Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Motorola Droid Bionic to include Webtop accessories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/motorola-droid-bionic-to-include-webtop-accessories/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/motorola-droid-bionic-to-include-webtop-accessories/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/motorola-droid-bionic-to-include-webtop-accessories/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesandroidatrixatrix 4gAtrix4gbionicdroiddroid bionicDroidBionicmobilepostminimotorolaphotonphoton 4gPhoton4gsanjay jhaSanjayJhasmartbooksmartbookssmartphoneswebtopMon, 29 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS rumored to have 13-inch Android laptop on its mind, NVIDIA expected to provide ARM CPU]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/asus-rumored-to-have-13-inch-android-laptop-on-its-mind-nvidia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/asus-rumored-to-have-13-inch-android-laptop-on-its-mind-nvidia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/asus-rumored-to-have-13-inch-android-laptop-on-its-mind-nvidia/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13-inchandroidarmasuslaptopnvidiaplansroadmaprumorschedulesmartbookspeculationThu, 23 Jun 2011 01:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals ARM-powered Windows 8 prototypes (eyes-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/microsoft-reveals-arm-powered-windows-8-prototypes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/microsoft-reveals-arm-powered-windows-8-prototypes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/microsoft-reveals-arm-powered-windows-8-prototypes/#comments Remember how Microsoft unveiled that whole "Windows 8" thing earlier today? It's back for more: here at Computex 2011 in Taipei, prototype ARM-based Windows 8 slates and smartbooks are coming out of the woodwork. Foxconn, Wistron and Quanta all unveiled early hardware for the new OS, with chips from Qualcomm, Texas Instruments and NVIDIA powering their live tiles -- including NVIDIA's upcoming Kal-El, which got both a tablet and a super-slim prototype notebook to call its own. Dell's also got a XPS development station up on stage, which Microsoft used to demo the UI -- it's bulky and ugly as such things are, but it suggests that Dell's also likely to have a portable Windows 8 machine at some point. For its part, Qualcomm is promising a chip that can instantly wake from sleep, and one of the devices showed that USB host support works fine and dandy. Unfortunately, none of these machines will make their way to market, but it's nice to know that the OEMs care enough to show their solidarity here.

Update: Video now added after the break.

Gallery: Windows 8 devices at Computex 2011

Gallery: Windows 8 ARM development devices from Qualcomm, TI and NVIDIA

Continue reading Microsoft reveals ARM-powered Windows 8 prototypes (eyes-on)

Microsoft reveals ARM-powered Windows 8 prototypes (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMbreaking newsComputexcomputex 2011Computex2011DellFoxconnKal-ElMicrosoftnotebookNVIDIAQualcommQuantaslatesmartbooktablettablet pcTabletPctabletsTegraTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIvideoWindowsWindows 8Windows8WistronWed, 01 Jun 2011 22:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Will a $200 ASUS Eee PC finally ship with Google's help?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/will-a-200-asus-eee-pc-finally-ship-with-googles-help/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/will-a-200-asus-eee-pc-finally-ship-with-googles-help/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/will-a-200-asus-eee-pc-finally-ship-with-googles-help/#commentsAs 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 3.0Android3.0asuschrome osChromeOscomputexcomputex 2011Computex2011digitimesgooglehoneycombnetbookrumorsmartbookThu, 17 Mar 2011 03:06:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS' Jerry Shen pledges 3D tablet, MeeGo and Android netbooks, plus a 2012 Windows Phone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/asus-jerry-shen-pledges-3d-tablet-meego-and-android-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/asus-jerry-shen-pledges-3d-tablet-meego-and-android-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/asus-jerry-shen-pledges-3d-tablet-meego-and-android-netbooks/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d tablet3dTabletandroidasusasus ceoAsusCeocebitcebit 2011Cebit2011ceofutureinterviewjerry shenJerryShenmeegonetbooknetbooksplansroadmapschedulesmartbooktablettabletswindows phoneWindowsPhoneFri, 04 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/genesi-reduces-price-of-efika-mx-smartbook-smarttop-says-its/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/genesi-reduces-price-of-efika-mx-smartbook-smarttop-says-its/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/genesi-reduces-price-of-efika-mx-smartbook-smarttop-says-its/#comments Back in September, we reported on the absurdly overpriced Efika MX Smartbook -- a little computer sporting a 10-inch display and a $349 price tag -- and it looks like somebody took note. The folks over at Genesi have reduced the price of their entire line of Efika MX products, dropping the aforementioned Smartbook to $199 and its desktop companion, the Smarttop, to $129. Of course, they did so with a bit of marketing flair, claiming the deal would open "the door even more for billions of people and businesses in emerging markets to affordable state-of-the-art computing and Internet access." Now, we're not calling anyone out here, but we're guessing we weren't the only ones who thought the Smartbook was just a tad too pricey. Full PR after the jump.

