be driven by a vanilla copy of Google's Android OS. Other data of import includes a purported battery life of more than eight hours and always-on connectivity through 3G (provided by AT&T in the US), WiFi and "other radios," all of which should go nicely with that 1GHz Snapdragon chip under the hood. If you ask us, and you should, this looks like the perfect candidate for a bit of USB-mounted Chrome OS glory.

Update: Lenovo's PR team contacted us to clarify that the above device, although strikingly similar to the Lenovo machine (possibly a reference design), is a separate, Quanta-manufactured smartbook that was on display at a Qualcomm event last week. Nevertheless, it could still end up bearing Lenovo regalia, given that Quanta produces the IdeaPad line.

[Images courtesy of Silicon.com; taken by Natasha Lomas]

Lenovo's Snapdragon smartbook gets Android, pictured properly (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS puts Snapdragon smartbook on hold, breaks hearts of Androids everywhere

Tim Stevens — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:47:00 EST

It was but a few months ago that we were lusting after a svelte little fanless Snapdragon Eee PC running Android and being demo'd at Computex. Now, ASUS is letting us all down softly, saying that project has been put on the shelf -- presumably to make room for another string of cookie-cutter netbooks. CEO Jerry Shen says "I don't see a clear market for smartbooks," which is true enough, but we're guessing the big laptop players didn't see a clear market for netbooks at first, either. So, not exactly great news for those looking for even cheaper and even more portable portables, but don't lose all hope: it wasn't that long ago that Western Digital said the SSD market didn't exist, and now look at 'em.

Filed under: Laptops

ASUS puts Snapdragon smartbook on hold, breaks hearts of Androids everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snapdragon and Tegra smartbook rumors swirl before likely year end push

Vlad Savov — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:51:00 EST

DigiTimes is reporting -- in its usual sourceless, rumorific way -- that a slew of Taiwanese manufacturers are set to deliver smartbooks based on the Snapdragon and Tegra chipsets by the fourth quarter of this year. Acer is leading the charge with an Android-sporting device, adding to its push of the Google mobile OS, while Mobinnova has confirmed US and European orders for its 8.9-inch élan, shipments of which might top half a million units in 2009. In the meantime, Inventec is expected to launch a 10-inch Tegra smartbook entitled Rainbow, which is probably set for a prompt rebadge. On the other hand, citing what it sees as weak demand, ASUS is holding back and won't launch anything until November at the earliest. While none of these rumors are massively surprising, and given the source could be downright erroneous, they do hint at a wild, industry-wide synergy of smartbook rollout for the holiday period. And we all love synergy.

Filed under: Laptops

Snapdragon and Tegra smartbook rumors swirl before likely year end push originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA says Windows CE is better for smartbooks than Android

Donald Melanson — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:41:00 EST

There may be some folks out there talking up Android as the OS of choice of smartbooks, but it looks like you can't count NVIDIA among them. Speaking with ComputerWorld, NVIDIA's Mike Rayfield (general manager of the company's mobile business unit) says that NVIDIA actually prefers Windows CE over Android for ARM-based smartbooks due to its maturity and lack of a "rough user interface." To that end, Rayfield also confirmed that NVIDIA is working with Microsoft to optimize Windows CE for Tegra-based systems although, as we've seen, that hasn't stopped some folks from pairing Android with Tegra whether NVIDIA likes it or not. Incidentally, Rayfield was also asked about those rumors about Tegra powering the Zune HD, and he didn't exactly issue a flat out denial, saying simply that, "Microsoft hasn't confirmed that ... so until they comment, I can't."

Filed under: Handhelds, Laptops

NVIDIA says Windows CE is better for smartbooks than Android originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gartner: Android on ARM "more snappy" than Windows 7 on Atom

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:41:00 EST

The case for running Android -- an OS developed for smartphones -- on cheap, ultra-portable laptops has yet to be made. However, that hasn't stopped manufacturers from tinkering with the idea as demonstrated by the broad range of Android "smartbooks" running on ARM-based (be it Snapdragon, Tegra, or Freescale) architectures at Computex. Now Gartner, the guiding force for many corporate CIOs, has issued a research note that puts Atom-based netbooks running Windows 7 on notice while giving credence to the emerging smartbook category of ultra-portables. Analysts Christian Heidarson and Ben Lee said the following in Gartner's Semiconductor DQ Monday Report:

When Android did work, we found that the user interface was very snappy on relatively low-performance ARM processors, more so than Windows 7 on Atom.

Of course, Windows 7 scales much better than Vista and as a full-blown desktop OS gives users a lot of flexibility as long as the netbook's chipset is up to the task. Then again, if you're looking for a purpose-built, fanless 10-inch ultra-portable with integrated WWAN data and FireFox browser that costs less than $200 and plays 25 days of music or 10-hours of 1080p video off a single charge, well then a smartbook might be the device for you. We'll see which carrier is brave enough to sell 'em come October.