Continue reading Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good

Genesi reduces price of Efika MX Smartbook, Smarttop, says it's for greater good originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affordableBookEfikaEfika MXEfika MX SmartbookEfika MX SmarttopEfikaMxEfikaMxSmartbookEfikaMxSmarttopemerging marketsEmergingMarketsGenesiinternetinternet accessInternetAccesslaptopMXnet topNetTopnotebookSmartSmartbookSmarttopTopWed, 02 Mar 2011 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba AC100 smartbook gets Android 2.2 upgrade]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/toshiba-ac100-smartbook-gets-android-2-2-upgrade/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/toshiba-ac100-smartbook-gets-android-2-2-upgrade/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/toshiba-ac100-smartbook-gets-android-2-2-upgrade/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac100androidandroid 2.2Android2.2froyosmartbooktoshibatoshiba ac100ToshibaAc100updatevideoThu, 24 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm fends off Smartbook AG, can legally write 'smartbook' on the platform's tombstone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/qualcomm-fends-off-smartbook-ag-can-legally-write-smartbook-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/qualcomm-fends-off-smartbook-ag-can-legally-write-smartbook-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/qualcomm-fends-off-smartbook-ag-can-legally-write-smartbook-o/#commentsQualcomm fends of Smartbook AG legal action, can now write It's perhaps a little too little and a little too late, but Qualcomm can now use the word "smartbook" to describe low end smartphone/laptop hybrids -- the sort of machine the company's CEO says have been all but killed off by tablets. The unfortunate legal action initiated by Smartbook AG way back in 2009 has now been deemed invalid by the German Patent and Trademark Office. The combination of the words word "smart" and "book" are no longer covered by German trademark law, which seemingly leaves Smartbook AG in a rather more vulnerable position than it was in before. Not as vulnerable as the poor smartbook platform, though.

Qualcomm fends off Smartbook AG, can legally write 'smartbook' on the platform's tombstone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GermanyLawLawsuitLegalSmart BookSmartbookSmartbook AgSmartbookAgTrademarkFri, 18 Feb 2011 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Atrix 4G's Laptop Dock and Webtop app turn your phone into a smartbook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/motorola-atrix-4gs-webtop-application-turns-your-phone-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/motorola-atrix-4gs-webtop-application-turns-your-phone-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/motorola-atrix-4gs-webtop-application-turns-your-phone-into-a/#comments Turns out Motorola's just-announced Atrix 4G for AT&T will be available with a setup they're simply calling the Laptop Dock that pairs up with an app on the phone -- Webtop -- to transform the Atrix into a full-fledged smartbook. All you do, it seems, is dock the phone into a larger, 13.9mm thick chassis -- great for those times when nothing other than a big physical keyboard will do. We don't know how much it's going to cost on top of the phone itself, but something tells us it won't be a bundled accessory. More details as we have them.

Gallery: Motorola Atrix 4G's 'webtop application'

Motorola Atrix 4G's Laptop Dock and Webtop app turn your phone into a smartbook originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atrixatrix 4gAtrix4gattbreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011dockjumbophonemotomotorolasmartbookwebtopWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrome event confirmed by Google for December 7th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/chrome-event-confirmed-by-google-for-december-7th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/chrome-event-confirmed-by-google-for-december-7th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/chrome-event-confirmed-by-google-for-december-7th/#comments Well, it looks like our sources were right: Google just announced an event in San Francisco for December 7th, which promises "exciting news about Chrome." Naturally, we're expecting that to be the announcement of a Google-branded netbook that runs the Chrome OS, in addition to the launch of the Chrome Web / App Store. Interestingly, it's pretty short notice for this sort of announcement, and it's also conflicting with the D: Dive into Mobile conference which is happening a few miles north on the same day. We don't know if that's poor planning on Google's part, a sign of last minute adjustments in the product, both, or neither, but either way it's going to be a pretty exciting week!

Chrome event confirmed by Google for December 7th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewschromechrome oschromebookChromeOsgooglenetbooksmartbookFri, 03 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Schmidt: Chrome OS aimed at keyboard based solutions, Android optimized for touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/eric-schmidt-chrome-os-aimed-at-keyboard-based-solutions-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/eric-schmidt-chrome-os-aimed-at-keyboard-based-solutions-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/eric-schmidt-chrome-os-aimed-at-keyboard-based-solutions-andro/#comments
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbreaking newsBreakingNewsChrome bookschrome osChromeBooksChromeOseric schmidtEricSchmidtgooglenetbookNetBookssmartbookSmartbookstabletsweb 2.0Web 2.0 SummitWeb2.0Web2.0SummitMon, 15 Nov 2010 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Google-branded Chrome OS smartbook launching this month?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/google-branded-chrome-os-smartbook-launching-this-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/google-branded-chrome-os-smartbook-launching-this-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/02/google-branded-chrome-os-smartbook-launching-this-month/#commentsIf the damp blanket of leaves warming the ground is any indicator, then we'd say that fall has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere. That means Google's Chrome OS is due. What better time for DigiTimes to cite sources from "component players" claiming that the first smartbooks featuring Google's other operating system will launch later this month. According to the Taiwanese rumor rag, Google will follow its Nexus One strategy and be first from the gate with the launch of a self-branded Chrome OS notebook manufactured by Inventec -- the ARM-based machine will not be sold through normal retail channels and is expectated to ship a very modest 60,000 to 70,000 units. Acer and HP are then rumored to be launching Quanta-manufactured Chrome OS gear as early as December while ASUS waits to gauge market reaction. Of course, if all of this is true then we should be getting a Google event press invite right about, well, now.

Google-branded Chrome OS smartbook launching this month? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acerarmasuschrome oschromeosdigitimesgooglehpnetbooknotebookrumorsmartbookTue, 02 Nov 2010 02:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Malata launches a candy-colored educational smartbook, we give it a whirl]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/malata-launches-a-candy-colored-educational-smartbook-we-give-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/malata-launches-a-candy-colored-educational-smartbook-we-give-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/malata-launches-a-candy-colored-educational-smartbook-we-give-i/#comments The tablet craze may have pushed smartbooks out of the spotlight, but don't tell Malata that -- the ODM's launching an ARM-powered mini laptop in China this very week. Spotted at Mobilize 2010, the Malata T9000 is a cute-as-a-button blue and black clamshell with a 10-inch, 1024 x 600 screen and a Marvell Armada 166 inside, running a Chinese version of Linux (on an 8GB SSD) designed for the educational market. It's almost certainly cheap and underpowered, but we weren't really able to tell, as the UI didn't actually launch any usable applications when we randomly clicked on the icons strewn about. That said, it's got a fairly usable, springy little keyboard and a good number of ports, so it might be fun to tinker with, but we won't shed a tear if the machine never makes it stateside.

Gallery: Malata T9000 smartbook, hands-on

Malata launches a candy-colored educational smartbook, we give it a whirl originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armada 100Armada 166Armada100Armada166Chinahands-onMalataMarvellMarvell ArmadaMarvell Armada 166MarvellArmadaMarvellArmada166Mobilize 2010Mobilize2010smartbookThu, 30 Sep 2010 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's CEO confesses: tablets killed the smartbook star]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/qualcomms-ceo-confesses-tablets-killed-the-smartbook-star/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/qualcomms-ceo-confesses-tablets-killed-the-smartbook-star/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/qualcomms-ceo-confesses-tablets-killed-the-smartbook-star/#comments We remember it like it was yesterday -- pressed against the edge of our seat, speakerphone on 11, listening to Qualcomm preach about how these so-called "smartbooks" were coming to take over the world. Can't fault 'em for trying. A little over a year after the (admittedly valiant) effort began, Qualcomm's CEO is effectively putting this whole nightmare behind him. According to Slashgear, Paul Jacobs admitted during an event this morning that "tablets such as the iPad had already occupied the niche his company expected smartbooks to." Essentially, the iPad delivered on the concept of an "always-on, all-day device" long before smartbooks ever had a chance at gaining traction, and judging by the fact that only a handful of these guys ever made it to market, we'd say that brutally honest assessment makes a lot of sense. We aren't necessarily better off for it, mind you, but it definitely seems that the resurgence of the tablet (and the proliferation of the longevous netbook) has extinguished any hope of smartbooks dominating the world. Hey, at least this guy's man enough to know when a journey's reached its end. Sayonara, smarties.

Qualcomm's CEO confesses: tablets killed the smartbook star originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadbusinessdeaddeathindustryipadkillkilledlaptoplinuxmarketMIDPaul JacobsPaulJacobsqualcommslatesmartbooktabletUMPCThu, 09 Sep 2010 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba AC100 smartbook preview: what were you expecting?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/toshiba-ac100-smartbook-preview-what-were-you-expecting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/toshiba-ac100-smartbook-preview-what-were-you-expecting/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/toshiba-ac100-smartbook-preview-what-were-you-expecting/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac100androidifaifa 2010Ifa2010impressionspreviewsmartbooktoshibatoshiba ac100ToshibaAc100videoTue, 07 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba AC100 Android smartbook hits the United Kingdom]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/toshiba-ac100-android-smartbook-hits-the-united-kingdom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/toshiba-ac100-android-smartbook-hits-the-united-kingdom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/toshiba-ac100-android-smartbook-hits-the-united-kingdom/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gac100androidlaptoplaptopssmartbooktegratoshibatoshiba ac100ToshibaAc100videoMon, 06 Sep 2010 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Efika MX Smartbook now on sale for an exceedingly unattractive price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/05/efika-mx-smartbook-now-on-sale-for-an-exceedingly-unattractive-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/05/efika-mx-smartbook-now-on-sale-for-an-exceedingly-unattractive-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/05/efika-mx-smartbook-now-on-sale-for-an-exceedingly-unattractive-p/#commentsAh, ha! If you'll recall, we happened upon a Lenovo-branded netbook of sorts back in June, but curiously enough, Freescale and Pegatron components were powering the thing. Now, it seems that yet another flavor has emerged as the Efika MX Smartbook. Frankly, we aren't too sure this thing fits into the 'smartbook' category (given the comparatively spacious 10-inch display), but we are sure that the $349 price point is borderline absurd considering the wealth of decent netbook options at or below that very MSRP. At any rate, those still interested should know that there's an 800MHz i.MX515 processor under the hood along with 16GB of NAND Flash, an MMC / SD card slot, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, integrated 1.3 megapixel camera, a 1,024 x 600 resolution panel and enough oomph to power through HD video, supposedly. Tap that source link if you're looking to take a risk, but we'd probably recommend against it.

Efika MX Smartbook now on sale for an exceedingly unattractive price originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8armcortexcortex a8CortexA8efikaEfika MXEfika MX SmartbookEfikaMxEfikaMxSmartbookFreescalei.mx515laptopnetbooknow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingon saleOnSaleshipshippingshipsSmartbookSun, 05 Sep 2010 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer 'ZGA' Chrome OS netbook starts popping up in Google bug reports]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/acer-zga-chrome-os-netbook-starts-popping-up-in-google-bug-rep/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/acer-zga-chrome-os-netbook-starts-popping-up-in-google-bug-rep/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/acer-zga-chrome-os-netbook-starts-popping-up-in-google-bug-rep/#comments
 Some more interesting stuff on the Chrome OS hardware front has started to pop up courtesy of Google's own Chromium OS bug reports. Multiple references have been made to a mysterious Acer ZGA machine, which we have on good authority is also referred to generically as Google's "dogfood device" in bug reports -- dogfood referring to the practice of using your own products before you unleash them on the world. Even more interesting, someone actually managed to post a syslog of the machine, which is running an Atom N455 processor, has a 8GB SanDisk pSSD-S2 drive, sports a webcam, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, an ambient light sensor (for screen dimming, or possibly a backlit keyboard), and a Synaptics touchpad. Synaptics makes all sorts of touchpads, but is best known for its higher-end innovations, such as the MacBook-style clickpads found in the HP Envy series. Of course, all of these specs could change, or this machine could be merely in as a test bed for Chrome OS, and not planned for market -- like Microsoft is using its ASUS prototype with Windows Phone 7 -- but a July 26th mention of a "PVT run" (Product Verification Test) could point to this machine being almost ready for actual production.