Filed under: Laptops

Gartner: Android on ARM "more snappy" than Windows 7 on Atom originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freescale netbook and Android-powered smartbook debut

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:53:00 EST

We knew good and well that Freescale wouldn't let Qualcomm go and have all the fun with these newfangled smartbooks, and already we're seeing a few new devices powered by Freescale-branded semiconductors. In the video posted just after the break, the company's own Steve Sperle sat down to talk about a new Pegatron netbook (which handles 720p video playback with ease) as well as an Inventec "smartbook" which is just marginally larger than your average smartphone. In fact, we're rather impressed with the layout: a larger-than-average 4-inch display, a slideout QWERTY keyboard and Google's Android OS. Unfortunately, Mr. Sperle would only stick close to the "later this year" launch time frame that we'd already heard about, but so long as these smartbooks end up looking like overpowered smartphones, you can certainly consider our interest piqued.

Continue reading Freescale netbook and Android-powered smartbook debut

Filed under: Handsets, Peripherals, Others

Freescale netbook and Android-powered smartbook debut originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freescale netbook and Android-powered smartbook debut

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:53:00 EST

Continue reading Freescale netbook and Android-powered smartbook debut

Filed under: Handhelds

Freescale netbook and Android-powered smartbook debut originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Compal shows off Android-running, Snapdragon-powered smartbook

Donald Melanson — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:23:00 EST

As if it wasn't clear already, smartbooks are one of the big trends (if not the biggest) to emerge out of this year's Computex, be they Snapdragon or Tegra-powered. Just as interesting as the devices themselves, however, is the fact that a number of manufacturers are looking at using Android as an OS for 'em, including big players like ASUS, and now Compal. While's ASUS' Snapdragon-based offering was impressive enough, Compal looks to have slightly outdone it by adding a customized interface at start-up, which is apparently just a taste of further "optimizations" to come. Details are otherwise a bit hard to come by, but you can head on past the break for a hands-on video courtesy of techvideoblog.com.

Continue reading Compal shows off Android-running, Snapdragon-powered smartbook

Filed under: Laptops

Compal shows off Android-running, Snapdragon-powered smartbook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: NVIDIA Tegra's GPU gets busy with HD video and full-screen Flash -- Intel 945GSE shrugs, kicks dirt

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST

If you didn't believe the Tegra hype -- 25 days audio, 10 hours of 1080p video on single charge -- already then pull up a stool, son, NVIDIA wants to tell your a story. TechVideoBlog sat down with Gordon Grigor, NVIDIA's Director of Mobile Software to see Tegra's little Atom smasher in action. So sit back while Gordon smoothly streams a 720p MSN HD trailer off the web (over WiFi) then switches over to Firefox to take Flash for a spin at full-screen. Gordon also clarifies earlier confusion over Tegra's ability to handle HD video; see, the Tegra 600 can do H.264 video at 720p while the Tegra 650 can decode 1080p. Gordon also gives some more insight into memory configurations. It seems that the OS (either Android or Windows CE in single or dual-boot configurations) will be embedded with minimal on-board storage like those early Eee PCs. RAM will also be limited to about 512MB on base units going as low as 256MB and as high as 1GB in future (unannounced) devices. A 512MB model limits Firefox to about 3-4 opened tabs at a time. All of this is meant to keep prices down below $200 (or less when subsidized by carriers). Also of note is how the Tegra's GPU assists in rendering pixels anytime they appear on the display. In other words fonts, Firefox pages, scrolling, and of course video playback all benefit from an extra boost by the GPU. Check the video after the break to hear Gordon make some not so subtle jabs at Intel's relatively power-hungry Atom processor.

Update: It's worth mentioning that the first Tegra smartbooks are expected to launch in October according to Gordon.

Continue reading Video: NVIDIA Tegra's GPU gets busy with HD video and full-screen Flash -- Intel 945GSE shrugs, kicks dirt

Filed under: Laptops

Video: NVIDIA Tegra's GPU gets busy with HD video and full-screen Flash -- Intel 945GSE shrugs, kicks dirt originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: ECS T800 netbook brings us to our knees with Android on 1GHz OMAP3

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:17:00 EST

This is quite possibly a better Vaio P... you know, if it actually worked. This non-functional stunner of a prototype is sitting pretty at Computex, an event where OEMs (like Sony, HP, and Dell) shop from the latest ODM (like Foxconn and Compal) designs before tweaking for retail launch. Instead of taking chances with Vista overpowering an Intel Atom processor, however, the ECS T800 on display at Computex is destined to run Android on your choice of 800MHz OMAP3 3440 or 1GHz OMAP3 3450 TI processors. It measures in at 246 x 121 x 20-mm / 800-grams (1.76-pounds) and packs an 8.1-inch display, 512MB of memory, a 2.5-inch hard disk or SSD, and a pair of internal Mini-PCIe slots for WWAN cards. Regarding ports, we're looking at 2x USB 2.0, a 4-in-1 card reader, and an audio jack for your headset. Hey ODMs, we're interested (even if the case for Android on a netbook hasn't been clearly defined) especially if it can be offered for $99 or less through a subsidized carrier agreement. So who's going to bite first, huh? Maybe you Dell now that your Mini 9 netbook has been discontinued. Video after the break.

Continue reading Video: ECS T800 netbook brings us to our knees with Android on 1GHz OMAP3

Filed under: Laptops

Video: ECS T800 netbook brings us to our knees with Android on 1GHz OMAP3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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