[Thanks, Mark P]

Acer 'ZGA' Chrome OS netbook starts popping up in Google bug reports originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acer zgaAcerZgachrome osChromeOschromiumchromium osChromiumOsdogfooddogfood deviceDogfoodDevicegooglenetbooksmartbookzgaTue, 24 Aug 2010 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Augen's $99 GenBook smartbook preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/27/augens-99-genbook-smartbook-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/27/augens-99-genbook-smartbook-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/27/augens-99-genbook-smartbook-preview/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.6androidandroid 1.6Android1.6augenAugen GenbookAugenGenbookGenbookGenbook 74Genbook74impressionskmartnetbookpreviewsmartbookvideoTue, 27 Jul 2010 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba AC100 review may explain why we haven't seen many (or any!) smartbooks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/toshiba-ac100-review-may-explain-why-we-havent-seen-many-or-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/toshiba-ac100-review-may-explain-why-we-havent-seen-many-or-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/toshiba-ac100-review-may-explain-why-we-havent-seen-many-or-an/#comments
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AC100androidandroid 2.1Android2.1laptopsnvidia tegraNvidiaTegrasmartbookSmartbooksTegratoshibaToshiba AC100Toshiba smartbookToshibaAc100ToshibaSmartbookMon, 26 Jul 2010 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo's Skylight and U1 Hybrid being revived with fresh Qualcomm silicon?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/lenovos-skylight-and-u1-hybrid-being-revived-with-fresh-qualcom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/lenovos-skylight-and-u1-hybrid-being-revived-with-fresh-qualcom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/lenovos-skylight-and-u1-hybrid-being-revived-with-fresh-qualcom/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidARMDynabookideapadLenovolenovo skylightlenovo U1 HybridLenovoSkylightLenovoU1HybridMSM8260MSM8660netbooknvidiaQSD8672Qualcommrumorrumorsskylightsmartbooktablettablet pcTabletPctegrategra 250Tegra250Toshibau1U1 HybridU1HybridultraportableWed, 30 Jun 2010 03:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo IdeaPad smartbook appears, powered by Freescale and Pegatron]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/lenovo-ideapad-smartbook-appears-powered-by-freescale/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/lenovo-ideapad-smartbook-appears-powered-by-freescale/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/lenovo-ideapad-smartbook-appears-powered-by-freescale/#comments When Lenovo decided to shelve the Skylight smartbook, there were many tears here at Engadget HQ, but it seems the company's ambitions continue in the smartphone-turned-netbook realm. Notebook Italia reports that a new Lenovo IdeaPad has surfaced at the Freescale Technology Forum this week, powered by a Freescale i.MX515 SoC with an 800MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor, smartphone-esque battery life, and a power management system reportedly robust enough that it doesn't even need to be cooled. If all this sounds rather familiar, it might be because you've seen it before -- it appears Lenovo simply tweaked the low-power Pegatron reference design that we wrote about early last year. Not that we're complaining or anything.

Lenovo IdeaPad smartbook appears, powered by Freescale and Pegatron originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMCortex A8CortexA8freescalefreescale i.mx515FreescaleI.mx515i.mx515IdeaPadLenovoLenovo IdeaPadLenovoIdeapadpegatronsmartbookSmartbooksWed, 23 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia 7- or 9-inch MeeGo tablet rumored to be running ARM (not Moorestown) in Q4]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/nokia-7-or-9-inch-meego-tablet-rumored-to-be-running-arm-in-q4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/nokia-7-or-9-inch-meego-tablet-rumored-to-be-running-arm-in-q4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/nokia-7-or-9-inch-meego-tablet-rumored-to-be-running-arm-in-q4/#comments While DigiTimes has been known to get a rumor correct now and again, its success rate falls off dramatically when dealing with companies HQ'd outside of its native Taiwan. Keep that in mind when you hear it discuss a Nokia tablet with either a 7- or 9-inch screen. DigiTimes, speaking with "upstream component makers," claims that the Foxconn manufactured device -- of which, about 100 engineering samples have already been produced -- will be ARM-based with a Q4 launch targeted. If true (and that's a big IF) then it would certainly be running the MeeGo OS (that's a Quanta-built prototype above) when it ships. Of course, DigiTimes has been rumoring an ARM-based smartbook from Nokia due in mid 2010 for almost a year. And guess what? It's mid 2010, with smartbooks/netbooks now out of style and tablets all the rage. Thing is, we'd have thought that Nokia would be more likely to opt for Intel's Moorestown in support of their partnership given the Q4 timing. But hey, it's just rumor, let's not get too carried away.

Nokia 7- or 9-inch MeeGo tablet rumored to be running ARM (not Moorestown) in Q4 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 inch7Inch9 inch9Incharmdigitimesintelmeegomeego tabletMeegoTabletmoorestownnetbooknokianokia tabletNokiaTabletrumorsmartbooktabletMon, 21 Jun 2010 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/toshibas-ac100-8-hour-smartbook-runs-android-2-1-on-a-1ghz-tegr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/toshibas-ac100-8-hour-smartbook-runs-android-2-1-on-a-1ghz-tegr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/toshibas-ac100-8-hour-smartbook-runs-android-2-1-on-a-1ghz-tegr/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz250a9ac100androidandroid 2.1Android2.1armazcore a9 mpcoreCoreA9Mpcorecortex a9cortex-a9cortex-a9 mpcoreCortex-a9MpcoreCortexA9documents to goDocumentsToGodynabookdynabook azDynabookAzgooglempcorenetbooknvidiaopera mobileOperaMobilesmartbooktegrategra 250Tegra250toshibavideoMon, 21 Jun 2010 05:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp Netwalker PC-T1 unboxed, now available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/sharp-netwalker-pc-t1-unboxed-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/sharp-netwalker-pc-t1-unboxed-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/31/sharp-netwalker-pc-t1-unboxed-now-available/#comments There can be only one. Wait, wrong franchise -- this here is a Netwalker showdown. In the left corner, we have the Sharp Netwalker PC-Z1, a 5-inch Ubuntu smartbook powered by the 800MHz Freescale i.MX515 CPU, and at right, we have the Sharp Netwalker PC-T1, a 5-inch Ubuntu tablet with the exact same specs. Is the pen mightier than the keyboard? We won't find out today -- but Pocketables invite you to check out a bevy of fresh-squeezed T1 unboxing pics and comparison shots while they work on a review. See an EVO 4G make this tablet squirm at our source link, or check out our more coverage section if the juxtaposition of the words "Ubuntu" and "tablet" had you scrambling for your pocketbook three sentences ago.

Sharp Netwalker PC-T1 unboxed, now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 May 2010 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i.MX515LinuxNetwalkernetwalker pc-t1NetwalkerPc-t1PC-T1PC-Z1Sharpsharp netwalkersharp netwalker pc-t1Sharp Netwalker PC-Z1SharpNetwalkerSharpNetwalkerPc-t1SharpNetwalkerPc-z1smartbooktablettablet pcTabletPctabletsUbuntuUbuntu LinuxUbuntuLinuxunboxedunboxingunboxing picsunboxing picturesUnboxingPicsUnboxingPicturesMon, 31 May 2010 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo kills Skylight OS in favor of Android, U1 Hybrid and Skylight smartbook being shelved]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/lenovo-kills-skylight-os-in-favor-of-android-u1-hybrid-and-skyl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/lenovo-kills-skylight-os-in-favor-of-android-u1-hybrid-and-skyl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/lenovo-kills-skylight-os-in-favor-of-android-u1-hybrid-and-skyl/#comments Lenovo's been awfully quiet about the Skylight smartbook and U1 Hybrid tablet / laptop since it first showed them off at CES, and now we know why: following weeks of rumors that the custom Linux-based Skylight OS wasn't up to snuff, the company is killing the project entirely in favor of Android. That makes a lot of sense, considering Lenny's already shipping a Skylight-skinned version of Android on the Snapdragon-based LePhone, but it also means that the Skylight smartbook and U1 demoed to us at CES are done for as well -- Lenovo's statement says the "initial version of the Skylight" is being "shelved" and refers to the U1 as a "concept."

We spoke to Lenovo for clarification and it sounds like things are in considerable flux at the moment: the company told us it wants to tap into Android's apps and ecosystem, but it's invested something like 18-24 months into building Skylight OS products and it's going to rethink and retool while it transitions to Google's OS -- although the underlying ideas of the Skylight and U1 Hybrid will live on in future devices, neither will come to market as announced. We were also told that Lenovo is now targeting Q4 as a launch date for Android-based devices, so we'll see what happens -- it'll be a sad day for the gadget world if the U1 fails to live on in some way.

Continue reading Lenovo kills Skylight OS in favor of Android, U1 Hybrid and Skylight smartbook being shelved

Lenovo kills Skylight OS in favor of Android, U1 Hybrid and Skylight smartbook being shelved originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laptoplenovolenovo skylightlenovo u1lenovo u1 hybridLenovoSkylightLenovoU1LenovoU1Hybridskylightskylight osskylight smartbookSkylightOsSkylightSmartbooksmartbooktabletu1u1 hybridU1HybridFri, 28 May 2010 16:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Freescale partners with Savannah school for some leg-stretching tablet concepts, makes a nice use case for Light Peak]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/freescale-partners-with-savannah-school-for-some-leg-stretching/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/freescale-partners-with-savannah-school-for-some-leg-stretching/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/freescale-partners-with-savannah-school-for-some-leg-stretching/#comments Normally when you've got industrial design students going wild on computer concepts, you get a lot of wild, unrealistic computer concepts. There's plenty of that here, but this 10 week collaboration between Freescale, some of its top partners, and Savannah College of Art and Design students is yielding a bit of fruit. We particularly like this docking tablet that can slot into different docks depending on use case -- the two primary ones shown being a home entertainment setup and a pro audio breakout. Sure, it's still not the most realistic way to use a tablet -- we'd much rather have solid support for 3rd party USB devices in the near term -- but with a bit of Light Peak and some as-ye-unseen pricing, this could make for some pretty slick use cases.

Freescale partners with Savannah school for some leg-stretching tablet concepts, makes a nice use case for Light Peak originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakoutconceptdockdocking stationDockingStationfreescalelight peakLightPeakpro audioProAudiosavannah college of art and designSavannahCollegeOfArtAndDesignsmartbooktablettabletsThu, 27 May 2010 01:09:00 EST<![CDATA[HP Compaq Airlife 100 review roundup: a little too dumb for a smartbook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/hp-compaq-airlife-100-review-roundup-a-little-too-dumb-for-a-sm/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/hp-compaq-airlife-100-review-roundup-a-little-too-dumb-for-a-sm/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/21/hp-compaq-airlife-100-review-roundup-a-little-too-dumb-for-a-sm/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlifeairlife 100Airlife100androidandroid 1.6android netbookAndroid1.6AndroidNetbookcompaqgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidhpHP CompaqHP Compaq airlife 100HpCompaqHpCompaqAirlife100netbookreview roundupReviewRoundupsmartbookvideoFri, 21 May 2010 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[ARM blames Flash, netbooks and tablets for smartbook delay, oh my]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/arm-blames-flash-netbooks-and-tablets-for-smartbook-delay-oh-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/arm-blames-flash-netbooks-and-tablets-for-smartbook-delay-oh-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/06/arm-blames-flash-netbooks-and-tablets-for-smartbook-delay-oh-m/#commentsIt's not easy to launch a new product category, especially if devices don't have a magically-delicious hook, but that's not why ARM thinks it's taken so long to deliver the smartbook. In an interview with ZDNet UK, VP Ian Drew said Adobe's blame was undeniable -- Flash didn't deliver ARM optimization in time for subnetbooks to be viable. Compounding the issue, the tablet craze has manufacturers all atwitter, he said, diverting smartbook resources to the iPad party instead. As far as netbooks are concerned, Drew cited poor adoption of Linux; he reminded us ARM smartbooks can't do x86. Asked if Atom (which can) might be the real reason for delay, he said absolutely, positively no way. The executive said manufacturers apparently hadn't brought up that idea even once. Guess we'll have to take his word on that one.

ARM blames Flash, netbooks and tablets for smartbook delay, oh my originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 02:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdobeAdobe FlashAdobeFlashARMAtomFlashIan DrewIanDrewIntel AtomIntelAtomnetbooknetbookssmartbooksubnotebooktablettablet pcTabletPctabletsx86Thu, 06 May 2010 02:42:00 EST<![CDATA[HP: opportunities for webOS 'smartphones, slates, and potentially netbooks']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/hp-opportunities-for-webos-smartphones-slates-and-potentiall/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/hp-opportunities-for-webos-smartphones-slates-and-potentiall/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/hp-opportunities-for-webos-smartphones-slates-and-potentiall/#commentsColor us excited. HP's Todd Bradley just made an interesting proposition on the conference call about its Palm acquisition. Specifically, Bradley said, "Between smartphones, slates, and potentially netbooks, there are a lot of opportunities here." You read that right: slates and potentially netbooks. The tablet route is pretty obvious, but having the netbook / smartbook form factor is quite a twist. Think about it, a Foleo descendant you can be proud of -- whodathunkit? If you're worried HP has forgotten about other platforms, we need only point in the direction of the Android-fueled Airlife. Obviously nothing to announce at this point, but doesn't that just get us hopeful -- roadmap announcements are said to be forthcoming closer to the merger being finalized. The call is still ongoing, so stay tuned!

HP: opportunities for webOS 'smartphones, slates, and potentially netbooks' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hphp palmHpPalmnet bookNetBooknetbookspalmslateslatessmart booksmart booksSmartBookSmartBookstablettabletswebosWed, 28 Apr 2010 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Compaq Airlife 100 exclusively available to Telefónica customers for 229 euros in May]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/compaq-airlife-100-exclusively-available-to-telefonica-customers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/compaq-airlife-100-exclusively-available-to-telefonica-customers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/compaq-airlife-100-exclusively-available-to-telefonica-customers/#comments
We just had a feeling that the Compaq Airlife 100 would be the first smartbook to ship when we caught wind of its official spec page last week, and now our Spanish counterparts are reporting that the Android-running clamshell will be exclusively available through Telefonica Movistar in mid-May. The carrier is also finally revealing a price -- the Snapdragon smartbook will set Spaniards back 229 euros and that doesn't even include the accompanying 48 euros a month Internet Maxi plan (insert iPad joke here). We are told there's also a 39 euro Internet Plus plan, but that requires you to shell out 299 euros for the little laptop. Seems to be a bit more expensive than we originally thought, considering you can get a more powerful netbook for less than 199 euros these days, but we will see how this whole smartbook thing pans out soon enough. As for us Americans, HP recently told us there are no plans to bring the Airlife 100 stateside.

Compaq Airlife 100 exclusively available to Telefónica customers for 229 euros in May originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlifeairlife 100Airlife100Compaqcompaq airlifecompaq airlife 100CompaqAirlifeCompaqAirlife100hphp compaqhp compaq airlife 100HpCompaqHpCompaqAirlife100laptoplaptopsnetbookNetBookssmartbooksmartbookstelifonicaWed, 28 Apr 2010 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[HP Compaq AirLife 100 specs revealed (Updated: still no plans for a US arrival)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/hp-compaq-airlife-100-specs-revealed-on-its-official-webpage/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/hp-compaq-airlife-100-specs-revealed-on-its-official-webpage/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/hp-compaq-airlife-100-specs-revealed-on-its-official-webpage/#comments
HP hasn't exactly shrouded its Android-running Compaq AirLife 100 in mystery -- you know, considering we spent some quality time with it at MWC and it recently just cleared the FCC -- but the full specs of the company's first smartbook have now been confirmed on HP's website. Frankly, we're not all that surprised by what's going on inside the 10-inch clamshell device -- it's powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with WiFi / 3G connectivity, 512MB of RAM, and 16GB of flash storage. Just as we saw at CES and then again in Barcelona, in addition to a touchpad it's got a resistive touchscreen (no multitouch here) for navigating the mobile OS. We're still assuming it won't have access to the Android Marketplace, but HP is listing the preloaded apps, which interestingly includes a "data transfer counter" and NDrive GPS. The AirLife is set to launch soon in Latin America and in parts of Europe with carrier partners, but because it's popping up on HP's US site there's reason to believe it may be headed stateside. We're still awaiting HP's official word on that American AirLife so stay tuned.

Update: HP has confirmed that it has no current plans to bring the AirLife stateside. It will ship in Europe and Latin America soon.

HP Compaq AirLife 100 specs revealed (Updated: still no plans for a US arrival) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlifeairlife 100Airlife100Compaqcompaq airlifecompaq airlife 100CompaqAirlifeCompaqAirlife100hphp airlifeHP smartbookHpAirlifeHpSmartbooklaptoplaptopsnetbookQualcommqualcomm snapdragonQualcommSnapdragonsmartbookSmartbookssnapdragonTue, 20 Apr 2010 23:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo Skylight also delayed to better compete with iPad?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/lenovo-skylight-also-delayed-to-better-compete-with-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/lenovo-skylight-also-delayed-to-better-compete-with-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/lenovo-skylight-also-delayed-to-better-compete-with-ipad/#commentsThis isn't the first time we've heard talk of competitors delaying products to see what the boys from Cupertino are up to. Last time, it was HP making some last minute pricing and feature adjustments to its Slate. Now we've got DigiTimes' sources claiming that Lenovo is holding up its Linux-based Skylight smartbook -- pushed from April to July -- for very similar reasons. Specifically, "control is not able to act as smoothly as the iPad." Guess even a 1GHz Snapdragon can't fix a poorly implemented UI.

Lenovo Skylight also delayed to better compete with iPad? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledelaydigitimesipadlenovorumorskylightsmartbooksnapdragonuiTue, 13 Apr 2010 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo Skylight launch pushed off to July, IdeaPad U1 Hybrid still on track]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/lenovo-skylight-launch-pushed-off-to-july-ideapad-u1-hybrid-sti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/lenovo-skylight-launch-pushed-off-to-july-ideapad-u1-hybrid-sti/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/lenovo-skylight-launch-pushed-off-to-july-ideapad-u1-hybrid-sti/#comments
Today in announced-at-CES product delays, we bring you the Lenovo Skylight. Last week when we inquired about the whereabouts of our review unit (or even an order page), we were told that the Skylight's April release date had been pushed, but Laptop has uncovered that the super thin, Snapdragon-powered smartbook has actually been significantly delayed until July. According to the a Lenovo spokesperson, the company is still working to get things just right, and we're actually not surprised considering the software we saw at CES was far from fully-baked. Oh, but there's good news! The IdeaPad U1 Hybrid, that awesome tablet / laptop combo, we also checked out at CES seems to be right on track for its June release date. Given that the tablet part of the U1 runs the same Skylight Linux OS as the smartbook, we're a bit skeptical on that one, but the that doesn't mean we aren't hoping and praying to get it in our hands ASAP.

Lenovo Skylight launch pushed off to July, IdeaPad U1 Hybrid still on track originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMCESDelaydelaysLenovoLenovo Skylight smartbookLenovoSkylightSmartbookLinuxQualcommqualcomm snapdragonQualcommSnapdragonskylightskylight linuxSkylightLinuxsmartbookSmartbookssnapdragonFri, 09 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp IS01 Snapdragon-powered 3G MID introduces AU to Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sharp-is01-snapdragon-powered-3g-mid-introduces-au-to-android/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sharp-is01-snapdragon-powered-3g-mid-introduces-au-to-android/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sharp-is01-snapdragon-powered-3g-mid-introduces-au-to-android/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6Android1.6audonutgoogleirdaIS01japanJN-DK01kddimidnew mobile asvNewMobileAsvqualcommsharpsmartbooksnapdragonTue, 30 Mar 2010 03:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Coby $85 smartbook feels like a hundred bucks (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/coby-85-smartbook-feels-like-a-hundred-bucks-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/coby-85-smartbook-feels-like-a-hundred-bucks-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/coby-85-smartbook-feels-like-a-hundred-bucks-hands-on/#comments Funny how our tune on smartbooks totally changes when one's got an $85 price tag. We happened upon Coby's booth at CeBIT this morning and of all the fairly cheap feeling laptops the company had on display it was its 7-inch NBPC722 smartbook that cozied right up to us. Okay, so it isn't as thin or attractive as the $499 Lenovo's Skylight, but again let us remind you that it costs about as much as a couple of new printer ink cartridges. Inside the little guy packs a 624MHz Marvell PXA303 processor, 2GB of flash storage and runs Windows CE which all should be good enough for some light Web browsing and e-mail writing. There was actually a YouTube shortcut on the desktop, but the NBPC722 wasn't connected to try it out. Apparently this inexpensive laptop should be making its way stateside this spring, but until the flowers start blooming you've got the video below.

Gallery: Coby NBPC722 smartbook

Continue reading Coby $85 smartbook feels like a hundred bucks (hands-on)

Coby $85 smartbook feels like a hundred bucks (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cebitcebit 2010Cebit2010CobyCoby NBPC722Coby NBPC722 smartbookcoby smartbookCobyNbpc722CobyNbpc722SmartbookCobySmartbookhands-onnetbooksmartbookSmartbooksWed, 03 Mar 2010 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Smartbook's laptops hands-on: a MacBook and a VAIO walk into a bar...]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/smartbooks-laptops-hands-on-a-macbook-and-a-vaio-walk-into-a-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/smartbooks-laptops-hands-on-a-macbook-and-a-vaio-walk-into-a-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/smartbooks-laptops-hands-on-a-macbook-and-a-vaio-walk-into-a-b/#comments Bewildering. We're pretty sure that's the only way to describe our adventure at Smartbook's CeBIT booth. First off, let us just clear up that there are absolutely no smartbooks on display -- don't forget that this is the company that's going after Qualcomm's jugular for using the term smartbook in the first place. Now that that's out of the way, the German outfit introduced two new 11.6-inch laptops at the show, both which are clearly a rip on Apple and Sony laptops. What's confusing there? Well, the fact that they are actually nice. First you have the Atom N280-powered Razor that's clad in a brushed aluminum that feels impeccably similar to the unibody MacBook. Sure, it will run like a last-generation Windows 7 netbook, but it felt seriously solid in hand. Next up is that ULV-packing Logo we told you about last week, and with a glowing power button embedded in its circular hinge there's no doubt that it was Sony VAIO "inspired." Again, the make is actually quite good, and we were shocked to feel how sturdy the chiclet keyboard was. Both KIRFs the Smartbook Logo and Razor should go for about 699 Euros when they become available in Europe this spring. Not amused yet? The pictures of the Swarovski covered netbook below should just about do it -- and we have video proof after the break, if you're into that sort of thing.

Gallery: Smartbook Logo netbook hands-on

Gallery: Smartbook AG with Swarovski crystals hands-on

Gallery: Smartbook Razor hands-on

Continue reading Smartbook's laptops hands-on: a MacBook and a VAIO walk into a bar...

Smartbook's laptops hands-on: a MacBook and a VAIO walk into a bar... originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cebitcebit 2010Cebit2010culvhands-onintel atomintel atom n280intel ulvIntelAtomIntelAtomN280IntelUlvlaptoplaptopslogonet bookNetBookrazorsmartbooksmartbook agsmartbook logosmartbook razorSmartbookAgSmartbookLogoSmartbookRazorulvTue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Smartbook Logo is neither a logo nor a smartbook, actually a 3G-equipped CULV laptop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/26/smartbook-logo-is-neither-a-logo-nor-a-smartbook-actually-a-3g/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/26/smartbook-logo-is-neither-a-logo-nor-a-smartbook-actually-a-3g/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/26/smartbook-logo-is-neither-a-logo-nor-a-smartbook-actually-a-3g/#comments
We're ready to hand out our first award for CeBIT 2010. The most confusing product of the year ribbon goes to German company Smartbook, who's decided to produce a portable computer with a shell design and 3G connectivity that... isn't actually a smartbook (or what we understand the term to mean anyway). Instead of capitalizing on the built-in marketing appeal of its name, Smartbook AG staunchly persists in believing it's a real laptop maker, and is readying a new thin-and-light machine to prove just that. To be known as the Logo, this will be an Intel CULV-powered 11.6-incher, with a 1366 x 768 resolution, Windows 7 Home Premium and a stingy 1GB of RAM on board. In other words, the Acer Timeline 1810T, only a few months later and priced to (never) sell: €699 ($944). Boy, we've heard of corporate hubris before but this is getting silly now.

Smartbook Logo is neither a logo nor a smartbook, actually a 3G-equipped CULV laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gcebitcebit 2010Cebit2010culvgermanyintel culvIntelCulvlaptoplogosmartbooksmartbook agsmartbook logoSmartbookAgSmartbookLogothin and lightThinAndLightulvwindows 7 home premiumWindows7HomePremiumFri, 26 Feb 2010 05:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung doing a 10-inch Chrome OS netbook later this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/samsung-doing-a-10-inch-chrome-os-netbook-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/samsung-doing-a-10-inch-chrome-os-netbook-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/samsung-doing-a-10-inch-chrome-os-netbook-later-this-year/#comments There's nothing to look at just yet, but Samsung's own Phil Newton apparently just confirmed that the company will be debuting a Chrome OS netbook in the near future, according to a report by Australia's Channel News. The laptop will be similar to the N210 (pictured), with a 10.1-inch screen, 3G, WiFi, 2GB of RAM, 64GB of flash storage and a purported 12 hour battery life. There are also rumors that it'll be running a 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor, but the amount of straight up information from Phil makes speculation almost feel silly at this point. The netbook is supposed to be introduced later this year.

Samsung doing a 10-inch Chrome OS netbook later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chromechrome osChromeOsgooglen210netbookphil newtonPhilNewtonsamsungsmartbookSat, 13 Feb 2010 21:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Compaq Airlife 100 puts Android OS, Snapdragon CPU, and an SSD behind 10.1-inch touchscreen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/compaq-airlife-100-puts-android-os-snapdragon-cpu-and-an-ssd-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/compaq-airlife-100-puts-android-os-snapdragon-cpu-and-an-ssd-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/compaq-airlife-100-puts-android-os-snapdragon-cpu-and-an-ssd-b/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gairlifeairlife 100Airlife100androidandroid osAndroidOsarmbreaking newsBreakingNewscompaqcompaq airlifecompaq airlife 100CompaqAirlifeCompaqAirlife100google androidGoogleAndroidhphp compaqHpCompaqlaptopmwcmwc 2010Mwc2010netbooksmartbooksnapdragonsolid state driveSolidStateDrivessdtouchscreenultraportablewifiFri, 12 Feb 2010 05:58:00 EST